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Description
During my doctoral capstone, I partnered with Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska to support the recent addition of occupational therapy services on the hospital’s mother/baby unit. The project focused on program development and education to address the unique needs of postpartum women in the acute care setting and advocate for OT’s role in this emerging area.
Following a literature review and needs assessment, the project identified a significant gap in postpartum OT services—only 84 of 2,158 U.S. hospitals currently offer these services (Pelvic Health Network, n.d.). High readmission rates from postpartum complications such as infection, preeclampsia, and cardiovascular issues (Segraves et al., 2023) highlight the need for early intervention. While theoretical support exists for OT in postpartum care, the evidence base remains limited.
To address this gap, the project included interdisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and the development of clinical resources. Deliverables were compiled into a resource binder and included:
- Recovery handouts addressing precautions, urinary incontinence, recommended equipment
- Exercise handouts for upper extremity conditions
- Baby-tracking app recommendations
- A clinical guide for OTs treating postpartum patients in acute care
These materials were integrated into clinical care based on feedback from staff and patients. The project supports OT’s role in improving postpartum functional recovery, enhancing maternal well-being, and bridging critical service gaps in women’s health care.
Graduation Date
2025
Keywords
Postpartum, acute care, women's health
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Document Type
Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Site Mentor
Amanda Ciecior, OTD, OTR/L
Comments
Link to presentation: https://youtu.be/6VIbiKL_IvM