Date Approved
4-12-2021
Graduate Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Degree Program
Health Professions
First Advisor
Dr. Carla Floyd-Slabaugh, OTRL, CBIS
Academic Year
2021/2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) is a complex diagnosis involving symptoms that affect nearly all domains of occupational therapy (OT) for adults. Currently, there is a lack of clarity in PPCS symptoms and diagnosis criteria, as well as little research reflecting the best practice patterns of OT practitioners treating adults with PPCS. This study’s primary purpose was to conduct a survey to understand OT practitioners’ current state of practice for adult patients with PPCS, as well as their current knowledge of PPCS.
METHOD: This research project involves a cross-sectional design, mixed methods, 23-question survey that was distributed to OT practitioners electronically. The survey was posted on the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) website along with three Facebook pages: a university OT alumni page, the Occupational Therapy Community page, and the Occupational Therapy Alliance page. The participants were OT practitioners, which includes occupational therapists and OT assistants.
RESULTS: A total of eighteen participants (N = 18) who met the inclusion criteria completed the survey. When the results were analyzed, there were no statistically significant relationships between demographic information and participants’ knowledge of PPCS. Eight participants (n = 8) had prior experience working with clients with PPCS, and their responses indicated that OT practitioners use a variety of assessments and interventions addressing all areas of occupation with this population.
CONCLUSION: Although PPCS is within the OT scope of practice, participants indicated a variety of areas that could be improved regarding the field of OT and PPCS. These include a need for more research and education for OT practitioners regarding PPCS, as well as more evidence-based practice guidelines related to assessments and interventions. Increasing knowledge about PPCS may better equip OT practitioners who work with clients with PPCS and increase the number of practitioners who have experience working with this population.
ScholarWorks Citation
Eisses, Megan; Hicks, Megan; Mitchell, Megan; and Vanderklipp, Sabrina, "Adult Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome: Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Current State of Practice" (2021). Masters Theses. 1062.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/1062
