Exploring the Benefits of Occupational Therapy in Women's Health

Authors

Makayla Witt, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow

Files

Description

The primary goal of this ALE presentation was to educate healthcare providers, patients, and staff on occupational therapist’s contributions to women’s health. In collaboration with Dr. Byram Ratliff at Sterling Women’s Health, I explored the role of occupational therapy in individualized women’s care. Initial research revealed a lack of awareness regarding how occupational therapy can support women through different life stages. This project involved shadowing my site mentor to understand clinic workflows, then assessing baseline knowledge of occupational therapy using an online survey completed by patients, staff, and providers. Survey results identified limited awareness of occupational therapist’s role, prompting the development of an online educational resource manual. This resource aimed to improve understanding of occupational therapist’s value in women’s health and raise awareness of the barriers women face in care. Onsite occupational therapy services in a women’s clinic can enhance outcomes, especially postpartum, through early education and holistic interventions. I hope the educational manual continues to promote the integration of occupational therapy into women’s health services.

Graduation Date

2025

Keywords

OTD capstone, education, advocacy, women's health, occupational therapy

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Link to Presentation: https://youtu.be/r78soQZiJcU

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Document Type

Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

Site Mentor

Dr. Byram Ratliff, MD