Exploring Occupational Therapy Advocacy

The purpose of this capstone experience was to increase awareness and understanding of the occupational therapy profession via advocacy efforts across educational and community contexts. Through working closely with the University of South Dakota Department of Occupational Therapy, multiple advocacy opportunities were realized. These opportunities included: facilitation of an interprofessional education event; contributions to the occupational therapy evidence base; engagement with undergraduate students and community members regarding occupational therapy through the use of various social media; and involvement in formal education experiences with both occupational and physical therapy students. The theoretical models of occupational behavior and andragogy were utilized in the development and implementation of the project. Further advocacy efforts are warranted on behalf of the occupational therapy profession to maximize effective and appropriate utilization of occupational therapy services to ensure optimal patient and client outcomes