Document Type
Abstract
Publication Date
Spring 2025
Faculty Mentor
Scott Hutchison
Abstract
The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and provide an educational resource for acute care occupational therapists to improve knowledge and confidence in treating patients with serious illnesses using a palliative care approach. Through the needs assessment taken by the rehabilitation team, it was discovered that occupational therapists overall were least familiar with palliative care, but at least one occupational therapist reported feeling confident in addressing functional mobility, feeding, mental health, functional abilities, leisure activities, cognition, and communication to improve quality of life. While palliative care is a sub-specialty, the principles and many practices should be employed by all clinicians caring for patients with serious illnesses. Occupational therapists provide client-centered and holistic approaches to care for people throughout the lifespan. Occupational therapy involves reframing treatment activities to adapt to changing goals and roles while addressing physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs. To improve occupational therapists’ comfort in implementing a palliative care approach to treatment, an educational presentation was given, and a sustainable, evidence-based toolkit was created. The occupational therapy toolkit includes examples of assessment, interventions, goals, and relevant billing codes to help patients improve symptom management related to their diagnosis. After the dissemination of the presentation and toolkit, the rehabilitation team reported that their understanding of palliative care services improved, and clinicians reported feeling more confident addressing symptom management in the acute care setting using the various assessments and treatment interventions provided in the toolkit.
Recommended Citation
Concepcion, Gianina, "Implementing a Palliative Care Approach in Acute Care Occupational Therapy Practice" (2025). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 86.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/86