Connections In Healthcare

By David Garner MOT, OTR/L, AC As therapists (PT, OT, SLP) we wish the best life possible for our patients. Sometimes we see them making unhealthy decisions that may impede their recovery. How can we approach these topics with respect in a way that is educational without being judgemental? Topics I'm referring to including losing weight, quitting smoking or drinking, and other counterproductive lifestyle choices. For many people these behaviors may involve addiction or anxiety. They likely know they should change, but it's hard. Perhaps they have tried in the past and were met with poor results.  We are not generally experts in these areas, but we can educate our patients about healthy life choices as well as resources that may support their success. It can be awkward to bring up these topics with patients. So here is what I have found to help me approach the subject respectfully without any awkwardness.  Begin by ensuring the conversation takes place in a private setting. Som...

Journaling is a widespread practice, yet many people feel it is not for them. There is a stereotype, especially among adult men, that it is juvenal or feminine. Research has shown that it is an effective coping mechanism for people of every gender and at every stage of life. Additionally, it does not look the same for everyone. The classic trope that one needs a dedicated diary where they gush about there deepest feelings in paragraph after paragraph of vivid ink is untrue. There is no right way to journal. Let me repeat that, there is no correct way to journal. Each person does it their own way. Here is how I define journaling. The act of writing down things that clog or stick in your mind. The primary use for journaling in my view, is to help control and focus ones thoughts. Writing paragraphs is perfectly fine. Many people feel they do not have time for that. Here, I want to share a simple technique that is quick but impactful. It can be used in almost any location, private or publ...

Developed by David Garner OTR/L, MOT, AC with contribution by LaVoy Garner M. Div, CC Description: The Survey of Spiritual Needs is a short, seven question survey to assess for spiritual distress, depression and patient needs and wishes related to these issues. This survey can be completed in two to five minutes. It is intended for adult and older teen populations with abstract reasoning skills. Purpose: Screening for spiritual needs can be conducted by any healthcare personnel including patient care technicians and certified nursing assistants. The SOSN is a brief survey that will enable any healthcare professional to assess for spiritual distress and disruptions in spiritual engagement thoroughly yet quickly. It will also enable the examiner to identify solutions to help their patient re-engage with this occupation and begin to resolve present distress. It will enable the examiner to connect the patient with other appropriate resources and determine if further screening is necessary...

By David F. Garner OTR/L Nancy was a 74-year-old female who had a total left hip replacement. During the first few sessions of occupational therapy at the skilled nursing facility, her participation in therapy was greatly limited by 8-9 out of 10 pain. She refused sessions because of pain. She was taking the maximum doses of pain medicine and due to other issues, was unable to take muscle relaxers. After an assessment, I determined much of her pain was due to muscle tightness and cramps in her thigh and low back secondary to post-surgical guarding reaction.  In our third session, I tried our vibrating massager to see if that would relieve her pain. After 10 minutes of vibration set to 60 Hz, her pain decreased from 9/10 to 4/10. She then participated more easily in dressing tasks. For each subsequent session when her pain was high, she was brought to the gym a few minutes early and used the vibrating massager on herself. Sometimes, she would stay after and continue treating herself...