Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Interdisciplinary Approach To Fall Prevention In Rural Health, Casidi Pullar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Hospital-acquired falls can lead to severe injuries and complications, posing significant challenges for patient safety and the healthcare facility (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2023). Healthcare workers in rural, Critical Access Hospitals often handle a wide range of responsibilities due to the smaller staff size, limited resources, and difficulty retaining or recruiting staff due to the remote location, typically resulting in fall prevention being less prioritized (Abelsen et al., 2020; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2023). Addressing patient safety and fall prevention strategies is an organizational and systemic challenge that requires evidence-based education and an interdisciplinary team …

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

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Exploring Postpartum Care: A Guide for Mothers

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

Bridges To Bright Beginnings: A Resource Guide For Caregivers Of Infants Diagnosed With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Nas), Makayla E. Murden

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition that happens in newborn babies who were exposed to illicit substances or opiates while in the womb. The baby becomes dependent on the substances and will experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. Between 2010 and 2017, NAS births increased by 131%. Approximately 6.6% of pregnant women admitted to using prescription opioids, of which 21.2% acknowledged misuse. A significant portion (31.9%) of these women reported not receiving information on the potential effects of opioid use on their unborn baby. Infants exposed to opioids in utero are at higher risk of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit …

An Occupational Therapy Program For First Responders Facing Trauma Fatigue And Work-Related Stressors Using Equine Facilitated Approaches, Kady Locke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The proposed program is a mental health program, targeting meaningful daily occupations for the population of first responders facing trauma fatigue and antecedents of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms related to stress from work. For individuals who serve as first responders, there is significant prevalence for trauma exposure, leading to trauma fatigue due to events encountered on the job. Mazur and Collins (2023) found that 80% of police and first responders experience traumatic events on the job and that 25% have experienced suicidal ideation due to impacts of trauma exposure. There is a lack of professional mental health services supporting this …

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

Occupational Therapy Capstones

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

Case Presentation: The client was selected …

Sensory Home Programming Handouts, Taylor Ann Koopmeiners

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sensory processing is the way the brain and nervous system receive sensory information (Star Institute, 2023). When there are difficulties with processing sensory information, it is called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Consequently, the inability to process sensory input results in affected motor and behavioral responses (Star Institute, 2023. This creates difficulty in participating in necessary tasks such as activities of daily living (ADLs), social participation, and school (Lane et al., 2019; Star Institute, 2023). Occupational therapists address these challenges by providing sensory activities in therapeutic sessions and as part of home programming (Gabriele, 2020). The goal of this scholarly …

Expecting Better When You’Re Expecting: Empowering Mothers Through Occupational Therapy, Ann K. Landreville

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The maternal health crisis of the United States presents an opportunity to improve the level of care provided to the maternal population. A new standard of care must be established, going beyond decreasing maternal mortality and morbidity rates, but instead working to promote the health and well-being of mothers. While many well-recognized health professionals currently play a role on the interdisciplinary care team for postpartum mothers, occupational therapists are emerging in this field, proving they have a vital role in providing services that addresses the current gap in care. Many professions largely address physical health; occupational therapists have a holistic …

Sensory Processing And Trauma: A Practical Approach In A Clinical Context, Katya Kivi

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A large majority of people who are receiving mental health services have experienced a form of trauma (Arnaly et al., 2019; Champagne et al., 2010). Individuals who have experienced trauma-related sensory processing issues often have decreased occupational performance because of avoidance of the occupation or dysregulation during the occupation (Cerny, 2019; Gerney & Muffly, 2015). PTSD can affect an individual's overall quality of life and the creation and maintenance of social relationships, resulting in social isolation (Arnaly et al., 2019). The product is a guide to inform care within the adult mental health setting following sensory-based information and trauma-informed care. …

Breaking The Barrier To Leisure Engagement In Long-Term Care Facilities To Enhance Residents’ Health, Well-Being, And Quality Of Life, Callie M. Kleindl

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Breaking the Barrier to Leisure Engagement in Long-Term Care Facilities to Enhance Residents’ Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to promote leisure engagement for residents with dementia in long-term care (LTC) facilities to enhance their overall health, well-being, and quality of life (QOL).

Methodology: A thorough literature review supported the need for increased leisure engagement in LTC facilities for residents with dementia. Chronic conditions, such as dementia, impact a resident’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations which leads to occupational deprivation. In addition, a decline in leisure engagement has been found …

Toolkit For Teachers Who Have Students Who Have Experiences Aces: An Occupational Therapy Guide, Abigail Kasper

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Individuals who experience trauma are at a higher risk of experiencing decreased occupational performance, specifically in education. Students are more likely to have decreased emotional and sensory regulation, decreased attention, problem-solving, and social skills, and struggle to transition between activities (Bhsushan, 2021; Fraser et al., 2019; Goddard, 2021; Whiting, 2018). These difficulties can create barriers to participating and succeeding in education. In addition to experiencing barriers while engaging in school, trauma can also result in an increased risk of experiencing long-term health impacts, such as heart disease, obesity, depression, hypertension, and other chronic conditions (Bhushan, 2021; Centers for Disease …

Addressing Health Care Needs Of Farmers In Rural Areas Through The Lens Of Occupational Therapy, Josie Lynn Huot

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Addressing Health Care Needs of Farmers in Rural Areas through the Lens of Occupational Therapy

Background: Over three million farmers and farm laborers across the United States (U.S.) perform one of the most essential careers to support human life (Hildebrand et al., 2019; USDA, 2020). Farming is considered a highly dangerous job, putting farmers at risk for numerous health concerns, with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries (Fethke et al., 2015; Hildebrand et al., 2019). Low back pain is a leading source of musculoskeletal pain, closely followed by neck pain, both of which are associated with the spine (Davis …

Sensory Toolkit For Childcare Providers And Parents Of Children In The Daycare Setting, Cierra Marie Jacobson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Sensory Toolkit for Childcare Providers and Parents of Children in the Daycare Setting

Purpose: Around 62% of children in the United States receive care from care-based centers (U.S Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistic [NCES], (2021). Of the children in daycare, about 41% attend for 35 or more hours a week (Capizzano & Adams, 2000). The children’s environment within a daycare provides several sensory experiences that can both support and hinder their success in their daily occupations. When sensory needs are unmet, undesired behaviors can occur and impact their performance in daily occupations (Bodison & Parham, 2017). …

An Intergenerational Program Approach To Support Successful Aging And Decrease Social Isolation In Nursing Home Residents, Mariah Herring

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose As older adults transition to nursing facilities, their involvement in community activities diminishes, impacting their physical health, cognitive abilities, and social engagement (Lowry et al., 2012; Serrat-Graboleda et al., 2010). Evidence suggests that utilizing intergenerational programs in nursing facilities can effectively reduce social isolation, enhance quality of life for residents, and support academics and social skills in preschool students (Gustavsson, 2015; Lowry et al., 2012; Mondaca et al., 2018; Pillemer et al., 2022; Tak et al., 2015). This scholarly project aims to support successful aging and decrease social isolation in nursing facilities through the development of occupation-based psychomotor activities …

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

Occupational Therapy Capstones

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

Methods: Prior to the start of …

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

Occupational Therapy Capstones

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 continuum of care.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted using articles, textbooks, and expert opinions 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 that practitioners lack knowledge of …

Implementation Of A Recreational Program For Those With Visual Impairments, Caitllyn Fussy

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Quality of life can be found through participation in meaningful and rewarding occupations (Cote-Letlerc, 2017). Studies have shown that individuals with visual impairments have impacted occupational performance and engagement in occupations leading to a loss of independence, changes to identity, and lowered self-esteem (Duquette, et. al., 2019; Kumar, et. al., 2022). Some barriers these individuals face that impact their ability to participate in meaningful occupations include having fewer opportunities available, difficulty navigating, having impaired proprioception, accessibility, and physical or cognitive impairments (Diaz, 2019; Hill, 2023). Opportunities to engage in recreational activities presented as a clear need for this scholarly …

Inclusive Physical Education And Its Impact On Adolescents With Disabilities In A School Setting, Ashley Renee Freund

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Adolescents with disabilities frequently encounter barriers preventing participation in physical education alongside their peers. The absence of inclusive practices and adaptations tailored to students with disabilities poses challenges that impact students' physical health and mental well-being (Carbone et al., 2021). Fostering improved mental and physical health for adolescents with and without disabilities is related to group-based programming as well as instructor leadership and knowledge regarding disability and activity modification (Shirazipour et al., 2020). By integrating these elements, physical education teachers can optimize the benefits of participation in physical education, including enhanced mental health, increased physical participation and engagement, and …

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

Occupational Therapy Capstones

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

A Holistic Approach To Occupational Therapy Intervention: Addressing Psychosocial Factors And Upper Extremity Injuries, Aleece N. Durbin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) working in a hand therapy setting primarily focus on neuromusculoskeletal injuries of the upper extremity (UE) (Kurrus et al., 2023). However, clients who experience UE injuries can also experience adverse psychosocial factors limiting their performance in daily activities (Kurrus et al., 2023). Psychosocial factors are rarely addressed in the practice setting due to institutional barriers and a lack of confidence in OTPs (Kurrus et al., 2023). This project aims to provide OTPs with resources to provide occupational therapy intervention to address psychosocial factors despite the barriers present within the practice setting of hand therapy.

Methods: …

Making Strides: An Occupational Therapy Program Developing Work Readiness Skills In Adolescents With Aces, Using Equine And Barn Tasks., Lauren Alexis Fischer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022) defines adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as any traumatic event that occurs from birth to 18 years. ACEs can lead to various issues in the child's future, such as health problems, mental illness, substance abuse, and challenges with education and employment (CDC, 2022). Associated barriers that inhibit at-risk youth when transitioning into the workforce include lack of work skills, habits, knowledge about labor rights, realistic job opportunities, and how to pursue employment (Ivzori et al., 2020). Increasing support in their pre-vocational skills can increase their success in employment. Rhew et al. …

A Resource Guide For Improving Participation In The Pediatric Casper Community, Rylie Garner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: A Resource Guide for Improving Participation in the Pediatric Casper

Community Background and Problem: Regardless of ability level, all children should have the same rights, access, and opportunities to participate in leisure, social, physical, and recreational activities. Research shows that typically developing children participate more in social, physical, and recreational activities than children with disabilities (Solish et al., 2010). Identified barriers that can decrease participation for children with disabilities include the child’s functional limitations, high costs, accessibility, and lack of known nearby facilities, programs, and sports (Murphy & Carbone, 2018; Aytur et al., 2018). Participation in leisure, social, physical, …

Occupational Therapy Intervention To Promote Rest And Its Role In Inpatient Rehabilitation Recovery, Kjerstin Drugan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic that affects 10-30% of the population, impacts brain functioning, mood, attention, memory, and healing (CDC, 2015) and increases the likelihood of serious medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease (Ho & Sui, 2018). The rate of sleep difficulties increases to 47-67% in the hospitalized population (Miller et al., 2019). According to Poole et al. (2022), 98% of occupational therapists reported believing that sleep assessment and intervention are important in rehabilitation, but less than 25% implemented any intervention. The physical effects and stress of illness and the inpatient rehabilitation …

Nature-Based Therapy Supporting Veterans With Mental Health Difficulties, Kaitlyne Dittberner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Using nature has been linked to improvements in well-being for individuals with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Bettmann et al., 2019). Combining nature with physical activity can increase feelings of revitalization, positive engagement, and energy with decreased feelings of tension, confusion, anger, and depression (Coon et al., 2011). Group-based activities for veterans can assist with the reintegration process back into the community as combat veterans value connections with like peers (Hawkins et al., 2016). Occupational therapy practitioners have the skills to analyze activities to make accommodations to allow veterans to be successful in the occupations in the nature-based …

Supporting Community Integration For Veterans With Mental Health Conditions Through The Lens Of Recovery: Rise-Ing Together, Erin Marie Ferebee

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Supporting Community Integration for Veterans with Mental Health Conditions Through the Lens of Recovery: RISE-ing Together

Introduction: This paper delves into the VA's commitment, aligned with AOTA guidelines, to enhance Veterans' well-being through the PEO model in occupational therapy during community reintegration. Highlighting recovery as a transformative process, it addresses mental health challenges, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, underscoring the central role of occupational therapy practitioners in providing tailored care. Shifting focus to the environment, drawing on studies (Pedersen & Wiser, 2021; Phelan et al., 2018; Sayer et al., 2021), the paper accentuates challenges and opportunities, …

Physical And Psychosocial Wellness For Individuals With Neurological Impairments, Emmalee Burtsfield

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Neurological impairments have been identified as the first leading cause of disability across the world and the second leading cause of death globally. There is a substantial financial impact associated with neurological conditions. Therefore, it is essential to consider how effective use of best therapy practices can help to reduce costs accompanying neurological impairments and promote quality of life amongst patients. The goal of this scholarly project was to promote physical and psychosocial wellness for individuals with neurological impairments. The project serves as a resource that can be utilized by patients and caregivers alike. The materials in this resource …

Peer To Peer: Implementing An Inclusive Program At A Midwestern School, Kaitlyn Rose Ekre

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Transitioning to and between school settings (i.e., home to elementary, elementary to middle school, middle school to high school) can be a challenging experience for everyone. In middle school, there is an increase in academic, behavioral, and social demands (Chen et al., 2020; Fontil et al., 2020). While most students are able to navigate the different demands of middle school, students with disabilities struggle with building relationships and interacting with their peers along with academics leading to low involvement in extracurricular activities, inconsistent access to the general education classroom, and an absence of peer interactions throughout the day (Biggs …

Developing A Sensory Room For Children With Autism Living On The Navajo Reservation, Rudessa Bedonie

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and restrictive or repetitive behaviors (Hirota & King, 2023). Children with autism demonstrate sensory challenges impacting their participation in activities of daily living and social engagement (Schaaf et al., 2014 & Travers et al., 2022). Occupational therapists often employ techniques and settings to enrich sensory experiences when working with children diagnosed with autism. Accessibility and awareness of occupational therapy services on the Navajo reservation are also restricted (Casimir, 2023). People on the Navajo reservation may experience cultural and language barriers with others, and limited …

The Wyld Outdoors: A Community Based Occupational Therapy Program To Address Mental Health Strategies In Rural Wyoming, Emily Ray

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: The WYld Outdoors: A Community-Based Occupational Therapy Program to Address Mental Health Strategies in Rural Wyoming

Background: Globally, there is an expressed need to address mental health promotion and prevention strategies in community-based settings (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). To work toward meeting these needs it is important to start at a local level. Statewide initiatives in Wyoming have risen in recent years with goals to expand upon mental and behavioral health, but culture and lack of environmental means significantly impact accessibility to these resources (State of Wyoming [SOW], 2023). Based on literature findings there are even fewer local …

Helping Hands: Self-Managing Chronic Upper Extremity Pain, Kaylee Mae Athmann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: This scholarly project aims to provide education on self-management techniques for chronic upper extremity (UE) pain. There are currently limited resources that properly educate clients on self-management techniques for chronic (UE) pain. Nevertheless, there is a need for a chronic UE pain self-management program because chronic pain affects individuals’ performance of all their occupations and has the potential to lead to social limitations, a decline in work ability and productivity and a decrease in quality of life. Furthermore, it is currently the leading cause of disability worldwide. Occupational therapy practitioners who focus on the UE are known as hand …

A Conservative Treatment Protocol For Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis, Adam Waggener

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project sought to construct a written conservative treatment protocol for thumb CMC OA, emphasizing evidence-based practices. As a hopeful hand therapist, clinical observations led me to realize thumb CMC OA was a common condition present in many cases. A written protocol would be beneficial to both client and practitioner to increase knowledge and awareness of best practice while educating clients as they seek treatment. Initial development of the protocol included communication with current hand therapists to better understand needs of both client and practitioner. Following this, a thorough analysis of current literature was completed for best evidence based …