Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Therapists’ Perceptions Of The Carroll Upper Extremity Function Test To Measure Functional Outcomes Post-Hand Allotransplantation Based On Lived Experience, Jyoti Heiple

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Hand allotransplantation is a treatment option available for individuals who have suffered a traumatic upper extremity injury. To date, there is not an industry-standard recognized measurement tool for assessing post-hand allotransplantation functional performance. A commonly used observational functional assessment tool is the Carroll Upper Extremity Function Test (UEFT). This dissertation explores therapists’ perceptions of the Carroll UEFT applicability to measure functional outcomes post-hand allotransplantation. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach with in-depth, semi-structured interviews with seven occupational and physical therapists representing five hand transplant centers in the United States. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis approach was utilized …

Impact Of Stigma On Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Implications For School-Based Occupational Therapists, Sidney M. Mcreynolds Mrs.

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This study used the Attention/Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Stigma Questionnaire (ASQ) and the ADHD Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (ADHD-IRAP) among school-based professionals, including occupational therapists. 24 occupational therapists and 23 other school professionals completed demographic questions and the ASQ. 22 completed scores were used for the ADHD-IRAP results. Other school professionals (36.17%) reported having experience with children with ADHD outside of their professional capacity more than occupational therapists (23.40%) which was marginally significant (F (0.96, 10.78) = [11.75], p = .051). On the ASQ subscales, there was a significant difference between groups for Self-Image (F (2.55,10.05) = [11.42], p = .002), …

Impact Of Coping Strategies For Caregivers Of Those With Dementia Or Alzheimer's Disease, Amanda W. Tilley

MOT Student Capstones

Caregivers of those who have Alzheimer's disease (AD) or dementia are challenged by the burdens placed on them in their role including not knowing how to use coping strategies to decrease the burden of care. There has already been research completed on how occupational therapy (OT) can help the client who has dementia or AD and how the caregiver can improve communication with person who has dementia or AD. There is a gap in the research showing how OT can help the caregivers cope with their role. OT can help with the difficulties caregivers have by teaching them coping strategies …

Role Of Surgery In Multifocal Glioblastoma, Syeda Kubra Kishwar Jafri, Syed Sarmad Bukhari, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

The management of multifocal glioblastomas is a point of constant discussion amongst neuro-oncologists. Best outcomes in glioblastoma management come from gross total resection (GTR) followed by concomitant radiation and chemotherapy (CCRT). Multifocal disease is resistant to GTR. Conventional management of these lesion is usually biopsy only followed by CCRT. Recent evidence has shown that there may be some benefit to attempting GTR of the largest lesion whenever safe to do so.

Dirfloortime: An Innovative Approach To Supporting Development Through Connection And Understanding, Jessica Townsend

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Children with developmental delays and neurobehavioral disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), often have social, emotional, or behavioral delays. Children who are not reaching developmental milestones or are reaching them at a slower rate may need extra support and services to reach their full potential. An innovative approach to treatment of developmental delay commonly used among therapists is called DIRFloortime®. DIRFloortime® (also referred to as Floortime) is the application of the Developmental, Individual-Differences, & Relationship-Based (DIR) model in practice. The purpose of this capstone project was to explore Floortime as a holistic intervention …

Using Creative Making To Redesign Life After Stroke, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Kate Davies, a knitwear designer and author based in Scotland, provided the cover art for the Winter 2022 edition of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. “Balance for Better” is a blanket made from wool and mohair. The blanket consists of 30 individual squares designed and knitted by KDD & Co. employees. The colors and pattern of each square reflect the work, achievements, and legacy of the inspirational women celebrated in the blanket. At age 36, Kate suffered a near-fatal stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side of her body. Forced to give up her career as …

Racially Informed Care: A Treatment Approach And Exploration Of The Implications Of Race Related Barriers In The United States, Charae Mcconnell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Social factors surrounding race and ethnicity often create barriers to meaningful occupation and keep people of color from achieving a greater quality of life (Pooremamali et al., 2016). These barriers often result in occupational deprivation and feelings of alienation in society. Research has shown that these barriers created by systematic racism exist for individuals across different environments and persist over their lifetime (Pooremamali et al., 2016). Because of these barriers and the prolonged stress responses caused by racism, people of color, especially black and brown, have significantly higher rates of chronic illness than White Americans. People of color, specifically African …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In The Foster Care System, Melanie N. Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Children and youth who spend time in the foster care system face a variety of obstacles perpetuated by childhood trauma and limitations in service provision. Literature regarding this population demonstrates challenges, including the inability to form attachments and productive peer relationships, deficits in cognition and educational performance, and unpreparedness upon transitioning from the system. In addition, literature demonstrates the significantly increased prevalence of mental health challenges among those in foster care. Parents of foster children report inadequate services and supports to address the ongoing ramifications of a child raised in a constant state of traumatic stress. Following a depiction of …

Considerations For Occupational Therapists In Developing Community-Level Interventions For Youth With High Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces), Victoria G. Wilburn, Megan E. Huber, Denise Senter, Hannah B. Stoll

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Drug misuse likely contributes to the over 30,000 children in foster care and to the 24.2% of children who have experienced two or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Twenty-five percent of children are living in poverty, with nearly half of those living in single-parent households. Among the national guidelines to preventing ACEs are connecting youth with positive activities and providing family relationship enhancement opportunities. We believe the profession of occupational therapy can help contribute to the mental and behavioral health care workforce in a greater capacity than is currently used. Many children are not afforded the opportunity to engage in …

Sleep In The Intensive Care Unit (Icu): An Overlooked Opportunity For Occupational Therapists To Fill A Gap In Health Care Service, Mckenzie C. Bolin, Melissa M. Sweetman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Sleep hygiene is well-established in the scope of occupational therapy practice; however, this occupation is rarely addressed in the intensive care unit (ICU). The majority of health care practitioners believe patients experience reduced sleep quality in the ICU, which can negatively impact patient outcomes. Through a review of the literature, this paper identifies common factors that negatively influence sleep quality and duration and proposes evidence-based interventions to improve patients’ sleep. Factors that influence sleep and fall in the domain of occupational therapy practice include the environment, psychosocial elements, and patient care. Occupational therapists can use interventions, such as orienting patients …

Guidelines For Medication Education For Occupational Therapists, Jaclyn K. Schwartz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Taking medications is a vital health management activity for people with chronic health conditions. These individuals must take their medications as prescribed to receive the intended benefits and minimize negative effects. Many people with chronic health conditions do not know essential information about their medications, which limits their ability to take their medications as prescribed. Occupational therapists regularly engage in client education to enhance performance of health management. When addressing medications, however, additional considerations are needed because of the highly regulated, interdisciplinary, and complex nature of this occupation. The purpose of this practice guideline is to describe the integration of …

Caring For The Caregiver: A Feasibility Study Of An Online Program That Addresses Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, And Secondary Trauma, Emily C. Koller, Regina A. Abel, Lauren E. Milton

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Informal caregivers are susceptible to compassion fatigue in vicarious response to another’s suffering. The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of an online program that addresses compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress in informal caregivers.

Method: The study used a pre-post repeated measures feasibility design. Eighty-six participants were initially recruited. The intervention consisted of a 70-min online program. The participants completed surveys before and after program completion. The number of participants that completed each study phase was recorded to determine feasibility outcomes of acceptability, implementation, and demand. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to analyze …

Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives On Caregiver Education Of Stroke Survivors, Elinor Pastore, Daniel Ryan, Lisa J. Knecht-Sabres

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Introduction: The objective of this research study was to gather a greater understanding of how occupational therapists provide education to caregivers of stroke survivors and how they address the needs of caregivers throughout the rehabilitation process.

Methods: The researchers used a convergent mixed methods design. RedCap electronic surveys containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions were completed by 90 participants from multiple states. A focus group (n = 8) and a one-on-one interview (n = 1) were conducted to gather qualitative information regarding occupational therapists’ perspectives related to their experiences on educating caregivers in the acute rehabilitation setting. Descriptive …

Ecospirituality In Forensic Mental Health: A Preliminary Outcome Study, Clark Patrick Heard, Jared Scott, Stephen Yeo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: In this study, the personal experience of spirituality in nature (the concept of ecospirituality) was supported by occupational therapy and spiritual care staff enabling a community-based group for persons affiliated with a forensic mental health system in Ontario, Canada. Spirituality is a key, though debated, tenet in occupational therapy practice. At the same time, immersive participation in nature has been linked to positive health outcomes.

Methods: A qualitative method consistent with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed. Data was collected via the completion of semi-structured interviews (n = 9). Collected data was transcribed verbatim and then coded for …

An Occupation-Based Clinic Makeover: Perceptions And Experiences Of Occupational Therapists, Wendy B. Stav, Alison Herman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Researchers sought to discover the experiences of occupational therapists transitioning from existing clinical practice to exclusively occupation-based approaches.

Method: This phenomenological study captured the experiences of clinicians as exercise-based equipment was temporarily removed from the rehabilitation gym and replaced with occupation-based kits. The therapists used the new occupation-based materials with all clients for 4 months and participated in interviews and a focus group.

Results: The study yielded a greater understanding therapists’ process and experiences through the themes: (a) challenges to occupation-based practice and (b) occupation-based metamorphosis.

Conclusions: The personal and contextual obstacles associated with implementing …

Empower: An Online Staff Training Focused On Person-Centered Supports For Direct Support Professionals, Amy Castagnino, Meghan Blaskowitz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Direct support professionals (DSPs) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is one of the most rapidly growing professions in the United States. However, there is a gap in recruiting, training, and retraining DSPs to provide appropriate and effective person-centered supports.

Method: The aim of this pilot study was to measure the effectiveness of a staff training program conducted by an occupational therapy doctoral candidate, focused on improving DSPs’ confidence and competence when providing services to adults with IDD. A pretest/posttest quantitative design was used to test changes in the DSPs’ confidence from the beginning to …

Exploring The Feasibility Of A Virtual, Home-Based Musicglove® Protocol For Children With Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy, Tiana Nguyen, Lisa Choromanski, Tatiana Kreuzer, Jamie Stroppini

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The MusicGlove® as an occupational therapy intervention has been shown to improve upper limb function and satisfaction over conventional therapies for adults who have had a stroke, however, its effectiveness with children who have cerebral palsy has not been examined. The purpose of this research was to explore the feasibility of a virtual, home-based MusicGlove® protocol to increase upper extremity function, quality of life, and internal motivation in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Method: Three participants, ages 6 to 16, diagnosed with hemiparetic cerebral palsy participated in 23 guided sessions using the home-based MusicGlove protocol over 5 …

Chronic Shoulder Pain In Manual Wheelchair (Mwc) Users With Spinal Cord Injury (Sci): The Lived Experience, Jennifer L. Silvestri, Sonia Lawson, Cristina Sadowsky

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Existing research on the lived experience of those with spinal cord injury (SCI) resulting in paraplegia who use a manual wheelchair and experience shoulder pain is extremely limited. This research aimed to begin the process of understanding the lived experience of this population and to describe how chronic shoulder pain impacts occupational engagement and quality of life.

Method: A phenomenological approach using a constant comparative method was used to analyze data and to construct and redefine themes throughout the research process. The qualitative data obtained from two semi-structured interviews with the four study participants is presented below. …

Disability And Health In African Americans: Population Research And Implications For Occupational Therapy Community-Based Practice, Emily Schulz, Debarchana Ghosh, Eddie M. Clark, Beverly R. Williams, Randi Williams, Lijing Ma, Crystal L. Park, Cheryl L. Knott

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Population-based research and community-based interventions are integral to occupational therapy’s scope of practice, yet they are underdeveloped in actual implementation. Therefore, this paper focuses on some health challenges facing the African American population, guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance Model.

Method: Using data from an observational cross-sectional nationwide telephone survey of African American adults, we examined differences between African Americans who are receiving disability payments (RDP) and those who are employed full time (FTE) on several physical health behaviors and psychosocial health indicators. We further compared the differences between African Americans RDP versus those FTE on those physical health …

State Of The Journal: Another Record Setting Year, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Zero Balancing Case Studies Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Deanna Waggy Otr, Msa, Czb, Csla

Journal of Transformative Touch

Does Zero Balancing positively impact occupational performance? This is a question many Occupational Therapists (OTs) ask when discerning if Zero Balancing (ZB) is an evidence-based treatment modality. Case studies from the book Experiencing the Power of Zero Balancing: Case Studies of Journeys to Health and Wholeness (Quarry & King, 2016) were reviewed and compared to the Occupational Therapy domain of practice to show clear evidence that each case study had a positive impact on occupational performance. A comparison chart shows a direct link between the occupational categories and documented evidence of improved occupational performance through practitioner observation and client feedback …

Animal Assisted Therapy For Older Adults In Aged Care Facilities: A Rapid Review, Mitchell A. Franklin, Tracey Parnell, Natasha Versi, Rodney Pope

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy (AAT) for improving the mental health of older adults in residential care. The aim of this rapid review was to synthesise existing research evidence to determine the approaches that AAT should take to enhance outcomes for older adults living in residential care. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies published between 2009 and 2019 that investigated AAT and improvement in physical and/or psychosocial outcomes for adults aged over 65 years, living in residential care. Studies were critically appraised to determine methodological quality, key data were extracted, and …

An Appreciative Inquiry Approach To Understanding What Attracts And Retains Early-Career Therapists To Work In Community Organizations, Karina M. Dancza, Yik Ming Choi, Kaisah Amalia, Pei Shan Wong, Jia Hao Hu, Li Wen Yap

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Community health organizations are expanding in many countries to meet the health and care needs associated with an aging population, an increase in recognition of children with developmental and mental health needs, and escalating healthcare costs. Singapore is no exception. Community organizations, however, are facing challenges in recruiting and retaining early-career therapists to these positions due to competition from acute services and a declining foreign talent pool. At the same time, early-career therapists encounter challenges during the transition from student to professional. Community organizations, therefore, need to identify what makes their organization attractive to early-career therapists and what makes …

Attitudes And Usage Of Face Masks During The Covid-19 Pandemic Among Occupational Therapy Professionals In Texas, Stephen A. Cage, Diane P. Brown, Brandon J. Warner, Diana M. Gallegos, Heidi M. Cage

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Following the widespread transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), multiple business and schools drastically reduced face-to-face services. Additionally, many state and local governments enacted face mask mandates and other legislations aimed at decreasing the spread of the virus. Current research is being conducted to evaluate the epidemiology, recognition, treatment, and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease associated with SARS-CoV-2. At the time of this study, there is no published research on the attitudes and usage of face masks or face coverings among certified occupational therapy professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The purpose of this …

Effectiveness Of Training In Changing Allied Health Students’ Cultural Competency Skills, Gisela Van Kessel, Caroline Fryer, Bernadette Flynn, Katia Ferrar, Susan Roush

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health students require cultural competence training to help them act as caring, ethical, and socially responsible health professionals. There is a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of cultural competence training changing the cultural skill level of allied health students or their behaviour in clinical practice. Method: We conducted a systematic search of the literature to examine the effectiveness of cultural competence training in changing allied health student cultural competency skills. CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, Medline and Scopus databases were searched from inception until August 2017. Search terms represented the population (e.g. allied health students), and cultural competence training. …

Impact Of The Level Of Parental Involvement In Occupational Therapy Services On Patient Outcomes For Children Ages 0-3 In The Outpatient Setting, Lauren Hackl

OT Student Capstones

This project aims to analyze the relationship between parent involvement in OT services and patient outcomes for children ages 0-3 in the outpatient setting. This project involves both therapist and parent interactions with the administration of surveys over the span of a 14-week period to measure parental involvement. Standardized assessment scores were used throughout the project to measure patient outcomes. The implementation of this project can help parents understand the importance of their involvement in occupational therapy services both inside the clinic and at home and how it can increase patient outcomes and child development.

A Cognitive Protocol For Individuals With Concussion, Faith M. Urbanik

OT Student Capstones

Background: Concussions have been identified in the literature to cause impairments in several cognitive domains. Limited research exists for cognitive interventions for occupational therapists (OTs) working with concussions and post-concussion syndrome (PCS) using a bottom-up approach that targets domains of cognition. This pilot study responds to these shortcomings by identifying and implementing evidence-based treatment options for OTs working with individuals with concussion and PCS to mitigate associated cognitive deficits. Method: The researcher included participants, ages 18 years or older, who are three days’ to six months’ post-concussion with concussions or PCS in this study. The researcher administered a cognitive protocol …

Pilot Study For Use Of The Spurgeon Methodtm Of Breast Massage After Mastectomy, Cynthia L. Veazey

OT Student Capstones

Importance: Reduced range of motion of the shoulder and chronic pain negatively affect the ability to complete daily activities and the mental and physical quality of life for women after breast cancer surgery. Objective: To assess the results over time of the Spurgeon MethodTM of breast massage after breast cancer surgery in improving shoulder range of motion and performance of activities of daily living. Design: Mixed methods pilot study performing the Spurgeon MethodTM protocol with participants once a week for six weeks. Setting and Participants: The setting was The Caring Place, a nonprofit program managed by the Nevada Childhood Cancer …

Video-Based Educational Module To Support Adaptive Gaming Services, Kendyl Zimmer

OT Student Capstones

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

1. Improve access to adaptive video gaming technology 2. Mitigate abandonment of the technology

METHODS

Over 14 weeks, the student designed and created an educational video-based module in collaboration with AzTAP. The process included:

• Conducting research on current accessible gaming technology
• Identifying video topics that would be useful to the community
• Writing the script for each video
• Editing and adding subtitles

PROJECT OUTCOME

To evaluate the module’s effectiveness in meeting the objectives, four AzTAP staff members watched the complete module and responded to a qualitative follow-up questionnaire comprised of six questions

Implementing An Aging In Place Program With Emphasis On Home Safety And Accessibility For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Erin K. Richardson

OT Student Capstones

The baby boomer generation is the largest and most diverse population to ever age in America’s history. By the year 2030, the baby boomer population will reach 65 and older (American Counts Staff, 2019). Meaning every 1 in 5 individuals in the United States will be over 65 within the next decade (Rural Health Information Hub, n.d.). The Census Bureau projects that older adults are expected to outnumber children under 18 for the first time in America’s history by the year 2034 (American Counts Staff, 2019). For this reason, the National Alliance for Caregiving (2020) advocates for more policies, funding, …