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
Kitsum Li, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS
Content Expert
Kimberly Madsen
Site Mentor
Kimberly Madsen
Community Partner
Ceres Community Project
Abstract
Medically tailored meal (MTM) programs are effective for adults living with chronic conditions; however, long-term adherence may be limited without opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and habits needed for independent dietary management. Limited programming exists to support the transition from medically tailored meal services to independent dietary management and the integration of dietary routines into daily life. An occupation-based nutrition self-management program was developed and piloted to support adults with chronic conditions transitioning from medically tailored meal services to independent dietary management. Program development was informed by a critically appraised review of occupation-based self-management interventions and a content-related needs assessment conducted in collaboration with Ceres Community Project. The program content emphasized the establishment of sustainable dietary routines, addressing barriers to dietary self-management, and improving health management skills through three interactive participant workbooks. The six-session program was implemented with four participants and included weekly individualized sessions delivered by telephone or through in-home sessions based on participant availability and preference. Implementation findings demonstrated the complexity of dietary self-management within a population experiencing medical, physical, financial, psychosocial, and environmental barriers. In-home sessions provided opportunities to observe the kitchen environment and occupational performance, identify contextual barriers, and collaboratively problem solving and develop individualized strategies. The program outcomes were evaluated using a project-specific pre- and post-outcome survey. Participants who completed the post-evaluation demonstrated improvements in ratings reacted to the use of tools and strategies to support dietary self-management. Project implications support occupational therapy’s distinct role in addressing the functional, environmental, and psychosocial factors that influence dietary self-management abilities and supporting individuals in integrating dietary recommendations into daily routines.
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Population Health Commons