Summary:
The belief that a person with an SCI is physically disabled but healthy is a basic concept in SCI rehabilitation. In the United States, about 88% of all people with SCIs are discharged to private, noninstitutional settings, typically their own homes. Rehabilitation involves facilitating functional recovery and personal independence, promoting community reintegration and enhancing the patient’s quality of life.
The OT’s specific emphasis on social, emotional, physiological and physical effects of illness and injury leads to clients’ reengagement in desired daily occupations within their own environment and across their lifespan. The purpose of this continuing education program is to provide OTs with information about SCI rehabilitation and the management of chronic SCI.
Objectives:
The purpose of this continuing education program is to provide occupational therapists with information about spinal cord injury rehabilitation and the management of chronic spinal cord injury. After you study the information presented here, you will be able to —
- Describe the functional potential for people with SCIs at specific levels of injury.
- Discuss the role of OTs in rehabilitation following SCI.
- Discuss the role of OTs in post-discharge and community reintegration for persons with SCIs.
Accreditation Information
Gannett Education is an approved provider of continuing education for occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
Gannett Education is also accredited by the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy (provider # FBN 50-1489).
Continuing education approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association is accepted for relicensure by the state boards for occupational therapists in: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia.