Occupational Therapy & Public Health: Interdisciplinary Community Health Projects June 13, 2012

Digital Storytelling Digital storytelling was final project for a service learning course incorporating photos with narration: -Youth Day Fair at the Yale Bowl -North Haven Fire Department Bike Safety Day -International Walk To School Day -St. Andrews Children Fair -Halloween Safety at Keefe Center

Photovoice Photovoice was a grant funded project to capture images and narration from the child’s perspective to assess a need for change of the environment in Hamden, CT.

“I saw a crack in the sidewalk and someone might trip”

Environmental Modifications to Enhance Bathing and Aging in Place in the Elderly Cherie Macri Tracy Van Oss Celeste Yanni Quinnipiac University

Overview of Project Occupational therapy students worked collaboratively with nursing students at an independent living environment to enhance safety and independence for older adults in the bathroom. A $2,000 interprofessional education grant was secured for a total of $ per study participant (4 total) to purchase items as needed. Items included a tub seat, combo hand held shower with shower head, non slip bath strips, shampoo/soap dispensers, long handle sponge, commode, lighted mirror, versa frame, bathrobe, raised toilet seat, touch censored lamp, shelving

Community Partners Preparation to work with the nursing department began 6 months prior to the class. Preparation to work with the community partner required flexibility and networking. Participants were not in place until the week prior to the student’s arrival. OT and RN faculty felt it was important for students and faculty to learn and understand the roles and responsibilities of each discipline and how those roles can complement each other. This collaborative effort led to positive attitudes and sharing of skills to facilitate effective team work and leadership.

Getting Started Visit One Consent Form Interview Mini Mental State Exam TVO Bathroom Assessment Photographs Visit Two Berg Balance Scale Modified I HOPE Discuss possible adaptive equipment Visit Three Implementation of adaptive equipment Client education and demonstration Visit Four Post survey for client & nursing student Follow up on appropriate use of equipment

OT Student Outcomes A satisfaction follow-up assessment was performed after the purchase and installation of the environmental modification(s). A follow up with the study participants will occur 4-6 weeks after visit 4 either via phone or a planned visit. The research question was: What are the most effective environmental modifications for the bathroom to reduce the risk of injury and enhance bathing in the home bathroom for older adults 65 years of age or older? In addition, pre and post surveys from the nursing perspective on the role of OT will be analyzed.

Nursing Student Outcomes Themes, Journal Entries, Visits 1-4 – Differences in Focus on Communication with Client – Sharing of Roles and Specialized Knowledge Exposure to Discipline Specific Tools – Respect for the Complementary Skills of OT and Nursing – Enhanced Benefit to Client – “Our” Way vs The Client’s Way-Resistance – Scheduling of Joint Visits

Lessons Learned  Plan early and be flexible  Network – it is all about who you know  Multi-professional vs Intraprofessional intervention  Understand the needs of the client in their home  Be realistic about the time and attention of the client  Building rapport prior to making a change  Consider adherence to new routines  Article to be published in OT Practice in September 2012

Original artwork by Suzanne Roche, OTS Questions?