Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

Breanna Adkins

Committee Co-Chair

SueAnn Woods

Committee Member

Stephanie Ferimer

Committee Member

Kayleigh Nolan

Abstract

Introduction: The role of OT in primary and specialty care clinics is a rising area of interest in the field. There are also many multidisciplinary clinics that OTs can be or are apart of. This study aims to evaluate the consulting role of OT in primary and specialty care clinics, as well as to evaluate data collected by an OT in a pediatric brachial plexus and peripheral nerve clinic. Methods: The first objective was focused on analyzing functional outcomes, using the Active Movement Scale (AMS), of children following neurosurgery or onabotulinum toxin A injections. This was a retrospective study with quantitative data analysis using previously collected AMS scores to analyze improvements. The second objective examined healthcare professionals' attitudes and beliefs regarding the integration of occupational therapy into primary and specialty care settings. Data was collected using a survey using a Likert scale and qualitative questions. Results: Fourteen participants received surgery, and five received onabotulinum toxin A injections. Conover’s Post Hoc analysis showed significant improvements in total AMS scores from the three-month follow-up (T = 3.464, p = 0.041) to the nine-month follow-up (T = 9.526, p = 0.002). For patients who received injections, improvements in total AMS scores were consistently made. Survey results showed increased understanding and support of OT and agreement that OT in this setting could improve interdisciplinary collaboration. Barriers to implementation are reported to be time, space, cost, and coordination. Conclusion: Overall, the results support OTs being involved in these clinics and how they can play a vital role in tracking functional outcomes.

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