Date Approved
7-8-2023
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Degree Program
Occupational Science and Therapy
First Advisor
Carla Floyd-Slabaugh DrOT, OTRL, CBIS
Academic Year
2022/2023
Abstract
Background: Concussion, also called mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), results from trauma to the skull or sudden acceleration or deceleration forces causing impact on the brain (CDC, 2015). Most recover in 10-14 days while 30% are diagnosed with persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) and experience a decrease in their quality of life and occupational performance (CDC, 2015; Mercier et al., 2020). The goal of this project is to determine if PPCS is being taught in entry-level Occupational Therapy programs.
Method: This study utilizes a self-developed survey. Contacts were generated from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education website and emailed an invitation to complete the survey and forward the email invitation to others meeting the inclusion criteria.
Results: 25 individuals completed the survey, 36% (n=9) indicated that PPCS is being taught in their program, 52% (n=13) said it was not being taught, and 12% (n=3) answered unknown. Of the nine respondents indicating PPCS is taught in their program, five indicated they teach PPCS content, four do not. Descriptive statistics were analyzed on characteristics associated with the participant’s perspective programs.
Conclusion: PPCS is not being explicitly taught in a majority of entry-level occupational therapy programs in the United States.
ScholarWorks Citation
Hohl, Elise; Anderson, Corrina; Casper, Courtney; Morris, Mackenzie; and Floyd-Slabaugh, Carla, "Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome in Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Curriculum: A Survey" (2023). Culminating Experience Projects. 326.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/326
