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There is a need for OT's in the world of medical homes because of the aid we provide in keeping people as independent as possible. Like Bethany mentioned, it is important that those with chronic illnesses are able to provide for themselves for as long as they can. Our goal as OT's is to aid in preventative care and guide patient's on how to manage their disease so they end up in the hospital less.

In the article I read called "OT-In-Primary-Health-Care," the author Sherry Muir describes how OT's help to provide the complete picture of the client. This is done by exposing all of the patient's daily occupations, what they can and cannot do by themselves and who aids in their care. OT's also help to highlight the challenges that each patient faces that prevent them from completing these occupations. Muir goes on to describe what roles an OT can take with a physician, a nurse, the patient and the family. OT"s can help in the early intervention phase by trying to reduce the impact of the disorder/disease on the patient and help to diminish the chance of more complications.

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To briefly add to the excellent information these ladies have provided...

The PCMH and medical homes programs are adding to a need for efficiency in chronic illness treatment. If this population is efficiently managed in their homes, the re-intake and longevity of stay at other facilities should, in theory, be greatly reduced and this should benefit most of the population. The application of serving the client inside their house or a home facility also reduces chances for infection or environmental disruption during treatment thus benefiting outcomes and goals.

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ACOs  Medical Homes Fact Sheet 2012 combined  rev 22012

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Bethany, thank you for giving us a good idea of what medical homes are. According to the fact sheet, occupational therapists can work in medical homes as part of the collaborative effort to rehabilitate a patient. Just as Bethany did, it is important to note that the primary patient population that medical homes will benefit—and are designed for—are those with chronic conditions. For example—someone with a spinal cord injury or mental illness—could be treated in a medical home. In my opinion, occupational therapists take a very hands-on approach to treatment. This is also a setting where occupational therapists get the opportunity to see a patient in rehabilitation over time. The concept behind the medical home is to reduce cost while still providing high quality care. Patients have access to all of the medical personnel needed to keep them safe. Occupational therapy helps patients manage their condition. They also assess safety and implements plans to prevent future hospitalization.

References

AOTA. (2012). AOTA ACOs/PCMHs Fact Sheet 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.aota.org/practitioners/advocacy/health-care-reform/elements/aco/factsheet.aspx?FT=.pdf

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Bethany K.- What is exactly is a medical care home!? 

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Bethany K.- What is exactly is a medical care home!? 

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I found a great article that describes all that goes into what a medical care home is made up of, because I honestly was not exactly sure what a medical home was. This article was a great starting point in researching about medical homes for patients with chronic illnesses. The author, a previous doctor, expressed from her experience one of the  best forms of medicine is primary preventative care. In correlation, one of the main components of the ACA is promoting healthy lifestyles. Chronic illnesses is a “complex and costly illnesses that are not served well by the paternalistic model of medicine”, which is why the “Patient Centered Medical Care Home” entered the stage in the health care arena to address issue (McClanahan, 2012).  In 2007, formal definitions of what a medical care home entailed were compiled together. These definitions included:

1.     Personal physician

2.     Team approach

3.     Whole-person orientation

4.     Coordinated care

5.     Quality and safety

6.     Enhanced access to care

7.     Payment reform

One part that really stuck out to me was under the “team approach” definition, it talked about the physician’s role in leading a team of medical professionals in providing care for the patient and listed various medical professionals such as nurses, social workers, pharmacists, behavioral health specialists, however, they did not mention any occupational or even physical therapist. They did mention a medical specialist or others who participate in providing care, but no mention of anyone from a rehabilitation team. I find this interesting because I believe rehabilitation is huge component of a patient care, our recognition in the health care is vital promoting how important rehab is and how much PTs and OTs can help maintain wellness.
One question I have would be how can OTs expand there role in this field?!

Attached is the article!
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolynmcclanahan/2012/01/05/secrets-of-the-aca-what-is-a-medical-care-home/#243f69fceffb

Reference:

McClanahan, C. (2012, January). Secrets of the ACA: What is a Medical Care Home? Retrieved March 29, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolynmcclanahan/2012/01/05/secrets-of-the-aca-what-is-a-medical-care-home/#243f69fceffb