Occupational Therapy Commons^™

A Scoping Review Of Self-Awareness Instruments For Acquired Brain Injury, Danielle Mahoney, Sharon A. Gutman, Glen Gillen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Self-awareness and insight are critical functions required to maintain safe and optimal participation in all daily life activities in a variety of environmental contexts. In the past two decades, occupational therapists have developed several psychometrically sound assessments designed to identify self-awareness and insight deficits in patients with neurological disorders. This scoping review identifies and evaluates key properties of such assessments to inform clinical practice.

Method: Multiple electronic databases were searched using the key search terms of “self-awareness” and “self-awareness assessment,” and “insight” and “insight assessment.” Included studies were original primary sources from the peer-reviewed journals.

Results: …

An Occupational Therapy-Based Supported Education Program For University Students With Various Dsm-5 Diagnoses: Program Description And Academic Outcomes, Victoria Schindler

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This article describes and provides academic outcomes for an occupational therapy-based supported education program developed to assist undergraduate students with various DSM-5 diagnoses with the academic, social, and psychological skills important for college.

Method: A detailed program description and illustrative example of the intervention is provided. Quantitative designs were used to report retention, graduation, and GPA and to calculate changes in mean cumulative GPA.

Results: Of 83 students who started the program, 80 completed at least one semester (96%). Of these 80, 62 (77.5%) continued at the university for a retention rate of 77.5%, and 43 …

Disability Services For Students In Postsecondary Education: Opportunities For Occupational Therapy, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Examining The Lived Experience Of Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Kaitlyn Kurtz, Rachel Matuseski, Ava Mckee, Vincent Murphy, Megan Peterson, Rachel Polland, Leigha Rudd, Elly Ryan, Maddie Troske, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project addressed the following question: What are the perspectives, experiences, and self-reports of adult individuals, groups, or populations who have MCI or report problems with Functional Cognition (and / or their caregivers)?

Descriptive And Predictive Characteristics For Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) And Functional Cognition: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Alison Baumgartner, Chelsea Benitz, Jessica Bosacker, Adriel Fredrickson, Tara Grandolfo, Kira Hinz, Alex Jaenke, Lauren Klugherz, Calli Marg, Julie Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project addressed the following question: What are the descriptive and predictive characteristics of individuals, groups, or populations who have or are most at risk for mild cognitive impairment and problems with functional cognition?

Fall Prevention Education Training For Older Adults With Serious Mental Illness And Previous Homelessness, Alex Manwaring, Bs, Tina Deangelis, Edd, Otr/L, Elizabeth Brooks, Bs

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Purpose: To examine the effect of an occupational therapy education and training program on fall risk awareness and fear of falling (FOF) with older adults who reside in one permanent supportive housing site, Project HOME (Housing. Opportunity. Medical. Education.), who have a history of serious mental illness and chronic homelessness.

Methods: Seven individuals aged 55+ from Project HOME, a permanent supportive housing non-profit organization in the Northeast, participated in a six-week pre-post occupational therapy education and training group program aimed to decrease FOF. Fear of falling was measured using the Fear of Falling Efficacy Scale –International (FES-I) with cut-off scores …

The Impact Of Fall Prevention Education For Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Missy Ziegler

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between an individual with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) perceptions of why falls happen and if receiving fall prevention education is beneficial to reducing falls. Methods: An anonymous survey was developed by the researcher in order to learn more about individuals’ personal experiences relating to falls, fear of falling, and fall prevention education. Surveys were used to identify if participants have ever experienced a fall and subsequently examine the relationships between falls and fall education. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to supplement survey results and gain greater insight into the experiences …

Interventions Used Among School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners To Promote Student Performance, Nichole Campbell

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Occupational therapy practitioners working in the school setting play a role in contributing to student’s lives. Through many interventions, these practitioners contribute to promoting student performance within the academic setting. Yet, there is more research to be done related to the overall impact school-based interventions have on performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between role perceptions of school-based occupational therapy, interventions implemented, and the impact on student performance. A qualitative approach guided this study. Participants currently employed through a local, rural school district participated in this research by completing an online survey. A total …

Addressing The Educational Needs Of Occupational Therapists Regarding Sexuality In An Acute Care Setting, Hannah Burleigh

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Despite the knowledge that sexuality is an important factor of well-being for individuals with disabilities, occupational therapists (OTs) continue to under-address this topic with clients (McGrath & Sakellariou, 2016). Additional education on sexuality may help OTs improve their knowledge and confidence in discussing and addressing sexuality with clients during intervention. The purpose of this study is to determine the educational needs of occupational therapists working in acute care who are alumnus of Elizabethtown College to promote the discussion of sexuality in practice. The research questions of the project are: 1) Do OTs in acute care educate clients on sexuality? 2) …

Experiences Of Older Adults Using Smart Home Technology In A Senior Living Community., Karen M. Sames Otd, Otr/L, Faota, Jennifer A. Hutson Phd, Skye M. Thompson

Occupational Therapy Faculty Scholarship

Researchers from a University partnered with a senior housing organization and a technology provider to study the implementation of smart home technologies for seniors living independently. Smart home technologies included in home motion and pressure sensors and an Amazon Echo device. Older adults who received the technology and their designated family members were interviewed to ascertain the impact of the technology on the daily activities and communication.

Therapist Attitudes Towards Animal Assisted Therapy: A Qualitative Study, Karen Vizaniaris

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

PURPOSE. To understand the attitudes and perceptions of therapists towards animal assisted therapy (AAT) and towards the barriers and facilitators of implementing AAT into practice. METHOD. This descriptive qualitative studied consisted of ten semi-structured interviews with rehabilitation therapists that were coded for common themes. Data from two Likert-scale questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS. Eight themes emerged from the data including therapists’ attitudes towards animal assisted therapy and their own competence, three core benefits of animal assisted therapy that they identified (increased patient participation, positive emotional/social influence, and contribution to patient-centered goals), and three main barriers towards implementation (scheduling/operations, …

Assessments For Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) And Functional Cognition: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Margaret Hiniker, Hannah Kleschult, Erica Norton, Libby Reger, Natalie Ristau, Kate Skluzacek, Seng Vang, Tiffany Vang, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project addressed the following question: What occupational therapy and interdisciplinary assessments are currently used and have the best psychometric characteristics and are most effective for screening or evaluating functional cognition of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and measuring the outcomes of intervention programs for mild cognitive impairment?

Effects Of Sleep Hygiene In The Hospital, Tina Bhakta, Paxton Arsenault, Maya Ahluwalia, Rachel Coats

Occupational Therapy Student Research Posters

Research poster by UNE Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy students investigating the definition of and recommendations for good sleep hygiene, the limitations of the hospital setting on attainment of sleep hygiene, and the benefits of sleep hygiene for hospital patients.

Improving Safety On The Road Through Occupational Therapy Intervention, Katherine Uschmann, Zachary Childs

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

As the U.S. population ages, increasing the likelihood of impaired fitness-to-drive, the topic of road safety holds strong interest among numerous professionals. The field of occupational therapy (OT) affirms the importance of community mobility in supporting overall health and well-being. OT practitioners who encounter clients with questionable driving ability should refer them to driving specialists. However, the question remains what kind of interventions may help clients with cognitive decline who have the potential to return to safe driving. This project’s evidence search revealed a wide range of interventions that show promise including: classroom education (especially when augmented by on-road training), …

The Role Of Motivation And Cognition In Adults With Schizophrenia, Jaime Willard, Evangeline Abraham

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Our work is based around the holistic nature of the field of occupational therapy. This evidence-based project initially began, at the request of our community partner, with the intention of finding one or more assessments that may help identify the cause of a lack of motivation among group home residents at Tri County Mental Health in Lewiston, ME who suffer from schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness that is now diagnosed as a spectrum disorder. It is characterized by distortions in the perception of reality and impairments in cognition and motivation. Schizophrenia can be categorized into three …

Evidence And Interventions For Children With Handwriting Deficits, Josephine Hatch

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The purpose of this project was to determine effective interventions shown to increase fine motor skills in children who experience handwriting deficits related to ADD/ADHD or other attention deficits. The project was prepared for a pediatric outpatient OT at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The information was found via the USM databases through specific search terms and parameters.
This work is significant because many OTs and teachers are working with children who have deficits in handwriting and fine motor abilities. There needs to be additional research conducted specifically with children who have ADD/ADHD and exhibit fine motor and handwriting deficits.
The research …

Does Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (Iastm) Benefit Adults With Physical Dysfunction?, Kayla Chamberlin, Deanna Richards

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

This project began in partnership with the Inland Hospital occupational therapy department in Waterville, Maine. The therapists were interested in evidence on the effectiveness of instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) as a therapeutic intervention for their patients. This technique is an alternative form of therapeutic massage, which uses metal instruments to treat soft-tissue adhesions. This project looked into therapeutic outcomes of IASTM for use on adults with physical dysfunction, specifically those experiencing pain or loss of range of motion. The project reviewed numerous studies on the topic of IASTM. Eleven articles were selected to be included in the final project …

A Protocol Paper On The Preservation Of Identity: Understanding The Technology Adoption Patterns Of Older Adults With Age-Related Vision Loss (Arvl), Colleen E. Mcgrath

Occupational Therapy Publications

There are a growing number of older adults with age-related vision loss (ARVL) for whom technology holds promise in supporting their engagement in daily activities. Despite the growing presence of technologies intended to support older adults with ARVL, there remains high rates of abandonment. This phenomenon of technology abandonment may be partly explained by the concept of self-image, meaning that older adults with ARVL avoid the use of particular technologies due to an underlying fear that use of such technologies may mark them as objects of pity, ridicule, and/or stigmatization. In response to this, the proposed study aims to understand …

Program Proposal For Occupational Therapy In Post-Bariatric Surgery Aftercare Program, Deborah Ruediger

Occupational Therapy Collection

The focus of the poster presentation is to create a program proposal to include occupational therapy intervention after bariatric surgery to incorporate what the clients value in their occupations into a program that builds new and healthy habits. Most healthcare systems focus solely on the medical and nutritional aspects of weight loss after bariatric surgery. This focus limits the client as it does not address the modification of their occupations and maladaptive behaviors to ensure long-term success. Through the introduction of this program, the goal is to integrate occupational therapy as a standard of care post-bariatric surgery to ensure the …

Facilitating Return To Work Among Individuals With Mental Illness Through Occupational Therapy Interventions, Cleo Miller, Blakelee Jordan

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The side effects of mental illness can affect areas of occupation, including: play, leisure, work, social participation, activities of daily living, etc. (Brown & Stoffel, 2011). Through collaboration with Riverview Psychiatric Center (RPC) in Augusta, Maine, as well as Maureen Martin OTR/L, an evaluation of relevant research was conducted to determine occupational therapy’s (OT) roll in the process of returning to work (RTW) for clients newly discharged from an inpatient psychiatric facility. This evaluation devised three themes: personal factors related to RTW; assessment tools & frameworks used to guide intervention; and OT interventions that can facilitate RTW. Research suggests that …