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Primary Author Status

Faculty

Abstract

Hospitalization can traumatize clients and impact overall health outcomes, leading to increased hospital readmission rates and resulting in a negative impact for both clients and providers. Limited information exists regarding how hospital-based occupational therapists evaluate and address trauma, even though incorporating trauma-informed principles into professional practice can enhance the occupational therapy process. The study explored the comprehension and perceived significance of trauma-informed tenets among occupational therapists delivering services in hospital-based settings. A quantitative research study with an exploratory design was implemented to explore how occupational therapists (OT) understand and utilize trauma-informed practices with their clients in a hospital setting. An online survey was developed and distributed to hospital-based OTs across the United States via professional OT associations and networks. Data analysis used descriptive statistics of close-ended questions and content analysis of open-ended questions using the frequency of the words and phrases to identify key concepts. The results from 35 participants indicate that hospitalization can be traumatic for individuals, OTs have a role in addressing the impact of this trauma, and hospital-based occupational therapists need more training in hospital-based trauma to improve patient outcomes and reduce readmission rates.

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