If you were to peek into therapy sessions at our clinic, it might look like we’re “just playing.” But at Therapy & Wellness Connection, our Akron occupational therapy for kids is an evidence-based practice.

For those unfamiliar with this terminology, evidence-based practice refers to the process of making clinical decisions and providing interventions that are guided by the best available evidence – combined with the therapist’s clinical expertise and the individual needs and preferences of the child and their family.

It involves integrating research findings, clinical expertise, and patient values to deliver effective and appropriate interventions for children with various developmental and functional challenges. This approach ensures that the interventions provided are both scientifically grounded and tailored to the specific needs of each child.

The key components of evidence-based practice in Akron occupational therapy for kids include:

1. Research Evidence: As occupational therapy practitioners, we rely only on high-quality research studies, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and other empirical research, to inform clinical decision-making. OTs critically evaluate the available research to determine the effectiveness of various interventions.
2. Clinical Expertise: Occupational therapists bring their own clinical skills, knowledge, and experience to the decision-making process. This expertise allows them to assess the relevance and applicability of research findings to the unique needs of each child.
3. Client and Family Preferences: The values, preferences, and priorities of the child and their family are essential considerations in evidence-based practice. Therapists collaborate with the family to develop interventions that align with their goals and preferences.
4. Clinical Judgment: OTs use their clinical judgment to integrate research evidence, expertise, and client preferences. This involves making informed decisions about which interventions are most appropriate for each child’s specific needs.
5. Continuous Evaluation: Evidence-based practice involves ongoing assessment and evaluation of the child’s progress. Occupational therapists continuously monitor the child’s response to interventions and adjust their approach as needed.
6. Professional Ethics: Ethical considerations, such as promoting the well-being of the child, ensuring informed consent, and maintaining confidentiality, play a vital role in evidence-based practice with Akron occupational therapy for kids.
7. Cultural and Contextual Factors: Therapists take into account the cultural, social, and environmental factors that influence a child’s development and participation. These factors are considered when tailoring interventions to the child’s context.

By following the principles of evidence-based practice, pediatric occupational therapists aim to provide interventions that are effective, safe, and meaningful for each child.

Benefits of Evidence-Based Practice With Occupational Therapy for Kids

Evidence-based practice is crucial in pediatric occupational therapy for several important reasons:

1. Effective Interventions: Evidence-based practice ensures that the interventions provided are effective and have a positive impact on the child’s development, function, and quality of life. Occupational therapists rely on research findings to choose the interventions we know have been proven to work.
2. Safety: Evidence-based practice helps ensure that interventions are safe for the child. Therapists can avoid interventions that may carry unnecessary risks or potential harm.
3. Efficiency: By using evidence-based interventions, therapists can focus their time and resources on approaches that are most likely to be effective. We know that what works for one child won’t necessarily work for another. There’s a level of trial-and-error involved in identifying and executing effective therapy interventions. But with evidence-based practice, we know that the strategies we’re implementing have worked for many other kids in the past, so they’re more likely to work for yours. In turn, therapy sessions are more efficient and progress for the child is faster.
4. Optimal Resource Allocation: Evidence-based practice can guide decisions about which interventions to prioritize when resources are limited. It allows therapists to make informed choices about how to allocate time, equipment, and other resources.
5. Professional Accountability: Following evidence-based practice standards demonstrates the occupational therapist’s commitment to providing high-quality care based on the best available information. Evidence-based practice in occupational therapy is the professional standard. Our patients can trust that we are delivering on that standard.
6. Continuous Learning: Engaging in evidence-based practice encourages occupational therapists to stay updated on the latest research and developments in the field. This ongoing learning process ensures that therapists remain knowledgeable and skilled in their practice.
7. Transparency: Evidence-based practice involves transparency in decision-making. Therapists can explain the rationale behind their interventions to the child and their family, fostering better understanding and cooperation.
8. Reduced Variation: Evidence-based practice can help reduce variability in treatment approaches among different therapists. This consistency in interventions can lead to more standardized and effective care.
9. Personalized Care: While evidence-based practice relies on research findings, it also emphasizes the importance of individualizing interventions to each child’s unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. This combination of research and individualization leads to more tailored and effective interventions.
10. Advancement of the Field: When therapists consistently use evidence-based practice, they contribute to the advancement of pediatric occupational therapy as a whole. Research findings and clinical experiences can inform future research and help refine interventions over time.

Overall, evidence-based practice – combining research evidence, clinical expertise, and individual preferences – ensures that our Akron occupational therapy for kids is of the highest quality.

Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – provides occupational therapy to children in Akron, Cleveland, Brecksville-Broadview Heights and surrounding communities. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email.

Additional Resources:

Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Early Childhood: Birth–5 Years, May/June 2020, The American Journal of Occupational Therapy

More Blog Entries:

Cleveland Occupational Therapists Can Help Kids With ADHD Improve Attention, Reduce Hyperactivity, July 15, 2023, Therapy & Wellness Connection Blog