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The NCOTA Physical Disabilities Special Interest Section provides a forum for OT practitioners to share information and clinical resources for physical disabilities. Our mission is to encourage professional development opportunities based on member needs and trends in occupational therapy.
Overview
Recent surveys of NCOTA's Physical Disabilities SIS (PD SIS)membership has found an increase in productivity expectations among OT practitioners in North Carolina. In October 2006, productivity goals were reported at a median of 77.85 (24.9 units in an 8-hour work day), up from the previous survey in October 2004 with productivity goals reported at 72% (23 units in an 8-hour work day). The survey responders represented work sites across skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, day rehabilitation, and acute care hospitals.
Requests by membership have included the need for continuing education related to power-chair issues with complex clients, use of modalities in OT, interventions and safety for clients with Alzheimer's, use of evidence-based research, hands-on labs for clinical practice, shoulder course, NDT, SI, SCI including bowel and bladder management, contracture management, low vision, amputation, driver rehab, hand rehab, and OT interventions in the ICU. Recent questions have been addressed regarding OTA supervision, OT Practice Framework applications, and time management.
Concerns shared by PD SIS members have included how to effectively market the value of OT, and differentiating our services from other allied health services. Questions and responses in our Physical Disabilities Special Interest Section community in North Carolina guide the content of the continuing education offerings at state and regional conferences, newsletter content, and direct dialog among members.
