Facilitating Interprofessional Team-Based Care Organizations strive daily to reach the quadruple aim of better outcomes, lower costs, improved patient experience and improved clinical experience. Evidence supports the use of interprofessional team-based care as a strategy. However, most clinicians and sites are not adequately equipped to deliver this type of care. Why?
The reality is that most practicing clinicians are expected to graduate and work well on teams with other disciplines when most of their educational experiences involve group work with fellow classmates. Very seldom do two or more disciplines learn with, from and about each other. Furthermore, work environments do not know how to promote true interprofessional care under the restriction of regulations and productivity requirements. It takes intentionality to create an interprofessional team-based culture. Here are a few foundational tips to get you started with the process:
- Accept that contact and/or co-location with multiple disciplines is not enough to foster effective teamwork.
- Acknowledge that a hierarchy often exists between disciplines that can affect team dynamics and ultimately, patient care.
- Attend interprofessional education workshops to better understand and build relationship with colleagues in different professions. This improves communication as well as proper referrals.
- Remember, your patient and caregivers are key players on the team. Be careful to include them in the decision-making process as much as possible.
- Prepare yourself and your site to offer interdisciplinary educational experiences. See www.nexusipe.org and cipewumc.org for practical information.
Providing interprofessional team-based care is one of the most innovative ways to solve complex healthcare problems, train students and create a healthy work environment. Get started today! Learn more about how we work to incorporate team-based care into our Outpatient OT Services...
Hiking Safety Content provided by Stacy Baker, MOT, OTR/L, CHT It is the time of the year to get out of the house and start to explore and hike. You will want to take cautionary measures when participating in these activities. These tips can help make hiking safe and more enjoyable.
- Prior to the hike, always notify someone where you are going and approximately when you will return.
- Make sure to carry a cell phone, or some type to communication device if cell service is not available, so you can call for help if needed
- Stretch your legs and arms prior to the hike to make sure your joints and muscles are warmed up.
- Animals that have been dormant over the winter are starting to awaken. (ex snakes, bears.) In the spring, many species are reproducing which can make some mommas extra protective around their young. Dont disturb any natural wildlife and avoid crawling over fallen logs as snakes and spiders like these habitats.
- Carry a small first aid kit in your bag. Go immediately to a doctor if you sustain an insect, spider, snake, or animal bite to have it evaluated for further treatment. Dont wait too long as the acute time frame could be a critical period for treatment and complications can come from waiting.
- Wear footwear with a sole that has good grip to avoid slipping and falling, especially on slick or wet surfaces.
- Using a walking stick or poles can be helpful on uneven ground to help you keep your balance and prevent falls.
- Make sure to pack water and a snack. Keeping hydrated is very important during physical activity.
- If using a back pack when hiking a double shoulder vs side strap helps to even out the load and keep your balance. Also keep it light to avoid pressure on the shoulder and back.
- Dress appropriately for the weather and make sure to take layers so you can adjust to the weather as it changes.
Last enjoy the great outdoors, breath in the fresh air and have fun! Learn more about the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center...
Stroke Rehabilitation Services Content provided by Michelle Klein, MOT, OTR/L A stroke often means that familiar abilities, activities and patterns of life are suddenly disrupted. Simple tasks like tying shoes or opening toothpaste may require more time, effort or assistance. Meaningful work and recreation may have to be suspended. On top of learning how to do daily tasks after stroke, a person also has to adjust to new ways of living and managing health problems that may have contributed to the stroke.
Here are some ways Washington University Occupational Therapy can help:
- Analyze how tasks are done, the environment and the persons abilities, and provide instruction on modifications and resources to help a person regain independence.
- Work with patients to help design routines and strategies that are empowering.
- Educate and instruct how to manage health conditions and coping with life changes.
- Work with patients in their home, at work or community setting to re-establish familiar life patterns.
A stroke does not have to mean that a person can no longer do the things he or she wants to do, but it may mean doing those things differently than prior to the stroke. Stroke rehabilitation with Occupational Therapy is a foundational component in unlocking new ways of doing and being. Learn more about our OT Clinical Services for Stroke Rehabilitation...
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