If you are having difficulty making progress with a patient, remember that each person learns in a unique way. There are dozens of models of learning, but one of the simplest examples is VAK: Visual – Auditory – Kinesthetic. Does your current approach to OT favor one type of learner? Most patients will benefit from a combination of approaches. So as you plan the activities for your next visit, consider learning style, get creative, and try a new approach.
Enjoy!
Cheryl Hall, OT
Author and Illustrator, Occupational Therapy Toolkit
Visual: Your patient learns by seeing, so think of the visual aids you can use.
- Use illustrated handouts with clear, detailed, step-by-step instructions.
- Model the motions yourself, before asking the patient to try.
- Make sure the patient can see the instructions as you go through the activity with them.
- With patient input, add clarifying instructions, arrows or numbers to your visual aid.
- Provide the patient with links to a YouTube video of the activity.
- Eliminate possible distractions.
- Use color to highlight important information
Auditory: Your patient remembers by hearing or verbalizing instructions.
- Have patients describe the steps in their own words as you go through the therapy session.
- Explain why you are doing each activity.
- Play music in the background.
- Encourage your patient to listen to music while exercising.
- Record your therapy session, so the patient can listen to the instructions.
- Encourage questions from your patient at each step.
- Ask the patient to read the instructions aloud to you.
Kinesthetic or Physical: Movement is the key to this style of learning.
- Describe steps, as you have the patient up and moving.
- Make corrections or suggestions while the patient is moving.
- Mix up the therapy session to keep the patient interested.
- Have the patient take their own notes.
- Ask the patient visualize the steps prior to starting.
Let me know, if by considering different learning styles, you had a breakthrough moment with one of your OT patients.
