The role of the occupational therapist (OT) is to improve and maintain a person's ability to perform activities of daily living that are purposeful, functional, and meaningful to that individual. Given the chronic (lifelong) nature of rheumatic disease, those with spondylitis (including children with juvenile spondyloarthropathy) stand to benefit from appropriate occupational therapy.

What Does the OT Do?
The OT evaluates the effect of a rheumatic disease on the person's joints, muscles, nerves, and other soft tissue, and looks at their surroundings (home, school, work environment) in order to determine the impact of arthritis on everyday functions and responsibilities. This is accomplished through interviews, formal assessments, and observation.

The OT works with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan to achieve prioritized goals. Patients and family members may need to modify certain areas within their environment (example: move the furniture in the living room so that a spondylitis patient with a fused neck can watch TV comfortably) and change tasks accordingly. The OT educates patients and families on how to help gain or maintain full participation in self-care, daily home tasks, work or school, and leisure or play.

OTs stress the importance of stress management, energy conservation, and joint protection to minimize fatigue, reduce pain, and improve safe performance in daily activities. Therapeutic exercise and activity programs to counter problems (like reduced function from loss of strength, endurance, or joint motion) may also be a part of occupational therapy. As with many other professionals discussed in this section, OTs can assist patients and their families in identifying personal and community resources.

Where Does an OT Work?
OTs provide care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, physicians' offices, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, hospices, industrial clinics, outpatient clinics, and private practice. A physician's referral may be necessary to evaluate or treat a patient.

Training
OTs have completed an approved educational program, all of which require a period of supervised clinical experience. After January 2007, entry-level practice will require a Master's degree. Individuals must pass a national certification examination upon graduation to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR). A number of states require licensure to practice. OTRs may also pursue advanced certification in hand therapy (CHT).

Source: American College of Rheumatology