The Distinct Role of Occupational Therapy in Hospice and Palliative Care

Goals & Objectives:

Course Goals:

This intermediate-level course provides specific and specialized information beyond the education and typical experience of the occupational therapy generalist.  Differences between palliative care and hospice care are explored from an occupational therapy (OT) perspective.  The transition from a rehabilitation, occupational performance mindset to an end of life, occupational participation perspective is highlighted.  The course provides a foundation of the philosophy and practice of end-of-life care and prepares the OT practitioner for more non-traditional, non-progressive, high priority, and time-sensitive goals and treatment plans. The course keeps an occupation-based perspective beyond the traditional 9 occupational categories of Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 4th Edition (OTPF 4). As a part of the interdisciplinary team, the course also provides OT non-pharmacological interventions for symptom management, prevention and safety. Multiple case studies are presented. 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the completion of this course, the learner will be able to: 

• Relate 3 factors which inhibit the implementation of OT in hospice.  
• Justify 3 unique benefits of the occupational therapy professionals in hospice.
• Distinguish between goals and interventions which are performance-based versus participation-based with client progressive decline.
• Develop and coordinate 2 occupational therapy interventions for client-centered, family-centered, and/or caregiver-centered goals in case studies.
• Acknowledge a cultural difference the learner may have with a potential client re: end of life care.