The purpose of this capstone project is to advocate for a client-centered approach in hand therapy practice. This capstone project includes: 1) the history of occupational therapy (OT) in the hand therapy setting, 2) the shortcomings associated with the medical model in hand therapy, 3) how the client-centered approach aligns with The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process 3rd edition, the OT model, and the OT frame of references, and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), 4) the efficacy of client-centered therapy, 5) practical ways to adapt client-centered approach in hand therapy settings, 6) integrating evidence-based practice into hand therapy, 7) ways to move hand therapy toward Vision 2025, and 8) using ICF to communicate client-centeredness with other allied health professions as part of a team. This capstone project demonstrates the application and sharing of knowledge as part of clinical scholarship. Through the combination of OT client-centered theories, and the existing strengths of hand therapy practice, OT can better facilitate clients’ performance outcomes and improve client satisfaction.
