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About Capstone Experience
About Capstone Experience
The capstone experience focused on providing occupational therapy education to support families affected by Huntington's Disease and their care teams. This was completed through three objectives listed below. The project aimed to look at the benefits of incorporating occupational therapy education in a Huntington's Disease clinic for individuals with Huntington's Disease and their caregivers. The complexity and diverse needs of families affected by Huntington's Disease lead to the creation of an educational PowerPoint and case study designed to help future occupational therapy students at the University of South Dakota understand their role when working with neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, a National Case Analysis competition was completed through the University of Minnesota to advocate for occupational therapy within an interdisciplinary team and to develop a solution to promote radical belonging within a healthcare system.
Objective 1
Objective 1
I will gain an understanding of occupational therapy’s role in an interdisciplinary Huntington’s Disease clinic.
Objective 2
Objective 2
I will advocate for occupational therapy within an interdisciplinary team and provide education at KUMC’s Huntington’s Disease clinic to support patient and caregiver care.
Objective 3
Objective 3
I will develop an educational case study on Huntington's Disease to educate occupational therapy students on disease processes and their impact on caregiver and client occupational performance.
Huntington's Disease
Huntington's Disease
Huntington's disease is a genetic, neurodegenerative disease that results in motor, cognitive, and psychiatric/behavioral changes. It is most commonly associated with chorea, which is the involuntary movements that appear to be dance-like. While chorea is the most observable symptom, cognitive and psychiatric/behavioral symptoms are the most distressing. Symptoms progress over time and lead to death approximately 10-15 years following diagnosis. The current treatment for Huntington's Disease is to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
About Me
About Me
I am in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of South Dakota as part of the class of 2022. In addition to this, I am also obtaining a specialization in Neuroscience and Rehabilitation through the program. My passion for completing this capstone project with families affected by Huntington's Disease is because this neurodegenerative disease runs in my family. This personal connection has driven my passion for becoming an occupational therapist and for specializing in Neuroscience and Rehabilitation.
About Capstone Site
About Capstone Site
My project was completed at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Huntington's Disease clinic. The Huntington's Disease clinic takes place in the Landon Center on Aging. The clinic consists of a clinic director, clinic coordinator, and social worker. This clinic is recognized as a Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) Center of Excellence. HDSA Centers of Excellence provide interdisciplinary care with professionals who have extensive experience working with families affected by Huntington's Disease.
Experience vs Project
Experience vs Project
The capstone experience included completion of the objectives outlined above to enhance skills in advanced clinical practice and education. The experience consisted of 14 weeks to complete all activities designed in a learning contract.
The capstone project runs concurrently with the capstone experience and aids in the synthesis of advanced knowledge in this area of practice. This is completed through a Theory to Practice paper, poster, and public defense of capstone experience.
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