Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Occupational Therapy's Role In Upper Extremity Posture, Ergonomics, And Injury Prevention In Esports, Braden W. Singleton

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Electronic sports, also known as esports, is organized competitive gaming. Esports athletes routinely sustain injury to the upper extremity (UE) and are forced into early retirement due to pain and limitation. Employing ergonomic principles through education has a significant impact in assisting with pain reduction and prevention of disability. This program sought to decrease the prevalence of upper extremity injury seen in the esports athlete population, and decrease the intensity of pain if it was already present. Twelve total participants were included in the program, as determined by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was gathered through the use of …

Black Occupational Therapists’ Experiences On The Occupational Impacts Of Racism, Kenzie Saleh, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Research indicates that there is a correlation between racism and impact on occupations (Beagan & Etowa, 2009; Gershenson et al., 2016; Lavalley & Johnson, 2020). The purpose of this study was to expand on the existing research of occupational impacts of racism on the Black community and discover any differences or new themes that have occurred in the past decade. Additionally, this research project investigated specific examples and experiences that lead to these occupational impacts. The student researcher used surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews to gather data focused on the occupational needs and engagement of this population. The research question …

Sensory Integration For Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv), Nadien Albanna

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Since the start of the global pandemic, stay-at-home orders forced IPV survivors to stay in the home with abusers, increasing the risk of abuse, and the impact of psychological trauma. (Bright et al., 2020). Occupational therapists are trained professionals in incorporating sensory-based strategies to focus on the somatic manifestations experienced by the body from trauma and can help to regulate physiological and psychological responses through sensory stimuli (Mcgreevy & Boland et al., 2020). The development of this project sparked an opportunity to publish a new framework to introduce the role of sensory integration in treating survivors of intimate partner violence …

The Role Of Occupation Therapy In Homeless Transition-Aged Youth Programs, Cortney Kirby Yap, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to evaluate current programming with staff at Urban Street Angels (USA) and explore the role of occupational therapy (OT) with youth experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in San Diego, California. The project informed the development of proposals aimed to enhance programming and OT services already in place at the USA La Mesa site for the staff and the youth enrolled in services through the USA organization and the Housing Our Youth (HOY) collaborative program.

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Promoting Risky Play For At-Risk Youth, Gerald Deocariza Jr., Karen Park

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Climbing, racing, playing by the fire, building forts with hammers, and free independent exploration are all examples of risky play. The inherent risk-taking that comes with play is essential to children’s physical and cognitive development, social and emotional well-being, confidence, self-esteem, and risk management. However, as many as two thirds of adults in United States have reported to come across at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) growing up. The exposures to childhood trauma have been linked to a variety of negative health, psychiatric, and behavioral outcomes. Societal attitudes may further refrain at-risk youth from opportunities to gain essential skills …

Translating Neurobiological Knowledge Into Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy, Kimberley Pierce, Jessica De Brun, Karen Park

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

There is a growing need for an expanded understanding of the experience of trauma in light of many socio-political and cultural events of the previous years. Occupational therapy literature mentions a growing understanding of neuroscience that is leading to trauma-informed protocol reform, however, consistently concludes with the acknowledgment that more information is needed. The purpose of this project was to advocate for occupation as a significant tool in addressing traumatic stress. This project included a scoping review of non-peer-reviewed and peer-reviewed literature and manuscripts as well as a phenomenological qualitative research study interviewing occupational therapy practitioners who work with individuals …

Occupational Rights Workshops: Critical Reflection, Discussion, And Collaboration With Occupational Therapists, Michelle Arakaki, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

In the summer of 2020, occupational therapy organizations condemned systemic racism and called on the profession to improve its’ practices in promoting justice and enhancing efforts in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020; World Federation of Occupational Therapists). Since then, there have been formations of DEI committees, opportunities for continuing education in justice and antiracist practice, and more discussion in the literature on how therapists could support the occupational rights of their clients. Occupational rights are “the right of all people to engage in occupations that contribute positively to their well-being and the well-being of …

Exploring The Experiences And Adaptation Strategies Of People Who Develop Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms After Working From Home During The Coronavirus Pandemic, Caitlin Gregory, Jim King, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

At the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought many “new ways of life” to people everywhere. The transition from working in an office to working from home forced many individuals to adapt to a new normal. This capstone research study used qualitative case study methodology to provide a detailed look into the challenges and adaptive process of three employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This capstone study describes the lived experiences of individuals working from home and how they adapted in response to the onset of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms. Using the Theory of Occupational Adaptation, the …

Exploring The Experience Of Dating As A Surviving Partner And Impact On Occupational Therapy, Jessica Blum, Susan Macdermott, Karen Mccarthy

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Limited research has been conducted that explores the experience of dating as a member of the surviving partner community. This study aims to address this gap in literature by capturing the dating experience for those who are surviving partners.

Method: A qualitative, phenomenological research design was used to gather data from thirteen surviving partners who have actively dated in the past, are currently dating, or are currently in a casual or serious relationship.

Results: Interview data revealed that the participants' dating experiences were impacted by their identity as a surviving partner. Participants reported experiencing pressure to engage in dating …

The Intersection Of Breastfeeding Dyads And The Impact On Perinatal Mental Health, Faith Saunders, Heather Truog, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

As the mother transitions from the prenatal period to the postpartum period, the new occupational role of motherhood emerges. In this perspective, infant feeding is considered a co-occupation when discussing maternal functioning. The emergence into this new chapter requires adaptation and adjustment to the mothers’ occupational roles, routines, and identity. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are equipped to provide holistic, client-centered interventions to address occupational dysfunctions during this maternal role transition (Slootjes et al., 2016). However, there are significant gaps in the literature of the OT profession that discusses the role of OTPs within in interdisciplinary healthcare team for perinatal care …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Addressing Childhood Obesity In Hispanic Communities, Karina Castro-Ayala

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Childhood obesity is a growing public health epidemic of the 21st century (Sahoo et al, 2015), in which the Hispanic population is disproportionately an affected population in the U.S for obesity and other health risks (Garcia et al, 2019). Predominantly, 40% of Hispanic children in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese, higher than many other racial and ethnic populations, leading to an increased risk in chronic health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and decrease in mental well-being. The purpose of this capstone was to develop an occupation-based, health and wellness program through the scope of …

A Call For Occupational Justice: Amending Medicare Policy, Amanda Amaro, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Jennifer Summers

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This advocacy project titled, A Call for Occupational Justice: Amending Medicare Policy focuses on advocating for increased access to occupational therapy (OT) services for elderly individuals within home health settings and bridging the health equity gap. The student was able to collaborate with the AOTA Federal Affairs Department throughout their capstone advocacy experience. They began the process of addressing Medicare home health policy serving as an environmental barrier for quality of life within this population through preparing to introduce legislation amending Medicare policy. This Medicare home health legislation would allow OT to be recognized as a Medicare qualifying home health …

Improving Belonging Through Occupation In Individuals Within The Substance Use Disorder Population, Michelle Perkins, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on improving belonging through occupation in individuals within the substance use disorder population. Based on site-based needs assessment findings and informed by the Recovery Model and the Doing, Being, Belonging, and Becoming framework, the Elevate 4-week pilot program was created. The Elevate program successfully demonstrated the feasibility of improving belonging through occupations, as evidenced by changes in pre and post-program client questionnaire scores. The client’s self-report scores in sense of belonging, satisfaction of belonging, and connection to housemates and staff demonstrated noticeable improvement. While the Elevate program demonstrated noticeable improvement in participants’ sense of belonging, satisfaction …

Understanding Travel For Families With A Physically Disabled Child Through The Occupational Therapy Lens, Dinah Adams, Karen Park, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Travel is a complex occupation that involves interactions between body function, activity participation, and the environment. For families traveling with a physically disabled child this occupation becomes even more complex. The available literature on the lived experiences of these families is significantly limited. This project aims to determine participants’ experiences of commercial airline travel with a child who has a physical disability. Through the participants experiences, barriers and needs of this population can be identified. Through identification of barriers, the needs of this population are highlighted as well as ways they can be supported and advocated for.

Early Intervention Occupational Therapy Program Development Abroad, Hattie Fleming, Karen Park

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This program aimed to address the disparity in access to early intervention (EI) occupational therapy (OT) services which exists in certain communities abroad. This project worked with The Inspiration Center (TIC) in Belize, a community identified through needs assessment as having limited access to OT services, to expand current programming to include EI OT services, to increase understanding of the role of OT, to advocate for the OT profession within Belize, and to increase access to EI services for families with children with disability and/or developmental delay within the country. An emphasis was placed on caregiver coaching and culturally responsive …

Brain Injury Clubhouse Model And Perceived Impact On Occupational Performance, Leslie Yap, Monica Watford, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explored the impact that the brain injury Clubhouse model has on occupational performance through a qualitative research design method. Individuals with traumatic brain injury experience a disruption in occupational performance due to changes in physical, cognitive, or emotional factors from the injury (CDC, 2021). Even after the acute stage of rehabilitation, individuals with TBI may still experience difficulty participating in daily occupations. The brain injury Clubhouse model serves as a bridge between traditional rehabilitation services and community reintegration by giving members a safe environment to practice the skills needed for community-based occupations such as independent living and work …

Promoting Socio-Emotional Skills Through A Strength-Based Dance Program For Children Who Have Experienced Trauma, Lillian Tami Endow

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Negative outcomes as a result of trauma are multifaceted and can impact an individual throughout the lifespan. Younger children exposed to trauma are at higher risk for experiencing negative outcomes due to underdeveloped neurobiological capacities impacting their ability to appropriately respond to stressful stimuli (Price et al., 2013). Adversities including poor socio-emotional skills, mental and physical health challenges, and behavioral problems were identified among children exposed to trauma (Hovens et al., 2015). Occupational therapists are equipped to provide services for this vulnerable population by promoting socio-emotional skills necessary to cope with traumatic stressors through engagement in meaningful occupations. The occupation …

Exploring A Role For Occupational Therapists In Adult Eating Disorder Treatment, Felicia Titus, Karen Park

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Occupational therapists working in eating disorder (ED) treatment in the United States is an emerging practice area. The main objective of this study was to seek an understanding of the perceived gaps in current adult ED treatment in the United States, from both the perspectives of ED treatment providers and individuals with an ED to discover if there is a role for occupational therapists.

Methods: The design of this study was a convergent mixed methods in which the data was collected through online surveys and recorded semi-structured interviews of ED treatment providers (N = 15) and individuals diagnosed …

Advocating For Occupational Therapy In The Pediatric Primary Care Setting, Margaret Bauer

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explored the experiences of caregivers interacting within the pediatric primary care setting in order to determine a need for occupational therapy to help support acquisition of child developmental milestones, screening for developmental delays, and implementation of health behaviors into family routines. An IRB research study was conducted to survey primary caregivers of children across the country to ascertain their experiences and knowledge of OT, ease of health behavior implementation, and comfortably discussing child development with their pediatrician's. A needs assessment survey was distributed at a San Diego pediatric primary care clinic, and a program was developed to support …

How Occupational Therapists Address Chronic Pain And Sex/Intimacy, Millie Szeto, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sexual activity is 1 out of the 9 activities of daily living (ADLs) and is considered to be fundamental for a person's life, yet it is one of the least discussed topics that occupational therapists address in client care settings, academia, and/or professional development.

The aim for this project was to explore how occupational therapists addressed sex/intimacy with the chronic pain population in order to provide more insight and encouragement for other occupational therapists to incorporate discussion of sex/intimacy in their practice.

An Ot-Led Suicide Prevention Program For Middle School-Aged Youth, Kimberly Everett-Eaton, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Suicide is the fastest-growing cause of death for adolescents ages 10-14 (Horowitz et al., 2020). In the United States, the youth suicide rate tripled from 2007 to 2017, making suicide the second leading cause of death for those ages 10-24 (Curtis, 2019). This prevention program, Brighter Days Collective, utilizes occupational therapy (OT) practitioners to support middle school-aged adolescents by applying OT interventions based on theory and evidence-based practices. Brighter Days Collective aims to utilize OT practitioner expertise to support adolescents through educating students about mental health and employing occupations that enhance connection, coping skills, and living a purposeful life.

This …

Qualitative Evaluation Of Occupational Therapy Assessments In Treating Veterans With Ptsd Who Are Transitioning Into Civilian Life, Natalia Marquez-Sterling, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this qualitative research type capstone project was to explore the strengths and limitations of an occupational therapist assessment toolkit for use with the population of veterans with PTSD who are transitioning into civilian life. OTs lack consistent assessment tools for use with this population, resulting in a lack of inclusion of occupational therapy as a consistent member of the multidisciplinary team (Kerr et al., 2020). Kerr et al. (2020) found that while OT assessments may be mentioned in research regarding veterans with PTSD who are transitioning into civilian life, there was limited or no discussion of the …

Analysis Of Quality Of Life In Parkinson's Disease Caregivers: A Quantitative Research Study, Peyton Dooley, Claribell Bayona, Krisitin Domville

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Parkinson’s disease is a commonly known movement and neurodegenerative disorder affecting a large portion of the male population. This disease is gruesome and progressive; it often interferes with a person’s daily routines and activities due to deficits in postural stability, tremors, slowed movement, and rigidity (Tysnes et al., 2017). Most persons with Parkinson’s have informal caregivers, often female spouses, or significant others of the individual. Caregivers of Parkinson’s disease prioritize their loved ones needs over their own, neglecting their own daily activities and routines including self-care, social participation, leisure, and physical activity. Occupational therapists and other health care professionals often …

Exploration Of Occupational Problems And Concerns In Individuals With Long-Covid (Post-Acute Sequelae Of Sars-Cov-2), Velinda Utile, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Long-Covid is a complex illness causing disruption in the lives of millions of individuals suffering from its symptoms resulting from Covid-19 infection. With over 65 million confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 10% of individuals expected to experience Long-Covid, knowledge in this area is important to support occupational therapy practice. The purpose of this qualitative research project is to provide knowledge on the reported occupational performance problems and concerns being experienced by individuals with Long-Covid to help fill this gap in research and provide some guidance for OT evaluation and intervention.

Individuals With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities And Meaningful Employment, Bethanie Hernandez, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Evan Edward Dean

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals with disabilities tend to face poverty at a higher rate compared to those without disabilities (Kelley, 2016). Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) benefit from a variety of supports to work in their communities. Not providing services to address these needs can cause increased unemployment rates and dependence on others. Currently, there is a lack of attention by OTP on supporting individuals with IDD (14-26 years) when acquiring meaningful employment. Increasing OTP’s awareness about the relationship between self-determination and employment can promote more services. Self-Determination is about acting or causing things to happen in your life as you …

Coaching Critical Moments: An Occupation-Based Coaching Education And Training Program, Katherine Eglin, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This is a poster presentation on an education and training program, created for a capstone project. The program, Coaching Critical Moments (CCM), is designed to provide occupation-based coaching education through learning modules and training through simulation. The poster highlights the background literature about occupation-based coaching in occupational therapy, the problem and purpose statements for the capstone project, the methodology for creating the program, the theoretical foundation for the project, the contents of the program, and a discussion.

Exploration Of The Transference Of Cognitive Skills Gained From A Movement-Based Program Incorporating Modified Dance To Occupational Performance For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Alyssa Kronstadt-Trapasso

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A movement-based program incorporating modified dance was used with individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to assess changes in cognition as it relates to occupational performance. This qualitative research study provided 1-hour dance sessions 3 days per week over the course of 16 weeks with 6 participants who have mild-moderate PD. Various dance styles were used including salsa, tango, waltz, line dancing, and others. Cognition and occupational performance were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and surveys. Findings indicated improvements in perceived occupational performance via the COPM and surveys, while MoCA results indicated improvements …

Qualitative Evaluation Of Occupational Therapy Assessments In Treating Veterans With Ptsd Who Are Transitioning Into Civilian Life, Natalia Marquez-Sterling

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Presentation on the capstone paper Qualitative Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Assessments in Treating Veterans with PTSD Who are Transitioning into Civilian Life. Explores the strengths and limitations of an OT assessment toolkit as well as the role of OTs in treating veterans with PTSD transitioning into civilian life.

Qualitative Exploration Of The Perception And Satisfaction Of Occupational Engagement And Level Of Awareness Of Treatment Options For Parous Women With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction., Sterling Donald, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster looks to provide an overview of the results of the capstone project looking to fill a gap in the literature regarding the impact that pelvic floor dysfunction has on the occupational engagement of parous women, and their knowledge of occupational therapy treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunction (Burkhart et al, 2021). Data collection occurred over 2 weeks and the inclusion criteria for this study consisted of parous (having beard children) women, ages 18 to 65, and having at least 1 symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction (i.e., urinary problem, bowel problem, or pelvic organ prolapse). The research questions were, …

Analysis Of Role Changes For Women With Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema To Return To Work, Soraya Martinez, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Breast Cancer survivors diagnosed with secondary lymphedema have decreased quality of life and experience greater challenges when attempting to return to work compared to survivors who do not have secondary lymphedema. Limited research is available in understanding the impact breast cancer-related lymphedema has on survivors transitioning from traditional medical care to return to work. Occupational therapists specializing in Lymphedema therapy have the unique training skills and knowledge to address the challenges this population faces, as well as the tools needed to educate patients and their family members on how to manage returning to work, and make any adaptations to their …