Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Sclinda Janssen

Second Advisor

Julie Grabanski

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to provide patients with knowledge on the rehabilitation process and practitioners with a resource to assist in implementing occupation and evidence-based practice in stroke rehabilitation throughout the continuum of care.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted using articles, textbooks, and expert opinions regarding evidence-based and occupation-based interventions within stroke rehabilitation. The author partnered with a midwestern healthcare agency to experience stroke rehabilitation as an occupational therapy practitioner across the continuum of care. Through a needs assessment, it was found patients lack knowledge regarding the rehabilitation process and that practitioners lack knowledge of their own profession within other settings. The ecology of human performance (EHP) model (Dunn, 2017), occupational process (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020), and motor learning frame of reference (Mathiowetz & Bass Haugen, 1994) were used throughout to guide the literature review, needs assessment, and time spent within the agency. The guide Stroke rehabilitation through the continuum of care: Integrating evidence and occupation-based practice was developed and shared with the rehabilitation director at the agency to share with practitioners in each setting to utilize in practice.

Results: Although specific results of effectiveness of the guide are unknown at this time, it is anticipated that practitioners will feel more comfortable implementing motor learning theory into practice, use appropriate evaluations tools, and get further understanding of the goals in each rehabilitation setting. It is also anticipated that patients who are given the patient education materials will gain knowledge on strokes, the rehabilitation process, and team members involved.

Conclusions: The guide Stroke rehabilitation through the continuum of care: Integrating evidence and occupation-based practice was created to promote evidence and occupation-based practice throughout the continuum of care in stroke rehabilitation. It was also created to educate patients on their diagnosis and what their rehabilitation process would entail. Due to limited time in the partnering agency, the guide was not implemented into practice. Implementation of a resource that guides occupational therapy practitioners to best practice can enhance outcomes in rehabilitation for patients that have had strokes.

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