Communication, Empathy, and Emotional Intelligence in DPT Students: The Impact of a Distance-Learning Training Program During a Clinical Education Experience
In order to reach our goal of patient-centered care, we must cultivate affective skills such as empathy as vital components of the rehabilitation process. These authors implemented a distance-learning affective skills program into a university DPT curriculum and assessed its results. Their findings “emphasize the importance of integrating patient-centered skills” into clinical education experiences nationwide. They detail the program and their assessments here.
Reconciliation and Occupational Therapy in Canada: Experiences and Perspectives From Practitioners
This extensive article reports on the history of oppression of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and relates their struggle to the present day—specifically, to the field of occupational therapy. Through the personal Stories of the three authors, the abstract becomes real. They bring to life the experiences of The Métis People, the Sipekne’katik First Nation, Mi’kmaq Nation, the Inuit Peoples and others, told from their own perspective as occupational therapists. Their goal is to inspire others to work toward decolonization and reconciliation throughout Canada.
What I Miss When I’m Certain
In today’s health care system, clinicians are constantly rushed, spread thin, under pressure to meet productivity expectations. Where, in the midst of this turmoil, is there room for reflection? For the questioning and learning that nurtures evidence-based practice and optimal patient care? In his essay, Argel Brown details his own experience addressing these challenges, and recounts his personal solution to the dilemma: cultivating curiosity.
Safety For Me Is…
What is the actual art and science of feeling safe? This simple yet profound poem connects the outer with the inner, the outside world with the mitochondrial—rather like taking a deep breath of fresh, clean air. Is this the true effect of empathy? Of “eye contact” without shame? The poem gently nudges us to pause, reflect, and contemplate what—at a fundamental level—safety is for all of us.
Poet in Profile: Kathryn Paulson
Download the article (pdf) Table of Contents I walk by this old rundown house in the tiny village where I live, often with my dogs. I distinctly remember noticing it soon after I moved to the area in 2018. At that point, I was not writing poetry at all. I covertly took a photo of […]
Four-Year Study Demonstrates Literary Narratives Improve Empathic Awareness in Occupational Therapy Students
University programs are increasingly working to address the need for greater empathy in rehabilitation practices. These authors report the results of one OT program that incorporated readings, discussions, and interpretations of art to develop empathic skills in participating students. They note how the program could translate to other curricula: “The only significant change in course assignments was the replacing of medical case studies with literary narratives.”
Janna’s Story
This extensive article reports on the history of oppression of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and relates their struggle to the present day—specifically, to the field of occupational therapy. Through the personal Stories of the three authors, the abstract becomes real. They bring to life the experiences of The Métis People, the Sipekne’katik First Nation, Mi’kmaq Nation, the Inuit Peoples and others, told from their own perspective as occupational therapists. Their goal is to inspire others to work toward “decolonization and reconciliation” throughout Canada.
Tara’s Story
This extensive article reports on the history of oppression of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and relates their struggle to the present day—specifically, to the field of occupational therapy. Through the personal Stories of the three authors, the abstract becomes real. They bring to life the experiences of The Métis People, the Sipekne’katik First Nation, Mi’kmaq Nation, the Inuit Peoples and others, told from their own perspective as occupational therapists. Their goal is to inspire others to work toward “decolonization and reconciliation” throughout Canada.
Justin’s Story
This extensive article reports on the history of oppression of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and relates their struggle to the present day—specifically, to the field of occupational therapy. Through the personal Stories of the three authors, the abstract becomes real. They bring to life the experiences of The Métis People, the Sipekne’katik First Nation, Mi’kmaq Nation, the Inuit Peoples and others, told from their own perspective as occupational therapists. Their goal is to inspire others to work toward “decolonization and reconciliation” throughout Canada.
Grief as a Fundamental Aspect of the Human Condition: Making Space For Loss in Disability and Rehabilitation
This deeply personal reflection presents a crucial message about the effect of grief on the rehabilitation process. The account begins with a moving description of the author’s own experience of grief. She reports that, seeking a way forward, she “devoured grief literature.” She presents her findings here—and suggests we honor each patient’s grief while also encouraging their acceptance of disability. “Grief and acceptance can coexist,” she concludes.