Occupational therapy aims to help people facing physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges regain or develop the skills needed to live as independently as possible. A case study capstone project allows an occupational therapy student to comprehensively assess a client’s needs and develop an individualized treatment plan. Here are a few potential examples of case study capstone projects an OT student could undertake:
Cognitive Rehabilitation for a Client with Stroke-Induced Aphasia:
This case study would focus on a 65-year-old male client, John, who suffered a left hemisphere stroke 6 months ago resulting in moderate nonfluent aphasia. Through initial evaluation, the student assessed that John had particular difficulty with expressive language abilities but could comprehend simple instructions and questions. Functional assessment found John was struggling with basic activities of daily living such as cooking, getting dressed independently, and using the phone or computer to communicate.
For the capstone project, the student would develop a comprehensive cognitive rehabilitation treatment plan focused on improving John’s functional communication skills through multi-modal therapy techniques including speech-language therapy, written language training, drawing/gesture practice, and use of communication aids and assistive technologies. Therapeutic goals would target increasing John’s ability to express needs/wants and participate in daily activities through compensatory strategies.
The student would implement the individualized plan over 12 weeks, collecting pre- and post-treatment assessment data to evaluate John’s progress toward functioning at a higher level independently. The findings would be analyzed and reported on to demonstrate the student’s clinical reasoning skills in developing and implementing an evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation approach for improved real-world functioning post-stroke.
Hand Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
This case study capstone would center around Michelle, a 42-year-old accountant who was recently diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and referred for occupational therapy. Through client evaluation and medical record review, the student learned Michelle’s symptoms of hand numbness, tingling, and pain were interfering with her ability to type on a computer for long periods as required by her job.
The student would develop a custom-tailored hand therapy treatment plan focused on reducing inflammation and scar tissue in Michelle’s wrists/hands through a combination of manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, splinting, modalities and assistive strategies. Specific functional goals would target increasing Michelle’s tolerance for keyboarding/typing activities at work to avoid needing surgery.
The student would implement the plan over 8 weeks while collecting pre- and post-treatment outcomes assessments to measure Michelle’s progress in areas like pain levels, hand strength/range of motion, functional activity ability, and satisfaction with therapy services. Analysis of the results would demonstrate the student’s clinical skills in providing effective, evidence-based occupational therapy hand interventions for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Aging-in-Place Program for an Independent Senior:
For this capstone project, the student would select Joan, a 78-year-old widow who lives alone in her own home but is starting to have some difficulties with maintaining her independence safely. Through evaluation and consultation with Joan and her family, it is determined she would benefit from an individualized home and community program focused on aging-in-place.
The student develops a comprehensive treatment strategy incorporating home safety evaluations/modifications, fall prevention training, medication management assistance, caregiver education for her children, referral to community wellness/support groups and strategies to optimize Joan’s participation in valued activities like hobbies, social gatherings and volunteering.
Detailed functional goals are set to increase Joan’s safety awareness, daily living skills, social engagement and overall confidence/motivation to keep living at home well into her 80s. The student implements the multidisciplinary plan over 12 weeks while closely monitoring Joan’s progression, re-evaluating quarterly. A write up analyzes the effectiveness of this type of preventative, wellness-focused community occupational therapy program model for promoting health, quality of life and independence as one ages.
As demonstrated through these case study examples, occupational therapy capstone projects utilizing a case study format allow students to comprehensively assess a specific client’s profile and needs, then develop, apply and evaluate an individualized, evidence-based intervention plan. This hands-on approach to evidence-based practice helps students gain valuable clinical skills in areas like evaluation, treatment planning/implementation, outcomes monitoring, clinical reasoning and communication to optimize clients’ abilities to engage in meaningful life activities and roles. A well-written case study capstone also demonstrates the student’s ability to synthesize research, theories and frame their applied learning experiences to enhance clients’ occupational performance and participation.