Digital Commons Network^™

Women Family Members’ Experiences Of Involvement In Adult Inpatient Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Isabelle Savage, Mary Egan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) rehabilitation is an intensive process aimed at reducing disability. The experience of care is lived not only by the patient with TBI, but by the family as well.

Methods: Five women family members of patients with TBI were interviewed. Based on a descriptive qualitative approach informed by phenomenology, thematic analysis was completed to draw a general sense of family members’ description of their involvement.

Results: Two themes were identified: Wearing different hats and a balancing act, that highlight the many roles undertaken by the women family members as well as the difficulties …

Journey Interrupted: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Miscarriage, Marit A. Watson, Vanessa D. Jewell, Sarah L. Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Miscarriage is a significant life event that impacts occupational performance, identity, and competence and that influences perceptions of motherhood. Because of the lack of social rituals often attributed to the death of a loved one, miscarriages may result in disenfranchised grief, which impedes coping.

Methods: This phenomenological study explored the impact of miscarriage on relationships, perceptions of motherhood, and the meaning of occupation in the context of grief. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews (N = 4) and completion of a brief demographic questionnaire. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed to ensure accuracy. Using inductive thematic …

Considering Technology In The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, Cara E. Masselink

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 3rd edition (2014), presents an incomplete infrastructure of assistive technology’s role in occupational therapy. Assistive technology and device use is currently defined in “Preparatory methods” (AOTA, 2014, p. S29); however, this categorization presents conflicting information to readers. This article aims to analyze assistive technology in the definition logic rules of precision and parsimony. The classification scheme will be assessed in the logic rules of exclusivity and exhaustiveness. The results of the analysis guide the placement of assistive technology in the profession’s guiding document. This may protect coverage and reimbursement, the education of clinicians, and best …

Ecological Momentary Assessment: Enriching Knowledge Of Occupation Using App-Based Research Methodology, Niki Kiepek

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper introduces occupational therapists to ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and outlines factors that guide the process of designing a project. EMA methodology is a research methodology that uses electronic devices and specially designed software, or Apps, to collect real-time data. This methodology may enhance the ecological validity of research by collecting data about daily occupations in situated contexts. EMA data collection provides access to highly detailed and specific data and has the potential to reveal longitudinal patterns of change over a short period of time. It is valued as a means to examine events, precursors, and consequences. EMA methodology …

The Impact Of Online Video Cases On Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy Education: A Quantitative Analysis, Lynne F. Murphy, Wendy B. Stav

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Clinical reasoning, the cognitive process of a skilled occupational therapist, is a complex and necessary component of evaluating clients and implementing interventions that facilitate each client’s achievement of relevant and meaningful participation in daily occupations. Clinical reasoning encompasses a set of skills that must be integrated into college curricula for the preparation of occupational therapists, but it is not easily taught in a classroom setting. This quasi-experimental, quantitative research explored how specific instructional techniques, constructed on the tenets of case-based reasoning, influenced the development of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students. The experimental group with video cases improved significantly in …

Perceptions Of Older Adults On The Use Of An Interactive Video Game In Promoting Health And Well-Being, Maria Cruz, Julie D. Kugel, Liane Hewitt, Arezou Salamat

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study explored the perceptions of older adults on the use of a custom built interactive video game (IVG) in promoting health and well-being among the older adult population.

Method: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach and enrolled 10 older adults over the age of 65 years in a client-centered, custom-built interactive video game program. This program was designed to promote activity tolerance, balance, range of motion, cognitive skills, and enjoyment through physical activity. The participants completed up to 12 Coin Catcher IVG sessions over a 4-week period. A postprogram, semi-structured, and audio-recorded interview explored their perceptions and …

They Said: A Global Perspective On Access To Assistive Technology, Angela K. Boisselle, Lenin C. Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

International experts in assistive technology from five global regions (South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Australia) and with affiliation to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) community were invited to share their perspectives on the delivery of assistive technology and provision of assistive products in their regions. Four common topics emerged from the experts: (a) user and environmental barriers; (b) policy, funding, and product access; (c) professional training, collaboration, and service delivery; and (d) occupational justice (i.e., empowerment, participation, and progress).

Infusing An Occupational Justice Perspective To Technology Use In Occupational Therapy Practice, Lenin C. Grajo, Angela K. Boisselle

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Vital to building best and evidence-based practices in technology use in occupational therapy is the understanding of technology access, the lived experience of clients from diverse backgrounds who use technologies every day, and the understanding of many various factors (e.g., socioeconomic, political, geographical) that may influence the use of and access to technology. In this Letter from the Editors, we want to infuse the notion of occupational justice in the way that we, occupational therapy practitioners, understand and assess the impact of technology use in daily occupational participation.

Connections 07/2018, College Of Health And Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Newsletter

• Grand Reopening Creates Space for DPT and CHHS Programs
• College Celebrates Dean Earlie Washington
• Ishler Wellness Lab to Expand Interprofessional Clinical Education at CHHS
• Celebrating the 2018 Cohort of HCCP Students
• Raise the W Podcast Highlights Empower Success Program
• PA Students Fill Invisible Need Donation Center
• HHS on Social Media
• In Other News

Department Of Physics Newsletter, Summer 2018, Department Of Physics

Physics Newsletter

• Message from Dr. Kirk Korista, Department Chair
• 2017 Alumni Achievement Award, Physics
• 2017 Solar Eclipse
• Department of Physics Award Ceremony

Leisure Reading Behaviour Of Young Children In Singapore, Shaheen Majid

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Leisure reading is important for personality development and mental growth of children. Reading habits developed during early childhood are likely to continue rest of the life. The main purpose of this study was to investigate leisure reading habits and preferences of young children in Singapore. A questionnaire was used for data collection and 254 children, aged between 6 to 12 years, participated in this study. It was found that reading was among the top five leisure-time activities of the surveyed children. Mostly mothers, followed by fathers, encouraged children to read books. The major reasons for leisure reading were to learn …

What’S The Story With Children’S Literature? A Content Analysis Of Children’S Literature Courses For Preservice Elementary Teachers, Laurie A. Sharp, Elsa Diego-Medrano, Betty Coneway

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Developing knowledge and understandings related to children’s literature among preservice elementary teachers is a vital component of teacher preparation that should be addressed in a required course. The purpose of the present study was to identify essential learning outcomes addressed in children’s literature courses that were required coursework among elementary teacher preparation programs located in a Southern state. The goal was to discover “the story” in children’s literature coursework and determine to what extent current teacher preparation practices aligned with professional recommendations from recognized experts in the field. The present study employed a qualitative, directed content analysis approach that used …

Women And Other Beasts: A Feminist Perspective On Medieval Bestiaries, Carolynn Van Dyke

Medieval Feminist Forum: A Journal of Gender and Sexuality

Gender and species intersect in the subject-matter, readership, and authorship of medieval beast-books. First, androcentric norms result in inconsistent gender references to species: the grammatically feminine eagle (Aquila) is represented as a stern father, the masculine turtledove (Turtura) as a clinging wife. More broadly, male exemplars represent nearly all species regardless of grammatical gender.

Second, both discursive norms and bibliographic practice presumed an exclusively male readership for the bestiary, but external and internal evidence suggest that bourgeois mothers used bestiaries in educating their children.

Third, a more radical intervention in androcentric bestiary norms is an instance …

Tanapox: A Potential Oncolytic Virus For The Treatment Of Cancer, Joel Marty

Honors Theses

The National Cancer Institute defines cancer as a group of related diseases characterized by unimpeded cell division with metastatic abilities. Cells frequently mutate and potentially become cancerous, but generally these cells are cleared by the immune system. The disease state of cancer arises when the mutated cells evade the immune clearance, which indicates medical intervention is required. Current therapies most commonly utilize chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of the two, however, alternative therapies are being developed such as immunotherapies and oncolytic viruses (OVs). OVs cause a viral infection, clearing cancerous cells through viral replication mechanisms, such as viral cytolysis, while …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Formal Session June 27, 2018, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

• Acceptance of the Agenda
• Approval of the Minutes (April 18, 2018 Meeting)
• Remarks by the Chair
• Remarks by the President
• Comments by the Faculty Senate President
• Comments by the Western Student Association President
• Comments by the Graduate Student Association President
• Showcasing New Student Orientation
• Public Comments Regarding Action Items
• Tuition and Fees for Main Campus
• Tuition and Fees for Extended University Programs
• University Budget for 2018-2019
• Creation of the Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation
• Academic Tenure and Promotion
• Redemption of Debt and Transfer of Building and Related Property to WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
• Action as Class …

Western News, June 7, 2018, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: VP, two unit head appointments announced; Sales program nationally recognized for excellence; Fostering success center announces new partner, transition plans; On Campus with Lindsey Palar.

Efficacy Of Interventions For Increasing Performance Of Activities Of Daily Living In Persons With Parkinson's And Lewy Body Disease, Jennifer Mejeur, Joshua Grimmer

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Efficacy Measured By Maintenance Of Weight Loss For Bariatric Surgery (Specifically The Gastric Sleeve And Roux-N-Y Methods) Vs. Behavioral Changes, Amelia Verduzco

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Sacubitril/Valsartan Vs Acei And Beta-Blocker Therapy For Heart Failure Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction (Ef <40%)?, Eric Sveska

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Children And Adolescents With Ptsd, Monica Phillips, Meghan Schrom

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Psychometric Properties Of Balance Assessment Tools For Older Adults, Kelsey Johnson, Shannon Funk

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Interactive Metronome Training For Children With Adhd, Bethany Fox, Corinne Leer

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Warfarin Vs. Noacs: Effective Reduction In Morbidity & Mortality In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation And Ckd, Scott Detloff

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Review Of Visual Perception Assessment Tools For Adults With Brain Injury, Krista Wohlfert, Jennifer Bosworth

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Remedial And Compensatory Approaches For Visual Perceptual Impairments Among Adults With Brain Injury, Michaela Vertin, Heather Piccariello

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Visual Deficits And The Effects On Functional Activity Among Individuals With Intellectual Disability, Victoria Wedyke, Celeste Krawchuck

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Activity Therapy For Improving Psychosocial Skills For People With Schizophrenia, Ellie Mcintyre, Annie Ryan

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Grasp: A Program For Improving Upper Extremity Function, Rachel Marquardt, Sarah Eckert

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Self-Feeding Interventions For Upper Extremity Tremors, Elsie Bush, Abigail Sibanda

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Retained Primitive Reflexes And Children With Adhd, Megan Boersen, Olivia Hicks

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.