Diagnosis-Specific Intervention Ideas in Acute and Inpatient Settings
Here are a few diagnosis-specific intervention ideas in acute and inpatient settings:
Neurological Conditions
1. Stroke (CVA)
Bed mobility, ADL retraining
Hemiplegia management (positioning, one-handed techniques)
Visual-perceptual training
Cognitive assessment and compensatory strategies
UE motor recovery and tone management
2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Cognitive stimulation and orientation
ADLs with cues/adaptations
Sensory regulation
Splinting for contracture prevention
Family education
3. Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Pressure relief education
Adaptive techniques for self-care
UE strengthening and coordination
Bowel/bladder routine training
Assistive technology introduction
4. Seizure Disorders
Activity tolerance building
Safety education
Cognitive screening
Seizure precautions during ADLs
5. Brain Tumor / Neurosurgery
Fatigue management
Executive function tasks
Equipment needs for ADL independence
Visual scanning and balance retraining
Cardiopulmonary Conditions
6. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Energy conservation techniques
Pacing strategies during ADLs
Education on safe exertion levels (MET levels)
Monitoring vitals with activity
7. Myocardial Infarction (MI) / CABG
Sternal precautions education
Light ADL retraining with monitoring
Adaptive techniques to avoid strain
Home safety education
8. COPD / Respiratory Failure
Pursed-lip breathing with tasks
Dyspnea control techniques
Education on oxygen use with mobility
Simplified self-care routines
Orthopedic Conditions
9. Hip Fracture / Hip Replacement
Hip precautions education
Bed, toilet, and chair transfers
ADL training with adaptive equipment
Fall prevention strategies
10. Spinal Surgery (Laminectomy, Fusion)
Log rolling and spinal precautions
Body mechanics during tasks
ADL retraining with equipment
Adaptive strategies for dressing and bathing
11. Shoulder Surgery
One-handed ADL techniques
Donning/doffing sling
Passive ROM within protocol
Pain management techniques
Medical/Surgical Conditions
12. Sepsis / Multi-organ Failure
Tolerance-building activities
Delirium prevention (orientation, stimulation)
Basic self-care retraining
Positioning to prevent skin breakdown
13. Oncology (Chemotherapy, Post-Surgery)
Fatigue management
Light ADLs and mobility
Pain control strategies
Psychosocial support
14. Burns
Splinting and positioning
Edema control
Scar management
Gentle ADLs
ICU / Critical Care Diagnoses
15. Prolonged Ventilation / Tracheostomy
Basic grooming and hygiene
Positioning for pulmonary hygiene
ROM and early mobility
Communication alternatives (AAC boards)
16. Delirium / Encephalopathy
Sensory stimulation
Orientation activities
Family education
Sleep-wake regulation support
Chronic or Systemic Conditions
17. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Energy conservation
ADL retraining around dialysis
UE strengthening
Education on skin integrity
18. Diabetes Complications (e.g., Neuropathy, Amputations)
Foot care education
Adaptive dressing/bathing
Amputation care and desensitization
ADL retraining with DME
Geriatric Syndromes
19. Falls / Deconditioning
Fall recovery techniques
Bed-to-chair transfers
Strengthening through function
Home setup planning
20. Dementia
Routine-based ADLs
Environmental cueing
Caregiver training
Engagement in familiar tasks
Working in acute care as an OT is equal parts challenging and rewarding. You're constantly adapting, thinking on your feet, and learning how to support patients from all walks of life during some of their hardest days.
If you're an OT student, a new grad, or just OT-curious, I hope this gave you a clearer picture of the types of diagnoses we see in acute care and how we help people get back to doing what matters most.
Got questions or want to hear more day-in-the-life stories? Drop a comment or shoot me a message—I'd love to chat!