Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Anne M. Haskins

Keywords

Hand Injuries -- therapy; Occupational Therapy -- methods; Patient Education as Topic

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the product was to create an accessible resource for occupational therapists to implement occupation-based interventions effectively.

Methods

The results of a thorough literature review on the shared topic of interest supported the therapeutic value of occupation through education and home programming. The literature was used to justify the gap that exists in the need for the implementation of occupation-based interventions in hand therapy. The results from the literature review was synthesized into a detailed narrative that guided the formation of a patient education tool. The product was designed using concepts from the biomechanical frame of reference, Model of Human Occupation, and the Adult Learning Theory. These three theories work together to address the physical aspects of the human body, the internal factors of a person, and how to best relay information to an individual. Aspects from each of these theories were combined in order to increase the usability and effectiveness of occupation-based interventions in hand therapy settings.

Results

The literature and theoretical perspectives resulted in the formation of a collaborative patient education product. The product is meant to be used collaboratively between an occupational therapist and an individual with an upper extremity nerve laceration in an outpatient setting. The topics covered in this tool include neuroanatomy and neuroscience, common procedures, rehabilitation process, occupation-based intervention rationale, coping strategies, and assessment and goal formation. The product includes a separate therapist manual that provides a brief summary of the research studies found that support the formation of the product.

Conclusions

It is anticipated that the patient education tool will be an efficient and effective solution to the perceived barriers that occupational therapists in hand therapy have to implementing occupation-based interventions. In addition to assisting therapists, it is the intention that this tool will improve the adherence to therapy routines, patient satisfaction, and patient outcomes.

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