Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Sonia Zimmerman

Keywords

Health Education; Health Literacy; Health Promotion; Stroke -- rehabilitation

Abstract

The average literacy rate for healthcare client education materials is currently 11th-16th grade (Dignan & Hunter, 2015). Due to cognitive impairments, difficulty understanding healthcare education materials increases after experiencing a stroke (Danzl et al., 2016). Poor health education results in lower adherence to treatment and limited participation in everyday activities at home (DeMarco, Nystrom, & Salvatore, 2011). Clients and caregivers specifically reported a lack of understanding of post-stroke impairments (O'Connell, Baker, & Prosser, 2003).

A literature review was conducted on topics related to health literacy, post-stroke residual deficits, client education, and occupational therapy’s role in client education. There was an area of research literature under-explored regarding the high literacy level of education materials and the low literacy level of individuals post-stroke. Based on the results from the literature, the Post-Stroke Client Education Guide was developed to provide a tool for occupational therapists to use that incorporates the recommended grade level and methods for development of healthcare education materials. The Model of Human Occupation and Adult Learning Theory were used to guide the development of the education guide.

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an evidence-based educational tool for occupational therapists to share information regarding post-stroke residual deficits with clients and caregivers. Evidence-based strategies including grade level, multiple methods of delivery, and design were used throughout the product to increase client understandability. The educational guide will help facilitate client recovery, as well as enhance client and caregiver ability to manage residual deficits at home while completing everyday occupations, routines, and roles.

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