Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Dr. Jane Loscheider
Abstract
Purpose: Functional cognition plays a critical role in determining a patient’s ability to safely perform daily activities, manage medications, and discharge from acute care settings. Functional cognition refers to the integration of cognitive processes and performance skills necessary for completing real-world tasks safely and independently (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2023). Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to assess functional cognition using performance-based measures and support safe discharge planning. Limited awareness and understanding of functional cognition impairments among hospitalists and interdisciplinary team members may lead to inconsistent occupational therapy referrals and potential safety concerns during discharge planning (D’Cruz et al., 2021).
Methods: An extensive literature review, needs assessment, clinical observation, and informal collaboration with hospitalists and interdisciplinary team members within an acute care system in a midwestern metropolitan hospital led this program. Evidence-based practices related to functional cognition and acute care were compared to observed clinical patterns through the lens of the Person–Environment–Occupation (PEO) model (Law et al., 1996). A gap analysis was conducted to identify inconsistencies in recognition and referral practices. Educational resources were then developed, trialed, and refined using formative feedback from occupational therapy practitioners and interdisciplinary staff.
Results: Educational resources were developed to support hospitalists and interdisciplinary team members in understanding and identifying concerns related to functional cognition. The product includes a training module, a functional cognition overview guide, a referral support tool, and an acute care quick-reference resource. These materials emphasize performance-based assessment, common indicators of functional cognition deficits, and the role of occupational therapy in supporting safe discharge planning. Formative and summative feedback were used to refine the resources and assess perceived usefulness and clinical applicability.
Conclusion: Functional cognition education and referral resources provide hospitalists and interdisciplinary team members with tools to enhance understanding of functional cognition and to improve identification of patients who may benefit from occupational therapy services. The product supports increased consistency in referral practices, improved interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhanced consideration of patient safety and occupational performance during discharge
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Madison Anne, "ENHANCING INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE IN FUNCTIONAL COGNITION" (2026). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 703.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/703