Western Michigan University
University of North Dakota
University of Southern California
Dominican University of California
Loma Linda University
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Intimacy Following Cerebral Vascular Accident,
2024
West Virginia University
Intimacy Following Cerebral Vascular Accident, Hannah Caitlyn Guschel, Sarah Hendrickson
Graduate Student Scholarship
In the United States, a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) is a leading cause of death and a significant contributor to severe disabilities for adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022a). Two areas of post-stroke deficits and changes that are not frequently addressed in treatments are sexual activity dysfunctions and challenges with intimacy after stroke. Occupational therapy practitioners have the education, training, and practice areas within our framework to address issues relating to sexuality and provide education on the matter. Sexuality should be addressed, like all other activities of daily living, thorough and assiduous. This study was a cross-sectional design …
Occupational Therapy’S Role As A Member Of An Interdisciplinary Feeding Team For Children With Sensory Processing Differences,
2024
University of South Dakota
Occupational Therapy’S Role As A Member Of An Interdisciplinary Feeding Team For Children With Sensory Processing Differences, Emily G. Bruinsma
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Considering the high prevalence of pediatric feeding disorders and the increased need for occupational therapists trained to work with children with feeding challenges, this project sought to provide a better understanding of the key components of a feeding therapy program. These components include caregiver involvement, use of an interdisciplinary team, interventions aimed at sensory integration, and the inclusion of family-centered and motivating interventions. The Sensory Integration theory was used to guide this project by providing an understanding of the various ways individuals can receive and respond to sensory information. There were three primary goals for this capstone project, including developing …
An Eye-Opening Capstone: A New Perspective On Occupation-Based Treatments For Neurologic-Based Visual Deficits,
2024
University of South Dakota
An Eye-Opening Capstone: A New Perspective On Occupation-Based Treatments For Neurologic-Based Visual Deficits, Katlyn J. Knakmuhs
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
The purpose of this 14-week capstone experience was to gain hands on in depth clinical experience working with individuals post neurologic injury, specifically post-concussion, who were experiencing a visual perceptual deficit. Additionally, the focus of this capstone was to implement occupation-based skills and activities into therapy sessions for individuals experiencing those visual perceptual deficits post-concussion. This capstone experience took place at the Sanford Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was completed under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist who is a certified brain injury specialist. Eight individuals post-concussion with visual perceptual deficits who were patients of …
Your Mind Matters: Promoting The Wellbeing Of The Parent-Child Dyad Through Family Education,
2024
University of South Dakota
Your Mind Matters: Promoting The Wellbeing Of The Parent-Child Dyad Through Family Education, Mckayla A. Becker
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
The bond between a parent and child can be impacted by a parent’s mental wellbeing. Disruptions in their ability to parent, trauma, or exacerbation of mental health symptoms can lead to negative parenting styles (Mak et al., 2020). Previous literature suggests resilience building and supportive education has been effective in promoting parent-child wellbeing (Sell et al., 2021). The purpose of this capstone experience is to promote parent-child wellbeing through family education. The student implemented a six-week course titled “Your Mind Matters” and created parent educational handouts to support parent-child wellbeing. The project used two standardized assessments the Parental Sense of …
A Peer-Mediated Art Program For Secondary Education Students: An Occupation Based Approach,
2024
University of South Dakota
A Peer-Mediated Art Program For Secondary Education Students: An Occupation Based Approach, Kjersten B. Sievers
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
The purpose of this 14-week capstone project was to explore the impact of a peer-mediated art program on the social and occupational experiences of students with disabilities. This program was designed and implemented to promote inclusion of students with disabilities by providing an opportunity to interact with typically developing peers within their school-context. The 7-week peer-mediated art program was embedded into a startup peer-program at a high school. A total of 10 participants (4 from special education) were recruited to complete the study. Students met for three 45-minute sessions and one 90-minute session each week as part of the program’s …
Occupational Therapy Intervention To Promote Recovery Of Individuals Impacted By Human Trafficking And Service Provider Well-Being,
2024
University of South Dakota
Occupational Therapy Intervention To Promote Recovery Of Individuals Impacted By Human Trafficking And Service Provider Well-Being, Carlyn J. Paxton
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Individuals impacted by human trafficking experience prolonged traumatic experiences and a lack of personal autonomy. Literature indicates that after exiting trafficking situations, individuals face barriers re-integrating into the community. Additionally, workers and advocates who provide after-care services experience increased occupational hazards impacting the quality of care provided and personal well-being. This capstone project aims to increase student’s clinical skills for providing trauma informed occupational therapy to individuals exiting trafficking and to expand OT’s role in combating occupational hazards for providers through self-care-based occupations. Using a previously conducted needs assessment and a conceptual framework comprised of evidence-based models, this project includes …
S.M.A.R.T. Program Implementation To Promote Engagement And Participation In A School Setting,
2024
University of South Dakota
S.M.A.R.T. Program Implementation To Promote Engagement And Participation In A School Setting, Emily Mickelson
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
The purpose of this capstone project is to educate educational professionals on multi-sensory approaches and to implement the Stimulating Maturity Through Accelerated Readiness Training (S.M.A.R.T.) program to increase students’ engagement in academic learning. This project used pre- and post-tests to determine baseline knowledge. The occupational therapy student participated in S.M.A.R.T. training, and the junior kindergarten students participated in eight-weeks of S.M.A.R.T. program implementation. The students’ pre- and post-test assessments were completed by the students one-week pre-intervention and following eight weeks of program implementation. The educational professionals’ pre- and post-test assessments were completed by the kindergarten teachers before and after receiving …
Implementing The Copm To Create Occupation-Based Interventions In Outpatient Adult Rehabilitation,
2024
University of South Dakota
Implementing The Copm To Create Occupation-Based Interventions In Outpatient Adult Rehabilitation, Kelcee A. Bacon
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Worldwide, people continue to live longer, with the number of people over the age of 60 predicted to double by 2050; many of those people also have chronic diseases that could benefit from rehabilitation services. Outpatient rehabilitative services, including occupational therapy, have increased occupational performance, strength, mobility, and coordination for those diagnosed with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions. This capstone focused on three components: 1) in-depth clinical practice using occupation-based assessments and interventions with the adult population, 2) understanding the administrative roles of private practice therapists, and 3) creating educational materials to increase knowledge and skills surrounding outpatient occupational therapy for …
Enhancing Resident Engagement: Optimizing Meaningful Occupations In Skilled Nursing Facilities,
2024
University of South Dakota
Enhancing Resident Engagement: Optimizing Meaningful Occupations In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Drew J. Couch
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Older adults residing in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) face a multitude of challenges in engaging in meaningful occupations. They are at risk of occupational deprivation due to the regulations of the facility, physical limitations, and restricted choices of activities (Keane et al., 2023). Though the occupational therapy profession acknowledges the impacts this has on older adults little has been done to combat these issues. The purpose of the 14-week capstone project was to promote meaningful occupational engagement for residents residing in an SNF. Additionally, this project advocated for occupational therapy’s distinct role in identifying and promoting meaningful occupations. Multiple goals …
Play, Splash, Ride: A Multidimensional Approach To Occupational Therapy Intervention For Sensory Processing Difficulties,
2024
University of South Dakota
Play, Splash, Ride: A Multidimensional Approach To Occupational Therapy Intervention For Sensory Processing Difficulties, Britney A. Bradwisch
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Sensory processing disorder affects between five and 16.5 percent of the population and up to 90% of individuals with disabilities. Occupational therapists are equipped to treat sensory processing difficulties using occupation-based, sensory-based, and client-centered interventions. There is limited evidence on how occupational therapists can use multiple intervention environments including typical sensory gyms, aquatic therapy, and equine-assisted therapy to specifically target sensory processing. Therefore, the purpose of the capstone project was to explore the effectiveness of multiple occupational therapy interventions for children with sensory processing difficulties. The capstone project focused on advanced clinical practice while incorporating education and program development to …
Empowering Pregnancy And Postpartum: Supporting Motherhood Through Occupational Therapy Education,
2024
University of South Dakota
Empowering Pregnancy And Postpartum: Supporting Motherhood Through Occupational Therapy Education, Alison Drexler
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
During pregnancy and postpartum, women are at increased risk for physical and psychological health concerns due to the changes and challenges that come with the transition. The purpose of this 14-week capstone was to develop and implement educational sessions using occupational therapy concepts and integrate them into a community parenting program to ease the transition during the perinatal period. It also aimed to advocate for the role of occupational therapy in pregnancy and postpartum. Methods included preparing and sharing supplemental educational materials, developing and implementing occupation-based sessions, creating a folder of resources, and developing a manuscript advocating for occupational therapy …
Promoting Wakefulness To Increase Occupational Engagement In Military Service Members Experiencing Insomnia Following Mtbi,
2024
The University of South Dakota
Promoting Wakefulness To Increase Occupational Engagement In Military Service Members Experiencing Insomnia Following Mtbi, Leah N. Myers
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Sustaining a traumatic brain injury of any severity is associated with an extremely high prevalence of insomnia. Military service members, being exposed to hazardous equipment and conditions, are one of the most likely populations to sustain sleep concerns following TBI. This student capstone project aimed to support military service members experiencing sleep disturbances due to TBI through direct advanced clinical skill attainment, Light Therapy program development, and by initiating research and clinic resource creation relating to shift work and sleep. To target this population, the project was completed at the Fort Carson Intrepid Spirit Center in Colorado where outpatient concussion …
Facilitating Community Integration Following Inpatient Rehabilitation: The Importance Of Caregivers,
2024
University of South Dakota
Facilitating Community Integration Following Inpatient Rehabilitation: The Importance Of Caregivers, Alysa N. Jensen
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Community integration (CI) is a significant benchmark for successful rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this capstone was to utilize occupational therapy assessments, interventions, and resources to support patients and their caregivers during the transition from the clinical setting to the community. Methods included assessment and intervention for patient function, cognition as it relates to burden of care, patient discharge statistics, development and implementation of caregiver resources, and semi-structured caregiver interviews. The outcomes of this project indicate that although TBI survivors are discharging home, they continue to require substantial caregiver support. Outcomes also indicate that there is …
Promoting Social, Emotional, And Behavioral Development For Children In A School Setting Using Targeted Occupational Therapy Intervention,
2024
University of South Dakota
Promoting Social, Emotional, And Behavioral Development For Children In A School Setting Using Targeted Occupational Therapy Intervention, Mykenzie N. Hall
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Children who have experienced trauma often have poor emotional regulation skills which can lead to peer rejection, decline in engagement at school, and poor academic performance. Occupational therapists have the knowledge and skills to create a client-centered approach when working with children who have experienced trauma. This emotional regulation program is guided by a trauma-informed care approach and a public health approach to mental health. The program consisted of 59 students between transitional kindergarten and 5th grade meeting in small groups once a week for 30 minutes over 11 to 12 weeks. The sessions included activities related to emotional regulation …
Filling The Gap: Educating Caregivers And Patients Post Stroke In An Acute Care Setting,
2024
University of South Dakota
Filling The Gap: Educating Caregivers And Patients Post Stroke In An Acute Care Setting, Gabrielle A. Blecke
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Background: According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2022), every 40 seconds someone in the United States experiences a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as stroke. A recent study suggests that 63% of these individuals will need informal caregiving from family, friends, or loved-ones throughout their rehabilitation process in order to safely transition home. Research suggests that patients and caregivers post stroke are not receiving enough education to prevent concerns such as caregiver burden, decreased caregiver wellness, and decreased patient outcomes, all which are within the scope of occupational therapy. Methods: Experiences at MyMichigan Midland Hospital drove …
Restoring Meaning Through Leisure: Exploring The Benefits Of Leisure-Focused Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Neurological Diagnoses,
2024
University of South Dakota
Restoring Meaning Through Leisure: Exploring The Benefits Of Leisure-Focused Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Neurological Diagnoses, Elizabeth Rose Stoutland
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
There are limited findings in occupational therapy literature on leisure, despite being a highly meaningful area of occupation that has implications for both physical and mental health. This poster describes an occupational therapy Capstone experience in adaptive sports and inpatient rehabilitation at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center related to leisure restoration. The student investigated the role of occupational therapy in restoring leisure and recreation for individuals with neurological conditions and achieved the following main goals: (Goal 1) to gain skills in adaptive recreation for individuals with neurological conditions, and (Goal 2) to determine how leisure exploration can be implemented in …
Sensory Processing Difficulties In Children Born Preterm And The Needs Of Their Families,
2024
University of South Dakota
Sensory Processing Difficulties In Children Born Preterm And The Needs Of Their Families, Shelby J. Buie
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Children who are born preterm frequently experience sensory processing difficulties due to their underdeveloped brains and the atypical early sensory experiences that are associated with increased medical needs. These factors impact the development of a child’s sensory system, which ultimately influences how a child participates in daily activities. Having a child born preterm that requires increased medical attention causes stress on the family. Increased stress and a decrease in mental health can disrupt the parent-child bond. This project aimed to provide sensory-based occupational therapy treatment sessions to children who were born preterm to improve their sensory processing skills. Furthermore, the …
The Importance Of Preferred Meaningful Occupations For Children With Medically Complex Conditions,
2024
University of South Dakota
The Importance Of Preferred Meaningful Occupations For Children With Medically Complex Conditions, Kaylee S. Schmit
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Children with medically complex conditions experience limitations in their ability to engage in preferred meaningful occupations. Additionally, when these children are in the hospital setting, the environment poses another barrier to accessing preferred meaningful occupation opportunities. This capstone project aimed to explore how preferred meaningful occupations could be utilized with children with medically complex conditions in the pediatric inpatient setting. The literature and needs assessment indicated the need for preferred meaningful occupations to be used as a motivator and a way to target specific skills a patient wanted to regain. With the focus of occupational therapy on return to occupation …
Incorporating Occupation-Based Activities Into Treatment For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorders To Increase Self-Efficacy,
2024
University of South Dakota
Incorporating Occupation-Based Activities Into Treatment For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorders To Increase Self-Efficacy, Brea E. Westberg
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
In 2022, over 48.7 million people aged 12 and older reported having a substance use disorder in the past year. Adolescents are increasingly becoming involved in substance use behaviors that impact their lives daily. There is limited evidence for providing mental health interventions, including those provided by occupational therapy practitioners, to adolescents with SUDs within the substance use treatment setting. Self-efficacy is an important part of the substance use recovery process. Therefore, the purpose of the capstone project was to determine the effects on self-efficacy after incorporating occupation-based activities into programming for adolescents in treatment for SUDs. The Model of …
Promoting Life Skills Through An Occupation-Based Program For Youth In The Juvenile Justice System,
2024
University of South Dakota
Promoting Life Skills Through An Occupation-Based Program For Youth In The Juvenile Justice System, Maggie L. Dejong
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Youth who have experienced trauma are at risk for negative developmental changes to their brain, which may lead to poor health outcomes, involvement in the juvenile justice system, and early death. This population may experience a lack of occupational engagement, decreased self-regulation strategies, and difficulty forming life skills that are necessary for carrying out everyday tasks. Having trauma-informed awareness in the contexts of these individuals is essential when providing care and meeting their needs. The doctoral capstone project aimed to promote life skills through an occupation-based program for youth in the juvenile justice system. Current literature supports the need for …
