Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Importance Of Addressing Sleep As An Occupation Within Assisted Living Communities, Brittany Kiattitananan, Kendra Orcutt, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Around 40-70% of older adults have difficulty sleeping (Sheth & Thomas, 2019). This poster presents an occupation-based sleep intervention program developed for residents of an assisted living community and serves to inform OT practitioners on addressing sleep in their own practice.

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Copm): Critiquing Its Applicability With Indigenous Peoples And Communities, Tara Price, Tara Pride

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Indigenous Peoples experience significant health inequities that must be understood in relation to historical and ongoing colonialism, racism, and discrimination. The occupational therapy profession has claimed commitment to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) calls to action, however, the profession is firmly grounded in Euro-Western epistemologies, including its assessments. The purpose of this paper was to assess the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) for use with Indigenous clients and communities. Although the COPM uses flexibility through semi-structured interviews and the exclusion of standardized score comparisons, it is mired in colonial underpinnings and has hierarchical therapist-client power dynamics threaded throughout. …

A Program To Improve The Quality Of Life Of Caregivers Of Older Adults With Chronic Conditions: A Pilot Study, Lori Reynolds, Brandi Buchanan, Shannon Crabtree, Elton Bordanave

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Among the nearly 41.8 million family caregivers of older adults 50 years of age and older in the United States, only 30% of caregivers report receiving the education, resources, and support they need to feel competent in their role. Many existing programs focus on dementia-related caregiving, and programs are needed to address the caregiving needs of individuals with chronic conditions.

Method: A pilot study using a mixed methods design was conducted with eight participants. The pre and post. measure, Adult Carer Quality of Life (AC-QoL), and post program individual interviews were conducted.

Results: Six of the …

Delivering Occupation-Based Practice In Stroke Rehabilitation Of Hospital Settings: Thai Occupational Therapists’ Experiences, Anuchart Kaunnil, Veerawat Sansri, Surachart Thongchoomsin, Kannika Permpoonputtana, Sutinun Juntorn, Kathryn Jarvis, Cristina Reyes Smith, Michael Palapal Sy, Jiranan Griffiths, Chutikorn Nopparat, Peeradech Thichanpiang

The Qualitative Report

Occupation-based practice (OBP) is central to the practice of occupational therapists where occupations or meaningful activities become the focus of the assessment, intervention, and outcomes measurement process. Although occupational therapists practising in Thailand claim that they engage in OBP, this claim warrants empirical investigation. This study aimed to investigate the experiences and perceptions of hospital-based occupational therapists of OBP within stroke rehabilitation. Utilizing a qualitative design, fourteen occupational therapists were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached. Each interview was recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five …

Clinical Practice Skills In Executive Function Within Acute Care, Jasmine Lake

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Knowledge And Perception Of The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Concussion Management In An Interdisciplinary Sports Medicine Center, Courtney J. Leiter

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to identify the need for occupational therapists (OTs) in the management of sport-related concussion symptoms and work to educate and advocate for the field to be included as a part of an interdisciplinary concussion care team. The primary focus was to determine support for the use of interdisciplinary educational (IPE) demonstrations to educate health care professionals and graduate students on the scope and services OTs can offer within concussion care. A pre-post survey was utilized to evaluate the agreement levels on the use of an IPE demonstration to increase knowledge and perception of the …

Exploring The Experience Of Dating As A Surviving Partner And Impact On Occupational Therapy, Jessica Blum, Susan Macdermott, Karen Mccarthy

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Limited research has been conducted that explores the experience of dating as a member of the surviving partner community. This study aims to address this gap in literature by capturing the dating experience for those who are surviving partners.

Method: A qualitative, phenomenological research design was used to gather data from thirteen surviving partners who have actively dated in the past, are currently dating, or are currently in a casual or serious relationship.

Results: Interview data revealed that the participants' dating experiences were impacted by their identity as a surviving partner. Participants reported experiencing pressure to engage in dating …

How Occupational Therapists Address Chronic Pain And Sex/Intimacy, Millie Szeto, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sexual activity is 1 out of the 9 activities of daily living (ADLs) and is considered to be fundamental for a person's life, yet it is one of the least discussed topics that occupational therapists address in client care settings, academia, and/or professional development.

The aim for this project was to explore how occupational therapists addressed sex/intimacy with the chronic pain population in order to provide more insight and encouragement for other occupational therapists to incorporate discussion of sex/intimacy in their practice.

Exploring A Role For Occupational Therapists In Adult Eating Disorder Treatment, Felicia Titus, Karen Park

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Occupational therapists working in eating disorder (ED) treatment in the United States is an emerging practice area. The main objective of this study was to seek an understanding of the perceived gaps in current adult ED treatment in the United States, from both the perspectives of ED treatment providers and individuals with an ED to discover if there is a role for occupational therapists.

Methods: The design of this study was a convergent mixed methods in which the data was collected through online surveys and recorded semi-structured interviews of ED treatment providers (N = 15) and individuals diagnosed …

Analysis Of Quality Of Life In Parkinson's Disease Caregivers: A Quantitative Research Study, Peyton Dooley, Claribell Bayona, Krisitin Domville

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Parkinson’s disease is a commonly known movement and neurodegenerative disorder affecting a large portion of the male population. This disease is gruesome and progressive; it often interferes with a person’s daily routines and activities due to deficits in postural stability, tremors, slowed movement, and rigidity (Tysnes et al., 2017). Most persons with Parkinson’s have informal caregivers, often female spouses, or significant others of the individual. Caregivers of Parkinson’s disease prioritize their loved ones needs over their own, neglecting their own daily activities and routines including self-care, social participation, leisure, and physical activity. Occupational therapists and other health care professionals often …

An Appreciative Inquiry Approach To Understanding What Attracts And Retains Early-Career Therapists To Work In Community Organizations, Karina M. Dancza, Yik Ming Choi, Kaisah Amalia, Pei Shan Wong, Jia Hao Hu, Li Wen Yap

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Community health organizations are expanding in many countries to meet the health and care needs associated with an aging population, an increase in recognition of children with developmental and mental health needs, and escalating healthcare costs. Singapore is no exception. Community organizations, however, are facing challenges in recruiting and retaining early-career therapists to these positions due to competition from acute services and a declining foreign talent pool. At the same time, early-career therapists encounter challenges during the transition from student to professional. Community organizations, therefore, need to identify what makes their organization attractive to early-career therapists and what makes …

Practical Actions Shaped By The Internal Structures Of Occupational Therapists’ Professional Identities, Risa Takashima, Kazuko Saeki

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study aims to consider the internal structures of the professional identities that occupational therapists construct in clinical settings and to explore the differences of practices resulting from these structures.

Methods: In completion of this study, a qualitative methodology based on a grounded theory approach was employed. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with 30 practicing occupational therapists in Japan. First, the internal structures in the participants’ professional identities were identified and typified. Second, the participants’ actions in their practices were analyzed.

Results: We identified three types of internal structures of professional identities. One type focused on …

Enhancing Collaborative Practices With Preprofessional Occupational Therapists And Early Childhood Special Education Student Teachers: A Pilot Study, Kathleen M. Farrand, Megan Troxel Deeg, Oaklee Rogers, Allison M. Mullady, Stephanie S. Williams, Bjorg T. Lesueur

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This article presents the Collaborative Design Model as a tool for developing collaboration and self-efficacy for preprofessional educators and service providers. As student populations continue to become more diverse, preprofessionals entering the classroom must be prepared to collaborate with colleagues effectively and efficiently to address the variety of needs presented in the classroom. Little research exists on the collaboration among preprofessional teachers and preprofessional occupational therapists. The proposed model provides a method for supporting preprofessionals in collaborating to meet the needs of students at risk for or with disabilities. Initial pilot findings suggest the Collaborative Design Model could potentially increase …

Occupational Therapy Practice Patterns In Two Rural States: Does The College Experience Influence Rural Employment Choice?, Debra J. Hanson, Janet S. Jedlicka, Nicole C. Harris, Marilyn G. Klug

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

An online survey was conducted of 225 occupational therapy (OT) practitioners living in the rural states of North Dakota and Wyoming to explore practice patterns and the influence of the college experience on employment choice. Findings showed that rural practitioners had greater variability of hours spent working (5.5 more hours per week, p=.028), and one more work location on average (p=.006). Therapists in urban settings spent 15% more time in fieldwork education than their rural counterparts (p=.021). Rural practice choice was influenced by participation in Level I and Level II fieldwork (p=.002) but not by loan debt. Study implications for …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Terry Kipp, Cota, Jacob Horn, Nora Stevenson

Oral History Posters

This life history is one of 31 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather information. This study is intended to provide current and …

A Piece Of The Evolution Of Occupational Therapy In North Dakota: Life History Of Rhoda Erhardt, Ms, Otr/L, Faota, Sidney Carlson, Alexis Tyce

Oral History Posters

This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evolution of OT practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. By using a life history approach, this study focused on …

Investigating The Enabling Factors Influencing Occupational Therapists’ Adoption Of Assisted Living Technology, Colleen E. Mcgrath

Occupational Therapy Publications

Method

This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 20 occupational therapists in England and Scotland. The goal was to identify those enabling factors necessary for occupational therapists to adopt assisted living technology.

Results

Five themes emerged regarding the enablers needed to support the adoption of assisted living technology by occupational therapists, including: (1) a positive client–therapist relationship; (2) affordability; (3) time; (4) increased awareness, education, and training; and (5) usability features of the assisted living technology.

Conclusion

With an aging population and the increasing role that technology is playing globally in older adults’ lives, it has never …

Continuing Competence Trends Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Ketti Johnson Coffelt, Linda S. Gabriel

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the perceptions and practices of occupational therapists regarding the types of professional development activities they seek to ensure competency. A self-report survey was used to investigate the therapists’ selection of and engagement in professional learning activities. The results from 43 occupational therapists were analyzed. Descriptive results identified the value of a professional development plan and collaboration with colleagues. Self-assessment and searching for and analyzing journal articles emerged as frequently used continuing competence learning practices. The results showed that therapists actively plan and select formal and informal professional activities to promote meaningful …

Life History: Judy Godfread, Otr, Norris Chin, Cody Mach

Oral History Posters

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the evolution of occupational therapy practice in the lens of the practitioner, Judy Godfread, in her years of practice in North Dakota from 1976-2012. The study collected 29 life histories of influential occupational therapy practitioners in ND and WY. The goal was to detail the contributions of these individuals and how they shaped the context of practice in two rural states. Key information was gathered regarding influences that influenced occupational therapy during the years the participants practiced. The study is intended to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Kelly Taubert, M.S. Otr/L, Amber Fernandez, Hannah Fiser

Oral History Student Papers

This life history is one of twenty-nine life history interviews, which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. This study is intended to provide current …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Nancy Rentfrow, Maddi Buscho, Emma Lee

Oral History Student Papers

This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. The study took place at the University of …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Teresa Dahlstrom, Bobbie Bertsch, Kennedy Bresnahan

Oral History Student Papers

Objective: The purpose of the life history of Teresa Dahlstrom is to gain an insight about her life experiences and leadership throughout her years of work in the profession of occupational therapy.

Method. An in depth, semi structured, 60 minute interview was conducted at the University of North Dakota of School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The interview was transcribed and coded for the emergent of themes.

Results: The predominant themes representing the major elements of her success as a leader were maintaining the integrity of occupational therapy (OT), progressing through major changes in OT, and developing personal relationships with …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Janet Salzwedel, Karissa Kempel, Sadie Larson

Oral History Student Papers

Objective. This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states.

Method. An in-depth interview was conducted with Janet Salzwedel in the comfort of her home. Categories and themes were synthesized from the interview …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Lance Norman, Jade Clement, Miranda Hosking

Oral History Student Papers

Objective. The purpose of this life history study was to gather information regarding the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming. The life history of Lance Norman and his influence in developing OT in North Dakota was one of 29 stories explored.

Method. The qualitative study used a life history approach. A semi-structured interview was conducted with the participant that was assigned to the researchers via a purposive sampling method. The interview was recorded, transcribed, and an open coding process was used for data analysis. To guide the research process the Kawa model …

Life History Of Dr. Charles Christiansen Edd, Otr/(C), Faota, Jordan Mooney, Ryan Walter

Oral History Posters

The purpose of the project was to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. For this particular life history, a semi-structured phone interview was conducted between the student researchers and Dr. Christiansen.The interview was audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim and coded. In addition to the phone interview, a curriculum vitae (CV) and Biosketch were obtained from Dr. Christiansen to appropriately depict the professional life and contributions he has made to the field of …

Kathy Dolan Life History, Mpa, Otr/L, Micaela Monn, Ashleigh Mora, Amanda Steffen

Oral History Posters

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain a better understanding of the life experiences of Kathy Dolan, an influential occupational therapist in the development and advancement of the profession in the state of Wyoming. Purposive sampling was utilized by the project directors to obtain participants for the study. Data was collected through a semi-structured interview and observation. Interview questions were structured to address the person, environment, and occupation components influencing each participant. The Kawa model was also utilized to guide the interview schedule in order to develop a timeline of the participant’s life journey. Data from the interview …

Life History Of Teresa Dahlstrom, Otr/L, Bobbie Bertsch, Kennedy Bresnahan

Oral History Posters

Objective: The purpose of the life history of Teresa Dahlstrom is to gain an insight about her life experiences and leadership throughout her years of work in the profession of occupational therapy.

Method: An in depth, semi structured, 60 minute interview was conducted at the University of North Dakota of School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The interview was transcribed and coded for the emergent of themes.

Results: The predominant themes representing the major elements of her success as a leader were maintaining the integrity of occupational therapy (OT), progressing through major changes in OT, and developing personal relationships with …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Kelly Taubert, M.S. Otr/L, Amber Fernandez, Hannah Fiser

Oral History Posters

This life history is one of twenty-nine life history interviews, which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. This study is intended to provide current …

The Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Charles H. Christiansen, Jordan Mooney, Ryan Walter

Oral History Student Papers

The purpose of the project was to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. For this particular life history, a semi-structured phone interview was conducted between the student researchers and Dr. Christiansen.The interview was audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim and coded. In addition to the phone interview, a curriculum vitae (CV) and Biosketch were obtained from Dr. Christiansen to appropriately depict the professional life and contributions he has made to the field of …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Kathy Bangsund, Jenna Nelson, Rachel Trieff

Oral History Student Papers

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate the life history of Kathy Bangsund, OTR/L. This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history …