Discontinuing service

Question 1

consider these factors when discontinuing service

Answer 1

1. Reasons for discontinuing the services
   * The client prefers to stop treatment or wishes to work with another occupational therapist
   * There are other service options
   * Funding for service is no longer available
   * A defined allocation of resources e.g., number of approved visits or specific length of stay
   * The client’s goals are not being met, or the service is not benefitting the client
   * The occupational therapist’s practice is closing or changing
   * There is a risk to the occupational therapist’s personal safety
   * There have been boundary crossings in the therapeutic relationship
   * Despite reasonable efforts to work through challenges, there has been a breakdown in trust or communication between the client and the therapist, and the relationship cannot be restored.
2. Condition of the client
   smooth transition for clients who are at high risk for adverse outcomes if services end unexpectedly. For example, to assist with the continuity of care, an occupational therapist may help clients to find alternative services or directly refer the client to another service provider
3. Availability of alternate services
4. Opportunity is given to the client to arrange alternate services before the discontinuation
   Clients are given a reasonable amount of time to arrange for alternative services.