Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Sensory Processing Patterns And Internalizing Behaviors In The Pediatric And Young Adult General Population: A Scoping Review, Kasey Kotsiris, Jennifer Westrick, Lauren Little

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: While research has largely focused on the relationship between sensory processing patterns and internalizing behaviors (e.g., anxiety, depression) in children with autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, this relationship is not fully understood among the general population or across development.

Method: This scoping review addressed the following research question: How are sensory processing patterns associated with internalizing behaviors (e.g., anxiety, depression) among children with various conditions as well as typically developing children from birth to 22 years of age?

Results: Since 2005, n = 97 peer-reviewed articles have addressed this topic and were included …

Scoping Review Of Interventions To Promote Social Participation In Adolescents And Young Adults With Neurodisability, Conall O'Rourke, Mark Linden, Gary Bedell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Social participation, described as taking part in, being involvement and engaged with, and doing or being with others, is an important health outcome. Adolescents and young adults with neurodisability are often restricted in their social participation, particularly if they experience social and executive functioning challenges. A scoping review was conducted to examine interventions aimed at improving social participation in adolescents and young adults with neurodisability characterized by these challenges.

Method: The scoping review included peer-reviewed empirical studies published from 1990 to 2016 that employed psychosocial interventions to improve social participation in young people 13 to 24 years …

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Linking Motor And Process Skills, Sensory Patterns, And Psychiatric Symptoms, Lola Halperin, Janet Falk-Kessler

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Consistent evidence suggests sensory abnormalities and skill deficits in people with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD). Further exploration of their sensory patterns and performance skills is warranted to promote community participation among these individuals.

Method: This study examined sensory patterns and motor and process skills in relationship to psychiatric symptoms in adult patients with SSD. Participants were evaluated using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

Results: Of the 18 participants, the majority showed sensory differences, deficits in motor and process skills, and the presence of moderate …

State Of The Journal: 400,000 And Growing, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Homeless Women And Women At-Risk Of Homelessness, Kelcey Storkersen

Student Capstone Papers

This paper seeks to identify the occupational barriers and needs of homeless women and women at risk of homelessness. A qualitative research study was performed to learn more about the lived experience of two women at-risk of homelessness. Themes uncovered in this study are described in order to provide more understanding and advocacy for this population. A program proposal was delivered for future fieldwork students to provide occupational therapy students at this resource center.

The Managemed Screening As A Tool For Discharge Planning, Manpreet Nijjar

OT Student Capstones

The ManageMed Screen was used as a tool for discharge planning from a post-acute rehab setting to reduce readmission rates. The goal was to identify barriers to medication adherence. Medication adherence is best explained as the extent to which patients follow the given instructions for prescribed medication.

The Fostering Healthy Parents Program: A Specialized Program Developed For The Foster Care Community, Kelly Cregar

OT Student Capstones

Foster children and their caregivers are underrepresented and overlooked in many aspects of their care. Lack of resources and services leave them in the dark, both financially and medically, resulting in around a 50% guardian retention rate (National Council for Adoption, 2018). Constantly being uprooted and either placed in a new home or a group home, foster children rarely achieve a feeling of belonging, leading to a plethora of health problems (Fawley-King, Trask, Zhang, & Aarons, 2017). Occupational therapists have the potential to develop programs that encourage development and progression in this demographic, as well as programs that allow for …

The Perceived Benefits Of Counseling Provided To First Responders Through The Officer Craig Tiger Act, Matthew Wittwer

OT Student Capstones

Importance: Responding to traumatic incidents can cause negative effects on first responders mental and physical health. In 2018, Arizona passed the Officer Craig Tiger Act requiring state funded departments and agencies to provide sworn firefighters and police officers with 36 licensed counseling visits following a traumatic event. Objective: This cross-sectional study looks at the perceived benefits of the Act through the perspective of the first responders. Methods: A survey was completed by 65 first responders. The survey included the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and a questioner to gather …

Neuropsychological Test Performance In Individuals With Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms: A Data-Driven Method To Conceptualize Ot Cognitive Rehabilitation Toward Return-To-Work, Naomi Melendez

OT Student Capstones

Cognitive deficits, secondary to concussion, can impact return to work; people may be held from work due to symptoms. Common difficulties include trouble learning new tasks, or needing more time to perform job tasks. In 10-20% of cases, symptoms can persist for months, and are more likely to persist one year post-injury. Studies have examined cognitive performance after concussion with mixed results, warranting further research in cognitive deficits and cognitive rehabilitation. The OT scope of practice is inclusive of rehabilitation at the physical, cognitive, and affective domains; however, concussion cognitive rehabilitation services are under-represented in literature.

The purpose of this …

Prescription Drug Abuse, Olivia Ann Lauer, Laura Bray

Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

This informative paper analyzed the prescription drug abuse epidemic among the adolescent population through a holistic lens. The prescription drug abuse epidemic has been identified as a national and community healthcare issue due to the harmful physiological effects and alarming death rates of adolescents in the United States. Current healthcare policies by the federal government, pharmaceutical companies, and various organizations were researched to show the progress made to counteract the epidemic; and possible consequences of these newly implemented policies were reviewed and scrutinized. In response to the prescription drug abuse epidemic, a physician accountability system was proposed as a potential …

Combined Effects Of Telehealth And Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy For Individuals With Chronic Hemiparesis, Mary Ann Smith, Machiko R. Tomita

Occupational Therapy Collection

Telehealth use allows improved access to services and results in potential cost savings. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a combined modified Constrained Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) program using telehealth and in-person sessions, for participants with higher (Group 1) and lower (Group 2) functional ability of the hemiparetic upper extremity. Using a pre-experimental design with a 6-week intervention, 28 participants were assessed twice on use of upper extremity via subjective and objective measures. For the Motor Activity Log, the amount of use and quality of use were significant for Groups 1 and 2. Significant improvements …

Teaming For Transition: Interprofessional Collaboration, Megan Sturdivant, Emily Thompson, Sam Skelton, Rebecca Mallory

2020 Honors Symposium

The transition from youth to young adult for individuals with severe disabilities is difficult, provides few opportunities for employment, and offers less of a chance to connect with friends and engage with people. This research presents ways that speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school counselors, and special educators can collaborate to create a successful transition process for individuals with severe disabilities.

Occupational Therapy: The Supports And Barriers To Practice, Tammy Lane

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: The United States population is aging due to advances in healthcare and the aging of the “baby boomers generation” and the rate of aging is set to be the next public health challenge (Quarterman, 2017). Purpose: To address the unique nature of providing skilled therapy services in rural communities. To gain insight into the recruitment and retention of occupational therapists to rural communities. Theoretical Framework: The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) (Kielhofner,2008) theory explains how occupations motivate participants in their environments supported by habits and roles in which they engage. Methods: Quantitative design using a descriptive method research approach …

Ace: A Recipe For Occupational Competence, Brittany J. Miller

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Adverse childhood experiences are increasing in society and the lack of knowledge surrounding the condition from the adults who frequently interact with them is concerning. This concern lays the foundation for the development of a targeted approach to pediatric intervention by occupational therapists. The problem this capstone project addresses is expanding the understanding of how adverse childhood experiences mirror other common conditions as well as the need for more competent and confident occupational therapists in identifying and treating children with adverse childhood experiences.

An Exploration Of Financial Management Programming For Residents In One Homeless Shelter: A Qualitative Institutional Case Study, Amy M. Heiser

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Introduction: Homelessness affects the economy, societies, and individuals’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Occupational therapy is a holistic profession that works with all populations across the lifespan. Financial management is a life skill that many Americans struggle with. Evidence on financial management skill development within homeless shelters and occupational therapy is sparse. Occupational justice is a theoretical framework that supports the right for residents in a homeless shelter to have direct interventions toward skill development, such as education in financial management. Methods: This institutional case study explored a homeless shelter to gain knowledge of real-life program phenomena, with focus on …

Strategic Planning For A Psychosocial Occupational Therapy Program: A Swot Analysis, Kellie Roy

OT Student Capstones

PURPOSE

To examine and evaluate the Northern Arizona Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (NAVAHCS) psychosocial occupational therapy (OT) program using a SWOT analysis to inform solution-oriented strategies for future directions of the program.

A Comparison Of Populations: Formerly Incarcerated Men With Substance Use Disorder And Adolescent Psychiatric Patients, Jeanie Fairchild

OT Student Capstones

Aims of the project:

• Equip Maricopa Reentry Center (MRC) residents with life skills necessary for successful reentry.
• Utilize knowledge gained at MRC to teach life skills to adolescents patients at St. Luke’s Behavioral Center (SLBC).

Barriers In Cancer Related Experiences: Where Can Ots Fill In The Gaps, Zoe Hoberman-Kelly

OT Student Capstones

Over the last two decades, oncology has made vast improvements in the treatment and management of cancer. Medical advancements in diagnostic imaging, treatment agents and improved surgical techniques have transformed the effectiveness of cancer delivery and care. However treatment related obstacles and health concerns of survivors trails behind that of the treatment for the actual cancer. The literature identified a growing need for increased psychosocial and self-management services to help provide a more cohesive spectrum of care. The inclusion of occupational therapy services within the cancer care continuum can strengthen functional practice and help treat physical and psychosocial barriers. This …

Multidisciplinary Concussion Rehabilitation Team Referral Demographics, Assessments And Intervention Focus: A Retrospective Analysis, Angela A. Tauer

OT Student Capstones

Objective To review the demographic factors, mechanism of injury, assessments, and treatment by health professionals on a multidisciplinary concussion rehabilitation team in an outpatient clinic setting. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 360 patients attending the outpatient concussion clinic over a 15-month period. Patient data was included for 139 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Data collected on an electronic database was reviewed and analyzed. Results Patients aged 16-82 years (n=139; mean 42 years of age, 65.5% female) were evaluated on average 48 weeks following initial head injury. Patients referred by a physician had a mechanism of injury prevalence of motor vehicle accident …

Experiences Of Caregivers And Healthcare Practitioners Working With Children With Histories Of Family Trauma And Substance Abuse, Alexandra Contreras

OT Student Capstones

While the number of infants born with substance abuse exposure continues to grow, the United States lacks a national monitoring system (CDC, 2019). This may contribute to the discrepancy of services and supports available to those working with children with histories of family trauma and substance abuse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs and challenges of caregivers and healthcare practitioners working with children with histories of family trauma and substance abuse. To obtain a better understanding and well-rounded image of the challenges and needs, information was gathered from various perspectives of those involved. This OT doctoral …

Outcomes Of Capstone Experience: Playing Together: Outcomes Of An Online Telehealth Sensory-Motor Development Program For Parents With Children Between The Ages Of 1.0-6.11 Years, Sarah Cunningham

OT Student Capstones

Children with developmental delays or cognitive impairments are more at risk for trauma, attachment, and adverse childhood experiences. The purpose of this pilot study of the telehealth program entitled “Playing Together” is to analyze whether an occupational therapy telehealth parent-training play program is an effective way to deliver services and potentially mitigate the effects of for trauma, attachment, and adverse childhood experiences. Quantitative data was gathered via the standardized assessments of the Short Child Occupational Profile and the Canadian Occupational Profile Measure and qualitative data was gathered using parent interviews, researcher journals, and session observation notes. Participants completed five one- …

Supporting Successful Community Reintegration For Maricopa Reentry Center Residentsjustine, Justine C. Gonzales

OT Student Capstones

In 2018, the combined state and federal imprisonment rate was 431 sentenced prisoners per 100,000 U.S. residents (BJS, 2020). Arizona is #5 in the nation with the highest imprisonment rate, 559 sentenced prisoners per 100,000 state residents (BJS, 2020). As of May 2020, there are currently approximately 5,300 offenders under community supervision in Arizona with a majority (4,600 offenders) serving a Truth in Sentencing (TIS) (ADC, 2020).

Barriers to reintegration: laws and legal restrictions, societal stigma and employer attitudes, limited education, limited cognitive skills, limited work experience, inadequate job skills, unstable housing, inadequate social services, lack of a state-issued identification …

Occupational Therapy For A Child With Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis In An Outpatient Multidisciplinary Intensive Feeding Program: A Case Report, Kristel Ferrer

OT Student Capstones

Objective: This article presents a case report of a child with food protein induced enterocolitis,

various feeding difficulties, and poor sensory processing. It discusses the significance of occupational therapy in a multidisciplinary feeding therapy team and describes the outpatient occupational therapy-based plan and interventions during 14 weeks of an intensive feeding therapy program.

Method: Chart review of assessments and daily treatment notes and clinical observations were examined. Progress towards goals was obtained through daily treatment notes and informal parental interviews. Results: Improvement in occupational performance and participation in mealtime and play is captured through daily treatment notes and clinical observations. …

Pet Pals Program: Experiences Of Volunteer Residents Providing Friendly Pet Visits To Individuals In A Memory Support Unit, Kelsey Odell

OT Student Capstones

Studies show that animal-assisted therapy modalities have an effect on motivation for participation, behavioral or psychosocial regulation, and physical and cognitive functions in individuals with dementia. Dementia is a progressive neurocognitive disorder that affects cognition and memory. As the disease progresses, skills needed to participate in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), community engagement and socialization decrease, making maximal independence more difficult. The Pet Pals Program provides educational and teaching concepts to volunteers and their pets to provide friendly pet visits to those in the memory support units. The program emphasizes the benefits of …

Use Of Intentional Play On Emotional Self-Regulation In Children With Trauma Histories, Erin Sullivan

OT Student Capstones

The purpose of this Capstone research project was to examine the impact of intentional play as a means to increase emotional self-regulation skills in children with traumatic histories and explore how Occupational therapists (OTs) can use such strategies while working with this population. The research was conducted at an emergency children’s shelter and consisted of an educational component for staff and direct contact with the children. Eight staff members participated, and data was gathered on 22 children (N=22) over a span of five weeks. An outcome measurement adapted from the Short Child Occupational Profile (citation needed) was used to obtain …

Incorporating Functional Hand Assessments As Outcome Measures In Burn Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study, Kristin Hazak

OT Student Capstones

Purpose: To incorporate the use of two hand function assessments, the Sollerman Hand Function Test (SHT) and the Brief-Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (bMHQ), in the outcomes measure protocol at a regional burn center for improving functional assessment and recovery progress tracking of burn injured hands. Methods: Seven participants were included in this pilot study. Inclusion criteria were individuals 10 years of age and older with current admission to the Arizona Burn Center with a primary diagnosis of partial thickness (2nd degree) to full thickness (3rd degree) burn injury, including at least one hand, with no restriction on TBSA or agent. …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Self-Determination And Transition To Adulthood For High School Students In Special Education Programming, Kylee A. Read

OT Student Capstones

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 list occupational therapists (OT) as transition service providers in schools under the related services category (PL 105-117, 1997) able to provide interventions to help students develop skills to access the school curriculum and transition-related activities (Cleary, Persh, & Spencer, 2015). However, OTs are currently not fully participating in providing appropriate services in the areas of secondary education, vocational training, employment, community participation, and independent living to the extent allowed by the law (PL 108-446, 2004). Self-determination is the best predictor of successful transition to adulthood in students with disabilities. Self-determination can …

Aging In Place: Causes And Importance Of Fall Prevention Education, Molly Banks, Danielle Halstead, Mariah Leroux

Critically Appraised Topics

Falls are a significant concern for older community-dwelling adults’ ability to age in place, specifically those who aged 60 and older. Many factors contribute to the risk of falls in older adults that need to be addressed by health care facilities, home health providers, and caretakers. Occupational therapy has a role to educate older adults, as well as health care providers on how to prevent the risk factors of older adults and falls. The purpose of this CAT is to take a deeper look at why this population has so many falls and examine the research addressing education and risk …

Technology In Healthcare: How Artificial Intelligence Will Revolutionize The Profession, Ashley L. Mccowan

Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

The topic of artificial intelligence is a hot topic in the U.S. healthcare system and despite some uncertainties, continues to be increasingly integrated into healthcare delivery. Artificial intelligence can be used for different purposes including but not limited to data storage, decision making and image analysis. Critics of artificial intelligence in healthcare are skeptical of its ability to provide security of medical information and afraid that it will eventually replace the need for human healthcare workers. Although the critics skepticisms seem rational, further research of artificial intelligence in healthcare shows that those fears are not based on fact. Artificial intelligence …

Pediatric Insomnia And Sensory Processing: Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy Practitoners In Sleep Medicine, Jason Browning

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background. Since the founding of occupational therapy, the occupation of sleep has existed within the scope of practice for practitioners. Sleep disturbances in pediatric clients are estimated to be between 20% and 40% (Galland, Taylor, Elder, & Herbison, 2012; Mindell, Telofski, Wiegand & Kurtz, 2009; Meltzer, Johnson, Crosette, Ramos, & Mindell, 2010; Owens & Mindell, 2011; Sadeh, Mindell, & Owens, 2011). Deficits insensory processing of pediatric clients play a role in daily functioning and possibly in the ability to settle and transition to sleep (Dunn, 2001; Foitzik & Brown, 2018). Purpose. The purpose of this study is to explore the …