Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Cultural Considerations In Clinical Reasoning: An Occupational Therapy Case Study, Sandra M. Winter

Masters Theses

This study looked at an occupational therapist's work with clients from varied cultural backgrounds. Qualitative research strategies and a phenomenological approach were used to gather data through interviews with a single respondent and observation of treatment. This methodology was used to examine the process utilized to acquire cultural knowledge and integrate that knowledge into treatment planning. Research focused on: (a) how the cultural background of a client influenced an occupational therapist as she planned and implemented treatment, (b) how the treatment process was influenced by cultural differences between the therapist and the client, and (c) how training or education helped …

Perceived Differences Between Male And Female Occupational Therapists’ Treatment And Other Related Gender Issues, Dennis Robert Jones

Masters Theses

This study explored how occupational therapy clients perceive the treatment they receive from male and female occupational therapists. The study was conducted in a qualitative manner. Occupational therapy supervisors who have supervised both female and male occupational therapists were interviewed to gain an initial understanding of the relevant issues. More structured interviews were then conducted with clients who have been treated by both a female and a male occupational therapist. Therapists and clients were also observed during four treatment sessions.

Analysis of the data collected through interviews revealed that supervisors and clients do notice some behavioral differences in male and …

Locus Of Control, Activity Level, And Living Situation Among The Elderly, Jennifer L. Birchenough

Masters Theses

The focus of this study was to investigate the relationships among locus of control, activity level, and living situation in the elderly. The participants in this study consisted of 62 elderly individuals who resided in one of three living situations: (1) independent living, (2) assisted living, and (3) comprehensive care centers. All participants were screened for cognitive status using the Mini-Mental State Assessment (Folstein, M., Folstein, S., & McHugh, 1975). Individuals who scored in the normal range then completed a Locus of Control Scale (Rotter, 1966) and the Index of Occupational Behavior (Gregory, 1983) to address the meaningfulness of, and …

The Effects Of Animal Assisted Therapy When Used As An Adjunct To Occupational Therapy In The Rehabilitation Of Persons Who Have Had Cerebral Vascular Accidents, Alice Arlene Briggs

Masters Theses

Occupational therapists can use animals to assist their clients in achieving goals in treatment. Most often dogs are used as they are more easily trained. The dog may fetch a ball thrown by the client or stand still and allow the client to brush it. These activities with the animal increase the client's range of motion, endurance and strength. Dogs as well as other animals are used in various ways to elicit the desired response from the client. No studies were found in the literature that examined the use of animals as adjuncts to, or as modalities in occupational therapy …

Occupational Therapy's Link To Vocational Reeducation, 1910-1925., Sharon A. Gutman

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

The development of occupational therapy is rooted in early 20th century medical reform. During the early 1910s, several members of the medical profession, human service workers, and the larger American society were increasingly disturbed by medical practices that did not consider the individual's personal experience of disability. Occupational therapy was developed, in part, out of this desire to provide persons with treatment that helped them to function in their communities despite their disability. Early occupational therapy leaders envisioned the fledgling profession as a societal service capable of assisting persons with disabilities to return to both work and community life. Vocational …

Valued Occupational Roles And Life Satisfaction Among South Florida Hiv-Infected And Non-Infected Homosexual Males : An Exploratory Study, Kenneth Morton Byers

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A study was conducted in order to describe and understand the occupational role behavior of gay men with particular interest on understanding the impact of an HIV diagnosis on their roles and life satisfaction. A 137- item questionnaire was developed for this study and distributed through various gay community groups in south Florida. The process resulted in ranked description of 24 valued occupational roles of gay men (n = 80) along with a general understanding of potential shifts that may occur in those roles as a result of becoming infected with HIV. The study concludes that a diagnosis of HIV …

Musicians' Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Problems: Medical Care From The Patients' Perspective, Susan Gail Stephenson

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to add to the body of knowledge concerning musicians' musculoskeletal problems and to investigate whether an occupational therapy specialty is warranted for this field of medicine. An original questionnaire was constructed and administered to the members of three symphony orchestras. Three primary sections of the questionnaire address participants' demographic and occupational characteristics, symptom and treatment experiences, and opinions on medical care. Descriptive data are reported for all sections of the questionnaire. Particular attention is given to the effectiveness of traditional occupational and physical· therapy treatments. Data are provided regarding the relationships between variables: (a) certain personal …

Prenatal Cocaine Exposure And Mother–Infant Interaction: Implications For Occupational Therapy Intervention, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

The literature from multiple disciplines on in utero cocaine exposure and mother–infant interaction and attachment was examined for possible relationships and implications for occupational therapists. Maternal cocaine use and neurobehavioral deficits in neonates prenatally exposed to cocaine may result in interactional difficulties between mother and infant. Knowledge of child development, sensory regulation, and infant cues will enable therapists to assist the mother in creating positive interactive experiences between herself and her child.

Occupation As Spiritual Activity, Brenda S. Howard, Jay R. Howard

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

Although spirituality is rarely explicitly mentioned in the occupational therapy literature, it is implied as an interwoven part of the human system. This article explores the meaning of occupation in the context of sociological and Judeo-Christian theological frameworks and the meaning of spirituality in the occupational therapy clinic. A case is made for acknowledging spirituality in clinical reasoning as a centralizing component of the patients' motivation and assignment of meaning to life.

1997 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1997 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

The Recovery Of Matthew, A Success Story, Kathryn M. Loukas

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

In the fall of 1994, 11-year-old Matthew experienced a traumatic brain injury. Two years later, he is a consistent honor roll student. This is the story of how occupational therapy helped Matt heal and move on to life as a regular kid.

Repetitive Strain Injury: A New Definition And Treatment Strategy Based On The Client-Centered Practice, Lenore Frost, Robyn Stricoff

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

RSI is defined by the authors as a biopsychosocial disorder, under the umbrella of cumulative trauma disorder, involving a non-specific, potentially chronic pain syndrome of the upper exrtremity. Evaluation and treatment will focus on the client-centered practice. Patients are enrolled in an 8-week course of treatment, which focuses on patient involvement, education, relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, exercise, postural modification, as well as assessing vocational and psychosocial issues.