UNITY THROUGH COMMUNITY

health

Occupations are essential to living. They give our lives meaning, purpose and structure. They help shape who we are, connect us with others and help create our identity and sense of belonging. In this regard, occupational therapists help develop fine motor skills so they can grasp and release items and develop good handwriting or computer skills, improve eye–hand coordination so they can carry out various tasks.

Every year, October 27 is celebrated as World Occupational Therapy Day. The day provides an opportunity to shed light on the profession’s remarkable work and promote the activities of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). This year’s theme, ‘Unity through Community’ underscores the collaborative nature of occupational therapy. It takes a holistic approach through a wide range of therapeutic techniques and interventions, occupational therapists utilise everyday activities and exercises to help their patients overcome barriers that affect their emotional, social, and physical well-being. This approach is particularly beneficial for children and adolescents, as it enhances their school performance, daily activities, self-esteem, and overall sense of accomplishment to lead an active and productive life.

Who is an occupational therapist?

In the past, occupational therapy was primarily associated with individuals with cerebral disabilities, psychotic illnesses, and other challenges, now it is a versatile field that can assist individuals with various conditions. Occupational therapy offers support and solutions tailored to the unique needs of each individual, ensuring they can lead more fulfilling lives.

To become an occupational therapist it is required to do a five-year degree course, in which students learn a host of subjects, to deal with every aspect of life of a patient. A certified therapist evaluates patients and develops treatment plans as per their illnesses. Ideally, every tertiary care hospital should have an occupational therapist in the healthcare team, where the doctor can refer their patients to an OT. Unfortunately, Pakistan lacks this concept.

OT is fairly a new concept in Pakistan, many people confuse Occupational Therapy with Physical Therapy. “The two are completely different fields, though therapists of both the fields, contribute to improving the quality of life, by adopting different techniques. Physical therapy primarily addresses pain, strength, joint mobility, endurance, and gross motor skills, which involve large muscle movements. On the other hand, Occupational therapy (OT), concentrates on participation and involvement in activities related to individual roles, responsibilities, daily task which may involve fine motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, cognitive skills, and sensory processing, all of which is required for an individual’s health and wellbeing,” explains Neelum Zehra, HOD Occupational Therapy, Ziauddin College of Rehabilitation Sciences, and Vice President Pakistan Occupational Therapy Association.

The evidential benefits of occupational therapy:

One of the main functions of OT is motor skill development. Motor skill development is enhanced through exercises, but to achieve optimal function, occupational therapy is essential. “Once, a 16-year-old child came to us who had tragically lost his eyesight and the sensory stimulation of his hands due to a birth-related negligence. Upon conducting a thorough assessment, it became evident that he was unable to read Braille. However, he possessed a remarkable gift - a beautiful voice. In light of this, we provided guidance to his parents, and today, he has blossomed into a gifted singer who performs at private events, earning a livelihood for himself. Everything he has achieved is a testament to the initial assessment of his abilities,” Neelum recalls vividly. This heartening journey illustrates that individual, regardless of their age, can develop essential life skills and independence.

Over the years, the duration of occupational therapy education has increased, reflecting a growing demand for these services. However, despite this need, healthcare professionals and the community have yet to fully utilise these services. “Even within the medical community, there exists a lack of understanding regarding the significance of Occupational Therapists. Consequently, well-trained and experienced OTs often seek opportunities abroad, as they find their skills underutilised here. There are numerous hospitals with occupational therapy centres, but they often do not integrate these services effectively into their systems to provide quality healthcare. As a result, there is a scarcity of occupational therapists in the market. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has 63 units across Sindh with only one unit having an Occupational Therapist,” reveals Neelum, who is currently engaged in academia, where she aims to foster the development of more proficient professionals for the field.

Pakistan has been experiencing the increasing burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases and an aging population, which will place additional demands on healthcare systems. OT recognises humans as inherently occupational beings who engage in activities to maintain health and OTs prepare individuals to face challenges and help lead healthier lives.