Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Teen Driving And Community Mobility Educational Module For Ot Students, Celeste Johns, Angela Blackwell, Melissa "Missy" Bell

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Teens with disabilities require increased support in driving and community mobility (D&CM) due to increased complexity resulting from the combination of typical teen characteristics (physiological changes and developing cognitive skills), and limitations posed by physical, cognitive, or visual impairments (Interactive Autism Network, 2011; Monahan, 2012). Due to lack of training, decreased awareness, low confidence, decreased competence, billing, and productivity concerns OT practice is limited in addressing D&CM (Dickerson et al., 2011). There is a need for more targeted information regarding teen driving and community mobility within OT education to increase competence (knowledge, skills, attitudes), and prepare them to be generalists …

Habituation In Occupational Therapy For People With Alcohol Use Disorder, Sarah Garces, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is an ongoing chronic health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Habituation is a construct used by the occupational therapy (OT) practice model, the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). Habituation relates to a persons’ roles, habits, and routines, and how these interact to shape occupational participation and performance. Since the habitual use of alcohol is a key component of AUD, an understanding of how habituation is addressed in OT intervention is essential. The OT literature has not been systematically reviewed to determine how habituation is addressed in OT practice in clients with AUD, leaving it difficult …

Driving With Low Vision: Development Of Evidence Based Practice Manual For Bioptic Drivers, Emily Rose Sonni

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was centered around the creation of a pre-driver training manual for novice drivers with Bioptic Telescope Systems (BTS) in preparation for behind-the-wheel training. The BTS pre-driver training manual was created with OTs at Vanderbilt Eye Institute as well as various OTS/CDRS from additional universities around the country. The manual consists of several parts including: bioptic care/hygiene, steps to become a bioptic driver in TN, how to use the bioptic, pre-driver training activities, time log form and helpful resources page. We also distributed a survey to current novice drivers (without the training manual) to get an impression of …

Wellness Promotion Through Leisure Activity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Gabriela Morrell-Zucker

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project is to analyze the outcomes of an occupation-based wellness program which aims to address the problem of a lack of wellness promotion programs for community-dwelling older adults. Through structured programming older-adults demonstrated increased participation in leisure activities contributing to positive health and wellness. As the older adult population continues to grow, there is a need to engage community-dwelling older adult populations in wellness promotion through leisure activities. For this purpose, a quantitative approach examines the outcomes of program development from older adults' perspectives through a the CHAMPS Older Adult Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Happy And Healthy: A Positive Mental Health Program For Early Elementary School-Aged Children, Haleigh Freeman, Angela L. Blackwell, Erik Pérez

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Approximately 17% of children from the ages six to 17 in the U.S. have a treatable mental health disorder, however, of those children, 70% have not received appropriate mental health care to address their mental health problems (MHP) (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2019; Mental Health Foundation, 2016). The severity of MHP identified within the literature points to a distinct need for mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention to address those needs (Albuquerque et al., 2020). Specifically, the need for school-based and after-school based mental health services continues growing at alarming rates (Map, 2013). However, school systems often lack provisions …

Fostering Community Participation For Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: An Occupation-Based Program For Caregivers, Mindy Goltiao, Kristin Domville, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Caregiver expectations influence outcomes of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they seek more independence transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. The purpose of this program development capstone project is to promote realistic expectations of caregivers of youth by improving caregiver youth relationships and facilitating activities. Strategies of current and evidence-based programs that support caregivers of youth with IDD, such as Maximizing Adolescent Post-Secondary Success and TrASDition training. The American Occupational Therapy Association Vision 2025 aligns with the program as it aims to provide caregivers equal opportunity, access to care, and expands an individual’s capacity to advocate for caregivers. …

Program To Increase Occupational Therapy Inclusion In Community Mental Health Practice, Leeanne A. Bugter-Vanloon, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists are qualified mental health providers, however, inadequate numbers of practitioners work in the community to treat individuals with mental health conditions. A program to advocate for the profession of occupational therapy in community-based mental health was created to increase capacity for occupational therapy practitioners in this setting. A two-hour virtual workshop was implemented to educate participants on occupational therapy's role, the barriers that limit occupational therapy inclusion, and methods to increase occupational therapy inclusion. Results indicate the virtual workshop was effective at increasing an individuals knowledge on the roles, limitations, and opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners in community …

Sexuality Based Content In An Entry- Level Occupational Therapy Curriculum: A Content Analysis, Victoria E. Ontiberos, Steven M. Gerardi, Elizabeth Deluca

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sexuality is multifaceted and is developed across the lifespan. Researchers report little advancement, consistency, and knowledge regarding incorporation of sexuality into occupational therapy (OT) curricula, which supports the need for research. The purpose of this capstone project was two-fold: a) to conduct a content analysis of an entry-level OT curriculum to identify content gaps regarding addressing sexuality in practice; and b) to develop sexuality-based educational materials as a resource for the faculty for potential inclusion in future courses. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) is an evidenced-based model that was used in this project, in conjunction with notional sexuality educational …

Robotic Table And Serious Games For Integrative Rehabilitation In The Early Poststroke Phase: Two Case Reports, Grigore Burdea, Nam Kim, Kevin Polistico, Ashwin Kadaru, Namrata Grampurohit, Jasdeep Hundal, Simcha Pollack

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Background: BrightArm Compact is a new rehabilitation system for the upper extremities. It provides bimanual training with gradated gravity loading and mediates interactions with cognitively challenging serious games.

Objective: The aim of this study is to design and test a robotic rehabilitation table-based virtual rehabilitation system for functional impact of the integrative training in the early poststroke phase.

Methods: A new robotic rehabilitation table, controllers, and adaptive games were developed. The 2 participants underwent 12 experimental sessions in addition to the standard of care. Standardized measures of upper extremity function (primary outcome), depression, and cognition were administered before and after …

Improving Mental Health After Sci: An Occupation-Based Program, Kerston Ring

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to assess the effectiveness of occupational therapy in promoting positive mental health in those with SCI. Formal conversations related to mental health as well as various leisure activities took place throughout the program. The leisure activities were determined prior to initiating the program during the needs assessment. These were activities that the participants were either familiar with or novel. The activities were client-centered and modified as necessary to meet the client’s needs for full participation. The objectives of this capstone were to conduct a needs assessment to understand what factors could be changed to …

Integrating Best Practice In Belmont’S Otd Curriculum Through Research, Dissemination, And Development Of Supplemental Course Materials, Alyson Graham

OTD Capstone Projects

This project was focused on researching best practice for teaching to large class sizes in preparation for the increasing cohort sizes within Belmont University's OTD program. Research included best practice for large class sizes as well as best practice within occupational therapy programs. This research was consolidated into a paper which included recommendations that could potentially be implemented into the OTD program. Additional materials were created based on that research for potential use within the mental health curriculum of the OTD program and were included in a Blackboard Sandbox course which faculty can access and utilize in the future.

Enhancing Otd Clinical Pathophysiology Course Curriculum, Ashley N. Rabuck

OTD Capstone Projects

To build upon the foundation of the OTD Clinical Pathophysiology course as to promote student-centered teaching and learning as well as course application to future occupational therapy clinical practice

The Knowledge, Skills, And Attitudes Needed For Entry Level Wheelchair Service Providers: A Collaboration With Iswp And Ctf, Taylor Bumbalough

OTD Capstone Projects

The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) and Clinician Task Force (CTF) are two organizations dedicated to supporting the wheeled seating and mobility sector. ISWP’s mission is to advocate for education, evidence-based practice, scholarship, consistent standards, and innovation to further wheelchair service provision access internationally, while CTF advocates for those in need of assistive technology to have access of appropriate wheeled seating and mobility by sharing knowledge and experiences of competent clinicians in the field. During this capstone experience, I partnered with ISWP contributing to their Wheelchair Educator’s Package (WEP) by developing an engagement survey to gage the Participatory Action …

Gigi’S Playhouse Program Development, Jensen Anderson

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed through a partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse of Nashville. GiGi’s Playhouse offers free and purposeful programs for individuals with Down Syndrome from birth through adulthood. The focus of this project was development, modification, and facilitation of the GiGi University program. GiGi University is a program for adults focused on career skills, communication skills, money management, and wellness through nutrition, healthy cooking, and fitness. The goal of this program is to promote increased independence and confidence, as well as to prepare participants for career opportunities and the GiGi’s Playhouse internship program. The national curriculum was modified to …

Foundational Curriculum To Engage Students In The Occupation Of Cooking, Brooke Mehus, Karen Park

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The reason for this project is that adolescents are not being provided with the knowledge surrounding cooking and meal preparation from their household, secondary schooling systems, and/or a lack of culinary programs resulting in a decrease in independence and life skills. Therefore, an additional program needs to be implemented in order to address these barriers.

The purpose of this project was to develop a program to enhance participation of adolescents in the occupation of cooking emphasizing life skills, safety, confidence, and knowledge within the kitchen. The program was completed at The Winston School which had an existing culinary arts program; …

Leisure Activity And Social Participation Group Therapy To Address Geriatric Depression Symptoms, Austin Brown, Keegan Mckay, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Rene Wren

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project involved the creation of a group therapy program that used leisure activity and social participation to address geriatric depression.

Occupational Therapy For Sleep Dysfunction: An Education Course For Students And Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Hayley Shank, Mary Smith, Emily Frank

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sleep disorders are the second most frequent complaint, after pain, in individuals with chronic illness; the healthcare field is considering this an epidemic. Research suggests there is an insufficient amount of awareness and education regarding treating sleep dysfunction among occupational therapy students and practitioners. The purpose of this capstone project was to create an OT education course for OT students and practitioners to utilize when addressing sleep dysfunction with their clients and caregivers. Results of my course support the capstone problem statement; that there is an insufficient amount of awareness and education regarding the treatment and management of sleep dysfunction …

Development And Implementation Of An Outcome Measure For Move Inclusive Dance, Morgan Sondergeld

OTD Capstone Projects

Due to the need for increased funding at MOVE Inclusive Dance, an outcome measure was created and piloted to display program efficacy. This outcome measure with collected data will illustrate to stakeholders and grant committees the value of MOVE Inclusive Dance. Furthermore, a revised sensory protocol was created to ease student transition from classroom to stage through the use of visuals and strategies. Lastly, an organized document was created for the owner of MOVE Inclusive Dance to continuously apply for grants over the coming years with increased ease.

An Examination Of The Occupational Impact On Family Life Having A Child In Competitive Sports, Kelsey Hamilton, Karen Park, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone research project was to examine the impact of having a child in competitive sports has on the performance patterns of a family. As youth sports culture intensifies in America, it is important to provide an occupational therapy perspective on this aspect of life. A mixed methods research study was conducted with twenty-seven parents of children in competitive team sports. Survey and semi-structured interviews provided insight into the lived experiences of families with a child in competitive sports.

Developing Evidence Based Protocols To Enhance Occupational Therapy Treatment Of The Upper Extremity, Alexandra Ross

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project consisted of the creation of a rehabilitation protocol booklet of 27 diagnoses pertaining to the upper extremity. This poster goes into detail of the protocol creation and development process, and provides examples of protocols for different diagnoses.

Abundant Life Adventure Club Youth Program: Positive Youth Development Through Outdoor Recreation And Adventure, Gabriela Swiecki

OTD Capstone Projects

This Capstone project was completed as a collaborative effort with another OTD student and through a partnership with Abundant Life Adventure Club (ALAC). ALAC is a Nashville based organization that focuses on curating outdoor adventures and experiences for Black adults. The focus of this project was on the creation of outdoor programming for urban-dwelling youth, specifically middle schooler, using the principles of positive youth development. The result is a complete digital program guide. The guide includes objectives to address each theme, discussion questions and statements, a lesson plan template, and an activities list to pair with a theme. Using this …

Occupational Therapy And Animal Assisted Therapy: Advocacy For The Field & Best Practice, Mackenzie E. Vanderbloomen

OTD Capstone Projects

There are many ways to incorporate animal assisted therapy (AAT) into occupational therapy (OT) practice, including facilitating client motivation, participation, companionship, addressing activities of daily living (ADLs) including grooming, bathing, feeding, and dressing, as well as the role of pet caretaker as an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL). While the values and goals that guide both AAT and OT seem to align in various ways, literature speaking to this unique blend of therapy and the benefits it has on client outcomes and work environment are limited. To highlight gaps in knowledge, and to inform suggestions for field advancement, a …

Improving Occupational Engagement: An Occupation-Based Virtual Program For Caregivers Of Individuals With Dementia, Betsabel Garcia, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Dementia is a progressive disorder that affects many people worldwide including informal caregivers of individuals with dementia (Harrison et al., 2019). Every year, more than 16 million Americans provide more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for family and friends with Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias (CDC, 2019). As a result, many informal caregivers experience higher levels of caregiver burden, depression, and anxiety (Amato et al., 2021; Raj et al., 2021; Walter & Pinquart, 2020). This causes an occupational imbalance in caregivers' ability to meet their needs and those of their loved one. Leisure is within occupational therapy's …

Abundant Life Youth Program: Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Outdoor Experience, Elizabeth Robinson

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in collaboration with Abundant Life Adventure Club, a Nashville based organization that promotes wellness through curated outdoor adventures for Black individuals. This project coordinated with that of another capstone student in the creation of a comprehensive youth program aiming to promote positive youth development in an outdoor setting for urban-dwelling youth. A literature review was performed to inform the choice of themes and content for the curriculum, which included increasing exposure to nature as well as discussion of developmentally relevant content. The outcome of the research and planning for this curriculum is a digital resource …

Narrative Review - Optimal Occupational Therapy Experience, Kaylee G. Clay

Honors College Theses

This narrative review examines factors associated with optimal occupational therapy experiences, including patient perspectives of occupational therapy, cost-effectiveness, use of practices, organization, and patient involvement/experiences. The information found within this review provides information to those interested in creating the most optimal experiences for their occupational therapy patients.

Developing An Educational Foundation For Incorporating Animal Assisted Interventions Into Rehabilitation Settings, Chandni Vyas

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone experience was to identify and fill the need for standardized education in the field of occupational and physical therapy regarding the implementation of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) into treatment. Working with Belmont University Professor, Dr. Christi Williams, PTT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT, a course describing the foundations of AAI in practice was created to provide occupational and physical therapy practitioners with a standardized educational course for incorporating therapy animal teams into client-centered interventions. The course was piloted on students in both fields, and a feedback survey was utilized to learn about the attitudes regarding the appropriateness …

Addressing Als Caregiver Needs: An Occupation-Based Caregiver Education Program, Kylee Hall, Helen Carey, Lauren Webb, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This program adds a new component to the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s already established online educational programs. The foundation had a program for people living with ALS but did not have a program for caregivers prior to this project.

A needs assessment was completed to determine caregiver needs and materials for caregivers were developed based on the needs found. The materials developed were implemented with ten caregivers to determine effectiveness and outcomes before launching the program to the general public.

Teaching And Supplemental Material Development For Belmont University's Otd Neuroscience Course, Jessica Van Ryzin

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project focused on the development of the neuroscience curriculum with Belmont School of Occupational Therapy. Agency needs included strategies and materials to supplement student understanding in particularly difficult lessons. Project goals ranged from identification of difficult content areas to development of a variety of materials. Using research and stakeholder suggestions, a variety of materials were developed to address diverse learning styles and needs. Feedback was gathered on all learning materials to assess effectiveness and make necessary changes. In all, four case studies, two lectures, two labs, two worksheets, one instructor resource on research findings, and a series of …

Nobody Likes Busy Work: Tilting An Ota Program's Curriculum, Sarah Parkinson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Nashville State Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. The college is currently transitioning from The Adult Learning Theory to Bloom’s Theory and the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) method. This project aimed to modify learning materials to assist the OTA program with the transition using specific stakeholder feedback to guide adjustments and assignment design in line with ACOTE standards.

Promoting The Benefits Of Therapy Dogs In Healthcare Settings Through Children's Literature, Angela Bozik

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience was completed in partnership with Dr. Christi Williams, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT. Dr. Williams has a mission to educate others of all ages on the benefits of animal-assisted interventions in a wide variety of settings - most notably, healthcare settings. The primary focus of this project was to create a children's book to teach others about how therapy dogs can be incorporated into a wide variety of healthcare settings in more ways than just petting the dog. It is the hope that through this book more families and healthcare professionals will be inspired to register …