Digital Commons Network^™

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.

Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization In The 3–6-Year-Old Classroom, Lori North

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"This study aims to determine the effects Practical Life activities have on the process of normalization of students in a Montessori primary classroom. The research took place over six weeks and included 22 participants. Each day the participants were given Practical Life lessons, such as dry pouring, rolling up a work mat, walking around the ellipse, etc. Students who can concentrate and work freely in the Montessori classroom are moving toward normalization. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to examine the effects of how Practical Life activities assist the process of normalization of children ages 3-6. Findings suggest that …

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.

The Influence Of Yoga And Meditation On Intrinsic Motivation In Early Childhood Education, Nicole Laviolette

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"The objective of this action research was to see if daily voluntary yoga and meditation influence intrinsic motivation in a 3-6-year-old Montessori classroom. The time frame of this study was over six weeks in the beginning of the school year at an urban public Montessori school. The children who participated in the study were eighteen 3-6-year-old students. The experiment included using two apps, one for meditation and one for yoga, every morning for forty-five minutes. Children were welcomed to join when they were ready and leave when they felt refreshed. Some positive effects of our research were an increase in …

Focusing On Grace And Courtesy In The Hopes Of Achieving A More Peaceful Classroom Community, Marshetta Davis

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Children are at risk of becoming adults who are unable to live, work and thrive together within communities across the United States of America due to lack of respect for themselves, other humans and things in the world which goes along with social courtesies. The researcher was an early childhood education teacher who holds a Montessori certification. For six weeks, the participants in the study were able to focus on Grace and Courtesy lessons in which they participated by observing the teacher modeling care of self, care of others, and care of things with careful attention with, mindful movement, and …

Integrating Montessori Curriculum With State Standards In A Public Montessori School, Brenda Green

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research aimed to highlight the benefits of integrating the Montessori Math Curriculum with State Standards in an upper elementary classroom. The performance of the action research took place over six weeks at a public Montessori school. There were seventeen upper elementary participants. Documentation used in this action research was a tally sheet for observable use of Montessori math material, school weekly lesson plans, teacher observation and reflection notes, and student and parent Pre and Post Math Interest Surveys. All lessons were given daily during the morning hours according to the school master's schedule. Some positive effects of this …

Goal Setting And Student Conferencing Action Research Study, Jamie Johnson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This paper aims to answer the question: “How does student choice, goal setting and student conferencing impact student motivation to continue learning in a Montessori classroom?” The previous research has shown that choice is more motivational for students than no choices. Researchers have different opinions on what the options should look like to be most effective. This research compares these and sees what is most effective with the data. New and older research was used in conjunction with the foundations of the Montessori method to see what fits seamlessly to implement without much effort. The findings are the right combination …

Creativity As A Gateway To Mental Health: A Burnout Recovery Journey, Sarah Keller

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This research explored creativity and flow state as a means of overcoming symptoms of burnout and supporting mental wellness. In this self-study the subject participated in creating art using a variety of media for seven weeks. Additionally, the subject kept multiple streams of data to closely examine the main symptoms of stress and burnout, including an in-depth look at sleep patterns. Other data collected included flow achievement, pre and post study surveys, daily journals, and individual session check-ins. Data suggested that over the seven-week period, sleep became more regular and the subject felt better immediately after participating in creative activities. …

Mindfulness, The Effects On Student Trauma And Stress Management, Kayla Clauson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study aimed to determine the effects of mindfulness on student stress and anxiety. This study occurred in a small rural school approximately an hour southwest of Chicago, Illinois. The classroom was a self-contained general education classroom consisting of 15 kindergarteners. All 15 participants were between the ages of five and six. The action research took place over four weeks. Over these four weeks, the researcher taught students mindfulness strategies that included deep breathing exercises and meditation - an awareness of senses and emotions. All 15 students participated in mindfulness daily. Data was collected over the entirety of the study. …

Finding Roots In The Montessori Social Studies Curriculum, Kimberly Torres

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research aimed to determine if an equity audit of the Montessori social studies curriculum and learning about the researcher’s culture impacted professional self-efficacy and resilience. This six-week intervention and study was a self-study through daily regimented activities. Three weeks were used to learn more about the researcher’s own culture and history. Three additional weeks were dedicated to the equity audit process, where the researcher revised original lessons or created new, culturally sustaining lessons to augment the curriculum. The data collected was completed daily using four tools: an attitude scale, a guided questionnaire, a reflective journal, and finally during …

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.

Fall Risk Screen Development For Episcopal Homes, Jennifer Malwitz

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Introduction: Many older adults experience injurious and non-injurious falls each year, with many of the falls happening at or around the home. Falls cost the health care system over $51 billion dollars each year. There are many risk factors for experiencing a fall with social determinants of health being a large factor.

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project was to increase the identification of fall risk factors to reduce fall rates among the independent living population at Episcopal Homes and develop a fall risk screen and referral guide.

Approach: Three active participants took part in an educational session developed …

Improving Wellness Services For Community Dwelling Older Adults Through Education On Team Collaboration, Cerena Ice

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

The number of older adults in the U.S. is estimated to reach 1 billion by 2030 (United States Census Bureau, 2018). As individuals, they ma experience changes in our health. Some common disabilities experienced by older adults over 65 years old include vision loss, risk of falls, hearing difficulties, cognitive impairments, reduced independence, and difficulties with self-care tasks, all of which can create barriers to independent living (U.S. Census Bureau, 2018). Many older adults also experience chronic disease and complex health needs that can be difficult to manage independently while living in the community. To support healthy aging and good …

Supporting Diversity, Inclusion And Equity Efforts In A Professional Organization, Diamond Hill

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Introduction: Most of the occupational therapy profession identifies as white, female practitioners. The lack of diversity in the profession must be addressed on a national and state level. Occupational therapy state associations can contribute to the closing of the gap between cultural humility and cultural competence in occupational therapy education. State associations provide students and practitioners with resources, education, and opportunities for professional development. Current DEI literature promotes the use of the transformative adult learning in continuing education to increase the self-awareness of practitioners and improve patient-centered care. Transformative adult learning theory aligns closely with diversity, inclusion, and equity principles. …

Educating Using Plain Language: Nighttime Postural Care Assessment Training Package, Faye Mcguire

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Background. There is a lack of high-quality research and inadequate training available to healthcare professionals and caregivers on Nighttime Postural Care (NTPC). Purpose. The purpose of this project was to 1) develop a training package on NTPC assessments to educate caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and the research team, and 2) educate clinical scientists on plain language.

Approaches. The author used the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and Program for Research Institute of Medicine and Science (PRISM) Editing Checklist to evaluate training materials and generated recommendations. Volunteer research team member representatives completed the training and pre-post training …

Training For Caregivers Of Children And Adolescents With Trauma-Related Food Difficulties, Olivia Kreuser

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Not available

Night Time Postural Care Training Package Development, Eleanor Leabch

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Introduction. Individuals with cerebral palsy often struggle with sleep positioning. Night time postural care (NTPC) is a possible intervention to help with body shape, comfort, pain, and sleep quality although there is not currently strong evidence supporting it.

Purpose. The purpose of this capstone was to develop a training program in preparation for a pilot study and to educate clinical scientists on health literacy and plain language.

Approach. Two separate approaches were taken: the first was for the training packages and the second approach was for the education session. For the training packages, volunteers were sent one of three NTPC …

The Beyond Bethany Mentorship Program: Equipping Volunteers To Support Asylum-Seeking Women, Erin Bugajski

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

There are a number of factors that negatively impact the integration of asylum-seekers into the culture and society of their host countries. This portfolio describes the creation of a mentorship intervention to support the integration of asylum-seeking women in an urban community. This included the creation of a mentor role description, application, virtual training, and follow-up surveys. The initial training included 5 mentors. Survey results indicated that mentor training positively impacted volunteer self-perceived readiness for mentorship. It also positively impacted their self-perceived ability to practice trauma informed care and cultural humility in their relationship with their mentee. This project suggests …

Sharing An Early Intervention Progress Report With Providers Of Children With Feeding Disorders: An Evidence-Based Process, Hibak Abdullahi Jama

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Introduction: This project explored ways to generate knowledge and use best practices when disseminating research findings. Having effective ways to share research-based information with Early Intervention (EI) Providers is important so that they can improve practices.

Methods: To finalize this project, I reviewed the Feeding Matters branding (style and organizational-based) guidelines, the Early Intervention (EI) data from a previous survey that was sent to EI providers in 2018, a report card that graded EI programs based on their past survey responses, identified resources and recommendations for EI provider-based action steps, made evidence-based suggestions for future survey use and created a …

Impact Of Integrated Education On Child Oral Health, Rachel Mcpherson

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Background. Allied health professionals can apply their unique scope of practice to educate and promote oral health that best fits families’ daily habits, routines, and cultural practices (Anderson et al., 2020; Gold & Tomar, 2018; Iwao et al., 2019).

Purpose. The primary purpose of this capstone project was to increase family utilization of oral healthcare services and daily oral hygiene practices through cultivating positive oral health experiences for all children.

Approach. A child intake questionnaire and social story were created to prepare children for their dental exam, provide child-specific oral health education, and understand childrens’ oral health habits and dental …

Nonpharmacological Interventions For Pain For Prenatal And Postnatal Women: An Education Module For Providers, Clara Hildebrandt

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Introduction. Pain during pregnancy is one of the most common complaints from the expecting mother (Katonis et al., 2011). An educational module was created for the staff at Options for Women Cornerstone and a post-module survey was provided to examine outcomes.

Purpose. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to educate providers at Options for Women Cornerstone on nonpharmacological interventions for pain to potentially use with future clients who may be experiencing pain, and to examine the post-module survey responses that supplemented suggestions for future practice. Approach An initial needs assessment was conducted to identify the primary purpose of …

Using A Knowledge-Translation Approach To Advance Evidence-Supported Cognitive Rehabilitation Practices In An Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Setting, Kelly Breuer

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

There is an identified 17-year gap in implementing evidence into practice. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (CKRI) has the goal of updating their cognitive rehabilitation guidelines by 2023. This project aimed to provide the materials and supports necessary for CKRI to develop, implement, and have follow-up for new evidence-based interventions in their cognitive rehabilitation practice for people with acquired brain injuries and thus improve patient outcomes. A needs assessment, development of an evidence summary, implementation and provision of support were completed to address this need. An evidence table and summary, two presentations, and five intervention-specific handouts were created to support the …

Occupational Therapy Service Delivery In The School Setting, Christina Cink

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Best practice for occupational therapy in the school setting has evolved due to updated AOTA recommendations and legal mandates. The current literature identifies inclusive and collaborative practice as the best framework, but there is a knowledge-to-practice gap between research findings and how OT is practiced in the school. This paper outlines the background on the issue of OT service delivery in the school setting, and the methodology and results of a quality improvement project with Zumbro Education District (ZED) in southeast Minnesota. The purpose of the quality improvement project is to educate stakeholders about the role of OT and best …

Promoting Pre-Feeding Skills: Development And Implementation Of An Oral Motor Protocol And Clinical Guidelines In A Level Iv Nicu, Joy Berthelsen

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Intro: Oral feeding is often the last discharge criterion for preterm infants in the NICU and a leading cause of extended hospital stay. Preterm infants lack motor practice they would receive in utero when swallowing amniotic fluid and have underdeveloped physiological systems and oral structures, delaying feeding skills. Standardized pre-feeding oral motor protocols that include stimulation of oral structures and sucking on pacifiers have been shown to improve feeding efficiency, decrease transition time to full oral feeding, and decrease length of stay.

Purpose: The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to update the clinical guidelines on oral motor interventions …

The Influence Of The Spoon Feeding Chair On The Caregiver-Child Dyad, Natalie Bruno

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

Background: Feeding disorders are defined by the World Health Organization as a dysfunction in oral intake which often co-occurs with feeding skills, nutritional health, and psychosocial well-being. Feeding disorders affect children with disabilities (CWD) living in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC) disproportionately more than CWD living in high income countries. Due to a lack of access to appropriate assistive technology, issues of malnutrition, caregiver stress, and delays in development can occur as a result. Limited research is available on feeding disorders and the impact of seating assistive technology in one LMIC.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used in this study. …

The Effects Of Envoy On The Middle School Social Studies Classroom Behaviors, Christine Karst

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The aim of this study was to determine if ENVoY is an effective classroom management tool to use in a 7th-grade social studies classroom. There was a need to reduce the amount of time spent on stopping unwanted classroom behaviors, such as blurting and being off task. This research was completed over a six-week period in a suburban school. Data was collected using four different methods and completed multiple times throughout the research period. Classroom observations were conducted and behaviors were tallied. Students completed self-assessments asking them to reflect on four different behavioral criteria. Data was also collected using teacher-student …