Top Tools for Occupational Therapists

What is an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that aims to enable people to participate fully in everyday life. Therapists in this field assess and treat individuals with physical, mental health, or cognitive disorders, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and limited mobility. Early intervention helps individuals regain or enhance their capabilities, promoting greater independence in daily life.

Occupational therapists work with various exercises and activities tailored to each person's unique challenges to promote recovery and independence. This approach can include adapting to the environment, modifying tasks, teaching skills, and using the latest therapeutic technologies.

As technology advances, occupational therapy continues to evolve, incorporating innovative tools that make treatments more effective and tailored. These developments significantly enhance the quality of life for patients, allowing them to perform tasks that were once difficult or impossible.

Why do occupational therapists need tools?

Occupational therapists require specialized tools to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their practice. These tools, from assistive devices to therapeutic software, are crucial in streamlining patient care and improving clinical outcomes.

OT tools are available for a variety of age groups. All tools work to support individuals in completing everyday activities, whether this involves fine motor control skills or hand-eye coordination.

Using the right tools can significantly reduce the time it takes to achieve rehabilitation goals, allowing therapists to handle more cases effectively. For instance, tools designed for pediatric recovery may differ from those used for adults, emphasizing the importance of selecting age-appropriate and condition-specific aids.

Investing in these tools often involves an initial cost but typically results in long-term savings by enhancing the therapy process and reducing the resources needed for each patient. Many of these tools are designed in collaboration with occupational therapists to ensure they align with practice needs and enhance the efficiency and organization of the therapeutic environment.

Hardware tools needed by occupational therapists

Given the many available occupational therapy equipment tools, assessing which ones will be most suitable for your business can be difficult. To help you in this process, we've compiled a list of some of the best hardware tools guaranteed to improve the clinical outcomes at occupational therapy sessions in your practice.

1. Sensory-friendly seating

Sensory-friendly seating allows patients to access further sensory input via their joints, leading to better attention and focus. Many occupational therapists encourage sensory-friendly seating in education environments, mainly if their patients are younger students. The most commonly used sensory-friendly seat is a standard medicine ball, which has the additional advantage of being highly affordable.

If you frequently encounter patients with inattention issues and benefit from sensory-friendly seating, you may also want to look into therapy ball chairs, wiggle cushions, wobble chairs, and rocker chairs.  

2. Handwriting accommodations

Many patients with sensory processing challenges experience difficulty with fine motor skills, including handwriting. Different tools have been developed to facilitate these struggles, allowing individuals to grasp pattern-grip pencils or pens more comfortably according to their unique needs alone. These include Writing Rascals, Handiwriters, and pencil weights.

3. Fidget or stim toys

Using fidget and stim toys is an excellent way to give patients extra sensory input without distracting them from activities. Two of the most common are tangles and fidgipods, devices that can provide tactile input while improving concentration.

4. Weighted products

Different weighted products, such as vests and lap pads, offer sensory input throughout the day, helping patients regulate their bodies, support their internal systems, and stay focused on various tasks. These tools are available in different weights, colors, and sizes, ensuring they are comfortable and appropriate for the specific patient's needs.

5. Oral sensory tools

Sensory processing disorders often also lead to patients chewing on various objects. While this isn't necessarily harmful, it can be distracting and potentially dangerous, particularly for children. Fortunately, specific tools, including chewers and chew bricks, have been developed to allow individuals with sensory integration disabilities to receive oral sensory input without negatively impacting their day-to-day lives.

Software tools needed by occupational therapists

In addition to the tools listed above, a wide range of software is  designed to streamline occupational therapy processes. Once again, we've compiled a list of some of the most effective options:

1. Documentation software

Writing and storing clinical documentation is a necessary aspect of occupational therapy. You must have thorough documentation of your sessions with clients, including information regarding diagnoses, treatments, interventions, and progress. This allows you to track clinical outcomes and is used for billing, intervention, and legal purposes.

Implementing occupational therapy documentation software allows you to streamline the creation of these notes, facilitating better organization and improved productivity.

2. Practice management software

Practice management software is another valuable tool for occupational therapy businesses. These systems are usually integrated with various functions, including documentation templates and storage, medical billing tools, patient portals, and appointment scheduling. Sophisticated practice management systems allow you to save money and time while simultaneously focusing on improving clinical outcomes.

3. Electronic health records (EHR) portal

EHR is a digitized version of a person or patient's medical chart. EHR software facilitates greater accessibility (for patients and practitioners) and more effective communication, leading to improved care coordination. Moreover, EHR portals allow patients to quickly and conveniently access their medical information, significantly enhancing transparency within the healthcare system.

4. Billing software

Managing medical billing is one of the most challenging aspects of working in the healthcare industry. Billing software can streamline this process and significantly reduce the number of denied and/or rejected claims. The correct billing software will help filter insurance coverages and patient payment plans, ensuring your business is paid promptly.

5. Cloud storage solutions

As technology develops, more occupational therapy businesses use cloud storage solutions for their data. Cloud solutions mean that all your data is stored on remote servers, which can be accessed via a secure internet connection. Additionally, they are a highly effective method of storage that facilitates better accessibility and sharing options for occupational therapy tools without compromising the security and safety of confidential information.

6. Customer relationship management (CRM) software

CRM software for occupational therapists is integrated with various tools designed to improve the client experience, leading to greater satisfaction and, hopefully, more clients. These systems streamline check-in, reduce wait times, and establish better patient-therapist communication, contributing to positive customer experiences.

Takeaway

The right tools can make a huge difference in an occupational therapist’s day-to-day work. From assessment kits to adaptive equipment, having the best resources helps improve patient care and makes tasks more manageable. Technology is also playing a big role, with apps and digital tools streamlining documentation and treatment planning.

While every therapist has their favorites, finding what works best for your style and clients is key. Investing in the right tools isn’t just about convenience. It’s about making therapy more effective and meaningful. So, explore new options, try what fits, and keep evolving to give your patients the best support possible!