This scholarly project was conducted within the framework of the Marietta Memorial Health System, spanning multiple locations, including Marietta Memorial, Selby General Hospital, and Frontier. The primary goal of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of the patient care continuum and to evaluate the methods of educational delivery to both caregivers and patients within the Occupational Therapy (OT) domain. A thorough needs assessment was conducted, examining re-admittance rates, transition locations, and the provision of patient education. The project culminated in a series of recommendations aimed at optimizing communication and elevating the quality of educational delivery by the OT staff.
The project's key deliverables included a formal presentation of the findings from the needs assessment, an exhibition of educational artifacts, and a comprehensive set of recommendations derived from the collected data, designed for potential program enhancement. Additionally, the study discusses future implications for Occupational Therapy practice, emphasizing the importance of improving patient care and quality of life.
Among the proposed recommendations are the standardization and numbering of educational materials and Health Education Promotion (HEP) resources across all locations. The study also advocates for a return to fundamental evaluation practices by employing a documentation template encompassing cognition, OT education, and proper mechanics. The removal of the term Per Clinical Judgment from documentation is suggested to facilitate a clearer explanation of patient status. Furthermore, the project outlines updates to precaution sheets, offering a simplified version for patient reference and a comprehensive version for OT staff, catering to both education and patients with higher cognitive functioning.