Collin Brown

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Sclinda Janssen

Abstract

Background: In the journey to recovery from upper extremity injuries, outpatient hand therapists who are certified as occupational therapists (OT) play a crucial role in restoring patients' independence and functionality, both before and after surgical intervention. Researchers identified main themes experienced by participants who had acquired an upper extremity injury and were post-operation, such as functional challenges in managing conditions, difficulties in everyday life, coping strategies, differing expectations, and the impact of information on daily life (Hansen et al, 2024). In all of these areas identified, an OT hand therapist is able to identify and facilitate improvements pre- and post-surgery with a holistic view, including both biomechanical and functional (occupational) expertise. It is crucial for a population that has received an upper extremity injury to receive appropriate care due to the complexity and delicacy of each individual diagnosis. O’Brien et al (2013) assessed the impact of initial treatment by an OT hand therapist for individuals referred to a hand surgeon for common hand conditions and how pre-surgical care is a critical area of focus in optimizing patient care pathways. This approach, emphasizes early intervention by OT hand therapists which could significantly alter the conventional course of treatment, typically involving surgical consultation as a first step. By incorporating OT hand therapists into pre-surgical care, the management of common hand conditions may be revolutionized, focusing on non-invasive treatment modalities that aim to reduce symptoms, improve function, and potentially avoid surgery (O’Brien et al, 2013). The problem is that there are limited referrals to OT hand therapists throughout varied stages of recovery from vii injuries or surgeries due to the lack of awareness about the role of OT in hand therapy. Therefore, this scholarly project includes a product that aims to improve the referral process by educating surgical team members about the role of OT hand therapy in treating both biomechanical and functional (occupational) challenges associated with upper extremity injuries during pre- and post-surgical care in outpatient settings.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of hand therapy in pre- and post-surgical care for upper extremity injury patients, analyzing relevant studies to identify best practices and outcomes. The model of person, environment, and occupation (PEO) was the model used to guide finding of the literature with emphasis on the transactions between person, environment, and occupation (Law et al, 1996). The PEO model allows the therapist to evaluate the person holistically first and then develop specific biomechanical and function-based interventions that support overall occupational performance.

Results: The product of this scholarly project is an educational guide for OTCHT’s to increase referrals from medical providers. The resource includes educational information about the role of OT hand therapy in the provision of interventions during pre- and post-surgical stages of recovery for those with upper extremity injuries. The outcome of this product is to enhance medical providers' understanding of OT in hand therapy services, thereby increasing referrals for upper extremity injuries to hand therapists who are OT practitioners. This, in turn, aims to enhance interprofessional collaboration, which has potential to improve patient outcomes and promote greater participation in daily activities and occupations.

Download

Share

COinS