PhysicalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-6258


Upper Limb Prosthetic Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapists: Evaluation

Upper Limb Prosthetic Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapists: Evaluation
October 1, 2015
Share:

Evaluation/Clinical Assessment

The evaluation of patients with these challenges is really not that different from any of the evaluations that we use with other populations. It consists of clinical assessment, outcomes, measures and tools, developing a plan of care, understanding the importance of our evaluations in contributing to medical necessity, and serving as communication to collaborate with the prosthetist.  I will give you some resources and some references.

Our clinical assessment includes many of the aspects of a standard evaluation. We want to consider the demographics, our patient's past medical history, their prosthetic history, the condition of their limbs, their occupation and the requirements of that occupation, their levels of function, their range of motion, strength, myosite evaluation, functional evaluation and outcomes measures.

Demographics

Now we are going to talk a little bit more about all of these aspects specifically. The demographic aspect is kind of a no-brainer for most of us. Right? We want to make sure that we have identifiers, like our patient's name and their date of birth. We often will include things like their chronological age, their height, their weight, their hand dominance, especially prior to an acquired loss, and then their diagnosis, which is the reason for referral to occupational therapy. Sometimes our patients have comorbidities and related challenges, and we will talk about those in a few minutes.

Past Medical History

We also want to look at our patient's medical history. We want to know what their general medical history was before their time of loss. If it's congenital, we want to know everything aside from their limb loss; any surgeries that they may have had or any comorbidities. For example, if we are seeing someone who lost their limb due to a blast injury, some of their comorbidities may be related to perceptual deficits, brain injury, etc. If our patient has lost their limb due to a disease process, there may be sensation issues or lack of vascular sufficiency so we want to be aware of some of those as well.

What medications are our patients taking? And we want to be aware of any potential side effects of those because some of those side effects can impact learning. Some side effects may account for a short attention span, a higher frustration level, or a host of other problems that can impact how they learn.

We want to get a history of limb loss. I have to say that when I am conducting an evaluation for a first-time patient I do not really jump into this particular area. I wait until I have established a little bit of a relationship before I ask my patients to talk about something that may be painful for them.



Related Courses

Supporting the LGBTQ Senior in Healthcare
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Recorded Webinar
Course: #4096Level: Intermediate2 Hours
This training describes the required elements for responding to the emerging needs of long term care communities to provide sensitive and respectful services to LGBT elders. The training reviews definitions related to sexual orientation and gender identity challenges experienced by LGBT older adults, and strategies for communication and policies that honor residents' rights. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.

Alzheimer's and Other Dementias: Overview for Healthcare Professionals
Presented by Megan L. Malone, MA, CCC-SLP
Recorded Webinar
Course: #4864Level: Introductory1 Hour
An overview for healthcare professionals about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders is provided in this course. Characteristics of the dementias, such as symptoms, progression, and how they are diagnosed, are described. Care planning strategies for improving communication with patients and families, understanding and managing behavioral challenges, and promoting independence are also discussed.

Wheelchair Seating: Considerations for the Hands-Free Sitter
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Recorded Webinar
Course: #3585Level: Advanced1 Hour
Wheelchair seating is designed to provide postural support and alignment, stability for function and mitigate pressure issues. This course will address assessment and intervention when working with a client who can sit without the support of their hands, referred to as the ‘hands-free’ sitter.

Complex and Chronic Impairment in Concussion
Presented by Laura Morris, PT, NCS
Recorded Webinar
Course: #4353Level: Intermediate2 Hours
This webinar will include an exploration of the various etiologies of dysfunction following mTBI, including, headache, visual/oculomotor impairment, chronic dizziness, and pain. The challenging issue of prioritizing intervention and appropriate referral to other medical practitioners will be discussed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.

Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for .5 hour of general and 1.5 hour of Direct Access CE credit.

Interdisciplinary Approach To Stroke Rehabilitation: Outpatient, Home Health, And Community Rehabilitation Phase
Presented by Alaena McCool, MS, OTR/L, CPAM, Katherine George, PT, DPT
Recorded Webinar
Course: #4609Level: Intermediate2 Hours
The unique relationship between the occupational and physical therapist when treating an acute, subacute, or chronic stroke diagnosis will be distinguished in this two-part series. Part two will focus on the subacute and chronic stroke, differentiating the home, outpatient, and community phases of rehabilitation, as well as examining the evaluation, evidence, and interventions in each setting to optimize independence for the patient.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.