Faculty Advisor(s)
Karen Weis and Jennifer Regletic Washko
Abstract
Rheumatic conditions affect nearly one in four adults in the United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.) and are characterized by chronic, often progressive symptoms, requiring long-term self-management. Despite this need, accessible and non-pharmacological resources remain limited. The capstone project, Rheumatic Resilience: An Occupational Therapy Approach, was developed to address this gap by promoting sustainable symptom management strategies through programming and education, while increasing awareness of occupational therapy (OT)’s role in chronic pain management. This project focused on areas of program development, education, clinical practice, and advocacy. A 10-week, in-person program based on Lifestyle Redesign principles was developed to increase the quality of life of adults with rheumatic conditions. Education was reinforced through a video series aligned with in-person content, expanding access to individuals unable to attend sessions or residing outside Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA), and is publicly available on Misericordia University’s website. To support clinical skill development alongside educational experience, the capstone student contributed to creating a Level I fieldwork experience in pain education and management, while also providing instruction to fieldwork students and participants on occupation-based pain management strategies. Advocacy efforts included the development and distribution of an evidence-based resource highlighting the value of OT in chronic pain management to rheumatologists across NEPA. The capstone project supported adults living with rheumatic conditions by providing accessible, evidence-based education and resources while advocating for the unique role of OT in chronic pain management.
Publication Date
2026
Document Type
Poster
Department
Occupational Therapy
Keywords
rheumatic condition, program development, lifestyle redesign, chronic pain, Level I Fieldwork
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
O'Donnell, Shannon N., "Rheumatic Resilience: An Occupational Therapy Approach" (2026). Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026. 5.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/otd_capstone2026/5