Hoarding Disorder Education in Occupational Therapy Curriculums

Abstract

The purpose of this poster is to is to inform people if and how hoarding disorder (HD) is taught in occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) programs. The treatment of hoarding disorder is an emerging practice in the occupational therapy (OT) field (Clarke, 2019). However, over 75% percent of OTPs have encountered clients with hoarding behaviors and have identified that more training and education is needed to support treatment of this disorder (Dissanayake, Barnard, & Willis, 2017). This research study was conducted by asking professors and chairpersons of OT practitioner programs to complete an online survey regarding how HD is taught in their curriculum. An understanding of the education provided to students regarding the disorder can identify the knowledge base they have entering the field and identify any areas for improvement. References Clarke, C. (2019). Can occupational therapy address the occupational implications of hoarding? Occupational Therapy International, 2019, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/5347403. Dissanayake, S., Barnard, E., & Willis, S. (2017). The emerging role of occupational therapists in the assessment and treatment of compulsive hoarding: An exploratory study. New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64(2), 22-30.