Real-Life Communication
No matter what field an OT is working in, communication skills are
important. First you must be able to verbally communicate with your patient.
You need to explain things to your patient so that the patient can understand
what you are saying.
Those OTs who are self-employed may have to work
with a wide variety of clients in various family situations. In these cases,
the OT needs to communicate effectively across social and language barriers.
Occupational
therapists spend a lot of time writing up reports. An ability to write a clear
and concise report is of great importance.
You are an OT who has been
asked by a lawyer to write a report on a patient involved in an industrial
accident. The lawyer wants you to describe the patient's problems and give
your professional recommendation on whether he can return to work.
You
open the patient's file. This patient, Robert, was a construction worker on
a large building. The scaffolding he was standing on collapsed. He was quite
seriously injured in the fall. He is now seeking compensation from his employer.
The
file reports that the patient's back was seriously injured and he can now
only walk with a walker. He also suffered some bleeding in the brain at the
time of the accident, which has limited his peripheral vision. He also has
difficulty concentrating on anything for any length of time.
Write
a brief report, explaining how Robert's injuries prevent him from doing his
job. Plus, make your recommendation about whether he can return to work.