Rehabilitation Therapists

Roles and Relationships with Case Managers, Health Professionals

and Treatment Teams

PRESENTER: Arden McGregor, M.A., C. Psych. Assoc., CBIT, Executive Director, Brainworks Corporation

TreatmenTreatment Teamt Team

ClientFamilyCase ManagerVarious ProfessionalsRehabilitation Therapist

RehabilitatiRehabilitation Therapiston Therapist

Unregulated ProfessionTitle UnprotectedVast Differences

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Life Skills CoachLife Skills Coach

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation CounsellorCounsellor

Therapy Therapy Support WorkerSupport Worker

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation AssistantAssistant

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation CoachCoach

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Support WorkerSupport Worker

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation WorkerWorker

Definition of a Definition of a Rehabilitation Rehabilitation

TherapistTherapist

Characteristics

Hands-onFront-lineGeneralists

Definition of a Definition of a Rehabilitation Rehabilitation

TherapistTherapist

Relationship with treating professionals

Translate <> Implement

Prescribed goals, intervention tools & clinical directionInto practical, meaningful integrated treatment protocols

Definition of a Definition of a Rehabilitation Rehabilitation

TherapistTherapist

RT’s Must Be:

FacilitatorsMotivatorsCommunicatorsIntegratorsChameleons

Core Skills of an Core Skills of an EffectiveEffective

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Interpersonal Skills

Engaging Therapeutically Allied Focused & Positive

Core Skills of an Core Skills of an EffectiveEffective

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Approach

FlexibleClient-centeredIndividualizedTeam-player

Core Skills of an Core Skills of an EffectiveEffective

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Confidence

Needs confidence to instill confidenceTrust in therapeutic processRT is supported

Core Skills of an Core Skills of an EffectiveEffective

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

The “Match”

Important Factors that mean nothing to teame.g. Gender? Heritage? Hair colour? Age?

Qualifications of Qualifications of an Effectivean Effective

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Education

Wide varietyCollege or University

Qualifications of Qualifications of an Effectivean Effective

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Professional Experience

Wide varietyBroad experience helpful

Qualifications of Qualifications of an Effectivean Effective

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Relevant Knowledge / Skills

Cognitive, Behavioural, Psychosocial & PhysicalDisability CharacteristicsKnow Why, not just HowMentoring / Workshops / Conferences

What is the RoleWhat is the Roleof aof a

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Implement Prescribed Treatment

“Creativity”… or not

What is the RoleWhat is the Roleof aof a

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Facilitate Independence

SchoolWorkHomeCommunity

What is the RoleWhat is the Roleof aof a

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Integrate Goals

Into sessionsInto meaningful activities

What is the RoleWhat is the Roleof aof a

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Communicate

ObjectiveObservations / DataProgress & BarriersCommunication Protocols

What is the RoleWhat is the Roleof aof a

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation TherapistTherapist

Observe

“Eyes & Ears” of team Detail-oriented Real-life, In Context Advocate for Client

Chameleon

Typical Day for Typical Day for ananRTRT

Varied Day-to-Day Activities

7:00 am – FarmerMorning RoutineFeed AnimalsManaging FrustrationEquipment Repair

Typical Day for Typical Day for ananRTRT

Varied Day-to-Day Activities

10:30 am – ApartmentIndependent LivingLabeling CupboardsRoutine with answering machine

Typical Day for Typical Day for ananRTRT

Varied Day-to-Day Activities

1:00 pm - School Impulse ControlUse of railsSafety at recess

Clients VaryClients Vary

Male / FemaleAcross the LifespanAll Disability Groups

So What !?So What !?

Costs / BenefitsMost Effective UsePitfalls to Avoid

Costs & benefitsCosts & benefits

Costs

Between $50 - $78/hrAuto InsurersPrivate Payers

Costs & BenefitsCosts & Benefits

Benefits

Revolving Door

Costs & BenefitsCosts & Benefits

Sessions Occur in Context

Relevant to ClientReal-LifeBroader PerspectiveGeneralization

Costs & BenefitsCosts & Benefits

Therapy Activities

Integrated Alternated

Tolerance for TherapyAddress Various Goals through Same TaskImproves Interest

Costs & BenefitsCosts & Benefits

Strong Behavioural Emphasis

Observe & Address concerns in various contexts/settings/levels of structureConsistency with Approach

How can RT’s be How can RT’s be used Effectively?used Effectively?

Pick the Right OneProvide Specific GoalsBe Clear on ExpectationsFacilitate Communication

Pitfalls to AvoidPitfalls to Avoid

Boundary ViolationsProfessional GuidelinesProfessional Support

Dependency IssuesPlan for “Discharge” on Day #1

Questions / Questions / CommentsComments