Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Julie Grabanski

Keywords

Posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma, occupational performance, intervention, adolescents, adults

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts approximately 3.6% of adults and 5% of adolescents in the United States and has pervasive impacts on occupational performance (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) likely encounter clients with PTSD frequently due to this widespread prevalence in addition to trauma being comorbid with a variety of mental and physical health conditions. Despite the widespread prevalence of trauma, many OTPs find that trauma-informed care is not adequately implemented in practice (Holman et al., 2022). There is a gap in the literature regarding occupational performance deficits experienced among clients with trauma, knowledge of how to address trauma in practice among OTPs, and application of trauma related knowledge to practice. Best Practice Occupational Therapy Interventions for Addressing Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Practitioner Guide (see appendix A) was created to bridge this gap. A needs assessment including a literature review, skilled observation, and collaboration with an OTP with expertise in trauma, was conducted to inform the guide. The guide leads the OTP through the occupational therapy process, discusses impacts of trauma, and addresses common comorbidities. With trauma being highly prevalent and having widespread impacts on occupational performance, Best Practice Occupational Therapy Interventions for Addressing Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Practitioner Guide is needed to provide OTPs with knowledge on how to address it in practice.

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