By Calvin Mutinda .

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital’s (JOOTRH) Occupational Therapy Department plays a crucial role in empowering patients with performance challenges. Led by dedicated occupational therapist Mr. Ruto Isaiah, the department offers vital services that significantly improve patient’s quality of life.

A Diverse Patient Focus:

The department caters to a wide range of patients, including children (pediatrics), individuals with physical disabilities, and those facing mental health challenges. Their primary focus is restoring functionality compromised by illness or accidents, enabling patients to regain independence.

Comprehensive Assessments:

Upon referral, patients undergo a thorough evaluation. This includes gathering personal history, medical background (both current and past), and, for children, prenatal history. Mr. Isaiah explains they assess the main complaint, conduct a physical examination, and evaluate functional areas like motor skills, reflexes, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Social interactions, sleep patterns, and play (for children) are also considered.

Personalized Treatment Plans:

Creating effective treatment plans is a meticulous process. The team utilizes purposeful activities tailored to restore lost functions. Short- and long-term goals are set to guide progress. Additionally, a patient-specific problem list forms the foundation of a customized treatment plan.

Holistic Approach:

The department employs a comprehensive approach called TOPICS + 3Ms. This stands for Thinking, Orientation, Perception, Intelligence, Consciousness, and Speech, alongside Motor (movement), Memory, and Mood. This holistic approach ensures a deep understanding of each patient’s struggles, enabling the development of the most effective treatment plan.

Resource Challenges:

Despite their successes, challenges remain. These include a lack of public awareness about disabilities, limited knowledge on addressing them, stigma surrounding both patients and medical personnel, insufficient funding, and a shortage of modern equipment. Mr. Isaiah emphasizes the importance of raising awareness through community seminars, small-scale media campaigns (SMEs), and other educational programs.

A Rewarding Mission:

Mr. Isaiah finds deep fulfillment in witnessing patients regain abilities and re-engage in daily activities. He hopes the department will continue to offer quality services and make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.

Conclusion:

The dedication and expertise of JOOTRH’s Occupational Therapy Department shine through in their commitment to restoring hope and functionality to their patients, one step at a time.