Elevating the Standard of Occupational Therapy’s Role in Cognitive Function in the Acute Care Setting

Occupational therapists should play an integral role in addressing functional cognition in the acute care setting while also engaging other disciplines to support this same cause. In a tertiary hospital in Pennsylvania, three patient populations were selected to focus on creating an evidence-based and standardized approach to cognitive assessment and treatment during occupational therapy services. These populations include brain injury (severe and moderate), COVID-19, and patients at increased risk for delirium. For each population, research-based evaluation tools and treatment intervention supported by the current literature were selected to support best practice. Other disciplines were called upon as appropriate to further this goal and bolster patient progress. Our greatest resources to further this progress are our colleagues in the healthcare world and sharing what has led to success or challenges will be encouraged.