Occupational Therapy Commons^™

What Can Be Achieved With An Interprofessional Class?, Kitsum Li, Olivia Catolico

Kitsum Li

Introduction Recently, educators advocated for interprofessional education to better prepare entry-level healthcare workers for efficient, effective, and respectful teamwork to lower the cost of healthcare and improve the delivery of collaborative quality patient care. This article describes the results of an educational program evaluation of an interprofessional class (IPC) taught over a five-year period between nursing and occupational therapy (OT) departments at a small private university.

Methods During the IPC sessions, a small group of nursing and OT students observed a simulated patient care scenario in which a nursing and an OT student provided care related to their respective discipline. …

First-Time Experience In Owning A Dog Guide By Older Adults With Vision Loss, Kitsum Li, Jeffrey Kou, Yvonne Lam, Patricia Lyons, Susan Nguyen

Kitsum Li

Introduction: Dog guides were found to be effective in helping adults with vision loss navigate in the community and improve overall well-being. In spite of the vast amount of literature on pet therapy and dog companionship, limited study exists on older adult with vision loss experience of owning a dog guide. The purpose of this study is to explore the facilitators and barriers of first time owning and using a dog guide as experienced by older adults with vision loss.

Methods: Data were gathered among seven participants using open-ended semi-structured telephone interviews. Participants were asked to describe their experiences related …

Elevating Student Understanding: Irish Occupational Therapy Students’ Experience Of A Service Learning Project, Karen Mccarthy, Marian Mccarthy

Karen McCarthy

Service learning is a pedagogy that embraces learning in action and addresses community needs. Since the adoption of the Occupational Therapy Competencies in 2008 and the launch of national occupational therapist registration in Ireland in 2015, there has been limited research on the effectiveness of service learning pedagogies in Irish higher education for meeting core competencies. The majority of research focusing on evaluating service learning have been North American studies which brings to question the relevance of these service learning outcomes beyond North America and specifically Ireland. This qualitative study examined 11 occupational therapy students’ journal reflections, portfolio entries, and …

Sanism And Mad Pride: Critical Perspectives On Mental Health, Karen Mccarthy, Bianca Doherty

Karen McCarthy

The issue of stigma surrounding mental health has received increasing attention within occupational therapy, however, the focus has been primarily limited to the individual(s) being stigmatized, rather than on the underlying processes that create and maintain stigma. This presentation will explore the concept of ‘sanism’ as a system of thought that provides a foundation upon which stigma is maintained against persons labelled with a mental health diagnosis. The Mad Pride movement will also be discussed as an alternative perspective of mental health and a way to combat the sanism and the negative impacts of stigma.

How To Pioneer Occupational Therapy In College Campuses, Rashelle Nagata, Grace Ho, Karen Mccarthy, Tracy Jalaba

Karen McCarthy

Discover why occupational therapy practitioners should be employed on college campuses, what it would take to build a program or position, and how you can demonstrate your unique value as an occupational therapy practitioner.

Integrating Pediatric Primary Care Services, Bonnie R W Riley, Stephanie L. De Sam Lazaro

Stephanie de Sam Lazaro, OTD, MA, OTR/L

No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Interventions For Children With Autism: Current Practices And Continuing Education In Minnesota, Bryden Giving, Stephanie L. De Sam Lazaro

Stephanie de Sam Lazaro, OTD, MA, OTR/L

No abstract provided.

Exploring Ot's Role On Interdisciplinary Teams In Multitier Systems For Support For Children And Adolescents, Stephanie L. De Sam Lazaro, Bonnie R W Riley

Stephanie de Sam Lazaro, OTD, MA, OTR/L

No abstract provided.

An Innovative Behavioral Interview For Pre-Admission Selection Of Occupational Therapy Students, Kitsum Li, Julia L. Wilbarger, Shad St. Louis

Kitsum Li

The goal for pre-admission interview is to identify students who will be successful both academically and professionally. The traditional structured pre-admission interview has not been shown to be effective in predicting students’ success in academic and fieldwork performance. This article describes an innovative behavioral interview process during which applicants interviewed simulated clients as part of the preadmission selection process. The goals of the pre-admission behavioral interview were to observe applicants’ behavior as team players, and to assess their interpersonal communication skills, capability to be reflective, and professionalism. During the behavioral interview, faculty interviewers assessed the applicants’ performance in the planning …

Disaggregating The Relative Influence Of Genetic, Environmental And Individual Factors On Lcl And Hdl Cholesterols And Bmi For A Sample Of African American (Aa) Mothers And Daughters, C. Jayne Brahler, Jewel Harden, Michelle Mchone, Matthew Soules, Eric Evans, Ann Alyanak, Fred Diakpieng, Paul M. Vanderburgh

Paul M. Vanderburgh

There are many reports about the associations between blood lipids, body mass index (BMI) and dietary cholesterol intakes both within the individual and between related individuals. The purpose of this descriptive research project was to investigate the relationships between LDL and HDL cholesterols, body mass index and dietary cholesterol intakes for a sample of African American (AA) mothers and their daughters and to attempt to separate the contribution of genetic versus environmental factors. Mother and daughter participants (n =42 and 66, respectively) were 12-14-hours fasted when blood samples were drawn, heights and weights measured, and 24 hour food recalls completed.

Utility Of An Occupational Therapy Driving Intervention For A Combat Veteran, Sherrilene Classen, Miriam Monahan, Maria Canonizado, Sandra Winter

Miriam Monahan

Many combat veterans are injured in motor vehicle crashes shortly after returning to civilian life, yet little evidence exists on effective driving interventions. In this single-subject design study, we compared clinical test results and driving errors in a returning combat veteran before and after an occupational therapy driving intervention. A certified driving rehabilitation specialist administered baseline clinical and simulated driving assessments; conducted three intervention sessions that discussed driving errors, retrained visual search skills, and invited commentary on driving; and administered a postintervention evaluation in conditions resembling those at baseline. Clinical test results were similar pre- and postintervention. Baseline versus postintervention …

Evidence-Based Review Of Interventions For Medically At-Risk Older Drivers, Sherilenne Classen, Miriam Monahan, Beth Auten, Abraham Yarney

Miriam Monahan

OBJECTIVE. To conduct an evidence-based review of intervention studies of older drivers with medical conditions.

METHOD. We used the American Occupational Therapy Association’s classification criteria (Levels I–V, I 5 highest level of evidence) to identify driving interventions. We classified studies using letters to represent the strength of recommendations: A 5 strongly recommend the intervention; B 5 recommend intervention is provided routinely; C 5 weak evidence that the intervention can improve outcomes; D 5 recommend not to provide the intervention; I 5 insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the intervention.

RESULTS. For clients with stroke, we recommend a graded simulator …

Driving Characteristics Of Teens With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sherrilene Classen, Miriam Monahan, Yanning Wang

Miriam Monahan

Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among teens. Teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or both (ADHD–ASD) may have a greater crash risk. We examined the between-groups demographic, clinical, and predriving performance differences of 22 teens with ADHD– ASD (mean age 5 15.05, standard deviation [SD] 5 0.95) and 22 healthy control (HC) teens (mean age 5 14.32, SD 5 0.72). Compared with HC teens, the teens with ADHD–ASD performed more poorly on righteye visual acuity, selective attention, visual–motor integration, cognition, and motor performance and made more errors on the driving simulator pertaining …

Driving Errors In Parkinson’S Disease: Moving Closer To Predicting On-Road Outcomes, Sherrilene Classen, Babetter Brumback, Miriam Monahan, Irene I. Malaty, Ramon L. Rodriguez, Michael S. Okun, Nikolaus R. Mcfarland

Miriam Monahan

Age-related medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) compromise driver fitness. Results from studies are unclear on the specific driving errors that underlie passing or failing an on-road assessment. In this study, we determined the between-group differences and quantified the on-road driving errors that predicted pass or fail on-road outcomes in 101 drivers with PD (mean age 5 69.38 ± 7.43) and 138 healthy control (HC) drivers (mean age 5 71.76 ± 5.08). Participants with PD had minor differences in demographics and driving habits and history but made more and different driving errors than HC participants. Drivers with PD failed …

Evaluating Driving As A Valued Instrumental Activity Of Daily Living, Anne E. Dickerson, Timothy Reistetter, Elin Schold Davis, Miriam Monahan

Miriam Monahan

The purpose of this translational research article is to illustrate how general practice occupational therapists have the skills and knowledge to address driving as a valued occupation using an algorithm based on the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (2nd ed.; American Occupational Therapy Association, 2008b). Evidence to support the model is offered by a research study. Participants were compared on their performance of complex instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and a behind-thewheel driving assessment. A significant relationship was found between the process skills from the performance assessment and whether the driver passed, failed, or needed restrictions as …

Indicators Of Simulated Driving Skills In Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sherrilene Classen, Miriam Monahan, Stephanie Hernandez

Miriam Monahan

Adolescents are at high risk for motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have an even greater risk for MVCs due to impaired visual, cognitive, and motor skills critical for driving. This prospective two group study demonstrated the demographic, clinical, and simulated driving skill differences of seven adolescents with ASD (mean age = 15.14, SD ±1.22) compared to 22 healthy controls (HC) (mean age = 14.32, SD ±.72) through a comprehensive driving evaluation (CDE) conducted by an occupational therapist certified driving rehabilitation specialist (OT-CDRS). Adolescents with ASD performed poorer on right eye acuity (Fischer’s (F) = …

Indicators Of Simulated Driving Skills In Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sherrilene Classen, Miriam Monahan, Kiah Brown

Miriam Monahan

Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk for committing traffic violations, and they are four times more likely than neurotypical peers to be crash involved, making them a potentially high risk group for driving. We used a two-group design to measure differences in demographics, clinical off-road tests, and fitness to drive abilities in a driving simulator with nine adolescents with ADHD (mean age = 15.00, SD ± 1.00) compared to 22 healthy controls (HC) (mean age = 14.32, SD ±..716), as evaluated by an Occupational Therapist Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (OT-CDRS). Despite few demographic differences, the …

Critically Appraised Paper For “The Effects Of A Home-Based Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Program On Balance Among Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease”, Amanda Lee, Sophie Miller, Holly Snyder, Phoebe Taasan, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based exercise program using the Nintendo Wii system in its capacity to improve balance and balance confidence and maintain exercise compliance. Balance and balance confidence were measured with the Center of Pressure Length (COPL) and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), which were administered before the start of the intervention, 6 weeks into the intervention, and within 1 week postintervention. Although changes in balance and balance confidence scores were found to be nonsignificant, a pattern emerged in which scores for both measures rose between preand postintervention assessments, then fell to nearly baseline levels …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Efficacy Of Occupational Therapy For Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial”, Amber Zadravecz, Hannah Tashjian, Emily White, Stephanie Pawek, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

Parkinson’s disease is a disabling, progressive condition that hinders occupational performance in daily activities and social participation. Occupational therapy supports engagement in activities that are meaningful to the patient. The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits of occupational therapy in addition to standard care for patients with Parkinson's disease.

Critically Appraised Paper For “Effect Of Physical Exercise-Movement Strategies Programme On Mobility, Falls, And Quality Of Life In Parkinson's Disease”, April Perez, Morganne Peterson, Raechel Jacala, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

A research team conducted a Level III prospective, longitudinal study to examine the effect of a standardized rehabilitation program, consisting of regular exercise and movement strategies, on fall risk, mobility, hospitalization, and quality of life for individuals with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Over 2 years, 15 participants attended weekly rehabilitation sessions during Year 1 and biweekly sessions during Year 2. The rehabilitation program was designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, balance, posture, and gait pattern. Using a pre- and posttest study design, the research team assessed participants at baseline and at Year 1 and Year 2 follow-up evaluations. Using …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Cognitive Stimulation Of Executive Functions In Mild Cognitive Impairment: Specific Efficacy And Impact In Memory”, Avery Wilson, Yamin Zaw, Malcolm Isely, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

Executive functions play a pivotal role in an individual’s independence. However, little research has been conducted on the efficacy of specific cognitive training for individuals with deficits consistent with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The researchers in this study aimed to use a cognitive stimulation program that taught specific strategies to enhance the participants’ attentional and executive functional tasks. The study, using a crossover design involving two groups, included 30 participants affected by the amnestic form of MCI, executive function deficits, or both. The 6-month training sessions addressed challenges through the use of individualized cognitive strategies and proposed activities to exercise …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Bobath Concept Versus Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy To Improve Arm Functional Recovery In Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Clinical Rehabilitation, Emily Garnica, Savannah Hancock, Tiffany Huang, Jessica Phung, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

The researchers used a Level I, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial design to compare the functional arm recovery of 22 high-functioning poststroke participants. Participants were evenly assigned to receive therapy using the Bobath concept or constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT).

The first intervention group received therapy using the Bobath concept, a neurodevelopmental treatment focused on specific handling techniques that guide the patient’s affected arm through initiation and completion of tasks. The intervention consisted of 1 hr of training per day in an outpatient clinic and a 24-hr home program for 10 consecutive weekdays. The second intervention group received CIMT, a rehabilitation treatment …

In Adult Patients With Unilateral Stroke, Is Distributed Constraint-Induced Therapy Or Bilateral Arm Training More Effective In Improving Upper Extremity Motor And Functional Outcomes Compared With A Routine Approach?, Courtney Beyer, Christine Kim, Janice Li, Angelica Soltis, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

Stroke survivors may experience deficits and impairments of upper extremity (UE) function that limit their engagement in meaningful everyday occupations. It is important for occupational therapists to identify and test the effectiveness of interventions targeted to decrease UE learned nonuse, improve functional performance, and increase participation in one’s daily occupations. This study compared the efficacy of distributed constraint-induced therapy (dCIT) and bilateral arm training (BAT) in improving movement strategies and functional abilities of the UE in stroke survivors. Each intervention group participated in the intervention 2 hr/day, five times per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Participants in the dCIT group …

Critcally Appraised Paper For: “Is Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy More Effective Than Bimanual Training In Improving Arm Motor Function In The Subacute Phase Post Stroke? A Randomized Controlled Trial.”, Jason Ichimaru, Jennifer Sik, Kelly Schmidt, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

Patients poststroke compose one of the largest demographics treated by occupational therapists in the physical disability setting. Approximately two-thirds of individuals who have had a stroke present with arm function impairment (Kwakkel & Kollen, 2007). Therefore, effective arm rehabilitation in occupational therapy settings is critical to help patients regain functional independence and quality of life. Modified constraint-induced movement (MCIM) therapy has been reported as the superior method of arm rehabilitation for individuals in the subacute phase poststroke, although recent research has also supported bimanual training. This 4-week, randomized controlled, quantitative study compared the effect of MCIM therapy and bimanual task-related …

For Stroke Patients, In What Ways Does Robot-Assisted Therapy Improve Upper Extremity Performance In The Areas Of Motor Impairment, Muscle Power, And Strength?, Maria Mandrussow, Ani Keshishyan, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability among adults. Adequate rehabilitation of the upper extremity in stroke patients can improve performance in activities of daily living. Robot-assisted therapy can offer intense, repetitive, and task-specific training to the impaired limb after stroke. Prior studies have shown that robot-assisted therapy may improve strength and motor deficits of the impaired limbs, but there is a lack of research comparing the effects of unilateral robot-assisted training protocol (URTP) versus bilateral robot-assisted training protocol (BRTP) with a robotic device. Comparison of the effectiveness of these two protocols is beneficial to determine the appropriate treatment …

Critically Appraised Paper For “The Effect Of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy On Spasticity And Motor Function Of The Affected Arm In Patients With Chronic Stroke.”, Jacqueline Bloom, Emily Lu, Matt Tong, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

This study explored the effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on the spasticity and functional use of the affected arm and hand among persons of working age who presented with spastic hemiplegia resulting from a stroke that occurred more than 6 months ago. The researchers developed a modified CIMT program for use in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic with intensive and varied exercise training aimed at targeting the negative symptoms of spastic hemiplegia. Previous research on CIMT has taken place in laboratory settings and has not specifically focused on CIMT’s effects on spasticity. The researchers used a battery of assessments …

Critically Appraised Paper For Occupational Therapy Intervention: Effects On Self-Care, Performance, Satisfaction, Self-Esteem/Self-Efficacy, And Role Functioning Of Older Hispanic Females With Arthritis, Jennifer Borcich, Erin Sheehy, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

Arthritis is a chronic condition that presents physical and psychosocial challenges that can affect daily functioning. The researchers in this study examined two frequently used methods of occupational therapy intervention—enabling or preparatory activities and occupation-based activities—for managing and improving symptoms of arthritis to improve participation, satisfaction, and self-efficacy in activities of daily living (ADLs). Twenty-nine older Hispanic women with osteoarthritis participated in the study and were randomized into two intervention groups and a control group. Whereas the occupation-based intervention group consisted of 10–15 min of enabling or preparatory activities, followed by 30 min of occupation-based activities, the enabling/preparatory-based intervention group …

Latina Adolescent Outreach Project, Susan C. Scwartz, Claudia Guerra, Julianna Deardorff, Janice Barlow

Susan C. Schwartz

• To culturally adapt and translate into Spanish three components of the Breast Cancer and Environment – Peer Education Tool Kit (2006) for Marin County Latina adolescents: Top Twelve Messages, Teen Brochure, and Personal Action Plan

• To disseminate the adapted, translated materials to high school health educators and community organizations

Adolescent Breast Cancer Prevention, Risk Reduction And Education Project, Susan C. Schwartz, Janice Barlow

Susan C. Schwartz

The Adolescent Breast Cancer Prevention, Risk Reduction and Education Project was developed in 2003 in recognition of the growing scientific evidence that early life events play an important role in the development of breast cancer and the onset of puberty is thought to be a key seventy influencing subsequent breast cancer risk.

Breast Cancer And Environment Peer Education Tool Kit -- Community Action Panel, Susan C. Schwartz

Susan C. Schwartz

The Breast Cancer and Environment Peer Education Tool Kit culminates three years of dedicated effort by the Zero Breast Cancer leadership and staff, community partners and advisors, and peer education specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area. The teen breast cancer risk awareness curriculum tools that Zero Breast Cancer is making available to the broader community evolved from a formative community assessment to address the need for ageappropriate teen breast cancer outreach education in a community known for high breast cancer incidence.

The impetus to develop this program has been threefold: 1) to disseminate knowledge back to the community that …