In-patients:
The neurosciences occupational therapy (OT) team see patients on the neurosciences wards with neurogenic conditions such as stroke, acquired brain injuries, tumours of the central nervous system, spinal surgeries/ injuries, multiple sclerosis and Guillain Barre Syndrome.
Neurogenic conditions may affect individuals to varying degrees depending on where damage or injury has occurred. This could include difficulties with physical abilities, vision, sensation, thinking skills or perception.
OTs assess how neurological conditions affect an individual’s ability to carry out every day tasks. These include:
- Self-care, which includes washing, dressing, grooming, going to the toilet and eating
- Work, which may be paid or unpaid, domestic tasks, driving, writing or managing finances
- Leisure, including socialising, hobbies and interests.
The OTs work alongside other members of the multidisciplinary team; their role may include:
- Prevention of deterioration, for example moving and splinting your arms to prevent long-term stiffness or muscle changes
- Determining the most appropriate position and posture in lying and sitting
- Assessment to establish level of ability to carry out daily activities and identify any difficulties which may affect your ability to carry out daily tasks
- Offer support and advice to you, your family and carers regarding services, managing your condition and future needs.
Ongoing rehabilitation:
If further rehabilitation is required, the OTs will assist the multidisciplinary team in determining what type of rehabilitation would be most appropriate. This may be at home or in another hospital or specialist unit.
Help with discharge:
When the patient is medically fit to go home the OT may complete a home visit or provide equipment to help you manage in your own home. If help is needed with daily tasks, such as personal care and meal preparation OTs can assess what type of help is needed.
For further information, please contact:
Occupational therapy clinical specialist neurosciences
Telephone number: on 020 7794 0500 or extension: 35731
See also our extranet site accessible only to NHS organisations.