Uninsured Population

As occupational therapy services diversified, serving a variety of clients in many different settings and with societal influences, the field began to evolve. During the 1990s occupational therapists began to shift away from reductionist medical model toward a more holistic client-centered approach. Services focused on enhancing individuals’ quality of life across the lifespan meaning before, during, and after therapeutic intervention. The profession began to better acknowledge the value of client education, injury and illness prevention, health screening, and health maintenance (Cole & Tufano, 2008). The field created more preventative initiatives, and focused services on improving quality of life and optimizing the independence of

The occupational therapy profession shares many objectives across the communities, clients, and families they serve. Some of these aims include: “Developing the field of occupational therapy and enhance the professions capabilities to meet the needs of the entire population, providing evidence on the efficacy of occupational therapy. This includes working with organizations and local communities, incorporating education, research, and practices as a complete whole. In addition, developing a team of professionals that innovates and adapts to the developing health needs of the population” (AOTA, 2013). This includes advocacy efforts with policymakers to ensure continued funding to provide care to individuals (AOTA, 2013). Occupational therapy is a distinctive profession that helps

This link between occupation, health and well-being (i.e. the fact that people are occupational by nature and that engagement in meaningful occupation is essential to health) forms part of the core beliefs and values – the philosophy – of the occupational therapy (OT) profession (Kramer et al, 2003). OT has its foundations in both philosophy and science, but unlike other medical professions, it was the philosophy that came first

“What if there was a job that allowed someone to have endless flexibility and creativity; a profession that is respected and is in overwhelming demand... Most importantly, wouldn’t it be nice to find a job in which you could make an impact, big or small, on the lives of each individual person you worked with? I found this job and that is why I decided to pursue a degree in occupational therapy" (Springer, J., 2015). This testimonial comes from a practicing occupational therapist who has found value in his life's work. Occupational therapy is not a job where "one size fits all"; there are many different demographics of people who need occupational therapy in different environments. Although, all occupational therapists have the same skills

The concepts and principles in the Founding Vision of 1917 and the Centennial Vision of 2007 establish a connection between our past and present. Comparing the two Visions shows that many of our modern day values were first outlined by occupational therapy’s founders a century ago. The Founding Vision reads, “The particular objects for which the corporation is formed are as follows: The advancement of occupation as a therapeutic measure; for the study of the effect of occupation upon the human being; and for the scientific dispensation of this knowledge” (National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy [NSPOT], 1917). Where the Centennial Vision reads, “We envision that occupational therapy is a powerful, widely recognized, science-driven,

Lives are changed everyday by occupational therapy assistants. I have the dedication, compassion, and ability to celebrate every miniscule improvement needed to become a successful OTA. This a quickly growing field where I can use the talents I already possess to excel. I can easily recall the differences made in my papaw’s life through occupational therapy and the way every advancement in mobility or independence was as exciting as it would be with a new

Vulnerable populations is a term that creates an image of distinct and narrow-minded minority though the vulnerability of every individual to illness, disease, and injury has made health insurance necessary and probable for a huge portion of the American population. Vulnerable populations in the United States includes parents and children of immigrants, race/ethnic minorities, the disabled poor, the elderly, foster children, families ineligible for welfare, prison inmates and former offenders, children with special care needs, and residents of rural areas. However, the uninsured population has developed to become one of the vulnerable populations in the United States because of the risks and dangers associated with the lack of health insurance. As a result of the increased of the number of the uninsured, they have a huge financial impact on the vulnerable population.

3. The role of occupational therapy today views human rights of equality, freedom, justice, dignity and truth. Occupational therapy practitioners reflect on treating

The uninsured population is also causing havoc in the health care market. This group of individuals may not have the opportunity to obtain health insurance through an employer or cannot afford the cost due to their income. The Affordable Care Act is in place to assist them with getting insurance. Many people deem this act impractical as some of the plans available are not affordable. This government is currently working on trying to eliminate this mode to receive coverage however they need to streamline the process and find ways to make this suitable for the citizens. Having insurance coverage is vital one’s health as well as the economy. Individuals without insurance are less inclined to seek care which can be detrimental to their health and

As health coverage for Americans continue to rise, what are the tax penalties for those who are not enrolled.

In accordance with Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF), “the efforts directed toward promoting occupational justice and empowering clients to seek and obtain resources to fully participate in their daily life occupations.” (Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 3rd Ed., p. S41). I consider occupational therapy to be a compassionate career, practitioners try to grant their clients’ wants and needs to better suit the

Although hospitals save many lives yearly, they also are cause behind many patients losing their lives unnecessarily. According to Healthcare IT News medical errors is the number three killer in the U.S. falling behind heart disease and cancer while taking 400,000 lives yearly (McCann, 2014). Hospitals need to spend more time training their staff so that these types of incidents rarely occur. More people die from hospital infections than being uninsured. The fact is these errors are costing the country $1 trillion dollars yearly. Some of the precautions that should be taking place are: having all employees washing their hands for 20 seconds with soap and hot water, cleaning equipment and rooms between patients, and testing patients that are

their lives to helping those in need carry out essential day-to-day actions. When questioned, “What is Occupational Therapy?” The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA) indicated, “Occupational therapy practitioners ask, ‘What matters to you?’ not, ‘What 's the matter with you?’” While there are various different aspects in the realm of Occupational Therapy, this report will allow brief background information on the occupation, how and who with occupational therapists communicate in the workplace, as well as relate all this information to Missouri State’s Public Affairs Mission. While the main focus of the report will be on communication in the workplace, I believe that it is important to relate it to oneself, so I will also address how all of this information comes together and affects me, a young Occupational Therapy student.

Occupational therapy has been in the process of continued development since the 1900’s. With several contributors helping to build the groundwork for creating the awareness needed to bring occupational therapy into the field of health care. Continued research is contributing to the ongoing significance of how occupational therapy is a vital aspect in promoting increased independences in all aspects of healthcare. (Willard, Schell, 2014) With the incorporation of “Occupational Therapy Practice Framework Domain and Process (3rd ed.)” helps creates the foundation for occupational therapy clinicians as well as other health care providers in facilitating the core believe of occupational and the relationship of health and occupation. (AOTA 2014) Therefore, providing a uniform outline of the various aspects of each individual and how they are interconnected to create the foundation of each individual. With a greater understanding of the foundations of that induvial, the clinician can then facilitate the best therapeutic treatment plan for that individual to achieve their personal goals with unified foundations of care.

This alarming and passion induced quote from Dr. Wendy Woods, represents not only the situation in 1998 but todays mindset as well. While I do not necessarily believe our profession with be “off the radar” I do understand the potential reduction or devalue of OT’s who are not able to verbalize or demonstrate their effectiveness. Although using purposeful activities that leave patients questioning their effectiveness is disappointing, performing meaningful occupations beyond basic activities of daily living (BADL’s) is challenging and often unrealistic in some settings. In contrast, settings that offer the opportunity to incorporate community integration activities, home care evaluations, and alternative treatments led (often used by self-employed