Predicting problems before they arise

Predicting problems before they arise: Timely occupational therapy assessment and management of upper limb spasticity in newly acquired tetraplegia. 

Upper limb impairment for people with quadriplegia is a reported issue for those with lived experience. At the recent ANZSCoS Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Adelaide, Austin Health Occupational Therapists (OT) Shelley Brown, Rachel Assetta, Sarah Wyld, and Lily Schribman-Dellman presented a fantastic quality project exploring OT skills and confidence with the assessment and provision of intervention for people with newly-acquired tetraplegia who experience spasticity.

‘We found presenting at the ASM incredibly supportive and engaging, which was indicative of the ANZSCoS community’s culture. We were overjoyed to be able to meet and listen to the fascinating insights of many leaders in the field. This experience has been particularly illuminating and reinvigorating coming out of the post-pandemic era.’

‘Attending the ANZSCoS ASM provided us with an opportunity to review our OT core practices and reflect on whether they are appropriately and effectively contributing to consumer’s rehabilitation journey. Examples of this include utilization of peer- support programs, provision of upper limb therapy (including electrical stimulation) and navigating NDIS.’

‘The absolute highlight to us was the OT-specific workshop presented by Dr Claire Lynch. We found Claire engaging and highly- informed. The workshop was clinically relevant, expertly pitched to clinicians with a range of skills and expertise. Furthermore, Claire was able to provide several easily applicable practice strategies, paradigms and an assessment tool to equip OTs with more holistic, measurable interventions to enable maximal goal-attainment for sexuality.’

Shelley, Rachel, Sarah and Lily report that in attending the ANZSCoS ASM they were able to connect with peers working in other states, which provided them with the opportunity to discuss innovative programs, equipment and insights that could further enrich their service.

Thanks for sharing your insights Shelley, Rachel, Sarah and Lily. If anyone would like to know more about this project, you can email Shelley.Brown@austin.org.au