Professional Development 5: Health Promotion

Catalog description

Consideration of current public health initiatives designed to improve the quality of health, eliminate disparities, and explore occupation-based interventions to address major indicators of poor health, to prevent disorders and to maintain wellness. The course will examine evidence-based practice, intervention programs, evaluation and outcome assessments for wellness, health promotion and quality of life. A range of approaches supporting health promotion and disease prevention in various populations, in institutional, community and home settings will be examined. Students will begin to develop skills in using occupational therapy interventions to enhance the quality of life and well-being. A variety of health-related occupations using traditional, alternative and complementary activities will be demonstrated and practiced. Areas of focus include enhancing coping and adaptation with stress management, time management, pain management, smoking cessation, and withdrawal from substances. Patterns of diet, physical activity, psychological states and attitude, social activities, and the role of spirituality in practice reflecting sociocultural/economic, diversity, cultural and life span factors are examined. The pre-requisites of OT 221, 221, 232, 233, 234, and 242 are required. Co-requisites of OT 227, 228, 235, 243, and 244 are required.