Document Type
Presentation -- MUSC Only
Publication Date
Spring 4-20-2025
Faculty Mentor
Michelle Woodbury
Abstract
This capstone project highlights the essential role of research in advancing occupational therapy (OT) practice and underscores the importance of data analysis and visualization in enhancing the communication and dissemination of research findings. Grounded in the Myers and Lotz Framework for Evidence-Based Practice and the CO-OP approach to problem-solving, the experience was structured around three core pillars: (1) gaining hands-on experience as a research therapist, (2) conducting in-depth data analysis, and (3) creating effective data visualizations to support scientific communication.
As a research therapist, I contributed to two ongoing studies: the Cognitive Priming (Cog-P) study and the Patient Quality Rating Scale for Telerehabilitation (PQRS-T) study. The PQRS-T study aimed to evaluate the measurement properties of a modified scoring system for telerehabilitation. Ten stroke survivors completed three standardized functional tasks—donning a jacket, folding clothes, and washing dishes—which were scored independently by an in-person and a remote rater to assess inter-rater reliability. My role encompassed contributions to study design, development of the manual of procedures, study implementation, data analysis, and the dissemination of findings through a manuscript and scientific poster.
Data visualizations emerged as a critical component of this project, serving as an effective medium for translating complex data into meaningful insights. Using existing telerehabilitation data from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), I created geographic visualizations to illustrate the reach and unmet needs of stroke rehabilitation services across South Carolina. These visualizations informed external reporting and supported grant submissions, emphasizing the role of visual tools in advocating for expanded access to care.
Overall, this experience reinforced the value of integrating research into clinical practice and demonstrated how combining rigorous methodology with compelling visual communication can advance evidence-based, accessible stroke rehabilitation.
Recommended Citation
McNaughton, Abigail, "From Data to Impact: Integrating Research, Data Analysis, and Data Visualizations to Shape the Future of Stroke Rehabilitation" (2025). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 87.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/87