Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Dr. Anne Haskins
Abstract
Background: As women across the lifespan experience complex physical, emotional, and occupational challenges related to maternal transitions, mental health needs, chronic conditions, and rural healthcare disparities, occupational therapy is uniquely equipped to address the complex challenges. Services have been proven to be directly correlated to lower incidence of preterm birth, cesarean delivery, low birth weight, excessive gestational weight gain, diabetes mellitus, and hypersensitive disorders, and higher incidence of vaginal delivery. A clear gap for maternal support services was identified in the Grand Forks community through literature review, interviews, and community engagement, leading to the development of NoDak Therapy and Wellness.
Methodology: The development of this scholarly project was guided by the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) to identify and challenge systemic, cultural, and geographic barriers that unfairly constrain women’s roles, routines, and health and improve the interaction between person, environment, and occupations enhance meaningful engagement. This project included a literature review (2017–2025; n=23) and customer discovery segment through 34 interviews as a Mueller Intern at the Center for Innovation and member of the NSF Great Plains I-Corps Cohort.
Results: Findings informed the development of a comprehensive business plan for an outpatient womencentered occupational therapy clinic in Grand Forks, ND focused on maternal support services: NoDak Therapy and Wellness.
Discussion: NoDak Therapy and Wellness aims to support mothers in participating in meaningful activities through accessible, evidence-based, and holistic occupational therapy services that adapt to women’s changing physical, emotional, and environmental needs. The vision is for NoDak Therapy and Wellness to become North Dakota’s leading women-centered occupational therapy clinic by expanding access to care for rural and underserved communities and promoting equitable, whole-person healthcare for women.
Recommended Citation
Jurva, Lilja, "Holistic Occupational Therapy Approach in Addressing Women’s Health Needs & Access to Care" (2026). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 728.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/728