OTH2420C - Physical Dysfunction Interventions and Principles in Occupational Therapy

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255              PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101      PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Polk State College Mission and Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality driven institution, transforms lives through the power of education by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, and workforce employment programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s Associate in Science and baccalaureate degree programs develop competence in various career-related skills. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the following program outcomes:

The graduate is expected to be able to:
1.  Respond to requests for services in accordance with a service agency’s policies and procedures.
2.  Assist with data collection and evaluation under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist. 
3.  Develop treatment goals under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist.
4.  Implement and coordinate intervention plans under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist.
5.  Provide direct service that follows a documented routine and accepted procedure under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist.
6.  Adapt the interventions, environment, tools, materials, and activities according to the needs of the individual and his or her socio-cultural context under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist.
7.  Communicate and interact with other team members and the individual’s family or caregivers in collaboration with a registered occupational therapist.
8.  Maintain records and documentation as required by the work setting under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist.

Curriculum Threads Supported by This Course:
1. Structure and Function of the Human Body                           
2. Normal and  Abnormal Conditions Across Life Span 
3. Logical and Critical Thinking  
4. Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice 
5. Professional Roles and Behaviors
6. Screening and Assessment
7. Treatment Interventions and Implementation
8. Written, Oral, and Non-Verbal Communication
9. Management of Occupational Therapy Services
Course Objectives:
Through the curriculum framework aforementioned, by the end of this course the student is able to :

OT Theory and Practice:
1.    Discuss the impact of socioeconomic, cultural, and psychosocial factors on occupational performance (2).
2.    Describe the occupational therapy process in patient care (i.e., referral, screening, evaluation, treatment, re-assessment, and discharge) (1). 
3.    Compare occupational therapy frames of reference that are utilized in physical dysfunction settings and their applications to the occupational therapy practice (4).
4.    Explain occupational performance as contextualized within the person-environment-occupation model.
5.    Value the use of occupation-based interventions as a means to assess, promote, and restore function and role competence (6).
6.    Explain the value of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy (4).

Professional Roles and Behaviors:
1.    Describe the role of the certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) in a physical dysfunction setting and his or her collaborative relationship with the registered occupational therapist (OTR) (7). 
2.    Promote occupational therapy by educating other professionals, consumers, and the community while utilizing current and relevant information about the field (7).
3.    Demonstrate professional behavior during interactions with peers and faculty (7). 

Structure and Function of the Human Body

Normal and Abnormal Conditions Across Life Span

Logical and Critical Thinking

Screening and Assessment:
1. Describe specific symptoms and pathologies of medical diagnoses and conditions that are most commonly seen in the occupational therapy practice with adults and geriatric patients (2).
2. Explain the impact of physical dysfunction on occupational performance (4-6).
3. Perform with proficiently specific evaluation procedures for sensorimotor deficits under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (2).
4. Perform with proficiently specific evaluation procedures for cognitive deficits (e.g., dementia, TBI), under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (2). 

Treatment Interventions and Implementation
1. Perform proficiently specific treatment techniques and interventions utilized for specific diagnoses and sensorimotor/cognitive dysfunctions in the adult and geriatric population (4).
2. Select appropriate interventions to attain individualized goals and promote occupational performance (5). 
3. Teach effectively compensatory techniques to patients with specific physical dysfunctions (5).
4. Describe current assistive technologies and their applications to various diagnoses (6).

Written, Oral, and Non-Verbal Communication
1.  Demonstrate effective communication and interactive skills with patients of various diagnoses, and of varied cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds (7).
2. Demonstrate basic documentation skills using SOAP (i.e., subject, object, assessment, and plan) and narrative formats (8). 

Management of Occupational Therapy Services
1. Maintain infection control protocols, safety guidelines, and safety precautions during direct patient care (5).
2. Demonstrate competence in computer use and information literacy (5)

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbooks” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

College-Level Communication and Computation Skills

State Rule 6A-10.030 does not apply to this course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Each student is encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the campus Teaching/Learning and Computing Centers (TLCCs), JDA Student Success Center, and campus libraries, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. The Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

A student may officially withdraw from a course during any given term, provided he or she follows the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop period, students may officially withdraw without receiving a grade from any course, provided they do so no later than the published withdrawal deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding course withdrawal that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific program handbooks. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, withdrawal from the course will have on his or her financial aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the third attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific handbooks. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating or plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. More specific information can be found in the Course Syllabus.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

The information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must be used for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director, Equity and Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Office: WAD 227
Telephone: (863) 292-3602
e-mail: vbaker@polk.edu

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Coordinator or Director of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

Total of 100%

Lecture = 50%

                    Six Unit Exams
                    Announced and Unannounced Quizzes 
                    Group Activities and Projects 
                    Individual Homework 

Lab = 40%
                    Lab exams 
                    Announced and Unannounced Quizzes 
                    Group Activities and Projects 
                    Individual Homework 

Professional Behavior = 10% (Only the final scores count toward the final grade.)

                    Social Activities and Seasonal Decorations Team
                    Bulletin Board
                    Newsletter Team
                    Fund Raising
                    Fall Fest (All students must participate in this activity.)

Grading Scale:

93 - 100  = A
84 - 92    = B
75 - 83    = C
66 - 74    = D
Below 66 = F 

Note: Final scores and averages are not rounded up. 

Competency in Lab Courses:

1. A student must show competency as a score of at least 75% (passing) on every practical lab exam.

2. A student is allowed to retake a failed practical lab exam two more times. 

    a.     Passing the First Re-Take: If the student passes the first re-take, the score for the exam is always 75%, regardless of any higher score obtained by the student. The score from the original failed exam is eliminated and the score from the first re-take exam is added towards the cumulative lab grade. 

  b.    Failing the First Re-Take: If the student fails the first re-take, he or she must complete additional training as assigned by the instructor in order to improve performance. Once the additional training is completed, the student may re-take the exam for the second and last attempt. 

    c.     Passing the Second Re-Take: If the student passes the second re-take, the score for the exam is always 75%, regardless of any higher score obtained by the student. The score from the first re-take is eliminated and the score from this second re-take is added towards the cumulative lab grade. 

    d.    Failing the Second Re-Take: Failure to pass the second re-take results in course failure with a grade of F. The student has the option to repeat the course in the following year.

3. A student is not permitted to re-take more than two practical lab exams within a particular course. Failing a third practical lab exam automatically results in course failure. The student has the option to repeat the course in the next year.

4. A student cannot re-take more than two practical lab exams in any more than two different courses (four total exam retakes) in the program; failure of this many exams results in dismissal from the program. 

Attendance:
Regular attendance is the student’s responsibility. Absences of more than 15% of scheduled contact hours (nine hours) are unacceptable; the result is withdrawal of the student with a W course grade if the absences are accrued before the withdrawal date.  After the withdrawal date, a student may receive a course grade of F for excessive absences (more than nine hours during the term). Each student in this program must make the commitment to attend courses consistently. Absenteeism is emphatically discouraged. If a student is unable to attend class, he or she must notify the instructor before the missed class has adjourned via (863) 297-1010 ext. 5753 or (863) 297-1035. In the case of an emergency, reasonable efforts may be made to assist the student with the course material. Assistance is at the discretion of the instructor.

Tardiness is also discouraged. A student is allowed only two tardy appearances per semester; tardiness exceeding this limit results in disciplinary intervention as per program regulations.

Work Missed:
No make-ups are provided for missed exams, quizzes, assignments, or projects unless an absence is due to a serious medical condition, military leave, or due to a documented immediate family emergency. If any work is missed, the grade assigned is a zero. If the student is absent due to a severe medical condition, the student must submit appropriate medical documentation to the instructor (within a week of the event) to substantiate the medical leave. A student who must take military leave must submit copies of the official orders to the instructor at least two weeks before an assignment in order for accommodations to be made. If there is a family emergency, the student must notify the instructor as soon as possible and retain any documentation. A student who is absent due to illness must submit a medical excuse in order to be allowed to make up missed work.

Each student is expected to turn in assignments on the designated day and during the respective class period. No assignments are accepted after the class period unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. Failure to comply results in a zero score for the assignment.

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