Digital Commons Network^™

Unlock Upper Extremity Rehabilitation: Interprofessional Collaboration Between Ot Hand Therapy And Surgical Teams, Collin Brown

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: In the journey to recovery from upper extremity injuries, outpatient hand therapists who are certified as occupational therapists (OT) play a crucial role in restoring patients' independence and functionality, both before and after surgical intervention. Researchers identified main themes experienced by participants who had acquired an upper extremity injury and were post-operation, such as functional challenges in managing conditions, difficulties in everyday life, coping strategies, differing expectations, and the impact of information on daily life (Hansen et al, 2024). In all of these areas identified, an OT hand therapist is able to identify and facilitate improvements pre- and post-surgery …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Enhancing Awareness And Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction In Women’S Health, Nicole Gentry

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: There are a variety of reasons that pelvic floor dysfunction can occur in women throughout their life, however, pelvic floor therapy is a minimally invasive and a holistic treatment option that can make significant differences (Cozean & Cozean, 2016; Moody & Fashokun, 2021; Wallace et al., 2019). Pelvic floor therapists can treat and provide interventions to help women manage symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Currently, there is limited research on the correlation between pelvic floor dysfunction and recurrent vaginal and urinary infections. However, research suggests that recurrent infections can lead to inflammation, high muscle tone, increased tissue sensitivity, …

A Holistic Program Manual For Permanent Supportive Housing: Integrating Housing First And Occupational Therapy Approaches, Melody Mackenzie

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness often face complex challenges including trauma, mental health conditions, and barriers to daily living. While permanent supportive housing provides long-term housing with supportive services, gaps exist in resources tailored for both residents and residential support staff. Many existing permanent supportive housing programs emphasize behavioral or mental health approaches, with fewer addressing the full range of occupational participation needs. Occupational therapy, with its holistic and client-centered perspective, offers a valuable lens to enhance service delivery in permanent supportive housing.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop two compatible tools–a Permanent Supportive Housing Residential …

A Guide To Occupational Therapy Intervention Planning For Individuals With Migraines In Rural Communities, Angelina M. Caron

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One in ten individuals in the world experience migraines (Amari et al., 2022). Migraines are a debilitating condition that presents with symptoms of intense head pain, aura, and nausea (American Migraine Foundation, 2018; Mayo Clinic, 2023). These symptoms have a global effect on an individual’s life and affect the meaningful and necessary tasks they do each day including work, school, family and social life, and their emotional health and cognitive functioning (Buse et al., 2019; Estave et al., 2021). Occupational therapy (OT) can be used with individuals with migraine by addressing factors such as routines, migraine self-management, cognitive strategies, and …

Pain Neuroscience Education With A Veteran Population, Kate Westphal

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: In 2021, upper extremity (UE) injuries accounted for 21.3% of injuries by U.S. active duty service members (Mahlmann et al., 2024). Right or left shoulder pain were the top two diagnoses in active-duty service members between fiscal years 2016 and 2021, with overuse/non-specific injury being the most common UE injury (Isaacson et al., 2024). Pain often follows service members after discharge. It is estimated 66% of the 20 million Veterans in the United States experience musculoskeletal pain, and chronic pain is more intense in a Veteran population, limiting their ability to engage in preferred activities of daily living (Areias …

Rehabilitation Not Punishment: Adults In Custody Learning Skills Needed To Survive In Society, Kaitlyn J. Wanner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The U.S has one of the highest populations of incarcerated individuals in the world and must shift from the use of punishment to rehabilitation for these individuals (Huynh et al., 2015; Muñoz, 2019; Phelps & Aldrich, 2022). While in prison, these individuals are limited in their ability to participate in meaningful activities and lose skills needed to function in society (Lares & Montgomery, 2020). Occupational therapy assists individuals of a variety of populations engage in activities that are meaningful to them. The set of skills that occupational therapy has to offer results in a broad area of settings that …

Addressing Occupational Challenges Through Multimodal Educational And Training Intervention Approaches To Improve Health Outcomes For Caregivers And Care Recipients, Skye Gross

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Family caregivers represent approximately 20% of the U.S. population (American Association for Retired Persons [AARP], 2020), with a prevalence linked to the rise of conditions and critical care needs among the baby boomer population. Family members are often relied upon to ensure the basic health needs of their loved ones as the complexity of care increases. On average, family caregivers dedicated 24 or more hours a week to caregiving tasks while fulfilling work and other essential functions. Nearly 50% provided high-intensity care to recipients with complex medical conditions with limited formal training (Reinhardt et al., 2019). These extreme levels …

Moving Beyond What Pays The Bills: Implementing New Assistive Technology Outcome Measures, Connor Nathan Fuchs

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The World Health Organization states that measuring outcomes is paramount to understanding the efficacy of assistive technology (AT) intervention (World Health Organization, 2022). Over 1 billion people across the globe use assistive technology, which is expected to double over the next 50 years. Outcome measures such as the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA) or Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) provide practitioners with information regarding the efficacy of AT interventions. This product aims to provide practitioners with a comprehensive, quick, and straightforward resource that outlines 14 assistive technology outcome measures for frequent use in practice.

Methods: A needs assessment …

Chronic Pain Management In Adults In Rural Areas And Its Effect On Health And Well-Being: An Occupational Therapist’S Guide For Clients, Kinley Jo Nordin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Chronic pain is a common problem among individuals in the United States (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). It can affect any area of occupation including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), health management, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). It can also negatively influence an individual’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to address the need for additional resources for individuals living in rural areas who experience chronic pain to help manage their health and …

Psychosocial Perspectives To Client Care In Orthopedic Settings – The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Ainsley E. Ahrndt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase practitioner and client knowledge regarding the interconnectedness of the mind and body, specifically when it comes to physical healing. Currently, in orthopedic care, there is a large focus on the biomechanical aspects of healing. While this approach is appropriate, it can fail to acknowledge non-physical factors that influence physical healing. Orthopedic injuries and conditions are very common which emphasizes the need for comprehensive care to support individuals as they heal from an injury or manage a condition. Occupational therapists have a unique skillset in that they can address both physical …

Milestones In Motion: Supporting Student Growth Through Developmental Understanding, Olivia Anne Dobrinz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Developmental milestone expectations increase in school-aged children, accompanied by growing demands in motor skills, cognition, social and emotional development, academic performance, and self-care skills. Routine screenings through a physician's annual well-child visits can help identify if a child is not meeting specific developmental expectations; however, caregivers and teachers play a critical role in early detection. Early detection and intervention of a developmental delay helps aid in their ability to catch up.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase teacher and parent awareness of developmental milestone expectations and to provide them with developmentally supportive activities that can …

A Guide To Tier 1 Supports In The General Education Classroom, Aly Levinson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Thirty-two percent of students were estimated to be behind grade level in the 2023-24 school year (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). Many children in the classroom experience barriers to learning. One factor in the decreasing academic levels is the decrease in attention spans (D’Aurizio, n.d.). A student’s education is impacted by a teacher’s ability to keep students’ attention (Hanley et al., 2017). To receive one-on-one occupational therapy intervention, a student must qualify. Many students who may benefit from occupational therapy services will not receive the needed services. The focus of this doctoral capstone experience was to help address …

Caregiver Education In Early Intervention, Payton Schilke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Early intervention services are provided for children ages birth to three years who have identified developmental delays (North Dakota Health and Human Services, n.d.). Services that are provided in early intervention include home visits, consultations, and parent coaching from a multidisciplinary team (North Dakota Health and Human Services, n.d.). The health-related practices of parents during the first two years of their children’s lives plays an important role in terms of influencing children’s health and development (Boelsma et al., 2021). It is the responsibility of the caregivers to utilize the information that is provided and implement within the child’s daily …

Occupational Therapy’S Role With Caregivers Of Stroke Survivors, Madalyn England

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Caregivers of stroke survivors often report feeling overwhelmed and unprepared to take on such an unexpected role for their loved ones. The purpose of this scholarly project was to support caregivers of stroke survivors by providing them with a self-paced educational program, to ensure caregivers can continue to maintain overall health and well-being while simultaneously caring for a loved one.

Methodology: An in-depth literature review was completed with the use of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) to guide the development of the program. The identification of site-specific needs was achieved through a review of literature and an on-site …

Ot Role In Staff Development In Schools To Promote Continuation Of Care, Elise Gapp

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: School-based occupational therapy practitioners assume various collaborative roles to improve student performance, promote the carryover of student progress, and enhance teacher satisfaction (Frolek Clark & Hollenbeck, 2019; Shepherd et al., 2019). School-based occupational therapy practitioners experience many barriers to collaborative practice, which limits the carryover of interventions and strategies that support students (Benson et al., 2019; Edick et al., 2023; Jeremy et al., 2024; Mowell et al., 2023).

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create a product for school-based occupational therapy practitioners and school support staff to use in collaboration to promote carryover of interventions and strategies …

Integrating A Canine Comfort Program With Occupational Therapy Services For Emerging Adults With Mental Health Diagnoses, Emily Vieth

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Mental health plays a critical role in the lives of emerging adults (ages 18-29) including how they identify, their coping strategies, and social skills (Matud et al., 2020). Occupational therapists (OTs) can play a vital role in the management of depressive and anxiety symptoms for the promotion of an individual’s well-being (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). OT can address depressive and anxiety symptoms through the incorporation of animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a therapeutic approach that uses animals to improve overall health and well-being (Pandey et al., 2024). Though still limited in evidencebased research, emerging interventions like canine …

Occupational Therapy Best Practices In Maternal Health, Abby Eken

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Maternal mortality and morbidity rates have been steadily increasing in the United States due to health disparities, inadequate care, and lack of recognition of maternal health service gaps. Additionally, interdisciplinary care provided after birth often emphasizes the infant shifting focus away from the mother which impacts health and recovery during the postpartum period. Despite a wide range of maternal health services provided in the acute care setting, inclusion and referrals to occupational therapy are often lacking. Further, occupational therapists play an emerging role in maternal health that is frequently misunderstood and insufficiently recognized.

Purpose: The goal of this project …

Pelvic Health Rehabilitation: A Guide For Postpartum Women In Rural Areas To Enhance Occupational Engagement, Joslynn Kay Parks

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Of the over 3 million births in the US each year, 570,000 women experience a birth related injury, leading to pelvic health issues during the postpartum period (DeLancey et al., 2024). Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) affects 25% of American women, directly impacting quality of life (QoL), psychosocial factors, and the ability to successfully engage in meaningful occupation (Baker et al., 2017; Burkhart et al., 2021; Khan, 2023; Nygaard et al., 2008; Peinado Molina et al., 2023; Synder et al., 2022b). Although PFD has a neuromuscular etiology, the physiological effects can lead to psychosocial impacts, including, but not limited, to …

Cultural Competency Of The Interprofessional Team In Burn Care Through An Occupational Therapy Model, Brooklyn Wiest

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Burn injuries are considered one of the most devastating injuries globally (Farzan et al., 2023). Those suffering from serious burns are likely to be affected in all areas of life (physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, intellectual, and psychological) (Abrams et al., 2016). Some of these impacts include changes in appearance, social isolation, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, employment, financial burden, and family problems. These are devastating outcomes are seen throughout diverse populations (Nair & Adetayo, 2019). As diverse populations are rising, an increase in equitable medical care is needed (Peters et al., 2022). Education and increasing awareness of culturally …

Accessibility Of Higher Education: Supporting Student Self-Advocacy, Morgan Diane Halliday

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As of the 2020-2021 academic year, 1 in 5 undergraduate students reported having a disability (National Center for Education Statistics, n.d.). College students with disabilities (CSWD) face social and physical environmental barriers to higher education due to exclusive policies, procedures, and designs. In turn, occupational engagement is decreased, inhibiting participation in education. A college education can support career opportunities, financial stability, and personal development (Plotner & May, 2019). Therefore, it is essential that CSWD have equitable access. Despite efforts from college campuses to become more accessible, gaps remain that require CSWD to be self-advocates. The purpose of this project was …

Coming To Your Senses: A Guide For Sensory Considerations In Higher Education, Aspen D. Delano

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sensory stimuli bombard humans at every point during their day. Senses are the avenue through which humanity interacts with its world. Individuals have varying thresholds of sensory stimuli. When people face more stimuli than they can cope with, they struggle to interact with the world around them. This can pose a significant challenge for graduate-level college students due to the already strenuous mental load required for formal education. The association between sensory processing and stress has strengthened in recent years, with individuals reporting a positive feedback loop between these constructs (Harrold et al., 2024). Stress leads to greater sensory …

Benefits Of Nature-Based Play For Children: An Educational Resource For Parents, Kaitlyn Peterson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: In recent years, children’s use of technology has increased, decreasing the time they spend playing in natural contexts and time spent building the parent-child relationship. The lack of time spent in outdoor contexts has negative influences on the child’s overall health and well-being. The time a child spends with their parent is vitally important for a child’s development, view of the world, and sense of belonging. Parents assist children throughout development by supporting their understanding of themselves and the world, along with supporting the child’s ability to communicate with their parents. Interactions with technology, particularly overuse, can influence a …

Occupational Therapy Best Practices In Partial Hospitalization Programs, Mattea June Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role on the care team in partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Occupational therapy practitioners are a key member of the care team due to their profession’s unique view of the person and goal of supporting them in their valued occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners have training in psychosocial and mental health interventions that enable those with mental illness to engage in meaningful everyday activities. Practitioners must be equipped with the current best practice standards to support participants to engage in recovery and wellness through occupation. With the growing need for mental and behavioral services and …

Increasing Occupational Therapy Student Preparedness For Level Ii Fieldwork Experiences In Hand Therapy, Claire Meyer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: A level II fieldwork experience is essential within occupational therapy programs as it allows occupational therapy students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life practice. Students need to complete level II fieldwork to graduate, become practicing therapists, and grow the field of occupational therapy. However, many practitioners, particularly those specializing in hand therapy, hesitate to accept students for fieldwork placements. Barriers reported by hand therapy practitioners include a lack of student knowledge, preparation, and clinical skills (Short et al., 2017; Valdes et al., 2022). Hand therapy settings' rapid pace and demanding nature require students to …

The Impacts Of Ssris In-Utero And Nicu Occupational Therapy Intervention, Kyara Crowley

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this product was to collaborate with the occupational therapy (OT) staff in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to further knowledge and enhance role competence to provide better quality of care to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposed infant population. Mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent among women, therefore, more women are taking SSRIs throughout pregnancy to counteract the effects of those conditions (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). However, the effects of in-utero SSRI exposure are not fully understood. Researchers have found evidence of some short-term and long-term effects caused by the SSRI exposure as well …

Supporting The Development Of Emotion Regulation For Engagement In Occupation, Alexis Karen Smith

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Many children with mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental health conditions internalize and externalize symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger at higher rates compared to children without these conditions (Tajik-Parvinchi, 2021). Difficulties with emotion regulation may lead to heightened experiences of symptoms from mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental health conditions (Tajik-Parvinchi, 2021). Occupational therapy practitioners can support children with emotional dysregulation by using evidence-based best practices. The identified problem is the application of evidence-based emotion regulation evaluation and interventions to support children with difficulty in emotion regulation and their caregivers. The challenge of implementing evidence-based emotion regulation services is limited research and …

Journey To Understanding — An Introduction To North Dakota Tribes (2025), Cheryl Ann Kary Née Red Eagle, Sunshine Archambault-Carlow, Emma Jean Blue Earth, Carol Davis, Linda Gourneau, Oliver Gourd, Eugene Hale, David Henderson, Marilyn Hudson, Angeline Fourth Iron Road, Demus Mcdonald, Jt Shining One Side, Scott Simpson, Sharla Steever, Nicholas Asbury, Sashay Schettler, Lucy Fredericks, Native American Training Institute, United Tribes Technical College

North Dakota Tribal History and Culture Series

Journey to Understanding: An Introduction to North Dakota Tribes is an introductory booklet intended to give a quick overview of Indigenous culture in North Dakota. It is a starting point for the rest of the North Dakota Tribal History & Culture series. The booklet explains the names and backgrounds of the nations that share geography with North Dakota. It also teaches basic cultural competency to facilitate interaction for people from a different background. The content is presented in the form of self-quizzes with provided answers. Journey to Understanding was originally used within the North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS) …

Facilitating Engagement In Meaningful Occupations Through Nature-Based Experiences, Sydney Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Many children, especially those living in urban areas, are spending less time in nature than ever before which is decreasing their engagement in meaningful occupations such as sleep, play, education, social participation, and activities of daily living. Interacting with nature can improve children’s emotional regulation, development, attention span, mental health, and overall well-being. It is important that children have access to nature and its benefits to ensure they are reaching their full potential in life. One method to improve children’s access to nature is providing them with nature-based activities that can be modified or adapted for those living in …

Reference Interview Recommendations For Text And Data Mining, Laura Egan

Librarian Publications

Text and data mining (TDM) has become increasingly important in research and teaching in higher education. Researchers at all levels are engaging with larger quantities of data than previously feasible. The exponential increase in the availability of text data has resulted in a proliferation of the number of tools that facilitate text data processing and analysis. While TDM skills may have been optional or a disciplinary focus in the past, they are increasingly employed in a broader range of fields. Students and researchers may also be inspired to use TDM tools as they come across examples while looking for new …

Empowering Caregivers Through Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach To Adolescent Mental Health Education, Shannon Grace Ring

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This scholarly project aimed to create an evidence-based toolkit for caregivers of adolescents currently completing partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Adolescents enrolled in PHP have experienced severe disruption in their daily functions. Adolescent mental illness is a public health concern due to its prevalence, early onset, and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities (Ghandour et al., 2019). Mental health disorders during adolescence can affect development by interfering with the ability to function in daily settings and achieve social, emotional, cognitive, and academic milestones (Ghandour et al., 2019). Many adolescents are also exposed to risk factors, including …