COTA - Therapy Acute at CARLE

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant treats patients of all ages, and serves as a role model in the delivery of professional services and as a clinical resource for staff and students.

• Follows the therapist's plan of care. Adjusts the treatment based on patient response and available evidence only after communicating with the evaluating therapist and documenting that communication in the daily note.
• Implements intervention plans that are patient-centered, occupation-based, and modified according to patient response. Demonstrates a sequential plan of treatment activities, taking into consideration the functional and emotional needs of the patient and family and within the allotted time. Adapts activities to meet physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral limitations. Changes treatment approach with consideration to the environment and outcomes being addressed.
• Collaborates with patient, family, and significant others throughout the occupational therapy process.
• Educates patients, family, caregivers, students, and other health care providers using relevant and effective teaching methods.
• Actively collaborates with the occupational therapist and seeks direction with OTR.
• Produces clear, objective, and accurate documentation that uses professional language, provides support for decisions made, and provides necessary information to payers.
• Participates in activities addressing quality of service delivery.
• Clearly and effectively communicates verbally and nonverbally with patients, families, significant others, colleagues, service providers, and the public. Communicates with other team members as needed regarding patient progress. Serves as a resource for conflict resolution.
• If applicable, completes annual education as assigned to comply with DNV Hip and Knee Replacement Program requirements.

• Implements intervention plants according to the treatment plan established by the Occupational Therapist, utilizing activities that are functional in nature and take into consideration the functional and emotional needs of the patient/family. Modified approach in response to patient behavior and performance.
• Utilized standardized outcomes measures in a uniform manner to ensure functional performance is accurately reflected
• Completes documentation in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards
• Collaborates with patient, family and significant others throughout the rehabilitation process and provides education/family training as necessary.
• Communicates with supervising Occupational Therapist when there are any changes in patient status, change in functional performance, or requested change to the treatment plan.
• Clearly communicates patient performance, change in status, activity/transfer recommendations, and recommendations for discharge disposition and equipment required for the next level of care with the medical team.