Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Mandy Meyer

Abstract

Title: Addressing Challenges Related to Community Reintegration Following a Traumatic Brain Injury

Introduction: The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a guide of resources and tools available in and around Bismarck, North Dakota that individuals after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can utilize to assist in their successful return to their community. The Rancho Los Amigos Scale was utilized to effectively guide which resources and supports were needed based on the functional level the individual is currently presenting at. The Person Environment Occupational (PEO) Model theoretical framework was utilized to guide the creation and implementation of this community reintegration guide for individuals who have experienced a brain injury.

Methodology: A literature review and needs assessment were completed to understand the common challenges that individuals face after a TBI when returning to their community in the Bismarck region. The product was developed based on this information utilizing the PEO model. This project was completed over a 14-week span in Bismarck, North Dakota in association with a private mobile outpatient therapy service. The procedures for completing the project included searching several electronic databases, utilizing the CDC guidelines on TBIs, recommendations from a few professional organizations, and finally, utilizing an expert in the field.

Results: The literature review revealed that there is a significant gap in accessibility to resources that exists within the state of North Dakota for individuals who have experienced a TBI. Therefore, Addressing Challenges Related to Community Reintegration Following a Traumatic Brain Injury was created to provide a resource guide for individuals within the Bismarck, North Dakota region.

Conclusion: Overall, it was identified that the state of North Dakota is currently in need of resources and supports for individuals that have experienced a TBI. This community reintegration guide lists resources and tools within the Bismarck, North Dakota region that providers can utilize to help this population successfully reintegrate into their community. By helping these individuals with community reintegration, improvements to their overall quality of life may be attainable.

Download

Share

COinS