Select an allied health care profession and provide a description of the jobs and services provided by that profession. Research regulatory or professional organizations that serve the profession you chose, and describe an area in which the profession seeks to improve or expand. In what other ways might the profession grow to better serve the ever-changing health care population?
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Introduction: The allied healthcare professions play an essential role in providing quality patient care in the healthcare industry. In this answer, we will discuss the job description and service provided by a chosen allied healthcare profession, highlight their current challenges, and suggest ways in which they can improve and expand to better serve the evolving needs of the healthcare population.
The chosen allied healthcare profession is the occupational therapy profession. These professionals help individuals of all ages who struggle with physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities to regain their independence and engage in daily living activities. Occupational therapists (OTs) work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, and private practices. They are responsible for evaluating patients, developing customized treatment plans, and monitoring their progress through therapy sessions.
OT regulatory and professional organizations include the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). The profession seeks to improve or expand in several areas, including increasing access to occupational therapy services, improving the quality of care provided, and expanding their scope of practice to include mental health services. Mental health intervention is a significant concern that can contribute to social isolation, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. OTs can play a crucial role in managing the mental health issues of patients by providing support for mental health and wellness in their overall treatment plans.
The occupational therapy profession can grow in various ways to better serve the ever-changing healthcare population. One possible way is to improve access to occupational therapy services by extending their services to rural and underserved areas. This initiative can be achieved by implementing telehealth and utilizing mobile therapy units that can reach patients in remote locations. Another way to better serve the healthcare population is to integrate technology into practice, such as virtual reality therapy and digital tracking for measuring patient progress. Technology can help to eliminate geographical and financial barriers to care, increase patient engagement, and improve the delivery of quality care.
In conclusion, occupational therapy professionals play a vital role in assisting individuals with disabilities to regain their independence and participate in daily living activities. The profession is continuously striving to improve and expand its services to better serve the patients. Through integrating technology and providing mental health services, OTs can more efficiently and effectively provide therapy to individuals that need it, no matter their location, financial ability, or the severity of their disabilities.
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