The Distinct Role of Occupational Therapy in Hospice and Palliative Care

Course Description:

This intermediate-level course provides specific and specialized information beyond the education and typical experience of the occupational therapy generalist.  Differences between palliative care and hospice care are explored from an occupational therapy (OT) perspective.  The transition from a rehabilitation, occupational performance mindset to an end of life, occupational participation perspective is highlighted.  The course provides a foundation of the philosophy and practice of end-of-life care and prepares the OT practitioner for more non-traditional, non-progressive, high priority, and time-sensitive goals and treatment plans. The course keeps an occupation-based perspective beyond the traditional 9 occupational categories of Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 4th Edition (OTPF 4).   As a part of the interdisciplinary team, the course also provides OT non-pharmacological interventions for symptom management, prevention and safety. Multiple case studies are presented