Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Importance Of Cultural Humility In Occupational Therapy, Jessika Reberg

Honors Theses

The demographics of the US have changed over the years due to a rise in the number of immigrants in the United States. Despite the rise of immigrants, and the cultural diversity they bring, healthcare disparities remain in the United States for various culture groups. The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of how increased cultural humility can mitigate healthcare disparities. Health care disparities effect minority groups regarding access to care and quality of care. The development of cultural humility can help mitigate disparities because it promotes self-awareness, reflection, and engagement in an on-going learning process. Implicit …

Analysis Of Injuries And Costs Of Public Safety Occupations: A Systematic Review, Jade Witmer

Graduate Theses

Public safety occupations, such as firefighters and law enforcement, perform physically demanding tasks in unpredictable environments with additional external loads putting them at risk for sustaining a musculoskeletal injury while on duty. The goal of this systematic review was to address the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries and costs related to those in the public safety occupations of firefighting and law enforcement.

A Bilingual Approach To Pediatric Occupational Therapy: The Importance Of Communication Between Providers & Spanish-Speaking Families In Northwest Arkansas, Emily Ann Davidson

World Languages, Literatures and Cultures Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to the demographic demands of Northwest Arkansas and the prevalence of disparities in health care, this study aims to assess the current practices, perceived need, and willingness to provide bilingual Spanish-English outpatient pediatric occupational therapy options in Northwest Arkansas. The hope of this study is to better inform pediatric occupational therapy providers of the growing need for bilingual services so that they may respond appropriately in order to better serve Latino and Spanish-speaking patients and their families or caregivers.

Transition In Occupations Of Refugees During Resettlement, Jacqueline-Elizabeth Cantrell, Kimberley K. Banuelos, Adam Chan, Jennifer H. Daine

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Purpose: In 2016, there were 22.5 million refugees worldwide (UNHCR, 2017). California resettled just over 5,000 of those 85,000 (Igielnik & Krogstad, 2017). Limited research has been conducted in the United States (U.S.) focusing on the refugee experience; furthermore, there is a significant gap in research regarding the impact of the refugee experience on the occupations of refugees as they transition to living in the U.S. Smith (2012) explored the adaptation of cultural weaving among Karen refugees to maintain their previous occupations and the impact of daily weaving on their lives within Western culture; however, the study focused only …

Assistive Technology And The Impact Of Occupations, Chelsea Golding, Chantelle Bond, Vhernna Fernandez, Eizelle Barrientos

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Objective: The purpose of this research was to empirically examine the occupational impact of assistive technology - AT (with a specific focus on word prediction, text to speech and speech recognition) from the perspectives of the end user, family and school personnel (e.g. teachers, therapists & specialists) across various contexts (e.g. home, school, community).

Method: Qualitative data included semi-structured interviews, audio and video recordings, and records reviews. The data was coded and analyzed using a constant comparison method to identify themes pertaining to the occupational use of AT and thusly the impact to overall occupational performance.

Findings: Six themes were …

Experience And Awareness Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Etsu Student And Faculty Visual Artists, Chelsea Getchell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Musculoskeletal disorders are a chronic and debilitating issue; these injuries can result in pain and disability that affect daily life and the ability to work in certain careers. Visual artists are no exception to this reality. However, reliable research is scarce regarding this population. The purpose of this study is to examine the level of experience and awareness of visual artists regarding the subject of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomics within their chosen career field. The methods employed for this paper involved a survey where participants answered questions about workplace ergonomics, movements, and experience of muscle pains. Further indications of research …

The Sensoryfun! Toolkit: A Bilingual Resource For Parents & Caregivers, Nicolette D'Esposito, Yvette Lozano, Natalie Carrillo, Sarah Pashby

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

A sensory diet is an occupational therapy (OT) intervention strategy. Sensory diets are specifically designed to meet a child's sensory integration needs. Sensory diets are not standardized among practitioners and there are a limited number of resources available for individuals that do not have a clinical background. The lack of easy to understand resources for parents and caregivers creates several barriers for occupational therapists working with families with children experiencing sensory processing difficulties. One barrier is that there are few resources available in Spanish. The purpose of this project was to develop a resource for parents and caregivers using educational …

Physiological Responses Of Adults With Sensory Over-Responsiveness, Catherine Anne Datu, Nicholas Wing Or, Megan Melody Valentine, Megan Jeanne Velcich

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research study is to identify if there are physiological response patterns associated with self-reported sensory over-responsiveness (SOR) in typical adults. SOR is the most common sensory modulation disorder and negatively affects the daily experiences of those that report SOR. The first phase of the study consisted of phone interviews where participants were screened for any potential characteristics that could affect physiological function. Then, the SRQ and AASP were used in conjunction to identify low and high SOR, typical adults. The last phase utilized the Sensory Challenge Protocol, which is both standardized and randomized, to expose participants …

Effects Of Sertraline Treatment For Young Children With Fragile X Syndrome: Family Perspectives Via Case Studies, Tracy P. Ye, Decerie A. Mendoza, Elena A. Javier, Martina C. Dualan

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Current research on children with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) lacks inclusion of qualitative outcomes on the child’s daily occupational performance. Standardized measurements are frequently utilized and provide useful information, however, can be less sensitive to change (Berry Kravis et al., 2013) and miss capturing family perspectives and improvements within meaningful occupations. This research incorporates family perspectives via semi-structured interviews to promote an in-depth understanding about FXS and its impact on child and family occupations in addition to standardized assessment scores through in-depth case study analysis. This study used a mixed method research design examining four male participants who were given …

A Sensory-Based Program To Enhance Occupational Performance For Dementia, Ivy Annahi Torres-Flores, Jacob Gantan, Heather Anne August, Naomi Grace Wong

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Dementia is a neurological disease, causing behavioral and cognitive symptoms, that progressively impairs an individual’s ability to engage in meaningful activities. Progressive deterioration associated with dementia impacts occupational performance and independence and quality of life. Sensory based interventions, such as drumming groups, have been hypothesized to be a non-pharmacological intervention for individuals with dementia. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a sensory based intervention program, in this case participation in a drumming group, on functional engagement during self-feeding for individuals with dementia. Researchers gathered data over the course of two days using the Functional Behavior …

Autism And Occupation: Video Modeling For Maker Activities, Hannah Gibeson, Kelly Yerby, Molly Smith, Brittany Yung

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Understanding the lived experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using video modeling (VM) while engaging in Maker activities is an essential part of occupational therapy research. Participants in this study were four individuals with ASD recruited from a project-based studio located in San Rafael, CA, and one staff member. The qualitative portion of this study analyzed the lived experiences and perspectives of the individuals with ASD and their service provider through qualitative semi-structured interview methods. The quantitative portion of this study analyzed the effectiveness of VM for Maker activities during the activity of making a box using a …

The Impact Of Fall Efficacy On Occupational Performance In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Michelle Fong, Araya Moua, Erin Denola, Merit Franklin

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Falls are a major health concern in the older adult (OA) population. While there is research on falls and their prevention, research on how low fall efficacy (FE) impacts the occupational engagement of the OA population is limited. FE is defined as the confidence a person has in his/her ability to complete a task without falling (Tinetti & Powell, 1993). A qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of OAs with low FE and the impact on occupational performance. Participants who scored ≤ 6 on the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES) engaged in a …

Exploratory Application Of A Sensory Activity Schedule In Head Start Preschool, Marian Perez, Elaine Wong, Michelle Perryman

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Objective: The objective of this research is to determine whether the implementation of sensory activity schedule in a preschool classroom can increase the on-task behaviors of the students.

Methods: Three students were recruited to participate in a quantitative multiple single subject design with qualitative follow-up study. The participants performed sensorimotor activities before circle time and were monitored for frequency of their off-task behavior using a time sampling frequency data collection. Afterwards, the head teacher was interviewed to discuss the experience.

Results: Off-task behavior decreased from baseline on all three children, which supports the efficacy of sensory activity schedule in reducing …

Occupational Responses Of Older Adults Following Partner Loss, Carol Huang, Jane Song, Peter Behr, Stephanie Sterner

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Spousal loss has been frequently identified as a life stressor that can greatly impede one’s ability to age at home. The purpose of this study is to identify the occupational changes that commonly result after this event and their impacts on one’s ability to age in place. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological research design. Eight participants were recruited from an educational program for older adults and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. Researchers transcribed and coded all interviews to determine emergent themes. Two major categories of themes were found: occupational and intrinsic responses. The areas of occupation that …

Dating For College Students In The San Francisco Bay Area, Justin Pring, Cristina Cummings, Gabriela Saucedo, Cathy Lynn Gonzales

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Dating is a widely practiced occupation by many individuals, especially the emerging adult, college student population. The primary objective of this research study was to develop a greater understanding of San Francisco (SF) Bay Area college students’ perception, practice, and occupational impact of dating. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with seven college students living in the SF Bay Area. Three themes emerged: the dating process, internal and external factors that influence dating, and personal growth from dating experiences. The data revealed that the emerging adult, college student population values dating and believes it can significantly impact their own development. However, this …

Executive Function And Motor Skills In Preschool Children, Meggin Kelley

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a short-term motor program on the executive function and motor skills in preschool children utilizing a Pretest and Post test design. The present study was designed with two periods of program intervention- once in the fall and once in the spring. It was hypothesized that a 10-week motor intervention would demonstrate positive motor and executive function gains in the experimental (motor) group. Children ranging from 4 to 6 years of age participated in this study. Baseline motor and executive function scores were obtained during the Pretest phase. Subsequently, …

The Effect Of Perceived Level Of Social Support On The Fear Of Falling, Kali A. Todd

Honors College Theses

Background: Perhaps the most prevalent cause of anxiety among the elderly is the fear of falling (FOF), considering that a fall can lead to serious complications and the decline of health. Kumar et al. found that subjects with a FOF usually have less social support. Therefore, increased social support could possibly decrease the FOF, thus decreasing the likelihood of a fall overall. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the amount of perceived social support one receives and the FOF among people ages 60 and up. Methods: In order to measure FOF and social support among …

The Role Of Horticultural Therapy In The Treatment Of Refugees With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Molly Nadeau

Senior Honors Theses

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cites that there are an unprecedented number of refugees. As of 2017, over 68.5 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes, with 25.4 million of this group being classified as refugees (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2018). Often, mental health issues arise from the trauma that they face. Recently, the use of horticultural therapy, which uses gardening and plant-based activities as a form of treatment, has shown mental health improvements in military veterans and active duty soldiers diagnosed with stress related disorders. This paper will describe the role of …

Relationship Of Grip Strength And Quality Of Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Melissa Van Omen

Honors Theses

Loss of muscle strength is one of the key features of aging. Quality of life is a factor that affects productive aging and loss of muscle strength. A literature review was completed to assess the possible relationship between grip strength and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults, as measured through physical health in terms of independence with ADLs/IADLs, physical disability, and mobility. Articles were collected from various peer-reviewed, publish journals using the available databases of Western Michigan University libraries. Databases used include PubMed, Clinical Keys, the National Institute of Health (NIH), Springer Link, Scopus, BioMed Central, Wiley, and Oxford …

Exploring A Child’S History For Optimal Treatment Of Food Selectivity., Briana Lear

Honors Theses

Food selectivity is defined as “food refusal based on type, texture, temperature, or appearance of food, leading to a self-restricted diet” (Suarez, 2015). Food selectivity affects children of all ages. Food selectivity refers to when a child is eating as few as 5-10 different foods and demonstrates food refusal behaviors, which can make mealtime a challenge for children and their families (Suarez, 2015). Occupational therapy addresses activities of daily living (ADLS), therefore feeding, including food selectivity is included within the OT scope of practice. There is a need to create a comprehensive and thorough document to collect a client’s history …

The Use Of The Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool To Decrease The Risk Of Falls In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Brooke Mack

MOT Student Capstones

Older adult falls ages sixty-five and older are a major health concern in the United States of America. This project is an educational in-service provided through a power point presentation designed to educate community dwelling older adults on areas in their home that could increase their chance of falling in their home environment. This will be accomplished by using components of the home safety-self assessment tool. There are three main objectives which include: educating community dwelling older adults on various areas in the home that could lead to an increased risk of falls, suggest possible solutions, assistive devices, helpful products, …

Consultation-Based Ot Services To Improve Complex Environmental Modifications: Perspective Of Practicing Occupational Therapists, Brooke E. Wallace

MOT Student Capstones

Occupational therapists (OTs) are skilled medical professionals who use a holistic and clientcentered approach to improve one's functional independence. Research demonstrates that consultation-based occupational therapy services between a client, OT, and building professional would benefit aging and/or disabled adults who are seeking complex home modifications. The objectives of this capstone project are threefold: to increase practicing occupational therapists' awareness of an expanding area of need with >50% of participants in agreeance that consultation-based services will increase a client's level of independence, for OTs to report an increased familiarity level with relevant assessments and with the implementation process for consultation-based OT …

Enhancing Mot Student Fieldwork At The Community Free Clinic, Antwon Griffin

MOT Student Capstones

The purpose of this project was to development of a level I fieldwork manual to improve the structure of the occupational therapy student learning experience at Community Free Clinic. It aimed for the occupational therapy student to gain perspective and understanding of occupational therapy's role in a unique setting to enhance organization and critical thinking skills to apply theory to practice. The manual is based upon the importance of establishing mutual respect, trust, and communication skills with other healthcare professionals to provide quality care and cultural competence to provide additional services to the people of underserved communities. Evidence supports that …

Aol Transfer Training Program For Nursing Staff In The In-Patient Rehab Setting Through Occupational Therapy Based Skills, Bailey Christiano

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone is a project implementation of an AOL transfer training program for nursing staff for an in-patient rehab facility. The three objectives of this project include decreasing the overall number of client falls on the unit, increasing the self-efficacy of the nursing staff in regards to ADL transfers, and to educate the nursing staff on how to perform safe ADL transfers at a minimal assist level. Training videos were created through the collaboration of OT, nursing, and hospital videographers and were viewed by all nursing staff participants. Three hands-on training sessions for nursing staff were conducted by OT clinicians …

Occupational Therapy-Based Education Of Sensory-Enriched Activities For Interdisciplinary Services, Emily Minton

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone is a project implementation of sensory-based activities for an interdisciplinary team of therapy practitioners at a pediatric outpatient facility. The objectives of this project include increasing self-efficacy in pediatric-based practitioners addressing sensory seeking behaviors, educate practitioners on the importance of addressing sensory seeking behaviors to promote participation via sensory-enriched activities, and educating practitioners on four simple sensory-based activities to decrease sensory seeking behaviors during sessions. Educational handouts, as well as a PowerPoint presentation, and visual demonstration were created and viewed by all members of the interdisciplinary team at the pediatric outpatient clinic. The education session and all data …

Vision Rehabilitation Impacting Return To Occupation After Post-Concussion Syndrome, Joe Kardine, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Vision rehabilitation is an emerging use of efficient occupation-based intervention in occupational therapy for vision impairment after concussion. Public awareness of untreated concussions has led to more patients seeking treatment for symptom remediation. Efficient interpretations of comprehensive vision evaluations followed by incorporation of vision therapy to treatment improve performance outcomes, increase patient quality of life and ensure compliance of intervention.

Bridging The Gap Between Academia And Practice: Possibilities For Research Collaboration And Funding, Anne H. Zachry

Faculty Presentations

Preparing a successful small grant proposal involves research, planning, preparation, and determination, but obtaining funding for a creative project is not unrealistic. Practitioners are in the trenches on a daily basis, and many likely have novel ideas and relevant questions, especially when it comes to interventions. These intervention questions are important, with the American Occupational Therapy Association reporting that more studies are needed to investigate and support occupation-based intervention. By developing partnerships, educators, practitioners, and students can engage in small scale projects to further the knowledge base in the field of occupational therapy.

From Prison To The Community: The Pivotal Role Of Ot In Facilitating A Healthy Transition, Pari Kumar, Bs, Jennifer A. Merz, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Otr/L, Cla, Susan E. Connor, Otd, Otr/L, Cchp

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

• Approximately 630,000 prisoners are released into the community each year.1
• First Step Act (2018) reduces minimum sentencing for populations such as nonviolent drug offenders.2
• Majority released to unsafe areas due to shortage of affordable housing. 3
• Insecure housing and homelessness are related to increased:
• Recidivism4; Emergency room use5; Substance use 6; Unstable family relationships7; Mental health (MH) problems.7
• Post-release is a high-risk time due to poor care continuity and lack of support.8 •Individuals report difficulty: Obtaining employment and stable housing, accessing relevant treatment services, reintegrating with their families and communities.9
• Stable housing provides a secure place to seek employment, …

The Student Hotspotting Program: Facilitating Interprofessional Community Learning, Tracey Vause-Earland, Phd, Otr/L, Sara Cohen, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Student Hotspotting teams work together to identify and engage super-utilizing individuals to establish healing relationships and identify barriers to their care. With support from faculty and clinician advisors, students guide these individuals through achieving personalized health goals, navigating the complex healthcare system and connect them to community resources.

In addition to hands-on work, students are guided through this program with a supplemental online curriculum consisting of webinars and monthly case conferences with professionals in the field.

• Core Principles: Harm reduction, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care and accompaniment
• Webinars cover topics such as client recruitment and enrollment, the power of empathy, …

Critically Appraised Paper: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial Of Individualized Occupational Therapy For Patients With Schizophrenia In Japan, Pari Kumar, Bs, Mary Muhlenhaupt, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

• Based on the article "A multicenter, randomized controlled trial of individualized OT for patients with schizophrenia in Japan," by Shimada, et al.
• Results suggest that combining individual OT with group OT can improve cognition, intrinsic motivation, medication adherence, and treabnent satisfaction for individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
• These findings have implications for OTs working in psychiatric settings.