Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Julie Grabanski
Abstract
Background: Maternal mortality and morbidity rates have been steadily increasing in the United States due to health disparities, inadequate care, and lack of recognition of maternal health service gaps. Additionally, interdisciplinary care provided after birth often emphasizes the infant shifting focus away from the mother which impacts health and recovery during the postpartum period. Despite a wide range of maternal health services provided in the acute care setting, inclusion and referrals to occupational therapy are often lacking. Further, occupational therapists play an emerging role in maternal health that is frequently misunderstood and insufficiently recognized.
Purpose: The goal of this project was to fill maternal health comprehensive services gaps by expanding occupational therapy’s role in the acute postpartum period. The objectives were to increase awareness of OT’s role in maternal health, improve access to therapeutic intervention during the postpartum period, and enhance practitioner understanding of therapeutic processes for postpartum recovery. The goal and objectives were created to promote the integration of occupational therapy into the maternal health interprofessional team.
Methods: A literature review and on-site needs assessment were performed to determine population needs and product purpose. The Ecology of Human Performance [EHP] model was utilized to guide the literature review, needs assessment, and guide development processes. The interprofessional collaboration component of EHP was also integrated throughout the product to increase usability. Additionally, the occupational therapy lens was used as a guide to develop the product’s multiple sections.
Results & Outcomes: Enhancing Maternal Health: A Guide to Integrating Occupational Therapy was created to increase occupational therapy referrals in the acute postpartum population. Intended use is a resource for maternal healthcare professionals to recognize occupational therapy’s role in maternal health. Additionally, this guide outlines the occupational therapy acute postpartum therapeutic process to promote therapists’ service competence in maternal health. This informational guide provides the framework for increasing occupational therapy referrals to support postpartum health and wellness through therapeutic evaluation and intervention.
Recommended Citation
Eken, Abby, "OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY BEST PRACTICES IN MATERNAL HEALTH" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 685.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/685