CNA Care Provision Through the Lens of an Occupational Therapist: A Doctoral Capstone Experience

Abstract

Occupational therapists have long played a unique role in the rehab and care given to clients within the skilled nursing facility environment. Occupational therapists have a distinct skillset and vital role in the ability to increase a client’s independence in activities of daily living which include self-care tasks, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, and functional mobility. With extensive education and expertise in multiple areas in client care, OTs have the ability to play a leading role in the promotion of interprofessional collaboration across multiple disciplines. With a great overlap in care, the capstone study developed an educational program to promote interprofessional collaboration between nursing and therapy staffs to improve health outcomes of residents in a skilled nursing facility.