Faculty Advisor(s)
Ariana Belles
Abstract
Experiencing a stroke is a life altering event. Effects range from minimal to severe, but nonetheless survivors are put in a position where they need to understand their health and how to move forward (Wolf et. al., 2009). Nagaraja et. al. (2022) draws attention to the issue that survivors who are not eligible for inpatient services are often discharged home with a home exercise program and no clinical or therapy follow- up. This creates a gap in the stroke recovery continuum of care, putting survivors at even more risk for additional health risks and complications. The need for stroke rehabilitative services is crucial, especially related to addressing one’s lifestyle factors, risks for additional strokes, and managing symptoms. Occupational therapy doctoral capstone project, Open Doors Rehab was a courtesy student-led occupation-focused stroke rehabilitation clinic implemented at Misericordia University. Open Doors Rehab served individuals impacted by stroke, utilizing a primary focus of occupation throughout the rehabilitation process. Using the COPM, collaborative and adaptive approaches, and qualitative self-perception, clients identified and prioritized their meaningful occupations, collaborated to increase occupational participation, engaged in client-centered activities, and engaged with occupational therapy students. In addition to the clinic, junior and senior occupational therapy students observed clinic sessions, engaged with clients, practiced their interpersonal skills, and received informational materials and debriefing regarding stroke and documentation best practices. Clients reported an increase in occupational participation and performance because of participation in the program. Student observers reported meaningful benefit from observation experiences and engagement with clients.
Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Poster
Department
Occupational Therapy
Keywords
student-led, stroke, occupation, performance, participation, rehabilitation, courtesy
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Scully, Caitlin, "Open Doors Rehab: Student-Led Courtesy Occupation-Focused Stroke Rehabilitation Clinic" (2025). Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025. 21.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/otd_capstone2025/21