Digital Commons Network^™

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, …

Improving Occupational Performance For Survivors Of Sex Trafficking: An Executive Functioning Program, Riley P. Thomas

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In 2021, the U.S. reported 10,360 human trafficking cases, of which 7,499 or 72% were explicitly identified as instances of sex trafficking (National Human Trafficking Hotline, 2021). Sex trafficking is “a form of modern-day slavery in which individuals perform commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion” (National Human Trafficking Hotline, n.d., para. 1). Due to survivors of sex trafficking being exposed to dehumanizing and traumatic events, this may impact the ability to participate and engage in daily activities related to an individual's executive functioning and life skills. The purpose of this scholarly project was to analyze …

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 …

Assistive Technology Accessibility And Usability: A Toolkit For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Erin Siebenaler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Assistive technology (AT) plays a vital role in the health, well-being, independence, and quality of life of individuals with a broad range of occupational challenges (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2016; Grajo & Boisselle, 2018; World Health Organization, 2023). Occupational therapists (OTs) and other AT providers can influence the accessibility and usability of AT; however, providers face barriers with limited access to training and evidence-based practice, impacting their confidence in providing AT services (Demain et al., 2013; Dishman et al., 2021; Long et al., 2007; Manship et al., 2023). These barriers can cause feelings of incompetence and reluctance to recommend …

Utilizing Occupation-Based Activities To Support Participation In Educational Tasks Within The General Education Classroom, Molly Van Drehle

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Utilizing Occupation-Based Activities to Support Participation in Educational Tasks within the General Education Classroom

Background: The rise of technology usage has decreased the number of hands-on activities children participate in, impacting significant life skills (Caramia et al., 2020; Dadson et al., 2020; Gaul & Issartel, 2016; Genevieve et al., 2018; Lin et al., 2017). This trend has impeded children's ability to develop and strengthen the necessary skills to complete school-related tasks (Caramia et al., 2020; Dadson et al., 2020; Gaul & Issartel, 2016; Genevieve et al., 2018; Lin et al., 2017). Performing hands-on tasks builds fine motor skills, which …

Addressing Classroom Behaviors Through Sensory-Informed Design And Instruction To Support Performance And Participation, Monicah Nyakoe

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In the United States, students spend a significant portion of their day within the school setting. The school environment, rich with sensory experiences, can either bolster or hinder a student's success and behavior. Research has indicated that unaddressed sensory needs may lead to disruptive behaviors and reduced educational engagement and participation. The purpose of this project was to empower educators with the understanding and tools to identify sensory needs and to shape sensory-supportive environments, ensuring students can thrive to their fullest potential in their educational occupations.

Method: The Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model was the theoretical framework that guided this project. …

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 …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy To Support Engagement In Activities For Adults Throughout The Cancer Continuum, Alexis Brolsma

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: More than 18 million people currently living in the United States have received a cancer diagnosis sometime throughout their lives. Advancements in treatment for cancer are increasing the livelihood of those surviving cancer, but there are lasting challenges. More than 40% of individuals within the cancer continuum continue to experience performance challenges with their daily tasks. Occupational therapy can target these challenges, but this profession is underutilized within cancer care. The purpose of this project was to increase awareness of occupational therapy’s role in cancer care, educate providers, and create a resource to address the needs of the cancer …

Developing Students’ Post-Pandemic Global Competencies Through Sustainable Humanities, Thyra E. Knapp, Rebecca Weaver-Hightower, Melissa Gjellstad

Languages & Global Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Supporting Occupational Performance For Children With Cancer, Rachel Elise Koenig

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this doctoral experience was divided into two categories: a) advanced clinical practice and b) needs assessment and completion of project. The advanced clinical practice objectives were to implement evidence-based evaluations and interventions to children with cancer, collaborate with parents and interprofessional team members, and adhere to safety precautions for children with cancer. The project-based objectives focus was to translate knowledge to practice by aiding in the transition process of children with cancer when leaving the hospital.

Method: The primary author completed a literature review of best practices for children with cancer prior to their arrival on-site. …

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, …

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 …

Increasing Quality Of Life And Well-Being Among Older Adults Living In An Assisted Living Facility Through Engaging In A Wellness Program., Hannah Steckler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The focus of this scholarly project was to create a group protocol to increase the quality of life and well-being of older adults living in an assisted living facility (ALF). Furthermore, it promotes increased engagement in meaningful activities to combat health disparities and provide education on various areas of wellness. Older adults' quality of life and well-being are impacted when residing in an ALF due to decreased engagement in wellness activities (Bartley et al., 2018; Morgan et al., 2016). Furthermore, risk factors and health disparities increase among the older adult population, which causes a negative impact on everyday routines …

Addressing Burn Scarring And Contractures While Measuring Range Of Motion, Josie F. Sylte

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In the community of healthcare professionals that work with individuals who have survived a burn injury there has been a shift in the way that range of motion (ROM) is being measured taking into consideration the use of cutaneous functional units (CFUs), multi joint movements, and burn scarring and contractures (Parry et al., 2019). Working with a burn intensive care unit therapy team a need was identified to address therapist education and the integration of revised positioning for measuring ROM following a burn injury and throughout the rehabilitation process.

Method: To determine the needs of the burn facility a …

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 …

Addressing Occupational Deprivation And Alienation In Rural Skilled Nursing Facilities Through An Activities Resource Guide, Stephanie Dullum

Frank Low Research Day Posters

The purpose of this product was to create a resource guide on leisure activities for the activities department in a rural skilled nursing facility (SNF) to address common chronic conditions and support the needs or wants of the SNF residents.  With aging comes more chronic conditions and less physical activity, socialization, and time engaged in meaningful activities, affecting quality of life(QOL) and well-being (Causey-Upton, 2015; Cudjoe et al., 2020; Nedjeljeko et al., 2021; Portillo etal., 2023; Sen et al., 2022; Small field & Molitor, 2018;World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Providing residents with more meaningful leisure activities will assist the …

Stroke Rehabilitation Through The Continuum Of Care: Integrating Evidence And Occupation-Based Practice, Emily Geissler

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to provide patients with knowledge on the rehabilitation process and practitioners with a resource to assist in implementing occupation and evidence-based practice in stroke rehabilitation throughout the entire continuum of care.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted regarding evidence-based and occupation-based interventions within stroke rehabilitation. The author partnered with a midwestern healthcare agency to experience stroke rehabilitation as an occupational therapy practitioner across the continuum of care. Through a needs assessment, it was found patients lack knowledge regarding the rehabilitation process and practitioners lack knowledge of other settings. The …

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.

Contexts Contributing To Burnout And Potential Coping Strategies To Support Work-Life Balance And Health Management Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Nora Duren, Kearyn Nelsen, Jada Welke

Critically Appraised Topics

The focus of this critically appraised topic paper is the aspects of burnout that occupational therapy (OT) practitioners face in a professional capacity, as well as environmental and personal contexts (AOTA, 2020) that have been shown to reduce the intensity of burnout within the profession. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), context can be described as the “broad context that encompasses environment and personal factors” (p. 36). “Environmental factors are aspects of the physical, social, and attitudinal surroundings in which people live and conduct their lives” (AOTA, 2020, p. 36). Additionally, the AOTA defines personal factors as the …

The Role Of Occupational Therapists Working With Adults With Substance Use Disorder In Rural Areas, Kyra M. Jessen, Jackie M. Middendorf

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper focused on the availability of occupation-based interventions for adults (18 years and older) faced with substance use disorders in rural areas. The main factors to consider in this scenario were the population of rural areas, substance use services in rural areas, and the role of occupational therapy. The U.S. Census Bureau did not directly define rural but instead considered rural to be any area that is not urban, while urban areas were considered to have more than 50,000 people and urban clusters were stated to have between 2,500 and 50,000 people (U.S. Department of Agriculture, …

Addressing Psychosocial Factors In Upper Extremity Injuries To Improve Outcomes And Quality Of Life, Jace Allard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Following upper extremity injuries, negative psychosocial factors such as anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression are found to be prevalent (Hardison et al., 2021; Maddison et al., 2023). Negative psychosocial symptoms such as these can negatively affect recovery outcomes and quality of life for individuals (Kinsley et al., 2020; Sposato et al., 2018). Typical treatment received in hand therapy for individuals with upper extremity injuries consists primarily of physical remediation through a biomedical frame of reference and less on addressing psychosocial factors (Chown et al., 2018; Kurrus et al., 2022; Robinson et al., 2016). Certified hand therapists report …

Transitional Support Programming For First-Year Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Samantha Proctor

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Transitional Support Programming for First-Year Occupational Therapy Graduate Students

Background: The focus of the project represents the Scholarship of Application, which is the translation of existing research into practice. A student’s transition from undergraduate to graduate-level programs can be challenging due to the increased academic rigor inherent to graduate programs. This can lead to an imbalance in students' lives and an increase in stress, anxiety, and burnout. As the overall well-being of students decreases, the likelihood of students experiencing academic hardships increases. Students need diverse academic and professional skills to navigate graduate school successfully; however, many students lack those …

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 …

Rural First-Time Mothers And Their Emotional Engagement With Newborns: Occupational Therapy, Hannah Ibach, Elise Ramberg, Ashley Schindele

Critically Appraised Topics

This paper focuses on resources affecting occupational therapy (OT) mental health services that are provided to first-time moms within a rural-dwelling population in the U.S. The main factors to consider in this scenario are the population of first-time moms in rural areas, mental health services provided in rural areas, and best OT practices for mental health services. Quality of life is an important factor when considering maternal mental health. Quality of life is defined as a person’s life satisfaction, hope, sense of self, health, function, and socioeconomic status (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). The main focus for this critically appraised …

Understanding The Role Of Occupational Therapists In Managing Type 1 Diabetes In Adolescents: A Critically Appraised Topic, Jatin Cranmore, Morgan Harshman, Kelsey Milleson

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic focuses on occupational therapy's role in working with adolescents (10-18 years of age) to manage Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Managing T1D can be challenging and overwhelming, especially for younger individuals because of the added responsibility and transitions that occur during puberty. There is a lack of literature that supports occupational therapy's role when working with clients who have T1D, especially when it comes to the younger populations.

Identifying Occupational Therapy’S Role In Rural Areas For Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence, Meagan R. Danda, Maria L. Johnson, Hannah L. Street

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the effectiveness of occupational therapy utilized via telehealth within adult women (18-64 years old) who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence in rural areas. Domestic violence is a common type of violence/abuse that can occur toward any gender or sexual orientation (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). Domestic violence encompasses physical, social, and/or emotional abuse (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). It is a form of repetitive behaviors of abuse that occurs within a relationship. (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). Common behaviors of domestic violence may include preventing social contact, preventing access …

Increasing Autonomy In The Homeless Veteran Population Through Education-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention: A Critically Appraised Topic, Madeline Kuntz, Karli March, Cheyenne Thompson

Critically Appraised Topics

The focus for this critically appraised topic (CAT) is increasing the autonomy of homeless veterans through life-skills-based education programs. A review of existing literature found a gap of published research on this topic within occupational therapy and interdisciplinary research communities. There is a lack of experimentally designed research studies focusing on autonomy and community assistance programs utilizing life skills education training for or including the homeless veteran population. The level of evidence presented in the literature relating to this topic has been predominantly found to include non-experimental descriptive quantitative studies (Jones et al., 2021; Kline et al., 2021; Laan et …

Role Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions In Occupational Therapy With Young Adults With Mental Health Conditions Evoked By Social Media, Allison Haiby, Kennedy Reimann, Katie Quinley

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in occupational therapy within a young adult college-aged population, specifically from the ages 18 to 29. The main factors considered in this paper are mental health in young adults, the role of mindfulness-based interventions and occupational therapy, and the implication of social media on occupation.

Volume Vii, Spring 2024, International Anchoritic Society

International Anchoritic Society Newsletter

No abstract provided.

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 …