Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Sarah Nielsen
Abstract
Introduction: Occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role on the care team in partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Occupational therapy practitioners are a key member of the care team due to their profession’s unique view of the person and goal of supporting them in their valued occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners have training in psychosocial and mental health interventions that enable those with mental illness to engage in meaningful everyday activities. Practitioners must be equipped with the current best practice standards to support participants to engage in recovery and wellness through occupation. With the growing need for mental and behavioral services and providers along with the many regulations placed on practitioners, it can be difficult for occupational therapy practitioners in PHPs to stay up to date.
Methodology: An initial literature review was conducted to gain an understanding of PHPs, occupational therapy’s role, and current best practice recommendations. Then, an onsite needs assessment was conducted through observation and informal interviews with staff of the PHP. Strengths and opportunities for growth were identified and presented to stakeholders to select a product focus. A second literature review was conducted to specifically gain literature on the selected focus. The product was then developed and piloted with formative feedback. Tools were developed for program outcome measurement.
Results: The selected focus for the product was to implement movement and mindfulness into daily programing while encouraging habit formation for the patients so they continue the practices at home. The product included information on the benefits of mindfulness and movement practices, mindfulness and movement activities including descriptions and instructions, and handouts that coincides with the activities. The product was piloted, and the clients reported an increase in energy level; decrease in anxiety, stress, and depression levels; and increased frequency of mindfulness and movement practices in their daily routine.
Conclusions and Significance: The development of the product had significance for all behavioral health occupational therapy practitioners. The product was developed to be gradable and require very little supplies, making in applicable to other areas besides adult PHPs such as adult inpatient psychiatry and adolescent PHPs.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Mattea June, "OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY BEST PRACTICES IN PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAMS" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 674.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/674