The Unsung Heroes of ICU: Occupational Therapy's Vital Role
Episode Overview
Occupational therapy helps patients regain essential life skills. Multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effective ICU care. Technology like eye-gaze devices aids non-verbal communication. Compassionate care significantly impacts patient recovery. Early intervention by occupational therapists can reduce delirium.
The most torturous part was them having their voice taken and feeling that they didn't have the ability to speak up or to ask for help.
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in an ICU? In this episode of ICU Life and Recovery, Mark Hudson chats with Dr. Kelly Casey, an occupational therapist with nearly two decades of experience at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Kelly shares her insights on the role of occupational therapy in ICU settings, particularly focusing on cognition, delirium, and patient function. She explains how occupational therapists help patients regain essential life skills, from brushing teeth to using technology for communication.
The conversation highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in ICU care and the often-overlooked impact of occupational therapy. Kelly's anecdotes about using eye-gaze devices and letterboards to help non-verbal patients communicate are both touching and enlightening. The episode also delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of ICU recovery, emphasising the need for compassionate and consistent care.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone interested in the intricacies of ICU care, this episode offers valuable perspectives on improving patient outcomes. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion that sheds light on the critical role of occupational therapy in the ICU.