Degree Name
Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Chen, Szu-Wei
Abstract
Infants admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their caregivers experience significant stress, which can negatively impact both infant development and caregiver confidence during the transition to the home environment. Despite the established role of occupational therapy (OT) in supporting infant development and caregiver education, OT services are not consistently provided across all levels of the NICU. This gap highlights the need for accessible, caregiver-focused educational resources.
The purpose of this capstone project was to improve caregiver understanding of the role of OT in the NICU setting while supporting a smooth transition to the home environment through the development of an OT-led educational module. A needs assessment, including a literature review, survey data from IRB-approved research in a previous research course, and consultation with a site mentor, identified caregiver education on safe sleep, tummy time, and feeding to be priority focal areas.
The project completed was an educational PowerPoint presentation, accessible via a QR code that was integrated into a NICU-baby book. The deliverable provides evidence-based strategies to promote safe sleep and developmentally appropriate caregiving practices. The project demonstrates the value and importance of OT in enhancing caregiver confidence and supporting co-occupations during the transition home from the NICU. The implementation of accessible resources may contribute to improved caregiver preparedness and positive infant outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Austin, Jordan C. "Transitioning from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to the Home Environment: an Occupational Therapy-led Educational Module Supporting Safe Sleep, Tummy Time, and Feeding After the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit." (May 2026).