RIABILITAZIONE AVANZATA NELLA TERAPIA OCCUPAZIONALEModule FISIATRIA E RIABILITAZIONE MOTORIA
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: RITA CHIARAMONTEExpected Learning Outcomes
D1 – Knowledge and understanding
The course provides knowledge of occupational therapy principles in rehabilitation, with a focus on functional assessment and independence in activities of daily living (ADL and IADL), interventions in musculoskeletal, neurological, and geriatric conditions, and the use of orthoses, assistive devices, and environmental adaptations to enhance occupational participation.
D2 – Applying knowledge and understanding
Apply functional assessment models and standardized tools (e.g., ADL, IADL, Barthel Index) to identify patient needs. Design and implement occupational therapy interventions across clinical settings (orthopedic, neurological, geriatric), using compensatory strategies, functional training, environmental adaptations, and assistive technologies.
D3 – Making judgements
Develop individualized occupational therapy rehabilitation plans based on functional assessment and patient needs, integrating clinical, environmental, and social aspects. Critically evaluate intervention outcomes and adjust treatment accordingly.
D4 – Communication skills
Use appropriate occupational therapy terminology. Communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to support adherence and participation in daily activities.
D5 – Learning skills
Demonstrate the ability to independently update knowledge through guidelines, scientific literature, and professional tools, promoting evidence-based practice.
Course Structure
- Lectures with in-depth analysis
- Discussion of clinical cases
Required Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of musculoskeletal and nervous system anatomy and physiology
- Fundamentals of general and clinical pathology (with particular reference to orthopedic, neurological, and rheumatologic conditions)
- Basic principles of rehabilitation and functional recovery
- Basic understanding of activities of daily living (ADL and IADL) and the concept of independence
- Fundamentals of psychology and therapeutic relationship
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
1. Functional Assessment and Occupational Independence
Aim: Analysis of global functioning and level of independence in daily life.
- Occupational therapy: role, objectives, and fields of intervention
- Assessment scales of independence: ADL (Activities of Daily Living), IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), Barthel Index
2. Occupational Therapy in Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders
Aim: Reduction of disability, joint protection, and maintenance of occupational participation.
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Hemophilic arthropathy
3. Occupational Rehabilitation in Burn Patients
Aim: Functional recovery, prevention of deformities, and reintegration into daily activities.
- Post-burn functional assessment
- ADL and IADL training
- Adaptations, assistive devices, and orthoses
4. Occupational Rehabilitation in Musculoskeletal and Neurological Conditions
Aim: Maintenance of residual abilities, functional adaptation, and support for social participation through assistive strategies, orthoses, and adapted tools.
- Epicondylitis, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, Dupuytren’s disease
- Shoulder and hand disorders
- Fractures of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amputation
- Dystonia
- Elastic compression garments (e.g., gloves)
5. Orthoses, Prostheses, and Assistive Devices
Aim: Compensation for disability and facilitation of occupational performance.
- Upper limb and hand orthoses
- Assistive devices for personal independence
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Environmental adaptations for overcoming architectural barriers
- Orthoses in spasticity
6. Occupational Therapy in Geriatric Patients
Aim: Promotion of independence, fall prevention, and improvement of quality of life.
- Occupational therapy intervention in older adults
- Osteoporosis: risk prevention and environmental adaptation
Textbook Information
- Medicina fisica e riabilitazione – di Joel A. De Lisa, Bruce M. Gans, Nicolas E. Walsh
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D1 – Knowledge and understanding The course provides knowledge of occupational therapy principles in rehabilitation, with a focus on functional assessment and independence in activities of daily living (ADL and IADL), interventions in musculoskeletal, neurological, and geriatric conditions, and the use of orthoses, assistive devices, and environmental adaptations to enhance occupational participation. D2 – Applying knowledge and understanding Apply functional assessment models and standardized tools (e.g., ADL, IADL, Barthel Index) to identify patient needs. Design and implement occupational therapy interventions across clinical settings (orthopedic, neurological, geriatric), using compensatory strategies, functional training, environmental adaptations, and assistive technologies. D3 – Making judgements Develop individualized occupational therapy rehabilitation plans based on functional assessment and patient needs, integrating clinical, environmental, and social aspects. Critically evaluate intervention outcomes and adjust treatment accordingly. D4 – Communication skills Use appropriate occupational therapy terminology. Communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to support adherence and participation in daily activities. D5 – Learning skills Demonstrate the ability to independently update knowledge through guidelines, scientific literature, and professional tools, promoting evidence-based practice. | - Medicina riabilitativa. Medicina fisica e riabilitazione. Principi e pratica Autore: Basaglia Nino - Medicina fisica e riabilitazione – di Joel A. De Lisa, Bruce M. Gans, Nicolas E. Walsh |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
- Oral and eventual written exam with multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
- Presentations of clinical cases.
- Practical test with simulations of rehabilitation interventions.
- Active participation during lectures