Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Sclinda Janssen
Second Advisor
Mandy Meyer
Abstract
Purpose In the United States, strokes are one of the leading causes of death as well as a leading cause of long-term disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). Due to the disease's demanding and intense nature, occupational therapists must provide evidence-based care to help support those in need. Occupation-based treatment has been proven to provide better long-term results and improve the transferability of skills (Rostami et al., 2017). However, many practitioners still rely on rote exercise due to lacking resources, access, or training (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2017).
Methodology A model-guided literature review was completed in relation to the topic of evidence-based practice in the outpatient phase of stroke rehabilitation. Current best practice interventions and frames of reference for stroke rehabilitation were revealed. Following the literature review, an occupation-based intervention guide was created based on gaps identified in occupation-based stroke rehabilitation. This guide can be utilized by both practitioners and their clients.
Results With the creation of this resource guide, practitioners will be able to apply evidence-based practice throughout the outpatient phase of recovery. This guide will also benefit clients in rural areas with less access to healthcare, as it provides accessibility to effective and evidence-based tools that support their recovery.
Conclusion Occupation-based interventions provide better long-term outcomes due to more engagement from clients during rehabilitation (Juckett et al., 2020). The utilization of occupations is specifically critical during the outpatient phase of recovery as the brain experiences increased neuroplasticity 2-3 months following a stroke (Dromerick et al. 2021). This scholarly project and product provide evidence-based guidance to practitioners and clients on implementing occupation- or task-based stroke rehabilitation interventions.
Recommended Citation
Warmack, Julia, "An Occupation-Based Approach To Stroke Recovery In Rural America" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 595.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/595