10-514-175Psychosocial Practice
Course Information
Description
Examines the role of the OTA in the service delivery to individuals affected by mental health conditions. Provides opportunity for development of skills related to psychosocial assessment and interventions.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Examine the service delivery models for OT within mental health
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    use terminology consistent with service delivery models
    articulate differences and similarities between practice settings/systems
    evaluate contextual factors such as culture, economics, and ethnic background in mental health care delivery
    describe the OTA scope of practice (including advocate, educator, supervisor, etc.)
    examine the role of the OTA within the health care team
    articulate the unique nature of OT within psychosocial practice
    examine funding and legislative issues related to psychosocial systems
    identify OT trends in mental health settings as they relate to persons, groups, and populations
    describe how telehealth technology and virtual environments are used in the setting

  2. Administer mental health assessments based on client profile as appropriate to the OTA role
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe the purpose of the of the assessment tool
    gather assessment data
    examine assessment data related to mental heath diagnosis
    document observations of the client's behavior and skills
    administer at least one occupation based screening or assessment
    examine related diagnostic systems such as DSM-IV

  3. Perform analysis of client communication and interaction skills
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    recognize verbal and non-verbal communication
    position yourself and client
    verbalize an explanation of the process as you perform it
    select appropriate activity
    apply intervention relative to communication limitation
    document accurately

  4. Evaluate the impact of mental health conditions on occupational performance
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    examine context as it relates to psychosocial practice areas (for example, culture, spiritual, etc.)
    analyze issues related to diverse groups
    differentiate symptomatology across the lifespan
    examine performance (areas, skills and patterns) for a variety of diagnoses as they relate to psychosocial practice areas
    apply the psychosocial OT frames of reference to appropriate settings and populations
    identify the impact of trauma on occupations

  5. Use safety precautions and procedures for OT mental health processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    demonstrate basic personal safety skills for a variety of psychosocial practice areas (sharps, etc.)
    demonstrate active listening, verbal support, and de-escalation techniques
    interpret nonverbal behaviors
    demonstrate crisis intervention techniques
    identify state regulations and laws
    articulate the importance of patient rights and facility policies in psychosocial practice
    verbally demonstrate setting and enforcing clear and consistent limits

  6. Identify effects, side effects and precautions for psychotropic medications
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify common medication psychotropic medications
    identify medications that are effective for treatment of diagnostic categories
    describe accommodations for medication side effects
    describe the role of the OTA in medication management

  7. Demonstrate application of therapeutic techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    demonstrate therapeutic use of self
    adapt the approach to the individual
    adapt the environment to enhance success
    choose activities to meet the interests and needs of persons, groups, and populations
    explore effective responses to mental health symptoms
    display the ability to appropriately assess a situation and respond to the behaviors presented
    apply concepts of trauma informed care

  8. Develop an intervention plan related to psychosocial frames of reference, models, or theories
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    plan includes therapeutic approach
    plan includes environmental modifications
    plan includes activities appropriate for intervention
    plan includes appropriate responses to behavior
    plan includes goals/interventions relevant to the diagnosis, context, expected function and frame of reference identified
    plan is based on client occupational profile
    plan applies evidence to support strategies
    plan considers cultural, social, and environmental factors

  9. Demonstrate documentation skills related to psychosocial practice
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    prepare a variety of documents including daily treatment notes, intervention plan, etc.
    document measurable intervention goals
    records include accurate and complete data
    utilize correct terminology including medical terminology, Practice Framework, approved abbreviations, etc.
    communicate the need and rationale for occupational therapy services
    conclusions and recommendations are logical, accurate, and feasible
    articulate the role of the OTA in discharge planning
    explore documentation in different practice settings
    examine the use of electronic documentation systems