Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Use Of Occupational Therapy Services In Outpatient Mental Health, Kelsey A. Wasik, Matt T. Valois, Kaylee M. Essenberg, Kelcie P. Beck

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is aimed to explore the structure and utilization details of occupational therapy in outpatient behavioral health settings. Two occupational therapists participated in qualitative phenomenological interviews which were transcribed and analyzed using the thematic approach. A total of two themes emerged: billing and coverage, and education and advocacy. Participants identified there are necessary factors for reimbursement of services, in addition to the need for education and advocacy for occupational therapists to practice in outpatient behavioral health settings. Future research should be aimed at recruiting more participants, occupational therapists, and from other roles in these clinics such …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived-Experiences Of Families Transitioning To Permanent Housing, Ellie Olsen, Samantha Ruhe, Ellen Brown, Courtney Zanni

Masters Theses

There is limited support and resources available for homeless individuals, resulting in limited opportunities to engage in meaningful occupations, therefore decreasing these individual's overall sense of well-being, social interactions, and health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact family-centered interventions have on the lived experiences of families as they transition to permanent housing. The Occupational Self-Assessment (OSA) was used to determine important areas of occupation and was used to develop three intervention sessions. Case study methods were used and data was collected during the final interview session. Two main themes were identified: “Empowerment” and “Resolution.” This …

Adult Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome: Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Current State Of Practice, Megan Eisses, Megan Hicks, Megan Mitchell, Sabrina Vanderklipp

Masters Theses

BACKGROUND: Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) is a complex diagnosis involving symptoms that affect nearly all domains of occupational therapy (OT) for adults. Currently, there is a lack of clarity in PPCS symptoms and diagnosis criteria, as well as little research reflecting the best practice patterns of OT practitioners treating adults with PPCS. This study’s primary purpose was to conduct a survey to understand OT practitioners’ current state of practice for adult patients with PPCS, as well as their current knowledge of PPCS.

METHOD: This research project involves a cross-sectional design, mixed methods, 23-question survey that was distributed to OT practitioners …

Investigating Student Approaches To Learning With Structured Or Unstructured Client Collaboration, Cara E. Masselink

Masters Theses

As a profession, occupational therapists pride themselves on providing client-centered treatment. It is hypothesized that increased structured client collaboration as well as incorporating reflective journaling in the fieldwork setting (to meet the students at their level of learning) will improve student's critical thinking skills, and encourage them to seek deeper learning techniques to ensure they are providing 'best practice' occupational therapy for the client and his/her family. In this pilot study, the learning approaches of students in two existing University-based clinic programs were measured over the course of one semester. The treatment group was required to participate in structured, intentional …

A Study Of The Effect Of Splinting On Pain During Tip Pinch For Osteoarthritis Of The First Carpometacarpal Joint, Leana Tank

Masters Theses

The following research project focused on the effect of a prefabricated neoprene first carpometacarpal splint on osteoarthritis pain with tip-pinch, strength measurements of tip-pinch and functional performance. The following questions were explored throughout this study:

1. There will be a significant decrease in mean pain levels when the subject’s hand is splinted as compared to mean pain levels when the hand is not splinted.

2. There will be a significant decrease in mean pain levels for the second session as compared to the first.

3. There will be a significant increase in mean tip pinch strength measurements when the subject’s …

Factors Affecting Occupational Therapists’ Decisions To Join Their State Association, Shawn Thomas Ross

Masters Theses

The following research focused on the factors affecting occupational therapists’ decisions to join, withdraw from, or never join their state association. Data was collected using a mixed methods design consisting of a survey that included quantitative questions and a qualitative question. The survey was sent to 1,908 occupational therapists in Michigan and 497 (26%) were returned and usable. Occupational therapists consistently reported dissatisfaction with their state association. Three themes developed regarding reasons occupational therapists’ decisions about membership: prioritization, interpersonal and group communication, and benefits. State and national association memberships were found to be associated. The greatest predictor of membership was …

A Narrative Study: Exploration Of Arts And Crafts As Meaningful Productivity In A Middle-Old Adult Who Resides In An Independent Living Facility, Sara E. Thornburg

Masters Theses

This qualitative study explored the meaningfulness of engagement in arts and crafts in one older adult who resides in an independent living facility. A narrative approach was used and one participant was purposefully selected for the study. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured interviews. Additional data sources included the participant’s book of memories, artifacts, and photos. Analysis consisted of thorough readings of the data and the development of a chronology from the participant’s stories and hook of memories. Participant feedback and peer debriefing was elicited in order to insure validity of the researcher’s findings. Consistent with narrative research, …

Using Art In Occupational Therapy With People Who Have Cancer: A Qualitative Case Study, Jennifer R. Dochod

Masters Theses

OBJECTIVE. To explore the role of art, with a small group of people who have cancer, as a means provide distraction from pain, to help express feelings, and to assist in making connections with others.

METHOD. Using a randomized sample from Gilda’s Club, a support center for those with cancer, in-house social workers recruited two participants to take part in a small group case study conducted by a master’s level occupational therapy student.

RESULTS. Two participants enrolled in the art class conducted by the researcher. Predetermined questions gathered through participant interviews and class discussions provided the data. Although the participant …

Occupations, Habits And Routines: A Case Study Of An African-American Woman, Michelle Leigh Velting

Masters Theses

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. African-American women make up a large portion of the obese population in the United States, however, the treatment techniques available have had limited success with this group. Although many health professionals are involved with the treatment of obesity, literature involving the value of occupational therapy with this population is limited. This mixed-methods case study identified the daily occupations, habits, and routines of a middle-class obese African-American woman. The participant was selected via a health care professional in the area of Grand Rapids, MI. The Occupational Questionnaire (OQ), Model of Human Occupation …

Development Of A Needs Assessment For Youth Violence Prevention Programs In A Large Midwestern City, Laura Lynn Savel

Masters Theses

This research project was designed to examine the relationship between the needs for violence prevention programs and the qualities of occupational therapists. A needs assessment relevant to violence prevention program could not be located. One was therefore created based on the literature available as well as professional input. A pilot study was conducted, revisions were made and the needs assessment was distributed when approval was granted. The assessment was distributed to elementary, middle and high school principals, assistant principals, occupational therapists, guidance counselors/psychologists, and support staff from two western Michigan school systems. A model program was created based on the …

Long-Arm Splinting For Lateral Epicondylitis: A Case Study, Crystal Wolters

Masters Theses

Lateral epicondylitis is a debilitating condition that has a significantly negative effect on the occupational lives of many people. There appears to be no recognized ideal treatment method for the condition. Long-arm splinting for lateral epicondylitis has not been addressed in the literature. A case study was used to thoroughly describe one participant’s experience with long-arm splinting to treat her lateral epicondylitis. She was interviewed, observed, and measurements were taken of her affected arm’s range of motion and strength. The seven themes which were identified through these methods include a description of how her lateral epicondylitis developed, her description of …

Entry Level Therapists’ Perceived Readiness To Prescribe Low-Technology Adaptive Equipment To Geriatric Populations, Russell Wood

Masters Theses

In this research entry-level therapists' were questioned about their readiness to prescribe low-technology adaptive equipment to geriatric populations. The analysis of 33 returned questionnaires have been discussed, with the overall results indicating that experience, familiarity, and education of specific equipment are all significantly related to the confidence levels of entry-level therapists in prescribing those equipment.

Additionally, the results of specific analysis for the groups of equipment, namely dressing, bathing and toileting were entertained. Open ended questions regarding equipment usage, follow up and trends are also discussed. Finally prediction equations are shared resulting from statistical analysis.

Efficacy Of Therapeutic Listening Intervention On Auditory Processing/Attention In Children Ages 3-11, Casey James Pawell

Masters Theses

A study was conducted to determine the effect Therapeutic Listening® intervention has on auditory attention in children when used in conjunction with sensory integration therapy. Single subject experimentation took place with three participants over a ten week period of time. Pre-test and post-test results on standardized tests were compared as well as graphical representation of change during the intervention phase of this study to determine effect. Positive intervention results were concluded when graphical and test changes were compared. Therapeutic Listening® has noted positive change in auditory attention and completion of verbal tasks in children between the ages of 3 and …

The Effectiveness Of Aquatic Therapy With Persons Who Have Experienced A Cerebral Vascular Accident, Heather L. Tweedie

Masters Theses

This study examined the effectiveness of using aquatic therapy (AT) as a technique in the treatment of cerebral vascular accidents (CVA). The unique properties of the aquatic environment were manipulated to determine change in range of motion, muscle tone, balance, functional ambulation, and psychological functioning particularly social relationship and positive and negative feelings.

A single subject design was conducted using two subjects that participated in a twelve week aquatic therapy program. Aquatic therapy showed to be effective in treating common symptoms of a CVA. More research needs to be completed to ensure the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in congruency with …

Caregivers’ Perceptions Of Accessibility And Quality Of Services In The Community For Children With Mental Health Diagnoses: A Pilot Survey, Karin E. Brems

Masters Theses

This pilot study was intended to explore caregivers' perceptions of the mental health services available in the community for children with mental health diagnoses. A study-specific survey was developed to look at demographic characteristics, service accessibility, and service quality. This survey was distributed to caregivers through Michigan support groups. Returned surveys were analyzed for themes that could assist in the development of further research to improve community services for children with mental health diagnoses.

This pilot study yielded rich qualitative data. Upon review and analysis, five themes emerged: (1) bureaucratic hassles and getting the runaround, (2) closed doors, (3) support …

The Effects Of Brain Gym® Activities On Second-Grade Students' Academic Performance And Handwriting Skills, Kristen Keinath

Masters Theses

Objective: The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effects of Brain Gym® activities on second-grand students' academic performance and handwriting skills.

Method: Results were obtained by administering the Test of Handwriting Skills (THS) to two classrooms in a Northern Michigan Elementary School and having both teachers complete a self-developed Academic Performance Form on each student participating in the study. The data from was analyzed using a t-test for the THS and mean scores for the self-developed Academic Performance Form.

Results: Findings suggest a significant difference (p < .05) in the number of letters produced in 20 seconds and spacing of letters. Non-standardized testing showed a decrease in attention to task scores between pre- and post-testing.

Conclusion: Brain Gym® activities were shown to positively effect handwriting …

Survey Of Current Occupational Therapist Practice In The Emerging Field Of Home Modification And Barrier Free Design, Christian Michael Petrovich

Masters Theses

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a national survey of occupational therapists to ascertain what current trends are taking place in the field of home modification and barrier-free design and to examine how occupational therapists view their role in the practice of home modification and barrier free design.

METHODS

A 16-question survey was developed and included two hundred and fifty US licensed and or registered occupational therapists randomly selected from the AOTA membership listing.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of occupational therapy in the emerging practice of home modification and barrier -free design is regarded as important by occupational therapists in the United States. Many …

A Closer Look At Development Of Self-Awareness And Compensatory Strategy Use In Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury, Melissa A. Byrne

Masters Theses

My study investigates the development of self-awareness and use of compensatory strategies in eight adults with traumatic brain injuries using the Awareness Questionnaire (AQ) and three additional questions of descriptive nature. This study also examines whether or not the severity of brain injury (mild, moderate, severe) impacts the development of self-awareness. In addition, the spouses' perceptions of client awareness are compared to the relatives' to determine existence of potential variance.

Results indicate that while there is no significant difference in self-awareness_ between the mild and moderate groups, the severe group significantly varies from both the mild and moderate groups. Also, …

The Effectiveness Of Personal Data Assistants In Improving Daily Function Of Adults With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Connie Lee Budiwarman

Masters Theses

This study evaluated the effectiveness of using Personal Data Assistants to help with memory and/or organizational difficulties with adult patients who had survived mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Utilizing an AB single subject design method with a training period, one subject ultimately completed the study. The study demonstrated mixed results. Through the use of daily record sheets, the subject reported improvement in three areas of daily function but reported negative improvement in three areas of daily function. This study suggests, but does not completely support, the potential use of Personal Data Assistants with patients with Traumatic Brain Injury.

Visual-Motor Integration Skills Impact On Handwriting, Amber M. Kapnick

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a visual-motor integration intervention improved handwriting legibility and visual-motor integration in first grade students as measured by the Minnesota Handwriting Test (MHT) and the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI). Intervention was based on sensory-motor learning theories. Sixty-six children from four first grade classrooms in a suburban elementary school were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control condition. The intervention group received eight weeks of visual-motor integration training twice a week for 30 minute sessions. The control group received regular academic instruction. All children were tested on the Minnesota Handwriting …

The Understanding And Utilization Of Occupational Therapy Services By Medical Doctors In Acute Hospital Settings, Naina Jamani

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine what medical doctors working in the Canadian healthcare system know about occupational therapy, and if this understanding of occupational therapy is deemed valuable by the rate of referrals generated by these practitioners. This study will examine the relationship between physician's knowledge level and referrals to occupational therapy. The study instrument was a survey that consisted of eight questions, seven multiple choice and one open-ended response. The study took approximately five minutes to complete. A total of forty surveys were distributed at three different acute hospital settings. A total of fourteen or thirty-five …

Occupational Therapy Job Satisfaction In The Geriatric Setting, Dawn Doctor

Masters Theses

This study examined the level of job satisfaction among occupational therapists working in the geriatric setting in the state of Michigan. The purpose of this study was to determine if burnout exists among occupational therapists working in a geriatric setting. Questionnaires from 29 therapists who work in a·geriatric setting were analyzed. The majority of the respondents reveled they are not burned out, but do report at least one sign of stress within their job. The most common forms of stress were treating difficult diagnoses, excessive paperwork, excessive caseload, increased productivity expectations, the lack of respect for occupational therapy, and the …

Understanding Occupational Therapy: Medical Doctors And Doctors Of Osteopath’S Knowledge About Occupational Therapy In An Acute Care Hospital, Shereen A. Metwalli

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to discover whether medical doctors (MD) and doctors of osteopath (DO) at two large hospitals in the Midwest have adequate knowledge about the roles and functions of occupational therapy, its services and benefits to patients and its implications on interdisciplinary team success. Increasing the knowledge in these three areas could influence occupational therapy referral rates and, as a result, impact the quality of patient care. This study used a descriptive survey to collect data from 55 physicians. Respondents acquired their knowledge of occupational therapy through secondary sources within informal sources of information. A statistically …

Response To Craniosacral Therapy In An Infant With Plagiocephaly, Amy Taylor Johnson

Masters Theses

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of utilizing craniosacral therapy (CST) techniques to influence head symmetry and motor skill development of an infant with plagiocephaly. The study is an ex post facto single case study, analyzing the results of data from previously conducted intervention utilizing a craniosacral therapy approach.

Method

The infant in this case study received gentle hands on treatment using the cranium and sacrum to influence the membrane system that encloses the cerebrospinal fluid. Developmental positioning, myofascial release, and sensorimotor techniques were incorporated. The student investigator treated the infant 8 times over a …

Bridging Oceans: An Occupational Therapist's Journey Toward Client-Centeredness, Anna Liedberg Miron

Masters Theses

This study blends an autobiographical approach with a person's own narrative about her recovery experience to create an analytic framework for exploring how narratives of clients and practitioners can be used to inform occupational therapy practice. Beth and I shared 12 hours of audio-taped conversations about her recovery/rehabilitation experience one year after she had experienced a stroke. Beth was intimately involved in the process of editing her story during the research process. Narrative analysis that takes into account the flow of time was used in addition to identification of key stories that Beth felt were important in her recovery-process. Congruence …

Investigation Of Parental/Caregiver Concerns Of Children With Spasticity, Lynda Johnson-Cross

Masters Theses

Although there is capacious documentation on the concerns associated with parenting/care giving the disabled child, the concerns of parents/caregiver of children with the specific condition of spasticity is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to begin to determine the concerns of parents/caregivers of children with spasticity as they specifically relate to care giving. An extensive qualitative based survey interview was utilized to gather information from three informants. Analysis revealed clusters of concerns in the Nature of Caregiving, Spasticity Encounters, and Parental/Caregiver Comments.

Effect Of Proprioceptive Input Combined With “Handwriting Without Tears” On The Handwriting Of Children With Learning Disabilities, Jodie M. Guy

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of"Handwriting Without Tears" on students' handwriting, and to explore if providing proprioceptive input before implementing "Handwriting Without Tears" has an effect on the legibility and accuracy of handwriting. Three first-grade and three second-grade students who received direct occupational therapy services were divided into two treatment groups. Those students in treatment group A received a combination of proprioceptive input and the "Handwriting Without Tears" program during their treatment session. Those students in treatment group B received only the "Handwriting Without Tears" program. Each student completed the Minnesota Handwriting Test (MHT) before …

Evaluation Of The Systems Theory Based Interdisciplinary Patient Safety Practice Guideline On Restraint Reduction And Fall Prevention, Steven D. Eberth

Masters Theses

Patient safety remains one of the most profoundly complex and important issues in healthcare systems especially regarding the use of restraint and the prevention of falls. Current topic guidelines suggest a "systems approach." These guidelines, however, oriented toward solution application using analytical problem-based approach. The development of this practice guideline was in response to a desire for theory-based practice that could guide outcomes. This practice guideline transforms systems theory into a guide for use by a leader/manager and a tool for the practitioner to rethink patient safety in a more holistic manner. This study was conducted in critical care, older …

The Influence Of Occupational Therapists' Worldview On Clinical Reasoning And Action: A Qualitative Study, Matthew P. Mekkes

Masters Theses

This qualitative study examines the influence of occupational therapists’ worldview on clinical reasoning and action. Recent clinical reasoning research has determined that this complex and multi-faceted process is more than applied theory. Some scholars in occupational therapy have identified intrapersonal factors as influencing clinical reasoning. However, the nature and role of the intrapersonal factors in clinical reasoning remains unclear. To increase understanding of this phenomenon, semi-structured interviews were conducted with expert therapists. Results suggest that a therapist’s worldview, specifically related to beliefs about human nature does affect the way they envision and enact the occupational therapy process. This influence is …

The Development Of Occupational Therapy In Kenya, Mindy C. Owens

Masters Theses

Occupational therapy is a profession that is growing throughout the world. Kenya is one country in which occupational therapy is fairly well established. The purpose of this study was to document how occupational therapy has evolved over recent years. A major focus of this study was to identify the educational levels of occupational therapists in Kenya, types of practice settings, prominent diagnoses of patients treated, utilization of rehabilitation services, current trends and practice in occupational therapy, and acquisition, use, and maintenance of adaptive equipment.

The Development of Occupational Therapy in Kenya survey was sent to 28 practicing occupational therapists in …