These positions will augment the interprofessional day, evening and weekend teams to promote safe discharges and seamless transitions back to community. Occupational therapists will support the ED team in the evening, 7 days a week, to make decisions about discharging patients from the ED. Patients’ functional status will be assessed, and recommendations will be made about each patient’s ability to perform functional mobility and everyday living skills. Assistive devices and adaptive equipment may be recommended to help patients manage in their communities. Personalized strategies for patients whose cognition or mood are impaired will be provided. Targeted education will be given to patients who have had a fall or at risk for falls. The OT will collaborate with the ED Clinical Team to identify options for lowered risk to return to living in the community, based on each patient’s physical, cognitive and psycho-emotional functional presentation.
These positions will be well-suited for Occupational Therapists who are adaptive and thrive on a constantly changing caseload, who can problem-solve in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of productivity and competence, who are adaptive and excited to be part of innovative models of interprofessional care, and who value working in collaboration with system partners to build high performing teams not only at Sunnybrook but throughout our community– with a focus on one team.
Collaborate with patients, family, ED staff and system partners to facilitate safe and effective patient discharges from the ED or begin assessments for appropriate admissions
Participate in daily ED rounds, conduct assessments (eg. Cognition, transfers, toileting, mobility, stairs, mood, mental health status), and liaise with system partners about recommended equipment (eg. walker, rollator, commode, bed rail, shower seats) and services to avoid hospital admission
Act as a rehabilitation expert resource for staff, students, and other healthcare providers
Seek opportunities for knowledge translation through evidence-based practice and implementing best practices in the ED
Complete record keeping in a timely and clear manner
Practice in accordance with College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario standards for practice
Registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
Membership in CAOT or OSOT
Acute care experience required
Emergency Department experience or understanding about ED processes an asset
Strong cognitive assessment experience required
Physical assessment experience required
Assessment and discharge planning experience with older adults (65 years+) who have complex health issues, including failure to cope or thrive, confusion, dementia, delirium, falls, skin ulcers, weakness and decreased mobility or ambulation required
Ability to efficiently complete comprehensive assessments of a patient’s occupational performance issues (ADLs and IADLS, home safety, cognition and perception, mobility and physical function, psycho-emotional and mental health, and need for equipment/aides to optimize independence) in order to develop care plans that appropriately diverts an admission or effectively discharges a patient from hospital
Strong ability to collaborate with colleagues, as necessary
Knowledge of the health care system, community resources and eligibility criteria for system partner facilities
Ability to personalize education to patients and family that prepares them to optimize safest return to functioning and perform life skills/ re-engage in their roles in the community
Good working knowledge and execution of referral systems such as RM&R
Computer literacy required
Well-developed communication, interpersonal, time management and organizational skills
Superior ability to quickly build trusting relationships as a new team member into an established interprofessional team environment
Strong teambuilding skills and conflict resolution skills
Excellent interviewing and problem solving skills
Superior ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities in a fast-paced environment
Ability to demonstrate reflective practice
Demonstrated commitment to Person-Centred Care