Introduction / Rationale: Lifestyle Redesign is an occupational therapy intervention framework focusing on daily activities, health and well-being, by guiding individuals in optimizing their occupations, habits, and routines. Previously trademarked and limited to University of Southern California (USC) delivery, the Lifestyle Redesign Knowledge Mobilization Initiative created the Lifestyle Redesign Certification, expanding access to this evidenced-based intervention to occupational therapists (OTs) globally. Concurrent with certification, an AOTA fellowship program at the USC Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice (OTFP) provides advanced clinical training and a pathway to certification.
Objectives: The USC OTFP fellowship program offers licensed OTs advanced Lifestyle Redesign training, preparing them for certification and expert application of the intervention.
Methods / Approach: The USC OTFP fellowship develops expertise in administering Lifestyle Redesign to individuals with chronic physical and mental health conditions. The curriculum combines didactic and clinical education, mentored practice and independent service delivery, covering pathophysiology of chronic conditions, occupation-based and evidence-based practice and professional engagement. Fellows receive mentorship from faculty clinicians, participate in scholarly activities, and collaborate on interprofessional teams. The fellowship accelerates Lifestyle Redesign certification eligibility by fulfilling required didactic content and clinical hours.
Results / Practice Implications: This fellowship program increases the number of occupational therapists trained in the evidence-based Lifestyle Redesign intervention, applicable across various settings. Wider adoption facilitates further research and dissemination of knowledge regarding the intervention's effectiveness for diverse health conditions.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The AOTA fellowship at the USC OTFP offers a unique advanced training opportunity in Lifestyle Redesign, providing an expedited route to certification and enhancing the profession's capacity to deliver this impactful intervention.