Question

During an occupational therapy session, the spouse of a patient asks the OTR® to use a treatment technique described on an Internet website. The OTR® is not familiar with the technique, but the spouse insists, "There's nothing to lose by trying it." What is the BEST action for the OTR® to take in response to this request?

Answer 1

The OTR® should review research and professional guidelines to evaluate the new technique's safety and efficacy before potentially including it in a patient's care. If it's proven and safe, it might be considered; if not, other evidence-based treatments should be discussed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When approached with a request to use an unfamiliar treatment technique, the best action for an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR®) is to thoroughly investigate the technique before considering its usage. The OTR® should review current research, evidence, and professional guidelines to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the technique. It is critical to ensure that any treatment aligns with professional standards and does not pose any risk to the patient.

If, after review, the technique is deemed safe and evidence-based, the OTR® could consider incorporating it into the patient's treatment plan if it aligns with the patient's goals and preferences. However, if the technique lacks sufficient evidence or is deemed unsafe, the OTR® should educate the patient's spouse on the importance of using evidence-based practices and the potential risks associated with unproven techniques.

In cases like this, OTRs® can also consider alternatives that are evidence-based, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), social communication groups, social skills groups, and discuss these with the patient's spouse as possible options.