Functional Cognition: An Opportunity to Highlight the Role of Occupational Therapy in Post-Concussion Care

• Main Authors: Rachel Taylor Postma (Author), John V. Rider (Author), Robyn Otty (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Scholarworks @ WMU, 2022-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1909; 2168-6408
• Keywords: concussion; traumatic brain injury; cognitive; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RM1-950
• Source: Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol 10, Iss 2, Pp 1-6 (2022)

As concern surrounding concussion and the associated long-term effects grow, a continued need for comprehensive, holistic concussion care emerges. Occupational therapists are well-equipped to address the wide variety of symptoms and deficits that clients may experience post-concussion. Functional cognition is one area in which occupational therapists can demonstrate their unique value on the interdisciplinary treatment team. In this Opinions in the Profession paper, we describe how occupational therapists are poised to further establish their role in post-concussion care by becoming the primary discipline for assessing and treating functional cognition. The aim of this paper is to outline the role of occupational therapy in post-concussion care in regard to becoming the primary discipline for assessing and treating functional cognition and distinguishing occupational therapists as experts in functional cognition. Implications for practice, education, and research are discussed.