Occupational Therapist (OT)

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At the beginning of 131 module we have been presented with a lot of new and important information which has helped me to understand the complexity involved in the role of an Occupational Therapist (OT).Through the information presented in this module, I have been able to learn about the significance of following the various stages that make up the entire OT process and also about how all of the various steps involved are linked to and influenced by each other. In this essay I will use my learning and knowledge regarding OT to reflect on what I’ve learnt about one of the steps of the OT process called goal setting, the meaning of setting goals together with the service user, the way in which this learning influenced my attitude towards my future…show more content…
It involves the sitting together of the occupational therapist with the service user in order to determine the aims, objectives and goals of the occupational therapy process, the achievement of which would illustrate success. Through the knowledge gained in the module I have learned that for goal setting to be successful, it is important that the goals set are specific, measurable and attainable in nature. Specific goals have been found to produce higher levels of performance and success than ambiguous goals (Locke, 1968). Furthermore, it is also significant to analyze the resulting impact from the achievement of the goals. It is important to consider the result of attaining the specified goals, insuring that they are associated with positive and valuable impacts on the service user (Fried & Slowik, 2004). Goals should also be time-bound and have a clearly identified target date. I have also learnt that when setting goals it is highly important for the therapist to help the service user expand his focus, avoid the mixing up of strategies with goals, and to address those goals first that are expected to provide the most immediate relief to the client with the least possible…show more content…
The various things I have learnt about this phenomenon have also influenced my attitudes toward my future placement as an occupational therapist. Starting off a conversation with the service user about goals at the very start of the therapeutic relationship can aid occupational therapists to practice in a correctly user-centred fashion. Goal setting at the commencement of the therapy is therefore, essential to competent and meaningful occupational therapy practice. I have realized that goal setting, when working in a hospital framework, is much more straightforward and usually revolves around specific skills aimed at a timely and safe discharge. On the other hand, when working with clients in a community setting for example, the goals of therapy may be less perceptible and it may seem like there is an array of pressing issues which make it cumbersome to establish the starting point. Clients may need assistive devices and other equipment that ensures their safety and they may have various physical and cognitive deficits. Therefore, the setting of goals and the entire process of occupational therapy may become somewhat more complex for a therapist working privately as compared to one working in a hospital setting and
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