The current global pandemic has led to a need to change our ways of operation. Though healthcare is constantly evolving, many people had to halt out-patient consultations due to COVID-19. Issues such as bed scarcity and fear of exposure to the virus were the leading causes of this decision. Telehealth is one of the trends, and occupational therapy is no exception.
There are several emerging trends in occupational therapy shaping this profession. In this article, we will highlight some of them. Let’s dive in.
Trends in Occupational Therapy
1. Telehealth Care Services
One of the direct effects of the pandemic was an increase in Google searches for ‘Telehealth”. MHealth services were also on the rise, with patients using websites for self-diagnosis. This trend is expected to continue increasing. With occupational therapy adopting mHealth and telehealth, many patients can take charge of their health. You can also actively participate in health management.
Occupational therapists have also benefited from telehealth services. It has allowed us to keep in touch with our patients. You can take advantage of one of these current trends in occupational therapy to:
- Educate and guide your patients through personalized home exercise programs.
- Guide patients remotely on how to set up and use assistive devices at home.
- Evaluate home safety through a video call.
Teleservices offers ease in patient-doctor communication. As such, patients can remain engaged throughout the treatment program. Additionally, it ensures patients continue with therapy even when outside the therapy center.
2. Personalized Care
In the past, patients often chose a passive involvement in their care. The doctors took control and made all the medical decisions. However, trends in occupational therapy practice have seen a shift in this approach.
Since patients have access to a lot of information through mHealth, they become more knowledgeable and actively participate in the treatment process. During occupational therapy evaluation sessions, patients are well-engaged and ask questions about the treatment approaches, technologies, and intervention.
Occupational therapists are now more engaged and focus on building good relationships with their clients. They personalize the treatment, providing what is meaningful to each patient. OTs also encourage effective communication and commitment for the best outcome of the treatment.
3. Wearable Tech
Wearable tech is one of the notable emerging trends in occupational therapy. Smartwatches, body-mounted sensors, and fitness trackers help the occupational therapist to monitor your general health. They can evaluate:
- Number of steps,
- Blood pressure,
- breathing patterns,
- Hearth rate,
- sleep time and quality
Typically, you pair these devices with an app that stores the biometrics data. Occupational therapists use this data for better treatment plans. They also decide which treatment would work best in each situation. As a result, the therapists can get rid of the trial and error treatment; instead, develop an effective strategy.
4. Nanotechnology
An occupational therapist will spend a lot of time evaluating eye movement or gait to track brain function. Nanotechnology can impact how this is conducted, making the evaluations less intrusive, easier, and more comprehensive. The future trends in occupational therapy could entail the use of thin sensors in brain examinations. You can also use these technologies for eye-movement tracking and others.
5. Covering New Territory
The shrinking of jobs for occupational therapists has seen innovations in expertise application. Restructuring in payments, a change in regulations, and burnout led to a decline in the job market. One of the new trends in occupational therapy is a rise in the need for services to manage various conditions. These new territories include:
Managing Diabetes
According to the CDC, almost 10.5% of the USA population has diabetes, and the number keeps increasing. Many people are leading a sedentary lifestyle and increased consumption of junk foods. Occupational therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.
Chronic Disease Management
Apart from diabetes, occupational therapists can help in other chronic disease management. Nearly 70% of the national healthcare budget goes to treating chronic conditions. As such, there is an increasing need to have a well-thought-out plan to manage the conditions actively.
OTs are already well-trained in managing these conditions. They can be actively involved in teaching patients how to participate in desired activities actively. They learn how to do it in a less painful, less tiring, and more enjoyable manner.
Childhood Obesity
Apart from diabetes, occupational therapists can help to combat childhood obesity. Occupational therapists work with nutritionists and school management to introduce various extracurricular activities. Such programs include Zumba, yoga, Tai chi, and others to promote wellness. Additionally, occupational therapists continue to facilitate independence and foster essential skills for children with special needs.
Senior Drivers
Many seniors want to retire and maintain their independence for as long as possible. Occupational therapists are now training in driving rehabilitation to helps this increasing clientele. Many seniors are seeking occupational therapists services for this essential service. OTs conduct a serious evaluation that includes vision, cognitive abilities, and motor function. They also assess a patient’s driving ability by evaluating skills in real-time.
Sleep Disorders
Over the years, we have seen an increase in sleep disorders. Studies indicate that occupational therapy is most equipped in addressing such conditions. Currently, this field is under-utilized as a treatment option. OTs assist sleep-deprived patients by teaching them sleep optimization strategies. In the coming years, occupational therapists can expect to see an influx of such patients.
6. Improved Focus on Whole-Body Wellness
Since prevention is better than cure, many occupational therapists are creating wellness programs. These programs encourage proactivity for the whole body, mind, body, and spirit. Though treating current injuries and managing symptoms is a top concern for OTs, they also understand the various aspects of whole-body wellness.
An OT can evaluate your whole life, look at your choices and general wellbeing. They can assess your diet, fitness level, stress, sleep quality, mental health, drinking, smoking and drug use, and family history. The OT can help you develop a treatment plan that addresses all the problematic areas with this information. Additionally, the OT can promote a healthy lifestyle. As a result, you experience reduced injury risk or prevent getting a disease.
An occupational therapist can also work with kids with developmental challenges. The OT can introduce bedtime routines and other instructions to help them sleep well. Additionally, they can introduce training on socializing, decision-making, time management, and priority setting.
7. Technology and Rehab Gyms for Patient Retention and Engagement
Previously, we saw how technology could help improve patients care outside the facility. However, occupational therapy and primary care updates and trends include using technology to engage patients within the rehab facilities. Many rehab facilities are opening gyms to help patients remain healthy after being discharged from the hospital.
Additionally, occupational therapists have integrated technology into this process. Therapists partner with gym facilities close to the patients and monitor their progress through technology. As a result, patients remain engaged in the program. Rehab gyms allow patients to avoid re-injury. Additionally, patients continue having access to equipment and the same camaraderie experienced at treatment facilities.
These rehab gyms integrate well with wearable tech and telehealth services. Occupational therapists use these tools to monitor progress. Our Richardson physical therapy entails the use of the latest technology to keep up with the trends. Continuous improvement guarantees the best outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some current trends in occupational therapy?
Growth in technology has seen the development of the occupational therapy field. Some of the trends include using mobile-Health, and telehealth to provide care. Occupational therapists can monitor a patient’s progress through wearable tech and use video calls to offer home evaluation services.
What is the future of occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy will now be focused on quality over quantity. Additionally, insurance reimbursements are shifting only to include quality care. Research in the field will lead to advancement into various fields. Currently, OTs can help patients with sleep disorders, diabetes, and children struggling with obesity. Occupational therapists can also help seniors maintain their driving privileges through a comprehensive evaluation.
Is occupational therapy going to be phased out?
OT is not being phased out. This field is here to stay as new trends keep emerging. However, you need to study the necessary courses and get all the certificates to have a successful career. Though the classes may be challenging, keep your focus on getting a college degree.
Occupational therapists work with minority groups where anyone can enter at any time. People with disabilities, long-term hospitalization, accidents, or stress can need occupational therapy. As time passes, the need for these services also increases. Additionally, each year, insurance providers add occupational therapy to their plan, making it more affordable.
Furthermore, occupational therapy is required in schools, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Rehabilitation centers, private practices, and home health also require occupational therapists. All these are employment opportunities.
Is occupational therapy a 9 to 5 job?
As an occupational therapist, you can work in various shifts, including the 9 to 5 shifts. It will largely depend on the facility in which you work.
