In honor of National Black History Month and Women's History Month, this special episode explores the invaluable contributions of Black women occupational therapy practitioners, scholars, and leaders who have shaped the profession and continue to drive health equity forward. We are joined by Arameh Anvarizadeh, Natalie Chang Wright, and co-host Varleisha Lyons to reflect on the legacy of trailblazers who broke barriers, discuss the ongoing challenges in diversifying the field, and highlight the critical role of occupational therapy in addressing health disparities. Featuring insightful conversations with established voices in OT, this episode examines the future of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy in building a more inclusive and equitable profession.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or endorsements of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA does not assume responsibility for any interpretations, applications, or consequences of this material in light of current laws or policies.

This presentation is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or regulatory guidance. Attendees/Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal, regulatory, or organizational policies regarding compliance with current federal and state laws on DEI-related content.

By attending/listening to this session, participants acknowledge that they do so voluntarily and agree that neither the presenters nor AOTA shall be held liable for any actions taken based on the information provided.

On today's episode, we delve into the pressing issue of concussions and their often-overlooked aftermath. Anna Boone and Whitney Henderson share their expertise and discuss the staggering number of individuals who sustain concussions each year in the U.S., many of whom remain undiagnosed or lack access to follow-up care and rehabilitation services. While much attention has been focused on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), we shine a light on those experiencing post-concussion syndrome (PCS) with mild persistent symptoms that hinder their daily lives. This episode emphasizes occupational therapy practitioners' critical role in evaluating and intervening in these cases, particularly regarding high-level instrumental activities of daily living, work, school, and social participation. Join us as we explore effective metacognitive strategies that empower clients to recognize meaningful changes and engage in their recovery process.

Contact Hour Survey

Additional Resources:

Cognitive Strategy Training Feasibility Trial

Persistent Concussive Syndrome through an Occupational Lens

Anna Boone Research Profile

Whitney Henderson Research Profile

In today's episode, we speak with Emily Barr about patient safety and some of the research and advocacy efforts she has been involved in as the Nebraska Coalition for Patient Safety executive director. She describes OT's distinct role in addressing patient safety and provides recommendations for students, clinicians, educators, and advocates to improve patient safety standards, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes.

Contact Hour Survey

Additional Resources:

National Quality Forum focus on HARM project

National Quality Forum update to serious adverse event reporting

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005

CMS Patient Safety Measure for Hospitals

CMS Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement