Advanced MC Application and Implementation

Part 3 Certification course:  Advanced Application and Implementation of the Multicontext Approach -Online only; Restricted to Occupational Therapists who have completed all prerequisites.

Prerequisites: Completion of the following courses: (1) Functional Cognition: Overview of Executive Function, Memory, Self-awareness, and Metacognition (2) Functional Cognitive Performance-Based Assessment: Error Analysis Methods or another course/workshop of at least 5 hours taken within the past 5 years with Joan Toglia PhD, OTR/L that covers both of these topics, (3) Fundamentals of the Multicontext Approach 2-day workshop (13 hours) with successful completion of quiz (minimum of 79%). See Overview of Multicontext Certification

Description: Part 3 will build upon knowledge and skills gained in prerequisite coursework and will focus on supporting the clinical application and implementation of the Multicontext approach within therapist’s practice settings. Advanced skills in analyzing functional cognitive performance and error patterns, synthesizing information, applying guided learning methods to cognitive functional activities, and using methods to promote self-awareness and generalization will be emphasized. Group discussions are designed to deepen understanding, self-reflection, and clinical reasoning during the application of the Multicontext approach. Part 3 involves a total of four live virtual group meetings scheduled for up to 2 hours each (8 hours total), including presentation of a case. The case presentation involves a powerpoint presentation along with the preparation of a written summary or case analysis. Participants should be prepared to actively participate in group discussions. Participation in part 3 should begin within 15 months of attendance at part 2 and be completed within 12 months. The four meetings include the following:

•  Participation in two 2-hour small group (4-8 people) coaching/mentoring sessions with a certified MC instructor. These group sessions will include a brief review and address questions and clinical challenges. Therapists are encouraged to share clinical experiences and identify areas for further discussion or clarification. Focused topics such as the Multicontext fidelity tool, or application to a specific setting, group programs or population are reviewed according to group interest. Participants may bring partial case examples such as assessment data or treatment session documentation summaries to meetings for guidance on the design and implementation of an MC intervention program for a client. Documentation summaries or journaling, guided reflections, and group discussions around case applications involving practice challenges, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning will be utilized. There is a course website for shared forms, documents, and resources.

• Participation in at least one small group meeting and discussion that includes 1 or more case presentations by other participants. Case presentations are open to members in all group cohorts so there is the opportunity to interact with and learn from others using this approach in different settings and countries.

• An oral presentation of a case or program illustrating the MC approach to a small group and a certified MC Instructor (within a 2-hour online group meeting) and a written summary: . Each participant will complete a functional cognitive evaluation of a client and then plan and implement treatment using the Multicontext approach framework and guidelines. The treatment program must include at least 5 treatment activities across a minimum of 3 treatment sessions. Participants will videotape or audio record portions of at least 2 treatment sessions or 1 treatment session with 2 different functional cognitive activities. The case presentation should be approximately 25 minutes and include a PowerPoint presentation and video or audio clips of sessions. The case must include self-analysis with the MC Treatment Fidelity Tool, a written self-reflective critique, and a written summary of the treatment that id similar to the case format in Chapter 15 of the MC book. Detailed guidelines are provided to participants. A group program can be used instead of an individual case. A signed permission form for audio or videotaping and viewing the video for educational purposes is required.

  Note: Participants can submit written requests to adjust time frames if needed.

Faculty: Joan Toglia PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA and/or Erin Foster PhD, OTD, OTR/L

Fee: $299.00

Registration: Therapists who have successfully completed the workshop, Fundamentals of the Multicontext Approach, will be invited to respond to an optional survey regarding interest and preference of dates/ times for the part 3 certification course. Those who express interest will be invited to register for the certification course. Registration is by invitation only.

To receive full certification, a therapist must actively participate in live virtual group sessions and demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning and proficiency in the implementation of the Multicontext Approach through a selected in-depth case presentation, analysis, and critique. Each of the below course competencies or learning outcomes is rated by the instructor based on a PowerPoint case presentation with audio or video examples of treatment implementation and a written case summary.

Learning Outcomes: For a selected case, participants will demonstrate the ability to

• Analyze and synthesize assessment data from 2 or more sources and demonstrate clinical reasoning in assessment interpretation of functional cognitive performance.

• Choose, design, and implement appropriate strategies, and strategy guiding principles to manage at least 1 cognitive performance challenge across 2 or more activities.

• Demonstrate and explain clinical reasoning in designing and implementing the MC approach with 1 client or group program, including the metacognitive framework, guided learning methods, and use of appropriate functional cognitive treatment activities (eg. just right challenge, functionally relevant, engaging, targeted towards performance problems)

• Demonstrate the ability to design and structure functional cognitive treatment activities horizontally to promote transfer and generalization across at least 4 or more treatment sessions.

• Select, prioritize, and explain clinical reasoning for Multicontext treatment focus, targets, and goals.

• Choose, apply, and evaluate the effectiveness of methods to foster self-awareness and generalization of strategies or bridging across treatment activities.

• Document, and track client progress and evaluate outcomes within and across treatment sessions as demonstrated by a written synthesis of objective and subjective results

• Self-assess and critique Multicontext treatment delivery of 1 treatment session through the use of the treatment fidelity tool

• Demonstrate ability to implement general therapeutic methods outlined in the Multicontext Approach during treatment to create a non-threatening and supportive atmosphere that promotes client success and self-efficacy.

Course Completion and Contact Hours/CEUs: Once all course competencies or learning outcomes have been achieved or graded as “pass” by the certifying MC Instructor(s), and the course evaluation survey has been completed, a course completion certificate with 12 contact hours (includes hours related to case presentation preparation), 1.2 CEUs will be issued (see AOTA statement below). The Occupational Therapist will also receive a certificate from MC CogRehab Resources with a certification number, stating that they are now a certified therapist. Certified Occupational Therapists will have the option of being included on our list of Certified Practitioners, posted on the www.multicontext.net website.

If learning outcomes are not satisfactorily met, the certification and course completion certificates are not provided. The instructor will meet with the participant to provide feedback and discuss an improvement plan. If minor revisions are needed in 1 or 2 areas, materials for the same case may be revised and resubmitted within 1 month for review. If areas require significant revisions, the improvement plan may include attendance at 2-4 additional meetings or case presentations (no charge), and one additional opportunity will be provided to present a new case to achieve all competencies.

Course Comments

This course is one of the most comprehensive continuing education certifications I have ever completed. The feedback provided by peers and instructors is tremendous and extremely valuable. This course is for you if you are looking to really dive deep in the MC approach and can commit to the time required to complete all course components.

This was a wonderful experience. I grew as a clinician and a person. I felt like I learned so many more new skills, assessments and tools than in any other CE I've taken in recent years. The support was expectational and made me feel confident in my abilities/skills to implement the MC Approach.

This certification process is so worth it and will immediately impact your clinical practice.