Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Creation Of Preschool Evaluation For Children Experiencing Sensory Processing Disorders, Mary Vestal

Honors Theses

For our thesis project, we partnered with Dr. Michelle Suarez, the co-director of the Resiliency Center at Western Michigan University. When we first met with her, she informed us about the high rates of expulsion for Kalamazoo preschool students with various regulation challenges relating to sensory processing disorders, regulation, autism, and trauma. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, preschool students are expelled at three times the rate of children in K-12 (2022). Additionally, according to the Equal Justice Society, 250 preschool children get suspended or expelled each day nationwide (2021). The article continues to …

Creation Of Preschool Evaluation For Children Experiencing Sensory Processing Disorders, Brittney Tuck

Honors Theses

For our thesis project, we partnered with Dr. Michelle Suarez, the co-director of the Resiliency Center at Western Michigan University. When we first met with her, she informed us about the high rates of expulsion for Kalamazoo preschool students with various regulation challenges relating to sensory processing disorders, regulation, autism, and trauma. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, preschool students are expelled at three times the rate of children in K-12 (2022). Additionally, according to the Equal Justice Society, 250 preschool children get suspended or expelled each day nationwide (2021). The article continues to …

Case Study - The Outcomes Of Occupational Therapy For An Autistic Teen, Molly Boyle

Honors Theses

This study sought to understand the outcomes of occupational therapy through interviews of a person with autism spectrum disorder (defined below), their family, and an occupational therapist. By interviewing each of these people, this study aimed to examine the impact of occupational therapy on the autonomy and independence of a young adult with autism and his family.

Asecret Charting And Sensory Processing Disorder - A Tool For Parents And Teachers, Taylor Lerman

Honors Theses

When considering the results of research from this study, the reader should note this specifically applies to elementary school aged students but could be applicable outside of this study for the purpose of added ages. The cumulative ASECRET charts do not explicitly apply to that of a typical child and added disabilities to consider are discussed within the discussion section of research. Conditions left unmentioned should not be considered inapplicable, but for the purpose of this research, discussion points focus on sensory processing and conditions with higher rates of comorbidity to sensory processing compared to others. The purpose of this …

Comprehensive Sleep Program For Active-Duty Special Operators In The Us Military, Hope Brew

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Perspectives And Experiences Of Practitioners And Other Health Professionals During Covid-19: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Leah Eggan, Marissa Gilbertson, Kendall Harvey, Tara Kluz, Katherine Lake, Josie Marben, Sophia Ross, Jenna Ruff, Hannah Scherle

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

No abstract provided.

Healthcare Students’ Experiences And Perceptions Of Education During Covid-19: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Kelsi J. Cox, Chandler J. Johnson, Megan E. Murphy, Keanna M. Schulz, Maria A. Turk, Jessica M. Wisniewski

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Treating Developmental Trauma In Appalachia, Carrie A. Williams

Occupational Therapy Research Projects

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate and determine the knowledge and education of occupational therapy practitioners who evaluate and treat developmental trauma in Appalachia and adjacent counties by answering the following research questions. 1.) What is the level of education, years of experience, and what formal diagnosis practitioners received on referrals? 2.) Are practitioners satisfied with resources to treat trauma histories? Do they participate in self-learning activities, and what disciplines do practitioners find in their self-learning education? 3.) What theoretical frameworks and assessment tools do practitioners utilize to develop treatment plans? 4.) What are the barriers to treatment when children …

Development Of Professional Behaviors In Occupational Therapy Students: Program Design, Addie Burnham

Occupational Therapy Research Projects

Abstract

Many factors are considered when relating student preparedness to successful clinical experiences. This literature sought to identify the gaps and understand the graduate student experience concerning professional behaviors. Specific behaviors were identified and guidelines established by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (American Council for Occupational Therapy Education, 2020) were used to create a program to address professional behaviors of communication and professionalism. The created program incorporated hands-on learning experiences versus high or low-fidelity simulations to teach professional behaviors and promote self-awareness of the student. The information gained through this research has added to the body of knowledge …

The Effects Of Sensory Processing On Mask-Wearing, Sarah Slone, B.S., S/Ot, Tylar Stambaugh, B.S., S/Ot, Anna Weneck, B.S., S/Ot, Emily Yeager, B.A., S/Ot, Barbara Warnock, Dhsc, Otr/L, Christine Raber, Phd, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Research Projects

Abstract

Purpose: The global coronavirus pandemic has changed how people participate in life. Wearing a mask has become a normal aspect of daily routines due to public mandates, yet masks tend to create difficulties with ability to process stimuli within the environment and can potentially interrupt participation within life. There is little research into effects of mask-wearing on sensory processing for all ages as it is a recent pandemic.

Method: An online survey was used to describe mask-wearing habits of college-aged adults and impact on sensory experiences. An additional optional interview, which included completion of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, further …

Master Of Occupational Therapy Students' Use Of Problem-Solving Strategies Of Clinical Reasoning Identified Following Level Ii Fieldwork, Katie Bolen. B.S., S/Ot, Alexis Palazzo, B.S., S/Ot, Ashley Eldridge, B.S., S/Ot, Jacob Kelp, B.S., S/Ot, Audra Nieves, B.S., S/Ot, Ann Marie Allen M.S., Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Research Projects

Abstract

A pre-experimental, quantitative, descriptive study was completed to identify patterns of the problem-solving strategies used in the clinical reasoning process by master of occupational therapy students during level II fieldwork placement. The research team developed a survey including 7 demographic questions with 12 problem-solving strategy questions created around the concepts of: algorithm, heuristic, trial and error, and insight. The survey was created in SurveyMonkey and the link to the survey was sent to 3 master of occupational therapy programs. Only students who had completed level II fieldwork placement, prior to taking the national board certification exam, were included. Eleven …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In School-Aged Youth Literacy: A Scoping Review, Beth Thomas, Kierstin Hensley, Rachel Nordmoe, Samantha Willis, Tanner Shepherd

Occupational Therapy Research Projects

Abstract

Since the passage of the IDEA Act in 1975, pediatric occupational therapists have been working to improve children’s literacy skills. From the sensory-based assessment and interventions of Ayres (1972) to the Occupations of Reading Practice Model created by Grajo and Chandler (2017), the field of occupational therapy has come a long way in understanding how to treat children with deficits in reading, writing, and other forms of communication. The goal of this study was to understand how occupational therapists are currently working with school-aged youth concerning their literacy skills. Six databases were searched using terms related to occupational therapy …

Mental Health And Education Staff Perspectives Of Occupational Functioning Of Court-Involved Youth With A History Of Substance Use, Mikel Stone, Otd, Otr/L, Adam Kantor, B.S., S/Ot, Bailey Bowen, B.S., S/Ot, Hope Moore, B.S., S/Ot, Jacob Dobrowolski, B.A., S/Ot, Morgan Delong, B.S., S/Ot

Occupational Therapy Research Projects

This mixed-methods descriptive survey study investigated the occupational functioning of court-involved youth with a history or risk of substance use, from the perspectives of mental health and education staff, within a rural, Mid-western county. Millions of Americans suffer from some form of substance use disorder (The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2017). According to The National Survey on Drug and Health, 23% of the youth population have reportedly tried and illicit drug (SAMHSA, 2016) and as little as 10% of the youth population are receiving treatment (NIDA, 2014). The purpose of this study was to implement a mixed-methods …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Adult Critical Care In Ohio, Taylor Stanford, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Research Projects

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and supports in the delivery of OT services, identify current OT-specific protocols, and explore opinions on critical care certification and OT-specific ICU best practice guidelines.

Methods: A non-experimental descriptive data collection study with the use of an online survey. The secure survey link was embedded via email and sent to 10,000 Ohio occupational therapy practitioners. Inclusion criteria were licensed therapists (OTR and COTA) with past or current experience in adult critical care. The primary researcher developed survey questions focused on practitioners’ perspectives and personal experiences with critical care …

Content Validity And Inter-Rater Reliability Of The Assessment Of Occupational Functioning- Collaborative Version, Joanna R. Deal, B.S., S/Ot, Anna E. Legge, B.A., S/Ot, Kimberly M.E. Martens, B.S., S/Ot, Kyla M. Rockwell, B.A., S/Ot, Jacob A. Russell, B.S., S/Ot, Christine Raber, Phd, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Research Projects

Abstract

Purpose: This psychometric study examined the content validity and inter-rater reliability of the Assessment of Occupational Functioning-Collaborative Version (AOF-CV) through content validity index and percent agreement, to determine clinical usefulness and alignment with the current version of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). Method: Data was gathered in two phases over four months. The first phase gathered inter-rater reliability through administering the AOF-CV virtually to college students. Percent agreement was determined using AOF-CV ratings completed by two teams of two raters per team. The second phase gathered content validity data from a MOHO content expert using a content validity …

Evaluating Literacy Sensitive Client Education Materials For The Smmart Clinic, Mckenzie Brink, Kelsey L. Colvin, Kelsey Holmer, Rachel G. Kullas, Paige M. Loy, Alexander W. Manos, Gretta N. Obeid, Kelly O'Connor, Allison Park

Graduate Projects & Research

This master’s project was completed in collaboration with the St. Mary’s Medical and Rehabilitative Therapies (SMMART) Clinic, located on the campus of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Through the completion of literature reviews, a needs assessment, and project activities, nine graduate occupational therapy students analyzed the needs of this clinic and aimed to improve client care. The SMMART clinic serves primarily Spanish-speaking clients who are low-income, uninsured, or underinsured. This population often faces obstacles in accessing primary health care and rehabilitation, including language and literacy-related barriers. Occupational therapy can play an important role in addressing these barriers and …

Work Performance And Participation Of Individuals During The Covid- 19 Pandemic: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Mckenzie Bohlig, Maggie Buechler, Kinsale Morrow, Sydney Sirek, Susan Strawhacker, Alison Tokkesdal, Hannah Zuengler

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

No abstract provided.

The Clinical Value Of Oculomotor Assessments Across The Continuum Of Concussion, Dillon Richards

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Concussions are complex conditions that are difficult to manage medically. Variations in symptom presentation, intricate neurophysiological processes, and the availability of a variety of possible assessment tools may contribute to this complexity. Clinicians must use a broad approach, employing both subjective symptom assessment and objective assessments to confirm a diagnosis and/or monitor progression and recovery. Oculomotor function after concussion may be an important indicator of injury, given the interconnectedness of oculomotor function, vestibulo-ocular and visual systems, and even cognition. Oculomotor function may be assessed objectively or indirectly using patient-reported symptom checklists as part of subjective assessments. One way of objectively …

Adaptation With Injury, Family Role Responsibilities, & Social Support After Distal Radius Fracture (Drf), Hajra Batool

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study is a qualitative interpretive descriptive study aimed at elucidating the impact of distal radius fracture (DRF) on patients' activities of daily living (ADLs), professional and familial duties, and social support during the healing process. The study focuses on fracture healing during the immobilization phase of injury. This study lies in the constructivist paradigm employing the interpretive description method. A total of 20 participants with DRF in casts were recruited by purposeful sampling from the Hand & Upper limb Centre, St. Joseph’s Hospital enrolled and interviewed over the telephone. Data was analyzed by Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis Approach. …

An Occupational Therapy Guidebook For Individuals With Substance Use Disorder, Cassidy B. Ardoin

Student Capstone Papers

Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) experience barriers and challenges that impact their daily occupational performance, engagement, well-being, and quality of life. In addition to disrupting and distorting an individual’s unique occupational outcomes, SUDs can limit, replace, and dictate an individual’s daily meaningful activities, habits, routines, and skills that support healthy occupational engagement. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have a unique and valuable role in SUDs treatment as they are equipped to identify these barriers and implement strategies for supportive skill development or restoration. Based on the literature review conducted, OT practitioners do not have an OT practice guideline, protocol, or …

Establishing A Sustainable Occupational Therapy Student-Led Pro Bono Clinic At The University Of Saint Augustine In Austin, Texas, Daija Chumley

Student Capstone Papers

Under-resourced and underserved communities across the United States experience significant health disparities. These communities lack access to valuable services resulting in health inequities that impinge on their health, quality of life, and engagement in meaningful occupations. There is a need for occupational therapy to provide valuable services to the under-resourced and underserved community to address the historical inequity that impacts their overall quality of life. Universities have the potential to fulfill the gaps within these communities by establishing a pro bono clinic. The purpose of this capstone project is to establish a sustainable occupational therapy pro bono clinic at the …

A Manualized Occupational Therapy Mindfulness Module For Clients With Ptsd, Michael Ramirez

Student Capstone Papers

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) adversely impacts an individual’s functioning across areas of daily occupation. There is a paucity of literature addressing occupational therapy (OT) for people with PTSD. The literature has advocated for the development of a manualized OT intervention with the inclusion of mindfulness as one of its components. To date, a mindfulness-based OT treatment guide or manualized program specifically for clients with PTSD has not yet been developed. The aim of this paper is to bridge a gap in the literature and to develop a resource for occupational therapists to employ mindfulness as a clinical intervention with clients …

Occupational Therapy And Continuous Care: Pediatric Rehabilitation For Children With Medically Complex Conditions And Severe Burns, Elise M. Mueller

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone focused on developing advanced clinical knowledge and skills to treat children with medically complex conditions and severe burns. This project also incorporated interdisciplinary communication, leadership, and academic education. It took place at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital and ChildServe Medical Daycare. The population consisted of patients treated on the pediatric floor within an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, children receiving occupational therapy services in a pediatric outpatient setting, and children appropriate for medical daycare. At Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, 12 clients under the age of 21 and four clients over 21 received occupational therapy in the inpatient setting, and six children received outpatient …

The Role Of Ot In Adapted Crossfit, Emily Adams

Student Capstone Papers

Background: A quarter of adults are diagnosed with a disability in the United States, with almost half considered being inactive (CDC, 2020). The population of persons with disabilities (PWD) are at higher risk for secondary health concerns due to a sedentary lifestyle (Diaz et al., 2019). CrossFit recently implemented their first adaptive division in 2021 (CrossFit, LLC, 2022), however there continue to be barriers preventing PWD from participating in CrossFit.

Problem/Purpose: PWD may experience limited access to CrossFit due to structural and social barriers to access equipment and participating in movements. The purpose of this project was to …

Occupational Therapy Program For Pace Center For Girls, Natalie Vish

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

An occupational therapy handbook was created for future occupational therapy students and occupational therapy assistant students to utilize when completing fieldwork rotations at Pace Center for Girls. The handbook was created to address core occupations through a trauma-informed and gender-sensitive perspective. An occupational therapy program utilizing mindfulness and sensory-based approaches at Pace Center for Girls may provide alternative and effective solutions for this at-risk female adolescent population as literature reveals that survivors of complex trauma often do not respond to traditional psychiatric treatment approaches.

Strategies For Enhancing Racially Diverse Student Satisfaction In Graduate-Level Occupational Therapy Programs, Kolbí L. Holmes, Christina Kane

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

A survey investigated satisfaction levels of racially diverse, graduate-level OT students at NSU and strategies for enhancing student satisfaction to ultimately meet the OT profession’s diversity goals. Overall, racially diverse students were satisfied with their OT program experience and identified diverse faculty and scholarship opportunities as desired resources needed for continuation in OT programs.

The Coping Strategies Of Older Adults With Age Related Vision Loss (Arvl) – A Narrative Account, Zakara J. Stampp

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The goal of this study was to share the stories of older adults with age-related vision loss (ARVL) and how they have coped to maintain meaningful occupational engagement. Grounded in a constructivist paradigm, data collection and analysis were guided by the narrative inquiry methodology. The participants consisted of six older adults aged 60 or older, diagnosed with one of the following ARVL conditions: macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and/or glaucoma. Participants were recruited from vision loss non-profit organizations such as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and the Alliance for Equity of Blind Canadians (AEBC). One older adult was …

Gaining Experience In Academic Setting Of Entry-Level Doctoral Program, Conner Hansen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Worked with faculty advisors to develop activities and assignments within the OTD 8271: Interventions 1: Psychosocial and Community course for students to guide their interactions with children volunteers from A Kid’s Place (AKP). The pre-existing relationship with AKP allowed for the incorporation of hands-on activities to increase the excellence of education, confidence in clinical skills, and quality of practitioners entering the field.

Exploration In Mental Performance For Division 1 Sec College Football Student Athletes, Alex Burgdorf

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The stigma surrounding mental health in sports has made intervention difficult. “There is a need for various actors to provide more effective strategies to overcome the stigma that surrounds mental illness, increase mental health literacy in the athlete/coach community, and address athlete-specific barriers to seeking treatment for mental illness” (Castadelli-Maia et.al 2019). The athletes in the football program at the University of Tennessee face more pressure today than ever in history. They have their class schedule, practice and training every day, and meetings with their position coaches. Now, with the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) allowing players to …

Distinguishing The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Breast Cancer Care Continuum, Hannah S. Townsend

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The aggregate number of women who have either concluded BC treatment or are undergoing BC treatment totaled approximately 3.8 million women in January 2022 (BreastCancer.org, 2022). Incredible advances have been made in the pharmacological, technological, and surgical treatments of cancer along with a better understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer, but the statistics demonstrate a growing population of individuals with cancer and individuals surviving cancer (Bluethmann, 2016). The coinciding aging of the baby boomer generation results in a population of cancer survivors that demands more supply of services than were previously needed (Bluethmann, 2016). The present size of the population …