Hi, I am a new graduate OT from Australia. I have recently read an article by the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal called What are the attributes of excellence in acute practice occupational therapists?
In this article they state that the top three attributes required to be an outstanding practitioner include communication, self management and critical thinking.
These skills are explained in small detail and I wanted to start a discussion on what everyone thinks is required to master these skills, and whether there are other skills needed to become the "best" occupational therapist you can be.
I would love to hear everyone's thoughts and I will leave the article reference below.
Thanks,
Dylan Napper
Dylan.napper@hotmail.com
Article Reference:
Swan, J. Carr, S. Fisher, C. (2019). What are the attributes of excellence in an acute practice occupational therapist? Australian occupational therapist journal. 66, 52-60. Doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12519
Empathy, non-judgemental attitude and active listening 👂👂. I have found through my years of clinical experience building stories with my clients is the most effective way of developing a therapeutic relationship. This enables them to trust you and for them to consider advice in an objective way. A collaborative approach tends to yield the best results for all concerned 😊
I would second that great communication skills needed to effectively with with people with a wide range of abilities. And also b resourcefulness is an integral skill, i believe, especially when working in a rural setting.
Empowerment
Complete a comprehensive assessment to create goals that are appropriate and attainable. ...
Tell your client, “You can do it,” and believe it yourself. ...also make sure this is what they want and they are happy with them
Empower your client's family. ...getting them on board is important to carry these skills through when you’re not there
Teach your client a new skill that will change their life (e.g. cooking, etc). ...again something they want to do
Don't give upl
Clinical excellence / critical thinking skills, creativity , compassion and an accurate moral compass that always points you in the right direction to provide ethical and evidence based treatments and care. 👍😊🇱🇷
Thank you for this excellent question [@dylan.napper]! We'll bring your post to the attention of our Members via social media in the coming days. We look forward to getting the conversation flowing! Warm regards The OT Hub Team hubteam@theOThub.com