Since the very first semester of my program, I have been passionate about supporting patients and providers in a primary care setting to improve overall population health in my community. Whenever possible I have researched, explored, imagined, and planned in an effort to best prepare myself for such a role during my capstone project and, ideally, post graduation. This interest also inspired me to seek a Master in Healthcare Administration degree along side my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. In the summer of 2016, I completed a 3 month level II fieldwork experience in a community based primary care clinic where I also gained significant clinical experience. Below is a selection of just some of the additional work I have done on the topic:
Pain, Primary Care, and Occupational Therapy
I completed a case study which explores a participant in a chronic pain management group in a primary care setting. The report also examines the efficacy of occupational therapy for pain management, the positive effects occupational therapists can have in this setting, and the impact such work can have on not just overall patient care, but also the primary care provider experience. If you are interested in viewing this project, please contact me.
Advocacy: Improving Patient Care Through Occupational Therapy
I am currently working on developing tools (such as this video) and strategies for marketing occupational therapy's role in primary care. This short video was created for a broad audience. If you are interested receiving more information about this project, please contact me.
Literature Reviews: Primary Care Conditions and OT Scope of Practice
I completed a more detailed literature review than my earlier work. This serves as further support for my capstone project. I explored further evidence for the impact occupational therapists can have on relevant conditions (pain management, chronic condition management, fall prevention, etc), cost effectiveness of occupational therapists, as well as how we may fill a gap within the industry (both for patient and provider needs). Additionally, for my MHA program I will also explore literature regarding OT scope of practice, especially as it relates to occupational therapists serving in a primary care setting.
Business Plan: Consulting Model for Occupational Therapy in Primary Care
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In Spring of 2016, a classmate, Raissa Graves-Highsmith, and I created a business plan for a Community Based Practice course. The plan outlined a consultative model for occupational therapy within primary care. We examined Community Health Needs Assessments from Washtenaw County in Michigan, along with additional research, to complete a needs assessment. Goals and objectives were determined, as well as outcome measurement and monitoring protocols. In addition, a detailed financial analysis was completed. If you are interested in viewing this project, please contact me.
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Occupational Therapy in Primary Care Flier
The following flier was originally created for a Legislative Day in Salem, OR in 2016. It was made in collaboration with classmates, Raissa Graves-Highsmith and Graham Garner. While it was originally created for a specific occasion, it was designed in a way that it may serve multiple purposes and a broad audience. We would love to share this resource, but please contact me for permission so that we are aware of its distribution.
Literature Review: Occupational Therapy in Primary Care
In the summer of 2015 I completed a detailed literature review to collect current writings on the topic. This review was general, exploring position papers, journal articles, and literature around the world. This review found there was much to support occupational therapists serving in this role, but few existing models.
