Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Picturing Life, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The cover art of the summer 2013 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy provided by Jonathan Darnall reflects his unique life perspective, current roles, and values. An exploration of Jon’s life experience reveals how creative arts, including photography, have positively influenced his life and inform OT practitioners about the benefits of photography as an intervention and an occupation.

Enhancing Client-Centeredness In Parkinson's Disease Care: Attending To The Psychosocial Implications Of Lived Experience, Jeffrey D. Holmes, Sara Lutz, Mike Ravenek, Debbie L. Rudman, Andrew M. Johnson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Evidence-based practice requires that clinicians interpret the best research evidence in the context of their clinical experience, while at the same time considering client knowledge and experiences. Although clinicians are becoming increasingly skilled at the evaluation of research evidence, the evidence-based practice process often neglects client values and self-identified health issues. Ignoring these key aspects of client-centered practice may lead to interventions that fail to target the implications of a client’s disease that are important to occupational participation and quality of life (QOL). A focus on client-centeredness is particularly important in progressive neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, where there …

Use Of Participant-Generated Photography In A Research Contribution Course, Maryellen Thompson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper describes the use of small, qualitative studies focused on interviews done with participant-generated photographs as an effective and efficient way of teaching research to entry-level masters students. A comparison of using time-use diaries vs. participant-generated photography is presented to explicate the research process and demonstrate the advantages of using photography, including ease of data collection and data sharing. Over a three-year period of using participant-generated photographs as a guide for semi-structured interviews, students have consistently expressed enjoyment of the research process and increased empathy with their research participants.

Therapists As Educators: The Importance Of Client Education In Occupational Therapy, Kate E. Decleene, Angelia J. Ridgway, Julie Bednarski, Lori Breeden, Gina Gabriele Mosier, Deborah Sachs, Donna Stephenson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Client education is a major component of everyday health care practice. Entry-level occupational therapy (OT) accreditation standards require educators to teach students how to demonstrate the ability to educate clients, family, caregivers, and significant others to facilitate their skills related to personal occupations. Although these standards are a necessity, entry-level programs are not required to teach students the teaching methodologies that support human learning. However, the educational standards do require students to apply the principles of teaching and learning processes. This project explored the evidence in teaching and learning strategies and how these were introduced to OT students during their …

Children With Developmental Disabilities And Their Motivation To Play, Lindsey Askins, Brittany Diasio, Dagmara Szewerniak, Susan M. Cahill

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how and when children with developmental disabilities aged nine to 12 years spontaneously demonstrated play behaviors indicative of intrinsic motivation. Data was collected from six child participants and four parent participants through the use of the Pediatric Volitional Questionnaire (PVQ) and semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews. Overall, the children who participated in this study sought out play experiences with which they were familiar in their natural environments. Specifically, they sought out experiences that afforded them the opportunity to exercise control over their environment and create a sense of predictability. Each of the children …

Stakeholder Recommendations To Refine The Fitness-To-Drive Screening Measure, Sherrilene Classen, Sandra M. Winter, Craig A. Velozo, Elizabeth M. Hannold, Jason Rogers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In developing the web-based Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure (FTDS) and keyform (results output) for use to identify at-risk older drivers, we examined the needs, perspectives, and suggestions of three stakeholders groups: occupational therapy practitioners, certified driver rehabilitation specialists (CDRSs), and family members/caregivers. We conducted three focus groups, which were moderated, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using directed content analysis. Respondents in two focus groups also rated FTDS aspects (e.g., ease of use, format, and relevance), using a visual analog scale (VAS, 0-10 scale with 10 being excellent). All three stakeholder groups contributed to the development of the web-based FTDS. Results from occupational …

Indicators Of Simulated Driving Skills In Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sherrilene Classen, Miriam Monahan, Stephanie Hernandez

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Adolescents are at high risk for motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have an even greater risk for MVCs due to impaired visual, cognitive, and motor skills critical for driving. This prospective two group study demonstrated the demographic, clinical, and simulated driving skill differences of seven adolescents with ASD (mean age = 15.14, SD ±1.22) compared to 22 healthy controls (HC) (mean age = 14.32, SD ±.72) through a comprehensive driving evaluation (CDE) conducted by an occupational therapist certified driving rehabilitation specialist (OT-CDRS). Adolescents with ASD performed poorer on right eye …

Trading In Our Paradigm Shifts For A Staircase, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

You've Got A Friend In Me: Effectiveness Of Social Skills Interventions For Children With Adhd, Michelle Carlton, Kelly Davis, Jacquelyn Matlack, Marietta Van Ness

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

Children diagnosed with ADHD present with the core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, which lead to challenges with school based activities, including peer interactions, academics, and extracurricular activities (McClelland, Morrison, & Holmes, 2000; Hoza, 2007). Current research identifies social skills interventions as a potential strategy for occupational therapists (OTs) to address these participation challenges of children with ADHD, however there is a multitude of interventions that fall under this umbrella. The variety of social skills interventions allows for flexibility and diversity in implementation, but poses the challenge of choosing the most effective intervention. This choice should be informed by evidence-based …

Rehabilitative Interventions To Improve Biomechanical Or Functional Outcomes For Children With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy, Loren Massimino, Erin Mulrain, Katherine Scheponik, Rachel Wiley, Houman Ziai

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

Background: Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) affects children worldwide, with incidence rates ranging from 0.5 to 3 per 1000 live births (Foad, Mehlman & Ying, 2008). Injury characteristics vary greatly and therefore, discrepancies exist regarding the most effective rehabilitation interventions. These children receive conservative management (through occupational and physical therapy), Botulinum toxin, surgery, or a combination of treatments (Benjamin, 2005).

Objective: To present the results of a systematic review of the literature to identify rehabilitative interventions that demonstrate statistically significant functional/biomechanical outcomes in children with OBPP.

Methods: A systematic search of the databases PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE …

Doing It Well: Education To Promote Satisfaction With Sexual Intimacy For People With Spinal Cord Injury, Allison Duggan, Erin Maniscalco, Dannielle Miccinello, Lauren Pasciuto, Catherine Scaccia

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

Physical and psychosocial effects of a spinal cord injury may lead to concerns and difficulty with sexual satisfaction, exploration, and arousal as well as diminished confidence with participation in intimate relationships (Craig Hospital, 2012). Current research indicates a decreased level of satisfaction with participation in sexual intimacy for adults with spinal cord injury (Fisher et al., 2002). Occupational therapists have a key role in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury, and sexuality is an area of occupation which falls within our scope of practice (AOTA, 2008). Therefore it is necessary that occupational therapists are assertive in addressing the …

Technology In Practice: Promoting Participation In Patients With High Level Of Spinal Cord Injury, Morgan Gill, Kate Nuschke, Kaitlin O'Sullivan, Casey Puvogel, Alex Sagnor

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

Motor impairment often occurs following a spinal cord injury, limiting participation in functional tasks. Although the primary rehabilitative focus is to cure paralysis, not all patients experience full recovery. For those who may not regain complete motor function, rehabilitative interventions are needed to bridge the gap between disability and optimal participation. During rehabilitation, patients prioritize increasing independence and participation in meaningful activities (Rigby, Ryan, & Campbell, 2010). More specifically, regaining arm and hand function was reported as a top priority during treatment for individuals with complete spinal cord injury (Peckham, et al., 2001). Technology has been utilized to improve participation …

Dementia And Technology: Evidence Supporting Assistive Technology For Individuals With Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias, Diana Skoutelas, Christine Tanner, Gabriella Vulpis, Gittel Zelczer

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

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the Unites States is estimated to be 5.2 million (Alzheimer’s Association, 2013). Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) can impact an individual’s ability to independently participate in daily occupations within their environment due to executive dysfunction, memory loss, poor judgment, and decreased problem solving (Desai, Grossberg, & Sheth, 2004; Alzheimer’s Association, 2013). Due to the rising prevalence of dementia, Labelle and Mihailidis (2006) note the importance of occupational therapists finding innovative and evidence-based strategies to enable participation in daily occupations. The purpose of this presentation is to present the results of a literature review …

Thinking Through The Chemo-Fog: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Promoting Participation In Adults With Breast Cancer, Amanda Ally, Lisa Ferguson, Emily Grabow, Katrina Long, Alisha Sharp

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

Breast cancer is currently the most common type of cancer in women (American Cancer Society, 2012). In 2012, 2,971,610 women in the United States were breast cancer survivors (American Cancer Society, 2012). Chemotherapy is often used to effectively treat breast cancer but can cause chemobrain, or chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments (CRCI), including decreased attention, concentration, memory, and difficulty learning new skills and completing routine tasks (American Cancer Society, 2013). CRCI can persist for years and may impact an individual’s occupational performance in daily activities and occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners currently work with this population in other areas including cancer-related fatigue management, …

Beyond Piecework: Employment For Persons With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Kelly Brandwene, Ilese Coleman, Adva Epstein, Alyssa Peachey, Lauren Rosenthal

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

All people deserve competitive, fulfilling employment (Lysaght, Cobigo, Hamilton, 2011). Many people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) have difficulty obtaining competitive employment despite desiring to work (Lysaght, Ouellett-Kuntz, & Lin, 2010). In past years, people with I/DD have been employed in sheltered workshops; however, they are often paid below minimum wage, do not receive benefits, and are viewed as subordinates. Workers report the desire to work outside of sheltered employment. Competitive employment (integrated/supported employment), can lead to social justice, social inclusion, personal growth, and improved financial situations (Migliore, Mank, Grossi, & Rogan, 2007). Occupational therapists are suited to assist …

Falling Into Home Mods: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Keeping Older Adults Safe At Home, Elizabeth Janeczko, Brendan Kiernan, Mary Susan Paige, Stephanie Reitemeier, Joshua Springer

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

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for older adults aged 65 and older.¹ Other consequences of falls are increased fear of falling, and decreased independence and participation in performance of daily activities. In the past decade, evidence has identified the multifactorial approach, which includes home modification, as the most effective approach in preventing falls in older adults.² Occupational therapists have the education and unique skill set to perform client-centered home modifications. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the results of an evidenced-based literature …

Can't Hold Me Back! Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy For Children With Cp: Evidence Based Review, Rebecca Coale, Danni Eisner, Alissa Herman, Sarah Merhaut

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

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have various functional impairments impacting participation in meaningful occupations. While Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a widely used intervention for adult populations, a modified version of this technique is a relatively new practice in pediatrics (Charles et al., 2006). Occupational therapy intervention, such as CIMT, can support functional goal attainment to enhance participation and quality of life (Boyd et al., 2010). The purpose of this presentation is to synthesize results of a comprehensive evidence-based review and identify treatment characteristics that impact efficacious use of mCIMT on children with hemiplegic CP. Practitioners will learn about best …

Clinical Effectiveness Of Motor Imagery Post-Stroke: An Evidence Based Review, Azadeh Narimanian, Amanda Reese, Karina Ryabo, Rachel Shepp, Annalisa Synnestvedt

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

Following a stroke, many individuals experience participation limitations secondary to upper extremity hemiparesis (Shenn & Leishear, 2011). Motor imagery, the mental representation of movement without any body movement, is an evidenced-based intervention to optimize upper extremity function for patients following stroke (Dickstein & Deutsch, 2007). Motor imagery is a readily applicable, safe, and cost-effective intervention that can help clients achieve a variety of occupational goals within diverse environments (Guttman, Burstin, Brown, Bril, & Dickstein, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to present the results of an evidence-based review examining the use of motor imagery to increase functional outcomes for …

Paws With A Purpose: Evidence Supporting The Use Of Animal Assisted Therapy To Improve Quality Of Life In Adults With Psychiatric Diagnoses, Julia Andraka, Lacey Brinser, Kelly D'Ambrosio, Jordan Justice, Elizabeth Rugen

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

Approximately 62.7 million Americans have a psychiatric diagnosis, including Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders^1,6. Adults who are diagnosed with these conditions experience a variety of limitations, including decreased quality of life⁴. Occupational Therapy (OT) has been shown to be an effective treatment to increase quality of life in adults with psychiatric diagnoses³. Occupational therapists working within the mental health field often need to use creative and innovative approaches to motivate their clients, including Animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a unique intervention approach that has the potential to improve a person’s emotional, physical, cognitive and …

Transitions For Tomorrow: An Evidence-Based Review Of Post-Secondary Transition Planning For Individuals With Autism, Julie Bardenwerper, James Gillette, Elizabeth Luk, Hilary Moser, Alanna Raffel

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

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disability in the US other than ADHD (IACC, 2012). Currently, the prevalence of individuals with ASD is estimated to be 1 in 88 in the US (CDC, 2012). Therefore, increasing numbers of children with ASD will age out of high school and transition to postsecondary settings. Individuals with ASD have demonstrated less successful postsecondary outcomes than individuals with other disabilities (Shattuck et al., 2011). Currently, there is limited research supporting the methods of successful transition planning for students with ASD (IACC, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the …

The Effects Of Multiple Sclerosis On Perceived Parenting Roles And Adolescent Coping, Alyssa Coundourides, Kendra Host, Elizabeth Rexroat

Adult

This research project focused on the effects of parental multiple sclerosis (MS) upon parenting roles and family coping. Specifically, the study was implemented to acquire insight into the primary research question: How do parents perceive familial role changes resulting from MS to impact coping of their adolescent children? The study also investigated the role of occupational therapy in assisting parents with MS to facilitate coping in their adolescent children. These concepts were investigated though a mixed methods design, using the Role Checklist to quantitatively assess participants’ roles and values, and a focus group to qualitatively explore participants’ lived experiences of …

The Effect Of Balance Training With An Innovative Approach Compared To Traditional Balance Exercises, Brian Curtis Waite

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of an X Box 360 KinectTM game as a modality for improving balance. Specifically, this study explores the use of the Target Kick mini game on Kinect SportsTM as a tool for VR rehabilitation. Subjects (N=18, age 23.3 ±2.87 yrs, mass 71.83 ±15.25 kg, height 168.4 ±7.79 cm) with no lower extremity injury were randomly placed into three groups (X Box n = 6, Traditional n = 6, and Control n = 6). The X Box (XBOX) group performed ten minutes of balance training by playing an X Box game …

Hand Pressure And Force: Adapted Knives Compared To A Straight Knife, Melissa S. Hudecz, Lillian A. Schaefer, Katherine A. Simon

Hand and Upper Extremity

This study analyzed the pressure and force required to cut an object with a standard kitchen knife and two adaptive knives. Occupational therapists recommend adaptive utensils such as kitchen knives. The appropriate tool or adaptive device reduces joint force and pressure and helps keep joints properly aligned to reduce pain during daily activities for individuals with arthritis. This research seeks to add to the body of knowledge to support the use of adapted equipment. Methods: Thirty-three participants were included in this study. Data were collected using a hand sensor and software made by Novel Pliance-X. This tool was found to …

Introduction To Ipe: A School-Wide Orientation Initiative, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Susan Wainwright, Phd, Pt, Frances Gilman, Dhsc, Rt, R, Ct, Cv, Mr

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Session Objectives:

Present an innovative approach to orienting new students from various healthcare disciplines on Interprofessional Educa(on (IPE).

Discuss strategies to shape incoming students’ attitudes toward working in teams.

Discuss challenges and opportunities in coordinating a large-­‐scale IPE event.

Synopsis

Interprofessional experiences are a vital part of healthcare education, and early introduction can positively impact students’ attitudes and knowledge about their team members’ roles. While students at academic health centers (AHC’s) have opportunites to engage in IPE, such opportunites can be overwhelming given significant challenges to coordination and implementation. Addressing these challenges, an interprofessional team at Jefferson School of Health …

Expressing, Responding, Protecting, And Inspiring Through Art, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Margy Hunter, MS, MA, LLP, OTR/L, created the cover of the Spring 2013 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. She created this untitled work as a personal reflection on the impact of war on individuals and society, as well as on the history of the profession of occupational therapy (OT), which began in response to military service members’ needs. Also embedded in the creation of this piece are the restorative benefits of participation in creative arts for OT practitioners who deliver services to patients experiencing profound life changes. Additionally, this article explores the artists’ use of art …

Preparing Occupational Therapy Students For The Complexities Of Clinical Practice, Lisa J. Knecht-Sabres, Mark Kovic, Minetta Wallingford, Lavonne Ellen St.Amand

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper examined the effect of a unique amalgam of adult learning methodologies near the end of the occupational therapy (OT) students’ didactic education as a means to enhance readiness for clinical practice. Results of quantitative and qualitative data analysis indicated that the use of standardized patients, in combination with a sequential, semistructured, and progressively challenging series of client cases, in an OT adult practice (intervention) course, improved the students’ self-perception of their level of comfort and skill on various foundational, yet essential, OT-related competencies.

Teaching Effectiveness: Preparing Occupational Therapy Students For Clinical Practice, Jane C. Obrien, Scott D. Mcneil

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Medical educators must examine the ability of teaching methodologies to prepare students for clinical practice. Two types of assessment methods commonly used in medical education include the Short Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and the Integrated Performance Procedural Instrument (IPPI). The use of these methods in occupational therapy (OT) education is less understood. With the increasing number of students enrolled in programs, faculty face challenges to examine how clinical competence is established using data to determine teaching effectiveness. This study examines two educational methodologies used in OT curriculum: the long written case study (IPPI) and short performance-based OSCE. The authors …

Grip And Pinch Strength Norms For Michigan Workers, Joel M. Phillips, Debra K. Lindstrom-Hazel, Samantha Harrow Swantek, Erin Courtnay Catalano

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to create a norm reference of current grip and pinch strength norms for working-age Michigan adults. This normative study included a convenience sample of 179 volunteers who were employees at car plants in South East Michigan or hospital sites in West Michigan. Participants’ ages ranged from between 20 and 62 years of age with a mean age of 49.15 years. There were 78 females (44%) and 101 males (56%). Subjects were classified by gender and in the age categories of ages 20 to 49 years and ages 50-62 years. Grip and pinch strength norms …

Letter From The Editor: Let’S Talk About Function, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Finger Position On Pinch Strength, Rachel Boerema, Jamie Powers, Kelsey Walukonis

Hand and Upper Extremity

The purpose of this study was to assess for differences in the amount of tip, lateral, and three-jaw-chuck pinch force generated when fingers are placed on the groove or bridge of a B&L pinch gauge. Thirty-six healthy volunteers (9 males, 27 females), ages 19-49, participated in the study. Using a quantitative crossover design, each participant pinched six times: one for each type of pinch with fingers placed on the groove and bridge. Although no significant differences were found, results revealed slightly higher three-jaw- chuck and lateral pinch strength when fingers were placed on the groove, whereas tip pinch strength was …