Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2026

Document Type

Oral Presentation/Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Health Science

Faculty Mentor

Allison Naber, PhD, OTR/L

Keywords

occupation-based practice, psychosocial factors, hand therapy, outpatient rehabilitation

Subject Categories

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this 14-week capstone was to examine how psychosocial and occupation-based approaches can be more effectively incorporated into outpatient hand therapy. This experience occurred at an orthopedic outpatient setting, focused on improving how care is delivered beyond a biomechanical rehabilitative approach. Throughout the capstone, several practical tools and resources were developed, including a PEOP-based intake questionnaire to guide patient conversations, diagnosis-specific educational packets for both patients and rural occupational therapy practitioners, and strategies to support the integration of psychosocial factors in routine treatment sessions. Continuing education courses were also completed to expand clinical reasoning related to upper extremity rehabilitation and commonly seen diagnoses. Across 131 patient encounters, 69 encounters (53%) included a psychosocial or functional concern, such as fear of reinjury, decreased confidence, or difficulty returning to work and daily activities. These findings highlight the consistent presence of psychosocial factors within outpatient hand therapy. Through hands-on clinical experience and ongoing reflection, it became evident that small, intentional, and feasible changes—such as incorporating targeted questions and utilizing occupation-based considerations—can be implemented within existing clinical workflows. Overall, this project supports a more holistic, client-centered approach to care that addresses both physical recovery and the patient’s lived experience.

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