AOTA

Presenters

Tiffany Lee, OTD, OTR/L

Jacqueline Marquez, OTD, OTR/L

Earn:  .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/ 1 Contact Hour) 

Course Description

The topic of sexuality and intimacy is often under-addressed by healthcare professionals, despite its importance to clients. According to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, engagement in sexual activity is not only an ADL, but can be a key aspect of social participation in the context of familial and peer/ friend roles. Therefore, it is well within OT’s scope of practice to address sexuality and intimacy with clients. However, there has been a disconnect in practice as well as formal education for practitioners. This happens for a variety of reasons including attitudes and bias, cultural/ religious barriers, fear of offending the client, therapist perceived lack of knowledge, and therapist discomfort.  The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for OT practitioners to increase their knowledge and confidence when advocating for an occupation that is often overlooked.  Practitioners will learn about OT’s role in addressing sexuality and intimacy, models of practice with emphasis on the Ex-PLISSIT model, how to start the conversation, assessments, and intervention ideas. This course includes a downloadable resource guide with links to additional resources.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, learner will be able to:

1) Identify occupational therapy’s role in addressing sexuality and intimacy

2)  Utilize models appropriately to provide client-centered care

3) Select evidenced-based interventions to address sexuality and intimacy with clients according to the Ex-PLISSIT model