Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Measuring Outcomes For Pediatric Mcimt: A Systematic Review, Alison Sheehan

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the most appropriate outcome measures for two groups of children ages 4-7, 8-12 (younger and older) with upper extremity hemiparesis resulting from various diagnoses participating in a three week modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) camp. A literature review was conducted to identify outcome measures used to assess mCIMT. Outcome measures were included in the review if they were standardized and appeared in at least two studies. A total of 15 outcome measures were included in the review and categorized into three groups, Areas of Occupation, Performance Skills, and Body Function, based …

Nourishing The Whole Person: A Systematic Review Of The Effect Of The Therapeutic Alliance On Therapeutic Outcomes For Patients With Anorexia Nervosa, Samantha Ordos

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of the therapeutic alliance on treatment participation and treatment outcomes for adolescents and adults with anorexia. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Results indicated that a positive therapeutic alliance is perceived by patients to be an important component of treatment in itself and a positive motivational force. The therapeutic alliance between the clinician and the family of a patient may also be predictive of patient outcomes. Occupational therapists are well-positioned to form strong therapeutic alliances in occupation-based interventions with this treatment-resistant population.

Life Experiences Of A Child With Challenges In Sensory Processing And Integration: A Case Study, Andrea Johnson

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Children have occupations they need to perform in order to learn, grow, and develop. Challenges in processing and integrating sensory information can impair their capacities . for occupational participation and engagement. Sensory integration interventions have been promoted as able to help children improve their abilities to use sensory information for function as well as provide strategies for self-regulation. Much of the research on the efficacy of sensory integration interventions is experimental and descriptive, and largely inconsistent. Qualitative methodologies have not been widely used to examine the approach or to investigate the first-person experiences of the children who participate in sensory …

Rok And Rac Mediation Of Prl-1 Function In The Wings Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Rosemary Dinkins

Honors Program Theses

By the time a cancer metastasizes it has reached its most deadly stage. It therefore is essential that the underpinning mechanisms promoting metastasis are understood. Phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRL) have been repeatedly connected to cancer metastasis when overexpressed. However, little is yet known about the normal PRL function and biological pathways let alone the PRL pathway promoting metastasis. The current study explores the relationship between PRL-1 and two other genes, ROK and Rac,that have also been implicated in cell migration and metastasis. Increased PRL-1 function in conjunction with increased or decreased Rac function was forced to the dorsal half …

The Educational Transition Resource Guide For Parents Of Middle School Students With Disabilities, Yoshiko Lindemeier

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of K -12 education for students with disabilities is to prepare them for the transition to a meaningful adult life. As students transition from school to adult life, they need to develop social interaction and communication skills that support community participation. Adolescents with disabilities may require extra time to prepare for changes in life when compared to students with typical development. One study indicated that, for students with disabilities, starting transition planning in middle school can be beneficial and lead to better outcomes (Lee et al., 2011 ). There is a plethora of resources available on the internet …

Dogs As An Intervention For Behavioral Symptoms Of Older Adults With Dementia: A Systematic Review, Katie E. Mclellan

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine if dogs are an effective occupational therapy intervention for reducing agitation and increasing social participation among older adults with symptoms of dementia by examining and rating the current published evidence. Studies were included if a dog was the primary intervention, and participants were at least 65 years of age with a diagnosis of dementia. Eleven studies were identified that met inclusion criteria. A majority of those studies found that the use of a dog reduced agitated behaviors and promoted social participation in older adults with dementia. While the variability in the …

On-Campus Student Occupational Therapy Clinic’S Impact On Client’S Participation And Quality Of Life, Margaret Mcgarry

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of occupational therapy at an on-campus student clinic on clients’ activity participation and quality of life, as measured by the Activity Card Sort (ACS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF measure (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were collected on 6 participants for the ACS, and 8 participants for the WHOQOL-BREF, at the beginning and end of a 10-week, 20-session treatment program. Pretest and posttest scores for the ACS current activity participation and WHOQOL-BREF Social Relationship Domain and Satisfaction with Life were statistically significant (p < .05). Physical Health, Psychological Health, and …

Effectiveness Of Low Electrical Sensory Stimulation From Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens) In Promoting Upper Extremity Functionality Of Two Individuals Post-Stroke, Shu-Min Lin

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of low sensory electrical stimulation provided by a TENS unit on improving hand functionality in the treatment of patients post-stroke. An A-B-A single-subject design was used and two subjects participated in this study; one was a 70-year-old female who was 6 years post-stroke and one was a 63-year-old male 2 years post-stroke. For participant 1, there was no significant change in active extension of the first three digits but significant improvement in little finger active extension was shown when the intervention was introduced. The large light object subtest from the …

Client Adherence To Discharge Recommendations From A Campus Occupational Therapy Student Clinic, Nancy Fuller

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Eighteen adults with chronic medical conditions who participated in a university occupational therapy clinic were surveyed about adherence to home program discharge recommendations. Adherence rates for discharge recommendations that were occupation-based or purposeful activities were compared to preparatory activities, including rote exercise. Reported adherence rates were not statistically different. The study also examined barriers and supports that impacted adherence. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between age and adherence to preparatory activity recommendations and between the number of discharge recommendations and adherence to preparatory activities. In order to achieve better adherence, and therefore improve outcomes, occupational therapists should carefully consider …

Secondary Lymphedema Due To Breast Cancer: A Look At The Quality Of Life And Psychosocial Treatment Approaches Used By Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Hannah Baldwin

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

This study examined the degree to which occupational therapy practitioners address psychosocial and quality of life (QOL) sequelae in adult clients with lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment. An original survey was sent to 268 practitioners who were listed on the open source contact list on the website of the Lymphology Association of North America. When promoting QOL, respondents indicated that inquiry was the most frequently used assessment and therapeutic exercise was the most commonly reported therapeutic activity. When assessing for psychosocial well-being practitioners reported most commonly using interview, with conversation the most frequently reported therapeutic activity. For both QOL …

Spiritual History Assessment And Occupational Therapy: Students Using The Fica©, Patricia Kelso-Wright

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of spiritual history assessment and/or the experience of administering the FICA© with an adult client in an on-campus clinic. A retrospective survey was completed by 13 second year occupational therapy students enrolled in a clinic class. Of the 13 respondents, ten were able to implement the FICA©. Data collection included: demographic information; Likert scaled questions; and open and close-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed and the results indicated an increase in respondents’ confidence in administering a spiritual history assessment and discussing a client’s spiritual history. Seven of ten respondents noted …

Use Of Dance As A Medium For Providing An Active Leisure Option For Adults With Developmental Disabilities At L'Arche Tahoma Hope, Sarah Klemme

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Obesity and reduced active leisure involvement are prevalent problems among core members with developmental disabilities living at L’Arche Tahoma Hope. As a result, core members may be less likely to participate in meaningful activities. Due to a variety of factors, L’Arche experienced difficulty with ways to increase everyday active leisure. A dance DVD and accompanying manual were created to help ameliorate the prevalence of obesity among core members and provide a fun, active leisure option. The content of the dance DVD includes: warm-up, stretching, dance routines with strengthening and aerobic components as well as a cool-down. L’Arche will be able …

Cooking After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cookbook For Seattle Brainworks, Kelly Danielson

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this project was to create a cookbook for the members of Seattle Brainworks so they may participate in cooking activities with various adaptations and modifications. Seattle Brainworks is a pilot clubhouse program in the state of Washington that provides a structured workday, where the members participate in meal planning, cooking, grocery shopping and financial planning.

The desired outcome of this project was for members of Seattle Brainworks to have a tool that enables them to participate in cooking in the clubhouse, as well as resources they may use to apply cooking strategies at home. The cookbook …

Educational Class Series For The University Of Puget Sound Pediatric On-Site Clinic, Vicki Parsons

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this project was to provide an educational class series for parents of children with disabilities whose children attend occupational therapy at the University of Puget Sound On-site Pediatric Clinic. The educational class series provided parents of children with disabilities a resource on the role of occupational therapy in pediatric practice, occupational therapy evaluation, and strategies to help their child be successful at home. A resource manual was provided to the clinic coordinator at the University of Puget Sound On-site Pediatric Clinic that contains the procedure, the content, and the materials used during the educational class series.

Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Service Dogs: Aiding Veterans To Re-Engage In Daily Life, Katrena M. Heagwood

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

An educational manual was created to provide increased knowledge and functional benefit of use of a service dog for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This manual was designed for the All American Dogs Foundation to use in conjunction with the training manual provided by All American Dogs Foundation for the service dogs. It has been designed to help veterans identify potential ways service dogs can improve overall quality of life. The manual provides veterans with the knowledge to advocate for themselves and their service dog. There are five sections provided in this manual to educate on ways to promote healing …

Facilitating Rest For Victims Of Sex Trafficking At Genesis Project Safe House, Julie Snider

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Anxiety management techniques are commonly used by occupational therapists in mental health settings to help reduce symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and facilitate participation in meaningful occupations. With a growing number of human trafficking victims in Washington state, local non-profit organizations have begun to team with health professionals and law enforcement to become involved in their rescue and reintegration. This is a current emerging practice area for occupational therapists. A “relaxation” kit and accompanying manual were created to assist staff at Genesis Project Safe-house of South King County in providing relaxing activities that facilitate participation in rest for trafficked …

Building Success From Struggle: An Activities Manual For Homeless Youth, Megan Eidenshink

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this project was to create an educational life skills program for the Rescue Mission of Tacoma’s Youth After School Program. This life skills program is designed for use by the Program Directors. It includes structured activities for working with homeless youth in order to provide them with the necessary knowledge and tools to improve leisure engagement, healthy coping, and vital activities of daily living skills in the hopes of easing community reintegration and preventing future homelessness. Research trends show that youth homelessness is on the rise nationwide, and that programs serving youth are having difficulty meeting this …

Gaming Systems And Geriatrics: A Guide For The Use And Identification Of Gaming Systems And Games Within Occupational Therapy Interventions, Luis Rodriguez-Santos

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Participation in meaningful activities is an important aspect of occupational therapy interventions in geriatric settings. As people age, they are confronted with decreased physical and mental capabilities and an increased susceptibility to disease that limits functional independence. Incorporating opportunities for physical, cognitive, and social activity into interventions will help older adults improve their quality of life. Gaming systems such as the Nintendo Wii^TM, Xbox Kinect^TM, or the Omni VR^TM provide occupational therapists with a modality that addresses client factors in a way that combines physical, cognitive, and social factors while also being meaningful and fun. …

Educational Website For Village Volunteers, Kara Mcclanahan

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The majority of older adults prefer to stay in their own homes and “age in place.” But older adults report they need assistance with chores, transportation, and social participation to increase their quality of life, safety, and success in performing daily activities. Supportive programs may provide adults with these opportunities to continue to live in their homes successfully. The purpose of this project is to provide an educational website for volunteers of North East Seattle Together (NEST), which is a community-based village providing older adults with volunteer assistance, educational programs, and social resources. This website serves as a tool where …

The Experiences And Treatment Of Veterans Living With Ptsd, Wendy Schonwetter

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this project was to create better access to an existing online community resource guide, and produce supplemental materials highlighting coping strategies, to enable counselors at the Tacoma Vet Center (TVC) to educate their clients, (veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]) about resources and strategies that would empower them to participate fully in all areas of occupation and to increase their quality of life. This project included a document with hyperlinks to online saved searches, an instruction manual for navigating and customizing the saved searches, and a workbook of information, activities and strategies for clients to utilize. The …

Refugee Resettlement Through The Lens Of Occupational Therapy, Emily Lunden

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Displaced from their homeland and housed in camps around the world, refugees live in hope of resettlement into a place of stability and peace. Although resettlement offers stability, it also creates a condition of occupational deprivation as a refugee steps from their culture into another. Occupational therapy recognizes that engagement in meaningful activities is paramount to sustaining health and well-being, and assists individuals in overcoming hurdles which prevent them from engaging in those activities. This project was created to provide resources for caseworkers and volunteers at World Relief to assist in the process of integrating recently resettled refugees into the …

Healing Spaces: Gardening Activities For Stress-Reduction, Leslie Dietz

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The therapeutic benefits of peaceful garden environments have been understood since ancient times. As healthcare professionals begin to recognize the benefits of using the natural environment and plants as a therapy modality, Horticultural Therapyis emerging in many hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities around the country. The purpose of this project was to create a resource manual for use in a group home for people living with HIV/AIDS and comorbid mental illness. The manual, which will be used by volunteer “CareTeams” working in the home, offers ideas on creating a healing space for the residents, as well as therapeutic …

Body Mechanics, Adaptive Gardening Tools, And Physical Benefits Of Gardening, Josh Flake

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this project was to provide an educational website where members of the Proctor Community Garden Program (PCGP) could learn about the physical benefits of gardening, proper body mechanics principles, and adaptive tools to use in gardening with the goal of preventing bodily injury. A website was used in one of two parts of an in-service; the first part consisted of educating PCGP members about the physical benefits of gardening, proper body mechanics principles, and adaptive gardening tools. During the second part of the in-service the PCGP members physically practiced what was learned in the first part of …

Occupational Therapy Practice Opportunities When Working With Mothers With Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study, Katie Tam

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to identify current and ideal occupational therapy practice for mothers with breast cancer, from the perspective of the occupational therapist, in order to describe strategies for effective occupational therapy practice with this population. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze two interviews from occupational therapists working with mothers with breast cancer. Three themes emerged from the interviews, identifying effective treatment strategies: giving a voice, preventing loss of motherhood, and collaborating with multiple disciplines. These themes identified opportunities for occupational therapists to maintain the occupational performance and feelings of success in mothers with breast …

How To Implement And Maintain An Exceptional Evening Out Program For Children With Disabilities And Their Caregivers, Devon Gere

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Families of children with disabilities report a need for opportunities to attend to leisure interests and other responsibilities free from their children. Therefore the Exceptional Evening Out Program was developed and implemented at a local YMCA. The purpose of this program was to provide parents/caregivers with an evening out while simultaneously providing the children with disabilities an opportunity to practice and reinforce key developmental skills. The pilot Exceptional Evening Out Programs occurred monthly over 6 months and were staffed with volunteer occupational and physical therapy students as well as YMCA staff members. Activities were set up that focused on gross …

Aging In Place For Families: A Website Designed To Encourage Adult Children To Help Their Parents Age In Place, Leacadia Flores

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Aging in place focuses on remaining safely and independently in the home and community and has emerged as a goal for many older adults. With the population of baby boomers entering old age, it is important for communities to take into account the overall needs of older adults seeking to age in place. Family members, as part of this community, have an important role as well. This project created a website to educate adult children of independently living older adults, who live at a distance, on the importance of aging in place and how to help their parents remain within …

Universally Designed Playgrounds: An Outdoor Play Place For All, Mary Emmett

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

A fundamental part of a child’s development is the ability to participate in physical, social, and emotional play. However, play can be limited for children with certain disabilities because of environmental barriers, especially on the playground. This project provided an educational manual for the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd building committee and church council which will enable them to learn about, appreciate and implement universal design principles when creating a playground that meets the needs of all children, including those with disabilities affected by environmental barriers. The manual provides information about the impact of mental and physical disabilities on …

Creating A Virtual Village For Faculty Emeriti: A Proposal For The University Of Puget Sound, Alisha Brannam

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

This project provided the University of Puget Sound Administration with a proposal for developing a Virtual Village for Puget Sound’s Faculty Emeriti. A Virtual Village may aid the University’s Faculty Emeriti by giving them the necessary supports to stay in their homes. The proposal included 11 sections: Introduction, age-related changes and their impact on function, importance of social participation on the aging senior, an overview of virtual villages, the need for a virtual village at Puget Sound, the design of a virtual village at Puget Sound, volunteer requirements and duties, sustainability of the Village, additional resources, glossary and references. This …

Occupational Therapist Practices Regarding Cognitive Deficits In Mild Acquired Brain Injury, Kristina Babbitt

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

This study examined occupational therapists’ current knowledge and practices in cognitive rehabilitation for adults with mild acquired brain injury (mABI). A survey was sent to 250 occupational therapists with questions that addressed assessment, treatment, and discharge planning for this population. Fifty-seven therapists (22.8%) returned the survey and met inclusion criteria. The Mini-Mental State Examination was the most well-known and used assessment overall and the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and Executive Function Performance Test were the most well-known and used occupationally based assessments. Therapists cited availability of an assessment as the main reason for use and lack of knowledge …

Competent And Confident: An Occupational Therapist Perspective On Sexual Health, Bridget Tanner

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, from the perspective of an occupational therapist, what experiences or education created competent health professionals with regard to addressing sexual health concerns and to gather suggestions on how to increase the confidence of therapists about sexual health in the profession as a whole. A qualitative design with a semi-structured interview was used to gather data from two therapists with extensive experience addressing sexual health for people with physical disabilities. Data from the interviews revealed four major categories with subthemes. (1) ‘Why Address Sexual Health?’: Just Part of OT’s Job!, Enhancing Quality of …