In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao, an occupational therapist, discusses trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. The condition is characterized by a finger or thumb getting stuck in a bent position and suddenly straightening with a snapping motion. Hao explains the anatomy involved, including the flexor tendons and tendon sheaths. Causes of trigger finger include long-term irritation, overuse of the flexor tendons, repetitive hand movements, underlying medical conditions, and hormonal changes. Symptoms include finger stiffness, popping sensations, and locked fingers. Diagnosis involves physical examinations, provocative tests, and ultrasounds. Non-surgical treatments include rest, activity modification, splinting, ice or heat therapy, and gentle stretching exercises. Medical interventions include steroid injections and hand therapy, while severe cases may require surgical treatments. Preventative measures are emphasized, such as avoiding excessive gripping, using ergonomic tools, and managing underlying conditions. Hau concludes by stressing the importance of patient education and preventative intervention.

In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao discusses the importance of understanding vital signs and their functional implications in an acute care setting. The episode covers essential body functions reflected by vital signs like body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and pain levels. Each vital sign's normal ranges, potential causes for abnormalities, and their impacts are explained. The discussion includes practical tips for occupational therapists to effectively assess, remember, and respond to these vital signs to tailor their therapeutic interventions. The episode emphasizes practicing and discussing vital signs to become a better clinician and suggests various interventions for different vital sign abnormalities while ensuring safety and patient engagement.

In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao discusses the topic of gait, which is typically covered by physiotherapists. The conversation covers the basics of walking, the phases of gait (stance and swing), and the sub-phases within each major phase. Hau explains various normal and abnormal gait patterns, including antalgic, ataxic, Parkinsonian, Trendelenburg, steppage, scissoring, hemiplegic, and equinus gaits. The episode emphasizes the importance of gait analysis for detecting musculoskeletal and neurological issues, aiding in mobility aid prescription, and planning effective rehabilitation. Hao also discusses the role of occupational therapists in functional mobility retraining and the use of adaptive aids. The episode concludes by reinforcing the significance of understanding gait for therapists and encouraging listeners to share and discuss the information.

This is a Journal article review of the article entitled, 'An Unbelievable Ordeal, The Experiences of Adult Survivors Treated with ECMO' by Dr.  Kirsten Knudsen and her colleagues. This RIOT episode dives into the incredible journeys of adults who have undergone Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) treatment. It explores the challenges, emotional struggles, and triumphs of these survivors as they navigate their extended recovery process.

Hao, an occupational therapist, welcomes viewers to an episode of OT Conversations focused on the anatomy of the hand. Highlighting the significance of understanding hand anatomy for occupational therapy, Hao breaks down the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and movements of the hand. Key points include the 27 bones categorized into carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges, and details on intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Further, she discusses how the median, ulnar, and radial nerves function and the blood supply through the radial and ulnar arteries. The episode aims to provide foundational knowledge in an engaging and memorable way.

In this episode of OT Conversations, occupational therapist How discusses the case of Amish, a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with camptodactyly, a condition characterized by bent little fingers that can hinder activities like playing the clarinet and writing. Joined by regular guest Maria, the conversation covers the anatomical and embryological basis of camptodactyly, assessment techniques, and conservative management strategies, including splinting and stretching exercises. The episode also delves into the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, involving GPs, hand consultants, and potentially school coordinators, to ensure comprehensive care and support for pediatric patients.

In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao, an occupational therapist, discusses the concept of capacity assessment. Capacity assessment is a formal evaluation to determine an individual's ability to make informed decisions regarding their health, finances, legal matters, daily activities, and other life aspects. It is critical in medical, legal, and therapeutic settings and aims to evaluate cognition, emotional, and functional abilities. The talk covers the objectives of capacity assessment, such as ensuring decision-making ability, safety, legal and medical guidance, and support for rehabilitation planning. It identifies the populations needing capacity assessments, including those with neurological conditions, the elderly, individuals with mental disorders, critical care patients, and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Key areas evaluated include medical, financial, legal, daily living, and mental and emotional capacities. The assessment methods include clinical observations, standardized tests, functional assessments, legal reviews, and obtaining collateral information. The potential outcomes of capacity assessment are full capacity, partial capacity, or lacking capacity. Ethical considerations and biases should be managed, and respect for the individual’s autonomy and the use of the least restrictive measures are emphasized. Capacity should be reassessed over time as it can fluctuate.

In this episode of OT Conversations, the host emphasizes the declining practice of capacity and cognitive assessments by occupational therapists over the past decade. Highlighting four major reasons, including advocacy for autonomy, expertise in functional and psychological abilities, and cognitive skills, the host argues for the crucial role OTs play in assessing patients' capacities. The session underscores the need for confidence and skill development in this area, cautions against the shift of these responsibilities to social services, and calls for occupational therapists to reclaim and maintain these essential practices to uphold the profession's value. Practical tips for assessing capacity and the importance of a holistic approach are also discussed.