Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Charting A New Course Through Meaningful Occupation, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Rory Odom, an artist and United States Marine Corps Veteran based in Florida, provided the cover art for the Spring 2020 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Turtles All the Way Down” is an 8”x10” oil painting on canvas. After a tragic accident changed the course of Rory’s life, painting gave him hope. During rehabilitation, Rory sought opportunities to challenge himself and build technical skill as a painter. His bold use of color and signature impressionist style convey emotion and movement. In the face of adversity, meaningful occupation helped Rory chart a new course in life.

Pediatric Heart Conditions: What Do Occupational Therapists Need To Know?, Stefanie Rogers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Social Media As Occupation: Implications For Occupational Therapy Practice, Sheryl Eckberg Zylstra, Kimberly Erler, Wendell Nakamura, Brenda Kennell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Are We Missing Opportunities? How Occupational Therapists Would Benefit From Connecting Mindfulness To Occupational Participation, Barbara P. White, Paige Brousseau, Jessica Daigneault, Emily Harrison, Virginia Lavallee, Kaleigh St Cyr

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Examining Occupational Therapy Students’ Responses To Integrative Seminars, Robyn Wu, Chi-Kwan Shea

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The integrative seminar is an innovative teaching-learning approach that focuses on active learning and peer collaboration, characteristics that align with millennial learners’ preferences. The use of integrative seminars has been reported by various health professions with positive outcomes. Course feedback survey data from the first cohort of occupational therapy students who participated in a new four-course integrative seminar series were analyzed. Findings suggest that the format of the courses was engaging for the learners. The students particularly valued the small class; the opportunities for peer collaboration; and the variety of active learning opportunities, including simulations. The students also indicated that …

Approaches To Studying: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Of Occupational Therapy Students In Six Education Programs In Norway, Astrid Gramstad, Lene Angell Åsli, Susanne G. Johnson, Trine A. Magne, Tove Carstensen, Gry Mørk, Linda Stigen, Tore Bonsaksen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Students’ approaches to studying have been associated with their academic performance. Although previous research suggests that the cultural and educational context may influence approaches to studying, few studies have investigated differences in study approaches across education programs. The aim of this study was to examine whether approaches to studying differed among occupational therapy students enrolled in six different educational programs in Norway. From a population of 308 students, 187 first-year occupational therapy students in six educational programs in Norway were recruited. The students provided their sociodemographic information and completed the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST), and group …

Patient Perceptions Of Acute Phases Of Rehabilitation Following Shoulder Arthroplasty, Elizabeth Horrall Stith, Lisa Borrero, Laura Santurri, Lori Breeden, Sarah Shemanski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Shoulder arthroplasty is a common procedure, but a lack of research regarding recovery and rehabilitation limits occupational therapists from providing appropriate education and support. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the patient’s experiences in the acute recovery phase following shoulder arthroplasty.

Method: Twelve participants completed three semi-structured interviews in the first 6 weeks following surgery. A basic-interpretive approach was used before coding interview transcriptions into categories.

Results: The participants initially reported increased reliance on assistance and/or modifications in ADLs routines, such as dressing, bathing, and sleep. Interruption in sleep was reported because …

Development Of The Occupational Performance Inventory Of Sexuality And Intimacy (Opisi): Phase One, Beth Ann Walker, Kasey Otte, Kelsey Lemond, Pamela Hess, Kandyse Kaizer, Tori Faulkner, Davis Christy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The occupational therapy profession needs a framework to guide understanding of the occupational nature of sexuality and intimacy, assessment, intervention design, and measurement of outcomes. This study aimed to define the occupational nature of sexuality and intimacy and develop a theoretical and occupation-based screen, in-depth self-assessment, and performance measure.

Method: The Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI) was developed following DeVellis’s (2017) guidelines for scale development that involved mapping the construct, generating an item pool, determining the format for measurement, and reviewing the initial item pool.

Results: The Occupational Therapy Sexual Assessment Framework (OTSAF) was developed to …

Assessing Unmet Needs Of Caregivers After Stroke: Occupational Therapist Practices And Perspectives, Deborah R. Clymer, Hadley A. Fields, Kathy Kniepmann

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Family caregivers of stroke survivors often feel unprepared and overwhelmed post discharge with numerous unmet needs. Occupational therapists can play an integral role in addressing family caregivers’ needs. Limited research exists on assessment practices of occupational therapists in identifying caregivers’ needs poststroke. This study explores the practices and perspectives of occupational therapists in assessing unmet caregivers’ needs.

Method: A cross-sectional, mixed methods research design was used to electronically survey 15 occupational therapists. Part 1 of the survey explored participant methods for identifying caregivers’ needs and their views on using formal caregiver assessment tools. Part 2 gathered participant perspectives on …

Pilot Study Of The Just Right Challenge Feeding Protocol For Treatment Of Food Selectivity In Children, Michelle A. Suarez, Elsie Bush

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. This pilot study investigated the Just Right Challenge Feeding Protocol, a multicomponent treatment protocol for food selectivity that combines escape extinction, positive reinforcement, and systematic desensitization.

Method. This study used a single-subject, multiple-baseline-across-participants design to investigate whether treatment produced increases in the food inventories for seven children. All of the children in the study started with parent report of fewer than 15 foods in their dietary repertoire. A sensory profile for each child provided information for treatment planning and interpretation of the results of the study.

Results. Five out of the seven children accepted significantly more …

A Survey Of Occupational Therapy Services Provided For Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alisha Ohl, David Schelly, Dustin Brown, Nette Schulze, Maria Smith, Beth Davies

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: We examined the services provided to adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by occupational therapists across the United States.

Method: This cross-sectional study used an online survey, with a combination of structured and open-ended questions, to collect data from a nonprobability sample. Descriptive, inferential, and nonparametric statistics were used to analyze data.

Results: In our sample (N= 57), the majority of the participants spent less than half of their workweek intervening with the adult ASD population. Caregivers were instrumental in both referral and discharge, and Medicaid was the most common payer source. The Adult …

Exploring How Older People Living At Home Alone Occupy Their Time – A Time-Geographic Study, Alison Wicks, Megan Blanchard, Ingeborg Nilsson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Knowing what older people choose to do with their time informs occupational therapists in their everyday practice. This study explored how sixteen older Australians living at home alone without support occupied their time.

Method: People aged 70 years and older living alone in one’s home and receiving no support services were voluntary recruited. The participants completed time-use diaries for 5 days and recorded how, with whom, and where they spent time. Data were coded and analyzed using the software program Vardagen.

Results: The participants reported 217 different daily activities. While patterns of daily participation varied, all …

Effectiveness Of A Multimodal Mindfulness Program For Student Health Care Professionals: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sharon A. Gutman, Martha Sliwinski, Justin Laird, Jennifer Nguyen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The effectiveness of a multimodal mindfulness program incorporating traditional and nontraditional forms of active and nonactive meditation practices with a sample of occupational and physical therapy students was assessed in this study.

Method: Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The 8-week mindfulness program consisted of one weekly 40-min in-person group session and four weekly 10-min online guided meditations. Pre and postintervention measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Student Stress Management Scale (SSMS), mindfulness activity log, open-ended qualitative questionnaire, GPA, and counseling visit frequency.

Results: Statistically significant differences, with large effect …

How To Be A Good Peer Reviewer, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Pediatric Feeding Therapy At It's Finest: A Comprehensive Approach, Shelby Anderson

OTD Capstone Projects

The focus of this Experiential Component Project was to improve the processes and outcomes of a pediatric feeding therapy program at Sprocket Therapy Solutions, an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic located in Nashville, TN.

Advancing The Scientific Understanding Of Spiritual Care For Trauma In Combat Veterans And First Responders, Megan Broecker

OTD Capstone Projects

REBOOT Recovery is an organization that serves military service members, first responders, and their families through a 12-week faith-based trauma healing course. REBOOT is data driven and is continuously researching the short term and long term effects of the program on its participants. The purpose of this capstone project was to support REBOOT's past and current research studies and to develop content for all types of trauma incurred by the general population.

Increasing Employment Success: Helping Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At Friends Life Improve Job Readiness Skills, Madeleine Ruff

OTD Capstone Projects

This poster discusses a class developed for adults with developmental disabilities that focuses on job readiness skills and successful employment within the community. The class focuses on three different sections including job exploration, preparing to get a job and maintaining employment. Each section includes resources such as worksheets, visuals & activities that are appropriate for varying cognitive levels of the friends to facilitate participation in each section. At the end of the class, the adults at Friends Life will have identified job interests, developed personal resume/vision statements and learned about appropriate behaviors to display at both interviews and employment site.

Implementation Of The Pediatric Evaluation Of Disability Inventory (Pedi-Cat) With Equine Assisted Activity And Therapy Participants, Tori Hendricks

OTD Capstone Projects

This pilot study aimed to determine whether the implementation of the PEDI-CAT assessment could be used to measure functional outcomes in equine assisted activities and therapies. 92 parents/caregivers of riders completed the assessment for the first time, while 12 parents/caregivers of riders completed it for the second time. When comparing pre and post assessments of riders, the 11/12 riders had a raw score increase. This change suggests that the PEDI-CAT assessment can in fact measure factors that affect overall quality of life, such as improvement in communication, motor skills, ADLs, and socialization in equine assisted activities and therapies.

Development And Implementation Of Employment And Housing Power Week Curriculum For Next Steps, Kelli Mcclintock

OTD Capstone Projects

Room In the Inn is a homeless resource center located in downtown Nashville, TN. There is a need for additional programming to the existing Employment and Housing Power Week curriculums in order to facilitate more participants towards employment and permanent housing. There is also a need for a universal, intake questionnaire that can be used by all staff members with their respective groups in order to identify the needs and wants of participants.

Efficacy And Caregiver Perceptions Of Child Passenger Safety Device Interventions For Behavioral And Postural Deficits, Michaela Isenberg

OTD Capstone Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop a research design for the Special Needs Mobility Program at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Services One Hundred Oaks (MCJCHV).

Outcomes: A research design was developed that could be carried out by the Special Needs Mobility Program, concerning the transportation of children with special healthcare needs. After a written review of the related literature was completed and the research design was developed, all paperwork associated with submission to the International Review Board for Vanderbilt was completed, which included surveys that were designed as outcome measures for the …

"Mommy & Me" Constraint Therapy At Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital At Vanderbilt, Logan Herndon

OTD Capstone Projects

Goals Of Experiential Component

• Develop advanced skills in clinical excellence, program development, leadership, and advocacy

• Provide resources for Vanderbilt to implement a CIMT program in the future

• Enact change in the Nashville community that benefits others through care, service, and social responsibilit

Promoting Physical Activity & Social Participation In Young Adults With Idd With Best Buddies, Belmont Chapter, Courtney Janusz

OTD Capstone Projects

Best Buddies is the largest international organization dedicated to end social, physical, and economic isolation among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alongside of the Belmont Best Buddies president, we assessed the club’s specific needs and developed a sustainable field-day like event to promote engagement in physical activity and social participation. Much of the research found revolved around a lack of ability to engage and participate in these kinds of activities, which resulted in poor overall physical health. Also, research stated that participation in activities (similar to the one we want to create) is the context in which we form …

Aota Continuing Education: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Sexuality And Intimacy, Tiffany E. Lee, Jacqueline M. Marquez

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to create a continuing education course for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) on the topic of OT’s role in addressing sexuality and intimacy. The topic of sexuality and intimacy is often under-addressed by healthcare professionals, despite its importance to clients. According to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, engagement in sexual activity is not only an ADL, but can be a key aspect of social participation in the context of familial and peer/ friend roles. Therefore, it is well within OT’s scope of practice to address sexuality and intimacy with clients. However, there …

Let's Talk About The Birds And The Bees: A Framework For Providing Sexual Education In Special Education, Heather Cowden

MOT Student Capstones

Background: Studies have shown that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are anywhere from three to seven times more likely to be sexual abused. These individuals are also more likely to be victims of bullying and may display maladaptive sexual behaviors due to their lack of sexual health knowledge. While provision of sexual health education has been shown to have many benefits including helping to decrease bullying and increase academic success, many students in special education, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, receiving little to no sexual education. This capstone project is aimed to raise awareness for the need …

An Ergonomic Assessment Of Healthcare Rehabilitation Workers, William Shepherd, Laramie Locke, Katherine Archibong

Scholars Week

Patient handling is a common task within the healthcare industry. Rehabilitation Therapists (RTs) and Rehabilitation Therapist Assistants (RTAs) report a significantly high incidence rate of low-back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The purpose of this study was to characterize the ergonomic risks associated with patient transfers and assisted gait therapy. Exposure to ergonomic risk factors were assessed using the Strain Index (SI), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and 3-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP). Subjects included three RTs and one RTA at a local assisted living and rehabilitation healthcare facility. Preliminary results indicate a high risk of developing MSDs …

Occupational Therapy: Breaking The Barriers With Survivors Of Human Trafficking, Leanne Bahn, Ots, Sierra Wells, Ots, Stacey Wisniewski, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

• What occupational therapy interventions enhance the occupational engagement for survivors of human trafficking?

Objectives

• Recognize the occupational injustices experienced by survivors of human trafficking and the effect on occupational participation
• Describe the role of the occupational therapy practitioner in enhancing occupational participation of survivors of human trafficking
• Discuss evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice for survivors of human trafficking

Trauma-Informed Care In A School Setting: Occupational Therapy Interventions To Promote Emotional Regulation, Sarah Blaise, Ots, Sara Cohen, Ots, Maria Marcum, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

• What trauma-informed occupational therapy interventions improve emotional regulation and participation in school-based tasks for students?

Objectives

• Define trauma and note its prevalence among school-aged children
• Describe principles of Trauma-Informed Care and its importance in a school setting.
• Describe current research to determine best practice using a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approach in schools for OT practitioners

The Splashing Effects Of Aquatic Therapy For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Eric Bradway, Ots, Mikaela Mcgraw, Ots, Katie Boshoven, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

• What are the effects of aquatic therapy on participation in childhood occupations for children with developmental disabilities?

Objectives

• Define aquatic therapy within the scope of occupational therapy practice for children with developmental disabilities
• Discuss the current evidence on effective aquatic based interventions to facilitate participation in childhood occupations in children with developmental disabilities
• Discuss ways to apply this information to practitioners’ own clinical setting

Promoting Sensory Environments And Strategies For Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes, Emma Mace

OTD Capstone Projects

This project served to promote sensory strategies among youth residents and their caregivers of a children's home in Brentwood, Tennessee as well as use the lens of occupational therapy to design an on-campus multi-sensory room.

Champ's Triathlon Training Program, Rachael Sollman

OTD Capstone Projects

Champ's Triathlon Training Program was created to provide an adaptive fitness opportunity to the community of Nashville, TN. This program was specifically targeting children 8 to 15 years old diagnosed with Down's Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale levels I, II, and III. Champ's Triathlon Training Program was an extension of the Champ's Tri My Best Triathlon hosted by a team of therapists and Vanderbilt's Pediatric Clinic, including Kelley Newman. The program aimed to increase the participants' strength, flexibility, and endurance through triathlon related activities such as running/walking, swimming, and biking. Outcomes of the program were to …