Executing Occupational Therapy's Role in Primary Care for Individuals with Chronic Conditions

Occupational therapy practitioners’ distinct knowledge of the impact that habits and routines have on individuals’ health and wellness (AOTA, 2014) qualifies the profession to address primary care needs of individuals... [ view full abstract ]

Occupational therapy practitioners’ distinct knowledge of the impact that habits and routines have on individuals’ health and wellness (AOTA, 2014) qualifies the profession to address primary care needs of individuals across the lifespan, particularly those with, or at risk for, one or more chronic conditions. As members of interprofessional primary care teams, occupational therapy practitioners are qualified to address the needs of individuals with chronic conditions with regards to limitations in daily activities and participation. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately a half of all adults had one or more chronic health conditions and one in four had two or more conditions (CDC, 2012).

This workshop will provide participants with the skills to demonstrate occupational therapy’s distinct value in primary care for individuals with chronic conditions. The workshop will include didactic presentation and interactive group discussions. By completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
1. articulate occupational therapy’s distinct value in primary care for individuals with chronic conditions,
2. utilize evidence to demonstrate occupational therapy’s role in addressing opportunities for integration within primary and chronic condition arenas, and
3. identify strategies to integrate occupational therapy in primary and chronic condition service delivery.

# participants: 60

Participants: practitioners, administrators, educators

References:
American Occupational Therapy Association (2014) “The Role of Occupational Therapy in Primary Care.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, p.S25-33.

Ward BW, Schiller JS, Goodman RA (2014) “Multiple chronic conditions among US adults: a 2012 update” Preventing Chronic Diseases;11: p.130389.