ASSESSING AND IMPROVING AWARENESS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY’S ROLE IN ACUTE CARE AMONG REFERRING DISCIPLINES

Abstract

Primary care within the United States’ health care system is evolving to address increases in chronic conditions across the lifespan that impact individuals’ daily lives, and the health care system’s performance and cost. Even as interprofessional primary care teams aim to manage a large majority of health needs over time, these teams often lack the skilled professionals necessary to address function in daily life. Occupational therapy’s distinct value as experts in evaluation and intervention for health-related occupational development, adaptation, prevention and management can address this problem. However, continued education and additional tools are necessary for occupational therapists to increase their knowledge of the profession’s role in primary care, increase self-efficacy in promoting occupational therapy to stakeholders, and increase self-efficacy to utilize resources for research and establishing occupational therapy in primary care settings. The Incorporating Occupational Therapy into the Medical Field learning modules are specifically targeted to health care professionals to educate and make them aware of occupational therapy and the benefits of utilizing the services. Data on theoretical and historical evaluation of occupational therapy in health care supports and understands the problem and mechanisms that can help navigate efforts to include occupational therapy in primary care. Diffusion of Innovations and Adult Learning Theory guides the course’s phases of development and dissemination. This project is a timely contribution to the emerging area of occupational therapy in primary care that supports the American Occupational Therapy Association Vision Statement to improve the individual experience of care, and maximize health, well-being and quality of life for all people (AOTA, 2022).