Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Integrating The Nintendo Wii Into Therapy: Resources For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Ashley Bowersox, Sarah Lund

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Therapists have the challenge of identifying a variety of interesting, meaningful, and purposeful intervention activities for individuals needing rehabilitation services (Weiss, Rand, Katz, & Kizony, 2004). The purpose of this project was to develop educational resources for occupational therapists on the integration of the Nintendo Wii as an intervention.

An extensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, professional journals, and news articles to investigate the health related effects of utilizing virtual reality and video games in the rehabilitation process. Currently, there is minimal research identifying the benefits of video games in occupational therapy practice and no protocols were …

Elderly In Prison: A Programming Protocol, Chelsey Hunt, Sarah Janke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The current U.S. correctional system is structured for the young, well, able-bodied prisoner and does not take into consideration the extensive needs of elderly inmates. The number of elderly inmate has been steadily increasing and is going to continue to rise with the increase of age expectancy of the average American and changes in in sentencing policies that increase the length of stay in prisons (Potter, Cashin, Chenoweth, Jeon, 2007; The Sentencing Project, 2005). Currently elderly inmates make up 12% of the federal prison population (Mauer, King, Young, 2004, p. 24).

An extensive literature review was conducted to determine the …

The Role Of The Occupational Therapist In Adolescent Substance Intervention, Cassandra Leach, Kori Le Blanc

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The current occupational therapy literature has limited information regarding the use of occupational therapy interventions for substance abuse specific to the adolescent population. Adolescents between the ages of 12 to 17 years have increased their engagement in illicit drug use from 9.3% in 2008 to 10% in 2009 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). In regards to alcohol use, in 2009, approximately 10.4 million persons (27%) ages 12-20 years reported drinking alcohol within the last month (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). According to Martin, Bliven, and Boisvert, (2008) substance abuse addictions significantly impact the person’s …

The Adl Of Sexuality: A Guide For Occupational Therapists For Elderly Clients, Autumn Edmundson, Amber Lafrenz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a guide that would address the assessments, treatment/interventions, and discharge planning process regarding sexual health/sexuality with an elderly client. Through the use of the guide and accompanying resources it is assumed that occupational therapists will have an increased level of comfort, knowledge, and competence. This is important as Couloumbis and Miller (1994) study indicated that occupational therapists that received formal education (academically or clinical practice) addressed sexuality in the elderly 27.8% more than occupational therapists who did not have any educational experience.

Methodology: An in depth literature review was conducted …

Heart Transplant Rehabilitation: An Occupational Therapy Program, Amos Hartsell, Kirsten Slominski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation program following the acute inpatient stay after heart transplantation. This project can be applied in community based and in home rehabilitation settings.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using the SCOPUS and Pub Med databases. Information was gathered regarding rehabilitation of cardiac transplant recipients, problems facing recipients, occupations/activities, and occupational therapist roles. In addition information was gathered from medical facility web sites regarding existing cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Results: Designed from the perspective of the Occupation Adaptation Model, a rehabilitation home program was developed for heart transplant recipients. …

Use Of Myofascial Release And Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation In Combination With A Rehabilitation Protocol For A Patient Following A Massive Rotator Cuff Tear And Repair: A Case Report, Bryan L. Arroyo

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the use of postoperative treatments incorporating myofascial release and proprioceptive neuromuscular techniques, on a 59-year-old male who underwent a left open rotator cuff repair following a massive rotator cuff tear. This was after an 8 week passive motion phase. The goals of this case report were to evaluate the feasibility of these techniques and to examine improvements in shoulder range of motion, function of the involved extremity, and pain reduction.

Case Description. The patient suffered a massive rotator cuff tear at work after falling on his shoulder. The patient started with an 8 …

Acute Care Physical Therapy Management Of An Elderly Patient With Posterior-Lateral Approach Total Hip Replacement, Kristi J. Mackedanz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This article describes the acute care physical therapy management of an 88 year old female who underwent elective left posterior lateral approach total hip arthroplasty surgery. The patient was seen post-operative day one presenting with extreme pain, decreased functional mobility, and decreased range of motion and strength. Total hip arthroplasty has become a common surgery among the elder population to improve their functional and decrease pain occurring in their hip. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions used with this patient, such as bed exercises, ambulation, and the functional outcome.

Case Description: This patient …

Evidence-Based Intervention For Sleep Disturbance In Healthy Elderly Individuals, Sarah Gregory, Heather Hoffman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Elderly individuals have a predisposition to experiencing sleep disorder, yet many remain untreated. Consequences of untreated sleep disturbance may result in decreased cognitive functioning, lowered perceived quality of life, and loss of independence. A literature review describes the definition of sleep, consequences of sleep disorder, sleep disturbance in the elderly population, intervention efficacy, principles of gerogogy, and the role of occupational therapy in sleep intervention.

The scholarly project presents a manual designed for use with well-elderly populations and intended to be guided and/or distributed by occupational therapists. The manual is entitled “Take Control of Your Sleep: An Occupational Therapy Manual …

Treating Adults With Chronic Pain: Exploring The Contemporary Trends Of Occupational Therapy, Jennifer Gough, Laura Roush

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore occupational therapy’s approach in treating individuals with chronic pain. More specifically, to evaluate occupational therapy’s role in current practices including assessments, models of practice, modalities, and competencies.

Methodology: Following IRB approval, a purposive sampling method was used to gain a sufficient number of participants to complete an online survey. Inclusion criteria for participants in this study included occupational therapists currently working in an outpatient setting, current members of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and practicing within the states of Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Colorado, and Nebraska. Subjects were …

Differentiating Dementia From Mental Illness In The Elderly: An Occupational Therapy Process, Michelle Halsted

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this product is to provide those persons admitted to a hospital setting with an unclear diagnosis the opportunity to be efficiently and accurately diagnosed, thus allowing proper treatment, medications, and placement, if needed. Often, . there is confusion amongst professionals in the treatment team as to whether an older adult may have a developing dementia versus symptoms of a mental illness. Through the evaluation process, individuals will engage in a balance of evaluative activities that may improve physical, social, emotional, spiritual, occupational, and cognitive focus areas. These evaluations are primarily based on Allen's Cognitive Model and The …

Children Impacted By Deployment: An Occupational Therapist's View, Lisa Mitteness, Angela Thielen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The number of children impacted by deployment is a growing area of concern for healthcare providers. This scholarly project explored the impact of deployment on families and children during the phases of deployment. An extensive review of literature revealed a lack of practice-related information for occupational therapists working with children impacted by deployment.

The project is an educational workshop addressing the affects of deployment on children and practice guidelines for occupational therapists. The occupational therapy model for practice utilized is the Person-Environment-Occupational Model; the family centered approach supports application of the model. The workshop topics include: (a) impacts of deployment, …

An International Service Learning Guide For Occupational Therapy Students And Clinicians, Alicai D. Bohrer, Emily A. Kringle

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop" -Mother Teresa

Increased diversity within the U.S. demands the education of occupational therapy clinicians who can deliver culturally responsive care. The number of immigrants to the U.S. is at an all-time high and the African-American and Hispanic populations are expected to double by mid-century (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). Occupational therapy students and entry-level clinicians have identified the need for more information, resources, and experience with people from different cultures (Murden et aI., 2008). Service …

The Differences In Levels Of Job Satisfaction Burnout And Self-Efficacy Between Correctional And Community Psychologists: The Effect Of Personality And Work Environment, Allison M. Herlickson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to expand on research regarding levels of job satisfaction, burnout, and counselor self-efficacy within the field of psychology and particularly among correctional and community psychologists; explore the differences between correctional and community psychologists specifically in relation to levels job satisfaction, burnout, and self-efficacy; and examine difference and/or similarities in work environments and personality traits of correctional psychologists and community psychologists. The instruments used to measure job satisfaction, burnout, counselor self-efficacy, work environment, and personality were the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Counselor Self-Estimate Inventory, Work Environment Scale-10, and the International Personality Item …

Rain Rhythms: Fall 2009 - Summer 2010, College Of Nursing & Professional Disciplines

RAIN Rhythms

No abstract provided.

Rain Rhythms: Spring 2009 - Summer 2009, College Of Nursing & Professional Disciplines

RAIN Rhythms

No abstract provided.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An In-Service And Guide On Education And Prevention, Derek Foss

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is common among supermarket employees with a high prevalence among supermarket cashiers. In a study by Davis et. aI., (2001) it was found that supermarkets had the highest number of workman's compensation claims regarding CTS in Massachusetts. Of 247 reported cases of CTS in supermarkets 80 involved cashiers. Supermarket cashiers show a 19-60% CTS prevalence rate (Bonfiglioli et aI. , 2007). No prevention guide designed for supermarket employees was found in the literature; this scholarly project addresses the need for prevention of CTS among supermarket employees.

An extensive literature review was conducted to understand the need …

A Cognitive Behavioral Approach To Occupational Therapy Hippothearpy [I.E.., Hippotherapy] For Children And Adolescents With Mood Disorders, Abby Heaton, Krista Tangen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents are increasingly being identified with mood disorders. A growing concern is that children and adolescents are not afforded a wide range of interventions to address the symptoms of mental illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been identified as a useful treatment method for mood disorders. Hippotherapy has also been utilized in the treatment of mental illness. A literature review was conducted to explore the therapeutic benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy and hippotherapy for children and adolescents diagnosed with mood disorders. Although CBT has been recognized as useful, CBT methods applied to hippotherapy in occupational therapy does not …

An Occupational Therapists' Guide To Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Kelsey Hewitt, Stephanie White

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare polyneuropathy that affects 2,720 people per year in the United States (NIH, The National Women’s Health Centre, 2004). Guillain-Barre syndrome has a rapid onset that causes the patient to lose sensation and muscle strength within 48-72 hours. This project provides a resource for occupational therapists treating Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) to access information regarding the etiology, incidence/prognosis, assessments, and course of medical treatment. The Occupational Adaptation model serves as a foundation for treatment of the product-a guide for occupational therapy intervention. Interventions are organized to be compatible with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (American Occupational …

At Options With Children With Autism, Melissa Stevens, Megan Neppl

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to information from the Center for Disease Control Prevention (2007) it is estimated that autism affects 1 in 150 births. The Autism Society of America (2007) reports that the prevalence of autism is expected to increase by 10-17 % per year. It has been shown through research that assistive technology can benefit or increase performance in children with autism spectrum disorder. It also can address performance areas limited in children with autism, such as communication, cognition, self-care, leisure, social/play, productivity, and sensorimotor (Reed, 2002). Assistive technology can aid these children in various contexts such as school, home, and play. …

Bridging Job Skills To The Future For Students With Disabilities, Trista Aaberg, Jessica Mcwilliams

Occupational Therapy Capstones

It is estimated that 83% of students, who received special education services, are unemployed following graduation (White & Weiner, 2004). The problem is that often there is no training program to assist the job coaches in the evaluation process to create a successful fit between the student and the job placement. The literature supports the creation of a protocol and training program to address the needs identified of the student.

This scholarly project focuses on the Natrona Country School District in Casper, Wyoming which has implemented the Kelly Walsh Work Study Program. A review of the program's needs assessment and …

A Protocol For Occupational Therapy Involvement In The Response To Intervention Model, Nicole Bolinger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In order to provide effective occupational therapy services to children within the school-based practice setting, it is important to be knowledgeable regarding the current theories and educational models which drive the educational system. Also, it is imperative that school-based occupational therapy practitioners understand the educational models and how they may impact the way occupational therapists deliver services. Chandler (2007) states, "an initiative is gathering momentum that has the potential to significantly change the way occupational therapists practice in the public school" (p. 7). Occupational therapy may have an opportunity to expand their services through a model called Response to Intervention. …

Vision Therapy Promotional Packet: Through The Eyes Of Traumatic Brain Injury/Acquired Brain Injury: An Informational Resource On The Role Of Ot, Sarah A. Cooper, Whitney Schilling

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"Very few in the health care professions, including head trauma rehabilitation centers, are adequately aware of visual problems resulting from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)/ Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and the visual-perception consequences. These visual deficits may lead to impaired functioning in the person's daily activities and roles because vision affects all other functions" (braininjuries.org, ~ 1). A few examples of activities of daily living (ADL's) and instrumental activities of daily living (lADL's) that may be impacted by visual deficits include but are not limited to: driving, eating, dressing, leisure participation (movies, reading, sports), and employment. "Unfortunately, this creates a gap …

A Reference Tool For Occupational Therapists To Utilize When Planning Occupation-Based Interventions Using Animal-Assisted Therapy, Jennifer L. Hamre, Kathryn E. Nagorka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a reference tool for occupational therapists to implement an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program utilizing small animals in preparatory, purposeful, and occupation-based interventions. A thorough literature review was completed using PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO, and OT Search to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current uses for small animals in a variety of settings. Cumulative resources included books, journal articles, editorials, magazines, and electronic organizational resources. Upon completion of a review of literature, we determined animals may be a beneficial modality and serve as an alternative mode of treatment to utilize with other …

Occupational Therapy For Client Empowerment In End-Of-Life Care, Emily Johnson, Sarah Landsem

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: To enable clients in end-of-life care (EOLC ) the opportunity to continue engaging in meaningful activities throughout their remaining days to increase QoL and experience a "good death."

Methods: To complete our Scholarly Project we conducted a literature review using PubMed, CINAHL, OTsearch, and AOTA publications search engines. We also conducted an informal information session with local hospice staff and from this information we chose model/theory to guide product development.

Results: Upon completion of the literature review, we found the following problems existed in regard to utilization of Occupational Therapy in end-of-life care setting; 1) hospice care team members …

Inservice For Individuals Working Or Caring For People With Low Vision, Tara Lee, Haylee Volesky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Throughout the United States, low vision affects more than 3 million Americans 40 years of age and older (Rosenberg & Sperazza, 2008). As the population continues to age, more individuals will be moving to some form of either assisted living care or long-term care, which will increase the number of individuals with visual impairment living in such situations and requiring appropriate services. An individual with low vision typically has a decreased ability to function in daily life with a considerable impact upon functional decline in performance (Haymes, Johnston, & Heyes, 2002; Horowitz, 1994). Difficulties occur in everyday activities such as …

Managing Dual Relationships In Rural Healthcare Settings: An Education Module For Occupational Therapists, Jennifer Maus, Caroline Olson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Dual relationships are a common challenge for health care providers serving a rural community. A dual relationship is when a therapist has a professional and a personal relationship with a client. Occupational therapists may be at greater risk for dual relationships because of the personal nature of their interventions. These relationships create ethical dilemmas between the patient and the therapist and impact the effectiveness ofthe delivery of therapy services. A literature review includes information on the following topics: issues of rural healthcare, occupational therapy in rural healthcare, dual/multiple relationships, and continuing education.

The project is a continuing educational course on …

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 …

Incorporating American Sign Language (Asl) Into Ot: A Clinician's Manual And Workshop, Kristin Pfeifer-Fylling

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to educate occupational therapists on American Sign Language (ASL) to enhance communication when working with Deaf individuals. Currently, in the United States, 12% of the population has trouble with their hearing, ranging from small auditory deficiencies to complete deafness. Many of these individuals communicate by using ASL which is now the 3rd most commonly used primary language in the United States (Barnett, 2002). In addition, Deaf individuals are found to have more difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) which may indicate more involvement with ~T. Because most healthcare workers OTs are not …

Fall Prevention Algorithm And Programs For Wyoming Medical Center, Janna Rone

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for people over the age of 65 (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Literature indicates that 30-40% of falls are preventable (Sjosten, Vaapia, & Kivela, 2008). The population for this scholarly project is people over the age of 65 who are admitted into Wyoming Medical Center (WMC). WMC is a 180 bed acute care hospital that services the medical needs of the residents of Casper, Wyoming and the surrounding area. Like many acute care hospitals around the country, WMC has a problem with the number of fall occurrences. This …

Custom-Made Helmet Fabrication For Occupational Therapists Treating Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury, Megan Schill, Michael Shae

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Soldiers within the Veteran's Administration who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) were the focus of this project. Reports showed a growing number of soldiers have returned from Iraq with head injuries, including cranial and brain defects (Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, 2007). Symptoms individuals with TBI commonly exhibit include dizziness, balance problems, sleep problems, excessive fatigue, headaches, and difficulties with cognitive processes. Other symptoms associated with a TBI are blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and bad tastes in the mouth (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2007). The purpose of this project was to develop …