Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Cancer Care: Prioritizing Quality Of Life And Symptom Management, Bridgett N. Tegen

Graduate Projects & Research

Advancements in cancer treatment have led to increased survival rates, emphasizing the importance of quality of life (QoL) for cancer patients. One critical factor impacting QoL is the presence of symptoms and side effects from cancer and cancer treatments. Disjointed care and lack of information about managing symptoms are common issues reported by cancer patients. Rehabilitative services, particularly occupational therapy, can play a vital role in supporting cancer patients in self-management of symptoms and side effects. However, availability and access to these services are lacking, especially in community settings. To address this gap, an educational program was developed at a …

Implementing An Interprofessional Early Childhood Screening Program At The St. Paul City School, Stephen Schuster Ots

Graduate Projects & Research

Early childhood screening (ECS) is required with 30 days of starting kindergarten in the state of Minnesota. However, due to lack of access and barriers to access many current kindergartners have not been screened within the deadline. Low SES and minority students face barriers to access such as transportation and caregiver trust. This project was designed to create an ECS program at the St. Paul City School to address the barriers to screens that the students and families faced. Having the ECS program on-site at the school is more convenient for families and allows them to stay in the environment …

Addressing Academic And Faculty Challenges: Empowering Success And Accessibility With An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Madisyn Anderson

Graduate Projects & Research

Introduction: The increasing presence of students with disabilities in higher education necessitates improved faculty support and awareness of on-campus support services and accommodations. Occupational therapists can play a vital role in promoting inclusion and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles by collaborating with faculty to enhance the academic experience and success of students with disabilities.

Purpose: The primary aim of this project was to evaluate and educate faculty on student support services at the University and share knowledge on Universal Design for Learning to enhance the existing literature on the significance of OT in higher education.

Approach: I completed an …

Advanced Mental And Behavioral Health: Community-Based Practice, Erin Crouch

Graduate Projects & Research

The purpose of this Masters project was to emphasize community psychosocial practice through collaboration with a local mental health organization by conducting a needs assessment, implementing a project at the community site, and evaluating the outcomes. Prior to collaboration with the organization, a literature review was conducted analyzing the role of occupational therapy working with individuals with serious mental illness. From this, it was found that occupational therapists can work with individuals with serious mental illness to engage in meaningful occupations, increase a sense of accomplishment, competence, and satisfaction, and participate in community living. Additionally, it is within occupational therapy's …

Enhancing Student Support In Higher Education: Occupation-Based Programming And The Vital Role Of Occupational Therapy, Emily M. Medcalf

Graduate Projects & Research

Introduction: With the higher education student populations facing greater prevalence of mental health conditions and greater presence of students with disabilities attending higher education, there is a greater demand than many higher education resources can meet. Therefore, there is a need to revise the current student support structure. This project advocated for the role of occupational therapy (OT) program development in higher education student disability services.

Purpose: The primary aim of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a virtual 4-week occupation-based pilot program. The initial pilot participants included students receiving accommodations from the Student Accessibility and Accommodations (SA&A) …

Occupation, Play, And Memory Making; Creating An Ot Guide For Pediatric End Of Life Care, Madalyn O'Reilly

Graduate Projects & Research

Introduction: Pediatric hospice care is often under researched and under-resourced for children and their families. In addition, children with medical complexities often have difficulties with receiving holistic comprehensive care.

Purpose: This project aims to create an end-of-life toolkit support staff at Crescent Cove providing care for children receiving services. This project will educate staff on ADLs, positioning, sensory-based interventions, and energy conservation, in addition to providing education on the role of occupational therapy at the end-of-life.

Approach: The student completed an extensive literature search for pediatric hospice care with an occupational therapy-based lens. The staff at Crescent Cove were then …

Caregiver’S Perspectives Of Community Acceptance Before And After Surgical Treatment For Their Child’S Disability, Kali Johnson

Graduate Projects & Research

Background: In Tanzania, about 600,000 children and adolescents between the ages of five and twenty-four years old have a disability. Individuals with disabilities in Tanzania face numerous obstacles due to the social stigma and exclusion they face. The purpose of this formative evaluation is to assess how caregivers of children with correctable disabilities in Tanzania perceive their community’s acceptance of their child before and after surgical treatment.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted. Interviews from 86 caregivers of children (ages … with disabilities treated at The Plaster House in Arusha, Tanzania were qualitatively analyzed using content analysis to assess for …

Addressing The Opioid Epidemic In Minnesota: Improving Health Outcomes By Expanding Harm Reduction Strategies A Prospective Policy Analysis, Lisa Lau Heller

Graduate Projects & Research

Background: Morbidity and mortality from opioid misuse is worsening in Minnesota, and synthetic opioids have exacerbated the public health problem for vulnerable communities. People who inject drugs (PWID) due to social, health, economic and environmental factors are experiencing increased fatal overdoses. Minnesota has a broad approach to tackling the opioid crisis, but policies are needed, using new harm reduction strategies, to address the existing gaps.

Methods: A prospective policy analysis was conducted using a public health and trauma informed approach using an extensive literature review to understand ways to improve health outcomes in PWID. A Center for Disease Control policy …

Spirituality And Awe Experiences In Second-Generation Minnesota Hmong: A Phenomenological Study, Mai L. Xiong, Megan E. Pfenning, Sheri L. Demartelaere

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Due to the effects of relocation and acculturation, some Hmong may have lost touch with traditional spiritual practices, potentially limiting second-generation’s access to spirituality’s health benefits. Awe is an emotion linked to spirituality, shown to serve as a spiritual catalyst. Acculturation impacts how spirituality and awe are experienced, understood and expressed across the generations. To date, there are more than 81,000 Hmong people who live in Minnesota. Through a constructivist lens, the purpose of this study is to describe spirituality and awe experiences within the second-generation Hmong living in Minnesota. Utilizing a phenomenological approach and a holism framework, Interpretive Phenomenological …

Perinatal Experiences Of U.S. Black Women With Black Doula Support: A Phenomenological Study, Gina Furlano, Jo’Vonna Giles

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Infant and maternal health disparities are threatening Black families across the United States. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is 2.9 times the rate of White women. Black women are experiencing racism, discrimination, disrespect, and neglect in their perinatal care. Continuous labor support, such as a doula, is associated with improved perinatal care experiences and outcomes. Community-based doula programs seek to address disparities in perinatal outcomes through racially/culturally concordant relationships between birthing women and doulas. Several studies explore Black women’s perinatal care experiences, but few studies describe the experiences of Black women who have had Black doula support. Rooted …

Interoceptive Practices Performed In Nature And Not In Nature: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Krista Steinbach, Jennifer Betlach

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Interoception is consciously interpreting and integrating bodily sensations. A person’s interoceptive awareness has a lasting effect as the mind and body attempt to maintain homeostasis. Time spent in nature offers greater stress reduction, cognitive functioning, and immune response. Both interoception and nature positively affect well-being, however, no studies describe interoceptive practice and time spent in nature as a combined experience. This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of individuals engaging in a pre-recorded interoceptive practice six times, both in nature and non-nature settings. Eight participants describe their somatic, emotional, physiological, and overall essential experiences using descriptive journal worksheets with open-ended …

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Global Public Health Program: An Exploratory Study Of Syllabi Of Master’S Of Public Health Courses At St. Catherine University, Gao Lee

Graduate Projects & Research

Background: Many universities aim to provide content that opens new ways of seeing the world to students. One method for achieving this is by critiquing one’s courses for diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) elements. The course syllabus contains vital details that support students in achieving their academic objectives and personal development.

Methods: The purpose of this exploratory study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. The existing DEI syllabi assessment tool was developed by Rutgers University and Boston University. We reviewed and adapted DEI domains.

Results: The outcome of this tool developed a table comparison of Rutgers and Boston DEI syllabi …

Perspectives And Experiences Of Practitioners And Other Health Professionals During Covid-19: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Leah Eggan, Marissa Gilbertson, Kendall Harvey, Tara Kluz, Katherine Lake, Josie Marben, Sophia Ross, Jenna Ruff, Hannah Scherle

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

No abstract provided.

Healthcare Students’ Experiences And Perceptions Of Education During Covid-19: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Kelsi J. Cox, Chandler J. Johnson, Megan E. Murphy, Keanna M. Schulz, Maria A. Turk, Jessica M. Wisniewski

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Literacy Sensitive Client Education Materials For The Smmart Clinic, Mckenzie Brink, Kelsey L. Colvin, Kelsey Holmer, Rachel G. Kullas, Paige M. Loy, Alexander W. Manos, Gretta N. Obeid, Kelly O'Connor, Allison Park

Graduate Projects & Research

This master’s project was completed in collaboration with the St. Mary’s Medical and Rehabilitative Therapies (SMMART) Clinic, located on the campus of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Through the completion of literature reviews, a needs assessment, and project activities, nine graduate occupational therapy students analyzed the needs of this clinic and aimed to improve client care. The SMMART clinic serves primarily Spanish-speaking clients who are low-income, uninsured, or underinsured. This population often faces obstacles in accessing primary health care and rehabilitation, including language and literacy-related barriers. Occupational therapy can play an important role in addressing these barriers and …

Work Performance And Participation Of Individuals During The Covid- 19 Pandemic: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Mckenzie Bohlig, Maggie Buechler, Kinsale Morrow, Sydney Sirek, Susan Strawhacker, Alison Tokkesdal, Hannah Zuengler

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Virtual And Technology-Based Learning Among Health Professional Students During Covid-19: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Abigail Cheng, Melanie Dinca, Taylor Hoeft, Summer Jack, Iida Lehto, Jo Nguyen, Valerie Parker, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

No abstract provided.

Telehealth Characteristics, Effectiveness, And Satisfaction During Covid-19: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Mariah Byl, Anna Ciliske, Claire Rau, Selena Som, Nikki Staffen, Amanda Stolle, Grace Tienter, Madeline Youngman, Amy Yule, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

No abstract provided.

Long Covid: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Sydney Beard, Haley Bender, Aubrey Lemon, Valerie Josephson, Lauren Mccaughtry, Grace Palubicki, Jordyn Tuchtenhagen, Taylor Wolff, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

No abstract provided.

A Phenomenological Inquiry Of How Nature Connectedness Relates To Spirituality And Well-Being, Julie W. Jacobsen, Samantha J. Jurichko, Janice P. Steinhauser

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Spending time in nature results in health benefits. Researchers also find a positive relationship between spirituality and health. Some research suggests a positive association between nature connectedness and spirituality. The literature on the relationships between nature connectedness, spirituality, and well-being and the meaning these relationships have for individuals is limited. This phenomenological study describes 15 participants' lived experiences of how nature connectedness relates to spirituality and well-being. Five themes emerged using semi-structured interviews and thematic data analysis: Nature as a path to spirituality; nature preferences relate to spirituality; connectedness; spiritual guidance from nature; and spirituality in nature is healing. Nature …

Native American Youth Perspectives On Resilience, Heather Babula, Shelly Belgarde, Suzanne Cecere, Kirsten Albrecht Riehle

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Few existing studies examine resilience in youth by exploring the perspectives of the youth themselves. Research suggests that resilience is culturally contextual and that it is essential to include youth viewpoints when constructing an understanding of resilience. Native American youth are underrepresented in youth resilience studies. For this study, we use an arts informed method to explore resilience among Native American youth. An arts informed method provides for gathering of subjective, intuitive participant perceptions, which aligns with our phenomenological and Indigenous research cultures of inquiry. Participants took photos of that which they perceived to give them strength (“resilience” code-switched for …

Interventions To Improve Medication Management In The Aging Population: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Carrie Ashland, Grace Grommesh, Josephine Marchant, Katherine Mrozek, Reilee Schepper, Brandi Steinbach, Alexandra Stellmach, Sara Teske

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

The overall focus of each of case scenarios are related to assessment or interventions that are related to Choosing Wisely Campaign® items 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10. Case scenarios were developed related to each initiative with clientele and conditions across the lifespan in various practice settings. Practice settings included school district, outpatient pediatric, primary care, skilled nursing facility, work rehabilitation, and acute care.

Sensory Based Interventions For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Jenna Bartunek, Kaitlyn Dittloff,, Laura Gerdts, Angela Huepfel,, William Sievert, Victoria Walczynski, Athena Yang

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

The overall focus of each of case scenarios are related to assessment or interventions that are related to Choosing Wisely Campaign items 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10. Case scenarios were developed related to each initiative with clientele and conditions across the lifespan in various practice settings. Practice settings included school district, outpatient pediatric, primary care, skilled nursing facility, work rehabilitation, and acute care.

Early Mobilization For Critically Ill Adults In The Intensive Care Unit: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Tori Brown, Jessica Jenny, Kalley Kadlec, Karis Knoff, Chloe Lantz, Bryana Leverentz, Madeline Prosser, Sophie Willems

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

The overall focus of each of case scenarios are related to assessment or interventions that are related to Choosing Wisely Campaign items 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10. Case scenarios were developed related to each initiative with clientele and conditions across the lifespan in various practice settings. Practice settings included school district, outpatient pediatric, primary care, skilled nursing facility, work rehabilitation, and acute care.

Gross Motor Interventions Support Play Engagement In Children With Developmental Delays: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Olivia Beaulieu, Olivia Dains, Carlena Ebersole, Brooke Heaney, Chase Lees, Taylor Lennartson, Greta Silvernagel, Sara Stuckey, Amanda Way, Hinako Yokokura

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

The overall focus of each of case scenarios are related to assessment or interventions that are related to Choosing Wisely Campaign items 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10. Case scenarios were developed related to each initiative with clientele and conditions across the lifespan in various practice settings. Practice settings included school district, outpatient pediatric, primary care, skilled nursing facility, work rehabilitation, and acute care.

Purposeful Interventions For Older Adults Post-Joint Replacement Surgery: An Evidence-Based Project, Julia Christianson, Mallorie Corey, Erin Crouch, Juliann Felter, Ellen Gross, Mariah Hedner Beckius, Aimee Lutz, Monique Touchet

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

The overall focus of each of case scenarios are related to assessment or interventions that are related to Choosing Wisely Campaign items 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10. Case scenarios were developed related to each initiative with clientele and conditions across the lifespan in various practice settings. Practice settings included school district, outpatient pediatric, primary care, skilled nursing facility, work rehabilitation, and acute care.

Evidence On Use Of Pams With Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Natalie Cerchio, Kat Hillstrom, Anna Restemayer, Karla Scherber, Emenet Sime, Grace Smith, Olivia St. Martin, And Kyia Wu

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

The overall focus of each of case scenarios are related to assessment or interventions that are related to Choosing Wisely Campaign items 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10. Case scenarios were developed related to each initiative with clientele and conditions across the lifespan in various practice settings. Practice settings included school district, outpatient pediatric, primary care, skilled nursing facility, work rehabilitation, and acute care.

May The Forest Be With You: A Phenomenological Study Of Disenfranchised Grievers And Their Time In Nature During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mira L. Bronstein, Amanda Schaeppia, Becky Timm, Taylor Tinkham

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

The COVID-19 pandemic began in earnest in the United States in March 2020, and a slew of challenges came with the adjustment. Individuals felt the isolation of quarantine while grieving disenfranchised losses, losses that alienate the griever from the community, and social rules of grief such as canceled events, missing friends and family, and missing milestones at work or school. One place that was not closed to the public during the height of the pandemic was the outdoors. Nature is beneficial to mental, physical, and spiritual health. In this phenomenological study, we describe how being in nature helped adult disenfranchised …

Self-Reflection Interventions For Implicit Gender Bias Reduction: Scoping The Literature For A Conceptual Way Forward, Jenny Adams Salmela, Mariah K. Prinster,, Vanessa Shuck

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Current binary male/female perceptions of gender in the colonial West are inherently exclusionary, breed inequality and violence, and curb full expression of self, limiting personal and collective potential. Implicit biases are unseen cognitive forces within us, manipulating internal and external experiences of the illegitimate and manufactured gender binary that infuses into daily culture, and undermines our ability to achieve true equality in society. For the purposes of our design and develop framework, this scoping review assesses the 2010-2020 literature on self-reflection interventions to reduce implicit bias, identifies their foundational efficacy components, and suggests a model for applying to gender bias …

An Arts-Informed Study Describing Experiences Of Adults Diagnosed With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures And Their Perceptions Of Interactions With Medical Practitioners, Kirsten Anne Bergren, Michal Ward

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Trauma from abuse is complex and can manifest in many ways in the body, including psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), a kind of dissociation that resembles a seizure but is not an epileptic seizure. Medical practitioners often misdiagnose and misjudge people with PNES, and as a result, patients often feel stigmatized and misunderstood. The purpose of this research using an arts-informed method is to describe the experiences of adults diagnosed with PNES and their perceptions of interactions with medical practitioners relative to their PNES care. Using non-probability sampling via social media, six participants with a self-reported PNES diagnosis submitted a description …