Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Producing Precarity: The Individualization Of Later Life Unemployment Within Employment Support Provision, Debbie Rudman, Rebecca Aldrich

Occupational Therapy Publications

There have been marked policy shifts within many nations towards ‘extended work lives’, with such shifts often underpinned by an assumption that individual aging citizens can make the responsible choice to prolong work and thereby avoid dependency on the state. However, possibilities for extended work lives are inequitably distributed, and older workers who become unemployed often face prolonged unemployment and barriers to obtaining sustainable employment. Drawing on findings from an ethnographic study addressing the negotiation of long-term unemployment in two North American cities, this article attends to how jobseekers aged 50 and older, employment support service providers, and organizational stakeholders …

Insights From An Inaugural Eight-Month Interprofessional Collaborative Co-Design Educational Experience Between Occupational Therapy And Industrial Design, Rebecca Brown, Kimberly S. Mollo, Madalyn Peterson, Mikael Avery, Eric Schneider, Tod Corlett

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

The design of the built environment greatly impacts how all types of individuals and populations actively participate in their daily lives. Lack of access in the built environment for disabled populations remains a daily reality, negatively impacting engagement and life satisfaction, leading to isolation, loneliness, and depression. A university in the Northeastern United States sought to expand current constructs of the end-user and environment within a universal design (UD) perspective. On an eight-month inaugural interprofessional collaborative co-design experience, third-year occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students were embedded in a first-year masters of industrial design (MSID) curriculum, which ran the course of …

Long-Term Outcomes In Children With Acute Flaccid Myelitis, Megan D. Henley, Lindie Hill, Sydney Inman, Molly Grace King, Sam Lopez, Carley Mahaffey

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to combine the best evidence regarding the long-term outcomes in children with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) regarding posture and movement, gross and fine motor control, and activities of daily living (ADL) performance. The final portfolio contains eight articles. The study designs of these articles include a retrospective cohort study, two retrospective non-randomized studies without a control group, a retrospective review, a nationwide follow-up questionnaire analysis study, a case report, a case series, and a multiple quantitative case study. All studies related directly to our evidence-based PICO question and were used to determine …

Exercise Interventions For Adults With Burn Injuries, Liz Burton, Carolyn Knight, Brittney Malone, Lexie Rivers, Rachel Walker, James Wright

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) is to provide the highest quality of evidence available on the implementation of exercise interventions in the early burn rehabilitation phase in adult burn victims. This portfolio contains four peer-reviewed research articles from national and international journals. The study designs include one systematic review and meta analyses, one retrospective cohort study and two randomized control trials. These articles covered three types of exercise interventions including resistance training, mobility training, and physiotherapy. Overall, the clinical bottom line of this CAT is that exercise interventions in early burn rehabilitation may be effective in improving …

Reducing Stress, Anxiety, And Depression For Nicu Parents, Amy Patton, Kylie Dunavan, Kyla Key, Steffani Takahashi, Kathryn Tenner, Megan Wilson

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

This project aims to appraise evidence of the effectiveness of various practices on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The project contains six research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs include one meta-analysis, one randomized controlled trial, one small scale randomized controlled trial, one prospective phase lag cohort study, on pretest-posttest study, and one mixed-methods pretest-posttest study. Recommendations for effective interventions were based on best evidence discovered through quality appraisal and study outcomes. All interventions, except for educational programs and Kangaroo Care, resulted in a statistically significant …

Reducing Delirium In Patients With Covid-19, Allison E. Brewer Mot/S, Amy Carver Mot/S, Allison Nance Mph, Mot/S, Mallori Rodrigue Mot/S, Olivia Smith Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the best current evidence regarding interventions that would be effective in reducing delirium in patients with COVID-19 in the acute care setting. The final portfolio contains a total of five research articles. Study designs include three randomized controlled trials, one non randomized controlled trial, and one quasi-experimental quantitative design. All studies relate directly to interventions within the OT scope of practice and were implemented in the acute care setting. Due to limited research on the novel coronavirus, these findings apply to critically ill patients but are not specific to patients …

Preventing Pneumonia Through Early Mobilization Of Critically Ill Adults, Elizabeth G. Barton, Tedrin N. Elion, Caleb J. Harbor, Alexandria M. Keathley, Madison R. Payne, Hailey N. Warrington

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) is to investigate early mobilization and its effect on preventing pneumonia in adults in the intensive care unit (ICU). The final portfolio contains four research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs included two meta-analyses, one case series, and one retrospective study. All four of the articles specifically described the effects of early mobilization on individuals in the hospital and ICU and showed positive results in reducing the likelihood of developing pneumonia. This CAT will be used to draft new practice guidelines for mentoring new managers in both occupational therapy …

Increasing Confidence And Mental Health In Caregivers, Lucy D. Diangelo, Libby Lowry, Kayla Mcdaniel, Clare Sauser, Shelby Terry, Erin Williams

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the highest-level evidence available regarding interventions for increasing confidence and mental health outcomes in caregivers taking loved ones home from inpatient rehabilitation. The final portfolio contains six research articles from peer-reviewed journals. Study designs include randomized control trials, a systematic review, and a pretest-posttest without a control group. All studies relate directly to the components of the PICO question. Four of the articles discussed both caregiver confidence and mental health while two articles discussed only mental health. There is strong evidence to support that in-person hands on training, in person …

Space Retrieval Training For Memory Enhancement In Adults With Dementia, Lauren Camenzind, Molly Kafader, Rachel Schwam, Mikayla Taylor, Zoie Wilkes, Madison Williams

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The final portfolio contains 8 research articles from national and international journals. Study designs include one systematic review, one randomized control trial with pretest-posttest design, three small-scale randomized control trials, one quasi-experimental study with no control, one time-series study, and one case study. All studies relate directly to components of the evidence-based practice question and will be used to draft new recommendations for implementation regarding spaced retrieval training for memory enhancement in adults with dementia. Seven out of the eight articles looked at the effects of SR techniques on functional tasks. Articles looked at eating difficulty (1), independent use of …

Reaching And Supporting Diverse Student Groups: Examining The Hidden Curriculum In Occupational Therapy Education, Katherine Toon

Occupational Therapy Faculty Scholarship

As occupational therapy education is becoming more mindful of disparities in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the classroom and clinical practice, adjustments in curricula need to be made to affect long term changes, especially considering the many connections to intersectionality and improved patient outcomes. This poster explores emerging best practices and important reflections when reviewing health curricula, with special attention paid to the “hidden curriculum” surrounding DEI within occupational therapy education programs. By critically and thoroughly reviewing intended, actual, hidden, and null curricula, a better understanding of program and didactic shortcomings can be compiled and assessed. After distinctive reviews …

Strengths-Based Interventions To Support Positive Role Identity In Home Health Practice, Sarah Kiefer

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

The author collaborated with a home health occupational therapist in Western Washington. The therapist’s research question was, “What evidence is there to support strengths-based therapy interventions effective in supporting positive role identity in adults with physical disabilities who are receiving home health or outpatient rehabilitation services?” Home health practitioners may not account for a client’s mental health challenges that impact role identity. A client’s sense of role identity can influence re-engagement in meaningful activities that support quality of life. The evidence review found that role identity concepts, like autonomy, are considered to be important, but often measured as secondary outcomes. …

Evidence Supporting The Effectiveness Of Standardized Assessments At Predicting Safe Performance Of Activities Of Daily Living For Patients In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Jenna Mangiagli, Bridget Manion, Mckenzie Roque, Olivia Wasilenski

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

The research question was “What is the evidence to support the effectiveness of standardized assessments at predicting safe performance of ADLs for patients in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)?” The literature review results indicate that there is strong evidence to support the effectiveness of the Barthel Index (BI), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at predicting safe performance of ADLs for patients in SNFs. It is recommended that practitioners use the MBI to predict safe performance of ADLs for patients at intake and discharge from SNFs. To support implementation of the research findings, a fact sheet and pre-recorded …

Improving Recidivism And Outcomes Within Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitals, Brooke Harrison, Madison Mainard, Marissa Mclellan, Kate Ricke

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

In collaboration with a local occupational therapist in the adult inpatient acute mental health unit at a small urban hospital in Western Washington, we conducted a systematic literature review to determine which strategies are most effective in reducing readmission to inpatient adult psychiatric facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness and/or substance abuse. Overall results found housing assistance, 24/7 resource access, interdisciplinary teams, and holistic individualized care to be effective in the reduction of recidivism for individuals experiencing homelessness and/or substance abuse. Interventions focused on money management, diagnosis education, and community reintegration were also supported. Evidence indicated systemic social and legislative reform, …

Effectiveness Of Auditory Interventions On Children's Attention, Engagement, Self-Regulation, And Auditory Discrimination, Victoria Brager, Claira Geller, Jessica Kresl, Emily Waham

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Sensory-based interventions are commonly used in occupational therapy practice to support children and youth with disabilities that may impact occupational performance. Auditory interventions are a specific sensory intervention centered around the use of sounds thought to create neural changes in the brain resulting in improved functional performance (Wink, McKeown, & Casey, 2017). Four occupational therapy research students collaborated with a local pediatric occupational therapist who was interested in obtaining updated evidence on auditory interventions with children. Researchers screened and systematically reviewed the literature to address the question, "Do auditory interventions improve self-regulation, engagement, auditory discrimination, and/or attention for children?" Upon …

Addressing Attention Difficulties In School-Aged Children Through Interventions Targeting On-Task Behavior And School Performance, Loran Edwards Ots, Rebekah Jugensen Ots, Jessica Oppenheimer Ots, Michelle Parker Ots

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Tomi Johnson, OTR/L, the primary collaborator for this project, is an occupational therapist with the Kent School District (KSD) working with children in grades K-6. She worked with occupational therapy (OT) students to answer the question: Which school-based related service interventions are effective in improving school performance in children with attention challenges. The results of this systematic review identified six intervention modalities that can be implemented by occupational therapists to address attention challenges in school-aged children including: (1) self-monitoring, (2) school-to-home daily report cards, (3) physical activity, (4) sensory supports, (5) high tech, and (6) metacognitive and behavioral training. Based …

Nonpharmacological Pain Management Strategies For Infants In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Kasen Boie, Kylie Farrenkopf, Hannah Henrikson, Lauren Kikumoto

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Developmentally appropriate care is a central feature of rehabilitation in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), but the hospital environment often fails to meet the specific needs of infants, impacting the quality of care that they receive. The infant rehabilitation team at Oregon Health and Science University Doembecher Children’s Hospital collaborated with student researchers to identify the most effective nonpharmacological pain strategies in order to communicate these strategies to other allied health professionals. The final practice question was “What are the most effective nonpharmacological pain management practices for optimal developmental outcomes for infants 12 months old and younger in the …

Creating Bridges Of Interprofessional Education: Opportunities For Collaborating Across Multiple Disciplines And Campuses, Norman Cadiz Belleza, Jim Mathews, Leiselle Pilgrim, Kaitlyn Cremer, Maureen Johnson, Elisabeth Mcgee, Evan Pucillo, Kathy Wheat, Vibhor Agrawal

Education Collection

Introduction and Purpose: The purpose of this special interest report is to discuss strategies used by to integrate simulation activities across multiple campuses and programs to foster inter- and intra-professional education. Inter-professional (IP) simulations were done between multiple campuses of a large scale, multi-state, health science university. These simulations utilized Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Master of Science Speech/Language Pathology (MS-SLP) students and faculty. IP simulations involved DPT students and faculty from the health sciences university in one state and physical therapist assistant (PTA) students and faculty from a different university in that same …

Self-Efficacy Of Professionalism: Online Modules To Improve Implementation On Level Ii Fieldwork, Leigh Leonard, Otd, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Professionalism is a fundamental component of occupational therapy. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has many official documents that reference professionalism including the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, Standards for Continuing Competence, Standards of Practice for Occupational Therapy, and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, 4th ed. There are high professional expectations of occupational therapy students, however, the definition of professional behaviors varies among fieldwork educators, faculty, and occupational therapy students. The literature revealed four themes of professionalism that were consistent across all stakeholders. Online education has increasingly become the norm for many programs and there is strong …

From Isolation To Connection A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Older Adults’ Social Participation Using The Cov19-Qol Scale, Kathleen Melei Otd, Jill R. Linder Dhsc, Otr

Other Specialties

Abstract

The current study evaluated the relationship between social participation and quality of life (QoL) for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community-dwelling adults (N = 230) age 65 or older completed an online survey providing demographic data to identify changes in lifestyle routine during the pandemic using the COVID-19 Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) scores. Analyses revealed significant differences in reported lifestyle routines in relation to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and significant differences in COV19-QoL scores across various demographic groups. Results demonstrated the close relationship between social participation and QOL, assisted with identifying individuals at increased risk, and …

The Development Of A Multiple Errands Test For Pre/Post Concussive Testing On A College Campus: The University Multiple Errands Test - Lessons Learned, Regula H. Robnett, Kathleen Hahn, Tetee Roland

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

The Multiple Errands Test (MET) is an occupation-based assessment tool, used to determine if someone who has sustained an acquired brain injury can successfully complete everyday errands, such as purchasing items at a gift shop, mailing a letter, and determining what hours a store is open. The MET has been used successfully in a hospital setting. Due to the MET’s ecological validity, we sought to determine if an adapted MET (revised for a college campus setting) would be an appropriate alternative to the ImPACT, an often-required, on-line pre and post-concussion neuropsychological assessment for high school and college athletes. Students may …

How Community-Based Nutrition Education Impacts Health Disparities Among Black American Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Kelly Joy Armstrong

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Purpose: There has been increasing concern about the level of health and food literacy among Black adolescents. Food literacy and nutrition interventions have been studied in an effort to improve health outcomes among this population. This study aimed to explore which interventions found success in increasing fruit and vegetable (FV) intake which included culturally relevant education material. Method: Five databases were searched using terms related to racial ethnicity, diet and age. Thirteen articles met inclusion criteria of including majority minority participants and the majority citing community based interventions focusing on dietary change including FV intake. Results: This scoping review revealed …

Exploring Employment Experiences From The Perspectives Of Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Case Analysis, Hannah Dinsmore, Colleen Mcgovern

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly referred to as ASD or autism, is a neurological disorder defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities are included in the diagnostic criteria (DSM-5). Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face disproportionately high levels of unemployment and underemployment (Khalifa et al., 2020). Engagement in work is a meaningful occupation that helps shape one’s identity and is a vital part of an individual’s wellbeing (Hedley et al., 2018). One’s participation in work often …

Exploring The Use Of Occupational Therapy Telehealth Services In Early Intervention During Covid-19, Aiyana Tietze-Di Toro

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth has increased significantly, including for occupational therapy (OT) services provided in the early intervention (EI) setting. While preliminary research evaluates the effectiveness and benefits of telehealth services in early intervention occupational therapy (EI OT), few studies compare telehealth to traditional in-person services. The purpose of this research study is to understand experiences with telehealth for EI OT services during COVID-19 as compared to experiences with previous in-person services from the perspective of OTs and parents. Using a qualitative case study design, interviews were conducted with one EI OT practitioner and two of …

Interoception Awareness And Intuitive Eating, Meghan Glaspey

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

College is a time where students are required to nourish themselves independently. Weight loss and weight maintenance can be difficult for many, as students are more likely to turn to external methods to lose weight, which are not successful and sustainable long term. Students may be more likely to turn to external mechanisms to lose weight because the have poor interoception awareness, which is the ability to make meaning and sense of hunger and fullness cues. This study aims to discover if interoception awareness is a requirement for intuitive eating, which is an eating approach that uses the body as …

Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives On Working In Mental Health Roles, Holly Phillips

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Occupational therapists working in mental health settings face a multitude of challenges to practice, including role blurring, generic roles, lack of support, and a lack of community, yet continue to pursue these positions. The current literature primarily highlights these barriers and discusses the under utilization of occupational therapists in mental health. Despite these challenges, occupational therapists are still holding prominent roles in this area and the question remains of why these therapists are continuing to pursue these roles and how they are creating meaning in their work. For this research, interviews were conducted with occupational therapists currently working or who …

Understanding Current Occupational Therapy Practice Behaviors And Knowledge Relating To Post-Intensive Care Syndrome: An Exploratory, Cross-Sectional Survey, Wendy Header

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Currently literature suggests the underutilization of occupational therapy with individuals at-risk for or suffering from Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). The purpose of this study was to create a better understanding of Occupational Therapists’ current knowledge and practice behaviors regarding PICS.

Client Perspectives Of Engaging In Romantic Relationships After A Spinal Cord Injury: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Kaitlyn R. Edinger

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Intimacy and romantic relationships are an integral component of an individual, providing love and support through one’s lifetime and increasing life satisfaction and well-being. However, individuals who live with a spinal cord injury (SCI) experience relationships and intimacy differently than the rest of the population. Being paralyzed after any injury can affect the individual’s self-esteem, making the individual feel unattractive and self-conscious. Current literature suggests a variety of client reported barriers to engaging in romantic relationships after SCI such as decreased self-esteem, negative body image, and lack of support and education; however, there is limited research regarding the lived experiences …

Feeding Into Complicit Bias Or Promoting Agents For Change: A Reflection On Pedagogy-Where’S The Justice?, Michele Mills, May Tom

Publications and Research

In the authors' careers, as an invisible method for survival and climbing the ladder, they learned of the importance of adopting and understanding White American culture to work successfully in the United States healthcare system. In this reflection, they discuss the necessity of teaching cultural diversity and cultural competence in occupational therapy assistant and physical therapist assistant programs.

Social Participation In College Students With Chronic Pain, Karen Mccarthy, Megan Chamberlain, Megan Chinn, Jennifer Pineda, Camille Santiago, Jamie Spitzer, Patricia Tran

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Scholarship

Background: College students with invisible disabilities, including chronic pain, often experience difficulty engaging in social occupations, both on and off campus, because of stigma, misconceptions, or social exclusion. Previous research has examined the use of academic accommodations to address these concerns or focused on the physical barriers to participation, failing to address the psychosocial and holistic impact of pain. Chronic pain can affect a variety of occupations, including social participation, which is a significant occupation for college students. This research explores the lived experience of chronic pain for college students and the impact of pain on social participation from …

Exploring Voice Hearers' Occupational Experience Of Romantic And Sexual Relationships, Karen Mccarthy, Kristen Gottheil, Emilio Villavicencio, Huilim Jeong

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Scholarship

Background: Limited research has been conducted that explores the occupational experience of hearing voices, including the impact it has on romantic and/or sexual relationships. This study aims to address this gap by capturing the experience of romantic and sexual relationships for those who hear voices.

Method: A phenomenological approach was used to gather data from a survey, electronic diaries, and interviews of three voice hearers who were interested or actively in a casual or serious relationship.

Results: All of the participants reported that the voices in some way impacted their past or current romantic and sexual relationships. …