Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Mobile Munchies: An Occupation-Based Transitional Skills Program For Adolescents, Reilly S. Dujmovic

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project is focused on program development in the area of life/work skills for adolescents in a special education setting. The specific interest was in transition skills for adolescents, or skills that promote independence in ADLs, IADLs, and leisure, and work activities following formal education. The goal of this project was to develop work programming as an intervention to teach transition skills to adolescents in a special education classroom setting. The programming developed was based on programming the special education classroom has used in the past. Programming was modified to take an occupational therapy lens to reach the goal …

Promoting Social-Emotional Development In Preschool Children Using A Trauma Informed, Sensory Integrative Approach, Sarah M. Mcgoldrick

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The incidence of sensory processing difficulties and related behaviors is increasing in young children, which supports the need for early intervention and support. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of TBRI® Nurture Group© in improving social emotional and sensory processing skills in preschool aged children while reducing the number of negative behaviors observed. The project was conducted in a four- and five-year-old preschool classroom at the Early Learning Center in Edina, Minnesota. Nurture Group© sessions occurred over the span of ten weeks in small groups of about three to four students. Students worked on identifying calming …

Exploring The Occupational Impact Of Experiencing An Unexpected Death In Adulthood, Amanda Reann O'Donnell, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Experiencing the unexpected death of a close family member or friend may cause occupational disruptions in social participation, work and school performance, home management, and personal care maintenance (Simpson & Elberty, 2018; Forhan, 2010; Hoppes, 2005; Weis et al., 2019). Little research highlights the unique occupational impacts of unexpected loss, distinguished from other types of loss, and from a direct occupational perspective. Therefore little is known about how to provide aid, resources, and programming to this population. The purpose of this research project was to understand how occupations are uniquely impacted by experiencing the unexpected death of a loved one. …

An Occupational Therapy Guide To Regulation And Resilience In The Classroom, Catherine Newton, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An occupational therapy educational program that focuses on increasing teachers' knowledge surrounding childhood trauma as well as promoting regulation and resilience in the classroom.

Sexual Activity And Intimacy Within Occupational Therapy Practice, Anya Levanduski, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sexual activity is often the forgotten ADL, that is underdressed in practice, and not spoken about in academia. This presentation aims to explore the role of occupational therapy addressing sexuality and intimacy following the onset of long term physical or neurological disabilities. This project outlines the role of OT in emerging practice in advocating for the development of a referral pathway specific for sexual activity and intimacy, and OT within an emerging setting.

Occupational Therapy In Family Education: Fourth Trimester Wellness To Kindergarten Readiness, Gabrielle Madeline Hagen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Early intervention programs provide unique opportunities for children to develop cognitive, socioemotional, behavioral, and executive functioning skills which are necessary for success in the school environment. The purpose of this 14-week capstone experience was to integrate trauma-informed occupational therapy principles into an early childhood family education course and to advocate for the role of occupational therapy in postpartum and postnatal wellness. Methods included facilitating play-based interactions between caregivers and children, preparing and presenting educational materials, completing an annotated bibliography, and developing a freely accessible webpage with information about fourth trimester support. The outcomes of this project demonstrate that implementation of …

Promoting Successful Discharges From Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Units Among Older Adults, Melissa A. Tweet

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Older adults may face occupational limitations that serve as a barrier to maintaining independence in their homes for various reasons, including the onset of illness, injury, or age-related generalized weakness. When individuals are admitted to the hospital and require ongoing rehabilitation to improve their functional abilities, they require effective and client-centered discharge planning to promote a successful transition from the rehabilitation unit. There is a continued need to explore how occupational therapists can provide quality discharge planning throughout the patient’s therapeutic process and methods to facilitate the carryover of skilled interventions after discharge. This capstone project aimed to obtain in-depth …

Occupation-Based Sexual Health Education For Adolescents With Disabilities, Elizabeth J. Klocke

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience barriers to learning about sexual health education even though there is documented interest in this subject. Additionally, caregivers of children with disabilities lack experience and knowledge of their children’s sexual developmental needs. My capstone project aimed to provide comprehensive sexual education to adolescents with disabilities and education on childhood sexual development to healthcare professionals, educators, and parents. The literature and needs assessment indicated a need for sexual health education for both students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and caregivers. Due to viewing clients in a holistic manner, occupational therapy is uniquely qualified to …

Relaxation As An Intervention For Military Service Members Experiencing Ans Dysregulation Following Mtbi, Tori Julianne Vanvelzen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Current evidence indicates that a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) can negatively impact autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation, leading to decreased occupational performance (Belchamber, 2022; Frueh et al., 2020). This project aimed to support military service members in ANS regulation following an mTBI to enhance the quality of life (QoL) and occupational performance. The Person Environment Occupation (PEO) Model, Psychological Model of Stress, and Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) provided a theoretical foundation for the capstone project. Clinical practice, the development of a standardized pilot manual with a relaxation-based curriculum, and education for the interdisciplinary healthcare team were implemented to achieve …

Examining The Utility Of The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Copm) Vs. Cognitive Mapping And Motivational Interviewing (Cm/Mi) To Provide Person-Centered Care (Pcc) For People With Parkinson’S Disease (Pwpd), Mary Lagasca, Karen Aranha

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) limits occupational engagement and quality of life. Clinicians need tools to help understand the lived experiences of people with PD to provide more person-centered care (PCC). The Canadian Occupational Performance Model (COPM) is one tool used with this population, but its predetermined categories may be limiting. In contrast, Cognitive Mapping and Motivational Interviewing (CM/MI) is a non-standardized method that may provide more insight. Objective: To identify the benefits of the COPM to CM/MI in delivering more person-centered care (PCC). Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological self-study was used. Data collection compared the assessments and reflected on determining if …

The Lotus Project: A Resilience Program For Dominican University Of California Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Melissa Morini, Naema Dahdoul, Ashley Moffett, Regine Erika Saldivar, Viviana Vazquez

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy graduate students and occupational therapy practitioners experience chronic stress, adversity, and are at risk for burnout (de Witt, Monareng, Abraham, Koor, & Saber, 2019). Building a resilience practice early in the OT career has the potential to assist students in overcoming adversity from chronic stressors that could lead to burnout. We developed the L(OT)US project, a resilience program for occupational therapy students at Dominican University of California that consisted of three components: indoor resilience rest and recovery space, outdoor resilience resources box, and social media resources. e gathered feedback from current occupational therapy students who participated in our …

Life After Brain Injury - Family Perspectives, Shaina Snyder, Everlee Anderson, Allison Wyek, Elijah Tolentino-Medios, Cathyisabella Kintanar

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: Children who are Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivors experience changes to their occupational engagement and participation in family life. Families and children who are TBI survivors may experience long-term, chronic disabilities, yet these complex experiences are under researched and underserved.

Objective: This research focused on the following questions: What are the lived experiences of children who have survived brain injury and their families upon returning to their homes, schools and communities? What are the helpful and necessary supports and what are the barriers to engaging in meaningful occupations? How can in depth examination of these phenomena better …

Efficacy Of Coping Strategies On Emotional Regulation For Individuals With Childhood Trauma, Alyssa Szatmary

MOT Student Capstones

In childhood, individuals may be exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and carry the weight of the trauma throughout the lifespan. Childhood trauma can have a negative impact on mental health, causing emotional dysregulation, and influencing perspective, actions, and social patterns. Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma may improve their quality of life by creating resilience, advocating a healthy lifestyle, and developing adaptive, coping strategies to cope with adverse, or major life events. In the Upper Cumberland of Tennessee, there are limited resources within the community that targets this population. This capstone project aims to assess the differences in emotional …

Will Increasing The Knowledge About Community Transition Programs For Adolescents And Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Enable Ot Practitioners To Integrate Transition Services Into Practice?, Emily Draughon

MOT Student Capstones

The transition from adolescence to adulthood for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) can be especially challenging due to intellectual and adaptive deficits. Without adequate support and guidance throughout this transition, these individuals are not able to maximize their independence and participation with essential occupations including post-secondary education, employment, and community participation. Occupational therapists (OT) use a holistic and client-centered approach and specialize in adapting the environment and/or the task to meet the specific needs of the person to promote independence and full participation in desired occupations. The current trend in transition programming displays an underutilization of OT support. Increasing OT …

Training Program For Occupational Therapists Working With Skilled Caregivers In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Lovegifty Dudero, Mai Huynh, Ridhee Patel

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Dementia impairs one’s ability to live independently and participate in everyday activities (CDC, 2019). Individuals with dementia (IwD) are often referred to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for around-the-clock care to receive support for their everyday challenges brought on by dementia symptoms. Although certified nursing assistants (CNAs) help IwD with everyday self-care tasks, they frequently lack specialized dementia care training. Consequently, CNAs experience low self-efficacy when providing care and managing challenging behaviors IwD may have. OTs have expertise and understanding regarding the stages of dementia and how the symptoms of dementia impact participation in daily occupations. OTs working in SNFs are …

Occupation-Based Cna Program To Build Caregiver Knowledge And Self-Efficacy In Dementia Care, Lucky Ung, Judy Chen, Michelle Hong

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are primary caregivers to individuals with dementia (IwD) who reside in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). CNAs are also expected to know how to provide person-centered and occupation-based care while managing challenging behaviors of IwD without formal training which become sources of strain and stress for CNAs and often leads to feelings of uncertainty and inadequacy (Pelissier et al., 2015). Further research shows that specialized dementia care training programs are beneficial to CNAs in acquiring the knowledge and skills required to provide high quality dementia care and that CNAs prefer the use of a multimodal education program …

Interdisciplinary Approaches To Pediatric Aquatic-Based And Land-Based Therapy, Danielle E. Scheck

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

With various injuries, diseases, and conditions continuing to grow and expand with our rising population size, so does the need for therapeutic intervention. To assist in the rehabilitation process, aquatic therapy may be used by multiple healthcare professionals to best benefit their clients through the aquatic medium's unique hydrodynamic and hydrostatic qualities. The aquatic medium is particularly beneficial to the pediatric population as water is usually naturally motivating and "fun." Occupational and physical therapists are among the professionals qualified to perform "aquatic-based" therapy in addition to or in place of more traditional "land-based" therapy. This project aims to expand on …

Restoring Identity For The Homeless: Exploring Occupational Therapy Services For Unhoused Populations, Christina E. Geistfeld

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals experiencing homelessness face many occupational and social barriers that limit the ability to participate in meaningful daily living activities, impacting the overall identity of individuals within this population. Occupational therapy services have been explored but there is a continued need to expand and advocate for the effect of occupational therapy in meeting the population’s needs and ultimately aim to reduce homelessness rates. This capstone project sought to explore service delivery for individuals at the Stephen Center in Omaha, Nebraska who are experiencing homelessness, providing increased advocacy efforts along with continuing to explore clinical skill development to best serve the …

Creating An Occupational Therapy Based Preschool Curriculum, Taelor Gartman

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

This doctoral capstone project is geared toward creating and implementing an occupational therapy-based therapy program for the preschool population at Kids-A-Cat-A-Me daycare in Trumann, Arkansas. The goal of the project was to implement key principals from occupational therapy to children in early childhood development. Exposing the children to fine motor skills, gross motor skills, handwriting skills, and play skills on a daily basis allows them to practice and master age-appropriate skills. Exposure to the developmental skills aims to prevent maladaptive behaviors, while promoting growth and development.

Leaders Create Leaders: A Transformational Perspective, Kyra Wright

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The doctoral capstone experience aims to assess and facilitate new hires' professional and clinical reasoning skills to ensure they provide high-quality care and succeed within the organization. Participants will understand transformational leadership theory and how it aligns with occupational therapy. Participants will understand how transformational leadership principles can be applied to leadership roles. Participants will be able to understand the implications of fostering transformational leadership within the workplace.

Health Management Program For Homeless Veterans, Rileigh Smith Daniels

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

In the United States, it's clear that homelessness within the veteran population is rampant, with programs only slowing the growing number, not decreasing it. The inclusion of health management skills within the homeless veteran community can help reduce homelessness and prolong life satisfaction within this population. Access to health care, nutrition management skills, and social promotion and maintenance can help decrease homelessness within the homeless veteran population by providing the health management skills needed to obtain occupational balance. By implementing occupational therapy’s role and scope within health management skills, the hope is that homelessness within the veteran community will decrease …

Leap 2.0: Theatre As A Therapeutic Modality For Adults With Special Needs, Sydnie Walker

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the multi-week theatre workshop is to help adults with special needs experience increased quality of life and daily functioning by facilitating the development of skills in social participation, leisure participation, and community engagement through the collaborative theatre process.

Developing Meaningful Leisure Activities For Residents In An Assisted-Living Facility, Mabry Watson

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Ultimately, residents’ engagement in leisure activities within assisted living facilities are crucial to increase their overall quality of life, self-esteem, and longevity. The lack of activity coordinators not providing resident-centered activities promotes the need for meaningful leisure activity programs to decrease occupational deprivation. Occupational therapists’ primary obligation is to promote independence within assisted-living facilities and any client they are presented with. OTs determine what their clients identify as meaningful to them in their daily occupations. They have a unique perspective on health and wellness, allowing them to design programs that focus on the benefits of providing meaningful and productive occupations …

Suicide Prevention In The Adolescent And Young Adult Population, Marlee June Stepp

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Suicide is a complex topic and requires a multi-discplinary approach. Various health professionals need to be involved in the training and care of suicide prevention. There is a lack of standardized approach in medical schools to properly train students in suicide prevention. Advocacy, awareness, and evidence-based training are needed.

Educating Healthcare Professionals On Burnout Risk Factors, Effects, & Interventions, Rian Thomas

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Purpose: Address the occupational phenomena of burnout through the intervention of education by making aware the risk factors of obtaining it, its effects on an individual, and interventions that can combat it. Program Development: Utilized evidence based resources to create an educational module to present to the staff and healthcare workers of the site. The module included risk factors that increase the chances of obtaining burnout, the effects of burnout on an individual, and interventions that have been proven to have positive effects on combating burnout.

Improving Health Outcomes Of Families: An Agency-Wide Database To Support Parental Education, Savannah Williams

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Project was to increase access to parent and child education in order to improve the health outcomes of families in Arkansas. The agency-wide database is a program that provides access to educational and informative resources to be utilized when working with families. A quality improvement evaluation, paired with critical review of a SWOT analysis, was conducted to enhance understanding of the site’s current resources. Resources within the database were modified, acquired from outside sources, or created utilizing evidence to support content.

Nurturing Neonates: Navigating The Nicu, Paige Lunceford

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Nurturing Neonates is a caregiver education program designed to provide occupation-based, health literate, and multi-modal education to caregivers of infants in the NICU. The program is designed to occur in conjunction with hospitals housing Level I-IV NICUs, serving as an extension of care to neonates through education of their caregivers to facilitate safe and developmentally-appropriate care following the transition to home.

Implications Of Pelvic Floor Health For Postpartum Women Within A Crossfit Setting, Chamy D. Keough

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the capstone was to gain valuable experience in an emerging practice area and create a comprehensive pelvic health program to increase social and emotional support perceived by new mothers, address new physical limitations experienced and advocate for new mothers within a CrossFit setting.

Developing Activities That Promote Social Participation For Dementia Residents Residing In Assisted Living Facilities, Rebecca Northcutt

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Project is to create and implement a social participation program of activities to address and enhance the health and wellness and social needs of the dementia residents residing in the Liberty Park assisted living facility.

Informed Women: Addressing The Education Needs Of Women In The Perinatal Period, Allison Claire Shirley House

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Current educational materials utilized at White River Health are comprehensive, however could be overwhelming to women experiencing the stress that can be associated with the changes that follow birth and being a parent to a newborn. Women report that after receiving educational materials, they lack preparedness for the perinatal and do not feel competent in self or infant care. Following the review of current materials, it was determined that the use of web-based, virtual education in an easily accessible format and created to be health literate could improve the health of women and their children in the perinatal period. Further, …