Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
This year, our Occupational Therapy (OT) department experienced a notable increase in both patient volume and diversity of cases, catering to various orthopedic, psychiatric, neurological, and systemic disorders. The department achieved one of its highest monthly revenues during morning hours and successfully implemented an OT screening program in the Out Patient Department (OPD). Moreover, an interprofessional initiative with Medical Officers and Surgeons was established to raise awareness and enhance referrals to OT services. The OT Volunteer Program and internships for A-Levels and College students were conducted successfully, contributing to our commitment to education and training.
Comprehensive Cognitive Assessments
A new “Comprehensive Cognitive Assessments” OT program was introduced, focusing on stroke patients to assess and rule out cognitive deficits. To elevate departmental performance, new documentation standards, goal-setting criteria, and regular documentation checks were implemented.
Working as an Occupational Therapist in Ireland
A workshop on “Working as an Occupational Therapist in Ireland” by Dr. Farhat Aslam proved insightful for our team. The department actively engaged in providing clinical supervision and training to students from PSRD College and Children’s Hospital.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Centre of PSRD plays a pivotal role in empowering underprivileged persons with disabilities to achieve self-sufficiency through interest free loans. A grace period of two months is provided to the beneficiaries before they start returning their monthly installments. Since the inception of the Micro-credit Scheme, a total of Rs. 30.8 million has been disbursed to 1,055 individuals with disabilities. This financial aid has undoubtedly made a significant positive impact on the lives of these differently abled people. In the year 2022-23, a total of Rs. 2.38 million was disbursed to 48 individuals with disabilities. Notably, the project boasts an outstanding loan recovery rate of 97.83%, underscoring the effectiveness and efficiency of the prudent management and the responsible conduct of the recipients.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Centre also provided various assistive devices to enhance the mobility and accessibility of deserving differently abled persons, particularly crutches,
tripod stands, commode chairs, walkers, wheelchairs and tricycles.
These devices were given free of cost.
VRC conducted business management trainings before disbursing the loans so as to not only provide financial assistance but also equip the beneficiaries with the necessary skills to manage their resources and make informed decisions. The training program focused on four key areas: planning, budgeting, innovation, and record-keeping. VRC feels proud to help people with disabilities to stand on their own feet by providing them with interest free loans.
From grappling with a pen to grasping success, a life transformed by OT-PSRD
Celebrating a 24-year-old man who’s reaped the benefits of independence and handwriting skills, all thanks to our effective therapy. Our Occupational Department’s assessment revealed struggles including a weak tripod grasp, involuntary hand contortions, inadequate thumb opposition, isolated finger movement, and hand extensor weakness. These writing issues had formed a significant roadblock to his employment prospects. However, regular OT sessions three times a week for two months have worked wonders. He can now write legibly with his right hand, employing a firm tripod grasp, while managing thumb opposition during tasks and keeping hand twisting to a minimum. Monthly follow-ups are in place to uphold these functional gains. His self-confidence has seen a remarkable boost, and he’s thankful to OT-PSRD for this.
Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy Department provided speech therapy services and used various mechanisms to work on the speech impairments.
Abdullah, a 16-year-old boy, sought assistance from the speech Therapy department, presenting with a concern of a female-like voice (puberphonia). Referred by the ENT Department of Services Hospital, his voice was characterized by breathiness, roughness, and a lack of power, contributing to emotional stress. Upon diagnosis of puberphonia, a tailored regimen of regular voice therapy, including vocal exercises, cough techniques, glottal attack before vowels, effortful closure technique, and adjustments to lower the larynx to an appropriate position, was initiated. Through consistent therapy sessions, significant improvements in his voice quality were observed. Abdullah can now confidently communicate with a low-pitched, masculine voice.