Functional Cognition: The Missing Link in Value-Based Care: Why OT Must Lead Earlier Identification and Intervention

Mild cognitive changes are frequently missed in rehabilitation, oncology, and neurological care because they often do not appear on standard screens or in quiet clinical environments. Yet these subtle changes can significantly impact medication management, work performance, safety, communication, participation, and overall quality of life. This session will explore the critical role occupational therapy practitioners play in identifying and addressing functional cognition early through a real-world, participation-focused lens. Attendees will learn how functional cognition directly influences healthcare outcomes, patient engagement, return to work, and long-term independence—making it an essential component of value-based care. Through practical clinical examples and actionable strategies, participants will gain tools to better recognize subtle cognitive barriers, advocate for OT’s role within interdisciplinary teams, and connect cognitive rehabilitation to meaningful daily function and healthcare value.