What is it about?
Experienced occupational therapists have specific methods they follow when coordinating discharge planning from the hospital for elderly populations. Experienced occupational therapists are more likely to prioritize client-centered collaborations with other healthcare providers and the client and family, emphasize functional cognition, and enhance occupational engagement and activities.
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Why is it important?
Effective discharge planning is central to acute care hospitalizations and client management to reduce costs and minimize client readmissions. Occupational therapists are key partners in the discharge planning process in acute care. Occupational therapists should emphasize client-centered and skilled occupational therapy assessments and recommendations that minimize the risk for acute care hospital readmissions, effectively manage resources, and optimize discharge outcomes by enabling individuals to return and stay at home.
Perspectives
An independent study in 2016 (Rogers, Bai, Lavin & Anderson) discovered that occupational therapy was the only hospital spending category where increased resources towards OT resulted in lower readmission rates for patients with heart failure, pneumonia and acute myocardial infarction. Occupational therapy is essential for optimal patient care and discharge planning, especially for the medically complex or elderly populations.
Dr. Suzanne E Holm
Regis University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Discharge Planning for the Elderly in Acute Care: The Perceptions of Experienced Occupational Therapists, Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics, August 2012, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.3109/02703181.2012.719601.
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