Welcome to the August edition of the Learning Library newsletter!

This month there’s another guest contribution, more videos from me, and we’ll spotlight the best resources for being a brilliant OT detective who nails their assessment processes.

New additions

From me you can access:

- Tutorial recording – How to make a LinkedIn Carousel: And 17 other LinkedIn tips – If you’re new to LinkedIn but want to start to understand some of the features and algorithm hacks, while also learning a practical skill for posting, watch this recording!

- Tutorial recording – Understanding electric profiling bed functions – In this video I was joined by Ilissa Liew from Unicare Health, who explained what all those buttons on an electric bed do, why it is important to operate the features in the correct order, and then used a case study to tie it all together. You can also catch this one on my YouTube channel if you prefer.

- Webinar recording – Applying for jobs: YOTT Connector Q&A – This Q&A session was recorded for my student and new grad membership, YOTT Connector. I did a deep dive into my tips for applying for jobs with a focus on the interview process and what you can do to stand out from the pack when the job is in hot demand. For more Q&As and webinars, check out the YOTT Connector membership.

 From my guest contributors you’ll find:

Resources for building capacity with cooking – Stacey Manfield (Manfield Consulting)

A little while ago I sat down with Stacey to discuss her brilliant new resource, “Cooking up Independence.” We also got a sneak peek at some of her comprehensive treatment session plans for OTs, designed to streamline both the planning process and any handover to therapy assistants. We were also joined by @Danielle Skelton from Bridge to Best who add her insights into how they could be used to guide the therapy process. You can watch a recording of this chat and find out more about the resources via the Learning Library, or connect with Stacey here on LinkedIn.

Focus topic: Assessment tips

Check out these resources if you want sharpen up your information gathering and assessment skills and become a better OT detective:

 - YOTT Hospital Initial Assessment form – Download a PDF you can use to guide your questions, note-taking and documentation when completing an initial OT assessment within a hospital setting.

- Standardised cognitive assessment: Documentation example – Download this PDF to see how I write up my findings after completing a MOCA cognitive assessment. This is another resource straight from my YOTT Connector membership!

- 3 FAQs about the WHODAS 2.0 – About once per month I send someone the link to this video! It answers the top 3 questions clinicians are asking when it comes to trying to understand the WHODAS 2.0, including is it worth doing the complex scoring and where do I find the spreadsheet!?

- FCAs for people with complex invisible illness – This conference-style presentation will introduce you to the key points about completing FCAs for people with conditions like Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome. It’s not just what information you gather, but HOW you gather it that can cause unintentional harm to your client. You’ll also be able to download the free guide that was created to continue the education.

- Ask me anything: FCAs – This webinar recording from a little while ago is still a crowd favourite. If you’re new to the NDIS or considering giving it a go, one of the first things you’ll need to be able to understand (and likely do) will be a functional capacity assessment. This 3-part recording covers tips for FCAs for both adult and paediatric NDIS participants.

Would you like to add your own resource to the Library one day?

All you need to do is fill in the EOI and tell me about your resource, and I’ll send you the T&Cs. The key point is you need to have a resource (video, webinar, download) that you would be happy for people to freely access via the Library, and in return you’ll get your own little marketing landing page and a plug in my socials and newsletters (including this one!). PLUS this cool badge to add to your website or socials. Find out more here!

Super keen but haven’t signed up to the Learning Library yet?

Do it today! All you need to do is add your name and email address via this link, then check your inbox or junk mail for the login details. If you’ve got an extra couple of minutes, you can even setup the free mobile app straight away.

I’m doing this because there are so many great OTs and other health professional out there with fantastic resources and education services, and the OT and allied health world just don’t know they exist.  Spend less time searching for answers and reinventing the wheel, and more time working with your clients!

If you found this newsletter helpful, there’s so much more you can get from Your OT Tutor! Here are four ways I can help you become a better OT who loves what you do with professional development that is simple, practical and worth it!

1.      Check out my on-demand courses

2.      Book in some one-on-one or group training

3.      Sign-up for one of my CPD memberships

4.      Send me a DM and we can chat about how I can help!

#OccupationalTherapy #NDIS #Assessment #YourOTTutor