Date of Award

Summer 8-18-2025

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Steven Gerardi

Second Advisor

Eric Hicks

Medical Subject Headings

Occupational therapy, Harm reduction, Patient-centered care, Social justice

Abstract

This capstone project addressed the critical gap in occupational therapy education and practice regarding the psychosocial needs of people experiencing homelessness. Despite the occupational therapy profession’s emphasis on holistic, person-centered care, many occupational therapy practitioners and occupational therapy students report feeling a lack of self-efficacy and preparedness to navigate the complex psychological, social, and systemic barriers that hinder occupational participation among this population. This capstone project aimed to address the perceived unpreparedness among clinicians through the creation of an 8-hour interactive educational workshop. The workshop is grounded in the Model of Human Occupation and informed by the Bridging the Transition from Homelessness: A Social Justice Framework, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to address psychosocial barriers through case-based learning, group activities, and reflective discussion. Though not yet piloted, the workshop reflects an evidence-based approach to preparing occupational therapy professionals for more equitable and responsive service delivery. Recommendations and resources are provided to support ongoing integration of the described concepts into occupational therapy education and practice for people experiencing homelessness.

Comments

Capstone project submitted to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

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