Building bridges for occupational therapy
On February 25th, 2014, 175 occupational therapists and occupational therapy support workers from across Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care joined together to participate in our 16th annual ‘Building Bridges’ education and research day. The event was webcast to share the day with those who could not attend.
The morning focused on the topic of Courageous Conversations, with presentations provided by Signy Wilson and Glenn Regehr, speaking to the importance and benefits of broaching difficult topics and how to do this effectively. This was followed by updates from the UBC Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, and the College of Occupational Therapists of BC. During the morning break, attendees had the opportunity to network with other therapists, meet with medical equipment vendors, and see posters with research completed by fellow VCH and PHC OTs.
The afternoon consisted of educational seminars covering a broad range of clinical areas: Wheelchair maintenance and set-up, splinting post-stroke, sexual health and the role of OT, driver screening, occupational therapy programs post-concussion, and trauma-informed care.
Therapists recognized
Achievement awards were presented to well-deserving occupational therapists. The “Ginny Fearing Learning as a Way of Being” award was presented to Heather Burrett from St. Paul’s Hospital. The “mOTivator in practice” awards were presented to Sandy Lamb from G.F. Strong, Kathy Wong from G.F. Strong and Community Mental Health, Judi Dueck from Purdy Pavilion, Karen Barclay from Richmond Community Mental Health and Addiction, and Dave Robens from the VC Quick Response Team. Occupational therapists Janet Chasse and Ann Webborn were also recognized for their years of service as they enter retirement this year.
And, as always, ‘Building Bridges’ was an excellent opportunity for occupational therapists to come together to learn from one another, promote evidence-based practice, and improve client care. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we hope to see you all next year!