Date of Award

4-2023

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Amy Maloley

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

During my doctoral capstone experience, I focused on advanced clinical practice of hand therapy and treatment of upper extremity amputees. I had the opportunity to observe and collaborate with surgeons and prosthetists to gain an improved understanding of my patients’ multi-disciplinary care. I assisted in teaching three upper extremity courses for WMU’s OTD program. I also evaluated and treated my site’s entire amputee caseload in addition to my site mentor’s more complex cases. Utilizing what I learned, I created educational resources and HEPs specifically geared toward amputees. Theses resources were supplied throughout the patient’s POC as needed and at my site’s bi-monthly amputee clinic. This filled a need at both my site and in the scope of upper extremity amputee treatment, as this information was not readily available through other resources. I also created a case study ready to be published discussing the fabrication of a novel prosthosis for an amputee awaiting a permanent prosthetic device. This outline can be utilized by other therapists to aid their patients in reaching function faster.

Download

Share

COinS