Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Dr.OT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

First Advisor

Melissa Schaeffer

Date of original Performance / Presentation

January 2024

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

Providing care to a declining loved one is a significant public health concern impacting the well-being of countless individuals. Caregivers play a crucial role in meeting the social and health needs of others. Additionally, they offer emotional assistance and aid in managing chronic illnesses or disabilities. As the needs of the recipient evolve, caregiving duties often intensify, potentially placing added pressure on the caregiver (Longacre et al., 2017; Pot et al., 1998; Talley & Crews, 2007). This capstone project offered efficient staff training and established an interdisciplinary workflow aimed at bolstering support for informal caregivers within the acute care environment. Drawing upon literature and insights gathered from staff and caregivers during the needs assessment phase, the initiative acknowledges caregivers as pivotal components of ongoing patient success. Recognizing that patients heavily rely on their caregivers for daily needs, it emphasizes the critical role these individuals play in mitigating negative outcomes during acute stays (Biese et al., 2022). Often overlooked, caregivers are akin to ‘hidden patients’, suggesting that interventions should directly target caregivers, enhancing their competence and confidence (Reinhard et al., 2008, p. 343). This capstone created a staff training for the rehabilitation department and workflow to promote caregiver education in daily treatment sessions which holds substantial potential for transforming the trajectory of patients and caregivers alike within the acute care setting. By formalizing caregiver education processes facilitated by interdisciplinary staff, caregivers are equipped with essential skills to navigate home care effectively. It is hypothesized, and corroborated by existing literature, that adequately preparing caregivers will lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions.

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

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