skillfactor-pipeline/skills/occupational-therapist/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — occupational therapist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-1122.00 (Occupational Therapists).

Task statements

• [Core] Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
• [Core] Complete and maintain necessary records.
• [Core] Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
• [Core] Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
• [Core] Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
• [Core] Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
• [Core] Recommend changes in patients' work or living environments, consistent with their needs and capabilities.
• [Core] Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs or coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
• [Core] Help clients improve decision making, abstract reasoning, memory, sequencing, coordination, and perceptual skills, using computer programs.
• [Core] Develop and participate in health promotion programs, group activities, or discussions to promote client health, facilitate social adjustment, alleviate stress, and prevent physical or mental disability.
• [Core] Provide training and supervision in therapy techniques and objectives for students or nurses and other medical staff.
• [Core] Design and create, or requisition, special supplies and equipment, such as splints, braces, and computer-aided adaptive equipment.
• [Core] Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
• [Core] Lay out materials such as puzzles, scissors and eating utensils for use in therapy, and clean and repair these tools after therapy sessions.
• [Core] Advise on health risks in the workplace or on health-related transition to retirement.
• [Core] Conduct research in occupational therapy.
• [Supplemental] Provide patients with assistance in locating or holding jobs.

Detailed work activities

• Advise communities or institutions regarding health or safety issues.
• Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
• Assist clients in handling details of daily life.
• Assist patients with daily activities.
• Clean medical equipment or facilities.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
• Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
• Design medical devices or appliances.
• Design public or employee health programs.
• Develop treatment plans that use non-medical therapies.
• Direct healthcare delivery programs.
• Encourage patients or clients to develop life skills.
• Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
• Fabricate medical devices.
• Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
• Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
• Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
• Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
• Record patient medical histories.
• Supervise patient care personnel.
• Train caregivers or other non-medical personnel.
• Train medical providers.