Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Occupational Therapy After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Guidebook For Hispanic Women, Katarina Tauran, Mary Smith Phd, Ms, Otr/L, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aims to understand the needs of Hispanic women post-breast cancer treatment and offer a guidebook with educational resources in both English and Spanish.

An Ot Needs Assessment For Children And Families Residing In Shelters, Jessie Siono, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study created a needs assessment is to determine the unique occupational deficits of children and their families in California experiencing homelessness within a shelter setting via recording their lived experiences. A local family shelter was analyzed via observation and interviews with staff and residents of the shelter. The results were compiled into a facility assessment to identify supports and barriers to occupation. Results were also utilized to complete an occupational needs assessment for families and children living in homeless shelters. The study determined the occupational needs and occurrences of occupational deficits that were experienced by residents of the family …

Social And Leisure Participation By People With Dementia: A Caregiver Resource Guide, Rebecca Mcmillian, Beth Lambert, Mary Smith, Katherine Christie

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this caregiver education intervention is to increase caregiver self-efficacy and effectiveness in increasing social participation and quality of life for those they are caring for as well as decreasing caregiver stress and burnout associated with providing care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The guide will include education and resources for these caregivers detailing safety precautions, strategies to reduce difficult behaviors impacting social and leisure engagement, and resources to decrease caregiver burden.

Care For Caregivers: Exploring Occupational Therapy's Role In Caregiver Support, Mariah Mendez, Amy Lyons-Brown, Negin Zare

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Care for Caregivers explores the challenges of spousal and remote caregivers to determine how occupational therapy can assist through program development.

Occupational Therapy's Role In Supporting Individuals With Down Syndrome Through An Employment Program, Jenny Rossopoulos, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents the implementation of an existing employment program, EmployAble to a new group of individuals with Down syndrome. The presentation outlines the methods, program design, and curriculum. Additionally, this capstone project aims to explore the support mechanisms for individuals with disabilities in the workplace and the education of employers regarding inclusive employment practices.

Integrating Nature-Based Occupational Therapy In Traditional Clinical Settings: Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences, Renee Duong, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic situations that a child may face during the early developmental stages of life (Felitti et al., 1998). According to research, the detrimental effects of adversity and emotional distress may contribute to poor outcomes in adulthood. Research has shown that exposure to adversity can change a child's molecular and genetic system and influence the development and functioning of their neurological, immune, and endocrine systems. There is a significant public health concern considering the long-term implications of adverse childhood experiences on an individual's overall well-being (Boullier & Blair, 2018). This project aims to conduct a …

Every Moment Counts (Emc): Understanding School Stakeholder Perceptions Of Positive Mental Health Promotion In The Elementary School Setting. A Preliminary Report., Madeline Malooly, Angela Blackwell, Lauren Thomas

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

For children and adolescents, the prevalence of psychological disorders associated with mental illness continues to rise in North America and is now considered to be the leading cause of disability for this population (Bitsko et al., 2022). It was estimated that between 25 and 50% of adult mental illnesses could be prevented through early intervention and preventative measures in childhood (Kim-Cohen et al., 2003). In an effort to address mental health promotion in schools, Dr. Susan Bazyk founded and created EMC, which is a “multi-pronged mental health promotion initiative to help all children to be mentally healthy in order to …

The Occupational Performance Of Student-Athletes Post-Concussion: A Guide For Coaches And Athletic Trainers, Baylee A. Felts, Mary Ann Smith, Danielle Cade

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Concussions are a rising concern amongst the sports community. Student-athletes with concussions can exhibit deficits in physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and visual-perceptual abilities (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). Occupational therapists are equipped to address the impacts of those deficits to improve occupational engagement and performance but are often overlooked in concussion management teams (Finn, 2019). A concussion management team typically consists of coaches, athletic trainers (ATs), physicians, and sometimes physical therapists, depending on the severity of the concussion. Due to growing concern and continued research, the concussion management team must be current with new information. Coaches and ATs may not keep …

‘Mama May I?’: A Comprehensive Guide To Inform Occupational Therapy Practitioners For The Wellness Of Black Pregnant Women, Tavia Williams, Angela Blackwell, Aminee Alexander

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Black women are facing a decline in well-being because health providers do not understand how pregnancy impacts them differently than other race in the United States. This population is dying at a rate 3-4 more times than white, Asian, and Hispanic women. These deaths are preventable as many stem from racism and bias in medicine (Markin & Coleman, 2023). Historically, occupational therapists have not been included in the care of pregnant women due to the exclusive team of obstetric providers, doulas, and midwives (Rost et al., 2023). Because the United States primarily utilizes the medical model for perinatal healthcare, pregnant …

Developing Healthy Routines In Adults With Serious Mental Illness Living In Supportive Housing: A Caregiver Guidebook, Mckenna Kuhlman, Angela Blackwell, Lacey Spark

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Serious mental illness (SMI) are mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders that result in serious functional impairment limiting daily participation in activities. (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], n.d.-a). Adults living with serious mental illness (SMI) often experience unhealthy or maladaptive routines and often lack the support to build these routines. Supportive housing provides a stable home for adults with SMI to build healthy routines while receiving specialized treatments. In supportive housing organizations, there is a need for caregiver resources to support the individual's healthy routine obtainment. This capstone project developed a five-step caregiver guidebook to help adults with SMI build …

The Role Of Ot In Treating Ecmo Patients In The Icu: A Scoping Review, Sophia C. Roe, Angela Blackwell, Whitney Hohman

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This scoping review investigated the role of occupational therapists in treating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Databases analyzed included CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest. The primary research question aimed to identify the role of occupational therapists in ECMO patient care. The secondary research question aimed to determine the percentage of ECMO patients who received occupational therapy services in the ICU and were discharged home. The search retrieved a total of 400 records. After …

Occupational Impact Of Caregivers In Pediatric Palliative Care, Lezlye Ramos, Karen Park, Jazminne O. Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this study is to understand the occupational impact for caregivers who had a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition who had received pediatric palliative care. A lack of understanding of occupational therapy’s role in end-of-life care ultimately underutilizes and under-prepares occupational therapists to work in this practice area. Becoming a medical family caregiver, neglecting personal needs and desires becomes a norm having a in-direct effect on physical and psychological health and well-being. Findings from this study suggest that it is reasonable to infer that occupational participation among caregivers is influenced by finding time for self and …

Improving Participation In Physical Education For Children With Disabilities, Randi Major, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Participating in adaptive sports has many benefits for children with disabilities (CWD), however literature demonstrates that many barriers exist within community-setting adaptive sports which impact participation for CWD. There is currently a lack of understanding of the needs of CWD and the barriers that exist within schools that impact their participation in physical activities and sports. In addition, the literature demonstrates that many individuals with disabilities are not meeting the recommended minutes for daily physical activity which can impact the health and well-being of CWD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).

The purpose of this capstone project was …

Occupational Therapists' Perception Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Sleep In Pediatric Outpatient Settings, Carina Jimenez, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone investigates pediatric occupational therapists' views on managing sleep issues in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It highlights gaps in education and resources and emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions. Findings emphasize the importance of enhancing occupational therapists' role in addressing sleep challenges for improved family well-being, advocating for more comprehensive education and support systems.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Enhancing Adaptive Golf, Jessica A. Garday, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project is focused on advocating on behalf of golfers with disabilities by providing an educational resource for golf administrators on enhancing adaptive golf at their facility. The project's deliverable was an in-service presentation highlighting the importance of adaptive golf and its positive impact on community, state, and national individuals. The in-service was delivered through the Southern California Professional Golf Association SCPGA Catalyst webinar series. The topics included grants for adaptive equipment, the financial impact of adaptive golf on the industry, community partnerships, and golf course design modifications utilizing the most cost-effective approaches. The student found that more education can …

Values Of Occupational Balance And Harmony Among Bipoc Caregivers, Vanessa Duran, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background. Historically minoritized populations are underrepresented within hospice care. The lack of diversity among hospice care recipients impacts the development of culturally responsive programming within hospice care for BIPOC family caregivers.

Objective. To learn of the values and perspectives of BIPOC family caregivers in hospice care regarding occupational balance and occupational harmony.

Methods. A mixed-methods study that included an online survey and an optional interview. Measurements utilized were the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) and an anonymous survey. Three participants completed the online survey.

Results. Preliminary codes were determined by the student researcher from the online survey responses. Four …

Experiences Of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers, Kimberly Ben, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an insightful exploration into the lives of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers (WSCs), a group defined as individuals aged 30-65 who simultaneously provide care for both aging adults (over 65 years old) and younger dependents (29 years old or younger), while also managing their careers. The study delves deep into the unique challenges and experiences faced by WSCs, aiming to highlight the occupational, emotional, and physical demands inherent in their roles. Through qualitative research methods, including interviews and occupational therapy assessments, the manuscript offers a comprehensive look at the balancing act WSCs perform daily. It seeks to inform …

Ot's Perspective On Type 1 Diabetes Management In College Students, Nimmy Thomas, Cassandra Nelson, Elizabeth Pyatak

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

To create a program guide to provide resources for freshman-year students to seek accommodations or helpful tips for students with type 1 diabetes to have a smooth transition to college enhance overall health management, and participate in leisure activities.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Creating An Educational Employment Program For Individuals With Disabilities., Jessica Tully, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this poster was to explain the steps taken to create an educational employment program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Mothers With Children Who Have Had A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Stay, Reagan Mclendon, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study examined the occupational needs of mothers with a child who required a NICU stay and illustrates the potential roles of occupational therapy for this population.

Promoting Parental Competence When Transitioning From The Nicu To Home: A Coaching Intervention, Vanessa Chavez, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This handbook aims to improve the support system for families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by developing a coaching intervention that empowers parents, improves their confidence, and provides necessary home care skills.

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Improving Adl/Iadl Performance In Diabetic Adults With Stroke And Upper Extremity Pathologies, Halle Thomas, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone presentation depicts the impact of diabetic management with an occupational therapy approach on upper extremity motor function for the adult stroke population. This program utilizes dietary management, a home exercise program, and task modification strategies to improve ADL and IADL performance.

Play Is A Way Of Life: Play-Based Program For Parents Of Young Children (Ages Two To Five Years Old), Lauren Purdom, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Amanda Perdue Owen

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This play-based program was created for parents of young children (ages two to five years old) and is accessible through a website called "Play is a Way of Life". Within this program it includes, educational material on the differences between active and passive play and recommendations for each type of play that children in this age group should participate in each day. It also includes a 6-week program with a variety of active play activities that target specific skills that children (ages two to five years old) should participate in for their overall development.

A Guidebook For Latina Breast Cancer Survivors & Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Abigail Hernandez, Leslie Khan-Farooqi, Mary Ann Smith

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Many Latina women diagnosed with breast cancer face psychosocial challenges and do not have access or the necessary resources to assist them with these challenges which may lead to decreased quality of life. This study is designed to address the most common psychosocial issues associated with breast cancer to assist Latina women as well as occupational therapy practitioners.

Self-Regulation And Sensory Processing Education Program For Educators, Julianne Mendivil, Tina G. Bhakta, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with low self-regulation skills may face many challenges in the classroom environment that can impact their performance in school-based activities. As teachers play a vital role in the development of young children, this educational program aims to improve teacher competence (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) in applying sensory processing and self-regulating concepts to the school environment.

Colors Of Connection: A Manual For Cultivating Social And Emotional Skills In Children With Disabilities Through Creative Arts, Allie Hertaus, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr, Haleigh Freeman Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with disabilities (CWD) are experiencing occupational deprivation due to limited involvement in extracurricular activities. This deprivation impedes their development of social-emotional skills. In attempt to mitigate this deprivation, the OTD student created and implemented Colors of Connection, a creative arts based, social and emotional learning program into an already existing after school program for CWD.

Occupational Therapy For People With Dementia Who Have Occupational Performance Challenges Due To Depression, Ally Frazier, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals with dementia experience a multitude of barriers and challenges that impact their daily engagement throughout the environment. In addition, although the pandemic has concluded, noxious effects are still influencing people's lives. Residential care facilities have noticed continual acts of isolation that are presenting as barriers in mental health. Depression has known to be a common comorbidity in the ailment of dementia. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have the unique and valuable role in working with this population to target beyond the biomechanical aspects of a resident. Identifying barriers for mastery in leisure pursuits throughout someone’s day is crucial. When residents …

Classroom Reintegration For Children And Adolescents With Traumatic Brain Injuries, Alli Perkins, Mary Greer, Keith Mcwilliams

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of the poster presentation is to increase the present knowledge regarding the process of school-based reintegration for children and adolescents who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. As children and young adults spend an average of 32 hours per week in the school environment, parents, educators, and rehabilitation professionals are ideally positioned to collaborate with one another to facilitate the reintegration process and enable students to return to their primary occupations of educational participation, social participation, play, and leisure. The presentation includes information from the development and implementation of a program for parents, families, and educators of those …

The Transition To Adulthood For High School Students With Special Needs, Athena Hays, Mary Jan Greer, Jinna Danser

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The reason for many special needs students not engaging in occupations after high school is because many guardians have not had to navigate this type of transition before and are not provided enough education on what these opportunities include before their students graduate. Many students with special needs do not optimize their engagement in the community because guardians are not being provided with education on post-graduate opportunities.

The purpose of my Doctoral Capstone Project is to develop an educational transition service program for special needs students as well as guardians and teachers of these students preparing for high school graduation …

Occupational Impacts Of Seizures, Stephanie Nailon, Karen Park, Kelly Rodenkirch

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This research looks at the occupational impacts of seizure disorders on the adolescent population. The research study explores how their condition impacts the adolescent and family unit. The research was gathered from multiple perspectives to gain an in-depth understanding to best aid occupational therapists and health care professionals to gain a deeper understanding of areas to address when working with this population.