Evidence-Based Scholarly Clinician
4.1 - Invests in the acquisition of evidence through participation in workshops, continued education and pursuit of additional degrees.
- During my first Level II rotation, I was able to discuss further certifications with the OTs present at the clinic. Two of the OTs at this site have earned their CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) certification, and one OT is in the process as she is studying to sit for the exam. Another OT specializes in treating shoulders and elbows, as she is a member in the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists (ASSET). I have considered earning my CHT certification or other certifications for upper extremity treatment. I learned the requirements, reviewed available resources, and discussed the experiences of my FWEs and decided that earning my CHT is a possible route for me as a future OT practitioner.
4.2 - Is a knowledgeable consumer of global research related to occupational therapy and utilizes an evidence based approach to practice.
- During my second Level II rotation, I treated many clients that had rare genetic disorders. In order to best serve them and their families, I completed research on my own to understand their diagnosis and associated strengths and challenges before treating. One child we provided services to is one of nine with her diagnosis. Through the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) library, I was able to research similar diagnoses and the genetic component that was affected. With little information regarding the child's specific genetic mutation, it was crucial to use evidence-based practice for milestone progressions, feeding, and similar cases.
4.3 - Integrates individual clinical expertise and patient values with the best available external clinical evidence.
- While at my first Level II rotation, I had the opportunity to create various splints for the OT tech, who demonstrated a mallet finger. I researched various types of custom splints and considered her priorities and preferences. I created a custom splint for her to wear and provided her with education based on her previous knowledge. She verbalized understanding and was agreeable to wear it, which I observed proper wear throughout my rotation.
4.4 - Applies the domain of occupational therapy in gathering, evaluating, setting goals, planning and implementing occupational therapy.
- Throughout my second Level II placement, I had the opportunity to hone in on finding my occupational therapy identity. While providing therapy with other service providers, it is important to know what aspects of our treatment falls into our scope as OTs and what aspects are evidenced to be based in other providers' scopes. During this experience, I have become more confident in my ability to stay true to my OT identity and assist the families with a holistic approach for occupational engagement.
4.5 - Contributes to the knowledge base of OT practice by mentoring students, performing research, publishing, presenting and/or teaching.
- During my first Level II rotation, I had the opportunity to work alongside three OT technicians. This was a very unique experience that I had not previously had. I was able to instruct the OT techs on modalities to use and which therapeutic exercises and therapeutic activities to implement while considering client-centeredness. Two of the OT techs were considering going to school to become an OT or occupational therapy assistant (OTA). I was able to provide them with various considerations, factors, and my experiences as a master of occupational therapy student (MOT/S). During this rotation, I completed the required hours for electrical stimulation certification and thermal agents certification for future use of physical agent modalities as a practitioner.
4.6 - Incorporates continued education as a lifelong practice with the commitment to remain up-to-date and well-informed.
- During my first Level II placement, I discussed continuing education as lifelong practice with my FWEs. I observed each OT at the clinic engage in lifelong learning. The clinic manager attended the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) annual meeting during my placement. After she returned, we discussed a new technique for a procedure and how this affected rehabilitation through protocols. I was able to practice kinesiology taping (KT) on clients, myself, and OT techs. My FWE also discussed her plan to receive a dry needling certification, as it has recently been added to our scope of practice. I have had the exposure to OTs who continue to demonstrate lifelong learning to improve for their clients. By seeing the benefits of lifelong learning first-hand, I have researched various certifications that would allow me to specialize in an orthopedic area, including CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) or a certification focusing on sports rehabilitation. The pursuit of these certifications encourages increased knowledge and evidence-based practice in specific areas to enhance my practice as a clinician.