Support workers
Support workers
Aelfrida added : ‘ I am thrilled that the positivity , motivation and effort to implement the VdTMoCA by the occupational therapy assistants on these wards has been nationally recognised . The OTs and OTAs have dedicated themselves to developing inpatient service provision using an evidenced-based model of care , resulting in a significant positive impact on the quality of patient care and identification of personalised occupational interventions to support mental health recovery .
‘ Feedback from other clinicians working alongside the occupational therapy teams has been highly positive , as the information provided is valuable in supporting decision making with patients .
‘ The model has been used to underpin the new occupational therapy care pathways on the majority of inpatient wards , although its implementation requires time and dedication by the practitioners . I am delighted that these teams have embraced the vision and that this diligence and enthusiasm is contributing and benefiting patient care .’
The OTAs also share their views on winning the award and how the model has influenced their practice .
Steve Grant said : ‘ I found the VdTMoCA exceptionally helpful in assisting me to assess patients with activities in an in-patient setting . From a person-centred perspective , I am more confident in supporting patients develop their motivation and progress via the creative ability levels .
‘ I am now able to write notes from a template designed to target key areas of a patient ’ s mental health wellbeing , motivation and level of effort , executive thinking , communication , social norms , emotional range , and motor skills , which also enables fellow health care professionals to consider aspects of patients ’ ability otherwise overlooked ”.
Tim Bounsall adds : ‘ It was great to win the award as a team , as we are all very supportive of each other . The VdTMoCA gives clear instruction on various levels of patient ability and how best to plan activities to improve ability to recover towards their normal daily selves .
‘ I have noticed that the model picks up slight changes that don ’ t always get picked up straight away , such as medication causing changes in ability to function at their current level , improvement being visible and measurable with a subsequent change in medication .’
‘ Winning the award is a massive achievement for us ,’ Lori Davis goes on . ‘ The VdTMoCA has been important for understanding and enabling recovery in creative ability and we are able to bring occupational therapy language and knowledge to the wider multidisciplinary team .
‘ I am excited to implement it – I believe it enables me to bring the best out of the individual by working at the correct level in order to build on ability for growth to a level which enables discharge home and into the community . This is amazing to see while working with someone and is why I love my job .’
Finally , Kelly Barkhuizen reflects : ‘ I cannot be happier to be part of a team that has seen the challenges of learning and implementing a new model , met it head on , and has engaged in some great reflection . The award has prompted multidisciplinary team members to ask us questions and engage with in the model with us , which has been amazing .
‘ Having used the VdTMoCA before , I know the difference it can make to personalised therapy that is tailored to the patient ’ s level so that all tasks are meaningful to recovery . We can enable all patients , no matter what level they are on to achieve rather than feeling overwhelmed by an activity which can easily be too difficult or not motivating if not pitched to the person ’ s level of creative ability .
‘ Using the model makes the ever-changing nature of the ward easier to navigate from an OTA perspective . I very much enjoy using this in my day-to-day work , which gives me a sense of meaningful engagement too .’
Words ALICE ZITTER , the OTA TEAM , LIZ THOMSON and DR WENDY SHERWOOD . Information on the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability and the ICAN Celebrating OT Support Workers Award is available at www . ican-uk . com . For further information contact Dr Wendy Sherwood wendy @ ican-uk . com
September 2023 OTnews 31