Assessing the doctoral capstone as a high-impact practice in occupational therapy education

The purpose of this study was to assess the doctoral capstone as a high-impact practice in occupational therapy education. By analyzing the perceptions of Occupational Therapy Doctorate graduates, site mentors, and faculty mentors, using the eight key indicators of a high-impact practice the researcher sought to understand the value and impact of the doctoral capstone experience. A single case study design was used to survey graduates, faculty mentors, and site mentors who participated in the doctoral capstone from 2017-2024. Using a generic qualitative research approach to investigate the research questions, the researcher utilized both survey questionnaire data and interview data to further evaluate the doctoral capstone as a high-impact practice. Quantitative data were used to analyze the relationship between doctoral capstone emphasis and non-traditional employment. Results indicate that graduates, faculty, and site mentors perceive the doctoral capstone as a high-impact practice. While findings did not reveal a significant correlation between the capstone area of emphasis and non-traditional employment, results highlight how the doctoral capstone continues to address a critical need within the profession by broadening the understanding and application of occupational therapy in non-traditional settings, ultimately extending the reach and impact of the profession.