Graduation Year
2026
Document Type
Capstone Project
Research Type
Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Program Chair
Kitsum Li, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS
Faculty Mentor
Kristin Jones, OTD, PhD, OTR/L
Content Expert
Kitsum Li, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS
Site Mentor
Kristin Jones, OTD, PhD, OTR/L
Abstract
Occupation-based practice is a core concept within the occupational therapy profession. However, Level II fieldwork students and new graduate occupational therapists may struggle to translate their knowledge of occupation-based practice into clinical practice. This doctoral capstone project aimed to support the implementation of occupation-based practice in adult inpatient settings by developing a website with educational and practical resources. Stakeholder needs and existing evidence on barriers and supports to occupation-based practice informed project development. A questionnaire was distributed to Level II fieldwork students, while discussions with new graduate occupational therapists provided an informal needs assessment. Findings guided the development of website resources addressing foundational concepts, occupation-based assessment and intervention, advocacy, reflection, self-assessment, and continued professional development. Resources were further informed by a literature review and a critically appraised topic examining educational strategies that support occupation-based practice during fieldwork. Upon completion, stakeholders reviewed and evaluated the website using Likert-type items and open-ended questions assessing satisfaction, accessibility, resource relevance, clinical applicability, and perceived impact. Respondents reported positive perceptions of the website, with 80% reporting increased understanding of occupation-based practice, 60% reporting greater confidence in implementing it, and all participants expressing intent to use one or more resources during fieldwork or clinical practice. Findings suggest that accessible resources informed by stakeholder needs and existing evidence may support the translation of occupation-based concepts into clinical practice. This project highlights the value of continued educational and practical support to reinforce occupation as a core component of occupational therapy practice.