Education: The Role of the Occupational Therapist

In healthcare, we work with other team members in almost all aspects. This month is Occupational Therapist Month, and we would like to dedicate this post to them, outlining the significant contributions they make to the team. 

10 Interesting Facts About Occupational Therapy

• Began in the early 1900s.

• The founders consisted of three women and three men.

• As the role evolved, it didn’t entirely align with other healthcare members. It drew from various health professions to create a focus that helped patients achieve their maximum functionality. 

• The first part of the name, Occupation, was grounded in several vital movements of the time:

  • The goal of care was for patients to re-enter society.

  • Tuberculosis patients should have a variety of modalities in their care plan, in addition to rest.

  • Institutionalized patients, such as those with mental illness, would engage in occupations, thus providing moral and ethical care.

• The second part of the name, Therapy, linked the role to the medical field. With many women working in healthcare, this field began to be recognized as a distinct profession. 

• OTs provide valuable care to pediatric patients when they experience an illness, injury, or developmental delay. They offer holistic care, allowing a child to be a child.

• During World War I, the Army began using occupational therapy (OT) at Walter Reed Hospital with bedridden patients.

• The symbol that represents OT is a phoenix representing Beauty from Ashes.

• There is a World Federation of Occupational Therapists, established in 1952 and today consists of 111 member organizations, representing 633,000 therapists worldwide (WFOT, 2025).

• The theme for OT Month this year is "Inspiring Hope, Changing Lives." So don’t forget to thank an OT today for the great work they do for patients and the healthcare team. 

(Lyon, 2022; Moninger, 2023)

Occupational Therapy's Role and the Healthcare Team

One patient population that showcases the significant impact OT brings to the healthcare team is stroke patients. Interprofessional collaboration plays a vital role in the recovery of stroke patients, whether they have experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or even a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Nurses, occupational therapists (OTs), and physical therapists (PTs) work together to help patients regain independence as quickly and safely as possible. Nearly 800,000 people suffer a stroke in the United States annually. Though the yearly number of deaths from stroke is declining slightly, it is still a leading cause of disabilities (CDC, 2025). To help stroke survivors achieve the best functional outcome, a team approach is required in the acute phase and long-term treatment phases of care. Let's examine some of the modalities that the OT profession brings to the care of this patient population. 

Occupational Therapy and Stroke Care

The role of occupational therapy focuses on improving activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, eating, and writing, which require both fine and gross motor skills. Additionally, OTs support cognitive rehabilitation and introduce adaptive devices to enhance functionality. You might be surprised to learn that occupational therapy also addresses aspects of sexual health and function, an important yet often overlooked part of recovery.

The level of care a patient requires after hospital discharge depends on the severity of their symptoms. Some may transition to an acute rehabilitation center, where they receive approximately three hours of occupational, physical, and speech therapy daily. Others may be discharged to a skilled nursing facility based on their level of functional ability. The ultimate goal is to transition the patient back home with the necessary support systems in place. Occupational therapists often continue care in the home environment, assessing the patient’s needs and making recommendations to promote long-term recovery and independence.

What are some of the Devices Utilized by Occupational Therapists to Care for Stroke Patients?

1. Eating: 

   1. Adaptive utensils are used to assist with self-feeding.  The utensils will be available in a variety of weights, widths, and materials, tailored to each patient's specific needs. 

   2. Rocker knives are also an option that makes it easy for patients to cut meat or other food items.

   3. Non-slip mats stabilize plates, and plate guards keep the food from being pushed off the plate. 

2. Mobility

   1. Canes and Walkers are essential in many stroke survivors' recovery plans. Quad canes and hemi-walkers are used when there is paralysis or weakness on one side of the body.  For minimal support, a single-tip cane may be an option.  If balance is an issue and the patient still has use of the upper and lower extremities, rolling walkers will be utilized.  

   2. Leg Lifters help patients to get in and out of cars or in and out of bed. 

3. Self-Care

   1. Shower Chairs or Tub Benches allow the patient to bathe without having to stand.  The tub bench is for those who are no longer able to step in and out of the tub. A bath sponge stick is a good accompaniment for the shower area as it aids with independent washing during bathing time.

   2. Raised Toilet Seats with or without handles, or a bedside commode with a raised toilet seat, make it easier to use the bathroom, especially at nighttime or when fatigued.  

   3. The Reacher, Dressing Stick, Long-Handled Shoehorn, and Button Hook and Zipper Pull all allow for independence when dressing. Patients and caregivers are instructed on how to use these adaptive devices. 

      
      

      

      The Reacher

4. Communication Tools

   1. Built-up Writing Utensils - Just as with silverware, writing devices are designed to aid in communication through writing.

   2. Adaptive Keyboards and Mice allow for ease of use in cases of disability following a stroke.

So don’t forget to thank an OT today for the great work they do for patients and the healthcare team. Together, we can deliver quality, safe, compassionate care to our patients and clients.

References

CDC (2025). Stroke facts. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Lyon, S. (2022). 10 amazing moments in OT history. https://otpotential.com/blog/occupational-therapy-history

Moninger, M. (2023). A brief history of occupational therapy. https://www.myotspot.com/history-of-occupational-therapy/

World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT). (2025). Welcome to the world federation of occupational therapists. (2025). https://wfot.org/