Occupational Therapy Case Study

Occupational therapist plays a major role in the NICU by addressing many needs that are important for a premature infant to successfully develop (Nightlinger, 2011). They promote a balance between infant’s competence and their physical and social environment to promote development (Nightlinger, 2011). Limited range of motion, high or low muscle tone, extreme irritability, poor feeding, or developmental delays are areas occupational therapist target (Hunter, 2010). Occupational therapist has specialized skill and training to deliver comprehensive services such as neonatal evaluations, treatment, education, decision-making, family support, and discharge planning (Nightlinger, K. (2011). They work in a collaborative team in the NICU setting
It is necessary that the parents of the infant receive education to properly care for their fragile child. Early interventions are based on family centered care, which is in the occupational therapist scope of practice. It is geared for families to establish parent-professional collaboration as an effort to encourage families to be involved in their infant’s treatment. It is also for parents to develop positive relationships with their newborn, gain confidence in their ability to provide care for their newborn, and to gain skills as it relates to accepting the healthcare team providing care for their newborn (Nightlinger, K. (2011). J parents can consult with an occupational therapist on questions they may have such as what should be expected for J to be performing at a certain age. Positioning is very essential to an infant in the NICU. A premature baby does not have the same physical attributes of a full-term infant such as, strength or tightness. Occupational therapist are well trained in regulating positioning as well as active and passive range of motion and strength (Nightlinger, 2011). An Occupational therapist can educate J parents on the different positions to benefit her development as well as state how the positions will be