Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Occupational Therapy Fieldwork In An Emerging Justice-Based Setting: Hope For Prisoners, Noah Claypool

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone occurred through a partnership with HOPE for Prisoners in Las Vegas, Nevada. As an emerging area of practice, the occupational therapy profession needs more resources and programs focused on the justice system. The lack of evidence-based resources to support future level I fieldwork students at HOPE for Prisoners poses a barrier for students to maximize their fieldwork experience and effectively engage with the organization’s population of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men, women, and young adults in southern Nevada.This capstone experience involved a 14-week immersion at HOPE for Prisoners, including participation in training and workshops and engagement with clients, …

Ergonomic Education For Entry-Level Administrative Staff, Mitzi De La Cruz-Garcia

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In the United States, 2.6 million work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) were reported in 2020, which are costly to employers, individuals, and our healthcare system. The most commonly affected workers are entry-level staff, who often do not receive training or education on office ergonomics during their onboarding process. Evidence exists on the benefits of ergonomics for workers, but there is a gap in disseminating information to these individuals. In addition, what is available on the internet can be of low quality, not based on evidence, and written at a higher-than-average reading level.There is a need for easily accessible ergonomic education and …

Feasibility Of The Every Moment Counts Initiative At A Southern Nevada Elementary School, Amber Lee Eddy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Over the past 20 years, multiple legislative acts have been passed mandating support and services for the mental health needs of children and youth in schools; however, Nevada continues to rank last for the provision of such services. Children and youth who are mentally healthy are more likely to be successful in their homes, schools, and communities (Arbesman et al., 2013). Those who have increased mental health needs are more at risk for developmental and long-term consequences that jeopardize overall health and wellness, not to mention the immense effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children and youth. With …

The Impact Of An Ostomy Training Workshop On Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ And Students’ Confidence In Client Education On Ostomy Management, Amanda Rae Shizue Shimabukuro

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The objective of this quality improvement study was to assess if an ostomy training workshop with a hands-on component would impact the confidence of occupational therapy practitioners and students in client education on ostomy management. The hypothesis is that the training workshop would improve the confidence of occupational therapy practitioners and students in client education on ostomy management. Participants were occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, or occupational therapy students in Henderson, Nevada; North Las Vegas, Nevada; or Las Vegas, Nevada. The study utilized a time-series design with a preand post-workshop survey that included a sample size of 30. Occupational therapy …

The Importance Of An Educational Occupation-Based Work Program For Young Adults With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Jennifer Zielinski

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Barriers to occupations and transitions to vocational opportunities can be difficult for adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)s to feel confident and pursue job opportunities. Some of the problems stem from the stigma related to the individual’s disability, the contexts surrounding them, and the performance of the work tasks expected. Individuals with I/DDs expressed that not having enough support in the community and the workforce creates significant obstacles to retaining a job. Occupational therapists (OT)s can play a unique role in transition and employment for individuals with an I/DD. With a focus on self-determination and successful …

Alzheimer's Dementia And Occupational Therapy, Sofia Demusaj, Averee Ortiz, Laura Swanson

Client Educational Handouts

This handout is an introduction to Alzheimer's dementia and the role that occupational therapy can have in the treatment of the disease. It contains facts, figures, signs, and symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia. It also contains examples of occupational therapy interventions and assessments for clients with Alzheimer's disease.

Employment And Career Planning Opportunities For Young Adults With Disabilities: Advocating For Occupational Therapy, Ashley Jenkins, Keisa Boykin

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: There is greater involvement of OT in transition planning services to provide a unique, client-centered perspective to enable greater engagement in meaningful employment opportunities

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project is to advocate for the role of OT in employment-based training programs for young adults with disabilities following their transition out of high school.

Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain Prevention: A Collaborative Approach With Nursing And Occupational Therapy In Acute Care, Ebonee V. Cole, Ms, Otr/L, Cbis

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is one of the most common and disabling complications of arm hemiplegia after stroke (Anwer & Alghadir, 2020), with a prevalence as high as 75% of strokes (Xie et al., 2021). HSP can develop as early as the second week (Praveen Raj et al., 2021), may continue several months after stroke in 65% of patients (Kumar, 2019), and is associated with reduced functional arm use (Kumar, 2019). Prevention is the ideal management strategy of HSP (K. Walsh, 2001). Implementing hemiplegic arm management techniques, such as positioning and handling, is key to preventing HSP. In the …

Ot Employment Program Addressing Homelessness For Women Experiencing Homelessness, Amber Hoffman, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Women experiencing homelessness face many barriers to employment participation. Occupational therapy (OT) is a well-suited profession to address employment barriers; however, there is a lack of OT programs that address the unique barriers to employment participation for women experiencing homelessness. The purpose of the capstone project was to develop a program focused on employment obtainment and maintenance for women experiencing homelessness. The employment program was developed based upon the findings from an in-depth literature review and needs assessment.

The Home Modification Process Through The Lens Of An Ot, James C. Nichols

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with FiftyForward and The Home Connection. Both of the organizations serve as a resource for the aging in place population throughout Middle Tennessee. The focus of this project was to provide the OT perspective on the home modification project. Throughout this project, over 15 home evaluations were completed, 1 ramp was built, and 5 homes were modified for increased functionality. Additionally, the creation of systematic guide on how to prepare to age in place, and a 20 page comprehensive resource list was developed with active links to technology, adaptive equipment, DME, and …

Creation Of Occupational Therapy Treatment Protocols For Diagnoses Affecting The Upper Extremities, William Hughes

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project included creation of 20 conservative and post-surgical occupation-based and occupational therapy focused treatment protocols covering diagnoses affecting the upper extremities as well as a comprehensive protocol manual accompanied by a guide for use. This doctoral capstone poster contains a needs assessment, goals of the project, the protocols development process, the occupational therapy perspective, and examples of the protocols created.

Collaboration Between Occupational Therapists And Architects To Incorporate Universal Design To Increase Accessibility, Michelle C. L. Hoff, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The design of the built environment plays a key role in occupational participation. When the built environment is poorly designed, it severely limits accessibility for an individual with a disability. In contrast, when the built environment is well designed, it can support the occupational performance of individuals of all ages and abilities. Interprofessional collaboration between occupational therapists and architects can improve environmental barriers to occupational participation within home and community settings. Interprofessional collaboration between occupational therapists and architects has involved direct input through consultations, interprofessional education experiences, and the formation of interprofessional organizations. However, barriers to interprofessional collaboration have included …

Occupational Therapy Services Has The Potential To Improve The Infertility Experience, Brittany J. Buck

MOT Student Capstones

Infertility has the potential to have a lasting impact on quality of life and well-being, which negatively impacts occupational roles and performance due to the demands required during this stressful life event. Based on the literature review, there is limited research on the impacts of occupational engagement, occupational roles, and performance in relation to the infertility experience. There ls also limited research on the role occupational therapy may provide and the services that may be implemented to improve quality of life. The purpose of the current study is to first determine the limitations in relation to occupations, occupational role and …

Disability Advocacy In Fashion Design, Erin Higinbotham, Susan Macdermott Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Originally marketed towards older adults followed by children, adaptive fashion greatly impacts the everyday independence of all disabled people. Utilizing the Person-Environment-Occupation model and understanding the relationship between the disabled community, clothing, and occupational participation and again with the fashion company, the designer, and their fulfillment of a need or gap in accessibility lead to the purpose of this capstone of identifying occupational therapy’s role in designing ready-to-wear adaptive clothing through understanding and bridging the gaps in fashion education for designers. To address this, advocacy in education and educational materials were created to fill this gap and promote accessibility and …

An Online Adapted Yoga Program For Adults With Parkinson's Disease, Abby Hani, Mary Smith, Christienne Parten

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parkinson’s (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting nearly 10 million people and ~1 million Americans (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2022). PD affects motor and nonmotor functions, increasing disability over time (Dutta, 2020). Research shows that yoga improves motor function, balance, and functional mobility, reduces anxiety and depression, and increases QoL for patients with PD (Ban et al., 2021, Green et al., 2019).

Problem/Purpose: Individuals with PD experience decreased function in many areas of occupational performance and lack access to alternative options for yoga, such as a resource for an online adapted yoga program. The purpose of this project was …

Promoting Health Education And Wellness Among Clients Of Nurses For Newborns, Whitney Mitchell

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nurses for Newborns, a nonprofit organization sending specially trained, registered nurses to the homes of babies, moms, caregivers, and teens who face medical, social, or environmental risks. Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee exists as a safety net for families most at-risk in order to prevent infant mortality, child abuse, and neglect by providing home nursing visits promoting healthcare, education, and positive parenting skills. This project was driven by the organization’s need to increase three areas: parent/caregiver participation in physical activity while also bonding with their child, parent/caregiver knowledge of activities …

Promoting Full Participation For Students Involved In Young Life Capernaum, Hannah Simmons

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project focused on creating educational tools and resources for students, leaders, and coaches involved in Nashville Young Life Capernaum. Young Life Capernaum is a longstanding organization that is built on serving young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal was not to change what they are doing but to supply practical skills and knowledge on topics such as self-regulation, behavior management, accommodations, and appropriate language use to increase participation and inclusivity of all stakeholders involved. The results were guidebooks, specifically made for Capernaum leaders, coaches, and students, that attempt to encompass common questions and frequently needed …

Effect Of Using A Daily Bladder Diary To Decrease Frequency Of Nocturnal Enuresis In Children, Julianne Vesely

MOT Student Capstones

Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are skilled in identifying meaningful and purposeful activities to use and facilitate a client's independence in working towards their goals. A goal in which OT practitioners can work with pediatric clients towards is increasing bladder continence, especially at night. Children who have difficulty with bladder incontinence at night, also called nocturnal enuresis (NE), may demonstrate poor social skills and social participation, and decreased sensory registration. Occupational therapy practitioners can work with clients to increase independence towards bladder continence through focused intervention on sensory integration, social skills training, and the use of a daily bladder input/output diary …

The Effectiveness Of Using A Community-Based Yoga Program To Increase Feelings Of Inclusion In Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, Cynthia Schmidt

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Education For Acute Cardiac Patients, Allison Blackburn

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

No abstract provided.

Exploration Of Inclusivity And Accessibility Of Play Spaces And Miracle League Facilities, Anna Dyduch

OTD Capstone Projects

Throughout this capstone project, Anna Dyduch partnered with Miracle League facilities throughout North America to individually assess 300+ facilities for inclusivity standards based on updated best practice standards. Miracle League is an inclusive baseball program for children and adults with disabilities to promote community engagement and play. The focus of the project was to gauge inclusivity of all facilities to provide a database of how each facility scores; this will promote the highest standard of inclusivity for all upcoming Miracle League facilities to be built. Additional project activities included assessing local playgrounds and play spaces for ADA standard accessibility and …

Using The Kawa Model To Improve Teachers’ Social-Emotional Health, Amy Crosby

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

No abstract provided.

Implementing Occupational Therapy Principles Into A Lower Elementary Private School In Middle Tennessee, Alexandra Shea Katzman

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with Middle Tennessee Christian School in Murfreesboro, TN. The focus of this project was development, implementation, and advocacy regarding pivotal occupational therapy principals in a school that does not offer school OT services. The goal of this project was implementation of the Zones of Regulation curriculum into Kindergarten - 2nd grade classrooms as well as development of a fine motor skills resource guide for teachers and parents. Zones of Regulation training sessions consisted of identifying emotions, categorizing these emotions into Zones, and discussing regulation tools that drive self regulation. Fine motor resource …

Inclusive Unmounted Lesson Curriculum Development At Saddle Up!, Emily A. Wagstaff

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed through a partnership with Saddle Up! in Franklin, TN. Saddle Up! provides adaptive riding lessons, therapy services, and equine-assisted learning opportunities for children with disabilities. The focus of this project was to develop an unmounted lesson curriculum that is adaptable for the wide variety of participants served by the organization. Other project activities included conducting movement assessments of equines to determine eligibility for therapy services, completing requirements for the PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification, and providing staff with education and resources to assist children with various performance deficits.

Mental Health And Mindfulness: A Homeroom Curriculum At Benton Hall Academy, Kasey A. Rohleder

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed through a partnership with Benton Hall Academy in Nashville, TN. This academy is a school for children who learn differently and works to help students be successful in their education and transition into the workplace or higher learning opportunities. This project focuses on improving the mental health of lower and middle school students through a 27 week homeroom curriculum teaching about mindfulness, social skills, attention, and emotional regulation. Current literature and materials, students needs, and stakeholder input was utilized to create and implement the project in the lower and middle school homeroom classrooms.

Positive Behavioral Supports And Sensory Experiences At Benton Hall Academy, Ania Spann

OTD Capstone Projects

This project was completed in partnership with Benton Hall Academy, a private institution located in Nashville, TN that provides a compassionate learning environment with individualized learning opportunities for children that learn differently. The focus of this capstone project was to enhance sensory experiences and implement positive behavioral intervention and supports. This was accomplished through providing an in-service presentation, providing resources, continuous communication with faculty and staff, and interaction with students.

Analysis Of Firefighters’ Psychological Trauma And Interrupted Domains, Alyssa Garcia, Pamela Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Kristian Llaca

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Firefighters are at a high risk of experiencing posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression (Teoh et al., 2019), suicidality, substance abuse (Bing-Canar et al., 2019), and burnout (Teoh et al., 2019). Firefighters are regularly exposed to traumatic events on calls which results in their decreased mental health; and associated decreased participation in meaningful occupations, routines, and roles (Edgelow & Cramm, 2020; Edgelow et al., 2021; Wittwer et al., 2021). This project contains both research and a program. The purpose of this research was to understand how firefighter demographics interact with interrupted occupations, routines, and roles and at what frequency when faced with …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Relapse Prevention Within Substance Abuse Recovery, Kristy L. Riffe

MOT Student Capstones

The devastating rate of relapse continues to impact the roles, occupational participation, and occupational performance of individuals in recovery. The purpose of this capstone project was to positively impact local substance abuse recovery programs by increasing their knowledge and understanding of occupational therapy's (OT) role in relapse prevention within substance abuse recovery using an evidence-based educational in-service presentation. The educational in-service described OT, the common reasons for relapse, evidence-based statistics related to relapse, the effects that substance use has on occupational performance and participation, evidence-based OT interventions, and the benefits of OT in relapse prevention to improve the knowledge and …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Promote Body Positivity In Middle School Aged Youth, Janis Galindez, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Middle school aged children are in a vulnerable developmental period that pose challenges toward maintaining a positive body image. Consequently, body image can be a mental health concern that can lead to a decrease in occupational performance in education, leisure, and social participation.

School settings currently do not have the appropriate resources or mental health initiatives to address occupational performance problems related to body image with middle school aged youth. However, occupational therapists (OTs) have the potential to provide mental health services to address body image in school and community settings that promote skills needed for meaningful participation in education, …

Adaptive Sports Equipment: A Resource For Clinicians, Coaches, & Athletes, Allison Chown

Student Capstone Papers

Background: About 61 million adults who live in the United States (US) have a disability, which equates to about one in four adults in the US (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Unfortunately, only one out of every ten people who need assistive technology (AT) have access to the proper equipment, with lack of awareness of the devices being one of the causes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2018). It has been noted in literature that a lack of awareness exists amongst clinicians, coaches, & athletes regarding available adaptive equipment (AE) to support participation in adaptive sports ([AS] Bergem, …