Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Karrianna Iseminger
Abstract
Background: Sleep is an essential pillar for health and well-being, yet this is not well understood by the general public. Many clients seen within the occupational therapy advanced practice context of hand therapy are at risk of sleep disturbances which will impact the sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial components of the client. Sleep disturbances also negatively affect many aspects which are required for successful recovery and return to occupational engagement for those with conditions of the upper extremity. Addressing sleep within practice allows occupational therapy practitioners within the advanced practice context of hand therapy to promote occupational performance across all waking occupations while improving outcomes commonly assessed within the hand therapy context. Best practice within the occupational therapy advanced practice context of hand therapy necessitates sleep is addressed, a need for resources to assist occupational therapy practitioners in addressing sleep is present.
Purpose: The purpose of the project is to provide resources regarding delivery of sleep related services for occupational therapy practitioners within the advanced practice context of hand therapy. The project also aims to raise awareness of the importance of addressing sleep within occupational therapy practice.
Method: A review of the literature and collaboration with an occupational therapist with a certified hand therapy certification was conducted to identify a need. In person learning opportunities and a literature review of electronic databases were utilized to identify pertinent information to include in the product. This information was formatted according to the Ecological Model of Human Performance to ensure occupation remained the focus of the product (Dunn, 2017). Methods of addressing sleep within the occupational therapy advanced practice context of hand therapy were designed and modified in collaboration with an occupational therapist who is certified in hand therapy. Resources were then trialed in practice and disseminated accordingly.
Results: A variety of resources pertaining to the evaluation and intervention phases of the occupational therapy process were created to support the delivery of services targeting sleep within the occupational therapy advanced practice context of hand therapy.
Conclusion: A need for resources addressing provision of services for sleep is indicated by the literature within occupational therapy and the advanced practice context of hand therapy. An opportunity to progress the quality of occupational therapy services by addressing sleep in practice exists.
Recommended Citation
Tolkkinen, Grant Edwin, "Addressing Sleep Within the Hand Therapy Practice Context" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 656.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/656