Digital Commons Network^™

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing The Mental Health Of Transitioning Postsecondary Students, Katie Koxlien, Amorelle Upton, Kiley Washnieski

Critically Appraised Topics

There is an increasing concern for mental health in university students transitioning to postsecondary education. For the purposes of this study, we were concerned with the overall mental health of university students, not specific to diagnosed mental illnesses. Mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community” (World Health Organization, 2022, para. 1). This may impact the individual’s ability to function on a daily basis and interact with others within their educational setting. The role of a student …

Ssri/Snri Medications Vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In The Treatment And Management Of Postpartum Anxiety, Kelsey Sederquest

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to determine the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors/Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI/SNRI) in women suffering from postpartum anxiety. Efficacy of nonpharmacological, pharmacological, and combination therapy compared within this review. Lastly, prophylactic treatment of anxiety was examined in women who were pregnant or who were newly postpartum without diagnosis of anxiety. In this review the database PubMed was utilized to conduct research that included many different keywords. The articles included were limited to within the last 30 years, and research was narrowed by limiting patient population to postpartum …

The Impact Of Mobile Technology Interventions With Older Adults Diagnosed With A Cognitive Deficit, Emily Funk, Adam Nadeau, Savannah Ullyott

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the impact of technology-based interventions in occupational therapy in daily functioning within older adults with cognitive deficits. When considering the components of this CAT, the theoretical framework was described, then a description of the population paired with a description of cognition and its components, followed by the types and use of technology-based interventions with adults, and the impact cognitive conditions and symptoms have on occupational performance.

Between “You” And “Me”: Effects Of Pronouns And Order On Disclosing Sexual Assault, Virginia Clinton-Lisell, Raeann E. Anderson

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

The wording of self-report instruments likely affects its responses; however, there has been very little inquiry into the topic. The purpose of this study was to examine how items in a sexual assault experiences questionnaire varied based on pronouns (first person or second person) and order (sexual-behavior or coercive-tactic first) affected responses. College students (N = 979) were randomly assigned in a 2 by 2 between-subjects experiment to experimental versions of the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES). The findings indicated that the condition with second-person pronouns and coercive-tactic first phrasing had the highest rate of disclosure. Based on reading time …

Building Painted Cubes Task: Serena’S Case, Elizabeth Suazo-Flores, Lisa Roetker

Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice Faculty Publications

The Building Painted Cubes Task is a groupworthy algebraic task. Students build cubes using linking unit cubes, search for algebraic patterns, and report findings on posters. This task can create spaces for students to see themselves as doers of mathematics.

The Cost Of Doing Homework: Online Homework Systems With Access Codes From A Social Justice Perspective, Virginia Clinton-Lisell, Alison E. Kelly

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

The use of online homework systems that require the purchase of an access code has become widespread. The purpose of this study is to examine student experiences with and perceptions of online homework systems with access codes. Postsecondary students (N = 966) completed a survey about the financial costs, perceptions of quality, engagement with, and learning with online homework systems. Most students (79.5%) indicated that they had been required to purchase an access code for an online homework system. Of those who had been required to purchase an access code, 29.4% reported their grade was hurt because they could …

Navigating The Wheelchair Recommendation Process: A Preventative Approach For Rural Providers, Kelsey M. Rajewsky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Navigating the Wheelchair Recommendation Process: A Preventative Approach for Rural Providers

Background: Wheelchair procurement is a complex process that begins with patients seeing their physician for a prescription and guidance on where to go for step two. It is this critical second step that can make the difference for someone receiving a basic wheelchair meant for short-term use, or a referral to a practitioner specializing in seating and wheeled mobility. While getting to a physician's office can be challenging for all wheelchair users, a rural wheelchair user experiences additional barriers such as limited resources available locally, culture, and difficulties …

Engage As You Age: An Interprofessional Toolkit To Increase Meaningful Activity In Long-Term Care Facilities, Annah Greenmyer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Engage as You Age: An Interprofessional Toolkit to Increase Meaningful Activity in long-term care Facilities

Background: When making the major life transition of moving into a long-term care facility, older adults have an increased chance of experiencing negative mental health symptoms. During this life transition, older adults may experience loss of self-efficacy, because of the shift from their preferred roles and activities. When older adults do not engage in their preferred activities and/or roles, they may experience loss of motivation or energy which can eventually lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. For residents in rural long-term care facilities, …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To The Cumulative Trauma Disorder Of Trigger Finger: A Case Report, Makenzie Lynn Kroupa

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The purpose of this product is to focus on furthering exposure to cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) of the upper extremity (UE) through the development of a case report. This will further explore treatment methods, therapy progression, and management for diagnoses that are associated with repetition and the overuse of the UE. The client of focus possesses the UE CTD of trigger finger as the primary diagnosis but has several concurrent conditions. This increases the complexity of the case since the client must navigate the symptomatology of UE CTDs to engage in occupational performance.

Case Presentation: The client was selected …

Exploring Postpartum Care: A Guide For Mothers, Amber Joy Matlock

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Exploring Postpartum Care: A Guide for Mothers

Background: Thousands of babies are born in hospitals each year. Before being discharged home from the hospital, mothers receive education from interprofessional team members about their infant’s care, but there is a lack of information and education provided to mothers about their care and postpartum recovery. Without having adequate information on a mother’s recovery, there is an increased risk for poor maternal outcomes to occur during the postpartum journey. Maternal health is an emerging practice area for occupational therapy practitioners; the population is within the scope of practice for the profession. Currently, …

The Distinct Role: A Toolkit To Promote Occupational Therapy Services For Palliative Care Patients In Acute Care Hospitals, Kailey Ann Squier

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Each year, 56.8 million people receive palliative care services and experience significant impacts overall quality of life. Occupational therapy is well-equipped to maximize engagement in meaningful activities and improve overall quality of life for this population. Despite evidence supporting the unique value of OT, it has had many barriers limiting the ability to expand into palliative care effectively. There is a need to provide education and increase resources to occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in palliative care. The purpose of this scholarly project was to increase the understanding of OTs’ role in palliative care and promote increased OT services within …

Primary Reflex Testing And Integration Guide For Parents And Providers, Abby Jessen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Parents are often unaware of the signs and characteristics of retained reflexes making it difficult to identify if there is a problem (Grigg et al., 2018). Once a problem is identified parents are frequently uninformed of the effects primary reflexes can have on a child’s development and how to foster integration (Grigg et al., 2018). Therefore, demonstrating a need for parent and provider education to support reflex integration amongst the pediatric population. The purpose of this project was to educate parents and providers on retained primary reflexes in children ages four to 11.

Methods: Prior to the start of …

Supporting Clients And Caregivers Of Full-Time Wheelchair Users At Risk For Pressure Injuries, Jessica Lynn Wetzel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Supporting Clients and Caregivers of Full-Time Wheelchair Users at Risk for Pressure Injuries

Purpose: Wheelchair users are classified as a population at a great risk for developing pressure injuries due to their decreased sensation and extensive time seated on bony prominences (Mervis & Phillips, 2023). Affecting around three million adults each year in the United States alone, the number of pressure injuries is a cause for concern (Mervis & Phillips, 2023). More severe pressure injuries can cause sedentary lifestyles, further leading to occupational deprivation of the individual experiencing them. Although there are many strategies to prevent pressure injury formation, …

Enhancing The Service Delivery For Adolescents Using The Mental Health Continuum Through Occupational Therapy, Jadalyn Lane Wagner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to understand how occupational therapy services can enhance the quality of mental health services for adolescents and across the life span. The materials developed provide occupational therapy practitioners resources to demonstrate their unique value and role within the interdisciplinary teams and settings within the mental health continuum of care.

Methodology: The Model of Human Occupation was utilized to organize the literature review that led to the creation of the materials (O’Brien, 2017). Reviewing the literature with the model allowed for a thorough understanding of the needs of adolescents with mental illness, the …

Real Individuals Striving For Excellence (Rise): An Occupational Therapy Based Re-Entry Program For A Rural Jail Facility, Kennedy Tooke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Real Individuals Striving for Excellence (RISE): An occupational therapy based re-entry program for a rural jail facility.

Introduction: The United States criminal justice system continues to be known for currently holding over 2 million people within state, federal, local, and juvenile correctional facilities (prisonpolicy.org, 2021). Jail incarceration rates have increased 15% from 2020 to 2021 following a 26% decline from midyear 2019 (Zeng, 2022). Many individuals involved in the criminal justice system will be arrested again within the same year due to unsuccessful transitions back into the community. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a program …

It’S “Goni” Be Okay: A Guide To Developing Your Occupational Therapy Career Within The Athletic Population, Grace Kleinvachter

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: With around 30 million people participating in athletics each year, injury prevention, management, and treatment are a necessity with the inevitability of injuries (Host & Mankie, 2018). Occupational therapy (OT) is a versatile profession that has the scope of practice to provide many different types of treatment as well as education to athletes and their supporters (Host & Mankie, 2018). In general, OT as a whole has previously overlooked how the profession can be of use to a population such as athletes who are more commonly seen in the sports medicine setting by physical therapists and athletic trainers (Host …

Supporting Interoceptive Learning Across Environments: A Guide For Educators And Caregivers, Jamie M. Steinhoff

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Children aged four to six experience rapid brain development, advancing language skills, and understanding of the human body (Schaan et al., 2019). This developmental stage highlights the importance of educators and caregivers teaching interoception to improve preschool-aged children's occupational engagement and emotional regulation. Children lacking developed interoceptive skills may encounter difficulties regulating their emotions, impacting activities such as play, social participation, education, and health management (Arnold et al., 2019). This product was developed to offer caregivers and educators a comprehensive understanding of interoception through a handbook and training sessions containing strategies, exercises, tools, and activities to facilitate interoceptive development …

2024 Und Hlc Assurance Argument, University Of North Dakota

Higher Learning Commission Assurance Documents

This ZIP file contains all documents used to craft UND's 2024 assurance argument for the Higher Learning Commission.

Collaboration And Coteaching: Librarians Teaching Digital Humanities In The Classroom, Brian Rosenblum, Frances Devlin, Tami Albin, Brian Wade Garrison

Librarian Publications

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Education-Based Programs And Preventative Strategies On Oral Health Outcomes For Older Adults In Rural Communities: A Critically Appraised Topic, Meagan Barnes Pearson, Abby Ellenberger, Becca Valdez

Critically Appraised Topics

Elderly adults in rural populations are facing difficulties with oral health due to accessibility difficulties, lower socioeconomic status, and decreased OHL. Limited research has been conducted on occupational therapy interventions within this specific occupational domain, or with this particular population. This CAT investigates the positive impacts oral health education programs that incorporate preventative strategies have on the oral health outcomes of the aging population living in rural locations when implemented by occupational therapists alongside an interdisciplinary team.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Transitioning & Community Integration, Payton Baumann, Madison Thomas, Anna Voegel

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper will concentrate on the most effective formatting of transition programs necessary to improve a sense of community belonging and overall quality of life (QOL). The main factors to consider in the scenario are accessibility to programs, funding for programs, social stigmas and attitudes, and mental health of individuals who are experiencing a transition. Populations experiencing a transition may include those transitioning from incarceration, experiencing homelessness, educational programs, employment opportunities, hospital care settings, active-duty status, and migration. To develop a sense of community belonging, social participation will be an important aspect to integrate into interventions, which …

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder/Premenstrual Syndrome Luteal Phase Treatment, Shelby Gawarecki

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Many women suffer from PMS/PMDD symptoms that affect their emotional and physical wellbeing. This research aimed to compare luteal phase treatment options for PMS/PMDD, such as SSRIs, progesterone, and sepranolone. The research was conducted using electronic search databases PubMed, Embase, CINHAL, Access Medicine, Cochrane Library, and NaProTECHNOLOGY Creighton Model FertilityCare System. Studies used in this research were found using keyword and MESH search terms. Each reviewed study was peer-reviewed, including randomized control trials or a meta-analysis. Among the treatments analyzed, SSRIs emerged as a consistent primary treatment for symptom alleviation, particularly in addressing cognitive symptoms associated with PMS/PMDD. SSRIs, at …

Let’S Move! Benefits Of Exercise Compared To Ssris (Escitalopram) For The Management Of Depression: Research From 2020 And Beyond, Brianna Droessler-Aschliman

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to determine the effectiveness of exercise as either monotherapy or in combination with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) for the management of major depressive disorder. Studies gathered for this review came from the following databases: PubMed, SpringerLink, Academic Search Ultimate, Academic Search Complete, and CINAHL. Current research completed between the years 2020-2023 that consisted of either clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analysis were included. A total of eleven studies were reviewed that addressed either the benefits of exercise, SSRIs, or a combination for the management of depression. Upon completion of the literature review, it …

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: Immunosuppression Versus Stem Cell Therapy, Bailee Blickensderfer

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

methotrexate monotherapy, rheumatoid, arthritis, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, anti-TNF, CXCL8, CXCL12, CXCL13, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell, and adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cell

Minimally Invasive Therapies In The Treatment Of Arthropathy, Steven Bateman

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

It is estimated that 27% of adults over 45 years of age suffer from osteoarthritis of the hip secondary to articular cartilage damage over the lifespan. Joint pain diminishes life quality, limits range of motion and overall activity, and frequently impairs basic ambulation. These functional deficits worsen the progression of comorbidities that are often referred to as lifestylerelated chronic disease as physical activity subsequently declines. This literature review explores the efficacy of minimally invasive therapies that precede and delay surgical intervention in adult patients experiencing functional limitations and pain in major joints. The study examines the effectiveness of various interventions, …

The Efficacy Of Probiotic Use In Patients With Anxiety And Depression, Joanna Mcclelland

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Given the impact of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, it is helpful to know the available resources and treatment options to offer patients to aid in the modulation of symptoms. The gut-brain connection has become more widely researched for its impacts on anxiety and depression. This bodes the question that if the gut microbiome can be altered, would there be a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression as a result? One way to alter gut microbiome is to implement a probiotic. To determine if this is an effective treatment option for anxiety and depression, a literature …

Effects Of Probiotic Supplementation On Pcos Outcomes, Allison Stoeffler

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial metabolic, endocrinologic, and gynecologic condition affecting up to 5 million women in the United States. It is a disease characterized by oligo- or anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and/or polycystic ovaries. Phenotypic presentation can include irregular menstrual cycles, obesity, hirsutism, insulin resistance, or difficulty conceiving. If untreated, PCOS can result in a sequelae of chronic disease burden. Current standard of care consists of metformin for blood sugar control, oral contraceptives for menstrual regularity, and spironolactone for androgen imbalance, but newer research is identifying gut dysbiosis as a possible contributing etiology to disease development and symptomology. This …

Efficacy Of Complimentary Manual Therapies For Labor Pain Management, Emily Yenter

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Labor and delivery pain is commonly considered to be the most pain a woman will ever experience. Options for pain control during labor include pharmacological and nonpharmacological. The purpose of this systematic literature is to determine if complementary manual therapies such as massage therapy, acupressure, and reflexology are effective nonpharmacologic management tools for labor pain. The electronic databases PubMed and ClinicalKey were searched, and the ten studies chosen for this review were randomized controlled trials published within the past ten years. Current research provides significant data supporting these three complementary modalities as effective nonpharmacologic management tools to control labor pain. …

How Does Coloring Affect Your Mental Health?, Adriana Iverson

Psychology Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Be A Buddy Not A Bully, Luisa Walz

Psychology Student Publications

No abstract provided.