Digital Commons Network^™

A Website Designed To Equip Occupational Therapists With Information And Strategies For Holistically Addressing Sexual Activity With The Geriatric Population, Amber Fernandez, Ashleigh Mora

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As individuals age, they are likely to experience occupational deprivation. Occupational deprivation occurs in many forms. Many older adults experience occupational deprivation relating to the activity of daily living, sexual activity. Older adults experience many age-related changes, which impacts their ability to engage in sexual activity. Health care professionals have a responsibility to ensure older adults are able to engage in safe sexual practices. Yet, healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, are not addressing this need with their clients in a routine manner. A literature review was conducted in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of all the barriers older adults …

Toda La Familia: An Occupational Therapy Resource Guide For Working With Latino Children Diagnosed With Asd And Their Families, Rachel Fritzler, Stacey Sigmond

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a resource guide for occupational therapists working with Latino children diagnosed with ASD and their families. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that has become increasingly prevalent within the United States (Baio, Wiggins, and Christensen, 2018), with ASD rates triplining in Hispanic children between the years of 2002 through 2006 (Pedersen et al., 2002). Blanche, Diaz, Barretto, and Cermak (2015) indicated that multiple family members, not just primary caretakers, are aiding in caring for a child diagnosed with ASD. However, many extended households which may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, …

Occupational Therapy With An Adventurous Twist, Ashley Cambronne, Mikaela Karpen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase knowledge and awareness of adventure therapy (AT) for occupational therapists (OTs) practicing in mental health settings or who are interested in practicing in mental health settings within the United States. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness of AT by OTs practicing within the United States. This lack of knowledge and awareness is due to a lack of research, especially research focused on AT implementation by OTs. The process for gathering data and creating the scholarly project was first, identifying a problem, then searching CINAHL, PubMed, PsychInfo, and Academic …

The 12-Steps Of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Guide For Occupational Therapists, Jena Roeber, Jillian Schaeffer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A 2016 survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 15.1 million people ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder. An estimated 2.2 million people 12 years old or older in 2016 received specialized treatment in the past year, which represents about 10.6 percent of the people in need of treatment (SAMHSA, 2016). Occupational therapy offers a unique role that can be utilized in the treatment of individuals with alcohol use disorder. Wasmuth, Crabtree, and Scott (2014) suggest that occupational therapy can be unique in substance use rehabilitation as real-life activities in natural …

An Occupational Therapy Perspective Of A School-Based Suicide Prevention Program With A Peer-Mentorship Emphasis, Maddie Bjornstad, Karyssa Kimery

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in adolescents today (Pisani et al., 2012; Katz et al., 2013). Zalsman et al. (2016), reported the recognition of suicide prevention as a public health priority has helped to encourage research, detection, treatment, and management of individuals at risk for suicide, however the implementation of proven, evidence-based, and cost-effective strategies are the duty of public health policy makers and healthcare providers. Occupational therapists are trained to help individuals determine what occupations are meaningful and completed in order to feel a sense of self-efficacy, therefore occupational therapy can play a critical role …

Promoting Successful Community Re-Integration For Incarcerated Juveniles: The Role Of Occupational Therapy To Enhance Quality Of Life, Madison Gerszewski, Bailey Odegaard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to present a manual for occupational therapists working with juvenile delinquents in their transition into the community following incarceration. The intended outcome of the project is for juvenile delinquents to be independent, successful members of the community.

A literature review pertaining to juvenile delinquents was conducted and addressed recidivism, risk factors, and unmet needs. At this time, there are no practice guidelines in the United States that capture occupational therapy’s scope of practice when working with adolescents who have been involved in the criminal justice system.

A manual was developed in order to …

Intensive Outpatient Program For Substance Abuse: Occupational Therapy Guideline To Recovery, Jessica Dietz, Elynn Schriber

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an evidence-based 12-session group protocol for occupational therapists (OTs) to use in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for substance abuse. The target population for this scholarly project was young adults aged 18-25 who have illicit drug use issues. Guided by concepts of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), the protocol targeted common occupational performance and deficit issues encountered by individuals with substance use. The authors first observed one, 3-hour IOP session at Central Wyoming Counseling Center (CWCC) and participated in one, two-hour meeting with the director of substance abuse programing at …

Sexuality And Spinal Cord Injury: A Manual For Occupational Therapists In The Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Courtney Jacobson, Esada Mujcic

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The topic of sexuality has not been addressed in its entirety within the profession of occupational therapy and has been identified by patients as a need in order to receive comprehensive and holistic care (New, Seddon, Redpath, Currie, and Warren, 2016). More specifically, with 12,500 new cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) that occur each year, in addition to the significant impact on body functions that result from SCI, the topic of sexuality needs particular attention with this population (National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 2015). The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a manual supported by literature …

Using Evidence To Address Psychosocial Impairments Post-Stroke: A Guide For Occupational Therapy, Michael Thurn, Emilee Rath

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Following a stroke, individuals experience a wide variety of physical and psychosocial impairments. While physical impairments are commonly given attention by medical practitioners, psychosocial impairments are often overlooked or undiagnosed. (Hildebrand, 2015). Unfortunately, the same is true in occupational therapy, where physical and psychosocial issues have not been receiving the same amount of attention, physical issues being addressed far more than psychosocial issues (Gillen, 2014). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide occupational therapists a guide to use of current evidence-based assessments and interventions to address psychosocial impairments following stroke. The guide focuses on evidence-based assessments, and …

A Home Away From Home: An Occupational Manual For Working With Refugee Populations, Katherine Erickson, Kari Kjergaard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: As of October 2016, over 65.3 million people have been displaced from their home due to civil wars and civil unrest; 21.3 million of this population are refugees and this number continues to grow (UNHCR, 2016). Due to the nature in which people become refugees and experience trauma, both physically and mentally, there is a rising need for health professionals to be culturally competent and well equipped to work with this population. The vast majority of refugee populations face barriers some of which include being forced to adapt to a new home environment, social isolation, language barriers, and ultimately …

Addressing Sleep Deficiencies In Older Adult Residents Of Long-Term Care Facilities: Presenting A Flowchart For An Interdisciplinary Approach, Peter Owens, Tavin Deru

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is a growing population of older adults, or those people over 65 years old in long term care (LTC) facilities who report sleep deficiencies at a heightened rate, leading to decrease function, cognition, and social participation while increasing mortality, morbidity and the risk of falling (Booth & McMilliam, 2009; Cipolli, Mazzetti, & Plazzi, 2013; Crowley, 2011; Dzierewski et al., 2014; Helbig et al., 2013; Kuck, Pantke, & Flick, 2015). Occupational therapists (OTs) offer non-pharmacological sleep interventions in the long-term care facilities but are not present at many relevant sleeping times. This scholarly project is a flow chart aid to …

Female Veterans And Homelessness: A Resource Guide For Occupational Therapists, Jamie Schacht, Alison Tonsager

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Female veterans are the fastest growing subpopulation among the homeless population in the United States (U.S.) (Boothe, 2017). Female veterans report lack of access to gender-specific programs and therapy groups within the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to meet specific needs post-deployment (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2015b). Difficulty with reintegration post-deployment has been linked with homelessness among female veterans. There is evidence to support female veterans' over-representation in the homeless population is due to a higher prevalence of risk factors for homelessness as compared to male veterans and females within the general population (Byrne, Montgomery, & Dichter, …

Successful Transition To Home Following A Spinal Cord Injury: A Resource Guide For Home Modifications, Alison Ikeogu, Kelsey Kanwischer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose

Home modification is a unique area of practice that aims to increase independence of desired tasks by decreasing the physical limitations in and around the home (Aplin, Jonge, & Gustafsson, 2014). The process of modifying the home can be difficult, decreasing emotional well-being and satisfaction (Aplin, Jonge, & Gustafsson, 2014). Studies have identified the need for home modification services for individuals post Spinal Cord Injury. Silver, Ljungberg, Libin, & Groah (2012) found that injured persons were reintegrated into the community with limited knowledge regarding housing and accessibility options. The purpose of the product was to provide a tool for …

The Post-Secondary School-To-Work Transitional Program: An Occupational Therapist's Guide To Service Delivery, Annemarie Assel, Erin Haugen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are one of the most prevalent childhood diagnoses, occurring in every 1 in 68 children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Although ASDs are considered childhood disorders, they persist throughout one’s life and are often more pronounced during common life transitions. For adults with ASDs, this is a time marked by fragmented services, as well as disengagement from services (Baldwin, Costley, & Warren, 2014; Friedman, Warfield, & Parish, 2013; Shattuck, Wagner, Narendorg, Sterzing, & Hensley, 2011; Strickland, Coles, & Southern, 2013). Those with ASDs have skills deemed valuable by employers that include being: reliable, …

Cross-Generational Occupation-Based Interventions For Upper Extremity Injuries, William B. Creel, Blake L. Sweney

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Decreased adherence to therapy protocols after upper extremity injury has been correlated with increased risk of re-injury and decreased general therapy outcomes. Occupation-based therapy has been shown to increase adherence to therapy protocol. To date, there have been several occupation-based protocols in upper-extremity musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but never one that addresses occupation across the lifespan and attempts to develop a tool to assist therapist in developing occupation based protocols specific to the developmental group.

The main theoretical background for the development of the clinical tool was the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and Erickson's Developmental Stages Model. An extensive literature review …

Occupational Therapy's Role: A Foundational Occupational Therapy Education Resource For Ghana, Shalyn K. Hample, Maria J. Sundsted

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the developing country of Ghana, West Africa, there is a population of over 1 million individuals with disabilities (Timney, 2007). Ninety-five percent of these people have no rehabilitation service access (Timney, 2007). Due to the presence of social, political, and economic factors including negative societal stigma towards people with disabilities, political corruption and poverty, Ghana's population is vulnerable for occupational deprivation. Occupational deprivation places this population at risk for preventing engagement in or forceful discontinuation of meaningful daily occupations such as farming, education, and employment opportunities (Whiteford, 2000; Yeoman, 1998).

The U.S. has helped offer some assistance to Ghana, …

Assisting Occupational Therapists In North Dakota: An Agricultural Resource Guide, Teresa Bunn, Caitlin Layden

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Within the state of North Dakota, agriculture and farming are of the most essential and influential factors within the state's economy (Rathge et. al 2012). Rural communities are among the medically under-served areas within the United States; establishing the dire need of healthcare services (Hagglund et al., 1998; Schweitzer et al., 2011). A study conducted by Meyer and Fetsch (2006) deduced the four prominent disabilities affecting farmer's engagement in occupations as arthritis, spinal cord injury, amputation, and back injuries. Farmers, and their family members, are also at higher risk for work related stressors which may result in severely disabling conditions; …

An Occupation Based Intervention Protocol For Carpometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty, Joshua A. Gillbertson, Christopher G. Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is located at the base of thumb and, functionally, is the most important joint within the hand due to its extensive mobility and the importance it has on the dexterity of human prehension. Due to the hypermobility and high degrees of utilization of the CMC joint, it is a common area for increased pain, joint disease, and the development of arthritis. Arthritis can be a debilitating condition as it is associated with instability, deformities, and limited range of motion, which all impact engagement in activities of daily living and meaningful occupations. When conservative treatments and non-surgical …

An Occupational Therapy Guide To Assessment Of Executive Function Of Rural Agriculture Workers, Cayleigh Gerstner, Alyssa Lopez

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Develop a guide for occupational therapists working with rural agricultural-based individuals’ experiencing cognitive deficits. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was completed with major topics including the definition of executive functioning, common duties of ranch/farm workers, relationship between executive functioning and work, rural agriculture culture. The goal of the literature review was to gain an understanding of the influence of executive functioning skills on engagement within occupational duties and tasks of rural agriculture workers. Results: An occupational therapy guide was developed to provide a list of common tasks/duties of ranchers/framers and the associated executive functioning skills as well as client …

Stroke And The Younger Adult: Recommendations For Occupational Therapy, Kara Black, Callie Schneider

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapy (OT) is an integral component of the rehabilitation process for individuals who have sustained stroke. As the number of individuals sustaining and surviving stroke in the United States has consistently risen over the past decades (Bartels, 2011), it is anticipated that stroke prevalence from 2010 will have a 25% increase by the year 2030 (American Heart Association (AHA), 2011). In addition, a current trend in research has been found, indicating an increase in the incidence of stroke within the young and middle-aged, or younger, adult population between the ages of 18 and 55 years (AHA, 2011).

An extensive …

Community Based Program For Young Adults With High Functioning Autism: Social Participation And Dating, Brook Dahle, Laura Hennes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In the United States, autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 88 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Autism spectrum disorders affect individuals throughout their lifespan (Alexander, 2011). The most significant impairment in individuals with high functioning autism experience is qualitative impairment in social interaction (Sadock & Sadock, 2008). Services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders are available until the age of 21. Therefore, adults with autism spectrum disorders have limited access to intervention even though they continue to struggle (Shattuck, Wagner, Narendorf, Sterzinger, & Hansley, 2011). The focus of this project is young adults with high functioning …

An Occupation-Based Protocol Designed For Women With Cardiac Conditions, Erika Swirzcki, Andrea Young

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide as well as the number one cause of death in the United States (American Heart Association [AHA], 2010). Women are not adequately represented when entering phase II of cardiac rehabilitation due to the numerous barriers that they may experience. The purpose of this scholarly project is to help meet women’s unique needs and facilitate their return to meaningful life roles and occupations after experiencing a cardiac event. This protocol provides guidelines for occupational therapists to use during phase II of cardiac rehabilitation and addresses the implementation of occupation-based …

Educating And Communicating Through Sociolinguistic Registers: Adolescent Client, Chanaé Jones, Brittany Mayer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

PROBLEM: Currently tests such as the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing), as well as employment use what is identified as formal sociolinguistic register (Joos, 1967 & Payne, 2005). Payne (2005) built upon Joos’ (1967) definition and presented five registers: frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimates. Formal register is defined as; one-way participation, no interruption such as is seen with introductions between stangers. Technical vocabulary; “fuzzy semantics" or exact definitions are important. Montano-Harmon (1991) found that many minority and poor students do not have access to formal register at home but rather tend to rely primarily in …

A Lifetime Of Work: A Guide To Health Promotion And Wellness On The Farm, Andrea Hensrud, Gregory Holubok

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project is to develop a guide to health promotion, wellness and adapting to life changes on the farm from an occupational therapy perspective to enhance quality of life for aging farmers and rural community dwellers. The authors completed a focused literature review on topics related to health promotion, wellness, adapting to life changes, making changes and aging in place. Data was collected through an extensive study of relevant information through professional journals, clinical text books, class discussion and related state and national associations. Upon completion of the review of literature, it was determined that older adults …

Seven Dimensions Of Wellness In Athletes With Upper Extremity Orthopedic Injuries: A Manual For Occupational Therapists, Ashley S. Chan, Micah J. Davids

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Increased attention has been placed on sports and athletes within the United States cultural. The latest reports of the noted sports economist Andrew Zimbalist estimated that the annual revenue of only 4 North American sports amounts to approximately $15 billion (Markovits, 2010). Athletes with upper extremity orthopedic injuries have traditionally been treated by occupational hand therapists (Hanson, Nabavi, & Yuen, 2000) however; research does not adequately address their needs outside of physical injury and musculoskeletal gain. Evidence is lacking within the profession of occupational therapy that encompasses the athlete as an occupational being. An occupational being is a person who …

Occupation-Based Program To Reduce Revidicism [I.E. Recidivism] In Women Offenders, Kacie Moll, Ashley Tyre

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Within the United States, women are known to be the fast growing population of inmates. The purpose of this project is to develop a gender specific occupation based life skills program to implement within a prison setting and continue once in the community. An extensive literature review was conducted on current programming available and what the current needs of women inmates are. Literature revealed that there is a high rate of recidivism among female inmates once released but the recidivism percentage decreased when programming was provided within the prison. The needs of women inmates are different then male inmates. As …

Occupational Therapy: A Vital Link To Transition Success Of High School Students, Ann B. Disilvestro

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists have engaged in school-based therapy practice since the 1970's when the Education for the Handicapped Act (EHA) was enacted to provide a free public education for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Since law mandated related services, occupational therapists have the opportunity to service students in all grade levels. However, over the course of time, most therapists gravitated toward servicing the student under the age of twelve. As a result, few therapists have devoted their full attention to meeting all the challenges of secondary level students with disabilities, especially for transitioning of students into the community. …

An Occupational Therapy Program For Children And Adolescents Exposed To Trauma, Cherie A. Lowe, Katie A. Tallackson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Every year many children and adolescents are affected by traumatic experience many of which result in long term challenges. The traumatic event may lead to psychological disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, substance abuse, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders often have the effect of interrupting development of occupational performance skills and ultimately are manifested in deficits in occupational performance. A literature review was conducted to identify the effects of trauma on children and adolescents as well as to explore current treatment programming available to this population. Examples of research-based occupational therapy programming for …