Swing Bed Orientation Packet: Onboarding education for new staff and patients/families covering therapy expectations, interdisciplinary roles, and patient-centered care.

Authors

• Shayla M. Gibson, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow

Files

Description

My Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed at Saint Joseph Berea Hospital in Berea, Kentucky, with primary ACOTE focus areas in program development, leadership, and education. The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a standardized Swing Bed Orientation Packet to improve onboarding education for newly admitted swing-bed patients, their families, and staff.

A needs assessment, patient survey, and discussions with swing-bed coordinators and interdisciplinary team members identified gaps in patient and family education. An 11-question survey evaluated patients' understanding of the swing-bed program, therapy services, interdisciplinary roles, and discharge planning. The findings supported the need for consistent, accessible educational resources.

In response, a comprehensive orientation packet was developed to explain program expectations, rehabilitation services, team member roles, discharge planning, and patient-centered care principles. The packet was designed as a sustainable resource to improve communication, promote patient engagement, and provide consistent education for patients, families, and newly hired staff.

Project effectiveness was evaluated through survey findings, stakeholder feedback, and collaboration with interdisciplinary team members. Key deliverables included the completed orientation packet and educational materials that can be incorporated into future staff onboarding and quality improvement initiatives.

Throughout the experience, I demonstrated leadership by collaborating with healthcare professionals, engaging stakeholders, participating in interdisciplinary meetings, and advocating for patient-centered care. This project strengthened my skills in program development, communication, education, and leadership while contributing to improved patient understanding, rehabilitation engagement, and smoother care transitions within the swing-bed program.

Graduation Date

2026

Keywords

OTD Capstone Poster, Swing-Bed Program, Occupational Therapy, Orientation Packet, Rehabilitation, Interdisciplinary Team Roles, Patient Centered Care, Education

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Link to presentation; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-js-9F9AoQg 

Degree Type

Book

Site Mentor

Kori Becknell, OTR/L