Continuing professional development for occupational therapy emergency department services

Abstract

Australian occupational therapists in emergency departments need specialised CPD opportunities. The information needs and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats provide a CPD topic planning guide.

Occupational therapy and emergency departments: A critical review of the literature

“…As can be seen in Table 4, to date, there have been two modes of investigation into occupational therapy in the ED: those focused on outcomes (Carlill et al, 2002;Hann, 1997;Hendriksen and Harrison, 2001;Smith and Rees, 2004); and those that explore practice (Cusick et al, 2009(Cusick et al, , 2010Mearns et al, 2008). Five studies were carried-out in the countries of the UK, and two in Australia.…”

“…The studies in the UK concentrated on single centres, whereas the two Australian studies scoped national practice. Subjects (n) included in the studies varied from 30 occupational therapy participants (Cusick et al, 2009(Cusick et al, , 2010 to 1036 sets of records (Smith and Rees, 2004). There was no one over-arching model of occupational therapy delivery with services operating both 'office hours' (Hendriksen and Harrison, 2001;Smith and Rees, 2004) and extended hours (Carlill et al, 2002;Cusick et al, 2009;Hann, 1997).…”

“…As with Mearns et al (2008), a useful description of practice has been given by Cusick et al (2009), although limited detail regarding their methods mean the rigour of their findings cannot be known. Similarly, Cusick et al (2010) describe the CPD needs and availability of resources for ED occupational therapists, but likewise limited detail regarding their methods means their quality and appropriateness cannot be fully appraised.…”

A Phenomenological Study on the Perception of Occupational Therapists Practicing in the Emergency Department

“…Occupational therapy services are currently provided to patients in EDs in other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom (Carlill et al, 2002;Cusick, Johnson, & Bissett, 2010;Lee, Ross, & Tracy, 2001). While the scope of practice varies with each study, the evidence available indicates a positive view of occupational therapy interventions in the ED (Carlill et al, 2002;Cusick, Johnson, & Bissett, 2009;Cusick et al, 2010;Hendriksen & Harrison, 2001;Smith & Rees, 2004). Carlill et al (2002) conducted research in the United Kingdom to determine if the use of occupational therapy and social work providers in the ED would improve the number of safe discharges and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.…”

What information is provided in Australian emergency departments about fitness‐to‐drive after mild traumatic brain injury: A national survey

“…In light of this, Australian emergency medicine policy now recognises the increasing need for allied‐health input, including occupational therapy, to meet the requirements of the diverse and often complex patient groups who present for medical treatment (Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, ). At recent count, 41 Australian emergency departments employed a total of 51 occupational therapists in these roles (Cusick, Johnson & Bissett, ). Occupational therapists are identified as team members who can determine patient ability to perform not only basic, but also complex instrumental activities of daily living (including driving) upon discharge from the emergency department.…”