Foundational course in psychological theories and OT frames of reference for mental health practice

Apply and analyze the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, and diversity factors

This course is foundational to all practice areas and inculcates in students the importance of psychological support for all clients. Students will learn about psychological theories and OT frames of reference used in acute and community-based mental health practice. Students will gain an understanding of the origins of the theories and frames of reference used in psychiatry and the evaluation methods, role of the OT, and interventions used to influence occupational performance. A psychotropic lecture will inform students about the types of medications commonly used in practice and their side-effects. Students will also learn about group process and dynamics and how to design and implement group interventions for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. These concepts will be practiced in the laboratory section of this course, and in particular, theory and evidence-based groups in stress and illness management, time management, coping skills, values clarification, leisure, and Ross’s Five-Step Group will be performed and evaluated. Students will use standardized and non-standardized screening and assessment tools to determine the need for OT intervention as well as practice documentation and exhibit professional skills in laboratory course. 

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 1. Apply and analyze the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, and diversity factors, as well as lifestyle choices in contemporary society to meet the needs of persons, groups, and populations. (B1.2; lecture 11, Final Exam)

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the social determinants of health for persons, groups, and populations with or at risk for disabilities and chronic health conditions. This must include an analysis of the epidemiological factors that impact the public health and welfare of populations. (B 1.3; by completion of readings, Evidence Based Practice Paper) 3. Apply, analyze, and evaluate scientific evidence, theories, models of practice, and frames of reference that underlie the practice of occupational therapy to guide and inform interventions for persons, groups, and populations in a variety of practice contexts and environments. (B 2.1; Lectures 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, treatment plan assignment, & group leadership, performance on exams)

4. Analyze occupational therapy history, philosophical base, theory, and sociopolitical climate and their importance in meeting society’s current and future occupational needs as well as how these factors influence and are influenced by practice. (B 3.1; lecture 1, 14 , completion of readings)

5. Apply and analyze scientific evidence to explain the importance of balancing areas of occupation; the role of occupation in the promotion of health; and the prevention of disease, illness, and dysfunction for persons, groups, and populations. (B 3.4 Evidence Based Practice Paper, Evidence brief, performance on exams )

Demonstrate knowledge of social determinants of health

6. Analyze the effects of disease processes including heritable diseases, genetic conditions, mental illness, disability, trauma, and injury on occupational performance. ( B 3.5; Occupational Profile Assignment, Treatment Plan; performance on exams, Mental Health Recovery Experience Assignment)

7. Demonstrate therapeutic use of self, including one’s personality, insights, perceptions, and judgments, as part of the therapeutic process in both individual and group interaction. (B 4.1; Lab activities, Listening Scripts, Group Leadership, Compassionate Listening)

8. Demonstrate clinical reasoning to evaluate, analyze, diagnose, and provide occupation- based interventions to address client factors, performance patterns, and performance skills. (B 4.2 Evidence Based Practice Paper, Treatment Plan, Listening Script)

9. Utilize clinical reasoning to facilitate occupation-based interventions that address client factors. This must include interventions focused on promotion, compensation, adaptation, and prevention. (B 4.3 Evidence Based Practice Paper, Treatment Plan, Group Leadership) 3

10. Evaluate client(s)’ occupational performance, including occupational profile, by analyzing and selecting standardized and non-standardized screenings and assessment tools to determine the need for occupational therapy intervention(s). Assessment methods must take into consideration cultural and contextual factors of the client. Interpret evaluation findings of occupational performance and participation deficits to develop occupation-based intervention plans and strategies. Intervention plans and strategies must be client centered, culturally relevant, reflective of current occupational therapy practice, and based on available evidence. (B 4.4, Assessment Lab, Occupational Profile, treatment plan, class discussion, completion of case studies in lab)

11. Select and apply assessment tools, considering client needs, and cultural and contextual factors. Administer selected standardized and nonstandardized assessments using appropriate procedures and protocols. Interpret the results based on psychometric properties of tests considering factors that might bias assessment results (e.g., culture and disability status related to the person and context). (B 4.5 Assessment Lab, Completion of case studies in lab, evidence based practice paper)

12. Collect, analyze, and report data in a systematic manner for evaluation of client and practice outcomes. Report evaluation results and modify practice as needed. (B 4.6 case studies in lab, Occupational Profile, assessment lab)

13. Interpret the evaluation data in relation to accepted terminology of the profession and explain the findings to the interprofessional team. (B 4.8 treatment plan, documentation practice in lab)

14. Design and implement intervention strategies to remediate and/or compensate for functional cognitive deficits, visual deficits, and psychosocial and behavioral health deficits that affect occupational performance. (B 4.9 treatment plan, evidence based practice paper, group leadership)

15. Identify occupational needs through effective communication with patients, families, communities, and members of the interprofessional team in a responsive and responsible manner that supports a team approach to the promotion of health and wellness. (B 4.23 compassionate listening, listening scripts, lab activities)

16. Demonstrate effective intraprofessional OT/OTA collaboration to: Identify the role of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in the screening and evaluation process. Demonstrate and identify techniques in skills of supervision and collaboration with occupational therapy assistants. (B. 4.24 OTA interview assessment)

17. Develop a plan for discharge from occupational therapy services in collaboration with the client and members of the interprofessional team by reviewing the needs of the client, caregiver, family, and significant others; available resources; and discharge environment. (B 4.28 treatment plan, class discussions)

18. Demonstrate knowledge of various reimbursement systems and funding mechanisms (e.g., federal, state, third party, private payer), appeals mechanisms, treatment/diagnosis codes (e.g., CPT®, ICD, DSM® codes), and coding and 4 documentation requirements that affect consumers and the practice of occupational therapy. Documentation must effectively communicate the need and rationale for occupational therapy services. (B. 4.29 documentation practice in lab, treatment plan)

19. Identify, analyze, and advocate for existing and future service delivery models and policies, and their potential effect on the practice of occupational therapy and opportunities to address societal needs. (B. 5.2 lecture 14 and final exam) Course Texts and Other Reference Material The teaching methods for this course may include lecture, discussion, guest lectures, presentations, and instructor feedback.