Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) have enough capabilities and competencies to not only perform routine support work but also realize their potential to increase the success of medical interventions. For instance, according to Coviello, Potvin, and Lockhart-Keene (2019), students in this profile mention collaboration as an effective method of helping those patients who are temporarily immobilized and unable to fulfill their daily needs individually. Based on the study conducted by the authors, approximately 81% of OTAs surveyed noted a gradual increase in workload as they progressed, which, nonetheless, influenced their professionalism positively (Coviello et al., 2019, p. 9).
Despite difficult tasks that specialists in this field face, their activities are of high importance. According to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists et al. (2018), OTAs have a positive impact on the global healthcare system as a whole due to the help they provide and their dedication to hard work. The qualities that distinguish employees of this specialty are responsibility, dedication, professionalism, and the desire to help patients with temporary challenges. The concept of occupational therapy involves diligence and patience, and medical personnel with appropriate training are the link that helps a person to return to normal life. Coviello et al. (2019) note that employees in this field have sufficient clinical competencies to plan treatment activities and act as the objects of authority delegation conducted by senior colleagues. Accordingly, the importance of these specialists’ work in the context of the healthcare system cannot be overestimated. The experience of world practice proves that even in severe cases, the assistance provided by OTAs may be a significant incentive to help patients recover from incidents and restore their lost mobility.
References
Coviello, J. M., Potvin, M. C., & Lockhart-Keene, L. (2019). Occupational therapy assistant students’ perspectives about the development of clinical reasoning. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 7(2), 1-14. Web.
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), Freeman, A. R., Shaw, L., Turcotte, S., de Montenegro, A. L. A., Alzamora, C. C.,… García, G. G. (2018). Decent work and occupational therapy: Conceptual links and overview of the field. World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin, 74(2), 81-82. Web.