Occupational Therapy
Health care, as well as methods and techniques to be followed for this purpose are very broad. The medical system in Cuba guarantees free assistance to man, including programs for the recovery and reintegration of the affected population as the mental health program which reaches each cuban municipality. Today we will talk about occupational therapy and its benefits to society.
Context
The literature recognizes occupational therapy as the activity responsible for facilitating and optimizing the performance of people in their daily chores. Activities can be work, study, sports, games or free time. To perform any of these occupations, the person must have the opportunity to participate, so that the occupational therapist intervenes to promote, support and facilitate the social contribution of the person.
In each case it is important to consider the environment and culture of the person participating in therapy. Participants also called intervention areas are delimited by pathologies. The main ones are related to cases of acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury and communication disorders, both functional and neurological origin.
Discovering the benefits
For patients it is essential to develop meaningful occupations for their welfare. In all cases the active participation of the person in the therapeutic process is necessary because the occupational history is made during therapy, through three basic processes. The first, the "Practice centered on occupation", this occupational therapy provides an aid to participate in occupations that the patient values. The occupation is essential for people to build their identity. For which a systematic evaluation of the priorities and interests of the person is required.
The second element is the "Practice based on evidence", here it is about to base decisions intervention in the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of the best reality. The occupational therapy practitioner should know how to access, evaluate and interpret the relevant research, must be able to communicate well the likely results of the intervention for the patient to decide whether or not to receive such intervention.
The latter process is known as "Professionals and their functions." Here each occupational therapist is responsible for all aspects of the human being in the context, directing intervention towards the achievement of autonomy, sense of satisfactory living and full participation of the patient at any stage of development in which they are, so that each person can guarantee their social reintegration.
It may be a long road, full of barriers and obstacles, but will undoubtedly be an effective alternative for those who need specialized help.
Professionals and their functions
Each occupational therapist is responsible for all aspects of "doing" of the human being in context, directing intervention, towards the achievement of autonomy, a satisfactory sense of living and full participation at any stage of development. So that people can guarantee their social reintegration. Therapists use direct participation in occupations, therapeutic relationship and specific intervention techniques with the person and their physical, social, and cultural environment, working with all age groups in a wide range of areas, and carrying out their work. Always offering their services to people with a problem that interferes with the satisfactory performance of their occupation.
For many the world of occupational therapy may seem inaccessible, then think that we may need it for a friend, relative or for ourselves. Knowing the potential of the process, its phases and the ability of professionals can give the opportunity that today our municipality offers through the Mental Health Center of San Antonio de los Baños.
Remember the words of Dr. Claudia Vottero, "occupational therapy interferes with people of any age group who suffer from an illness, disability or social vulnerability." Knowing about this treatment can open doors, because occupational therapy is an effective alternative.
