Abstract
This research examined how interprofessional and intraprofessional collaboration influences OTs’ ability to provide occupation-based practice in skilled nursing facilities. The impact of this knowledge helps OT practitioners and health care professionals better understand and appreciate the importance of collaboration.
Primary Author and Speaker: Stedmon Hopkins
Additional Authors and Speakers: Leah Shea Simpkins, Dana M. Howell
This research examined how interprofessional and intraprofessional collaboration influences occupational therapists (OT) and occupational therapy assistant’s (OTA) ability to provide occupation-based practice in skilled nursing facilities (SNF). This study utilized a qualitative case study design to better understand how staff within SNF viewed the impact of intra- and interprofessional collaboration on occupation-based practice. Seven participants (OT, OTA, physical therapist assistant, a speech therapist/director of rehabilitation, two certified nursing assistants with one being the activities assistant as well, and a social worker) were recruited utilizing purposeful sampling to gain a full diverse picture of the collaboration studied. Structured interviews individually were conducted which were transcribed verbatim. Coded transcripts led to the development of three themes: 1)Absence of shifting mindsets, 2) respecting roles to benefit clients, and 3) missed opportunities. Results showed the effectiveness of both intra- and interprofessional collaboration and the benefit to both client and professionals alike. Further research is needed in both intra- and interprofessional collaboration on this topic in SNF. The impact of this study demonstrated the need for collaboration efforts in order to best provide occupation-based practice to the residents of SNF facilities. Furthermore, there is a major impact that OT’s and COTA’s can make through expanding on the missed opportunities for collaboration, and this could be best researched if more discussion is created on the topic of intra-and interprofessional collaboration.
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