Synthesizing perspectives on developmentally appropriate occupational therapy for transition-age youth

Description

Proceedings of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Research Day 2016, Los Angeles, CA.

Abstract

Background: Healthcare providers are increasingly aware of the need to tailor interventions to address the unique challenges and opportunities that accompany developmental trajectories of transition-age youth (TAY, 16-26 years old). TAY typically experience a disruption within their previously established social roles and physical environments, while simultaneously exploring autonomy and developing interests in career pursuits. Purpose: Drawing from perspectives of TAY, we will discuss implications of psychosocial development for occupational therapy intervention across diverse practice areas: physical rehabilitation, mental health, and chronic disease management. Methods: Data are generated from three projects involving primarily low-income, racial/ethnic minority TAY: 1) narrative data focusing on everyday experiences for TAY with spinal cord injuries, 2) survey responses and field notes recorded from clinical conversations at a community-based mental health setting, and 3) qualitative data and treatment notes from a diabetes managementintervention. Results: There is often a disconnect between the priorities, goals, and preferences of TAY, their developmental needs, and existing models of healthcare. Emic perspectives illustrate complex negotiations that must occur for TAY to integrate recommendations from healthcare providers into their daily lives. For example, health management occupations often conflict with other valued activities, especially in a context of limited social and environmental resources. Perspectives from TAY illustrate varying preferences for healthcare delivery, including preferred treatments, modes of communication, and desired autonomy within healthcare encounters. Conclusion: Narratives of TAY illustrate discrepancies between their everyday realities and current health-related services. Obtaining various stakeholder perspectives can contribute to developing collaborative models, which promote long-term health.

Other

presentation_location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Other

original_citation: Haywood, C., & Carandang, K. (2016). Synthesizing perspectives on developmentally appropriate occupational therapy for transition-age youth. Explorer, 8, 68.

Files

Additional details