We need more OT in cognition.

The Functional Cognition Chronicles: Issue 35 - We need more OT in cognition.

Last week I spoke about the importance of cognition being woven into every aspect of our process. Cognition could be — and should be — a key strength, and as OTs one of our roles is to:

Break down barriers of function in a digestible way not only for our clients, but also for the wider care team.

I’m always thinking about how we can break down those barriers in different ways to help educate others on the team.

Take this example: Lets take someone with reduced information processing working on their transfers with their Physio.

The physio is getting them practice their transfers in front of a mirror, the aim here is to self correct right transfers and wrong transfers, to assist with understanding how it should feel correctly in their body.
But what don't they know? That incorrect information is not good information for this person. We need to reduce any non necessary stimuli so that they can effectively encode the correct information. We need to be direct, to the point and clear in our feedback. We need to make sure we aren't making mistakes of the incorrect information.

This is where OT makes the difference. We can step in and explain to the Physio: “Hey, for this person, the usual strategy of letting them work it out won’t lead to learning, it will lead to confusion.” Suddenly, the whole training approach changes.

And just like that, the Physio has a new direction, the client has a clearer pathway, and everyone can expect more success. 

How we differ from Neuropsychologists

Like all professions, there’s some crossover. Some really involved NPs will naturally take this approach. But OTs bring a specific skill set — we make assessments functional in the real world.

We’re the ones who can translate cognitive theory into everyday practice. We bridge that functional gap.

Occupational Therapists are uniquely positioned to have a huge impact through cognition. There’s no harm in showing up, sharing what we know, and educating others along the way.

Until next time,
Imogen