Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Suzanna Morrison

Keywords

Activities of Daily Living; Occupational Therapy -- methods; Spinal Cord Injuries -- rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose

Home modification is a unique area of practice that aims to increase independence of desired tasks by decreasing the physical limitations in and around the home (Aplin, Jonge, & Gustafsson, 2014). The process of modifying the home can be difficult, decreasing emotional well-being and satisfaction (Aplin, Jonge, & Gustafsson, 2014). Studies have identified the need for home modification services for individuals post Spinal Cord Injury. Silver, Ljungberg, Libin, & Groah (2012) found that injured persons were reintegrated into the community with limited knowledge regarding housing and accessibility options. The purpose of the product was to provide a tool for occupational therapists to deliver accurate, safe, and holistic recommendations and resources in order to ease the transition from rehab to home and assist in facilitating collaborative conversation with members of the home modification team.

Methodology

The authors conducted an extensive literature review in order to develop a greater understanding of the personal and environmental factors that contribute to an individual that has sustained an SCI. The information obtained from the review of literature was then analyzed using the Person Environment Occupation (PEO) model, an occupational therapy model analyzing the relationship between the person, environment, and the occupations they complete (Turpin & Iwama, 2011). The areas of need were identified through the literature review, which found: a lack of a holistic approach when providing home modifications, infrequent use of an assessment/guide when making recommendations for a home, and the home not fitting the individual’s standards.

Results

Based on the methodology described above, the authors developed Successful Transition to Home Following a Spinal Cord Injury: A Resource Guide for Home Modifications for occupational therapists working with individuals who have sustained an SCI that require modifications to their home.

Conclusions

Limitations of the guide that the authors identified include: the product has not been tested in a clinical setting, effectiveness and practicality within a hospital or clinic have not been established, and it is not a comprehensive list of resources. Areas of strength that the authors identified include: the variety of resources, the holistic approach integrated throughout the guide, and the opportunity to collaborate with other professions. It is recommended that the guide be introduced to someone with an SCI, and outcome measures be implemented to determine effectiveness. The guide created will contribute to the profession of occupational therapy by providing working occupational therapists with a tool to enhance the home modification process.

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