Download the SAOT New Grad Guide

Download the SAOT Occupational Therapy in Alberta Schools booklet

Videos/Webinars

Recovery from Pain Webinar- Presenter: Bonnie Klassen, BSc(OT), MSc

This session provides an overview of pain assessment and management, with additional free tools and resources that can be found on the www.mypainmyway.ca website. The content is applicable to occupational therapists, physiotherapists, kinesiologists, psychologists, and others who work with motivating and reactivating clients with chronic pain.

Free Webinar Recording

The Pain Society of Alberta (Pain AB)

The Pain Society of Alberta developed its Alberta Pain Strategy through a Pain Summit in March 2015 and was subsequently approved by the PSA membership at its annual general meeting in October.

You can visit the Pain AB website to learn more about this non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the transfer of knowledge on pain-related disorders and treatments.

My Pain My Way

mypainmyway.ca

New web resource for Albertans challenged by chronic pain

• Pain Assessment
• Goals & Action Plans
• Self-management Strategies
• Understanding Pain

This resource also includes a comprehensive list of helpful resources and a section dedicated to families and caregivers. Using the online tools, individuals can establish functional goals, develop a better understanding of pain and how it affects the brain, and learn self-management skills. This project was developed by the Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists with funding provided by Alberta Health.

Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) 

A new knowledge mobilization network to help improve children’s pain care. SKIP’s mission is to improve children’s pain management by mobilizing evidence-based solutions through coordination and collaboration. The effort is led by SKIP Scientific Director Dr. Christine Chambers, Dalhousie University and IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada, who is internationally known for her outreach and advocacy efforts in promoting evidence-based pediatric pain management. Funded by a grant from the Canadian federal government and co-led by Children’s Healthcare Canada, SKIP will be based at Dalhousie University and includes more than 100 Canadian and international partners. SKIP has four main hubs: the IWK Health Centre (Halifax), The Hospital for Sick Children/SickKids (Toronto), Stollery Children’s Hospital (Edmonton), and Children’s Healthcare Canada  (Ottawa).

You can visit the SKIP website to learn more about this effort, including videos, downloadable materials, and news and announcements.

Chronic Pain Assessment Toolbox for Children with Disabilities

It has been three years since Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital launched the Chronic Pain Assessment Toolbox for Children with Disabilities. Individuals can download the Toolbox to see the three eLearning modules recently developed. These modules are a great introduction to the Toolbox and the place to start if you have not begun using the Toolbox in your setting. The modules will introduce you to:

1. Chronic pain in children with cerebral palsy and the development of the Toolbox;
2. The sections of the Toolbox and how to start with based on your needs; and
3. A case study of a complex patient from one of our nurse practitioners, and how a chronic pain assessment tool supported her clinical examination.

Arthritis Alliance of Canada and College of Family Physicians of Canada

The Arthritis Alliance of Canada (AAC) and The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) are pleased to launch the Osteoarthritis Tool created to equip healthcare providers with essential knowledge and skills to effectively diagnose and manage patients with osteoarthritis (OA). This tool is designed to help providers understand that OA is a common and treatable chronic condition by offering them resources to:

• identify, assess, and monitor OA;
• equip patients for high quality self-management; and
• recommend specific non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies.

Share your impressions of the tool and how it’s helped in your practice in the AAC newsletter! Please contact Lina Gazizova lgazizova@arthritisalliance.ca.

AHS Chronic Pain Centre Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Teleconsult Service

One in five Albertans live with chronic pain, and approximately 5% of the population experience significant limitations in daily activities due to pain.

If you serve patients who live with chronic pain, or work with health professionals who do, the AHS Chronic Pain Centre Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Teleconsult Service is an excellent resource. Through this provincial resource, public and private health professionals can book a free teleconsult with rehabilitation staff (PT, OT, Kinesiologist) experienced in chronic pain management. Please consider accessing the service when assisting patients living with chronic pain.

Background for Physio and Rehab Teleconsult Update for AHS Physiotherapy

SAOT Pain Infographic

2020 OT Recovery Conference Recordings

Addiction and Mental Health Video Presentations by Dr. Joel Paris and Dr. Richard Hibbard

• Advances in Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
• Emotional Regulation and Recovery from Mental Illness
• Stepped Care as an Alternative to Extended Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder
• Recovery Oriented Language
• Infographic Poster – OT Role in Mental Health

Youth Addiction and Mental Health – Help4Me

Mental health issues and substance use problems often begin in the teen and early adult years. Addressing the issue early can help to reduce the supports needed and increases the chance for a better long-term outcome and improved mental wellness.

The Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Centre for Child, Family & Community Research, and the Canadian Mental Health Association of Edmonton have developed a website, Help4Me, to help young people recognize and understand early signs and symptoms of addiction and mental health problems that they, or someone they know, may be facing.

New Mental Health Resource for Health Care Providers and Caregivers Developed by SickKids Experts Over the next few months, CAPHC Conversations will be featuring articles and resources from the AboutKidsHealth website. Contact Sean Schurr for more information.

SAOT Mental Health Infographic

Sleep Education

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has developed lessons and activities to generate interest in the study of sleep medicine and to raise awareness of sleep disorders. Using the Academy’s expertise in the field of sleep and sleep disordered breathing, they have developed a series of free resources that encourage scientific inquiry. Click here to view the Academy’s comprehensive lesson plans, activities, assessment tools and presentations.

Pediatric Sleep Council

The Pediatric Sleep Council was created to provide accurate and up-to-date information on sleep in young children for parents. The goal is to provide comprehensive and expert-based information on baby and toddler sleep that is freely available to the public. The Pediatric Sleep Council is an international team of people with expertise in all aspects of sleep and development in young children. We represent pediatric sleep experts, including physicians, psychologists, and researchers. The Pediatric Sleep Council was created to provide accurate and up-to-date information on sleep in young children for parents. The goal is to provide comprehensive and expert-based information on baby and toddler sleep that is freely available to the public. The Pediatric Sleep Council is an international team of people with expertise in all aspects of sleep and development in young children. We represent pediatric sleep experts, including physicians, psychologists, and researchers.

Guiding Documents

Alberta Blue Cross is pleased to announce that occupational therapists have been added to our provider website. Occupational therapists who register with Alberta Blue Cross will be able to submit claims online for eligible services provided to Alberta Blue Cross employer group and individual health plans, as well as government sponsored program participants and those with coverage through the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP).

By registering with the provider site, you will be able to

– submit patient claims online quickly and easily;

– receive payments promptly;

– advertise your business – free of charge via our online provider directory; and

– access user guides, comprehensive reporting tools and up-to-date information from Alberta Blue Cross in one central location.

This service is delivered through our easy-to-use, secure website and is available at no cost to occupational therapists across Alberta.

Register Now

Guiding Documents

Guidance document Bringing up Medical Assistance In Dying

Stakeholder letter

Alberta Health Services – OPGT Directive Regarding DCA Completion of MAID Assessments

SAOT – The Role of Occupational Therapy in Medical Assistance in Dying

Alberta Health – Medical Assistance in Dying

Alberta Health Services – Medical Assistance in Dying

Alberta Health Services – Advice to Health Care Professionals

COTO – Interim Guidelines for Medical Assistance in Dying

Alberta Health Services – FAQ for Patients and Family Members

Roles and Responsibilities of AHS Occupational Therapists in Medical Assistance in Dying Health Professions Strategy & Practice

Recovery & Rehab after Covid 19