Development

Last year, I conducted scoping and literature reviews to understand modern, evidence-based occupational therapy practices for adults with chronic illness. These reviews established a critical gap in available literature reflective of broader dysfunction in our medical system.

Little evidence exists to guide OT practitioners’ understanding of the complex relationship between system, self, and health. I am developing my Capstone project to apply critical theory and systems analysis to enrich the evidence base of support for this population.

Focus

Many adults with chronic illness share experiences of delayed diagnoses, insufficient care, and medical trauma. As occupation-based, trauma-informed practitioners, OTs are uniquely positioned to support these patients in theory.

The focus of my Capstone project is to understand exactly how occupational therapy could improve health outcomes for adults with chronic illnesses through specific assessments, client-centered interventions, and the application of interdisciplinary research.