Principles of Occupational Therapy

Class
Introduction to occupational therapy including the historical development and philosophy. Emphasis is on the roles of the occupational therapy assistant. Topics include occupation in daily life; education and functions; occupational therapy personnel; current health care environment; and morel, legal, and ethical issues.

Online Component

Some components of this course may be computer based. Student access to a computer/printer is always required for completing assignments. Computers are available to students in the Academic Support Center in the Mineral Wells Education Center.

Tutoring Available

The Academic Support Center offers tutoring in a variety of subjects and can assist students with writing skills and in researching material for courses. It is located in the Mineral Wells Education Center and is currently open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additional hours may soon be available as need arises.

Tasks

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and philosophy basis of the occupational therapy profession (B.2.1.).
    1. Discuss the influence of other practice philosophies on the development of occupational therapy.
    2. Identify the founders of the profession and their impact on the developing OT practice
    3. Discuss the development and historical role of the occupational therapy assistant.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of global issues that impact provision of health care services (B.1.9.).
    1. Define normal daily occupation and identify how illness or injury can disrupt performance.
    2. Articulate the importance of understanding the impact of social conditions, diversity, sociocultural issues, socioeconomic issues, and lifestyle choices on the health care needs of contemporary society.
    3. Discuss the moral, legal, and ethical issues that can impact provision of health care, including occupational therapy services.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of occupational therapy practice (B.9.1.).
    1. Articulate the core values and guiding principles.
    2. Identify the importance of balance in achieving health and wellness.
    3. Describe the impact of motivation on functional performance of daily occupations.
    4. Define and demonstrate therapeutic use of self.
    5. Explain the role of occupation in health promotion and prevention.
  4. Explain the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and how it is used in practice (B.3.1.).
    1. Describe the meaning and dynamics of occupation and activity, including the areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, activity demands, contexts, and client factors.
    2. Articulate the impact of culture and context on functional performance of daily occupations.
  5. Describe and apply the various Models of Practice and Frames of Reference that are currently being utilized in OT practice (B.3.2.).
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between a Model of Practice and a Frame of Reference.
    2. Articulate examples of how various frames of reference could assist a practitioner in making day-to-day decisions in intervention with a variety clients from different populations.
  6. Compare and contrast the education and roles of the occupational therapist and the occupational therapy assistant (B.4.4.).
    1. Apply the descriptions provided by AOTA.
  7. Discuss current practice settings and emerging practice arenas (B.7.1.).
  8. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills (B.1.1.).
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of Medical Terminology.
    2. Use proper grammar and spelling in all written communication.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to be discriminate in choosing supportive literature.
    4. Maintain professional behavior in all therapeutic interactions.
  9. Demonstrate basic computer competency (B.1.3).
    1. Utilize computers, printers, Internet, email, and course software as required to complete the course.
    2. Apply technology to enroll, manage assignments, complete examinations and assignments, etc. as required.
    3. Utilize the Academic Support Center as needed.
  10. Demonstrate a basic understanding of Evidence-Based Practice (B.8.1.).
    1. Articulate the importance of professional research and literature and the continued development of the profession.
    2. Utilize technology resources to locate studies that support the use of occupational therapy interventions.
    3. Articulate the differences between the various levels of evidence.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to do a basic evaluation of the quality of a research study.
Course Learning Objectives

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and philosophy basis of the occupational therapy profession (B.2.1.).
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of global issues that impact provision of health care services (B.1.9.).
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of occupational therapy practice (B.9.1.).
  4. Explain the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and how it is used to guide OT practitioners in practice (B.3.1.).
  5. Describe and apply the various Models of Practice and Frames of Reference that are currently being utilized in practice (B.3.2.).
  6. Compare and contrast the education and roles of the occupational therapist and the occupational therapy assistant (B.4.4.).
  7. Discuss current practice settings and emerging practice arenas (B.7.1.).
  8. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills (B.1.1.).
  9. Demonstrate basic computer competency (B.1.3.).
  10. Demonstrate a basic understanding of evidence-based practice (B.8.1.).
End of Course Outcomes

Articulate the history and philosophy of occupational therapy; differentiate frames of reference; contrast the education, roles, and functions of occupational therapy personnel; describe occupational performance areas, skills, and contexts; compare practice areas; explain the concepts of ethics in occupational therapy practice; and demonstrate patient/practitioner interaction.

Required Textbooks

Ryan’s Occupational Therapy Assistant: Principles, Practice, Issues, and Techniques (4th ed.) Slack. ISBN-13: 978-1-55642-740-4
Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (2nd ed.) American Occupational Therapy Association ISBN-13: 978-1-56900-265-0
Medical Terminology Systems (6th ed.) TEXT ONLY F. A. Davis ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-2090-2
Taber’s Cyclopedia Medical Dictionary (21st ed.) F. A. Davis ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-1559-5

Evaluation Standards

Assignments:

All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period unless otherwise stated and are expected to be original, independent work. Each assignment should be neat and legible, with correct spelling and grammar. Acceptance of assignments that are late due to an absence, are at the discretion of the instructor. Points may be lost for violating any of this policy. No occupational therapy assistant courses provide extra credit opportunities.

Make-ups of quizzes or examinations is at the discretion of the instructor. No quiz, examination, or final may be taken early. Any make-up quizzes or examinations that are allowed must be taken on the first day the student returns to campus following an absence. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor and arrange a time for any make-up quiz or exam. Failure to take any required quiz or examination will result in a grade of zero (0).

Professional conduct and communication are considered to be essential skills in the healthcare professions and are required in the classroom as well as in any on-line course environment. Students are expected to be polite and respectful whether talking face-to-face, e-mailing, chatting , or posting online. Behavior that is disruptive (i.e., excessive talking, rudeness to others, distracting behaviors such as leaving and re-entering class, cell phones ringing, etc.) will not be tolerated. Cell phones must be placed on silence during classes. Grade points can be deducted for any inappropriate behaviors. If at any time during the semester a problem of this nature is encountered or any specific concerns arise, please do not hesitate to contact the course instructor for assistance. Students deserve a positive learning environment without disruptions that may negatively impact their learning opportunities.

Attendance Policy

Attendance Guidelines:
Occupational therapy is a profession that requires “hands-on” learning experiences. Therefore, class attendance is essential and mandatory. Late arrivals to class, leaving during class without permission, or leaving class early will not be tolerated. Any abuse of this expectation may result in a grade reduction of 10% or greater. If a student has an emergency situation that will result in a violation of this policy the student is expected to contact the instructor immediately to avoid any grade reduction.

Attendance Guidelines for On-Line Component:
If the course has an on-line component, attendance will be documented by the timely submission of scheduled on-line assignments.. On-line assignments submitted after the required deadlines will not be accepted . Students may be required to attend on-campus, on-line proctored examinations. The instructor will provide the necessary information if needed. Format for an examinations may be hardcopy or computer-based, as determined by the instructor.

Instructional Methods

May include the lectures, labs, group discussion, audio-visual materials, individual and group structured activities, and/or computer-based activities.

Required Materials
Laptop or other materials for note taking. Computer skills and access, and regular email availability are required for completing course assignments and general course communication.
Grading Standards

The class grade will be determined as follows:

Quizzes 20%
Midterm Exam 30
Final Exam 30%
Assignments 20%
⎯⎯⎯
Total 100%

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Student Intellectual Property Rights
A student shall retain all rights to work created as a part of instruction or using College District technology resources.
SCANS
The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) identified Competencies in the areas of Resources, Interpersonal, Information, Systems, and Technology; and foundation skills in the areas of Basic Skills, Thinking Skills, and Personal Qualities. This course is part of a program in which each of these Competencies and Skills are integrated. The specific SCANS Competencies that are recognized throughout this course are noted at the end of the appropriate Competencies or Task listed.
Contact Hours
96
Revised
Fall 2021
Last Modified
Monday, September 13, 2021, 10:06 AM