Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

Department Name when Degree Awarded

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Background: Prior to the development of a feeding therapy program, a system evaluation was completed in an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic. Changes were implemented to support the program, while planning and the initial phases of the feeding therapy program began.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to enhance daily clinic operations and initiate the development of a feeding therapy program, with a focus on establishing evidence-based, family-and child-centered care.

This capstone project addressed the following objectives:

1. Assess clinic systems to identify strengths and weaknesses as well as threats and opportunities while evaluating existing processes that may impact program development.

2. Implement changes to improve infrastructure supporting future program development.

3. Plan and implement an evidence-based feeding therapy program.

Theoretical Framework: The Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model was the framework that guided this project.

Methods: This capstone project used a system evaluation design to examine operations and processes in an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic in preparation for the development and implementation of an evidence-based feeding therapy program.

Results: Clinic systems were assessed with changes implemented to support program development. During this capstone, planning also began the development of an evidence-based feeding therapy program.

Conclusion: System changes were made to improve daily operations in an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic to support program development.

Faculty Mentor

Leslie J. Hardman, OTD, OTR/L

Department Affiliation

Occupational Therapy

Committee Member

Jennifer G. Hight, OTD, OTR/L

Department Affiliation

Occupational Therapy

Committee Member

Shirley P. O'Brien, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA

Department Affiliation

Occupational Therapy

Comments

First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my husband, Pete, and my two boys, Micah and Max, for their unwavering support throughout this journey. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Dr. Leslie Hardman, Dr. Shirley O’Brien, and Dr. Jennifer Hight for your invaluable guidance and patience throughout this process.

Download

Share

COinS