Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Operation Outreach: An Ongoing Leadership Project, Lisa Forrest

Lisa A Forrest

No abstract provided.

Imitation In Fragile X Syndrome: Implications For Autism, Marta Macedoni-Luksic, Laura Greiss Hess, Sally J. Rogers, David Gosar, Kerrie Lemons-Chitwood, Randi Hagerman

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Scholarship

To address the specific impairment of imitation in autism, the imitation abilities of 22 children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) with and without autism were compared. Based on previous research, we predicted that children with FXS and autism would have significantly more difficulty with non-meaningful imitation tasks. After controlling for full-scale IQ and age, the groups did not differ in their overall imitation accuracy scores, but analysis of error patterns revealed that children with FXS and autism made more groping errors and additional movements than the comparison group. These error patterns are consistent with the hypothesis that an action production …

Imitation In Fragile X Syndrome: Implications For Autism, Marta Macedoni-Luksic, Laura Greiss Hess, Sally J. Rogers, David Gosar, Kerrie Lemons-Chitwood, Randi Hagerman

Laura Greiss Hess

Observation Of Amounts Of Movement Practice Provided During Stroke Rehabilitation, Catherine E. Lang, Jillian R. Macdonald, Darcy S. Reisman, Lara Boyd, Teresa Jacobson Kimberley, Sheila M. Schindler-Ivens, T. George Hornby, Sandy A. Ross, Patricia L. Scheets

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

To investigate how much movement practice occurred during stroke rehabilitation, and what factors might influence doses of practice provided.

Design

Observational survey of stroke therapy sessions.

Setting

Seven inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation sites.

Participants

We observed a convenience sample of 312 physical and occupational therapy sessions for people with stroke.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

We recorded numbers of repetitions in specific movement categories and data on potential modifying factors (patient age, side affected, time since stroke, FIM item scores, years of therapist experience). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize amounts of practice. Correlation and regression analyses were …

Management Of Patients With Cognitive Impairment After Stroke: A Survey Of Australian Occupational Therapists, Chia-Lin Koh, Tammy Hoffmann, Sally Bennett, Kryss Mckenna

Tammy Hoffmann

Background/aim: Cognitive impairment is a common and often debilitating consequence of stroke. The current practice patterns of Australian occupational therapists who work in this area are not clearly known. The aim of this study was to investigate the theoretical approaches, assessments, interventions and research evidence used by Australian occupational therapists who work with patients who have cognitive impairment poststroke.

Methods: A self-administered, purpose-designed online survey was used.

Results: Survey responses were received from 102 occupational therapists. The client-centred approach was the most commonly used theoretical approach, with 81.3% and 72% using it often or all of the time with inpatients …

Development And Evaluation Of Health And Wellness Exhibits At The Jefferson Occupational Therapy Education Center In Second Life, Susan Toth-Cohen, Therese Gallagher

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Virtual worlds such as Second Life are increasingly used for consumer health and higher education. The present paper will describe the development and evaluation of public exhibits on health and wellness at the Jefferson occupational therapy education center in Second Life.

A Study Of The Effect Of Splinting On Pain During Tip Pinch For Osteoarthritis Of The First Carpometacarpal Joint, Leana Tank

Masters Theses

The following research project focused on the effect of a prefabricated neoprene first carpometacarpal splint on osteoarthritis pain with tip-pinch, strength measurements of tip-pinch and functional performance. The following questions were explored throughout this study:

1. There will be a significant decrease in mean pain levels when the subject’s hand is splinted as compared to mean pain levels when the hand is not splinted.

2. There will be a significant decrease in mean pain levels for the second session as compared to the first.

3. There will be a significant increase in mean tip pinch strength measurements when the subject’s …

Poetry, Postcards, And Place: Creative Outreach For The Polymath Librarian, Lisa Forrest, Marc Bayer

Lisa A Forrest

No abstract provided.

Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Management, Becca Gillis

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this Master’s Project was to research Multiple Sclerosis and to gather a significant amount of knowledge to thoroughly understand this disease and the effects it may have on an individual diagnosed with MS. More specifically and as previously stated, fatigue is a very common and often debilitating symptom of MS. As a result, this project was directed toward helping us, as students and future occupational therapists, to become fatigue management experts by learning how to intervene and teach fatigue management/energy conservation courses to a population of individuals largely impacted by this disease. In addition, it was our …

Making The Connection: Creating Leaders In Research, Education, And Practice Through Doctoral Study In Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Carlin Lorena Daley, Courtney E. Daniels, Camille Marie Dieterle, Lisa D. Hickey, Karen Mccarthy, Elizabeth Pyatak, Tina C. Yang

Collected Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Current students and recent graduates of USC's OTD and PhD programs share innovative projects that address the Centennial Vision priority areas of practice. They share practical and creative strategies for bridging the gaps between research, education, and practice, and developing and implementing changes in a variety of practice settings.

Evaluation Of The Effect Of Patient Education On Rates Of Falls In Older Hospital Patients: Description Of A Randomised Controlled Trial, Anne-Marie Hill, Keith Hill, Sandra Brauer, David Oliver, Tammy Hoffmann, Christopher Beer, Steven Mcphail, Terry P. Haines

Tammy Hoffmann

Background: Accidental falls by older patients in hospital are one of the most commonly reported adverse events. Falls after discharge are also common. These falls have enormous physical, psychological and social consequences for older patients, including serious physical injury and reduced quality of life, and are also a source of substantial cost to health systems worldwide. There have been a limited number of randomised controlled trials, mainly using multifactorial interventions, aiming to prevent older people falling whilst inpatients. Trials to date have produced conflicting results and recent meta-analyses highlight that there is still insufficient evidence to clearly identify which interventions …

What Education Do Stroke Patients Receive In Australian Hospitals?, Tammy Hoffmann, Tammy Cochrane

Tammy Hoffmann

Objective: This study evaluated the educational practices of staff working in acute stroke wards in Australian hospitals, including the coordination and methods of patient education provision, postdischarge education and support services available, and the education and support services that health professionals would like to provide.

Methods: Health professionals who worked in acute stroke wards in Australian hospitals were surveyed about the stroke education practices of staff in their ward. Thirty-four hospitals returned a completed questionnaire via email or fax.

Results: Verbal communication and written materials were the most frequently used methods of information provision. Twenty-three (67.6%) wards developed their own …

The History, Development, And Purpose Of The Sensory Integration Global Network, Elizabeth Soechting, Tara J. Glennon, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck, Brian Erwin, Diana A. Henry, Colleen Basaraba, Zoe Mailloux, Susanne Smith Roley

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

The Sensory Integration Global Network (SIGN) is a Web-based resource developed by a loosely structured group of international volunteers dedicated to protecting the integrity and promoting the work of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI). SIGN provides an international resource to educate the public and professionals about A. Jean Ayres and sensory integration theory and practice to help them to discriminate between ASI and other interventions, especially those that use similar descriptors of improving sensory integration and sensory processing.

This article aims to increase awareness of the existence of SIGN within the readership of the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA' s) Sensory …

Assistive Technology Use By Persons With Fragile X Syndrome, Laura Greiss Hess, K. L. Chitwood, S. W. Harris, M. Borodyankaya, R. J. Hagerman, C. Bodine, M. Gurainick

Laura Greiss Hess

Factors Affecting Occupational Therapists’ Decisions To Join Their State Association, Shawn Thomas Ross

Masters Theses

The following research focused on the factors affecting occupational therapists’ decisions to join, withdraw from, or never join their state association. Data was collected using a mixed methods design consisting of a survey that included quantitative questions and a qualitative question. The survey was sent to 1,908 occupational therapists in Michigan and 497 (26%) were returned and usable. Occupational therapists consistently reported dissatisfaction with their state association. Three themes developed regarding reasons occupational therapists’ decisions about membership: prioritization, interpersonal and group communication, and benefits. State and national association memberships were found to be associated. The greatest predictor of membership was …

Handbook On Sensitive Practice For Health Care Practitioners: Lessons From Adult Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Candice L. Schachter, Carol Stalker, Eli Teram, Gerri C. Lasiuk, Alanna Danilkewich

Lyle S. Hallman Social Work Faculty Publications

This handbook is the culmination of a multiphase, multidisciplinary research project that used grounded theory and participatory action research to illuminate ways that healthcare providers can work sensitively (in a trauma-informed way) with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

The research identified nine Principles of Sensitive Practice: respect, rapport, taking time, sharing information and control, respecting boundaries, fostering mutual learning, understanding non-linear healing and demonstrating an understanding of trauma to patients. Specific guidelines were developed for a wide variety of issues pertinent to clinical practice such as, removal of clothing, touch, responding to disclosures of abuse, managing triggers among others. …

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An In-Service And Guide On Education And Prevention, Derek Foss

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is common among supermarket employees with a high prevalence among supermarket cashiers. In a study by Davis et. aI., (2001) it was found that supermarkets had the highest number of workman's compensation claims regarding CTS in Massachusetts. Of 247 reported cases of CTS in supermarkets 80 involved cashiers. Supermarket cashiers show a 19-60% CTS prevalence rate (Bonfiglioli et aI. , 2007). No prevention guide designed for supermarket employees was found in the literature; this scholarly project addresses the need for prevention of CTS among supermarket employees.

An extensive literature review was conducted to understand the need …

A Cognitive Behavioral Approach To Occupational Therapy Hippothearpy [I.E.., Hippotherapy] For Children And Adolescents With Mood Disorders, Abby Heaton, Krista Tangen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents are increasingly being identified with mood disorders. A growing concern is that children and adolescents are not afforded a wide range of interventions to address the symptoms of mental illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been identified as a useful treatment method for mood disorders. Hippotherapy has also been utilized in the treatment of mental illness. A literature review was conducted to explore the therapeutic benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy and hippotherapy for children and adolescents diagnosed with mood disorders. Although CBT has been recognized as useful, CBT methods applied to hippotherapy in occupational therapy does not …

An Occupational Therapists' Guide To Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Kelsey Hewitt, Stephanie White

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare polyneuropathy that affects 2,720 people per year in the United States (NIH, The National Women’s Health Centre, 2004). Guillain-Barre syndrome has a rapid onset that causes the patient to lose sensation and muscle strength within 48-72 hours. This project provides a resource for occupational therapists treating Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) to access information regarding the etiology, incidence/prognosis, assessments, and course of medical treatment. The Occupational Adaptation model serves as a foundation for treatment of the product-a guide for occupational therapy intervention. Interventions are organized to be compatible with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (American Occupational …

At Options With Children With Autism, Melissa Stevens, Megan Neppl

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to information from the Center for Disease Control Prevention (2007) it is estimated that autism affects 1 in 150 births. The Autism Society of America (2007) reports that the prevalence of autism is expected to increase by 10-17 % per year. It has been shown through research that assistive technology can benefit or increase performance in children with autism spectrum disorder. It also can address performance areas limited in children with autism, such as communication, cognition, self-care, leisure, social/play, productivity, and sensorimotor (Reed, 2002). Assistive technology can aid these children in various contexts such as school, home, and play. …

Bridging Job Skills To The Future For Students With Disabilities, Trista Aaberg, Jessica Mcwilliams

Occupational Therapy Capstones

It is estimated that 83% of students, who received special education services, are unemployed following graduation (White & Weiner, 2004). The problem is that often there is no training program to assist the job coaches in the evaluation process to create a successful fit between the student and the job placement. The literature supports the creation of a protocol and training program to address the needs identified of the student.

This scholarly project focuses on the Natrona Country School District in Casper, Wyoming which has implemented the Kelly Walsh Work Study Program. A review of the program's needs assessment and …

A Protocol For Occupational Therapy Involvement In The Response To Intervention Model, Nicole Bolinger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In order to provide effective occupational therapy services to children within the school-based practice setting, it is important to be knowledgeable regarding the current theories and educational models which drive the educational system. Also, it is imperative that school-based occupational therapy practitioners understand the educational models and how they may impact the way occupational therapists deliver services. Chandler (2007) states, "an initiative is gathering momentum that has the potential to significantly change the way occupational therapists practice in the public school" (p. 7). Occupational therapy may have an opportunity to expand their services through a model called Response to Intervention. …

Vision Therapy Promotional Packet: Through The Eyes Of Traumatic Brain Injury/Acquired Brain Injury: An Informational Resource On The Role Of Ot, Sarah A. Cooper, Whitney Schilling

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"Very few in the health care professions, including head trauma rehabilitation centers, are adequately aware of visual problems resulting from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)/ Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and the visual-perception consequences. These visual deficits may lead to impaired functioning in the person's daily activities and roles because vision affects all other functions" (braininjuries.org, ~ 1). A few examples of activities of daily living (ADL's) and instrumental activities of daily living (lADL's) that may be impacted by visual deficits include but are not limited to: driving, eating, dressing, leisure participation (movies, reading, sports), and employment. "Unfortunately, this creates a gap …

A Reference Tool For Occupational Therapists To Utilize When Planning Occupation-Based Interventions Using Animal-Assisted Therapy, Jennifer L. Hamre, Kathryn E. Nagorka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a reference tool for occupational therapists to implement an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program utilizing small animals in preparatory, purposeful, and occupation-based interventions. A thorough literature review was completed using PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO, and OT Search to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current uses for small animals in a variety of settings. Cumulative resources included books, journal articles, editorials, magazines, and electronic organizational resources. Upon completion of a review of literature, we determined animals may be a beneficial modality and serve as an alternative mode of treatment to utilize with other …

Occupational Therapy For Client Empowerment In End-Of-Life Care, Emily Johnson, Sarah Landsem

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: To enable clients in end-of-life care (EOLC ) the opportunity to continue engaging in meaningful activities throughout their remaining days to increase QoL and experience a "good death."

Methods: To complete our Scholarly Project we conducted a literature review using PubMed, CINAHL, OTsearch, and AOTA publications search engines. We also conducted an informal information session with local hospice staff and from this information we chose model/theory to guide product development.

Results: Upon completion of the literature review, we found the following problems existed in regard to utilization of Occupational Therapy in end-of-life care setting; 1) hospice care team members …

Inservice For Individuals Working Or Caring For People With Low Vision, Tara Lee, Haylee Volesky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Throughout the United States, low vision affects more than 3 million Americans 40 years of age and older (Rosenberg & Sperazza, 2008). As the population continues to age, more individuals will be moving to some form of either assisted living care or long-term care, which will increase the number of individuals with visual impairment living in such situations and requiring appropriate services. An individual with low vision typically has a decreased ability to function in daily life with a considerable impact upon functional decline in performance (Haymes, Johnston, & Heyes, 2002; Horowitz, 1994). Difficulties occur in everyday activities such as …

Managing Dual Relationships In Rural Healthcare Settings: An Education Module For Occupational Therapists, Jennifer Maus, Caroline Olson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Dual relationships are a common challenge for health care providers serving a rural community. A dual relationship is when a therapist has a professional and a personal relationship with a client. Occupational therapists may be at greater risk for dual relationships because of the personal nature of their interventions. These relationships create ethical dilemmas between the patient and the therapist and impact the effectiveness ofthe delivery of therapy services. A literature review includes information on the following topics: issues of rural healthcare, occupational therapy in rural healthcare, dual/multiple relationships, and continuing education.

The project is a continuing educational course on …

Occupation-Based Program To Reduce Revidicism [I.E. Recidivism] In Women Offenders, Kacie Moll, Ashley Tyre

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Within the United States, women are known to be the fast growing population of inmates. The purpose of this project is to develop a gender specific occupation based life skills program to implement within a prison setting and continue once in the community. An extensive literature review was conducted on current programming available and what the current needs of women inmates are. Literature revealed that there is a high rate of recidivism among female inmates once released but the recidivism percentage decreased when programming was provided within the prison. The needs of women inmates are different then male inmates. As …

Incorporating American Sign Language (Asl) Into Ot: A Clinician's Manual And Workshop, Kristin Pfeifer-Fylling

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to educate occupational therapists on American Sign Language (ASL) to enhance communication when working with Deaf individuals. Currently, in the United States, 12% of the population has trouble with their hearing, ranging from small auditory deficiencies to complete deafness. Many of these individuals communicate by using ASL which is now the 3rd most commonly used primary language in the United States (Barnett, 2002). In addition, Deaf individuals are found to have more difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) which may indicate more involvement with ~T. Because most healthcare workers OTs are not …

Fall Prevention Algorithm And Programs For Wyoming Medical Center, Janna Rone

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for people over the age of 65 (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Literature indicates that 30-40% of falls are preventable (Sjosten, Vaapia, & Kivela, 2008). The population for this scholarly project is people over the age of 65 who are admitted into Wyoming Medical Center (WMC). WMC is a 180 bed acute care hospital that services the medical needs of the residents of Casper, Wyoming and the surrounding area. Like many acute care hospitals around the country, WMC has a problem with the number of fall occurrences. This …