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Description
This doctoral capstone was completed at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) serving adults with neurological, orthopedic, and medically complex conditions. The project focused on education and clinical experience. Its purpose was to develop and implement an evidence-based educational program on functional cognition while gaining a deeper understanding of cognitive rehabilitation in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. The overall goal was to improve clinicians’ understanding of functional cognition and provide practical resources to support evidence-based practice.
Functional cognition refers to cognition within the context of everyday occupational performance. It reflects the interaction among personal factors, task demands, and the environment. Because cognition influences functional performance and rehabilitation outcomes, it is an essential component of inpatient rehabilitation. A literature review and clinical observations identified opportunities to improve clinician education and increase the use of evidence-based approaches to functional cognition.
In response, an interdisciplinary in-service presentation was developed using current evidence and clinical observations. The presentation emphasized identifying cognitive performance errors, understanding the role of self-awareness in rehabilitation, and selecting evidence-based intervention strategies. A practitioner’s resource guide accompanied the presentation, and pre- and post-evaluations assessed changes in clinicians’ confidence and understanding.
This capstone also provided opportunities to demonstrate leadership through interdisciplinary education and collaboration with occupational therapists and other rehabilitation professionals. Overall, the project addressed an educational need by providing clinicians with practical knowledge and resources to improve functional cognition in clinical practice. It supports more consistent identification of cognitive performance errors, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration through shared terminology, and reinforces occupational therapy’s important role in helping individuals return to meaningful occupations.
Graduation Date
2026
Keywords
functional cognition, inpatient rehabilitation facility, cognitive performance errors, self-awareness, general awareness, online awareness
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Book
Site Mentor
Dr. Cassandra Ginn, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CLA
Comments
Link to presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9TN3PkczTk