Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Jessa Hulteng
Abstract
Individuals with chronic conditions receive the most primary care services and account for the highest annual healthcare spending with the poorest outcomes (Leland, Fogelberg, Halle, & Mroz, 2017). Primary care providers (PCP) often address acute symptom management due to inadequate time to explore underlying problems related to diagnoses due to time limitations and a shortage of PCPs. (Dahl-Popolizio, Manson, Muir & Rogers, 2016). It has been recommended that other disciplines are incorporated into primary care to increase holistic, client-centered care and to improve health outcomes. Occupational therapy has been identified as one discipline that is well suited to contribute to the primary care team because of the clear knowledge they have with occupational performance, healthy routines, habits, and prevention (AOTA, 2020). PCPs are often unaware of the role of occupational therapy which limits the number of referrals for their services (Halle, Mroz, Fogelberg & Leland, 2018). The purpose of this scholarly project is to inform PCPs about the value and role of occupational therapy within the primary care setting and to increase referrals to occupational therapy services.
Recommended Citation
Grosser, Alexandra and Tadman, Kelsey, "Occupational Therapy and Primary Care: The Tools for Referral" (2021). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 477.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/477