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Browse PlansHelene Smith-Gabai PhD
OTR/L, BCPR
Helene Smith-Gabai is currently working as an assistant professor in a master's level occupational therapy program at Brenau University. She earned her OTD in 2004 and her Ph.D. in 2016 at Nova Southeastern University. Her dissertation study was on the discharge planning practices of occupational therapists who practice in the acute care setting. She is also a co-editor and one of the authors of the textbook Occupational Therapy in Acute Care. She is an AOTA board certified in physical rehabilitation and is a board certification application reviewer. The bulk of her clinical experience has been in the acute care setting.
Courses with Helene Smith-Gabai PhD
Browse Course CatalogDischarge Planning Part 1: Introduction to OT in Acute Care
Presented by Suzanne Holm OTD, OTR, BCPR and Helene Smith-Gabai PhD, OTR/L, BCPR
Discharge Planning Part 1: Introduction to OT in Acute Care
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This course sets the stage for understanding occupational therapy's role in the acute care setting, and how discharge planning and recommendations have evolved as an essential part of a patient's road to recovery and rehabilitation. The paradigm shift in OT services from Assessment-Intervention-Discharge Planning to Assessment-Discharge Planning is discussed. Occupational therapy practitioners must consider both the internal and external factors when making discharge recommendations to minimize the risk of adverse events and readmissions. Finally, this course reviews the different types of settings that patients may be transferred to after discharge along with their criteria, to help the OT practitioner effectively problem solve in making the most appropriate recommendation.
Discharge Planning Part 2: Evaluation & Readmission Reduction
Presented by Suzanne Holm OTD, OTR, BCPR and Helene Smith-Gabai PhD, OTR/L, BCPR
Discharge Planning Part 2: Evaluation & Readmission Reduction
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and patient education—anytime, anywhere—with video instruction from
recognized industry experts.
This course describes the basic evaluation processes including formal and informal methods used in developing an OT plan of care and discharge recommendations. It also compares the different discharge planning approaches of experienced versus more novice therapists, highlighting the importance of clinical reasoning skills in formulating discharge recommendations. In addition, this course reviews the educational and equipment needs of the soon-to-be discharged patient and concludes with a discussion of the possible risk factors related to readmission and the role of OT in minimizing hospital readmission.
Discharge Planning Part 3: Understanding OTs Distinct Value
Presented by Suzanne Holm OTD, OTR, BCPR and Helene Smith-Gabai PhD, OTR/L, BCPR
Discharge Planning Part 3: Understanding OTs Distinct Value
Subscribe now, and access clinical education
and patient education—anytime, anywhere—with video instruction from
recognized industry experts.
This course highlights OTs' unique value in the discharge planning process. Through CMS requirements and AOTA's support, the OT should provide an essential focus on client-centered care that promotes optimal functioning in day-to-day occupations and ensures that functional deficits persisting at discharge will be addressed. It also highlights the significance of OT as part of the interprofessional team for the discharge planning process. This course concludes with a discussion around ethical dilemmas as related to the OT Code of Ethics and discharge planning issues.
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