Occupational Therapy Placement in Orthopaedics

For my Level 2 practice placement, I was attached to an Orthopaedics Trauma ward in an acute hospital in Dorchester, Dorset. Over 9 weeks, I gradually took on more responsibilities and developed practical skills. It was a good learning experience as it allowed me to put theory to practice.

In Orthopaedics trauma, clients have bone related injuries through accidents. Occupational Therapists are involved mainly in facilitating safe discharge and restoring clients’ independence. There is close collaboration with the physiotherapists to improve mobility and assess their activities of daily living.

The first week was stressful as I had to orientate myself in the hospital, learn the recording systems used and be introduced to the work of OTs in this setting. As it was an acute setting, there were new patients coming in all the time, and I had to keep up with their names and conditions. It was difficult adjusting from a student role where I wrote essays to a working role of dealing with real patients. I felt like a sponge trying to absorb all the information! Luckily my educator was very patient and encouraged me to ask questions to clarify any doubts.

Initially, I shadowed my educator and observed what he did. As I gained confidence, I performed initial interviews with clients under supervision to find out how they were coping at home previously. I also conducted washing and dressing assessments to establish clients’ ability in personal care after their accidents and see what assistance or advice could be given. By doing this and discussing the information with my educator, the physiotherapists and nurses, I was included in the team and gradually settled into the setting. After more practice, my educator was happy for me to conduct these on my own. It was satisfying to have my own independence in performing these tasks.

As the weeks progressed, I felt more competent and ready to take on new responsibilities. In Orthopaedics, home visits are done to assess clients’ ability to manage at home after their injury. I was pretty nervous when conducting my first home visit under my educator’s supervision. It was for a client who had a hip replacement operation and lived alone. My educator was very encouraging and gave me prompts throughout. I assessed the client’s transfers on and off the bed, chair and toilet and asked her to make a cup of tea. These gave a good idea of her physical and cognitive abilities. Equipment such as a raised toilet seat and chair raisers were subsequently issued to make it easier for her transfers following her operation. We also made a referral to the social workers to arrange assistance with washing and dressing.

I was assessed on competencies such as communication skills with clients and other professionals as well as participation in the intervention process. I was fortunate to have a very encouraging educator who guided and let me progress at my own pace. The supportive work environment allowed me to trial and error and learn from my mistakes. Towards the end, I had a lot more independence in managing a small caseload and took an active role in discussing the intervention with my educator.

It was with mixed feelings that I ended the 9 weeks. Happy, as I had improved my clinical skills, but sad to leave the colleagues whom I had established good relations with. I left with fond memories of this placement.

As I return to another academic term, it will allow time for reflection and more learning before my final placement in Level 3.