The Key to Recovery
Unlocking a door, turning a handle and running a tap are three actions many people take for granted but for a patient receiving occupational therapy, they can be challenging.
Two Lecturers from the University of Toronto’s Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OS&OT) are part of a team in the Inner City Health program at St. Michael’s Hospital that developed a custom tool to improve recovery at the bedside. Known as a manipulation board, the tool allows patients to practice using everyday items such as door knobs, faucets and chain locks.
“For individuals such as stroke patients that have suffered a loss of motor skills, the board allows them to practice functional skills rather than just hand exercises,” said Leah Christie, a Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and an occupational therapist involved in the project. “Before we had the board, patients would use real doors and faucets on the unit, but that’s not always an option for our less mobile patients or for those in isolation.”
When occupational therapist assistants Kristin Broadhead and Tyrone Gordon started exploring options for purchasing a manipulation board, they were surprised by the cost. That’s when Engineering was engaged with the help of materials coordinator Jennifer Goss.
Darryn Cove, a carpenter in the hospital’s Engineering Department, worked with Occupational Therapy to design a board based on a few options that were available on the market. The team was able to customize the board. For example, specific varnishes were used that are better from an infection control perspective.
With two highly customized boards that can be washed and shared, patients will have greater access to diverse therapy and hopefully faster results.
“At a time when the hospital is emphasizing interprofessional care and breaking down silos, it’s great to be able to collaborate with a team we don’t usually work with,” said Jenna Egan, another OS&OT Lecturer and occupational therapist involved in the project. “Engineering was a strong partner in this project, providing us with guidance and recommendations for the board.”
Cove was able to work with his colleagues to get everything he needed for the board. For example, the hospital’s locksmith provided the locks and the faucets came from plumbing.
“The Engineering Department affects patient care every day, but this was a unique opportunity to work with a clinical group,” said Cove. “For the first time, I got to see my work directly influence the patient experience.”
(Photo: Katie Cooper, Medical Media Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital)
