Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Wanda Lauer
Abstract
Title: The Comfort of Being at Home: The Benefits of Outpatient Rehabilitation in the Homes of Rural Residents
Background: Rural residents experience more disease, injury, and death than individuals living in metropolitan areas. Harsh weather conditions, distances to healthcare facilities, lack of public transportation options, and restrictions of health insurance coverage make accessing healthcare services difficult for these residents expediting worse health outcomes. One method to address the barriers rural residents face in accessing healthcare services, especially ongoing rehabilitation services, is to establish more accessible healthcare delivery methods in residents’ homes. Many rural residents will benefit from receiving ongoing rehabilitation from occupational therapy and/or physical therapy, however, it is difficult for them to leave their homes to attend therapy services in an outpatient setting.
Purpose: The purpose of the scholarly project is to increase referral sources’ knowledge of outpatient rehabilitation services in the home by the creation of an educational in-service. Developing evidence-based education will support therapists in educating referral sources to propel outpatient rehabilitation services in rural residents' homes.
Methods: A literature review was completed through the electronic databases of PubMed and CINHAL. To guide the creation of the product, the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model and andragogical teaching and learning methods were utilized.
Conclusion: Rural areas need more accessible rehabilitation options to improve the health of rural residents and support their ability to live independently in their homes. Outpatient Rehabilitation in the Homes of Rural Residents Inservice was created to increase referral sources’ knowledge of outpatient rehabilitation services and to support professionals in advocating for referrals for therapy services.
Recommended Citation
Christian, Madison Jo, "The Comfort Of Being At Home: The Benefits Of Outpatient Rehabilitation In The Homes Of Rural Residents" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 642.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/642