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When a patient admitted for a pelvic fracture from a bike accident had a negative head CT despite her cracked bike helmet, BWH’s Occupational Therapy team examined her anyway. They found the woman had attention and multitasking difficulties that would affect her job performance even after her fracture healed.
“Cognitive issues aren’t always easy to identify, especially if head CTs are negative, but they can become more apparent in the days following an injury,” said Nancy Kelly, OTR/L, clinical supervisor of Occupational Therapy.
In recognition of April as Occupational Therapy Month, BWH occupational therapists (OTs) are working to raise awareness of milder brain injuries, like the one suffered by the patient in a bike accident.
“If what you do is in a fast paced environment, any subtle change in thinking can affect it,” said Melissa Dwyer, senior OTR/L, one of four OTs in BWH’s Department of Rehabilitation Services who receive about 500 consultations per month.
OTs play a vital role in delivering comprehensive care at BWH. They work in all areas of the hospital, treating patients with injuries ranging anywhere from brain tumors to upper extremity fractures.
BWH Rehabilitation Services established a connection with Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, which has a brain injury outpatient program.