Date of Award
5-9-2026
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
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Faculty Mentor
Mackenzie Feldhacker, OTD, OTR/L, CLT/-LANA
Keywords
assistive technology, occupational therapy, inpatient rehabilitation, clinician education, neurological conditions
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
Although assistive technology (AT) is widely recognized as an effective intervention to improve functional outcomes and independence in individuals with neurological conditions, it remains underutilized in clinical practice due to barriers such as limited training, time constraints, and lack of accessible resources (Langan et al., 2018; Pearce et al., 2024; Sarsak et al., 2023). This doctoral capstone project examined the integration of AT into occupational therapy practice within an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Guided by the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) and the Rehabilitative Frame of Reference, the project aimed to bridge the gap between evidence-based AT interventions and real-world clinical application. A needs assessment was conducted to evaluate therapist knowledge, confidence, and current use of AT, identifying inconsistent utilization despite the availability of advanced devices. In response, the project implemented targeted strategies, including development of a comprehensive therapist AT guidebook, delivery of hands-on, device-specific educational sessions, and creation of patient-centered handouts and discharge resources to support carryover beyond hospitalization. Outcomes were evaluated using therapist pre/post surveys, patient perception measures, and site-specific utilization data. Results demonstrated increased therapist confidence and knowledge, along with greater variety and frequency of AT use in clinical practice following educational interventions. Patient-reported outcomes indicated improvements in satisfaction, engagement, and perceived independence, particularly among individuals with upper extremity impairments. These findings support the importance of structured education, accessible resources, and client-centered approaches in promoting consistent integration of assistive technology to enhance functional outcomes and participation in neurorehabilitation.
Recommended Citation
Cotton, Megan M., "Rewiring Recovery: Integrating Assistive Technology into Occupational Therapy for Neurological Rehabilitation" (2026). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 178.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/178