Problem Statement

The profession of occupational therapy faces challenges when integrating into primary care; most notably is the limited understanding of occupational therapy’s scope of practice and role in the primary care setting (Andreae et al., 2021; Halle et al., 2018; Dahl-Popolizio et al., 2017a; Donnelly et al., 2013). In order for occupational therapy to integrate into pediatric primary care, OTPs must gain support from interprofessional colleagues by educating PCPs on occupational therapy’s distinct value to their primary care teams. As evidenced by previous studies and case reports of OTPs working in primary care, educating PCPs on OT’s scope of practice increases PCP’s receptiveness to incorporating OTPs into their teams (Andrea et al., 2021; Mirza et al., 2020; Synovec et al., 2020; Foxhoven, 2020; Pyatak et al., 2019; Murphy et al., 2017; Dahl-Popolizio et al., 2017a; Garvey et al., 2015; Donnelly et al., 2013). This doctoral capstone project aimed to educate three key stakeholders involved in the integration of OT into pediatric primary care: 1) PCPs’ including pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, 2) OT practitioners and students, and 3) parents/guardians of children and adolescents who receive pediatric primary care. By increasing the knowledge base of PCPs regarding OT’s role in primary care, it is expected that PCPs will become more receptive to incorporating OT on their pediatric primary care teams. Additionally, this doctoral capstone project aims to serve as a blueprint and catalyst to inspire OT practitioners and students to advocate for their role in the primary care setting.