75285 - Occupational Therapy (CE)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of occupational therapy. They will be able to identify limitations in skills and social participation using the main independence measurement tools. They will be able to plan and implement interventions to improve the independence afforded by the residual potential of people with disabilities.

Course contents

1. Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy
Definition of Occupational Therapy (OT): key concepts, areas of intervention, objectives.
History and evolution of the theoretical models of reference (bio-psycho-social model, person-centered approach).
Professional profile of the Occupational Therapist: skills, responsibilities, and areas of practice.
Comparison between the profiles of the Occupational Therapist and the Physiotherapist: specificity, integration, and multidisciplinary teamwork.

2. Personal assessment and functional outcomes

 
Concepts of function, activity, participation, autonomy, independence, and empowerment.
ICF model: role of environmental factors and facilitators.
Person-centered assessment process and definition of rehabilitation objectives.

3. Aids, orthoses, and prostheses: definitions and classifications

Definition of aids, orthoses, and prostheses.
Price List (Ministerial Decree 332/99) and update with Prime Ministerial Decree of January 12, 2017 – New Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA)

4. Role of the Professional in Prescribing and Training
Role of the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist in Information, Guidance, and Counseling.
Choice, Customization, and Verification of Assistive Devices.
Training for Users and Caregivers.

5. Wheelchairs

Manual Wheelchair

Classification (standard, lightweight, ultra-lightweight, postural).
Selection and Customization Criteria.
Set-up, Posture, and Complication Prevention.
Efficient Self-Propulsion.
Maintenance.

Power Wheelchair
Classifications and Drive Types (Front, Center, Rear).
Control Systems (Joystick, Alternative Controls).
Training for Users and Caregivers.
6. Home Automation and Environmental Adaptations
Architectural Barriers.
Adapting the Home Environment.
Technologies for Independent Living.

7. Legislation to Support Disability
Law 13/1989
Ministerial Decree 236/1989
Regional Law 29/1997

Educational Objectives

 
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
Understand the theoretical and methodological principles of Occupational Therapy.
Conduct a person-centered functional assessment.
Know the classification and regulations relating to assistive devices.
Guide and support users in choosing and customizing assistive devices.
Train in the correct use of assistive technologies.
Promote autonomy, participation, and empowerment.

Readings/Bibliography

Radaelli, Valsecchi, Caracciolo. "Occupational Therapy. Aids and Methodologies for Independence," Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2008

Devis Trioschi, "A Custom-Made Home - Questions and Answers to Improve Home Accessibility." Download from the website: www.unacasasumisura.org

WEBSITES
www.siva.it

www.ausilioteca.org

www.handylex.org

www.valutazioneausili.it

http://www.who.int/classifications/icf

Teaching methods

• Lectures, aimed at acquiring the theoretical, regulatory, and methodological foundations of Occupational Therapy and assistive technologies.
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  Site visits and in-depth discussions with industry experts, aimed at integrating the clinical perspective with the direct experience of the person with disabilities.
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  Practical exercises, both individual and group, include functional assessment, environmental analysis, the selection and customization of assistive devices, and training in their use, including clinical case simulations.
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  The teaching approach emphasizes clinical reasoning, problem solving, and the centrality of the individual in the rehabilitation process.

Assessment methods

Oral exam and group project development

Teaching tools

PC, video projector, aids

 

Given the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance at this training program requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning and participate in the third module, which covers specific training on health and safety in study/internship settings.

Students with learning disabilities and temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the dedicated office at https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti as soon as possible to discuss appropriate compensatory measures. The request must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the instructor, who will evaluate the appropriateness of the measures, taking into account the learning objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Orinda Rucaj