Occupational Therapy in the Emergency Department

Course overview

This introductory course delves into the pivotal role of occupational therapists (OTs) within the emergency department (ED) setting, addressing the gap in literature regarding the exclusive impact of occupational therapy outcomes in this context. Participants will explore evidence supporting OT contributions, including reducing hospital admissions and readmissions, increasing patient and staff satisfaction, and decreasing average wait times in the ED. Additionally, OTs play a crucial role in cost savings and optimizing functional performance and well-being by addressing physical and behavioral health needs. Occupational therapists' educational backgrounds uniquely equip them to contribute to interprofessional teams in the ED, with expertise in medical, social, behavioral, psychological, psychosocial, and occupational sciences. This course provides evidence-based guidelines for developing and implementing occupational therapy services in the ED, highlighting the benefits of OT services, assessments, and interventions for providing client-centered care in this emerging practice setting. Join us to discover how OTs, with their unique skill set, are essential members of the ED team, performing evaluations, providing treatment interventions, and accessing community services to enhance patient outcomes.