Work Type
Poster
Abstract
My doctoral capstone project keys focus areas include advocacy, education, and clinical skill development through the creation of accessible, evidence-based social media content related to pelvic floor health and occupational therapy. This project integrates clinical mentorship and continued education to support accurate, evidence-based health education. Grounded in occupational therapy’s holistic and client-centered approach, the project emphasizes health promotion, awareness, and expanding understanding of the role of OT in emerging areas of practice. It also supports my professional development in leadership, collaboration, and health communication.
Clinical experience: Clinical experience took place at Athletico Physical Therapy in Ankeny South, where I engaged in hands-on learning under clinical mentorship with Dr. Morgan Prescott, DPT, MHA, Certified Pelvic Health Specialist, CAPP-OB, and Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, within pelvic floor rehabilitation. During this experience, I observed the therapeutic process across evaluation, intervention, and discharge for a variety of diagnoses and patient referrals, strengthening my understanding of evidence-based clinical decision-making. I also participated in interdisciplinary collaboration, including presenting with team members on pelvic health in performing artists. Additional contributions included the development of a pelvic health quick screening tool for performing artists (PERFORM), an entry-level integration guide for pelvic health into practice, and a referral flowchart to support clinical reasoning and interdisciplinary communication.
Advocacy: Throughout this capstone experience, advocacy efforts focused on promoting the role of occupational therapy within pelvic floor health. This was accomplished through clinical discussions, stakeholder engagement, and professional networking within interdisciplinary settings. Advocacy was further extended through digital platforms by contributing educational social media content aimed at increasing awareness of pelvic health conditions and highlighting the OT scope of practice. These efforts support greater recognition of OT’s role in pelvic health rehabilitation and encourage collaboration across healthcare disciplines to improve access to care.
Education: A key component of this project involved providing education to the public, healthcare professionals, and myself on foundational and advanced topics in OT and pelvic floor health. Evidence-based information was translated into practical, accessible content for social media dissemination. To support this work, I completed multiple professional development opportunities, including Herman & Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1 certification and an advanced hip preservation course, along with additional continuing education related to pelvic health and digital content creation. These learning experiences strengthened the clinical accuracy, quality, and educational value of the materials developed throughout this capstone project.
Publication Date
5-17-2026
Citation Information
Dennison, Christine, "Advancing Occupational Therapy in Pelvic Health: Empowering Education and Advocacy Through Digital Platforms" (2026). Student Works Occupational Therapy Capstones. 14.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/stu_ot/14
