Introduction: Occupational therapists are experts in wellness promotion, yet our services are often underutilized and underfunded. There is an opportunity for occupational therapy to provide wellness services in primary care settings. Our program aims to integrate occupational therapy into primary care to increase access to wellness services.
Objectives: This program seeks to provide high-quality, group-based wellness services to an underserved population while offering interprofessional education opportunities for students.
Approach: Wellness services were delivered through a student-run free primary care clinic. An interprofessional team of students, supervised by occupational therapist faculty members, facilitated group-based wellness interventions. Topics covered included diabetes management, menopause and pelvic health education, anxiety and depression, and cardiovascular health management. These services aimed to promote health literacy, self-management, and preventive care for patients.
Results: Patients benefited from accessible, evidence-based wellness services provided at their primary care clinic. Students gained hands-on experience in developing and implementing group wellness programs, improving their competence in patient education, and working with an interprofessional team.
Contribution to the Occupational Therapy Profession: This emerging practice highlights the role of occupational therapy in wellness promotion within primary care. Expanding such programs can enhance patient outcomes and further establish occupational therapy’s role in primary care wellness services.