OTA 190 - Occupational Performance in Pediatrics

Credits: 3
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
Lab Contact Hours: 2
Description: This course introduces students to the role and function of occupational therapy with pediatric populations up to young adults. Normal pediatric development, disease processes and disabilities, as well as cognitive and psychosocial function will be covered. Students will learn to analyze factors that contribute to occupational performance and to select evidence-based evaluation and intervention strategies within the scope of practice of an occupational therapy assistant. Pediatric health promotion and wellness are emphasized.

Prerequisites: OTA 115 with a minimum grade of 2.5. OTA 120 with a minimum grade of 2.5. OTA 130 with a minimum grade of 2.5. OTA 135 with a minimum grade of 2.5.
Corequisites: OTA 140. OTA 170. OTA 180. OTA 210.
Recommended: None

Course Category: Occupational
This Course is Typically Offered: Winter
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Course Competencies
1. Examine pediatric development, including developmental psychology, health conditions, disease processes, disabilities and trauma to the physical, mental health and occupational performance of pediatric clients.

2. Examine theories of development, models and current occupational therapy frames of reference that underlie occupational therapy practice in pediatrics.

3. Explore concepts inherent to the OT process in a pediatric setting.

4. Examine how performance skills, client factors and contexts influence pediatric occupational performance.

5. Distinguish pediatric occupational therapy services in a variety of work environments, including healthcare, education and other emerging work settings.

6. Analyze the impact of federal and state legislative and regulatory policies, global social issues and prevailing health and welfare needs as it pertains to pediatric occupational therapy practice.

7. Apply evidence-based practice as it relates to occupational therapy screening, evaluation and treatment of pediatric clients in a variety of settings, including schools.

8. Illustrate effective interaction and communication with the Occupational Therapist (OTR), parents, teachers, caregivers and other professionals during the teaching-learning process.

9. Utilize health literacy techniques commonly used in the education of the client, caregiver and family or significant others to facilitate prevention, health maintenance, health promotion and safety for pediatric clients.

10. Explain the effect of participation in occupations on health and wellness promotion and prevention of disease and disability in the pediatric, adolescent and young adult population.

11. Apply evidence-based practice in the selection of OT evaluation instruments and occupation-based intervention methods for various diagnoses and conditions in pediatric settings.

12. Distinguish the role of the OTA and the OT in collaboration with other team members to promote a pediatric client-centered approach in a medical setting, educational setting or community setting.

13. Relate the principles of interprofessional team dynamics to the effective performance of evaluating, planning and delivering pediatric client-centered care.

14. Provide appropriate rationale and instruction in adaptive techniques and devices that will allow for optimal occupational performance, participation, health and well-being in pediatric clients.

15. Examine the use of technology, including distance communication, virtual environments and telehealth technologies to support pediatric performance, participation, health and well-being.

16. Assess the quality of the source of information and research in making evidence-based practice decisions.

17. Explain techniques and precautions related to enhancement of feeding and eating performance while considering the pediatric client and contextual factors.

18. Distinguish the role of the occupational therapy assistant as a member of the pediatric treatment team in the consultative and referral process with persons, groups or communities.

19. Document pediatric occupational therapy services to ensure accountability of service provision and to meet local, state and federal standards for reimbursement of services.