Continuing Competency Analysis

[1] Give an overview of the meaning of continuing competence and its impact on OT practice. (10 points)

Continuing competence is a process that involves examination of current competence, and the development of occupational therapy practitioners for the future (American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2010). The ongoing professional development uses a dynamic, multidimensional process to maintain standards in knowledge, critical reasoning, interpersonal abilities, performance skills, and ethical practice (AOTA, 2010). Occupational therapy practitioners use these standards to assess, maintain and document continuing competence (AOTA, 2010). The standards are the belief that all occupational therapy practitioners share core values
The fieldwork experience allows future practitioners to achieve competence to apply the occupational therapy process by using evidence-based interventions that meets the needs of the diverse needs of the client (AOTA, 2009). The fieldwork assignments are integral part of the occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant curricula (AOTA, 2009). Level one fieldwork is used to introduce students to the fieldwork experience to apply knowledge to practice and understand the needs of the client through the direct observation of the occupational therapy process (AOTA, 2009). Level II fieldwork are designed to develop competent entry-level generalist in occupational therapy (AOTA, 2009) Similarly, fieldwork educator enhances their own professional development by being exposed to current practice trends, evidence based practice, and research (AOTA, 2009).

[3] List the core values that impact the practice of OT. (30 points)

The core values are altruism, dignity, equality, prudence, truth, freedom and justice

[4] Identify reasons why the AOTA Code of Ethics was developed and implemented. (30
In addition, it was designed to address concerns of others outside of the profession such as employers, consumers and students (AOTA, 2015). In addition, it promotes and maintains high standards within the profession and guides professional conduct when ethical issues may arise. It aids in discussing the ethical principles supported by the profession (AOTA, 2015). It informs and educates the public about ethical principles that occupational therapy professions should follow (AOTA, 2015). It assists occupational therapy practitioners to be acquainted with the ethical principles standards to which they should adhere to (AOTA, 2015). Lastly it provides guidance for occupational therapy in recognize resolution to ethical problems that one may encounter (AOTA, 2015). [5] Give an overview of the minimum standards required for the practice of OT

The minimum standards required to practice as an occupational therapy practitioner includes graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or an AOTA affiliate (AOTA, 2010). Successful completion of supervised fieldwork experience (AOTA, 2010). Pass the national board for certification in occupational therapy (NBCOT) and fulfill the state requirements for licensure, certification and registration