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Submission Date

8-1-2022

Document Type

Entry Level Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

First Mentor

Jessica Bodzio, MS, RDN, LDN

Second Mentor

Mariana D'Amico, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Abstract

Living with an eating disorder (ED) can strip an individual from experiencing a meaningful life engaging in occupations, tasks, habits, rituals, routines, and roles that were once familiar to oneself prior to their diagnosis. Having an ED can lead to negative behaviors that become maladaptive and obsessive (Wagenfeld & Olson, 2017). Typical treatment for individuals with EDs includes members on an interprofessional (IP) team composed of a primary care physician (PCP), nutritionist, and a mental health professional (Walsh et al., 2000). However, another professional, an occupational therapist (OT), should be included throughout treatment due to their unique contribution to address clients holistically through occupation-based approaches to increase self-worth and self-esteem and establish healthy daily routines (Klockzko & Ikiugu, 2006). While OTs are an asset to the team, they are typically not recognized by other professionals as an IP member due to lack of awareness of the skills and interventions that OTs offer (Robinson et. al, 2005). Due to the paucity of awareness within professional settings, it was necessary to identify where the gap originated from, which could be during a health care professional’s educational preparation. Therefore, such information justified the creation of an educational lecture to inform emerging health care professionals, specifically registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) students on the role of OTs in ED treatment and involvement on an IP team. A pre and posttest assessment was used to understand the level of knowledge students possess on OT scope of practice.

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