Digital Commons Network^™

Outdoor Recreation For People With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series, Siarra Walker

Student Capstone Papers

More than 15 million people globally are living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Only half of people with SCI engage in leisure activities and approximately 71% of the population reports dissatisfaction in their leisure participation. There are numerous intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that lead to these significant declines in leisure exploration and participation, including lack of knowledge and inaccurate accessible online information. In correlation with these barriers, occupational therapy practitioners underutilize leisure participation during the rehabilitation process for people with SCI and this is an underreported topic in the literature. Occupational therapy practitioners and people with SCI lack knowledge of …

Manualized Occupational Therapy Intervention For Children And Adolescents With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Adam Mcmahon

Student Capstone Papers

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children can cause physiological and psychological reactions that can lead to impaired executive functioning and self-regulation skills that interfere with occupational engagement. Occupational Therapy (OT) utilizes an occupational perspective to treat children with PTSD. However, there is an absence of a manualized OT intervention in the literature that incorporates an occupation-based approach, utilizes graded occupation as the primary intervention, and tracks treatment progress and outcomes. The purpose of this capstone project was to create a manualized OT intervention protocol for OT practitioners to treat children with PTSD guided by the model of human occupation and …

A Glance Into The Roles Of Higher-Level Academia, Camye White

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This Capstone Project looks at the multiple roles of a full-time faculty member in higher-level academia while looking at implications for best practices to pass the NBCOT certification exam.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In The Success And Positive Outcomes Of Youth Within The Foster System, Cassidy Solomon

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone paper will discuss the development of an occupational therapy program to support the needs of youth within the foster system and prepare this population to live independently. Background information including statistics, the need for occupational therapy, and the program specifics such as rationale, significance, and objective are discussed. The development of an occupational therapy program to aid in the success of children within the foster care system helps close a gap in research that will contribute to this population's success and positive outcomes. The purpose of this capstone was to develop a program for children in the foster …

Multidisciplinary Sensory Recommendations For Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder, Rachael Rice

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone experience was to serve the patients and therapists of the Tampa General Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation at Westshore. Due to the increasing number of referrals to the clinic for Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD), there was a need for education and recommendations for the multidisciplinary team, specifically related to sensory related interventions. There was a need for informational resources for patient education, collaboration between the interdisciplinary team to encourage carryover, and sensory recommendations. FNSD patients may experience a variety of symptoms best treated through a multidisciplinary approach that addresses physical and psychological aspects. Aside from clinical …

Understanding Athletes’ Experience When Transitioning To Life Beyond Sport: A Pilot Study, Alyssa L. Moore

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

National Institutes Of Health: Clinical Research & Clinical Practice Skills In Occupational Therapy, Arianna Z. Cook

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

An Anxiety And Coping Mechanism Educational Program For Children And Adolescents, Amanda Garrett

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The following capstone project encompassed creating and implementing an educational program focusing on anxiety and coping mechanisms for adolescents 12-15 years of age at the YMCA in Largo, Florida. The academic program focuses on six different types of anxiety, which are generalized anxiety, social anxiety, test anxiety, feelings of panic, feelings of stress, and health anxiety, all in a PowerPoint format. Each of these topics also included a coping mechanism that the teens completed after learning about each different type of anxiety. These coping mechanisms included journaling, creating a stress ball, participating in a yoga class, completing a scavenger hunt …

Understanding Occupational Therapy’S Role In Injury Prevention For Pickleball Players And Communities, Kelly Lambert

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy With Refugees And Asylum Seekers, Hana Listes

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The capstone project aimed to define the role of occupational therapy in the reintegration of refugee families in Jacksonville, Florida, in collaboration with Muslim American Social Services. The project focused on utilizing occupational therapy to identify and address barriers faced by refugees during their resettlement process. Following assessment of barriers, culturally sensitive intervention strategies were implemented to improve independence and participation in meaningful daily activities. Interventions focused on the development of targeted programs that addressed challenges such as language barriers, access to resources, and cultural adjustment. Implications of the project aim to advocate for occupational therapy as a stakeholder in …

Occupational Therapy's Role For Individuals With Long-Term Neurological Conditions, Courtney Ahle

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Increasing Parent Participation In Nicu Care And Preparation For Discharge, Biancah A. Derival

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

My capstone project aimed to understand the current evidence that examines the benefits of NICU parental participation to increase preparedness for discharge and provide educational resources to parents and professionals. The first half of my project entailed a revision of hospital provided material to create a weekly developmental timeline that parents can understand. During the second half, educational materials were collected to address parental concerns including early intervention resources, sensory activities/strategies, and age-appropriate toys, safe sleep, and tummy time. Families can incorporate this information in the NICU and the home environment. The resources were revised into physical handouts to take …

Development Of An Intensive Outpatient Program (Iop) For Adolescents Of American Military Members Deployed Overseas To Support Mental Health, Aaron N. Brion, Tyler J. Russo

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Developing A Summer Enrichment Program For School-Aged Children: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Summer Experiences, Morgann Lonczak

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Participation in summertime experience for youth have become increasingly popular in most recent years. With the growth in summer experiences including summer camp participation, there is a need to determine the role of occupational therapy in this emerging practice area to best serve the community. A 16-week capstone experience was completed under the supervision of Great Strides Rehabilitation occupational therapy staff. The capstone project aimed to fill a gap in summertime experiences by designing and implementing an occupational therapy led enrichment program to achieve the best outcomes for children and youth. A six-week enrichment program was successfully developed, and two-weeks …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Long Covid Rehabilitation, Lisa H. Hamilton

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project explores the integration of Occupational Therapy (OT) into primary care settings, focusing on chronic conditions such as long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). These conditions are often misunderstood by both healthcare providers and the broader community due to their complex and multifaceted symptoms, which necessitate specialized care. The project aimed to create resources and educational materials tailored to the needs of patients and rehabilitation professionals, to enhance the management of these challenging conditions. Additionally, the project placed a strong emphasis on advocacy for individuals with "invisible disabilities," aiming to raise awareness and improve accessibility to …

Trauma Informed Care In Hippotherapy, Erin M. Deren

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Remote Work Ergonomics: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Kaynath Bhamani

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, ensuring effective ergonomic practices in home-based work environments has emerged as a critical concern. This paper attempts to explore challenges that are associated with remote work and proposes solutions for creating healthier home office environments.

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Planning: Integrating 2023 Standards Into Curriculum, Samantha Edwards

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Advocating For The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Community-Based Setting Through The Use Of Journaling For Individuals With Chronic Mental Illness, Taylor Muzik-Eversdijk

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Individuals who battle severe mental illness (SMI) experience a range of deficits that affect various aspects of daily life, including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), social participation, sleep and rest, education, work, leisure, and play. Research suggests that journaling can help individuals with SMI express their emotions and provide a healthy outlet for coping with symptoms. This doctoral capstone project aimed to identify the unique needs of individuals with SMI and explore how journaling and other occupational therapy (OT) interventions could expand the scope of practice within Boley Centers' assertive community treatment (ACT) teams …

Measuring Program Effectiveness Of The Assistive Social Skills And Employment Training, Alyssa A. Chappel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy & Postpartum Care, Paula A. Rodriguez

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The aim of this study involved researching the role of occupational therapy in the transition into motherhood. The Scale of Occupational Disruption (SOD) was used to gather data about which occupations were the most and least disrupted, as reported by the research participants. Participants were recruited to complete the SOD anonymously through RedCap and were recruited through social media platforms and mom groups. In total, 142 participants participated in the study. Of the total 142 recruited participants, 117 completed the SOD in its entirety, and their data was able to be used for this study. The participants had a mean …

Sensory Processing Assessment In Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias: A Research Capstone Experience, Clarissa Benzarti

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Transitioning From Inpatient Rehabilitation To Home In Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries, Alexis Tucci

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to develop a comprehensive guide to support Veterans transitioning home from inpatient rehabilitation, enhancing their quality of life. The guide provides educational materials, recommendations, and valuable resources for clients and their families to utilize both during their hospital stay and after discharge. The primary objective was to understand the ongoing needs of veterans with spinal cord injuries post-discharge and to help bridge the gap between the SCI inpatient unit and home.

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Recovery High Schools For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorder And Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders, Taylor P. Buono

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Substance use is a public health crisis, and adolescents struggle the most with substance use disorder (SUD), which often persists into adulthood and even until midlife (Estreet & Privott, 2021; Mattila et al., 2022; Rothman & Jimenez, 2023; Volkow & Blanco, 2023). School performance is often affected by the adverse effects of drug and alcohol use among adolescents, and multiple risk factors for substance use occur in the school context, such as drug-using peers, availability of substances, and academic challenges (Finch et al., 2017). Recovery high schools (RHSs) are safe and supportive alternative educational environments that provide additional support not …

Early Identification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Markers In Infants Using The Infant And Motor Engagement Scale, Cesley L. Taft

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Sleep Rehabilitation Program For Military Members With Tbis & Scis, Hailey M. Cassidy

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Increasing Reading Comprehension And Accuracy By Enhancing Reading Mechanics In Preadolescence: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Academia, Shireena Behel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Reading comprehension and accuracy are critical components of academic success in preadolescence. Research suggests that traditional school systems utilize a unisensory approach to learning, however, recent studies have emphasized the successful impact a multisensory approach can have on academic performance. This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop a multisensory, occupation-based reading program for the Huntsville Learning Center (HLC) Christian Summer Camp under the guidance of Mariana D’Amico, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, and Susan Callaway, HLC Family Development Coordinator. This required conducting pretest and post-test measurements, implementing occupation-based reading activities, and administering a post-program evaluation survey to determine the effectiveness of a …

Healthcare Barriers And Supports To Healthcare Participation Within The Lgbtqia+ Community: A Systematic Review, Jordan Bradley

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Background: Historically the LGBTQIA+ community has faced many barriers to healthcare participation resulting in significant disparities.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to highlight the barriers and supports that affect the LGBTQIA+ communities’ participation in healthcare and highlight the inclusive practices and policy reforms needed to advance healthcare equity for this population.

Methods: ProQuest Central was utilized, identifying thirty-seven peer reviewed articles for synthesis. Included articles were written within the last 3 years and addressed LGBTQIA+ individuals’ participation in healthcare within the United States.

Results: The most prevalent barrier identified was discrimination appearing in overt and implicit forms. Environmental …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Maternal, Infant, And Family Wellness: Policy, Procedure, And Program Development, Emilee Armstrong

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to advocate for maternal, infant, and family wellness through occupational therapy services. The focus areas of my capstone project included administration, advocacy, policy and program development. I developed two post-cesarean delivery policies for maternal rehabilitation and father-infant bonding, a Kangaroo Father Care program, and an occupational therapy position proposal. The Kangaroo Father Care program included healthcare professional educational modules, an administration checklist, and facility and patient flyers. My project aimed to develop the foundation for implementing acute maternal rehabilitative services for a regional hospital in Northeast Indiana. The knowledge and skills I gained throughout my capstone …

Occupational Therapy & Dyslexia Curriculum, Tiara Ortiz

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

My capstone project, a truly innovative endeavor, was conducted in a school-based setting for children with dyslexia. I developed educational materials, distinct in their approach, for teachers and occupational therapists to implement individually or in a group setting. These materials comprise a curriculum that explicitly targets executive functioning and visual interventions, a novel and exciting approach to dyslexia treatment. The project was successfully implemented in the Bridge Program at the Christ School in Orlando, Florida, a private school program tailored to children with dyslexia. I was mentored by Dominque Kiefer, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, the Bridge Program's school-based occupational therapist.