Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

First Advisor

Debra Hanson

Keywords

Leisure Activities; Needs Assessment; Occupational Therapy; Technology

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the product was to create an electronic based leisure interest companion for occupational therapists to utilize when treating clients. An electronic based leisure assessment would illustrate for the occupational therapy a more comprehensive understanding of the clients’ leisure interests.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using the CINAHL, OTSEARCH, Pub Med, and Google Scholar databases. The literature review results supported the value of leisure, and leisure assessment tools were explored. The UK Modified Interest Checklist was chosen as a focal point for the My Leisure Activities (MyLA™) companion tool development. A storyboard was created by the authors to determine key product features. Representatives of the University of North Dakota (UND) Center for Instructional & Learning Technologies (CILT) were consulted to assist with the selection of design software and provided ongoing consultation throughout the product development using the Captivate program. Once completed, the MyLA™ companion tool was published to a website.

Results: An electronic based leisure assessment companion tool to the UK Modified Interest Checklist was completed. The product, MyLA™, allows the client to explore leisure interests through video and virtual technology, develop a realistic Action Plan, and complete a follow-up review in an accessible electronic format.

Conclusions: MyLA™, the electronic leisure assessment companion, extends options for leisure exploration and provides easy access for planning and monitoring activity participation. By providing an electronic version of the leisure assessment, client-centeredness can be reached, as well as the therapist being able to gain a more holistic view of different ways leisure can be completed and enjoyed by the client. Additional features may be added to enhance product use.

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