Connections Spring 2022

Page 8

1832-7605ISSNPP340742/00147ApprovedPostPrint Innovation in Clinical Education OT Driving NAIDOCVisionOTACross-CulturalAssessorsTranslationsBook:DoingOurBestforReconciliationWeek-GetUp,Stand Up, Show Up How important is Innovation in your Practice? SHARE YOUR STORIES SO THAT WE MAY GROW TOGETHER The magazine of Occupational Therapy Australia – the peak body representing occupational therapy in Australia SPRING 2022 | VOL 18 ISSUE 4

Call NOWpapersforOPENAustralia’s major scientific conference OccupationalforTherapists at Cairns Convention Centre, Queensland The Conference Scientific Program Committee invites you to submit one or more abstracts to be considered in the 2023 National Conference and Exhibition. For 2023, the Committee have introduced new presentation types including scientific research panels and conversations that matter. All instruction details, general information, example abstracts and mentoring support to assist with your submission, can be found on our website. KEY CONFERENCE DATES Call for papers close 6 September 2022 Notification to authors of abstract acceptance 10 November 2022 SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES To find out more about available sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, contact Steven Ho, Sponsorship Manager on steven.ho@otaus.com.au 21-23 June 2023 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Contact us on 1300 682 878, email conference2023@otaus.com.au or visit www.otausevents.com.au/otaus2023

CONNECTIONSCONTENTSSPRING2022 3 FEATURES 14 OT Driving Assessors: policies, skills, tacit knowledge… + modifying vehicles 16 USYD + UCHRH Disaster Response in Lismore 20 Occupational Therapist, leading settlement services in Tasmania 23 OTA’s Vision Reconciliationforon display at OT Exchange, Melbourne 26 DOING OUR BEST: Individual and Community Responses to Challenging Times 28 Net Zero Occupational Therapy 30 Innovation in Clinical Education–The Queensland Mental Health Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Knowledge Exchange NEWS 04 President’s Report 05 CEO’s Report 06 Professional Practice & Standards Update 08 AOTJ 10 WFOT Update 23 ABOUT CONNECTIONS Connections is a publication of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA), the peak body representing occupational therapy in Australia. CONTACT US Occupational Therapy Australia ARBN 007 510 287 ABN 27 025 075 008 5/340 Gore St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065 T: 1300 682 878 E: info@otaus.com.au W: www.otaus.com.au CONTRIBUTIONS Connections welcomes article submissions, Attention:communications@otaus.com.auemailConnectionsEditor DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS Summer 2022: 10 October, 2022. ADVERTISING Please contact advertising@otaus.com for advertising enquiries DESIGN Perry Watson Design COVER Photo: gettyimages/ DrAfter123 DISCLAIMER This newsletter is published as an information service and without assuming a duty of care. It contains general information only and, as such, it is recommended that detailed advice be sought before acting in any particular matter. The materials included in this newsletter by third parties are not attributable to Occupational Therapy Australia, and are not an expression of Occupational Therapy Australia’s views. Occupational Therapy Australia is not responsible for any printed expressions or views in any third parties’ inclusions. Any enquiries regarding inserts, advertisements or articles placed by these third parties should be directed to them. Occupational Therapy Australia respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we live, learn and work. 14

Associate Professor Carol McKinstry | OTA President Innovation means introducing something new – such as an idea, method or device – that will create value… to be open to new ways of doing things.

Innovations in Practice

4 PRESIDENT’Sotaus.com.au REPORT

ReportPresident’s

Occupational therapists are wellknown and regarded for innovation and extensive problem-solving skills. More than ever, innovation is required in everything we do – whether working with people with increasing complex needs, setting up or revising services, establishing private practices, or managing the many challenges of working during a pandemic. OTA has to be innovative to maximise its resources and deliver the services its members need. In turn, its members need to be innovative to deliver high-quality and relevant services. When considering what to write for this issue, I referred to our current strategic plan.

If OTA is to be a high-performing organisation resourced by quality people and systems, it needs to embrace innovation. For occupational therapists to have strategic influence and deliver optimal outcomes for individuals, organisations and communities, they need to be prepared for the future. To achieve excellence in research, practice and performance, we need to continually evolve to find better ways of working. Innovation means introducing something new – such as an idea, method or device – that will create value. Breakthrough innovations are game-changing and have major impact. Research can be innovative if it improves processes and outcomes. Innovations do not need to be complex. Sometimes the simplest innovations have the most influence. Advances in technology are not the only way to produce innovations. Since joining the OTA Board in 2017, I have seen many innovations in the organisation and practice of occupational therapists. OTA has become a truly national organisation that government and other organisations frequently consult for its views and recommendations. It has changed the way it delivers CPD activities to increase access and improve flexibility for participants. Its support and professional advice to members greatly changed during COVID-19 to ensure timely information was provided. Its lobbying and advocacy have become proactive rather than reactive. This has all occurred due to the desire to be an innovative, high-performing organisation. The recent OTExchange Conference highlighted many innovations in our profession. Occupational therapists are thinking deeply about how they practise –seeking efficiencies and improvements in how they work with clients. The exhibition spaces at the conference had many examples of innovation. Collaborating with those in other professions and industry sectors to innovate was also very evident. Combining our unique views of how to improve quality of life and participation in occupation has benefits for all. We need to constantly look outside our profession for such opportunities and be open to new ways of doing things. With the ongoing impact of the pandemic and significant workforce shortages, occupational therapists will need to continue to innovate. OTA will be there to assist and support, also finding new ways to support and enhance Australian occupational therapists.

CONNECTIONS SPRING 2022 5 CEO’S REPORT

ReportCEO’s

Samantha Hunter | OTA CEO

Ideas and innovation rarely happen in a vacuum, and a diversity of views will undoubtedly shape our future. few years and drive them forward. We are embracing innovations that have led to more equitable access and representation, such as our online Divisional Council and Special Interest Group meetings that allow members to contribute regardless of geographic location. Delivering CPD online and hosting virtual events have also encouraged greater participation, with less travel time and less greenhouse gas emissions. The changing way in which we work –particularly with online video platforms – has seen connectivity and access to external agencies at a level never previously experienced, and enabled us to attract the best staff regardless of where they choose to live. All rather small innovations, but collectively they have changed the way we work with each other, our members, and our community and stakeholders. We don’t want to wind back the clock. We want to take the best of our past, mesh it with what we have learned over recent years, and create a better way forward.

The work of leadership is reflecting on the past while imagining the future. The board and executive are currently reflecting on Once again, we blinked and have already found ourselves more than halfway through another year! Time has always marched on, but the relentless pace of change seems swifter now. Is it a sign of the times or my age?

It is well over two years since we became acquainted with the virus that just keeps on giving. A true innovator, COVID-19 seems to keep adapting to whatever is placed in front of it, and finds new ways to disrupt what we once considered normal. Our challenge in the face of relentless change is to stay motivated, keep adapting, rolling with change (if not embracing it), innovating, and bouncing forward rather than bouncing back. Change has always been a tricky beast. As a rule, people don’t particularly like change, especially when it hasn’t been instigated by them, when they haven’t been consulted, and when they don’t see the true value. Much change to the way we live and work has been thrust upon us in recent years. As we have navigated these relentless changes to our lives, we have asked a great deal of our teams, families, clients and countless others. Change fatigue and burnout are increasing while resilience is decreasing. How can we help shift the conversation to adaptability and bouncing forward? Innovation inevitably leads to change, and not all change is bad – we are all just a little tired of it at the moment. At OTA, rather than reverting to the past and going straight back to the way things were, we are determined to celebrate the innovations we have discovered over the past where we have come from, honouring our legacies, owning our imperfections, and celebrating our successes. It is difficult to project how we might grow without considering where we have been. However, we are acutely aware of the changing landscape. We understand that change, progress and innovation are constant, and we must continue to adapt, evolve and innovate to ensure we remain relevant and contemporary as individuals, a profession and an association. We are investigating ideas about the ever-changing landscape of the profession, the environments in which we operate, and how our clients and communities will practise occupation as we develop the next plan for the association. Ideas and innovation rarely happen in a vacuum, and a diversity of views will undoubtedly shape our future. We will be talking to members, consumers, funders, stakeholders and a range of other associations, businesses and professions as we create our map for the future and carve our place in it. As a problemsolving profession with innovation and adaptability at its core, we are confident the future is shining brightly for us.

The role of an OTDA can be complex,andchallengingrewarding.

6 PROFESSIONALotaus.com.au PRACTICE & STANDARDS UPDATE

Driving a motor vehicle is an important part of everyday life in Australia – and a particularly important form of transport for people affected by disability. The freedom, independence and choice afforded by driving or travelling in motor vehicles can be pivotal to successful employment, social inclusion and community participation. The National Transport Commission provides clear medical standards and detailed guidelines for assessing fitness to drive (NTC 2022). This assessment aims to achieve a balance between minimising road safety risks and maintaining the driver’s lifestyle and employment-related mobility independence (NTC 2022). Occupational Therapy Driving Assessors (OTDA) have a long-standing and integral role in assessing fitness to drive. I hope the reflections, resources and training outlined

Carol Jewell, OTA Practice Advisor below give you greater insight into the valuable role they play. OTDA’s are occupational therapists with advanced practice skills. They undergo postgraduate training to assess the driving competence of people with medical conditions, design relevant driver rehabilitation and driver retraining programs, and provide guidance through the licensing process (OTA 2015, OTA 2018). They are required to comply with the National Transport Commission Assessing Fitness to Drive Standards and meet the Australian Competency Standards for OTDA set out by the OTA National Driving Taskforce (NTC 2022, OTA 2018). The role of an OTDA can be complex, challenging and rewarding. This is illustrated in the reflections and insights shared by some members of the OTA National Driving Taskforce: Beth Dermer (NSW) Our clients consider driving as one of their most valued instrumental activities of daily living: important for maintaining independence and community connection. However, driving is complex and therefore easily disrupted by injury, medical conditions or age-related changes. Working as a driving assessor is very rewarding because we can often assist drivers to return to this key occupation via vehicle modifications, training and task adaptation. Sometimes clients are unable to return to safe driving, but we can keep them and the community safe by facilitating driving cessation and supporting them to find other community access options.

OT Driving Assessment: Insights and Experiences

Belinda Johnston (ACT) The OTDA course was very interesting, and my skills gained across many areas I had worked in occupational therapy were entirely applicable. I had no intention of being a driving assessor, however I live in the ACT and soon word got out that there was a “new OTDA in town”! I started to receive enquiries from clients, automotive modifiers and other OTDAs asking whether I would take on referrals. I set up a sole practitioner practice while working closely with another sole and experienced OTDA practitioner for mentoring and professional support. There are both joys and challenges to this work. But some of the positives are the ability to work from home and flexible hours. This is appealing to me. I became involved with the NSW/ACT Driver Interest Group and am now a member of the OTA National Driving Taskforce. One surprise for me was the amount of work, the waiting lists for occupational therapy driving assessments, and the difficulty some say they have finding an OTDA. So in between clients, I have started postgraduate research into the current practice experience of OTDAs and hope to identify solutions to highlighted issues. Driving is a vital issue for both independence and community safety, and the specialty of driving assessment offers many opportunities. I encourage you to consider a career as an OTDA.

Brad Williams (SA) As a driver-trained occupational therapist, we get to assess so many different conditions and disabilities that every day is different. Areas of assessment and intervention can include (but is certainly not limited to) autism, dementia, spinal cord injury, stroke, amputations, mental health conditions, vision issues – the list goes on. So, although it is a niche area of practice, never do I have the same day, and it is more about having a large amount of knowledge about the functional requirements of what it takes to drive a car.

When you can assist a client drive their power wheelchair into the driving position and operate some very innovative driving controls (such as voice activation for indicators, wipers, horn and even windows) and teach them how to use controls that make the pedals operate with one hand, and make the steering wheel spin around in front of them without touching it with the other hand – or even drive with no hands at all – it is such a great feel-good feeling. We also travel all over the state of South Australia with our modified car to assist people in need. It is very gratifying.

Working with modifications for vehicles is where I personally find the most enjoyment. The adaptations that can be achieved in a vehicle to achieve independence are very rewarding – and for me exciting. I love learning about the new gadgets that can assist people to achieve a functional task that so many take for granted.

Flinders University Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation course (February 2023).

Contact: Professor Carolyn Unsworth, c.unsworth@federation.edu.au

Contact: Professor Stacey George, stacey.george@flinders.edu.au Institute of Driver Health Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors course (July 2022).

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & STANDARDS UPDATE CONNECTIONS SPRING 2022 7

Contact: Beth Cheal, beth@driverhealth.com.au

Contact: Beth Cheal, beth@driverhealth.com.au Institute of Driver Health Commercial Vehicle Driver Assessment Rehabilitation course (December 2022).

References can be viewed by scanning the QR code Assessing Fitness to Drive Standards OTDAs are highly skilled practitioners. They have a pivotal role in enabling and supporting people affected by disability to drive or travel by car. This affords people affected by disabilities the opportunity, independence and autonomy to fully participate in their chosen community activities and roles. Occupational therapists may train to become OTDAs by doing a competencybased postgraduate training course. As illustrated, this is a highly valued and rewarding career pathway to take.

If you would like to become an OTDA, you can apply for training at any one of the following OTDA competency-based training programs: Federation University Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation course (October-December 2022).

Use QR code below to link to view the above links

To find out more about what it is like to be a drivertrained occupational therapist, I invite you to connect up with the drive-ability podcast. In this podcast we get to talk about and highlight driver outcomes, community mobility solutions, success stories, aids and options.

Disruptive innovation is occurring in response to improved awareness and action to address systemic racism in the therapyoccupationalprofession

the highly complex and dynamic healthdisability-education systems in which we work. These issues may not be unique to our profession, but are where we can influence and create transformative change that has positive benefits and outcomes for the people and communities we serve. Published articles in the AOTJ highlight a range of practice areas in which occupational therapists are leading disruptive innovation.

Dr Nerida Hyett, Editorial Board Member, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

therapy profession is always “continually evolving”1 in a state of progression and change. This change is observable in our day-to-day work when we reflect on our practice and come up with new ideas for practice improvements. This could be, for example, a way of making our documentation more efficient, or an idea for gaining more meaningful engagement from clients. Sometimes, however, a more disruptive change is needed – one that needs a major transformation and challenge to the status quo2, which cannot be achieved through incremental practice refinements.

AOTJotaus.com.auTheoccupational

8

The significant uptake of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic – and ongoing integration of telehealth modalities in practice, multidisciplinary team care and supervision – is evidence of disruptive innovation in occupational therapy and the broader health sector. Authors from Aotearoa/New Zealand have utilised this growing uptake and acceptability to design a telehealth wheelchair assessment service, which was evaluated for cultural safety to ensure equitable access for Māori clients4 Major expansions in the private sector led by NDIS occupational therapists have supported uptake of the social model of disability for improved practice and outcomes for people with disability. Recent research conducted by occupational therapists with people with disability highlights key recommendations for transforming education so that occupational therapists’ practice will meet participants’ needs in the evolving NDIS practice space5 Disruptive innovation is occurring in response to improved awareness and action to address systemic racism in the occupational therapy profession and broader systems in which we work. Authors demonstrate systemic racism is experienced by Māori occupational therapy students in their engagement with predominantly white western curriculum content and non-Indigenous educators and student peers, which creates barriers to participation and course completion6

The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal is our profession’s platform for sharing research as a catalyst for disruptive innovation and transformative change. The AOTJ is an international “leading, peerreviewed publication presenting influential, high-quality innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy”3 The journal can be used to present and share new knowledge, which aims to “influence and shape policy, systems and occupational therapy practice locally and globally”3. Occupational therapists have much to gain from connecting, mobilising and leading disruptive innovation. The kinds of professional issues that require disruptive innovation are much larger and more complex than typical practice issues and questions. These are the big issues in health, justice and well-being, situated in Disruptive Innovation in Occupational Therapy

AOTJ

The authors call for transformative education for non-Indigenous educators and decolonised university curricula and processes to create more culturally safe education experiences and supports6 Occupational therapists’ research with terminally ill Chinese older adults in Singapore demonstrates there is value in a shift in thinking from independence to interdependence and using family-centred practice approaches. Findings challenge the ways in which occupational therapists have traditionally utilised western practice models focusing on building independence, when for some clients interdependence is what is sought after and valued7 Innovative research and knowledge exchange is needed for disruptive change in the occupational therapy profession, and the AOTJ is playing a part in this transformational process. What do you see as big issues for disruptive innovation in the occupational therapy profession? All occupational therapists are encouraged to take a critical eye to their practice context, think about the big issues in the profession that require transformation, and consider how they can spark and mobilise this change. Research is key to disruption – and the AOTJ can be our platform for sharing high-quality research on new practices and ideas that spark innovation. References can be viewed by scanning the QR code

10 WFOTotaus.com.auREPORT WFOT update

Full Programme | WFOT International Congress 2022 (wfotcongress2022.org) In addition to the congress, delegates from member organisations take part in the 35th WFOT Council Meeting. All three OTA delegates (Adam Lo, Lynette Mackenzie and myself) will be in Paris the week before the congress for strategic Indigenous Stone painting artworks as OTA gifts to share at 18th WFOT congress Paris, August 2022

Dr Emma George, WFOT 1st Alternative Delegate

The theme for the 2022 Congress is Occupational R’Evolution with an aim to explore advancements in practice and highlight leadership of the profession as we navigate change. Three French occupational therapists (Dr Eric Sortia, Dr Jean-Michel Caire and Dr Samuel Pouplin) will discuss different perspectives on “Research, innovative practices, occupational model: levers of a cyclical R-evolution”. Associate Professor Ana Malfitano from Brazil is presenting a keynote address on “An anthropophagy of knowledge proposition in occupational therapy: Driving our actions towards social life”. In her keynote speech, author and artist Priscille Deborah will share her story after a triple amputation and rebuilding her life.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants from all over the world will gather in Paris, France, and online at the end of August for a conference full of learning, networking and fun.

For people attending the WFOT Congress, the social program has been published and includes a welcome reception and congress party at Paris City Hall. For students, there is a forum on “The process of construction of professional identity in occupational therapy students”. The full program for the congress is published online.

WFOT President Samantha Shann was a recent guest on the Occupied podcast – hosted by Australian occupational therapist Brock Cook – talking all things WFOT and about the excitement leading up to the congress. You can listen to this online or wherever you access podcasts.

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress is upon us! This event occurs every four years, and for many of us it feels like a long time since we were together in South Africa.

Emma George (@EmKGeorge) / Twitter Adam Lo (@mradamlo) / Twitter Lynette Mackenzie (@mac_lynette) / Twitter

WFOT Statements to the 75th World Health Assembly

WFOT continues to advocate and work with the World Health Organization (WHO). WFOT submitted joint statements to the 22-28 May 2022 World Health Assembly of the WHO on the topics of: Rehabilitation and noncommunicable diseases Rehabilitation in health emergencies Rehabilitation and preparedness and response for health emergencies

WFOT REPORT CONNECTIONS SPRING 2022 11 planning, focused sessions on practice, education and research, and the election of delegates into leadership roles. In preparation for our time with other delegates in Paris, Adam Lo and I have been sourcing gifts to present to our international colleagues. There are so many wonderful emblems, delicacies and representations of Australia, so it is hard to limit what we take across the world. I am excited to share that I have been working with an Aboriginal artist Mickey Barlow, to hand-paint gifts for delegates with a symbol of a meeting place – the coming together and sharing of ideas and knowledge. We started this work during NAIDOC week to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge the significant contributions of First Nations occupational therapists to our profession, and recognise the need for collaboration, decolonisation and reconciliation. I am thankful for my Aboriginal colleagues in South Australia and beyond who continue to challenge me and keep working with me to share ideas and knowledge. When Adam and I present the handmade gifts to delegates from around the world, we hope this provides opportunity to explain the significance of meeting together and learning from each other, and that this will continue beyond the meetings held in Paris. Please follow the OTA delegates on Twitter for live updates from Paris.

On the surface that’s how it may look, but in reality, it is very different. When working in this field, OTDA clients can include working with teenagers with disability who need an assessment and rehabilitation to support their desire and ability to learn to drive; or working with experienced drivers who need assessment of their ability to return to driving after an accident or injury; as well as working with older drivers to support them to continue to drive for as long as it is safe, or facilitating cessation of driving where that is the safest option.

OT Driving Assessors: policies, skills, tacit knowledge… + modifying vehicles

Many OTDAs work with clients with physical impairments that require modifications to their vehicle access, or driving controls, to allow them to drive safely, consistently, and independently. Working in this area of practice requires close working relationships with vehicle modifiers and an in-depth knowledge of Australian Standards that relate to driving controls and vehicle access. Vehicle modifications are constantly changing and evolving and OTDAs working in this area work with both modifiers and driving instructors, to ensure their knowledge is current to achieve optimal outcomes for their clients. Although it’s not imperative to be an OTDA to make

To work in this area of practice, Occupational Therapists complete postgraduate training to develop skills and tacit knowledge in assessing an individual’s physical, visual, cognitive and behavioral capacity of our clients to drive safely, consistently and independently. This involves complex assessments on and off the road.

Vehicle modifications and OTDAs

Michelle Turnbull

• Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors (2018): this important document outlines the knowledge and skills required to practice as an OTDA, and essentially guides their clinical assessment of client’s individual driving performance.

OTDAs work across a spectrum of diagnostic groups, from physical injuries and disability to cognitive impairment and mental illness, but even within this niche area of practice, some OTDA’s focus on specific groups based on their expertise.

In Australia, Occupational Therapists play a unique role in driving assessment and rehabilitation – providing a thorough assessment and insight of an individual’s medical condition, injury or disability, and the impact on their ability to drive safely and within licensing authority standards.

Who do OTDAs work with? OTDA’s area of expertise could possibly be perceived as only working with adults, and/or only working with clients who already drive.

Teamwork makes the dream work! Although many OTDAs work alone in private practice, teamwork is still extremely important in this area of practice. On any given day, an OTDA may find themselves working with driving instructors, vehicle modifiers, licensing authorities, other Occupational Therapists (seating and wheelchairs), medical specialists, physiotherapists (transfers) or psychologists (driving anxiety, neuropsychological testing).

Michelle Turnbull

Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor, MT Rehab., NSW

Occupational Therapists who have completed this training are generally referred to as Occupational Therapy Driving Assessors (OTDAs). They have complete complex off and on road assessments of their clients before making recommendations about their ability to drive safely. Working in this complex area of practice requires a thorough knowledge of several documents that direct clinical practice; these are: • Assessing Fitness to Drive (2022): the national driver medical standards set out the considerations and medical criteria for safe driving and management of drivers with health conditions.

• Australian Standards: including, but not limited to, “AS3954:2019 Motor vehicle driver controls – Adaptive systems for people with disabilities”; and “AS/NZS3696.19:2009 Wheelchairs Part 19: Wheeled mobility devices for use as seats in motor vehicles”.

FEATURE 14 otaus.com.au

Introduced by Carol Jewell OTA, Professional Practice and Development

CONNECTIONS SPRING 2022 15 FEATURE

Lessons I’ve learnt as an OTDA As an OTDA, I learnt that when working in a driver assessment service linked to a dementia and aged-care service, you will recommend licence cancellation more often than you will recommend if someone is fit to drive.

I discovered that debriefing support after a particularly difficult assessment was important – but having that support from other OTDAs who were also driver-trained, was essential. I discovered the relationship with your driving instructor was extremely important, and at times could mean life and death!

I discovered a love of helping people with physical impairments and assisting them to return to driving using modified vehicle controls.

Pursue a career in youth mental health Apply to be a Mental Health Practitioner in secondary schools Steering wheel Modifications

careers.vic.gov.au

recommendations about modifications for vehicle passengers, it is important to note that any change to a vehicle that affects the driver should be reviewed by an OTDA on road, to ensure that the changes do not negatively impact on the individual’s driving performance.

I became exceptionally skilled at delivering bad news. I discovered the significant impact of no longer being able to drive – and how public transport and community transport are not great alternatives for an elderly population with cognitive decline.

I particularly enjoy working alongside vehicle modifiers and engineers to devise custom solutions for clients with more challenging injuries and functional limitations.

Joanne Lewis

USYD + UCHRH Disaster Response in Lismore

While Lismore is no stranger to floods, this was two metres higher than the previous record of 12.27 metres in 1954, and well above the town’s 10-metre-high levee wall. Four people died, with 2000 homes destroyed or made unliveable (Nalau, Melville-Rea and Howden, 2022). One month later, more heavy rain began. Eight USYD occupational therapy students were on placement in various schools temporarily closed due to the flood. Their fieldwork supervisors were caught in their own disaster responses while also navigating support for the students. Students found themselves in a liminal space, wondering how they could be helpful in this crisis.

Those in school settings were disappointed they could not attend the sites physically, but were grateful to the staff at Northern Rivers UCRH for their support and quick redesign of remote and modified home tasks. Students initially felt they had travelled a long way to help make a difference in a community that needed occupational therapy services. Now the community needed different supports, but the students felt inadequate in their ability to respond. Students watched a devastated community become consumed with the work of response, clean-up and recovery. While they had each other for social support, the students had limited understanding of the community, and were isolated from their family networks. Floodwaters prevented Joanne Lewis, Michelle Villeneuve, Sarah Miles, Shane Ball Keisha Murray, Elise Suann, Charli Tran, student contributors, the University of Sydney (USYD) occupational therapy programs and the Northern Rivers University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH)

16 TFEATUREotaus.com.auheUniversity of Sydney (USYD) occupational therapy programs and the Northern Rivers University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH) have had a strong relationship for more than six years. The relationship was built through a Commonwealth Government-funded program for clinical educators to provide fieldwork education to occupational therapy students in various health and education sites across the region–Lismore, Casino, Goonellabah, Maclean and Ballina. The reciprocal benefits of this program are invaluable. USYD occupational therapy students are exposed to the opportunities and everyday challenges of providing services in often under-resourced and understaffed agencies. Students learn and work together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop competence and confidence in the provision of culturally safe practices. These placement opportunities expand access to occupational therapy services for older adults living in the community and residential aged care. Many of these people would have otherwise limited access to allied health services. In 2022, our students learned firsthand about disaster resilience, coping and adaptation. Lismore and surrounding areas experienced flooding that unfortunately made the record books in ways we wish we had never seen. On February 28, the first devastating flood peaked at 14.4 metres.

The first feeling the students reported was helplessness. They were prevented from attending their placement sites due to rising floodwaters and an inability to travel in the region. Some students felt they were a burden. One reported: “Personally, I was feeling helpless, and that I was not making a contribution to the community on a large scale, or to the level that needed to be met during this time of crisis. I found myself at times feeling like a burden, especially when reaching out to my placement coordinator or the UCRH team to discuss if the placement would continue, as this was such a minute issue compared to what the community was being faced with.”

FEATURE Continued next page

University OT students support Lismore flood-victim communities

Thanks to the resourcefulness of the clinical educators at Northern Rivers UCRH, some of the students quickly pivoted to an alternate setting for their placement. This alleviated feelings of helplessness, and gave the students a sense of purpose. They came in direct contact with people displaced by the floods, and set to work providing much-needed support at the Maclean evacuation centre. Students immediately saw the value of an occupational therapy skillset, and set to work with an occupational performance mindset. What does occupational therapy look like in an evacuation centre? Students returned to the roots of the profession–providing essential and meaningful occupational supports and services. For some students, this involved engaging children in age and skill-appropriate learning and play activities while their families and caregivers received recovery services and supports to navigate accommodation, finances and the impact of the floods on their livelihoods. Students supported mobility, transfers and self-care tasks with people with disability and older adults. Especially challenging were transfers from mattresses on the evacuation floor, and accessibility at crowded evacuation-centre toilets. Students put Students returned to the roots of the profession–providing essential and meaningful occupational supports and services.

CONNECTIONS SPRING 2022 17 physical connection between students and supervisors, however the Northern Rivers UCRH team provided regular care and support through zoom calls with the students, as did the academic staff from USYD.

The University of Sydney Discipline of Occupational Therapy recognises that preparing students for their future practice also means preparing them to work in the context of disasters triggered by natural hazards and climate change. They will need tools for the future that focus on building capabilities in disaster resilience to support duty of care with the people and communities they support before, during and after disasters (Villeneuve, 2021). It sets a path for workforce capacity development so that allied health and other service providers bring competencies in emergency management and disaster recovery to their practice. On behalf of our students and the university, we wish to express our sincere thanks to all the staff, students and community members of the Northern Rivers UCRH, Iluka Public School, Yamba Public School, Casino West Public School and Kyogle Public School for the support given to our occupational therapy students during this time. We look forward to our continued partnership and supporting the people of the Northern Rivers area in their long-term recovery. Photos provided by Lismore UCRH with her permission.

One student reported: “I was fortunate enough to complete my seven-week placement in the Clarence River area. During the flood period, I was presented with the unique opportunity of volunteering at the Maclean evacuation centre to support members of the community during a crisis. At the evacuation centre, I was able to put my occupational therapy skills into practice by conducting an environmental assessment of the bathroom accessibility, bathroom environment, wheelchair assessment, initial interview, observational skills, and implementing adaptive aids such as shower chairs and over-toilet aids loaned from the local Maclean hospital.”

References can be viewed by scanning the QR code visitors with a family, home and cherished belongings they would soon return to. The students were deeply affected by the spirit of community coming together in times of crisis and uncertainty. Personal and community resilience stood out as a significant feature of coping during the evacuation and initial clean-up efforts. The students also found support and comfort in the care they exchanged with fellow students, which built their personal resilience, too. One student reported: “While the experience of being in the floods was highly nervewracking and unfortunate, the bond I developed with these girls was most definitely the silver lining and one I believe I would not have had if it were not for this experience … it’s something that we experienced together and something I know I’ll never forget. In a way this experience also challenged us to adapt, grow and learn. I learnt more about myself during this time, which I may never have uncovered if it weren’t for this event.”

Art Therapy is such powerful tool to process trauma

18

theirFEATUREotaus.com.aupracticalassessment skills to work, sourced assistive equipment, and enabled people to accomplish their self-care and activities of daily living with dignity.

USYD + UCHRH Disaster Response in Lismore

Occupational therapists are an untapped local community asset with potential to increase safety and wellbeing for people with disability in emergencies (Subramaniam and Villeneuve, 2020). Our students bridged a gap in the critical frontline support needed for people in times of emergency. They showed practical ways our profession can contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of people with disability, children and older adults when disasters strike. The adrenaline that pumps in the early days of a disaster event can quickly become mixed with a range of emotions. Our students experienced the range of attitudes, awareness and actions common in disaster recovery work (Eriksen, 2019). Indeed, students reported feeling a sense of guilt during, and in the aftermath of, the floods. This came from the knowledge that they were temporary The adrenaline that pumps in the early days of a disaster event can quickly become mixed with a range of emotions.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE OT MENTAL HEALTH FORUM FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2022 Sydney FURTHER INFORMATION 1300 682 878 | mentalhealthforum@otaus.com.au REGISTRATION TYPE EARLY BIRD RATE Member $395 Non-Member $515 New Graduate Member $355 Student Member $255 Student Non-Member $315 The OT Mental Health Forum 2022 is a one day event for Occupational Therapists working across all areas of mental health practice to come together, exchange ideas, share practices and to celebrate all that is great about occupational therapy in mental health. PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE Visit otausevents.com.au/mentalhealthforum2022 to download the program today. WHY ATTEND > Hear from motivating and inspirational speakers > Engage with fellow OTs in-person > Make new connections in-person with like-minded OT’s working in Mental Health > Earn up to 8 CPD hours REGISTRATION FEES Early Bird Fees Available Until 23 September A full list of fees and inclusions is available on the Forum website. REGISTER otausevents.com.au/mentalhealthforum2022NOW

Clarissa promotes inclusive practices - part of OTA In Action Social Groups

• I know red flags for needing to get an interpreter mid-session; TAS Clarissa Adriel, OT & Coordinator of Client Services

• I know what to expect when working with an interpreter, and how to help them help the session.

20 TFEATUREotaus.com.auheAustralian

• I know when it can be better to use phone versus on-site interpreters;

• I know when and how to arrange an interpreter for specific needs such as gender;

I have seen migrants and refugees experience the good, the bad and the ugly while receiving services … in the mainstream health system for 10 years

Census 2021 highlights that 2.76 per cent of Australians do not speak English well, or at all. These 701,530 Australians with low English proficiency are particularly vulnerable in health and human-service systems. These community members have experienced racial discrimination with less favourable treatment based on their ethnicity or immigrant status.

Leading SettlementClientServices-

Bureau of Statistics

• I know red flags for needing to arrange an interpreter before a session;

It is a good time for practitioners to reflect on the following working knowledge to identify learning needs:

Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan is investing $2million dollars from 2022-23 over the next four years to ensure private, allied health practitioners can use free interpreter services.

• I know ways to optimise costs and the quality of language support;

• I know how to proceed with a session when someone has borderline adequate English;

• I know when it is optimal to use prebooked versus on-demand interpreters;

• I know how to respond when someone does not want an interpreter;

• I know how to respond when someone brings a child to interpret for them;

Working with interpreters is an excellent way to uphold accessible and equitable services. It also safeguards services against racially discriminatory practices.

Being able to respond to diverse linguistic needs should be routine and efficient in a multicultural society like Australia. Designing language support into business and service models is an excellent way to prevent indirect and structural racism, too. Leaders and managers can reflect on the following service design to identify development needs:

• Instructions for how to use the mobile and landline phones for interpreter calls are available on the intranet or reference manual as a quick reference;

• There is a working-with-interpreters module or guidance as part of onboarding;

While the exact date for the budget measure rollout has not been announced, it is reasonable to assume the new government will use the National Translating and Interpreting Service as it does with the free scheme used by pharmacists and doctors. You can become familiar with the service and subscribe to updates on the TIS National website. Be proud of each step taken towards access and equity that combats the harmful consequences of direct and indirect racism.

• The main phone line can make and receive interpreter-calls to service-users; • Website and flyer has an interpreter logo next to main phone line number;

• Referral and other template documentation records in preferred language/s, and interpreter needs of / from service-users;

• Software has language and interpreter input fields and can generate reports on these fields;

References can be viewed by scanning the QR code

CONNECTIONS SPRING 2022 21 FEATURE SCA34714_GeneralScooters_119x87mmW_OT-Connections_Outline.indd 1 7/10/21 10:14 am

• Frontline staff have the knowledge and authority to engage interpreters as needed up front, to help eliminate service-users experiencing poor service, or more costs and delays to service;

About the Author Clarissa Adriel has worked in the public and private health systems in mental health, education and rehabilitation roles. She has also worked with migrants and refugees as a volunteer and practitioner in the multicultural sector, and in recent years as a service coordinator leading a team and portfolio of settlement programs. In almost 20 years, she has not wavered in her passion to help the profession make progress with access and equity, culturally responsive services and countering racism for the benefit of our multicultural nation.

• There is a language service procedure outlining expectations for staff;

• The language diversity of staff, service-users and wider population, is monitored. I have seen migrants and refugees experience the good, the bad and the ugly while receiving services, as I have worked in the mainstream health system for 10 years and the specialist multicultural sector for almost another 10 years.

The launch of the OTs in Action Social Groups supports our members on the issues of Climate Change, LGBTQI+ and Cultural Diversity. To learn more, groupshttps://otaus.com.au/member-resources/social-justice-visit:oremaildamien.pitts@otaus.com.au

• Language service-line items, for interpreter services, are included in operations budget;

The upfront cost of providing interpreter support is an investment in a full and fair service. We need language support as a foundation to providing a culturally responsive service. Do you have what you need to get an interpreter to work effectively whenever the need for language support arises?

VOLUNTEERABECOMEREMOTE Explore the world from home and help support change in developing countries by volunteering with the Australian Volunteers Program. Visit australianvolunteers.com You asked, we listened! We are excited to announce that we are launching our new Mobile App in August. The simple and easy to use platform will help to manage all your customers needs with access to our full range of products and services right from your mobile phone. In the meantime, place you orders through our Website (also getting some new updates) and browse through the additional 1600 products we have recently added to our Catalogue. For more info visit www.mobilityservices.com.au Exciting things are coming. Calling all DVA Health Care providers.

OTA’s Vision for Reconciliation, a place to engage at OT Exchange, Melbourne

The end of National Reconciliation Week 2022 coincided with OT Exchange and provided the ideal backdrop and timing for OTA to provide members, delegates, board members and staff with the opportunity to embrace the theme of Be Brave, Make Change.

Faye – yarning emuNova Peris – yarning Emu

CONNECTIONS SPRING 2022 23 FEATURE

Lea Rawlings, OTA Chief of Staff

Following an inspirational keynote address from Nova Peris, an interview with Dr Faye McMillan AM, and Acknowledgement of Country by Alex Splitt, Bundyi Girri Consulting, the scene was set for self-reflection. This inspired all to think about developing sovereign relationships First Nations peoples and their own reconciliation path.

Members sitting in Reconciliation spaceMembers and staff – yarning Emu Nova Peris in reconciliation space – talking with members

Delegates were invited to share their vision for reconciliation and to have a yarn about the possibilities and actions that lay ahead – whilst also engaging in the occupation of “yarn bombing” our “emu totem”. An appearance by co-author of Doing our Best, Uncle Albert Baxter, did book signings, opportunities for collaborations and investigate professional development in cultural safety and responsiveness. We have been enriched and privileged by these interactions and will set the foundation for the next phases of our approach to reconciliation.

24 FEATUREotaus.com.au

OTA’s Vision for Reconciliation, a place to engage at OT Exchange, Melbourne and yarning about his experience with occupational therapy in tough times, which provided another unique experience. It was inspirational to see our members and delegates sit and chat with our guests in this Reconciliation space, to consider their own reconciliation journeys, discuss

Keep your clinic safe. V-Wipes™ are an instrument grade disinfectant wipe Viraclean® is Australia’s preferred hospital grade disinfectant spray Bactol® Blue is a premium alcohol-based hand rub, enriched with natural emollients Order now at whiteley.com.au/OT Or find a distributor in our distributor search tool. ® Registered Trademark Whiteley Corporation Pty. Ltd. © 2022 BUYONLINENOW Discover more and view our full online exclusive range on our website. Prevent the spread of infection in your clinic. AUST R 155397 AUST L 69000 ARTG 354053 Globally recognised leader in ourbundlesBuypathogensstaffProtectpreventioninfectiontechnologypatientsandfromharmfulinmultipacks&directlyfromwebsite Scan here to visit our website.

Selected Exerts: Shafiq Khan: “My presentation is the narrative of my life, supported by verses from my poems. My story revolves around the turmoil caused by the pandemic, and how I coped emotionally, socially and physically.” (Poetry, COVID-19, ACT).

OTA, Special Projects Drawing on diverse voices and experiences, Doing Our Best showcases how Australians found meaning in their lives during challenging times. In a climate of escalating costs of living, devastating floods and bushfires, an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and global uncertainty and conflict, we could all use some good news. The book sheds light on the many creative ways in which everyday Australians responded to adversity and grew.

This new, hardcover, coffee table book showcases stories of “Lived Experience” in hope, creativity and resilience during times of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. With 37 stories from across Australia, the 133-page book published by OTA in May costs $45 (including GST).

26 FEATUREotaus.com.au

© Occupational Therapy Australia Limited stock is available through the OTA website: OTAUS.com.au

Kieran ‘Rad’ Kelly: “I’m a third-generation farmer from the wheat-farming district of Millewa, north western Victoria. 2019 was a really tough drought year, hence the locals’ Dustbowl Bash was born: cricket tournaments for both men and women on their local MCG pitch that hadn’t seen a match in 70 years. More than 200 spectators attended, some from 80 miles away. At the day’s end, a draw was called and the Dustbowl Trophy is now on show in the local pub. “We will share it and wait until the next match.”

DOING OUR BEST: Individual and Community Responses to Challenging Times

“I can’t wait for the day – for that family time. I can’t wait to see my family and give them a cuddle and kiss, but you just can’t do it. It’s (COVID-19) taken away a lot of stuff.”

CONNECTIONS SPRING 2022 27 FEATURE

Sue Webb: “On 1 February 2021, as Perth went into a five-day COVID-19 lockdown, the Wooroloo bushfire in Western Australia started about four kilometres from my property, burning 27,000 acres and 84 houses. I was away from home and not allowed back, so had to ask my neighbours to get my animals out.” (Volunteering, fires, WA)

Dr George Pike-Rowney: “Never before have I felt the act of singing — something I firmly believe should be shared with others for communal well-being — would become a threat to people’s health.” (Singing, COVID-19, ACT)

Frank Ponissi: “2020 yielded many unexpected stories for Melbourne Storm. Our NRL club played two away games in Sydney, then everything changed as lockdowns arrived, COVID-19 spread and the nation stopped.” (Sport, COVID-19, VIC)

Val Haysom Maine: What was I DOING!? Suburban Melbourne is my home. While tidying up my laundry, I rediscovered a large knitted doll, (Molly) the size of a two-yearold child. Being an occupational therapist from years ago, I was thinking how could I entertain my sick husband and provide some diversion for my golfing friends at Sandhurst Golf Club. NB: You can take the girl out of OT but you can’t take the OT out of the girl, even if she is 80 plus! Sadly, my husband died during that lockdown (April 2020) but I continued with Molly, making up all sorts of stories that my friends could follow.

– Uncle Albert Baxter

Part of my work was a project in the Pacific Island nations. During the delivery of this project, the home and neighbourhood of a colleague from Kiribati was inundated from a combination of storm surges and rising sea levels. He asked whether the good work we were doing through the project was balanced by the harm created by emissions of the flights required to deliver the project. Assessment Through clinical assessment we get an understanding of what is actually happening.

• Non-energy emissions reductions and offsetting of residual emissions (p30). Goal setting With this information, I could start answering questions such as:

I wanted a similar understanding about this scenario. What harm was my work doing? My colleague’s question made me complete an emissions inventory. It showed he was right. Work was by far the biggest emitter in my life, due primarily to flights and road travel.

“To limit warming to 1.5°C (>50 per cent) with no or limited overshoot” (2022, p2) there needs to be a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 levels by between 34 per cent and 60 per cent by 2030. This range is the spread between the fifth and 95th percentiles of the climate change modelling reviewed. The median reduction in this range is 43 per cent.

• Energy waste reduction, including through productivity and a shift away from energy-intensive products and services;

Re-assessment of an emissions inventory... halved over 12 months... working locally. This was significantly faster than anticipated. Strategies have an impact.

Evidence-based practice I could draw on skills in reviewing the literature to deliver practice that was evidence-based, to assist with reviewing the research and information available. The information available from the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change was useful in giving a direction for change. The latest information around mitigation provides evidence-based targets based on the range of climate change modelling available.

• 100 per cent renewable electricity;

28 AFEATUREotaus.com.ausweshift towards a decarbonised society, the “transition to net zero emissions in Australia will need backing from businesses and individuals and every level of government to support technology development, demonstration and deployment” (Climateworks Australia, 2020, p32). As an occupational therapist and business owner, I have been concerned about the actions I could take for some time. Fortunately, my clinical skills are helping me. Motivation At the start of this journey, I may have been described as ambivalent about decarbonisation. I knew things needed to change, but had my reasons for them to stay the same. Consistent with Miller and Rollnick’s work on Motivational Interviewing (2013), a conversation with a colleague linked my values with change. Then I started taking action.

Andrew Bynon Occupational Therapist

Net Zero Occupational Therapy

• Electrification and a shift away from fossil fuels to zero or near-zero emissions;

Climateworks Australia (2022) also helped with identifying potential strategies. They have described the “four pillars of decarbonisation” (p30). These are:

• What if I practised in a way that had zero or near-zero emissions?

CONNECTIONS SPRING 2022 29 FEATURE

The launch of the OTs in Action Social Groups supports our members on the issues of Climate Change, LGBTQI+ and Cultural Diversity. To learn more, visit https://otaus.com.au/member-resources/social-justice-groups or email damien.pitts@otaus.com.au

Conclusions As therapists, we respect there are different ways for a person to make change, and not necessarily one right way. The skills that we have as occupational therapists to support change, can be used by individuals, businesses and organisations to make their own decisions to take actions to move to a net zero emissions way of delivering occupational www.growoccupationaltherapy.com.autherapy.

This has been a staged approach, but we now have electric work vehicles for all work-related travel. In our next review, this should mean our practice no longer directly emits any carbon emissions.

These questions, along with information gathered from reviewing the evidence set the initial goal of reducing current emissions generated through my work by more than half by 2030.

Action plan Based on the goal, information gathered through initial assessment and evidence, the initial action that was achievable and likely to have the biggest impact for my situation was a “shift away from energy intensive products and services”. This meant transitioning from working with international and national organisations to a local occupational therapy practice with my partner. Outcome Measures A key part of therapy is checking that our strategies have an impact. Re-assessment of an emissions inventory showed emissions were more than halved over 12 months through the impact of working locally. This was significantly faster than anticipated.

Target your audience by advertising through OTA’s Jobs –board and newsletter spaces now available.

Answers to these questions led to a change in the goal. This saw a shift from focusing on my personal situation to my business and further reductions. Our goal is now a practice that has net zero emissions by 2030. Our actions changed, with a focus on a shift away from fossil fuels to zero or near zero-emissions (Climateworks Australia, 2020, p30). We have bought electric work vehicles powered by renewable energy. References can be viewed by scanning the QR code

Explore OT Jobs > jobs.otaus.com.au

Looking to grow your team?

• What would it look like if this wasn’t a problem?

Review This led to a review and asking “What’s next?” and “How do we build on this?”

Innovation in Clinical Education–

Sue Holley Clinical Education Leader (Mental Health), Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Program, Queensland Health

Humble Beginnings

• Supporting student preparedness and experiences during clinical placements in mental health; • Engaging the consumer and student voice in mental-health curriculum design and placement preparation.

Occupational therapy student placements in Queensland are possible through a long history of statewide collaborations between occupational therapists in clinical education and their partners at eight Queensland-based universities. Student experiences in mentalhealth settings are critical for the future occupational therapy workforce (Rodger et. al., 2009) but are impacted by issues related to recruitment and retention within the Australian mental-health workforce (Hayes et. al., 2008; Scanlan et. al., 2010), including limited awareness of the occupational therapy role in mental health (McKinstry, 2022) and services dominated by the casemanagement model (Griffin et. al., 2020).

Informal feedback and online survey results were very positive… connecting and discussing quality curriculum and clinical education learning in mental health

Progress Three knowledge exchange forums since April 2021 have focussed on the following themes:

The concept emanated from an Australian Catholic University student honours project that aimed to explore ways to better facilitate knowledge exchange between occupational therapists at QH MHAOD and the universities providing occupational therapy education in Queensland. Knowledge exchange “encourages the sharing of ideas, data, experience and expertise which is mutually beneficial to all parties involved” (Solent University n.d.). Development The knowledge exchange is a partnership between the QH Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Program, the QH Mental Health Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice Collaborative and the university sector. Invitations to attend the exchange were intentionally broad and extended to mental-health content experts and clinical education staff across all Queenslandbased universities with an occupational therapy program, occupational therapy clinical education staff and occupational therapists working at QH MHAOD. Biannual forums were held online via Microsoft Teams© for attendees across the state.

• Innovations to support occupation in practice in mental-health settings in Queensland Health: what does this mean for students and new graduates;

The Queensland Mental Health Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Knowledge Exchange

Julie Hughes Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Australian Catholic University (Brisbane)

Occupational therapists working in Queensland Health (QH) Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs (MHAOD) services say supporting students and occupational therapy-specific clinical education can be challenging due to demanding workloads, a geographically dispersed state and variations in university mental-health curriculums. Anecdotal feedback highlights that some students are reluctant to engage in mentalhealth placements. As innovative ways to enable clinical placements in mental health require collaboration between relevant stakeholders, the Queensland-based Mental Health Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Knowledge Exchange was born.

30 FEATUREotaus.com.au

Innovation in Clinical Education is a strong driving force in the Queensland Mental Health Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Knowledge Exchange.

Each forum has included QH and university

References can be viewed by scanning the QR code the classroom, consumers’ experiences of contributing to student learning, and the use of simulation for mental-health curriculum and placement learning. We are excited to see where this journey takes us.

www.pracsuite.com | 1800 18 18 20 Fast. Professional.Intuitive.NextGenerationPracticeManagementSoftware Setting the Industry standard • Fast and intuitive workflows for increased productivity • Cloud-based for access anywhere using PC, Mac, iPad and mobile devices • Industry-leading scheduling, billing and clinical notes • Accurate and detailed management reporting • Integrated card payments, Medicare, DVA, health fund claiming, WorkCover QLD, icare NSW, NDIS and Tyro terminal support • Online bookings and patient forms • Professional data migration from other products • Australian based help desk with phone support

Future Plans Themes for future sessions and ideas for potential collaborations including research opportunities are planned. Topics of interest include students’ health and wellbeing, student attitudes towards mental health across the curriculum, lived experience in Book a product tour on our website or call to arrange a personalised demonstration.

FEATURE perspectives, with presentations and discussions between students, clinical educators, early-career occupational therapists, occupational therapy leaders and university staff. Attendance exceeded initial expectations, with up to 32 online sites, some including several participants. Forum recordings are available. Informal feedback and online survey results were very positive. Participants expressed value in connecting and discussing quality curriculum and clinical-education learning in mental health. Inclusion of student, clinical educator and new graduate perspectives within each forum was particularly valued, and participants communicated a commitment to future collaboration.

One exciting outcome was the start of a Student Narratives video project in which students share their mental-health placement experiences, including their expectations and assumptions, placement rewards and challenges, powerful learning experiences and Top Tips. These videos will be shared with knowledge exchange members to support future students embarking on mental-health placement opportunities.

Am I covered if my client misinterpretsmyadvice? not sure? Talk to Aon, the small business insurance specialist. Our occupational therapy industry and broking expertise helps you make more confident decisions when using us to arrange your insurance purchase. Visit aon.com.au/ota or call 1800 805 191. © 2021 Aon Risk Services Australia Limited ABN 17 000 434 720 AFSL 241141 (Aon). Coverage terms, conditions and exclusions apply to all covers. Please carefully read the policy terms prior to making a purchase decision to ensure it meets your particular objectives, financial circumstances and needs. Contact Aon on 1300 836 028 for a copy of the policy wording and/or Product Disclosure Statement. AFF20210329-OT Don’t just insure, be sure.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.