Occupational therapy is an allied health profession with an underlying belief that engaging in occupations promotes both health and wellness. While working in a hospital setting, which operates predominantly in a hierarchical and paternalistic medical model, occupational therapy professionals can find it difficult to reconcile the realities of this environment with their core professional values.

The challenge of acute care practice is looking beyond a specific medical condition and seeing the whole person. Working within a medical setting also requires an understanding of medical conditions and how illness affects occupational performance. What sets occupational therapy apart from other professions is an understanding of the totality of a patient’s occupational profile and the importance of helping patients reclaim important roles and routines.

Occupational Therapy in Acute Care, 2nd Edition, written collaboratively by occupational therapists with acute care and teaching experience, is designed for practitioners working in a hospital setting and others seeking to learn more about this important but often overlooked area of practice. Illustrated chapters offer an understanding of the various body systems, common conditions, diseases, procedures, and typical medical management and how they relate to occupational therapy practice.

This book has been reorganized and updated with evidence-based practice. New for this edition are chapters on the acute care context, services, and disciplines; standardized assessments and G-codes; hospital equipment; trauma; orthotics; physical agent modalities; and creating a positive patient experience. This edition also features downloadable handouts to be used with patients and videos to enhance practice.