Here at Mount Sinai Medical Center, occupational therapists (OTs) are part of an interdisciplinary team which provides skilled services in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation.Our MSMC Occupational therapy team works with a variety of patients ranging from neurological, orthopaedic, and cardiac just to name some of the conditions that may require rehabilitation. The OTs assist our patients through the use of assessment and treatment to develop, recover, and maintain the daily living and work skills of people with a physical, developmental, mental, or cognitive disorder.
In the acute care setting, including behavioral health and the NICU, patients first encounter occupational therapists at the bedside to facilitate mobilization, restoration of function, and prevention of further decline in preparation for discharge home or for transition to a rehabilitation facility.
In the inpatient rehabilitation unit, patients receive an intense individualized multidisciplinary program. Occupational therapists educate and train patients and family on how to efficiently complete activities of daily living, perform functional transfers while utilizing proper body mechanics, and receive cognitive remediation. Furthermore, OTs may assess and make suggestions for home modifications to enhance safety and promote independence in order to return home. Patients are provided with home exercise programs and educational material prior to discharge to continue their recovery at home. Our Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist educates our staff on the most up-to-date evidence-based practices in the field as well as organizes and facilitates a stroke support group held every third Thursday of the month which is open to all patients, families and the community.
Once discharged home, the outpatient occupational therapists assist patients in their recovery process in order to return to their lifestyle prior to injury or event. Common conditions treated are hand injuries, neurologic trauma or disease, work-related injuries, and pediatrics. Our Certified Hand Specialist/Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist works closely with our physicians and team assisting patients with solutions for prevention of workplace injuries, and treating musculoskeletal and post-surgical injuries to return to their prior level of function.
Occupational therapy practitioners here at Mount Sinai Medical Center are committed to empowering patients and family in addition to making recommendations and providing education throughout the continuum of care to help our patients return home and maximize functional independence.