Campus Location
Abilene Campus (Residential)
Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
OTD Capstone
Department
Occupational Therapy
Degree
OTD
Faculty Advisor
Melinda Underwood
Site Mentor
Ethan Fahrney
Capstone Coordinator
Lesley Morris
Specialization
Program Development
Focus
Indigenous American Populations
Abstract
Indigenous peoples in the United States face environmental, socioeconomic, and educational disparities that contribute to the high prevalence and disproportionately higher risks of chronic diseases compared to the average American. Recent literature recognizes knowledge gaps among providers in delivering culturally competent care, and occupational therapy’s (OT) emerging role in primary care shows promising potential for addressing barriers in chronic disease management. However, existing studies have not established a clear framework for how therapists can use OT’s client-centered philosophy to help Indigenous populations address health management in primary care. This project addressed the limited literature by piloting a culturally relevant health management program for Indigenous patients through an occupational lens, creating deliverables for patients and clinicians using evidence-based resources, and identifying additional barriers and observations for future program development. Outcome measures included tailored checklists aligned with program objectives and professional feedback from the content expert. The checklists confirmed that all but one objective was completed. Patient responses were overall positive, with many reporting that client-centered guidance provided skills and confidence to manage their health more effectively. Challenges included the short timeframe for referrals, limited attendance, and discrepancies in patient compatibility with the program. The Common Diagnosis Cheat Sheet and the Lifestyle Adaptation Toolkit informed my delivery of health education during consults and follow-ups. These deliverables were provided in printed and digital formats to support therapists at the capstone site and neighboring hospitals working with this population.
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