Occupational Therapy Education Day – Building Bridges 16

On February 19th, 2013, 150 occupational therapists from across Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care joined together to participate in our 15th annual “Building Bridges” education and research day.

Adele MacNeill, OT, Recipient of the Ginny Fearing Learning as a way of Being Award

Adele MacNeill, OT, recipient of the Ginny Fearing Learning as a Way of Being Award

The morning focused on advocacy, with a presentation on Advocating for What is Important and a panel discussion on how to craft your message to health care decision makers.

This was followed by updates from the UBC OT Department and the provincial association and regulatory body. During the morning break, therapists had the opportunity to network with other therapists, visit vendor booths to see new equipment and see posters with the latest in local research.

The afternoon consisted of educational seminars covering a broad range of clinical areas including: self management support strategies, the teach back method, fieldwork education models, OT and new technology, managing cervical collars and addressing anxiety in youth.

Achievement awards were presented to well-deserving occupational therapists.  The “Ginny Fearing Learning as a Way of Being” award was presented to Adele MacNeill from GF Strong.  The “mOTivator in practice” awards were presented to Jeffe Masse, Mikki Bartel and Sue Rodger.

As always, “Building Bridges” was an excellent opportunity for occupational therapists to come together to learn from each other, promote evidence-based practice and improve client care.

The presentations and handouts as well as a video recording of this year’s sessions will be posted on the VCH OT webpage .