Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of High And Low Antiepileptic Drug Dosage On Simulated Driving Performance In Person’S With Seizures: A Pilot Study, Alexander Crizzle, Sherrilene Classen, Christina Lafranca, William Silver, Stephan Eisenschenk

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Prior studies examining driving performance have not examined the effects of antiepileptic drugs (AED’s) or their dosages in persons with epilepsy. AED’s are the primary form of treatment to control seizures, but they are shown to affect cognition, attention, and vision, all which may impair driving. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of high and low AED dosages on simulated driving performance in persons with seizures.

Method: Patients (N = 11; mean age 42.1 ± 6.3; 55% female; 100% Caucasian) were recruited from the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit and had their driving assessed on a simulator. …

Executive Functioning: Relationship With High School Student Role Performance, Donna P. Mann, Roberta Snover, James R. Boyd, Andrea J. List, Aaron J. Kuhn, Bridget N. Devereaux, Susan M. Chenoweth, Gina L. Middaugh

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

BACKGROUND. Student role performance for academic success in secondary education is under represented in the occupational therapy literature, despite the persistently high dropout rate in the United States (Stillwell & Sable, 2013). Executive dysfunction is one of many possible contributors to difficulties in the classroom (Dirette & Kolak, 2004) and is a better indicator of school performance than IQ (Diamond, 2012). This research examined executive functioning of both alternative and traditional high school students to determine if there is a relationship between executive function and academic success as measured by cumulative grade point average.

METHOD. 132 high school students from …

Personalized Medicine: Definitions, History, And Implications For The Ot Profession, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Kentucky Middle School General Education Teachers: Perceptions On Sensory Integration Of Students On The Autism Spectrum, Lynda C. Harrison

Dissertations

This study examines the perceptions of general education teachers in Kentucky middle schools regarding their knowledge concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and their abilities to implement strategies designed to accommodate students on the spectrum. Participants included both general and special education teachers though the original targeted sampling included general education teachers only. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a Likert scale survey created by the researcher and distributed through a web based program. Demographic characteristics collected included number of graduate credit hours, age, years of teaching experience, credited hours of training on ASD at …

Maternal Factors And The Emotional And Behavioural Functioning Of Adolescents With Chronic Health Conditions, Nicole Etherington, Janette Mcdougall, David Dewit, Virginia Wright

Occupational Therapy Publications

Purpose: This study investigated the association between mothers’ mental health and education and the emotional and behavioural functioning of adolescents with chronic health conditions over time.

Methods: Data were drawn from an ongoing study. Study participants (N¼363) were recruited through eight children’s rehabilitation centres. Logistic regression models were estimated.

Results: There were significantly reduced odds that girls would display clinical signs of hyperactivity/inattention one year later compared to boys when a maternal mental health condition was present (OR¼0.10; p50.01). Where low maternal education was present, girls were more likely to display peer relationship problems one year later (OR¼3.72; …

Preventing And Reducing Falls In Assisted Living Facilities: An Educational Intervention, Raquel F. Ramos, Jennifer A. Borcich, Taylor S. Wong

Student Research Posters

As the number of older adults continues to rise, falling in older adults has become a national health care issue. Many older adults who fall reside in assisted living facilities. Every time a fall incident occurs, first responders are called, utilizing a significant amount of first responder’s time and resources. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to implement a fall prevention program for residents of an assisted living facility (ALF) to reduce fall risk and fall-related calls to the local fire department. The project consisted of a four-week course given once weekly for 60 minutes to residents at an …

Immigrant & Refugee Family Wellness Through Yoga & Zumba, Elizabeth Crawford, Faith Swenson, Angela Serrani, Kathleen Cassidy, Brittany Roy

Immigrant and Refugee Family Wellness Engagement Through Yoga and Zumba

Research poster stemming from IPEC mini-grant funded student project Immigrant And Refugee Family Wellness Engagement Through Yoga And Zumba. Students from multiple health professions collaborated to provide Yoga and Zumba classes at the Riverton Community Center. The project aimed to increase the participants’ ability to utilize stress reducing activities through a blend of student created heath education materials and yoga and zumba classes for refugee women and children.

Exercise: An Antecedent Based Intervention To Address Sensory Motor Needs And Learning Readiness, Laura Greiss Hess, Heather Maurin

Collected Faculty Scholarship

• “Exercise (ECE) is a strategy that involves an increase in physical exertion as a means of reducing problem behaviors or increasing appropriate behavior while increasing physical fitness and motor skills”
• “ECE can be used effectively to address behavior, school-readiness, academic, and motor skills.” NPDC Exercise Fact Sheet, 2014

Effects Of Sertraline Treatment For Young Children With Fxs, Andrew Ligsay, Laura Greiss Hess, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Kerrie Lemons Chitwood, Jonathan Polussa, Salpi Siyahian, Randi Hagerman

Collected Faculty Scholarship

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help treat many of the phenotypic manifestations of fragile X syndrome (FXS) including anxiety, sensory processing challenges, and communication and intellectual deficits. However, the efficacy of SSRIs has not been previously studied in children with FXS under five-years-old. The purpose of this study was to elucidate group differences in behavior and developmental outcome measures for young children with FXS when treated with sertraline compared to placebo.

New Create Day Presentations In The Jdc, Daniel G. Kipnis, Msi

Jefferson Digital Commons News

Collaborative Research and Evidence Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE) Day is a clinical education program presented by occupational therapy graduate students in partial fulfillment of the Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University.

Prevalence And Influences Of Preschoolers’ Sedentary Behaviors In Early Learning Centers: A Cross-Sectional Study, Patricia Tucker, Leigh M. Vanderloo, Shauna M. Burke, Jennifer D. Irwin, Andrew M. Johnson

Occupational Therapy Publications

Background

Recent research has highlighted the need for increased evidence regarding the sedentary activity levels of preschoolers. Given the large proportion of time this population spends in various early learning facilities, the exploration of sedentary behaviors within this particular environment should be a priority. The purpose of the study was two-fold: (1) to compare sedentary time of preschoolers in three different early learning environments (i.e., full-day kindergarten [FDK], center-, and home-based childcare); and (2) to assess which characteristics (i.e., staff behaviors, sedentary environment, fixed play environment, portable play environment, sedentary opportunities) of these early learning environments influence preschoolers’ sedentary time. …

Occupational Therapy: Meeting The Needs Of Families Of People With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck, Renee Watling

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Occupational therapy has much to offer to families of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, people outside the profession may be unaware of occupational therapy’s breadth and scope. It is our responsibility and our duty to express the full range of occupational therapy services through research, clinical practice, advocacy, and consumer education. This special issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, with its focus on autism, embarks on this endeavor by highlighting research and theoretical articles that address the various aspects of occupational therapy practice that can help to fully meet the needs of people with ASD and …

Using Interprofessional Education & Simulation-Based Learning In Health Profession Curricula To Improve Competence & Confidence: A Systematic Review, Danielle Elfand, Ots, Briana Elson, Ots, Courtney Hudson, Ots

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

Objectives of Presentation:

● Describe the types of interprofessional education (IPE) simulation-based learning experiences in current health professions curricula.

● Discuss benefits for implementation of IP simulation into pre-licensure health profession programs.

● Explain how IP simulation-based learning improves workforce competency and confidence in entry-level health

● professionals.

PICO: What is the impact of interprofessional education simulation activities in improving workforce competency and confidence in entry level health professionals?

Presentation: 44 minutes

I Think Therefore I Can. A Systematic Review Of Metacognitive Strategies And Their Impact On Occupational Performance In Adults Following Stroke, Kerry Canton, Ots, Chelsea Difrancesco, Ots, Christy Geaney, Ots, Sarah Jamieson, Ots, Jessica Talarico, Ots

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

Objectives of Presentation:

1. Explain the role of metacognition in everyday activities

2. Discern the quality of evidence regarding metacognitive strategies in adults who have sustained a stroke.

3. Conceptualize a metacognitive intervention to utilize within stroke rehabilitation based on the evidence

presented in this session.

PICO: What is the evidence for the impact of metacognitive interventions on occupational performance in adults who have sustained a stroke?

Presentation: 43 minutes

Reach For The Stars: Improving Upper Extremity Function After Spinal Cord Injury, Carlisle Bland, Ots, Molly Bucciero, Ots, Shelby Hankins, Ots, Blair Krevitz, Ots, Nicole Matyas, Ots

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

Objectives of Presentation:

1.) Describe how cervical spinal cord injury affects UE functioning necessary for activities of daily living.

2.) Describe occupational therapy interventions used to increase UE functioning in cervical SCI.

3.) Discuss how current evidence supports implementing occupational therapy interventions into clinical practice for individuals with cervical SCI, in order to maximize independence in activities of daily living.

PICO: What is the evidence supporting occupational therapy interventions to increase upper extremity function in order to improve ADL performance following Cervical Spinal Cord Injury?

Presentation: 42 minutes

Promoting Quality Of Life For Individuals With Huntington’S Disease, Lyndsay Gentile, Ots, Mallory Koch, Ots, Elyse Mccabe, Ots, Jessica Royal, Ots, Sarah Sadofsky, Ots

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

Objectives of Presentation:

 Describe the symptoms of Huntington’s disease and their impact on functional performance.

 Recognize the role of occupational therapy in improving quality of life for individuals with Huntington’s disease.

 Discuss how occupational therapy interventions for individuals with Huntington’s disease can be applied in a variety of settings.

Clinical Question:

What is the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions in improving quality of life for individuals with Huntington’s disease?

Presentation: 46 minutes

Early Mobilization In The Intensive Care Unit (Icu): A Systematic Review, Lara Belasco, Ots, Shannon Dixon, Ots, Nina Pesce, Ots, Jennifer Wong, Ots

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

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the learner will be able to:

1. Explain early mobilization techniques in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

2. Identify the role of occupational therapy in the ICU

3. Discuss the implications of early mobilization interventions for adults in the ICU

Clinical Question:

What are the effects of early mobilization on ADL performance for adults in the ICU?

Presentation: 42 minutes

A World Of Opportunities: Community Reintegration For Individuals With Brain Injury, Francine Gebbia, Ots, Amy Miller, Ots, Marianella Sanchez, Ots, Erica Serviolo, Ots, David Turoff, Ots

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

Objectives of Presentation:

● Define community reintegration within the scope of occupational therapy

● Explain the importance of community reintegration for adults with a brain injury

● Discuss the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions used to promote community reintegration

for adults with a brain injury

PICO:

What is the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions in community reintegration for individuals with brain injury?

Presentation: 53 minutes

Back In The Saddle: A Systematic Review Of Occupational Therapy Interventions That Facilitate Return-To-Work, Preston W. Lockwood, Ots, Julie Luu, Ots, Brady Mcguire, Ots, Jay Skaria, Ots

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

Objectives of Presentation:

1. Recognize the opportunity for injured workers, organizations, and society to benefit from occupational therapy interventions that improve return to work (RTW) outcomes.

2. Classify RTW occupational therapy interventions based on effectiveness.

3. Describe strategies to apply evidence-based interventions in current clinical practice.

PICO: What interventions within the scope of occupational therapy best facilitate return-to-work for adults with musculoskeletal disorders on workers compensation?

Presentation: 50 minutes

Interventions For Improving Occupational Performance Post-Concussion In Children And Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Abigail Gilmore, Ots, Amy Gottesman, Ots, Sarah Kauper, Ots, Michelle Malon, Ots, Brianna Schwoyer, Ots, Alisha Unternahrer, Ots

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

Objectives of Presentation:

● Recognize the significant impact of concussion on immediate and long-term mental and physical well being in the pediatric population.

● Identify the need for novel and effective interventions that address the impact of pediatric concussions.

● Describe current concussion interventions and management practices and the gap that exists in the literature.

● Discuss interventions within the scope of OT practice to address occupational performance in children and adolescents post-concussion.

Clinical Question: What interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice are indicated in the current literature to improve occupational performance in children and adolescents who have …

Making It Work: Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Adaptations For Successful Employment, Kelsey Curran, Julia Huntington, Amanda Siefert, Kristina Slog, Meagan Stromer, Kristina Toussaint

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

Objectives of Presentation:

1. Discuss barriers to achieving successful postsecondary employment outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

2. Identify and describe evidence for adaptations that support individuals in post-secondary employment.

3. Interpret the clinical implications of the presented findings for occupational therapists, clinicians, educators, and researchers.

PICO: For individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), what adaptations effectively support postsecondary employment and/or job specific skills?

Methods:

• Developed a PICO question, identified databases, search terms, and inclusion and exclusion criteria

• Systematically searched databases using Scopus, ERIC (Ovid), & CINAHL and screened articles by title, abstract and full-text

•23 final …

Providing Compassion Through Flow, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Meg Kral, MS, OTR/L, CLT, is the cover artist for the Summer 2015 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. Her untitled piece of art is an oil painting and is a re-creation of a photograph taken while on vacation. Meg is currently supervisor of outpatient services at Rush University Medical Center. She is lymphedema certified and has a specific interest in breast cancer lymphedema. Art and occupational therapy serve similar purposes for Meg: both provide a sense of flow. She values the outcomes, whether it is a piece of art or improved functional status.

Framing Ecological Validity In Occupational Therapy Practice, Patricia A. Crist

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

He Said—He Said: A Scholarly Conversation About Assessment, Glen Gillen, Jim Hinojosa

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Spiritual Assessments In Occupational Therapy, Barbara Hemphill

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Spirituality is recognized as an important concept in the study and practice of medicine, including occupational therapy. This aligns with occupational therapy’s core value of treating people holistically—mind, body, and spirit. Currently, the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO) requires that a spiritual assessment be given to patients on admission. To conduct effective spiritual assessments, occupational therapists must distinguish between religion and spirituality. They also must be aware of their own spiritual beliefs and practices and how those might influence their clinical interactions. This article presents spiritual assessment tools that occupational therapists can use in clinical practice; …

A Review And Case Exemplifications Of Health Enhancement Lifestyle Profile (Help) And Its Screener (Help–Screener) For Older Adults, Eric J. Hwang, Terry Peralta-Catipon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Growing interest in promoting healthy lifestyles as a way to enhance successful aging has led to the necessity of screening and monitoring lifestyle behaviors among older adults. The 56-item Health Enhancement Lifestyle Profile (HELP) and its screening version, the 15-item HELP-Screener are a set of instruments designed for assessing various health-related lifestyle behaviors in older adults, including exercise, diet, social and productive activities, leisure, activities of daily living, stress management and spiritual participation, and other health promotion and risk behaviors. This article depicts the critical features (e.g., administration and scoring) and clinical usefulness of the two instruments and reviews the …

Assessing Volition In Pediatrics: Using The Volitional Questionnaire And The Pediatric Volitional Questionnaire, Anne Kiraly-Alvarez

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Evidence suggests that pediatric occupational therapists predominantly use bottom-up, impairment-focused theoretical frameworks and assessments to guide their practice, despite the current trends promoting top-down, occupation-based approaches. Understanding a child’s volition, guided by the use of the Model of Human Occupation, contributes to a more occupation-based, client-centered, holistic, and strength-based approach to therapy. Two assessment tools, the Volitional Questionnaire and the Pediatric Volitional Questionnaire, contribute to a therapists’ understanding of children’s volition. These assessments facilitate therapists’ clinical reasoning and the ability to assess and address volition throughout the occupational therapy process.

Exploring Content Validity Of Shore Handwriting Screening And Newly Developed Score Sheet With Pre-Kindergarten Students, Denise K. Donica, Erin Francsis

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Limited tools exist to measure handwriting readiness skills of pre-kindergarten students. This study was a preliminary exploration of content validity of the Shore Handwriting Screening (SHS) and the newly developed Score Sheet with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) in 4- and 5-year-old pre-kindergarten students. Because socioeconomic status (SES) is known to impact handwriting skills, data from two different socioeconomic groups were collected.

Method: Students from a Lower SES group (n = 36) and a Higher SES group (n = 14) completed the SHS and fine motor composite of the BOT-2. Pearson’s correlation was used to …

Examining The Purdue Pegboard Test For Occupational Therapy Practice, Debra K. Lindstrom-Hazel, Nicole Vandervlies Veenstra

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapy ethics require that therapists use current assessment tools that provide useful comparison data. When an assessment only has normative data that is more than 40 years old, it cannot be considered current. The purpose of this study was to examine the past and current use of the Purdue Pegboard Test by occupational therapists and other professionals and to determine if it is beneficial to conduct a large normative study on the Purdue Pegboard Assembly Task (PPAT) in order to bring the test up to date.

Method: This was a psychometric study of inter-rater reliability and a small …

Performance-Based Tools For Assessing Functional Performance In Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment, Patricia Da Cunha Belchior, Melanie Holmes, Nathalie Bier, Carolina Bottari, Barbara Mazer, Alexandra Robert, Navaldeep Kaur

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: It is now recognized that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) face subtle functional declines that can compromise performance in everyday tasks. However, it is still not clear how to capture these declines in the clinical setting. Thus, the goal of this study was to conduct a scoping review to identify performance-based tools for which the psychometric properties have been evaluated with the MCI population.

Methods: A scoping review of the scientific literature was performed with the guidance of a health science librarian in searching the MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases from their inception until May 2014.

Results: …