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Do Occupational Therapists Address Medication Side Effects In Home Health?

Christine Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

August 22, 2016

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Question

Do occupational therapists address medication side effects in home health?

Answer

We do from the point of view of medication management as an occupation. We address medication side effects as they interfere with occupations and help the person advocate for that. Weight gain is often a side effect of a medication and very common in mental health. We might help them look at how to reduce calories, or identify activities to increase exercise. In terms of medication side effects, we would also look for things like tremors, or other adverse effects that might need to be reported to the physician. Whereas at an in-patient unit, there would be other eyes looking at that person.


christine helfrich

Christine Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Christine Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA is an Associate Professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy at American International College. She has worked clinically and developed student fieldwork programs throughout the spectrum of mental health settings. Her research focuses on understanding and meeting the needs of those least likely to receive occupational therapy services. Her work has defined the role of occupational therapy with survivors of domestic violence and people who have experienced homelessness as she seeks to include the voice of clients in all aspects of research, teaching, service, and fieldwork development. The interdependence of practice, research, and education is apparent in her work and focus on social learning and occupational justice.
 


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