Occupational therapy and stroke
What is the OT's role in early functional recovery or maximizing independence in ADLs?
This is the primary goal of OT in the acute phase after a stroke.
What is shoulder subluxation?
Partial dislocation of the shoulder joint
OTs assess these upper limb issues, often caused by hemiplegia or spasticity
What is the Barthel Index or Functional Independence Measure (FIM)?
This assessment helps OTs evaluate a patient’s ability to complete basic daily tasks.
Who are physiotherapists?
They help people affected by injuries, illness
OTs coordinate with these professionals for early mobility and transfers.
What is basic ADL training?
This OT intervention involves helping the patient re-learn how to brush their teeth or wash their face.
What is the OT's role in assessing activities of daily living (ADLs)?
OTs assess these everyday tasks to determine the patient’s current level of function.
What is OT's role in sensory stimulation or task-specific training?
This type of stimulation can be used by OTs to promote neuroplasticity and motor recovery.
What is visual field or visual scanning?
OTs assess this aspect of visual function, often impaired after a stroke, to improve safety.
Who is a social worker or discharge planner?
OTs discuss discharge plans and home needs with this professional.
What is visual or tactile cueing?
OTs use this type of cueing to help patients improve attention to the neglected side.
What is pressure sore development or joint contractures?
These are pressure injuries due to damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue
In the acute phase, OTs often help with positioning to prevent this common post-stroke complication.
What is one-handed dressing technique?
OTs may teach this technique to help stroke patients dress independently using their unaffected side.
What is executive function?
The assessment of this skill helps determine if a patient can safely return to cooking or finances.
Who is a speech and language therapist?
OTs consult this specialist when patients have issues with feeding and swallowing.
What is task-oriented training?
To promote engagement, OTs may introduce this activity-based strategy early on.
What is attention or orientation?
This cognitive skill, often impaired after a stroke, is assessed to help ensure patient safety.
What is the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test (MVPT)?
This standardized assessment tool is commonly used by OTs to evaluate visual-perceptual deficits.
What is the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (Upper Extremity)?
This test helps determine the degree of upper limb function after stroke.
What is a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting?
OTs participate in this type of meeting to plan patient-centered care.
What is passive range of motion (PROM) exercises or stretching?
This intervention helps prevent joint stiffness and maintain ROM in affected limbs.
What is the OT's role within the multidisciplinary team (MDT)?
OTs collaborate with this team to ensure safe mobility and discharge planning.
What is a long-handled reacher or sock aid?
OTs may recommend this kind of adaptive equipment to improve self-care tasks in acute settings.
What is the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)?
The MoCA test is a simple, in-office tool that can quickly determine if there is any impairment in a person's cognitive function, including their ability to understand, reason, and remember.
Who is a clinical psychologist?
OTs may refer patients to this profession if they need emotional or psychological support.
What is safe handling, positioning, or involvement in ADLs?
OTs may educate family members about this to reduce caregiver stress and promote participation.