Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Development Of 6-Week Tier 2 Intervention Tracks Within An Elementary Mtss Framework, Maxwell Lyle

Capstone Projects

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is designed to provide levels of support with differing intensity that align with student needs. Tier 1 is universal instruction provided to all students in the classroom. Students who do not demonstrate adequate progress may receive Tier 2 interventions, which are primarily small-group and, when appropriate, individual interventions that are skill-specific, time-bound (6–8 weeks), and include progress monitoring. Students who do not respond to Tier 2 may require Tier 3 supports, which are intensive, individualized interventions. Many school systems lack consistent, structured Tier 2 supports, particularly in Occupational Therapy-related skills, such as fine motor …

The Missing Link Between Occupational Therapy And Hemodialysis: Program Development And Implementing Intradialytic Ot In A Rural Hospital Setting, Madison Maki

Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy (OT) has demonstrated effectiveness in supporting individuals undergoing hemodialysis, a life‑altering yet lifesaving treatment for end‑stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite this, hospitalized patients who require dialysis often receive reduced rehabilitation services due to the time‑intensive nature of dialysis and the productivity demands placed on therapists. Additionally, gaps in therapist knowledge regarding the unique functional deficits and educational needs of this population further limit service delivery.

This doctoral capstone project (DCE), conducted at Upper Peninsula Health System (UPHS), a hospital in rural Northern Michigan, addressed these barriers through the development of a comprehensive resource …

From Browsing To Building: Navigating Your Google Resource Space (Drive & Site), Libby Cunningham

Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to develop a trauma-informed, evidence-based support hub for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) working with children involved in the foster care system. CASA advocates are frequently exposed to secondary trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue, which can impact their effectiveness and overall well-being. Additionally, trauma exposure significantly affects children’s emotional regulation, behavior, and participation in daily occupations. The primary objective of this project was to design, develop, and organize a comprehensive digital resource platform tailored to the needs of Kalamazoo CASA and their active cases. Utilizing evidence-based literature on trauma-informed care and secondary trauma, relevant resources were …

Development Of Resources To Support Independence In And Access To Nature-Based Activities, Riley Carpender

Capstone Projects

This capstone paper discusses the need for resources that support independence in and access to nature-based activities that support health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists (OTs) have expertise in recommending and implementing adaptations to increase individuals’ engagement in nature-based activities. There is currently a gap in the literature regarding access to nature-based activities, and a lack of understanding of how these activities may be implemented, either by caregivers, educators or healthcare professionals. During my capstone I created a guide with modifications for gardening activities for children, wrote an article on how to adapt nature journaling to be more accessible, coded and …

Role Of Occupational Therapy In Hippotherapy And Therapeutic Riding: A Mental Health Perspective, Ava Morrison

Capstone Projects

The purpose of my doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to gain knowledge about the unique role that occupational therapy (OT) plays in equine-assisted therapy at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, with an emphasis on Therapeutic Riding. Equine-assisted therapy, including hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, is an emerging area of occupational therapy practice that promotes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being through structured interactions with horses. Despite growing evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of equine-assisted interventions, confusion remains regarding the distinctions between hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, highlighting the need for increased education and advocacy within the field. In addition, there is a …

Advocating For Occupational Therapy Services In Adult Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics: Enhancing Interprofessional Collaborative Care, Hannah Peyerk

Capstone Projects

The topic of this capstone project is to define occupational therapy’s (OT) role at an adult outpatient physical therapy (PT) clinic. The project focuses on advocacy and education related to OT’s scope of practice and role on an outpatient interdisciplinary team. Literature suggests that healthcare professionals have limited understanding of OT’s specific roles on the rehabilitation team. This can impact referrals and involvement of OT in interprofessional collaboration. The best way to advocate and educate about OT’s role is by active collaboration with other healthcare professionals. This project takes place at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy (Ortonville), an outpatient PT clinic …

Exploring Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Mental Health Disparities And Emergency Service Utilization Among Homeless Populations: A Comprehensive Review, Megan Darnell

Capstone Projects

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession focused on enabling individuals to engage in meaningful activities and roles through a client-centered approach. This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was completed in the Emergency Department (ED) at Bronson Methodist Hospital, where individuals experiencing homelessness frequently present with unmet mental health needs. A gap was identified in the accessibility and utilization of community-based mental health and social resources, contributing to repeated ED utilization. The purpose of this DCE was to examine how resource provisions impact the frequency of ED visits and engagement with community mental health services among this population. Objectives include developing …

Advocacy, Outreach, And Expansion Of The Michigan Occupational Therapy Association Mental Health Special Interest Section, Isabel Evola

Capstone Projects

The history of occupational therapy (OT) is rooted in supporting mental health, emerging in the United States during World War I. Over time, the practice of OT has evolved in its scope and emerging specialties. The role of OT in mental health is underutilized and misunderstood by professional organizations. However, OT remains a vital service in supporting mental health in psychiatric and non-psychiatric settings. The focus of this doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to address this gap by advocating for the presence and understanding of OT in mental health through the expansion of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association (MiOTA) Mental …

Education To Increase Students’ Knowledge, Perceptions, And Interest In Occupational Therapy, Brooke Hineman

Capstone Projects

In response to the declining program fill rates across all levels of occupational therapy (OT) education, this Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) aimed to promote the field through development of informational resources and delivery of educational sessions for high school and undergraduate students. The primary objective was to foster deeper understanding, accurate perceptions, and career interest among participants. A thorough literature review and needs assessment exploring current OT knowledge, promotion efforts, student characteristics, and underrepresented groups revealed a need for intentional education to address gaps in student knowledge regarding the field of OT among all students, especially those without exposure to …

Refreshing Recess: An Every Moment Counts Initiative For Engaging Recess Participation, Paige Kuhn

Capstone Projects

Research supports the role of occupational therapy (OT) in school-based mental health promotion and the use of occupation-based interventions to enhance student participation, social-emotional learning, and self-regulation. However, there is limited evidence on the implementation of Every Moment Counts (EMC): Refreshing Recess in elementary school settings, particularly when adapted to real-world contexts. The focus of this doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to address this gap through the development and implementation of an adapted recess-based program at Douglas Elementary School in Douglas, Michigan.

This project involved implementing a six-week Refreshing Recess program designed to promote inclusive play, peer interaction, and emotional …

Strengthening Leadership And Expanding Engagement: Enhancing Volunteer, Participant, And Donor Involvement In Michigan Victory Games, Abbey Smith

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) addressed organizational development and community engagement within the Michigan Disability Sports Alliance (MiDSA), an adaptive sports nonprofit serving individuals with physical disabilities. The project is relevant to occupational therapy (OT) through its focus on promoting participation, health, and inclusion in meaningful occupations such as sport. A key gap identified was the lack of structured resources to support leadership, inconsistent outreach methods, and limited strategies to reduce barriers for participants, volunteers, and donors.

The objectives of this DCE included developing a centralized data management portal, creating a standardized community outreach presentation, establishing clear board role frameworks, …

Highway To Help: Increasing Access To Mental Health Occupational Therapy, Abbigail Hill

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association (TNOTA) specifically TNOTA’s mental health chair. TNOTA’s mission is to “advance Occupational Therapy in Tennessee through education, advocacy, communication, and legislative involvement to support the provision of high-quality occupational therapy services and promote the benefits of our profession to consumers, stakeholders, and legislators in Tennessee (TNOTA, 2026). The project focused on increasing awareness of the benefits of occupational therapists in mental health settings as well as providing education for occupational therapists to increase knowledge of how to treat clients experiencing mental health challenges. This was achieved …

Developing Pediatric Educational Resources For Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Students And New Employees, Alyssa Gottheiner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

For occupational therapy students, the fieldwork education portion of their curriculum allows them to apply theory and principles learned in their academic program into practice with actual clients (Occupational therapy fieldwork education, 2022). Research indicates the benefit of access to resources and adapting to different learning styles in occupational therapy fieldwork education (Grenier, 2015). Research also indicates that training programs for new healthcare employees can positively impact knowledge, skills, and performance (Patel et al., 2023).  However, there is a lack of research on the availability and benefit of supplemental educational resources for students to access during fieldwork education in pediatric …

Stronger Bodies, Sharper Minds: Promoting Wellness In Community-Dwelling Older Adults Through Exercise And Health Education, Michael Webb

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Due to the increasing population of older adults, the need for health promotion and wellness-based interventions that support effective participation in their respective occupations is essential. Literature supports that engaging in physical activity, health education, and social participation are critical factors in increasing the quality and longevity of life among community-dwelling older adults. A doctoral capstone project was conducted at a community-based day program for low-income older adults to promote wellness, engagement, and continued participation in meaningful occupations.

The purpose of this project was to design and implement group sessions consisting of therapeutic exercise and health education to integrate education, …

Moving With Purpose: Promoting Occupational Therapy Through Inclusive Dance, Kymberli Reynolds

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy in promoting participation and inclusion through adaptive dance at MOVE Inclusive Dance. The project focused on developing and implementing the mOTivate Movement initiative, which emphasized community outreach, education, and advocacy for individuals with diverse abilities. Interventions included leading adaptive dance classes, creating educational materials, and conducting a pre- and post-survey to assess staff's understanding of dance as a therapeutic occupation. Results indicated increased awareness of the therapeutic benefits of dance and the role of occupational therapy in inclusive settings. This project highlights the value of creative, occupation-based interventions in fostering social …

The Occupation Of Dance And Its Potential Effects On Trauma, Magan Higgins Gramling

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Trauma is a complex phenomenon. Because of its subjective nature, it can be defined in a variety of ways depending on the health care provider being asked. Though there are various forms of trauma, most definitions are comprised of components that establish its broad understanding of an emotional response to a disturbing incident. Trauma is a subjective experience and can occur in any setting, to any person. How trauma is stored in the body is less subjective though, with most experts understanding it not only lives in the brain, but also in the very cells affecting health and wellness on …

Perspectives On An Unconventional Partnership Between Occupational Therapists And Pediatric Dental Professionals, Marissa Holsonback, Reeti Douglas, Leslie Gazdeck

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Pediatric clients with disabilities are at increased risk for dental problems, including periodontal disease. Developmental delay and sensory processing dysfunction hinder acceptance of the stimulating dental environment and engagement in oral care routines at home. This health disparity is magnified by many dental professionals’ lack of training and confidence with children who have special needs. The holistic occupational therapy scope of practice is inclusive of oral care, pediatric diagnoses, sensory integration, and behavior management, allowing occupational therapists to collaborate with pediatric dental professionals to address the oral health disparity. This perspective manuscript provides occupational therapists with an evidence-supported understanding of …

Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educators’ Perceptions Of Ot Student Rapport-Building Abilities During Level Ii Fieldwork, Carson Elwell, Tylar Fallaw, Ryan Harley, Abby Key, Kathleen Maley, Ryan M. Carrick

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The aim of this study was to inform Occupational Therapy (OT) practice and future OT educational content through identification of rapport- building components. Fieldwork educators are uniquely positioned to assess OT students’ abilities and readiness for client rapport building during fieldwork.

Methods: A descriptive survey of 55 fieldwork educators (FWEs) investigated skills that FWEs consider necessary for OT students to build client rapport at a Level II fieldwork experience. A Qualtrics survey assessed FWEs’ perceptions of OT student rapport- building readiness components at the beginning of Level II fieldwork.

Results: Data from 55 responses revealed that …

The Use Of Gamification In Occupational Therapy Education, Chris Mulligan, Leslie Bennett, Donald F. Graves

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Gamification is an approach to game-based learning, also called educational games. These fun supplemental tools are infused into K-12 and higher education curriculums. This study aimed to discover faculty and student perspectives and explore gamification or game-based learning in accredited occupational therapy graduate programs through the lens of faculty (n = 47) and students (n =54). The primary researcher distributed two anonymous surveys: Survey 1 to current faculty and Survey 2 to students in occupational therapy programs, examining their use of game-based learning tools. The findings revealed that most faculty (n = 38, 85%) and students (n = 48, 92%) …

Occupational Therapy Student Performance In Level Ii Fieldwork Before And During A Global Pandemic, Ann M. Marsico, Cara A. Lekovitch, Ketki Raina

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted academic curricula and clinical settings, creating uncertainty about its impact on occupational therapy (OT) student learning, fieldwork performance, and competence. This study examined OT student performance during Level II fieldwork and the support required from the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) across prepandemic (2019), emerging (2020), and postemergence (2021–2022) periods in an accredited entry-level OT doctorate (OTD) program. The study used a retrospective observational study and employe secondary data analysis using the American Occupational Therapy Association Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (AOTA FWPE) from 2019–2022. Two-hundred and two OTD students from four cohorts at one institution participated. Student performance …

Exploring Stress Contagion: The Effect Of Faculty Stress Levels On Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Dana Kolbfleisch

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Research has indicated a relationship between faculty and students as it pertains to stress levels and subsequent well-being in occupational therapy (OT) programs (Grab et al., 2021), a potential indication of a stress contagion effect. This research aimed to determine if faculty stress levels affect student stress levels in OT graduate programs. The researcher used an ecological correlational study design with a nonprobability convenience sampling procedure. Faculty and students (n = 19 and n = 165, respectively) from 367 accredited OT graduate programs across the United States completed a survey consisting of demographic questions and the PSS-10. In addition, OT …

A Study Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Use Among Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students, Gustavo Reinoso, Rachel Allen-Mchugh, Thomas Decker, Yolanda Griffiths, Stacey Huffman-Main, Leslie Jackson, Ashley Murray, Jamie Rognes, Christine Urish

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into higher education, yet little research explores its use among entry-level occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students. This study developed a scale to assess AI usage and perceptions, examining differences across academic years. Eighty OTD students from a mid-sized urban university completed a 44-item survey refined using a Delphi method with nine faculty experts. Exploratory factor analysis identified three subscales—Efficiency and Adaptability, Academic Integrity Concerns, and the Student-Professor Divide—accounting for 46.04% of the variance (Cronbach’s α = .72–.93). Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant effects of academic year on subscale scores (Wilks’ Λ = .822, …

Ethically Integrating Ai In Occupational Therapy Education: Enhancing Learning And Practice For The Future, Amy Sadek, Sabrina Gowette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around since the 1950s and is gaining traction in higher education and among health care professions. In this era of technology, it is imperative we equip both educators and students to have tech centric skills to support learning, improve efficiency, and enhance skills. Faculty and students alike need to be able to understand the ethics behind using digital information, such as that from AI tools and sources. As educators and students become more reliant on technology, and specifically AI, it is imperative not to lose the human connection in education. Educators are an integral part …

Doing Drag: Exploring The Experiences Of Drag As An Occupation For Performers In California, Alicia Montes, Anna Ranario, Lilibeth Rosales, Eileen Spahle, Nathan Gelman, Laura Greiss Hess, Karen Mccarthy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Drag is a performative art where individuals explore identity, challenge societal norms, and foster community through exaggerated gendered performance. Drag in the United States is facing potential restrictions and remains underexplored in occupational science and occupational therapy literature.

Methods: This qualitative study explored the experiences of drag performers in California, applying an occupational perspective through the framework of form, function, and meaning. Five drag performers were interviewed. Reflective thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative data.

Findings: Identity was the central theme, interconnected with form, belonging, non-belonging, meaning and motivation, and resistive occupation. Findings highlight drag …

Addressing Feeding And Eating Issues With The Pediatric Population Using A Telehealth Service Delivery Model: A Case Report, Lyndsay Fait, Raegan Furman, Devani Emery, Bryan M. Gee

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This case report reviews the implementation of telehealth-based occupational therapy interventions for pediatric feeding issues in a client with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It highlights the use of a synchronous telehealth service delivery model to address sensory-based feeding issues.

Method: A single-patient case report was conducted, outlining the occupational therapy process with an 11-year-old male with ASD and ARFID who receives most nutrition through G-tube feedings and presents food selectivity. Telehealth sessions were conducted via Zoom, with occupational therapy assistant students providing interventions under faculty supervision.

Results: Telehealth interventions were successfully implemented to …

Empowering Parents Through Occupational Therapy And Primary Care Partnerships: A Feasibility Study, Maureen M. Fischer, Jennifer E. Lape

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Partnerships between occupational therapists and primary care providers may increase parents' accessibility to needed information to support their children’s development and promote occupational engagement. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and potential impact of occupational therapy-led parent education sessions in pediatric primary care.

Method: We designed a mixed methods feasibility study with two individualized parent education sessions within 2 weeks. The study took place at a pediatric primary care practice. Convenience sampling was used to recruit nine parents who met these criteria: parent/caregiver of a child 3 years of age or under, 18 years of …

Face And Content Validity Of The Corbett-Targeted Coin Test: A Survey Of Users And Experts, Carla Floyd-Slabaugh, Jeanine Beasley, Kaitlyn Anstey, Kasey Bowman, Kaitlyn Hesse, Lauren Mannes, Samantha Vansumeren, Kirk Anderson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Corbett-Targeted Coin Test (CTCT) is unique in that it measures dexterity with in-hand manipulation and proprioceptive target placement, but it lacks established face and content validity (CV).

Methods: Two mixed methods surveys were created and piloted, one for face validity (for users of the tool) and another for CV (for content experts), each using a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended comments. Quantitative data analysis included frequencies, means, and ranges. The content validity index (CVI) was calculated for CV. Qualitative data analysis used thematic analysis.

Results: The CTCT demonstrated 97.1% endorsement among users of the tool. Each item was …

The Development Of The Retire Well Program For First Responders, Boguslawa T. Syrotiak, Noralyn Davel Pickens, Cynthia Evetts

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: First responders experience challenges during retirement transition because of exposure to stress and trauma on the job and a high level of identification with their work. Our objective was to develop a client-centered retirement transition program for first responders and their families.

Method: Using a participatory research approach, data were collected from two focus groups of health care providers and retired first responders and analyzed using a content analysis approach.

Results: Data yielded themes and subthemes leading to the development of an outline of a retirement transition program: The Retire Well program, an occupation-based program that …

The Relationship Between Burnout, Resilience, And Locus Of Control In Occupational Therapy, Tabitha Gibbs, Miguel Garcia, Karen Menard, William O'Bannon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Burnout in occupational therapists is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished accomplishment.

Method: This non-experimental correlational study, guided by Rotter’s Locus of Control Theory and the attribution theory of motivation, analyzed the relationship between resilience, locus of control, and burnout among occupational therapists using the Brief Resilience Scale, the Internal-External Locus of Control Short Scale -4, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. The sample of 83 participants was obtained via questionnaires sent to a convenience sample of occupational therapists with at least 6 months of work experience in any practice setting.

Results: The results of this study …

Exploring Quality Of Life After Traumatic Brain Injury: Insights From The Peo Model, Natalie S. King, Bryan M. Gee, Mary Shotwell, Mark A. Campbell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health concern, affecting millions of people each year. TBI often results in long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that can drastically reduce survivors' quality of life (QOL). These impairments influence daily activities, emotional well-being, social participation, and overall life satisfaction, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. This study seeks to provide deeper insights into the factors that influence the QOL for TBI survivors.

Methods: This research employed a phenomenological qualitative approach to understand how survivors navigate their post injury lives. Fourteen TBI survivors, aged 18 to …