Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Oral Presentation/Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Health Science

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Moses Ikiugu

Keywords

occupational therapy, clinical practice, program development, rural health, caregiver interventions

Subject Categories

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

This capstone project aimed to develop advanced clinical practice skills and implement a structured caregiver intervention program within a rural outpatient pediatric occupational therapy setting at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley, Iowa. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation, the Occupational Adaptation model, and the cognitive behavioral frame of reference, the project emphasized caregiver participation, routine-based strategy use, and support for sensory-emotional regulation across daily environments. Caregiver stress and perceptions of strategy use were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and a caregiver follow-up survey developed to evaluate confidence supporting regulation strategies and participation within home routines. Results demonstrated statistically significant reductions in caregiver perceived stress following participation in the four-session caregiver intervention program, with most caregivers reporting increased confidence supporting their child’s regulation needs and implementing strategies across daily routines and transitions within home environments. Program development included creation of caregiver intervention materials addressing sensory regulation, movement-based supports, co-regulation strategies, and routine-based participation supports designed for use within home environments and supporting improved caregiver understanding of regulation needs across daily activities. Findings also supported the feasibility of providing structured caregiver intervention within a rural outpatient setting using flexible participation options to improve accessibility for caregivers within the community and surrounding rural service areas. Limitations of this project included a small sample size and short program duration. Overall, this capstone experience contributes to development of clinical practice skills and program development supporting structured caregiver intervention as a meaningful component of occupational therapy practice, particularly within rural settings.

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