Tell us about a time when you had to advocate for a patient's needs. How did you handle the situation?

I had a patient who was recovering from a stroke and needed help with activities of daily living. They were struggling to perform tasks such as dressing and grooming, which affected their self-esteem. I advocated for my patient by collaborating with the nursing staff and recommending modifications to the patient's care plan. I also provided education to the patient and their family on adaptive techniques and equipment that could improve their independence. By addressing the patient's needs proactively and involving the multidisciplinary team, we were able to establish a holistic approach to their care.

In my previous role as an Occupational Therapist, I encountered a patient who had recently undergone a lower limb amputation due to diabetes complications. This patient was struggling emotionally and physically, feeling overwhelmed by the changes in their body and ability to perform daily activities. To advocate for their needs, I first established a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and empathy. I actively listened to their concerns, allowing them to express their emotions and fears. Through careful observation, I noticed signs of depression and anxiety, which I promptly reported to the multidisciplinary team. I also engaged the patient's family in therapy sessions, educating them about the emotional and physical challenges of recovery. Together, we developed a comprehensive treatment plan that focused on not only physical rehabilitation but also psychological support and adaptive techniques. By addressing the patient's emotional needs and involving their support system, we were able to facilitate a successful recovery journey.

The solid answer provides a more detailed and comprehensive response, demonstrating the candidate's understanding of occupational therapy principles and practices, excellent communication skills, strong observational skills, and emotional intelligence. The candidate offers a specific example of advocating for a patient with a lower limb amputation, highlighting their ability to establish a therapeutic relationship, actively listen, observe and report concerns, involve the patient's family, and collaborate with the team. However, the answer could benefit from further elaboration on specific strategies and interventions used in the treatment plan.

During my time at a rehabilitation center, I had the opportunity to work with a young child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This child had severe sensory sensitivities, making it challenging for them to participate in various activities without becoming overwhelmed. Recognizing the importance of addressing their unique needs, I decided to utilize a sensory integration approach to therapy. I collaborated with the child's parents and conducted a comprehensive sensory assessment to identify specific triggers and preferences. Based on the assessment results, I designed a personalized treatment plan that involved creating a sensory-friendly environment, implementing sensory-based activities, and gradually exposing the child to sensory experiences that they found challenging. Throughout the therapy sessions, I closely monitored and documented the child's responses, making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. By advocating for the child's sensory needs and utilizing evidence-based strategies, I witnessed remarkable progress in their ability to regulate sensory input, engage in meaningful activities, and develop new skills.

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond in showcasing the candidate's expertise and creativity in advocating for a patient's needs. The candidate describes a specific case involving a child with autism spectrum disorder, highlighting their understanding of occupational therapy principles related to sensory integration and their ability to design a personalized treatment plan. The answer also showcases the candidate's strong observational skills, analytical thinking, and attention to documenting progress. Overall, the exceptional answer stands out for its detailed example, evidence-based approach, and positive outcomes.