Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Ot Cht Treatment And Intervention For Adult Clients After A Nerve Transfer Surgery: A Pilot Survey, Katheryn Fister

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: This study used a pilot survey to collect data regarding how current occupational therapists who are also certified hand therapists are working with adult clients after a nerve trans- fer surgery. The pilot survey was conducted virtually via email and created using Qualtrics software.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to create a survey tool and obtain data to describe current occupational therapy practice trends, outcomes, and education for clients after a nerve transfer surgery. The research sought to determine what interventions are commonly incorporated, what are common outcomes, what education is being provided, what is included …

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.

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 …

Occupational Therapy Using Pipj Block Orthosis For Conservative Treatment Of Trigger Finger: A Retrospective Study, Jee Yoon (Kelly) Chong

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Trigger finger (TF) is a common hand condition with a prevalence rate of 2.6% in the general population (Merry et al., 2020). With clinical symptoms of pain, swelling, and clicking or locking of a digit, TF can cause functional limitations in using the involved hand during daily activities, affecting quality of life and activity participation.

Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of occupational therapy with the use of PIPJ block orthosis in reducing pain and triggering symptoms and improving function for individuals with trigger fingers in the setting of outpatient OT therapy clinics. …

Resilience As A State, "A Learned Trait," Among The Brain Injury Population: A Narrative Analysis, Bailey Gifford

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are acquired injuries resulting from an external trauma to the head (Brain Injury Association of America, 2019). The impact of a TBI is significant with those affected experiencing cognitive decline, decreased mobility, communication barriers, reduced social participation and impairments with engagement in valued occupations.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the existing literature regarding state resilience for persons who have experienced TBI.

Theoretical Framework: Occupational Adaptation Model promotes occupational performance in meaningful activities through adaptation, which is a continual process based on fluctuating changes in adversity.

Methods: This project design was a …

Administrators' Perspectives On Successful Implementation Of Occupational Therapy Services In The School-Based Setting, Suanne M. Waldron

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Best practice for school-based occupational therapy (SBOT) alludes to collaboration, consultation, and in-context services in utilizing occupational therapy’s expanded roles to best meet the needs of students. Research supports the workload model as an effective means of maximizing student outcomes and addressing the needs of all students. Many studies explore teacher and occupational therapist perspectives on collaboration, barriers, and facilitators to implementing best practice and a workload model. However, little is reported regarding administrators' perspectives in these areas.

Purpose: This capstone study focused on identifying administrators' perceptions of valued, effective, and successful occupational therapy (OT) services in their districts. …

Equipping Early Childhood Educators To Identify And Support Students With Sensory Processing Disorder: Recommendations From Occupational Therapists, Linda Schueler

Teaching and Learning (MA) Theses

The prevalence of sensory processing disorder among children, its negative effect on learning, and the benefits of early identification and intervention require action on the part of early childhood educators. Prompt identification of students with sensory processing issues and implementation of occupational therapy strategies to support these students within the school setting will optimize their learning potential. Using an iterative approach, this qualitative study collected data from semi-structured, respondent interviews with five qualified occupational therapists who practice sensory integration therapy with children who experience sensory processing disorder. The information gained answered the research question, “What assessment tool and therapeutic strategies …

Role Of Occupational Therapy Assessment And Office Ergonomics To Support Students With Accommodations In Higher Learning: A Narrative Review, Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, Christi Tam, Raabia Khan, Bushra Alam, Sujatha Alla

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Postsecondary students with disabilities (SWDs) face significant challenges to their academic and personal well-being. There is a demand for more supportive strategies to facilitate fulfilling and equitable academic experiences for SWDs. This review aimed to (1) determine the effectiveness of various interventions, programs, and accommodations for enhancing the overall well-being of postsecondary SWDs and (2) evaluate the implications of these support strategies for disability service providers at postsecondary institutions. A narrative review was conducted, examining 13 studies aimed at enhancing the well-being of postsecondary SWDs. Studies were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Model. Ergonomics, …

Outcomes Of The Nurosleeve And Occupational Ther E And Occupational Therapy On Upper Y On Upper Limb Function Of An Individual With Chronic Hemiparesis Following A Stroke: A Case Report, Nicole M. Gerhardt, Jeremy P. Armstrong, Mijail D. Serruya, Mj Mulcahey

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Background: Upper limb neuromuscular impairments can adversely impact function. This case report investigates the process and outcomes of occupational therapy (OT) for training in the use of the NuroSleeve, a novel research-grade exoskeletal powered orthosis, with a participant with chronic right hemiparesis following a stroke.

Method: The participant engaged in 24 OT sessions using the NuroSleeve over 10 weeks. Therapeutic interventions included neuromuscular reeducation, device management, and engagement in occupationbased activities with training to use the NuroSleeve. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), ABILHAND, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Short Form 7a (PROMIS UE SF), Action Research …

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Childcare Centers And Perceptions Of Developmental Programming, Nicholas Passarelli, Madalyn Comer, Whitney Coffield

Graduate Student Scholarship

This research study aimed to determine the perceptions of parents and teachers regarding the state of developmental programming at daycares in Morgantown, West Virginia. A case study with ethnographic methods was utilized, including face-to-face semi-structured interviews, to gain an understanding of how parents and teachers perceive the current developmental programming offered at Morgantown daycares. Data was collected and coded into eight themes, and then analyzed by student researchers. Results from the semi-structured interviews indicated that parents and teachers have positive perceptions regarding the current developmental programming at daycares, however, improvements still need to be made. Additionally, results indicated that both …

Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Women's Transition Into Motherhood: A Systematized Review​, Hadley Milks, Jocelyn Anderson, Madison Krueger, Bridgette Quinn, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: The transition to motherhood is difficult for many women due to multidimensional changes including psychological and emotional shifts, evolving social relationships, and bodily fluctuations (Hwang et al., 2022; Marinucci, 2023).

Objective: To synthesize information about interventions within the occupational therapy scope of practice to improve the transition to motherhood.

Data sources: A medical librarian performed searches in PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO from 2014-2024.

Design: The inclusion criteria included pregnant women or women with a baby for up to 1 year of age, OT interventions, quantitative studies, and systematic reviews written in English.

Findings: There were 13 articles ranging from scoping …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Facilitation And Compliance With Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization (Cisc), Abigail P. Hernandez

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) (4th ed.) states that toileting and toilet hygiene includes management of continence needs, including catheters and the necessary equipment to maintain bladder control (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020b). However, the overall perspectives of occupational therapy’s role are poorly understood.

Purpose: The study's purpose was to collect data about occupational therapy (OT) practitioners' practice trends in client management of clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC), including perceived competency, education and training, and frequency and extent of involvement in supporting clients with CISC needs.

Theoretical Framework: The study is also supported by the American Occupational Therapy Association …

The Effectiveness And Feasibility Of Telehealth Occupational Performance Coaching With Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Case Study, Mara Sampson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: College students with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience occupational performance barriers, impeding participation. Limited evidence-based techniques are available to therapists working with this population. Telehealth Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) has been found to be an effective treatment technique for improving occupational performance and self-determination for populations outside of college students with ID.

Purpose: The purpose of this experimental case study was to test whether participation in a telehealth OPC program for college students with ID increases occupational performance, occupational satisfaction, and self-determination.

Theoretical Framework: Self-Determination Theory and the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) provide for the theoretical …

Impact Of Iadl Interventions On Discharge Readiness: Musculoskeletal Conditions In Inpatient Rehabilitation, Kasi B. Gannon

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Musculoskeletal conditions are the highest contributing cause of the need for rehabilitation globally, and are common conditions treated by occupational therapy in inpatient rehabilitation. Basic activities of daily living (BADLs) are the main focus of rehabilitation in these settings, which may leave clients unprepared to complete important higher level instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) at home.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact that instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) intervention and training has on individuals’ perceived discharge readiness and quality indicator scoring for those admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility with a musculoskeletal …

Prosthetic Attention In Upper Limb Loss: User Experiences, Clinical Perceptions, And Developing Candidate Items, Tanu Bhargava

Theses and Dissertations

The human hand is a powerful tool essential for performing a range of tasks from simple to complex, and it plays a crucial role in social interactions and environmental engagement. Upper limb (UL) loss disrupts these functions and significantly impacts daily life. Prosthetic devices can partially restore these abilities and improve quality of life, but they lack the intuitive control and sensory feedback of natural hands. Consequently, operating a UL prosthesis requires substantial attentional demands, a factor that potentially contributes to high rates of device dissatisfaction and disuse. For UL prosthesis users, managing attentional resources is critical to efficiently controlling …

Use Of An Education And Coaching Intervention To Promote Occupational Balance In Graduate Occupational Therapy Students, Linda M. Rini, Ingrid Provident

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This small-scale pilot study was developed to examine the perceived occupational balance of graduate occupational therapy students and implement an education and coaching intervention to promote occupational balance for those who have difficulty achieving and maintaining it. Although literature provides many examples of interventions to facilitate stress relief in graduate students, this is the first to address the promotion of occupational balance in this effort, which has been identified as a student-reported need. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data on occupational therapy students’ satisfaction with their balance of activity in all areas of …

Learning Outcomes Of Hybrid In-Person And At-Home Orthosis Fabrication Instruction For Occupational Therapy Students, Evelyn Lee, Amanda Leung, Sylvia Langlois, Susan Hannah

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational therapy students at one university received all orthosis fabrication education through an in-person laboratory-based environment supported by clinicians and instructional videos. Due to the pandemic restrictions, orthosis fabrication labs for occupational therapy students were transitioned to a hybrid in-person and at-home supported lab. Presently, there is no research investigating how a hybrid in-person orthosis lab and at-home orthosis fabrication experience impacts the professional practice skill development of occupational therapy students entering the workforce. This research examined the learning outcomes of participation in a hybrid orthosis fabrication experience consisting of one in-person laboratory-based experience and …

The Use Of Virtual Reality For Student Training On Bias And Microaggressions, Razan Hamed, Elizabeth Gdanski, Jooeun Kim, Julianne Le, Amy Lopez, Azmina Panjwani, Allyson Tong, Gloriana Wilson

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive innovative technology that can be used with occupational therapy students for bias training in preparation for fieldwork and clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of VR as a complementary educational tool in bias and microaggressions (MA) training for entry-level occupational therapy students. We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected in an 8-week course on diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional skills with a total of 48 first-year entry-level occupational therapy students. We used eight simulated VR cases for all students. Data was collected using a mixed-method survey to …

Defining Reasoning, Reflective Practice, And Evidence-Based Practice In Occupational Therapy Education: A Delphi Study, Hannah K. Burke, Pat L. Sample, Anita C. Bundy, Shelly J. Lane

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice are essential skills for occupational therapy practitioners, but it is unclear how these skills are defined in occupational therapy education. We used Delphi methodology to explore educator conceptualizations of clinical reasoning, professional reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice. Eligible participants on the Delphi expert panel were required to have been an educator in an occupational therapy program for at least three years at the master’s level or higher, to be a current occupational therapy educator, based in the United States, and available across multiple survey rounds. Nine participants completed all three survey rounds. Among …

Mentored Practice In Aota Fellowship Programs: An Exploratory Phenomenological Study, Jennifer L. Bergstrom

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

American Occupational Therapy Association fellowship programs are an emerging post-professional educational opportunity aimed at developing practitioners in specialized areas of occupational therapy practice. Mentored practice is a critical and substantial component of fellowship programs; however, the experiences of mentors and fellows have not been well described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to describe the mentored practice experience from the perspectives of the fellow and mentor. This study sought to understand the perceived influence mentored practice may have on the advancement of skills and knowledge in specialty practice areas of occupational therapy. A qualitative exploratory phenomenological design …

Feasibility Of Mindfulness At Work: A Continuing Education Program For Occupational Therapy Practitioners Experiencing Burnout, Susan M. Persia, Amy P. Carroll

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Healthcare professionals, including occupational therapy practitioners, are experiencing epidemic levels of burnout. Professional organizations have prioritized research and programming to address burnout. This study evaluated the feasibility of an evidence-based virtual mindfulness continuing education program, Mindfulness at Work, and the mindfulness strategies participants learned and embedded into their workday. This program was developed and facilitated by an occupational therapist who is also a registered advanced yoga teacher. A total of 11 occupational therapy practitioners experiencing burnout met with the facilitator for once-weekly synchronous sessions over three weeks. OT practitioners were taught mindfulness strategies to use throughout their workday. Participants practiced …

Enhancing Simulation Fidelity In Occupational Therapy Education: Considerations For Standardized Patient Training And Implementation, John V. Rider, Linda Frasier, Jessica Parkin

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The use of high-fidelity simulation and standardized patients (SPs) in occupational therapy (OT) education is expanding. However, the implementation of simulation varies across programs, leading to inconsistent outcomes and research limitations. Furthermore, details on SP use and training are lacking in OT literature. This article aims to provide OT educators with considerations for improving simulation fidelity by effectively using highly trained SPs. For example, recruiting SPs from diverse backgrounds is necessary to improve sociological fidelity, and proper training of SPs is required to ensure psychological fidelity. This article also emphasizes the need for standardized training for SPs and recommends following …

Advancing Entry-Level Otd Students From Novice To Competent With Foundational Skills Using Cognitive Apprenticeship Constructs, Anna B. Galloway, Truly M. Hardemon

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This manuscript describes how one entry-level occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) program used an innovative approach to scaffolding assignments through a cognitive apprenticeship (CA) framework. Cognitive apprenticeship strategies include learning in the context or culture of the profession. This is achieved through observation, coaching, engagement, and discovery of strategies by the instructor. This framework was implemented to facilitate the learning of occupational, activity, and task (OAT) analyses through a four-week module within a first-semester foundations course. Cognitive apprenticeship constructs were used as instructional teaching strategies including active learning, group facilitated assignments, hands on observation, and immediate feedback and modeling of professional …

Exploration Of Student Reflections Using The Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (Rtss) As An Intervention Planning Framework, Tracey E. Recigno, Alison Bell, M. Ferraro

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Teaching intervention planning is enhanced with an intentional course design that incorporates critical thinking in order to prepare the next generation of occupational therapy practitioners. The context for this study was a physical disabilities intervention course for an entry-level occupational therapy program that used Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning as a basis for learning outcomes. A novel formative intervention planning assignment required students to use the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) as a framework to guide their thinking. A qualitative retrospective content analysis of student reflections at the end of the course revealed that the RTSS added value to their …

Supporting The Well-Being And Engagement Of Occupational Therapy Students Through Sensory Modulation: A Pilot Study, Rebecca Matson, Jo Linforth, Julie Hanna, Vikki Barnes-Brown

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Student well-being is an increasing area of concern within higher education and one of the biggest causes of attrition. This study sought to investigate the potential for sensory modulation strategies as an approach to support student well-being and engagement in studies through an action research project. Sixteen second-year occupational therapy students took part in a two-week trial of items designed to support sensory modulation, following which they were asked to complete an online survey evaluating the effectiveness of the item in relation to affect, regulation, attention, and activity. Eight students completed the survey containing a mix of Likert scale and …

Recommendations For Academic Programs To Best Support Occupational Therapy Students: Student Perspectives, Elena Wong Espiritu, Hanna Mcclain, R. David Phillippi

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Declining occupational therapy student mental health and well-being is well described in the literature. However, there is a lack of literature describing recommendations from the student perspective that could help academic programs as they develop and implement support programming. Involving students in the process can be beneficial as they are experts in their experiences. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe recommendations current occupational therapy students had for their academic programs to best support them during their educational experience. The study sample consisted of 628 entry-level masters and doctoral occupational therapy students from 31 states. Participant responses …

Examining Minimal Important Change Of The Self-Assessment Scale Of Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy, Sho Maruyama, Reiko Miyamoto, Satoru Amano, Takuto Nakamura, Peter Bontje

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The purpose of the study was to establish and quantify the minimal important change (MIC) value necessary to determine gains or losses in clinical reasoning during student fieldwork assignments as measured by the Self-Assessment of Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy (SA-CROT). This multicenter prospective longitudinal study was conducted with students on their occupational therapy fieldwork in Japan. Two anchor-based methods were used to estimate the MIC values: a receiver operating characteristic-based method and a predictive modeling-based method. The MIC was adjusted based on the percentage of participants who exhibited improvement. Administered were the SA-CROT and the Global Rating of Change …

Book Review: The Path To Private Practice, Mary K. Thelander

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The Path to Private Practice: A Roadmap for Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists Considering Private Practice (Castro-Casbon, 2023) invites clinicians to consider the benefits of entrepreneurship. The book discusses concerns in the medical and educational systems that may cause occupational therapists (OTs) and speech and language pathologists (SLPs) to experience burnout. The text encourages the reader to consider entering into part-time private practice. Though the book is authored by a SLP, the concerns and strategies discussed in the book are easily compatible with the OT profession. This review details the content of the individual chapters and offers a critical analysis …

Perceived Effectiveness Of Student Assessment Methods In Occupational Therapy Education, Breanna Adkins, Josh Bernstein

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The supporting evidence for student-centered assessment practices is well-documented in the literature for higher education, but not in the field of occupational therapy (OT) education. There is no agreed-upon best practice for student assessment in OT education from any professional OT governing body, nor is there current OT education research evaluating the relationship between types of assessment methods and their effectiveness. The purpose of the study was to determine OT educators’ perceived effectiveness of student assessment methods they used to measure student competency. A correlational design determined the strength of the relationship between these variables. Differences between OT Doctorate (OTD) …