Occupational Therapy Commons^™

An Exploration Of Tendon Transfers And Rehabilitative Strategies In Hand Therapy, Alyssa Kopp

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Promoting Belonging Among Occupational Therapy Students Transitioning To Doctoral Studies, Gina M. Delgado

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Doctoral Capstone Experience In Education And Program Development- Depaul University, Ashley Saunders

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Social Skills Groups For School-Age Children With Autism, Samantha Aybar

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The present capstone project and experience aimed to develop and implement a 12-week program of social skills peer groups for school-aged children with autism at an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic. The program consisted of weekly peer group sessions targeting a range of social skill topics, such as emotional regulation, conversation skills, and collaborative play. The small group format provided an opportunity for participants to practice skills, learn from others, and obtain feedback on their performance within a supportive environment. A family-centered approach was utilized through providing parent resources, at-home activities, and a parent workshop to better support children’s social skill …

Administration & Program Development At A Camp For Adults With Disabilities, Kayleigh E. Hollywood

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Peer-Led Building Resilience And Enhancing Social-Emotional Skills Program, Danielle K. Enrico

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of the Capstone experience was to develop and implement a five-week peer-led building resilience and social-emotional skills training program at a public high school. This program addressed high school students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding resources, social-emotional skills, and resilience. A questionnaire was administered pre and post-program to measure effectiveness. The results indicated an increase in scores, demonstrating a clearer understanding in all three areas.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Health Promotion For Youths Facing Chronic Conditions, Megan A. Moret, Megan A. Moret

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This 17-week capstone project was completed at The Parker Place and virtually managed throughout the entirety of the experience. The Parker Place is a pediatric endocrinology and lifestyle management facility located in Annapolis, Maryland. Completing a virtual capstone project did not hinder the progress and outcomes of this experience. The Healthy Habits program was developed at this site to implement an occupational therapy role to supplement the served population’s health and wellness goals. Communication and client visits took place through passcode-protected video call sessions, phone calls, a HIPAA-compliant texting system, and email. Dr. Elizabeth Parker was the mentor for this …

Nerve Impairment In Burn Injuries, Taylor A. Kowalske

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Implementation And Efficacy Of Interprofessional Education (Ipe) Initiatives, Javed A. Mohammed

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The literature demonstrates many benefits of interprofessional education (IPE) simulations in various types of formats that facilitate greater student knowledge and understanding of professions outside their own (O’Hara et al., 2018; Clauser et al., 2020; Cooper, Spencer-Dawe & Mclean, 2005; Djukic et al., 2015; Lazinski et al., 2021). The goals of my doctoral capstone experience (DCE) were to: 1) Develop IPE curriculum and active learning sessions along with assessment plans for professional programs on the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) – Tampa Bay Regional Campus with emphasis on advocacy for the occupational therapy (OT) profession, 2) Lead educational opportunities for students …

Incorporation Of An Occupational Therapist In The Prevention Through Active Community Engagement (Pace) Program, Chelsea R. Lincoln

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Long-Term Recovery For Individuals Post-Covid-19: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Holly Bull

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Parent-Infant Bond: The Connection Between Parents And Infants In The Nicu, Megan Casselberry, Anita Fagotti, Ava Gambucci, Emma Sardinskas, Carly Scheiner

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Define the challenges of parent-infant relations in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting
• Discuss the role of occupational therapy in fostering parent-infant bonding in the NICU
• Interpret evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to promote familial relations and social interactions amongst infants and parents

PICO Question
For infants in the NICU, what are evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that increase parent-infant bonding?

Promoting Social Participation For Young Individuals Following Concussion, Umara Iftikhar, Ann Claire Macalintal, Madeline Rea, Allizey Shields

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

1. Understand the relevance of anxiety and depression amongst young individuals following the onset of a concussion or post-concussive symptoms.
2. Recognize the distinct value of occupational therapy in promoting social skills to enhance relationships and mitigate feelings of isolation for persons with concussive symptoms.
3. Develop evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy for young individuals experiencing anxiety and depression following diagnosis of a concussion.

PICO Question
Amongst individuals, ages 13-25, experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression following concussion, what interventions within the scope of Occupational Therapy will increase social participation?

Occupational Balance For A Better Mood: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Treating Excessive Technology Use In Youth, Emily Danilak, Jenna Higginbotham, Kara Leaman, Tarryn Slattery, Katie Virostek

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Understand the implications of excessive screen time on mental health and its pertinence to youth’s leisure time spent in the virtual environment.
• Identify the distinct role that occupational therapy has in addressing mental health needs in children.
• Analyze the current evidence for effective occupational therapy interventions targeting improved mental health in youth with unhealthy internet habits.

PICO Question
In children with excessive screen time, what interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice improve mental health?

Delirium In The Acute Care Setting: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Delirium Management And Prevention, Regina Antoni, Grace Gaus, Kathleen Greaney, Marisa Ortiz-Brazak

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Explain delirium and its prevalence in the hospital setting
• Identify the role of occupational therapy in treatment of acute care patients with delirium
• Apply evidence-based interventions that address and prevent delirium in the acute care setting

PICO Question
What is the role of occupational therapy in delirium management for patients in the acute care setting?

Concussion And Class: Returning To College After A Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (Mtbi), Andrew Friedman, Gabrielle Khalifa, Rebecca Smith, Emily Strickberger

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Identify how concussion management to increase academic function falls within the scope of occupational therapy practice
• Describe effective concussion protocols and timelines as they apply to students’ recovery from mTBI and return to academics.
• Apply evidence based practice to treatment plans for patients post-concussion or mTBI injury returning to academics.

PICO Question
In college-aged adults that experienced a concussion, what are effective interventions within the scope of occupational therapy for return to university?

Promoting Healthy Transitions: Occupational Therapy Interventions For Health Management Of Homeless Populations Discharging From Health Care Settings, Dominic Carullo, Hana Chamoun, Alison Mcandrew, Brian O'Sullivan, Chelsea Pierce

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to

• Identify the need for effective interventions to create better connections to health services and facilitate health management skills in individuals experiencing homelessness prior to discharge from a healthcare setting
• Recognize the potential for occupational therapists to increase health literacy and the development of self-directed health management skills for individuals experiencing homelessness prior to hospital discharge
• Apply components of an evidence-based, best practice approach to promote the development of healthy behaviors and health management skills in individuals experiencing homelessness

PICO Question
What interventions within the scope of occupational therapy …

Governor Gains: A Remote Program Connecting Home And School, Madison L. Michels

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone project was to create and implement the Governor Gains remote home program aimed at increasing parent involvement in home-based activities to promote academic performance among children with disabilities. This capstone experience was completed within the Pierre, SD Public School System, specifically with elementary-aged students. An occupational therapy student worked with a faculty mentor (OTD), site mentor(OTR/L), and interprofessional team (physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and general and special education teachers) to complete this project. The capstone project began with advanced clinical practice then transitioned into program development. Governor Gains provided a focus on fine motor …

Advanced Practice In Aquatic Therapy: Exploring Occupational Therapy In An Aquatic Environment, Brenna K. Barash

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Properties of water have been utilized as a therapeutic treatment method for the past 100 years (Becker, 2009). Aquatic-based occupational therapy services are used as an adjunct to traditional land-based occupational therapy intervention (Franken et al., 2013). The OTS developed a 14-week capstone project with assistance provided by faculty and site mentors. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop aquatic-based intervention skills and explore the use and benefits of aquatic-based occupational therapy in patient care. To facilitate appropriate outcomes, three learning objectives with numerous project deliverables were developed. In order to demonstrate competence and understanding of aquatic-based occupational …

Occupational Therapy Services For Sheltered Individuals Experiencing Homelessness, Ariana Oorlog

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

There is a need for interventions to help people experiencing homelessness learn home management, transportation, and health maintenance skills. The purpose of this capstone experience was to administer an occupational therapy program to support sheltered adults experiencing homelessness to improve their preparedness in obtaining and maintaining housing, community reintegration, and long-term success in life. I completed the capstone experience at Hope Street of Siouxland, a sober living home for adult males who are recovering from homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. I completed a Needs Assessment and developed the program based on the identified needs of Hope Street guests. The program …

Caregiver Perceptions Of Environmental Modifications For Sensory Processing, Jaimie Lynn Smith

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project explored in-depth clinical practice skills in sensory based therapy along with caregiver perceptions of sensory environmental modifications. In person and telehealth treatment sessions focused on the achievement of sensory based goals. A three-part continuing education course was also completed to expand knowledge and understanding of sensory environmental modifications and strategies that were family friendly. The main project was to gain an understanding of caregiver perceptions of sensory environmental modifications. This was accomplished through interviews with families that focused on sensory aspects of the environmental, completion of Participation and Sensory Environmental Questionnaire, and feel-good menus. After environmental recommendations …

Complex Conditions Of The Hand: A Resource For Rural Therapists, Jay D. Cooper

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this project was to address multiple disparities in the complex treatment of upper extremity conditions and injuries in the rural therapy setting with an accessible educational resource. These disparities include the lack of continuing education specifically targeted at the rural healthcare setting, the barriers to unique occupation-based treatment which occupational therapists are obligated to administer, and the need to provide information regarding hand therapy protocols to bridge the communication gap between hand specialists and rural therapists. The project was completed at the Monument Health Orthopedic and Specialty Hospital in Rapid City, SD, in an outpatient hand therapy …

Service-Learning And Case-Based Learning’S Impact On Student’S Clinical Reasoning : A Repeated Measures Design Study, Gordon B. Tsubira

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Clinical reasoning is crucial for the occupational therapy profession to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment but is seldom isolated for explicit instruction and outcome measurement in course curricula. A single-factor repeated measures design study was conducted to compare the impact of didactic case-based learning and experiential service-learning on the development of the clinical reasoning of students at a midwestern public university’s entry-level master of occupational therapy program. The participants were sixteen graduate occupational therapy students who had completed their foundation-level courses.

Participants explored modes of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy for eight weeks (the first half of the semester), …

Supporting Caregivers And Survivors Of Stroke In Their Journey Through Stroke Recovery Via Telehealth Services, Keri Kamphoff

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Supporting Caregivers and Survivors of Stroke in their Journey through Stroke Recovery via Telehealth Services

Background: Strokes are a prevalent condition around the world that cause chronic functional deficits. Survivors of stroke and their caregivers in the community report limited social participation, decreased involvement in favored occupations, worse health outcomes, and increased rates of anxiety and stress. Occupational therapists have the skills to provide education and support for this population through community programs using telehealth.

Methodology: This project was completed at the American Stroke Foundation (ASF), which was operating virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Webinars, caregiver support groups, daily …

The Benefits Of Utilizing A Sensory Room In A Pediatric Outpatient Setting, Mackenzie L. Wand

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this Capstone project was to develop a sensory room in an outpatient setting to support child-led sensory integration. The Capstone experience was completed at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota in an outpatient setting. The project was geared towards working primarily with the pediatric population with a diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main learning objective was creating the sensory room which included creating a list of equipment for the room and setting up the room once the items were delivered. Another main learning objective was creating binders to provide …

Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Nicu And Post-Nicu Settings, Katlyn M. Schochenmaier

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone experience was to gain advanced clinical experience and explore occupational therapy’s role in the NICU and post-NICU settings. Further focus of this capstone was on the feeding concerns and sensory development of infants following a NICU stay. This capstone project was completed at a Level IV NICU and an outpatient speech and occupational therapy clinic in a midwestern city. Theoretical models of Ayres’ Sensory Integration, Neonatal Integrative Developmental Care Model, and Biopsychosocial Model of Pediatric Feeding were used to develop and implement this capstone experience. A two-day continuing education course was completed prior to the …

Empowering Occupational Therapy Practitioners Through Virtual Education On Seating And Wheeled Mobility, Jane A. Loscheider

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background and Purpose: Seating and wheeled mobility is a complex practice area with serious secondary complications if the client does not have an optimally configured seating and mobility device. Occupational therapists receive basic education on seating and wheeled mobility, but additional education is needed for best practice. The purpose of this project was to provide education for the occupational therapy practitioner and identify if a virtual seating and mobility course could improve their comfort level working with their clients who rely on a wheelchair for occupational engagement. Methods: A literature review and needs assessment submitted by 100 occupational therapy clinicians …

Virtual Reality And Its Impact As An Intervention On Meaningful Occupations For Individuals With Mental Health Diagnoses, Alison S. Benson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone project was to administer occupation-based and therapeutic interventions based on virtual reality and evaluate their impact on participation in meaningful occupations by individuals with mental health diagnoses. I completed this 14-week capstone experience at the Professional Rehabilitation Consultants, an outpatient occupational therapy mental health clinic in St. Paul, Minnesota. The interventions that I tested were administered using strategies from principles of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and the Recovery Model. I created intervention modules based on published instructions on the use of VR equipment and information gathered from research on the VR applications. I …

Supporting The Holistic Treatment Of Adults With Upper Extremity Injuries: Bridging The Gap Between The Clinic And Classroom, Stephanie W. Mcclung

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Research continues to support the need for holistic and occupation-based treatment of patients with upper extremity (UE) injuries, therefore, occupational therapy students (OTS) would benefit from continued education supporting holistic hand therapy. Thus, the purpose of this capstone experience was to offer a capstone student with an opportunity to provide holistic hand therapy, explore and address barriers to delivering holistic therapy services, and following reflection, use the knowledge and skills gained through this experience to create supplemental educational materials to further peer education in holistic hand therapy. While providing direct patient care, the capstone student developed a better understanding of …

Complementary And Integrative Approaches For Occupational Therapy Practitioners: An Educational Experience, Wanda Kay Lauer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background and purpose: The use of complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) practices are on the rise in the United States. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) supports their use as occupations, activities, or interventions to support occupations yet many occupational therapists do not feel comfortable discussing or implementing complementary approaches in their therapy practice. The purpose of this project was to develop a two-day continuing education course to provide occupational therapy practitioners with information to increase their competency and confidence in utilizing complementary and integrative approaches in practice.

Methods: A literature review was completed to determine if there …