OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Do Occupational Therapists Address Medication Side Effects In Home Health?

Christine Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

August 22, 2016

Share:

Question

Do occupational therapists address medication side effects in home health?

Answer

We do from the point of view of medication management as an occupation. We address medication side effects as they interfere with occupations and help the person advocate for that. Weight gain is often a side effect of a medication and very common in mental health. We might help them look at how to reduce calories, or identify activities to increase exercise. In terms of medication side effects, we would also look for things like tremors, or other adverse effects that might need to be reported to the physician. Whereas at an in-patient unit, there would be other eyes looking at that person.


christine helfrich

Christine Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Christine Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA is an Associate Professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy at American International College. She has worked clinically and developed student fieldwork programs throughout the spectrum of mental health settings. Her research focuses on understanding and meeting the needs of those least likely to receive occupational therapy services. Her work has defined the role of occupational therapy with survivors of domestic violence and people who have experienced homelessness as she seeks to include the voice of clients in all aspects of research, teaching, service, and fieldwork development. The interdependence of practice, research, and education is apparent in her work and focus on social learning and occupational justice.
 


Related Courses

Disability Inclusion: What Healthcare Providers Need To Know
Presented by Kathryn Sorensen, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC
Video

Presenter

Kathryn Sorensen, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC
Course: #5632Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'eye opening'   Read Reviews
As a person with a disability and an occupational therapist, I have a unique perspective of living in two worlds. In this course, I will share my personal experience and things I wish healthcare providers knew and understood about living with a disability.

Incontinence: A Home Program to Stop Leaks and Teach Healthy Bladder and Bowel Habits
Presented by Tiffany Lee, MA, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPC
Video

Presenter

Tiffany Lee, MA, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPC
Course: #5384Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'the presenter was very knowledgeable'   Read Reviews
Millions of Americans are negatively impacted by bladder dysfunction. This course discusses the OT’s role in treating incontinence, bladder urgency, and nocturia. It also summarizes treatment applications, practical strategies, successful home programs, and how to become board certified in this specialty field.

Restorative Yoga: An Integrative Approach To Promote Occupational Performance
Presented by Richard Sabel, MA, MPH, OTR, GCFP
Video

Presenter

Richard Sabel, MA, MPH, OTR, GCFP
Course: #5901Level: Introductory1.5 Hours
  'Very engaging, informative presentation! I enjoyed the interactive aspect a lot'   Read Reviews
The past decade has seen an exponential growth in the use mindfulness-based interventions among health professionals. This program will explore how restorative yoga can be used by occupational therapy practitioners to promote occupational performance.

Treating Sleep Deficits In Individuals With Neurological Impairment Utilizing Occupation-Based Sleep Interventions
Presented by Yvonne Monti, OTD, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Yvonne Monti, OTD, OTR/L
Course: #5646Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Great topic'   Read Reviews
The incidence of sleep deficits in the neurological population, as well as the secondary occupational deficits related to fatigue, will be discussed in this course. Occupation-based sleep assessment and intervention techniques will also be introduced.

Expanding Ergonomic Concepts Across Areas Of Occupation
Presented by Sara Loesche, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Video

Presenter

Sara Loesche, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Course: #5647Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'This was very applicable to my professional and personal life'   Read Reviews
Applying ergonomic concepts to areas of occupation outside of the domain of work will be reviewed in this course. Rest and sleep, IADLs, education, and leisure participation will also be explored in order to support the health and wellness of persons, groups, and populations using occupational therapy activity analysis and ergonomic principles.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.