Occupational Therapy in Neuro-Oncology Acute Care and the Role of Mirror Visual Feedback: A Doctoral Capstone Project

Abstract

This paper explains a Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) completed by an occupational therapy student at a level I trauma center in Columbus, Ohio. The site referenced throughout the paper is a large teaching hospital and a comprehensive cancer center. The capstone student’s primary objective was to gain advanced clinical skills in the area of neuro-oncologic rehabilitation. While doing so, the student also researched mirror visual feedback and trialed the use of this intervention with the neuro-oncology population. To improve the quality of the site, the student advocated for the purchase of additional mirror therapy resources and provided education to the staff therapists. The student delivered an in-service presentation and created an infographic regarding evidence supporting mirror visual feedback and practical tips for application. The student measured the effectiveness of the education with a pre-survey and post-survey. Participants’ average responses to survey questions related to knowledge and confidence increased, suggesting that the education had a positive impact on the site. The overall results of the capstone indicate that occupational therapy has a strong role in neuro-oncologic acute rehabilitation and that while there is a need for additional evidence, mirror visual feedback may be a beneficial intervention for this patient population. The completion of the project resulted in additional mirror resources, access to sustainable educational materials, and a guide for incoming clinical students to reference when working with neuro patients.