In this OT Conversation episode, Hao provides a perspective on competency in occupational therapy for patients receiving ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). Diving into the meaning of competency beyond technical skills, Hao explains its essence as the ability to deliver effective care in complex environments. The presentation focuses on the triad of OT competency—assessment, planning, goal-setting, and intervention. There is a particular emphasis on collaborating with other disciplines while staying within the OT scope, and avoiding tasks like machine manipulation, which belong to other specialists. Hao underscores the importance of understanding patients' values, daily activities, and emotional states in developing tailored treatments. The ultimate goal is to incorporate these insights into functional and meaningful interventions, recognizing ECMO as a context, not a patient's identity. By focusing on micro-occupations and nuanced outcomes, occupational therapists can significantly impact patients' recovery journeys, even in critical care settings. The session concludes with a reflection on the vital role of OTs in bringing hope and purpose to patients in challenging medical situations.
