HE34 - Promoting the Knowledge of Occupational Therapy Practitioners and Students on Cystic Fibrosis: An Educational Approach
SCURS Disciplines
Other Medicine and Health Sciences
Document Type
General Poster
Invited Presentation Choice
Not Applicable
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, multi-system condition that impacts individuals across the lifespan. Individuals with CF may experience fatigue, cognitive and psychosocial challenges, developmental delays, early decline in bone density, and other factors that can limit participation in meaningful occupations. These challenges highlight the need for holistic, client-centered care that occupational therapy (OT) is uniquely positioned to provide. Despite this, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are not routinely included as members of the interdisciplinary CF care team.
A needs assessment survey was distributed and completed anonymously with 100 responses that met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Findings revealed significant gaps in OTP knowledge, confidence, and perceived preparedness related to CF care across the lifespan. These results support the need for specialized education targeting OT’s role in CF care.
In response, a one-time, one-hour in length, in-person educational course titled Bridging the Gap: Occupational Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis was developed. The course addresses CF across the lifespan, including pediatric, adult, and palliative care, and emphasizes intervention strategies and assessments related to development, physical health, cognition, psychosocial health and motivation, and nutrition. Participants will complete pre- and post- course surveys via Qualtrics to measure perceived knowledge and confidence in treating individuals with CF.
It is hypothesized that participation in the educational course will significantly increase OTPs and OT students’ knowledge of CF and increase confidence in applying assessment and intervention strategies. By improving OTPs and OT students’ preparedness, this project aims to advocate for the inclusion of OT as an integral part of the interdisciplinary CF care team.
Keywords
cystic fibrosis, occupational therapy, role, knowledge, confidence, interdisciplinary team, education
Start Date
10-4-2026 9:30 AM
Location
University Readiness Center Greatroom
End Date
10-4-2026 11:30 AM
HE34 - Promoting the Knowledge of Occupational Therapy Practitioners and Students on Cystic Fibrosis: An Educational Approach
University Readiness Center Greatroom
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, multi-system condition that impacts individuals across the lifespan. Individuals with CF may experience fatigue, cognitive and psychosocial challenges, developmental delays, early decline in bone density, and other factors that can limit participation in meaningful occupations. These challenges highlight the need for holistic, client-centered care that occupational therapy (OT) is uniquely positioned to provide. Despite this, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are not routinely included as members of the interdisciplinary CF care team.
A needs assessment survey was distributed and completed anonymously with 100 responses that met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Findings revealed significant gaps in OTP knowledge, confidence, and perceived preparedness related to CF care across the lifespan. These results support the need for specialized education targeting OT’s role in CF care.
In response, a one-time, one-hour in length, in-person educational course titled Bridging the Gap: Occupational Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis was developed. The course addresses CF across the lifespan, including pediatric, adult, and palliative care, and emphasizes intervention strategies and assessments related to development, physical health, cognition, psychosocial health and motivation, and nutrition. Participants will complete pre- and post- course surveys via Qualtrics to measure perceived knowledge and confidence in treating individuals with CF.
It is hypothesized that participation in the educational course will significantly increase OTPs and OT students’ knowledge of CF and increase confidence in applying assessment and intervention strategies. By improving OTPs and OT students’ preparedness, this project aims to advocate for the inclusion of OT as an integral part of the interdisciplinary CF care team.