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Our goal with OT when working with pediatric clients is to help the children and their families get through the day easier, learn the skills necessary for ADLs and IADLs, provide emotional regulation tools for all environments that the child is in, and ultimately be successful in all occupations of life that the child wants to participate in.
Success is different for each child and each family which is why there’s no one-size-fits all approach when it comes to treatment or discharge.
In this episode, we discuss what to look for when discharging a client, the downsides of clients becoming dependent on OT services, home exercise programs, and more!
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Many factors determine when to discharge a patient from occupational therapy (OT). These factors may vary depending on the individual's condition, progress during therapy, and overall goals. Here are some general considerations when determining the appropriate timing for discharge from OT.
Various factors must be taken into account when considering discharge from occupational therapy. These may include but are not limited to:
Progress can be evaluated using diverse methods, including standardized tests, feedback from parents or caregivers, and observations by therapists. If the client has achieved their objectives and shows considerable enhancement in daily activities and engagement, this could signal their readiness for discharge.
As children grow and develop, their needs may change, and they may require different forms of therapy. If the client has reached a certain age where occupational therapy is no longer necessary or beneficial for their development, discharge may be appropriate.
If a caregiver is actively involved and committed to implementing therapeutic strategies at home, it may indicate that the client is ready for discharge. However, if the caregiver still requires support and guidance from the therapist, it may be necessary to continue therapy until they are adequately equipped to manage their child's needs independently.
The ultimate goal of occupational therapy is to promote functional independence in daily activities, such as self-care, play, and school-related tasks. If the client has achieved functional independence that enables them to participate in these activities without significant assistance or modifications, it may indicate that they are ready for discharge.
If the client shows a lack of interest or motivation in therapy sessions, it may indicate that they have achieved their goals and no longer benefit from therapy.
There is no one-size-fits-all rule for discharging clients from occupational therapy. Each child's needs, progress, and goals are unique, requiring an individualized approach to determine the appropriate time for discharge.
Therapists should maintain ongoing communication with caregivers while establishing clear and realistic expectations with each family. This collaborative approach ensures a seamless transition from therapeutic guidance to independently managing their child's needs.
It's vital to avoid ending therapy too early, as this could lead to regression or impede the child's progress. Issuing regular progress reports, either quarterly or biannually, plays a crucial role in reevaluating goals, acknowledging successes, and thoroughly evaluating the effectiveness of the interventions.
Additionally, some clients may require ongoing support and assistance, especially with complex or chronic conditions. Long-term therapy may be necessary in these cases to maintain and continue progress.
A further concern is the limited availability of occupational therapy services, potentially deterring individuals from taking necessary breaks from therapy. The difficulty in obtaining appointments with preferred therapists and the fear of losing their place intensify these concerns.
A viable strategy for therapists is streamlining their objectives. Instead of managing ten disparate goals, focusing on five core areas could refine treatment planning.
Adopting this approach will sharpen the focus of planning and pave the way for designing highly effective home exercise programs for families, thereby improving treatment results. By narrowing our focus to a few objectives, we can tackle specific problems more efficiently and witness advancements more swiftly.
Discharge does not mean the end of support and resources for families. Therapists can provide families with lists of community-based programs, support groups, and techniques for continuing to incorporate occupational therapy strategies at home.
Developing strategies that enable caregivers to integrate practical activities into their daily routines is essential. These activities offer children opportunities to engage in enriching experiences with tangible, real-world advantages.
Moreover, therapists should offer follow-up sessions or consultations as needed to ensure ongoing progress and effectively tackle any emerging challenges. By maintaining open communication and continuous support, therapists can ensure that discharged clients continue to thrive and reach their full potential.
Ethically, therapists must justify the extended therapy duration with a client, especially when progress appears slow. It is crucial to acknowledge that certain conditions necessitate long-term, intensive therapy, the benefits of which are well-documented.
As therapists, the primary goal is to guide our clients toward a successful discharge, signaling that the child has achieved their goals. By adopting a tailored, collaborative strategy and regularly assessing their progress and readiness for discharge, we facilitate a smooth transition from therapeutic guidance to independence for our clients.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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