What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists, or OTs, are health professionals who work with people who, for a variety of health-related reasons, experience challenges managing day-to-day living skills that limit their participation in activities that are important and meaningful to them. OTs work with people across the lifespan to enable them to return to or participate in occupations, which refer to everyday activities that people need to do, want to do, or are expected to do. These can include:
- Self-care – dressing, bathing, functional mobility
- Productivity – work, school, play
- Leisure – socialization, recreation, hobbies
OTs are unique as we are the only healthcare profession that focuses on occupation as both a therapeutic tool and an outcome when working with clients. We take a holistic approach to healthcare, in which we consider the person, the environment, and occupational factors when providing care to clients. OTs work with clients and communities to regain the skills needed for daily life that have been reduced or lost due to chronic disease, injury, mental health issues, or other health conditions (OT Ontario).
What do Women’s College Hospital OTs do?
With just six OTs, we are a small but mighty group! At Women’s College, you will find us in in a variety of programs across the hospital, including mental health programs, Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI), Wellness for Independent Seniors Clinic (WISE), breast cancer rehabilitation, rheumatology programs, general internal medicine, and many more!
WCH OTs implement a diverse set of skills and interventions with clients, including:
- Several therapy groups and programs
- Cognitive assessments
- Education groups
- Exercise programs
- Falls prevention
- Return-to-work
- And many more!
OTs supported their clients to return to activities of daily living, social, and leisure occupations, while managing to deliver some incredible moments. This month, show your appreciation for WCH OTs and than them for all they do for our patients!