Date of Paper/Work

5-2021

Type of Paper/Work

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Department

Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Darla Coss

Second Advisor

Paula Rabaey

Department/School

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Caregiver burden impacts over 16 million caregivers of people with dementia in the United States (Alzheimer’s Association, 2020). Education for caregivers of people with dementia is a critical area of need in occupational therapy. The purpose of this knowledge translation doctoral project was to increase occupational therapy practitioner’s awareness of the importance of utilizing evidence-based tools to address the growing need of caregiver education in community-based application models. The three knowledge translation projects focused on current literature, bridging the research to practice gap, and empowering occupational therapists to forge a larger role in the important area of caregiver education for caregivers of people with dementia. The first knowledge translation project was a continuing education session presented through the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association targeting occupational therapy students, occupational therapy practitioners, and occupational therapy educators. The second knowledge translation project was a guest lecture at the University of Minnesota for entry-level doctoral students. The third knowledge translation project was a virtual poster delivered at an interdisciplinary conference at the Minnesota Gerontological Society annual conference. The goal of these three knowledge translation projects was to inform, inspire, and lead occupational therapy practitioners, students, educators, caregivers, and professionals from aging related fields in evidence-based research in the area of caregiver education for caregivers of people with dementia.

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