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Date of Award
Spring 5-2021
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Mackenzie Feldhacker, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
Keywords
assistive technology, capstone, occupational therapy, spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, assistive technology field manual
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
The purpose of this Capstone project was to develop advanced clinical practice skills in the field of assistive technology (AT), as well as advocate for the increased use of assistive technology in occupational therapy practice. The Capstone experience was completed at the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Disorder Department of the Minneapolis VA in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Capstone student worked with patients in an outpatient and inpatient setting working on the SCI and disorder inpatient floor, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) outpatient clinic, wheelchair clinic, and SCI outpatient clinic. The objectives of this project included the following: (1) developing an understanding of the various types of assistive technology that are available to clients in neurorehabilitation and the process of how it is recommended and used in practice; (2) developing specialized skills in the area of assistive technology in neurorehabilitation; and (3) developing leadership and advocacy skills by educating individuals about the use of assistive technology in occupational therapy. Each objective had respective deliverables that were completed by the capstone student. The deliverables included completion of over 500 patient care hours towards Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification, creation of a quality improvement project, completion of continuing education courses, completion of device training sessions, creation of AT field manual, and presentations to advocate for the use of AT in clinical practice. Through this Capstone experience, the student successfully developed advanced clinical skills using AT, as well as developed leadership and advocacy skills to increase use of AT in clinical practice.
Recommended Citation
Kielman, Konner W., "Developing Skills Utilizing Assistive Technology in Occupational Therapy: From Entry-Level to Tech-Savvy" (2021). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 28.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/28