Gage OT Reflection

On my second day at clinical I observed an interaction between a client and two Occupational Therapists (OT) that really emphasised the importance of ‘capacity building’ and how it facilitates ‘empowerment’. A community OT was assessing the client for a new assistive mobility device. During the assessment the community OT directed all his questions to the Gage OT and never specifically asked the client about what she needed or required from the new piece of equipment. The community OT acted like the client was not even in the room; his body language was inappropriate, he sat facing the Gage OT and did not even acknowledge the client the few times she spoke. Communication during the assessment consisted of the Gage OT repeating the community …show more content…
This situation stayed with me all semester, as I am sure it is an all too common occurrence. It was a difficult but important situation to observe, as it demonstrated how power inequities can hinder capacity building which is needed to facilitate empowerment. By not allowing the client to participant she was deprived of the power to make autonomous decisions regarding her needs. Had the OTs included the client in the discussion they would have been working collaboratively with her to develop her self-advocacy and confidence. This assessment was an excellent opportunity to work on capacity building with the client as it occurred in a safe and familiar place and the Gage OT was there to provide support if needed. In this situation the Gage OT should have given power back to the client by informing the community OT that the client would answer all the questions and that she was only there for support. By doing this the Gage OT would have pointed out the community OTs error, and allowed the client to take control of the