Listen Now

Spasticity can be present in many of the conditions we treat as occupational therapy professionals.  And, it can add significant cost and burden for our patients.  The article we are discussing in this 1-hour course gives you a big picture overview of the science behind what we know (and don’t know!) about spasticity.  You’ll find certain approaches (that I’ve personally used!) that have NOT been supported by the research—but also which modalities have a growing body of evidence behind them.  After reviewing the research, we’ll be joined on the podcast by neuro OT, Scott Thompson, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CRSR, LSVT-BIG to discuss implications for 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/ot-spasticity-adultsHere's the primary research we are discussing:Khan, F., Amatya, B., Bensmail, D., & Yelnik, A. (2019). Non-pharmacological interventions for spasticity in adults: An overview of systematic reviews. Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine, 62(4), 265–273. Support the show

The research we are discussing on this 1-hour episode really drives home the complex connection between depression and 3 neurodegenerative diseases:  Alzehimer’s Disease Parkinson’s Disease Huntington Disease Even though depression has a high comorbidity with all of these diseases, you’ll learn why it should not be an assumed part of the disease process. Instead, depression should be recognized as distinct and treated.  But, here’ where it gets super complex: In some cases the medications traditionally used to help treat depression do not work for this population—and can be actively harmful. So, OT approaches like environmental enrichment and physical exercise could actually be the front line defense for helping these patients manage their depression.  To unpack all of this, I am so thankful to be joined on the podcast next week with dementia care expert, Rachel Wiley, MS, OTR/L, CDP. 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/depression-dementia-otHere's the primary research we are discussing:Galts, C. P. C., Bettio, L. E. B., Jewett, D. C., Yang, C. C., Brocardo, P. S., Rodrigues, A. L. S., Thacker, J. S., & Gil-Mohapel, J. (2019). Depression in neurodegenerative diseases: Common mechanisms and current treatment options. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 102, 56–84. Support the show

Plagiocephaly has historically been thought of as a benign, cosmetic issue.  But, the seminal study we are looking at during this 1-hour course indicates that severe to moderate skull deformity may be best understood as a biomarker for developmental vulnerability. As we’ll see, moderate to severe skull deformity was linked with lower cognitive and academic outcomes, when the children reached school age.  It is critical to understand that this does not mean that plagiocephaly causes developmental delay. But, given the results of this study, developmental assessment, monitoring, and intervention is recommended for children moderate to severe plagiocephaly. After we break down this article for you, we’ll be joined by Amirra Condelee, OTD, OTR/L to discuss the implications for OTs who work with infants—and our role in our communities and families now that we understand the importance of this biomarker.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-plagiocephaly-cognitive-outcomesHere's the primary research we are discussing:Collett, B. R., Wallace, E. R., Kartin, D., Cunningham, M. L., & Speltz, M. L. (2019). Cognitive Outcomes and Positional Plagiocephaly. Pediatrics, 143(2), e20182373. Support the show

About half of cancer survivors report difficulty with ADLs and a third difficulty with iADLs. But, unfortunately, only around 1 in 10 older adults with cancer who have a known functional limitation receive a referral to OT or PT. Even less make it to an eval.And, even less than that, complete their full course of rehab. Why are we failing to support such a large percentage of this population?  And, what is the best way to support them when they do make it to us for occupational therapy?Honestly, the results from this randomized control trial we are exploring in this 1-hour episode were not what we hoped to see. The OT/PT provided did not improve functional deficits or maintain functional status for these patients. And, instead of giving a glimpse of how to improve the barriers to receiving OT care, it only seems to drive home the obstacles. Luckily, this is not the full story. After we break down the article, we will be joined by the article’s lead author, Mackenzi Pergolotti, PhD, MS, OTR/L about how this paper changed the course of her career. It spurred her to research further into service delivery models that do open the doors to more patients—and points to the improved outcomes we hope for. 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/cancer-rehab-otHere's the primary research we are discussing:Pergolotti, M., Deal, A. M., Williams, G. R., Bryant, A. L., McCarthy, L., Nyrop, K. A., Covington, K. R., Reeve, B. B., Basch, E., &; Muss, H. B. (2019). Older adults with cancer: A randomized controlled trial of occupational and physical therapy. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 67(5), 953–960.Support the show

The research we’ve explored on the podcast, seems to be pointing to a new reality:  The future of healthcare will be in the home.  But, how will we get there? How will our homes ever be ready to age in place? The transition is going to be a complex story of the right technologies, the right funding, and the right narratives. All of which will ultimately lead to the end goal of tech adoption.  The article we will explore in this 1-hour course focuses on smart home technology adoption. It showcases just how complex tech adoption is. But, it also gives a glimpse of the factors occupational therapy professionals should be considering when introducing new technology to your client.  After breaking down the article we will be joined by Carol Chiang OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP will join us to discuss what this all means for your occupational therapy practice, and our profession. 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-smart-home-tech-adoptionHere's the primary research we are discussing:Arthanat, S., Wilcox, J., & Macuch, M. (2019). Profiles and Predictors of Smart Home Technology Adoption by Older Adults. OTJR : occupation, participation and health, 39(4), 247–256.Support the show

As occupational therapy providers, we have a duty to truly understand the word “occupation.”  This means acknowledging the role occupation has played in shaping societal policies and norms, many of which are fundamentally unjust. We also need to admit that our professional knowledge base, itself, is skewed. The foundations of OT have evolved from an exclusionary context that privileged White skin, as well as other false social hierarchies. So much of what we learn, teach, and practice as OTs comes from a lens of being able to accumulate social, economic, and political power. The article we are focusing on in this 1-hour course is a commentary that calls us to confront occupation’s role in injustice. It also provides concrete strategies for moving toward anti-racist action. We DO have the power to transform society by introducing the concept of anti-racism into our classrooms, policies, and daily practice. After we review the article, we will be joined by its authors  Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L and Ryan Lavalley, PhD, MOT, OTR/L to discuss ways you can create meaningful change.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/anti-racist-ot-praxisHere's the primary research we are discussing:Johnson, K. R., &; Lavalley, R. (2020). From racialized think-pieces toward anti-racist praxis in our science, education, and practice. Journal of Occupational Science, 28(3), 404–409.Support the show

The article we are looking at today challenges us to look critically at occupation—and how it can be used as a tool for justice or injustice.  The reality is that many of us have narrowed our view of occupation into the medicalized and individualized categories of ADLs.  But, we know from research (and lived experience!) that occupation is much more complex, interconnected, and powerful. The authors outline for us how occupation has played a role in systemic racism in the US. This history and present must be understood and confronted if we are to live our shared value of justice within occupational therapy, and move toward antiracist transformation.  After a brief review of this article, we will be joined by the authors Ryan Lavalley, PhD, MOT, OTR/L and Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L to discuss the practical implications for your occupational therapy 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/racism-and-occupationHere's the primary research we are discussing:Lavalley, R., &; Johnson, K. R. (2020). Occupation, injustice, and anti-black racism in the United States of America. Journal of Occupational Science, 29(4), 487–499.Support the show

It’s no secret that our healthcare systems are built to react to sickness and health events—not to keep people healthy in the first place.  If we want to get serious about producing health for our patients, we have to start shifting our healthcare system to address social determinants of health.   But, how is such a seismic shift even possible—and what’s your role as an occupational therapy practitioner in this new era? In this one hour course, we will look at a journal article with a proposal for mobilizing our hospital systems to address social determinants of health.  Then, I am thrilled to be joined by Joy Doll, an OT who has been working on the front lines of addressing SDOH. She will share her insights into the movement that is already happening, and how occupational therapists can be involved.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-social-determinants-of-healthHere's the primary research we are discussing:Berwick, D. M. (2022). Getting serious about producing health. JAMA, 327(19), 1865.Support the show

Both participation-focused OT and knowledge translation are hot topics in OT right now.  And, in this one-hour course we will explore a research article that puts forth a knowledge translation roadmap to accelerate the uptake of participation-focused OT assessments and intervention.  These are both big topics in their own right, and when you mesh them together it feels like more than one therapist can handle.  Honestly, that’s the point: Both knowledge translation and participation-focused OT are a team sport.  It’s going to take all of us to be both thinking differently as individuals and collaborating in new ways to solve problems for our clients. To help us unpack this journal article, and the practical implications for your OT practice, we are excited to welcome to the podcast our guest, Satvika Garg, PhD, OTR/L, Scientific Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.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/participation-focused-knowledge-translation-in-pediatric-otHere's the primary research we are discussing:Anaby, D., Khetani, M., Piskur, B., van der Holst, M., Bedell, G., Schakel, F., de Kloet, A., Simeonsson, R., &; Imms, C. (2021). Towards a paradigm shift in pediatric rehabilitation: Accelerating the uptake of evidence on participation into routine clinical practice. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(9), 1746–1757. Support the show

Children are not little adults. Their brains are actively developing. Because of this neuroplasticity, one might assume they would more quickly and fully recover from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).  This is not the case.  A brain injury can have a more devastating impact on a child than a similar injury in a mature adult. (Brain Injury Association of America)  This is what makes comprehensive, ongoing rehab for pediatric TBI so important. But, unfortunately, as we will see in our primary research, many children who experience TBI have substantial unmet rehab needs.  After reviewing the research, we are thankful to welcome to the podcast, Nelson Gonzalez OTR/L, RFS, CHHC, CCT, CPMT, CORE, CLT to discuss OT and TBI assessment, treatment, and what’s on the horizon in this practice area.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/pediatric-tbi-and-otHere's the primary research we are discussing:Fuentes, M. M., Wang, J., Haarbauer-Krupa, J., Yeates, K. O., Durbin, D., Zonfrillo, M. R., Jaffe, K. M., Temkin, N., Tulsky, D., Bertisch, H., & Rivara, F. P. (2018). Unmet Rehabilitation Needs After Hospitalization for Traumatic Brain Injury. Pediatrics, 141(5), e20172859. Support the show

Falls are a complex problem.  This makes preventing them a perfect target for our OT skillset.  This week we are looking at an article that explores “the state of the science” on preventing falls in hospitalized patients. The authors walk us through: The scope of the problem  The science (or lack thereof) supporting different interventions While many of the interventions sound simple (like gripper socks and alarms), the article we review in this 1-hour course reminds us that nothing is simple in creating truly effective fall prevention initiatives.  To discuss what this research looks like in practice, we are excited to welcome to the podcast Pooja A. Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, CDP, CFPS. In addition to being a certified fall prevention specialist, Pooja served as a fall champion at her hospital, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience about being involved in hospital wide quality initiative.  Whether you are looking to up your game as an individual therapist or as part of a quality team at your facility, this is a great conversation for 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/ot-fall-preventionHere's the primary research we are discussing:LeLaurin, J. H., &; Shorr, R. I. (2019). Preventing falls in hospitalized patients. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 35(2), 273–283. Support the show

When we think of hand therapy, we tend to think of it as a practice area with an  abundance of research. But, the mapping review of hand therapy interventions we examine this episode reminds us that there are also sizable gaps in the research—especially when it comes to more complex diagnoses.  This means that when OTs are working with upper extremity conditions, we still need to pay careful attention to the other 2 pillars of evidence-based practice: the client values & developing our own skillset/clinical expertise.  To talk about what this looks like in practice, we are excited to welcome Hoang Tran, OT/L CHT to the podcast. Hoang is the owner of Hands-on Therapy & Hand Therapy Secrets—and a vocal advocate for OTs working with the upper extremity.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-hand-therapy-interventionsHere's the primary research we are discussing:Takata, S. C., Wade, E. T., &; Roll, S. C. (2019). Hand therapy interventions, outcomes, and diagnoses evaluated over the last 10 years: A mapping review linking research to practice. Journal of Hand Therapy, 32(1), 1–9.Support the show

As OTs, we believe that creating a therapeutic alliance is one of the most powerful vehicles to change.  But, we also know that there are many barriers that exist to building transformational relationships with our clients  Telehealth can feel like another such barrier—but it doesn’t have to be! The article we are looking at in this 1 hour podcast-based CE course is a qualitative study exploring the parent engagement and therapeutic alliance in teletherapy programs. The author’s intent was to begin building a conceptual model to inform improved practice.  After discussing the article, we are excited to welcome Adam Griffin to the podcast. Adam is an OT hailing from Dubai, who has vast experience using teletherapy and coaching fellow OTs in its use.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/telehealth-parent-alliance-otHere's the primary research we are discussing:Fairweather, G. C., Lincoln, M., Ramsden, R., &; Bulkeley, K. (2021). Parent engagement and therapeutic alliance in Allied Health teletherapy programs. Health &; Social Care in the Community, 30(2). Support the show

From pregnancy to age 2 is arguably the most important developmental window of our lifetimes.  This makes the work of OTs who work with this age incredibly important. And, for the rest of us, we should be using our professional knowledge to advocate for the proper support for families at this critically important window. In this one hour podcast course, we are looking at a broad systematic review about OT motor inventions for children ages 0-5.  The importance of this paper cuts across multiple practice areas, but we are going to use this paper as a jumping off point to talk about early intervention. We will be joined by Sarah Putt, OTR/L to talk about her EI experience—and more broadly about the opportunities and challenges of early childhood support that we all need to be tuned into.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-early-intervention-motor-performanceHere's the primary research we are discussing:Tanner, K., Schmidt, E., Martin, K., &; Bassi, M. (2020). Interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to improve motor performance for children ages 0–5 years: A systematic review. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(2).Support the show

The use of sensory-based interventions (SBIs) and environmental modification are common OT treatments.  But, what is the evidence behind these treatments?  In this episode, we’ll look at an influential systematic review that explores that question. The authors lay out the evidence behind specific sensory techniques and environmental modifications for children with sensory integration (SI) differences.  The authors explore and rate the levels of evidence of common treatments, like massage, weighted vests, sensory enrichment in preschools, and linear swinging. After we review the article, we’ll welcome to the podcast our guest, Bryden Giving, MAOT, OTR/L to talk about how the research has impacted his work in pediatrics, his doctoral studies, and most importantly, and what it all means for 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/sensory-techniques-and-otHere's the primary research we are discussing:Bodison, S. C., &; Parham, L. D. (2018). Specific sensory techniques and sensory environmental modifications for children and youth with Sensory Integration Difficulties: A systematic review. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(1).Support the show

Whether or not you are personally a fan of virtually reality—all OTs should be following the developing research on this technology.  In this episode, we’ll discuss an article where the authors explore the use of virtual reality (VR) systems that are built specifically for rehab versus general-use VR, like the Nintendo Wii and Xbox.  The authors really focus on the active ingredients that seem to make VR-based rehab effective. And, they put forth the principles of neurorehab that underlie successful rehab. (They also specifically look at UE motor recovery after stroke, so this all feels so relevant to OT.) After we review the article, we’ll welcome to the podcast our guest, Christopher Gaskins, MS, OTR/L, CSRS (and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science PhD Candidate) to talk about the research—and what it all means for 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/ot-virtual-realitySee rehab-specific VR options here:https://otpotential.com/blog/new-occupational-therapy-tech-toolsHere's the primary research we are discussing:Maier, M., Rubio Ballester, B., Duff, A., Duarte Oller, E., & Verschure, P. (2019). Effect of Specific Over Nonspecific VR-Based Rehabilitation on Poststroke Motor Recovery: A Systematic Meta-analysis. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair, 33(2), 112–129.Support the show

It is so easy to get caught in the minutiae of our daily work.  And, sometimes it is incredibly helpful to zoom out and take a big picture look at the incredible changes we have seen in healthcare over the past decades.  The journal article we are looking at this week gives us a bird’s-eye view of the past, present, and future of managing rheumatic and musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases.  In the article you’ll find the same trends that we see in occupational therapy-specific research: a focus on self-management, patient reported outcome measures and patient centeredness. In looking to the future, technology is going to further enable all of these trends.  After the articles orients us to the advances in MSK care, we will be joined by Winnie Tsui, OTL, CHT, MBA, who works as a product manager on the frontiers of technology in this area.  Winnie will help us understand the exciting technology that is ushering the future of care—and the role OT has the potential to play in this exciting new reality.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/rheumatic-musculoskeletal-occupational-therapyHere's the primary research we are discussing:Burmester, G., Bijlsma, J., Cutolo, M. et al. Managing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases — past, present and future. Nat Rev Rheumatol 13, 443–448 (2017). Support the show

We need some of our OTs with the biggest hearts and brightest minds to consider specializing in burn therapy. But, no matter what setting you work in, you will likely have someone with a burn patient on your caseload at some point. Burns are the 4th most common type of trauma worldwide (behind traffic accidents, falls, and interpersonal violence.) 90% of burns occur in low- to middle-income countries. While OTs have worked in burn units for decades, the research behind OT-specific contributions to burn care is still in its infancy. We’ll see this at the beginning of the podcast as we look at some early-stage research from Iran on occupational therapy for hand burns.  Then, we’ll be joined by burn-rehab clinical specialist, Jody Sabel, OT/L. Jody will share about her work in acute and outpatient burn care. And, she will speak with us about the challenges and opportunities is in this incredibly important practice area. 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-therapy-for-hand-burnsHere's the primary research we are discussing:Aghajanzade, M., Momeni, M., Niazi, M., Ghorbani, H., Saberi, M., Kheirkhah, R., Rahbar, H., & Karimi, H. (2019). Effectiveness of incorporating occupational therapy in rehabilitation of hand burn patients. Annals of burns and fire disasters, 32(2), 147–152.Support the show

Helping people change their habits to change their health is one of the main mechanisms that makes OT effective.  But, I don’t think we spend enough time thinking about how HARD it is to change our habits.  The article we are looking at today focuses on changing lifestyle habits for adults at high risk of a cardiovascular incident, like a stroke. The author’s aim is to conceptualize how engaging occupations can be used to facilitate health promoting habits. We’ll use this article as a jumping off point to discuss both habit formation and Lifestyle Medicine with Ryan Balats Osal OTD, MS, OTR/L, NZROT, CEAS, CHC.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/lifestyle-medicine-otHere's the primary research we are discussing:Mälstam, E., Asaba, E., Åkesson, E., Guidetti, S., &; Patomella, A.-H. (2021). ‘Weaving lifestyle habits’: Complex pathways to health for persons at risk for stroke. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 29(2), 152–164.  Support the show

Constraint-induced Movement Therapy has the reputation for being an intervention that is only for specialized OTs in some far-away speciality clinic.  But, trust me: no matter what population you work with, OTs should be following this research.  Today, on the podcast we are looking at a Cochrane review of all the evidence that undergirds this treatment. CIMT is perhaps the most-studied OT intervention—and it has lessons to teach us all  about: neuroplasticity, intensity, and the future of OT 🙂  After reviewing the article, we are excited to welcome to the podcast Catherine Hoyt, PhD, OTD, OTR/L to discuss how you can be leveraging the principles behind the intervention 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/cimt-occupational-therapyHere's the primary research we are discussing:Hoare, B. J., Wallen, M. A., Thorley, M. N., Jackman, M. L., Carey, L. M., & Imms, C. (2019). Constraint-induced movement therapy in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 4(4), CD004149.Support the show