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Description
This Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed in collaboration with Bluegrass Pediatric Therapies, a pediatric outpatient clinic in Winchester, Kentucky. The project addressed ACOTE focus areas of education and advocacy by improving caregiver education to promote treatment carryover and family engagement. A literature review, needs assessment, clinical observations, and interdisciplinary collaboration identified opportunities to strengthen caregiver education. Evidence highlighted the importance of family-centered education and demonstrated that health literacy, educational attainment, and socioeconomic factors influence caregivers' understanding, confidence, and ability to implement therapy recommendations. These findings emphasized the need for accessible, evidence-based educational resources. The primary objective was to increase caregiver carryover by developing resources that support occupational therapists and enhance parent education. An educational resource binder was created and placed in the clinic lobby for caregivers to access before and after therapy sessions. The binder covers common pediatric occupational therapy topics using plain language, visual supports, and practical home strategies based on health literacy best practices. Project development was guided by practitioner questionnaires, clinical observations, and ongoing collaboration with occupational therapists and the interdisciplinary team. Feedback informed topic selection and ensured the binder addressed the clinic's specific needs. Leadership was demonstrated through identifying a practice need, collaborating with stakeholders, and creating a sustainable resource. Advocacy was reflected by reducing barriers to caregiver education and promoting equitable access to understandable health information. This Capstone reinforces occupational therapy's commitment to family-centered, occupation-based practice by supporting caregiver understanding, improving consistency between therapy and home routines, and enhancing long-term outcomes for children and their families.
Graduation Date
2026
Keywords
Caregiver Education, Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Health Literacy, Family-Centered Care, Therapy Carryover, Leadership, Advocacy, Program Development
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Book
Site Mentor
Kara Hornung, MS, OTR/L
Comments
Link to presentation: https://youtu.be/3Y9Rz7NGSxQ