No abstract

As occupational therapy leaders position the profession to seize opportunities within the landmark policy shift created by the Affordable Care Act, it is essential to identify, produce, and effectively use evidence demonstrating the value of occupational therapy to nurture the growth of the profession.

Occupational therapy practitioners must assess how the profession fits within new models of care and be involved in studying the models’ impact on key health care outcomes related to the “Triple Aim” of lowering costs, improving patient experience, and managing the health of populations.

If occupational therapy is to advance in conjunction with the health care system to achieve the triple aim, evidence must be used to pave the way to new roles and areas of practice.

Healthy habits is a psychoeducational construct that refers to the preventive practice of analyzing and then adapting the sleep, physical, and eating routines of children in ways that enhance health and well-being. This approach is based on evidence that demonstrates the positive therapeutic value of engaging in proactive, healthful behaviors. In addressing healthy habits, occupational therapy practitioners have an opportunity to contribute to the Triple Aim of health care reform while demonstrating the value of occupational therapy in educational, medical, community, and other settings.