OT Potential Podcast | Occupational Therapy CEUs

The ability to affordably track brainwave activity has opened up tremendous opportunities in occupational therapy. Regardless of where we work (or the patient populations we treat), our work has the potential to be significantly informed by this technology over the next few decades. 

In this one-hour course, we will look at a research study on brain-computer interface (BCI). The study will serve as a jumping-off point to explore the concepts and developments that OTs should follow in this space.

After our article review, we’ll be joined by Lauren Souders, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS, CSRS. Lauren works as Director of Clinical Operations for a BCI startup. 

We’ll talk with her about what is on the market for brain-computer interface, as well as what types of BCI we can expect to see coming to market in the future. And, most importantly, we’ll discuss how occupational therapy care may be improved over the next decade with the aid of these exciting new technologies.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/bci-ot

Here's the primary research we are discussing:
Kim T, Kim S, Lee B. Effects of Action Observational Training Plus Brain-Computer Interface-Based Functional Electrical Stimulation on Paretic Arm Motor Recovery in Patient with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Occup Ther Int. 2016 Mar;23(1):39-47. doi: 10.1002/oti.1403. Epub 2015 Aug 24. PMID: 26301519.

As autistic individuals transition from adolescence to adulthood, they encounter a new and unique set of challenges. Yet, at this critical time, the support available to them drops dramatically. This is known as the “services cliff.”

In this one-hour continuing education course, we’ll begin by looking at the journal article “Service Needs Across the Lifespan for Individuals with Autism.”

Then, to discuss how your occupational therapy skills can help bridge this service gap, we’ll invite Debora Davidson, PhD, OTR/L to discuss the research and her own experience providing transitional services in her private practice.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/service-cliff-and-autism

Here's the primary research we are discussing:
Turcotte P, Mathew M, Shea LL, Brusilovskiy E, Nonnemacher SL. Service Needs Across the Lifespan for Individuals with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Jul;46(7):2480-9. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2787-4. PMID: 27084080.

Any occupational therapy practitioner knows that we often face tough questions surrounding ethics and justice.

We work in imperfect systems, and each day we see how societal systems favor some, while placing others at a disadvantage.

So, how do we process all of this? And, how do we see ourselves as contributing to the greater good?

One framework that has been taught in many OT schools involves “occupational injustice.” But, the article we will review is a critique of this familiar framework. And, instead, it will introduce you to the concept of capabilities theory. 

To discuss how these big-picture questions impact how you show up as an OT—including how your work can help address unjust systems—we’ll be talking to Antonia Suszek.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/occupational-injustice

Here's the primary research we are discussing:
Hammell, K. R. W., & Beagan, B. (2017). Occupational injustice: A critique: L’injustice occupationnelle : une critique. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 84(1), 58–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008417416638858

You probably spent a lot of time learning about “therapeutic use of self” during OT school. As it turns out, this phrase is just one of many frameworks that describe the relationship between therapists and patients. Over the past decade, many other relationship models have been developed and studied. This course will orient you to various concepts for understanding your relationship with patients, as well as how the different therapeutic relationships may ultimately influence outcomes.

After diving into a journal article reviewing the literature on relationship-based care, we’ll invite Rafi Salazar to join us in discussing the practical clinical implications of the findings.

Rafi has boots-on-the-ground experience with building strong therapist-patient relationships, as well as a 1000-foot perspective on how you can systematize strong relationships in your practice.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/relationship-based-ot

Here's the primary research we are discussing:
Babatunde F, MacDermid J, MacIntyre N. Characteristics of therapeutic alliance in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and occupational therapy practice: a scoping review of the literature. BMC Health Serv Res. 2017 May 30;17(1):375. doi: 10.1186/s12913-017-2311-3. Erratum in: BMC Health Serv Res. 2017 Dec 12;17 (1):820. PMID: 28558746; PMCID: PMC5450083.

Over the past few decades, our understanding of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has evolved quite a bit. And, that means the prognosis of RA patients has improved in turn. Many of the “classic” deformities associated with RA are becoming less common. And, as we learn more and more about RA and its impacts on patients, your OT care should evolve accordingly.

In this 1-hour podcast course, we’ll begin by discussing a research review that covers the diagnosis and treatment of RA. Then, we’ll bring on our expert guest, Cheryl Crow, MOT, OTR/L. Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for eighteen years.

In this episode, we’ll dive into RA therapy considerations that go beyond addressing joint pain. We’ll discuss approaching your therapy from a self-management lens, so you can empower those with RA to take more control over their daily lives and health. 

This is a vastly underserved population, and we hope to ignite your passion for providing improved care to the people in your community!

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/rheumatoid-arthritis

Here's the primary research we are discussing:
Sparks, J. A. (2019). Rheumatoid arthritis. Annals of Internal Medicine, 170(1). doi:10.7326/aitc201901010.

In neuroscience, there is a rapidly growing and evolving understanding of sensory function that is important for all occupational therapists to be tracking—and particularly those who work with autistic clients. 

In this one hour continuing education course, we’ll dive into a research review, where the authors take three  main assumptions that both neuroscientists and occupational therapists make regarding sensory function—and they discuss where the research stands with each one. 

You’ll leave this article feeling humbled by how much we still have to learn about sensory function and autism. Yet, also in awe of the advances we have made over the past few decades—one can only imagine what we will learn in future years!

After we look at some specific research on this topic, we’ll be bringing in our expert guest, Bryden Giving, MAOT, OTR/L. Bryden will help us connect this complex topic to your works on the frontlines.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/autism-sensory-function

Here's the primary research we are discussing:

Cascio CJ, Woynaroski T, Baranek GT, Wallace MT. Toward an interdisciplinary approach to understanding sensory function in autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res. 2016 Sep;9(9):920-5. doi: 10.1002/aur.1612. Epub 2016 Apr 19. PMID: 27090878; PMCID: PMC5564205.  

In many ways, the past year has changed how we practice occupational therapy. OTs and OTAs have worked in a variety of settings as we’ve seen new and different needs arise. We have been called to learn new safety protocols, new technologies, and new ways of approaching care.

At the same time, OT professionals have burned out at higher rates than ever, as facilities struggle with the downturn of resources and a shift in client needs.

This hour-long episode will review opportunities for occupational therapy professionals to rise to the occasion in their workplaces, communities, schools, and professional organizations through a lens of self-advocacy.  

We’re honored to be having this discussion with Amy Lamb, OTD, OT/L, FAOTA. Amy is the immediate past-president of the American Occupational Therapy Association. In our discussion, she will share specific takeaways from self-advocacy literature, as well as best-practice examples of OT self-advocacy. This episode aims to inspire OTs to use principles of self-advocacy to take a stand for themselves, their clients, and the profession during these uncertain times.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/advocacy-occupational-therapy

This podcast episode discusses the important topic of how to support those who care for people with dementia. Dementia tends to inform many conversations around caregiving, largely because it is such a pressing public health concern.

Yet, this is a conversation that goes beyond a single diagnosis. After all, many of our occupational therapy clients receive some type of caregiving, whether formal or informal. And, the reality is that caregivers’ health (or lack thereof) is likely to impact our clients’ health.

I believe all occupational therapists—regardless of practice setting or patient population—will benefit from understanding the takeaways from this research.

After we look at some specific research on this topic, we’ll be bringing in our expert guest, Brandy Archie, OTD, the founder of AccessAble Living, to talk about the practical implications of supporting caregivers in your OT practice.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/supporting-informal-caregivers

Here's the primary research we are discussing:

Vandepitte S, Van Den Noortgate N, Putman K, Verhaeghe S, Faes K, Annemans L. Effectiveness of Supporting Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review of Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016 Apr 8;52(3):929-65. doi: 10.3233/JAD-151011. PMID: 27079704.

The struggles of COVID-19 long haulers have caught the attention of the medical community. In many cases, symptoms seem to correlate with a little-known condition called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). But, even before the pandemic called attention to POTS, research and advancements in treatment were taking place in the background. Unfortunately, while the research is out there, POTS is not always understood by health providers, and proper diagnosis can take years. 

Occupational therapy has a potentially significant role to play in the lives of both POTS patients and COVID-19 long haulers.

In this month’s hour-long podcast episode, we are luckily enough to talk to POTS researcher and practicing clinician, Emily Rich. We discuss what we do and don’t know about POTS, as well as the strategies you can use to help these patients get the most out of life.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/pots-covid-long-haulers-ot

Here's the primary research we are discussing:

Emily M. Rich, Asha Vas, Valerie Boyette & Carol Hollingsworth (2020) Daily Life Experiences: Challenges, Strategies, and Implications for Therapy in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Occupational Therapy In Health Care, DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2020.1824303

Whether we’re students, educators, or clinicians working on the frontlines of care, we all have a stake in the world of occupational therapy (OT) education. 

The changes in clinical education this year are so large that even those working in academia have struggled to keep up. 

This 1-hour CE course will ask you to reflect on trends in higher education prior to 2020, and assess how COVID-19 has impacted higher education. It will also lead you to consider how OT education may forever be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to encourage educators and program directors to continue thinking outside the box, find ways to increase program flexibility, harness long-term use of technology, and creatively support occupational therapy students.

The course will reference current research on trends in higher education both pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic with OT Program Director, Melissa Kimmerling, EdD, MOT, OTR/L. We look at what we’ve learned during the pandemic, what will stay after the pandemic abates, and how you can support students both in the classroom and in the field.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.
 
Learn more on the course page: https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/ot-education-during-covid

The number of adults diagnosed with autism is rising. Yet, we currently have very few evidence-based interventions to offer this population.

We seem to be falling short of truly supporting autistic adults. We need to do better, not just by addressing their challenges, but also by bolstering their unique strengths.

This 1-hour episode is going to push you to think big-picture about the unmet needs of autistic adults—and, hopefully, it will help you address both the challenges and strengths that can be part of being neurodivergent in a world that is built for neurotypicals. Our goal is to support you as an OT, so you can help autistic adults live a life they love.

The course will begin with a breakdown of some current research exploring the priorities of autistic adults. Then, Meg Proctor, an occupational therapist with expertise in working with patients on the spectrum, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/ot-supporting-adults-with-asd

Here's the primary research we are discussing:

Gotham, K., Marvin, A. R., Taylor, J. L., Warren, Z., Anderson, C. M., Law, P. A., . . . Lipkin, P. H. (2015). Characterizing the daily life, needs, and priorities of adults with autism spectrum disorder from Interactive Autism Network data. Autism, 19(7), 794-804. doi:10.1177/1362361315583818

Support the show (https://otpotential.com/ot-potential-club)

So much about the COVID-19 era feels unpredictable and beyond our control. 

But, the research analysis covered in this course will open your eyes to some ways where we can be extremely helpful. Not only can you use your occupational therapy skills to help patients in acute care, but you can even help those who are home with mild symptoms.

I know we say this at OT Potential a lot, but your skill set is desperately needed.

The course will begin with a breakdown of some current research on COVID. Then, Torrie Niewoner, an occupational therapist who treats patients with COVID-19 in the inpatient setting, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/covid-ot-ceu

Here's the primary research we are discussing:

Wang, Tina J. MD; Chau, Brian MD; Lui, Mickey DO; Lam, Giang-Tuyet MD; Lin, Nancy MD; Humbert, Sarah MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for COVID-19, American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: September 2020 - Volume 99 - Issue 9 - p 769-774

In this 1-hour course, occupational therapy practitioners will gain an introductory understanding of a hot topic (and controversial diagnosis): postconcussion syndrome.

On one hand, postconcussion syndrome has a well-described pattern of symptoms. But, on the other hand, we don’t know what causes it. Plus, because the symptoms are subjective, postconcussion syndrome has been very difficult to quantify and study.

Whether you work with kids or adults, at some point you’ll probably work with patients who’ve suffered concussions. This course will help you feel informed and confident when working with these patients.

The course will begin with a breakdown of some current research on postconcussion syndrome. Next, Devon Cochrane, an occupational therapist and concussion expert, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/ot-postconcussion-syndrome

Here's the primary research we are discussing:

Hiploylee C, Dufort PA, Davis HS, Wennberg RA, Tartaglia MC, Mikulis D, Hazrati LN, Tator CH. Longitudinal Study of Postconcussion Syndrome: Not Everyone Recovers. J Neurotrauma. 2017 Apr 15;34(8):1511-1523. doi: 10.1089/neu.2016.4677. Epub 2016 Nov 29. PMID: 27784191; PMCID: PMC5397249.

In this 1-hour course, occupational therapy practitioners will learn about the concepts of eHealth and participatory medicine—and, how they are shaping the future of our profession.

Both eHealth and participatory medicine will give you a new lens to understand some of the seismic shifts that are happening in health care right now. And, the good news is that even amidst rapid change, the basic tenet of both concepts, of helping the patient to be more active in their care, has long been a tenant of OT and will leave you feeling affirmed of the value of the work we do.

The course will begin with a breakdown of the research, and then Lauren Sheehan, OTD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist and rehab technology expert, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.

We’re excited to explore this topic with you!

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/ehealth-participatory-medicine-ot

Here's the primary research we are discussing:

Townsend, A., Leese, J., Adam, P., Mcdonald, M., Li, L. C., Kerr, S., & Backman, C. L. (2015). eHealth, Participatory Medicine, and Ethical Care: A Focus Group Study of Patients’ and Health Care Providers’ Use of Health-Related Internet Information. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 17(6). doi: 10.2196/jmir.3792

In this 1-hour course, occupational therapy practitioners will learn about promising research regarding stroke rehab—specifically, interventions that are geared toward self-management.

The good news is that much of the research backs what we are already doing. The authors build upon our existing foundations of OT, providing practical ideas for tweaking your care to leverage the principles of self-management.

The course will begin with a breakdown of the research, and then Lauren Sheehan, OTD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist and stroke-care expert, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.

In order to earn credit for this course, you must take the test within the OT Potential Club.

You can find more details on this course here:
https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/self-management-for-stroke

Here's the primary research we are discussing:

Parke, H. L., Epiphaniou, E., Pearce, G., Taylor, S. J., Sheikh, A., Griffiths, C. J., . . . Pinnock, H. (2015). Self-Management Support Interventions for Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Meta-Review. Plos One,10(7). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0131448

My first thought after I read this article was that I need to share it with our hospital’s CEO. This is exactly the kind of article that I want our administrators and leaders to be reading. 

My second thought was that every OT needs a copy of this article to display on their desk like an inspirational poster :-)

It’s that huge.

This is the largest (and most important, in my opinion) study we’ve examined so far in the Club. The authors analyzed data from 1,194,251 Medicare patients, and they found that OT was the only category of spending where higher investment led to lower readmission rates across three different diagnoses: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.

To join the conversation on this article, sign-in or sign-up for the OT Potential Club at otpotential.com!

Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016). Higher Hospital Spending on Occupational Therapy Is Associated With Lower Readmission Rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 74(6), 668–686. doi: 10.1177/1077558716666981

(Another great way to support our podcast is to use our MedBridge promo code!)  

We OTs are navigating an ever-changing maze of legislation, reimbursement, and care-delivery models.

But, this week’s article calls us to focus on our profession’s most important relationship of all: our relationship with our clients.

Get ready to really ponder the nature of our partnerships with clients...and to consider these relationships in terms like trust and vulnerability.

The researchers held focus groups that examined how patient/provider relationships are changing due to both parties' reliance on the internet for answers. The results are fascinating.

To discuss this topic, please join the OT Potential Club!

Townsend, A., Leese, J., Adam, P., Mcdonald, M., Li, L. C., Kerr, S., & Backman, C. L. (2015). eHealth, Participatory Medicine, and Ethical Care: A Focus Group Study of Patients’ and Health Care Providers’ Use of Health-Related Internet Information. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 17(6). doi: 10.2196/jmir.3792

(Another great way to support our podcast is to use our MedBridge promo code!) 

During this time of COVID-19, we OTs are doing what we do best: being adaptable. In this case, a global pandemic has us reimagining what our therapy can look like. 

It is our hope that the OT Potential Club can help you do that in a proactive way. 

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been looking at research that highlights new opportunities to reach our patients and improve outcomes. 

This week’s article fits well in that theme. 

It calls us back to a basic principle: part of our role is to intervene early in the disease process, ideally helping to prevent some of the most worrisome disease symptoms. 

This week, we are looking at an article about psychosis which, frankly, is one of the most challenging symptoms that can present with many mental illnesses. 

But, there’s good news:
Research indicates that it’s possible to identify those at high risk for psychosis—and even reduce the number of people who experience a full-blown episode.

And, in this brand-new study, you’ll see how an assessment that many OTs are accustomed to administering—The Sensory Profile—may not only help guide early identification of at-risk youth, but also help inform subsequent treatment.

To discuss this article, join us in the OT Potential Club!

Parham, L. D., Roush, S., Downing, D. T., Michael, P. G., & Mcfarlane, W. R. (2019). Sensory characteristics of youth at clinical high risk for psychosis. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 13(2), 264–271. doi: 10.1111/eip.12475

(Another great way to support our podcast is to use our MedBridge promo code!) 

Therapists across the globe are advocating that telehealth delivery be covered by our licenses (and reimbursed by insurers). Now, more than ever, I think it’s important to examine the research that backs up these efforts.

The reality is that even before COVID-19, telehealth was showing significant promise to help reach more clients, and even improve outcomes.

This week’s article is a randomized control trial (RCT) from one of the world’s most influential journals: The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). And, the results indicate that telehealth delivered to stroke patients to address UE motor deficits appeared to be just as effective as similar care care that was delivered in a clinic.

To discuss this article further, please join us in the OT Potential Club.

Cramer, S. C., Dodakian, L., Le, V., See, J., Augsburger, R., Mckenzie, A., … Janis, S. (2019). Efficacy of Home-Based Telerehabilitation vs In-Clinic Therapy for Adults After Stroke. JAMA Neurology, 76(9), 1079. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.1604

(Another great way to support our podcast is to use our MedBridge promo code!) 

One of the general trends we’ve been following on the podcast is the potential of using coaching strategies in occupational therapy. 

And, as therapists around the globe are dialing into teletherapy, this research trend merits some consideration. After all, it may be an effective strategy to consider as many of us are seeking to restructure how we offer our occupational therapy services.

This week’s article on occupation-based coaching via telehealth really paints a picture of how coaching techniques may be an effective tool for OT professionals as our profession navigates this new frontier.

You can join the conversation about this research in The OT Potential Club! 

Little, L. M., Pope, E., Wallisch, A., & Dunn, W. (2018). Occupation-Based Coaching by Means of Telehealth for Families of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(2). doi: 10.5014/ajot.2018.024786

(Another great way to support our podcast is to use our MedBridge promo code!)