CURRENT PRACTICE PATTERNS IN HOME HEALTH OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Abstract Occupational therapy practitioners are essential members of the home health rehabilitation team to support patients transitioning from acute care home. However, occupational services have been underutilized, in part, due limited understanding that profession provides. Improving this is necessary help receive timely services. The purpose study was describe current practice patterns therapy. Fifty 27 states completed an electronic survey between May and June 2021. consisted questions about assessment treatment, communication with physical colleagues, impact Patient-Driven Grouping Model coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on service delivery. Results showed assessments focused personal activities, mobility balance, cognition. treatment content usually included training activities daily living, functional mobility, application compensatory strategies (e.g., adaptations), fall prevention strategies. Most respondents communicated their colleagues at least once a week topics related scheduling, changes patient’s condition, falls safety concerns. Seventy percent experienced reduction visits during recent Medicare payment reform pandemic. These felt some might be discharged prematurely because reduction. results highlight pertinence patients’ independence need increase these for patients.