Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Mental Health Needs In Middle Schoolers, Taylor Anderson, Emily Annen, Seira Dick

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Adolescence is a period of time filled with many transitions. The transition from elementary to middle school comes with new academic, social, and environmental demands. Currently, adolescents often lack the skills and the support necessary to cope with these demands, leading to an increase in mental health challenges (Moksnes, Lohre, Lillefiell, Byrne, & Haugen, 2016). While there are many school-based interventions designed to support students throughout this difficult transition, many environmental barriers exist which prevent the effective implementation of these interventions. One category of barriers is the lack of school resources. Although there is significant positive research on social emotional …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Developing Social Skills For Adolescents With Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Rachel Grubb, Amira Ragab

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a group protocol for occupational therapy practitioners to provide skilled mental health services to adolescents experiencing complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) due to domestic violence.

Ot Is The Missing Link In Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction, Hope Schuster, Michaela Mayhood

Occupational Therapy Capstones

PURPOSE: The purpose of this scholarly project was to examine research regarding postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). As there is no current literature regarding POCD and occupational therapy, this project serves to be the first of its kind to address the role. Within this scholarly project, the literature reviewed served to generate an article for OT Practice, highlighting the role of occupational therapy and education about POCD.

Addressing Culture Throughout The Occupational Therapy Process: Beyond The Basics, Samantha Plutko, Jacey Savage

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Our product, a continuing education course for occupational therapy practitioners, was created with the purpose of giving attendees an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning exercises that will assist them with addressing culture throughout the occupational therapy process.

Empowering Grand-Families Through Occupation: An Occupational Therapy Intervention Program For Grandchildren And Custodial Grandparents, Macie Romsdal, Gabrielle Wavra

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a program for occupational therapists to use with custodial grandparents and their grandchildren. The number of grandparents becoming primary caregivers to grandchildren continues to increase, and more than 5.7 million grandchildren in the United States were living with and being provided for by grandparents in 2014 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). Although there are benefits to being placed in grandparent care, there are also challenges. Some of the challenges custodial grandparents face are health concerns, financial resources, and changes in social supports and occupational roles (Marken & Howard, 2014). Grandchildren may have …

Occupational Therapy Joining Bariatric Care Teams: A Web-Based Resource, Annabelle Tarnowski, Rylee Skyberg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose

Despite the overall positive physical and mental health results patients obtain following bariatric surgery, some individuals still experience significant negative health challenges postoperatively. Researchers have asserted that the psychosocial concerns of patients that undergo bariatric surgery are not being properly addressed prior to surgery; therefore, patients are not appropriately equipped with strategies or follow-up care to promote continued weight loss and increase quality of life post-operatively (Kalarchian & Marcus, 2019). Patients who undergo bariatric surgery have experienced maladaptive eating, substance abuse, suicide and self-harm at an increased rate (Kalarchian & Marcus, 2019; Sarwer & Heinberg, 2020). Additionally, occupational therapy …

Increasing Participation In Meaningful Occupations For Disabled Veterans Through The Promotion Of Spirituality: An Intervention Resource Manual For Occupational Therapists., Tristen Smith, Audrya Tarango

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Veterans with psychological disorders may experience a combination of deficits that decrease their ability to engage in meaningful activities (Speicher, Walter, & Chard, 2014). Increasing the well-being and quality of life for veterans is an optimal opportunity for the OT profession to assert its distinct value in addressing the mental health needs of veterans through the enhancement of spirituality. The inclusion of spirituality in interventions are beneficial when alleviating symptoms of a physical and mental capacity, reestablishing beliefs, values, moral code, and relationships with self and the transcendent (Brémault-Phillips et al., 2019).

Immersive Virtual Reality (Vr) And Telehealth To Promote Engagement In Occupations For Rural Populations: Manual For Occupational Therapists, Brock Wahlert, Emily Utech

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Abstract

Telehealth has been used to alleviate the impact of occupational deprivation in rural communities (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2018). There is continuing research on the development of telehealth in the occupational therapy profession. An emerging type of technology utilized in occupational therapy consists of using immersive VR interventions to increase client's performance skills (Karamians, Proffitt, Kline & Gauthier, 2019; Kwan, Park, Yoon & Park, 2012; Halton, 2008; Weiss Rand, Katz & Kizony, 2004). The combination of immersive VR and telehealth allows occupational therapy practitioners to interact, evaluate, and intervene with clients living in rural communities. The immersive VR …

Recovering From The Loss Of A Loved One: A Group Protocol For Remaining Active In Valued Occupations While Coping With The Loss Of A Loved One, Hailey Axtell, Ty Berg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a manualized intervention program utilizing the CMOP-E to better understand grief and coping while promoting occupational engagement for older adults who have recently lost a partner. A group protocol was created to address spirituality, the survivor, participation in desired occupations, and the environment to help with the process of grieving and promote occupational performance.

Occupational Therapy For Pregnant Women: An Ergonomics Program For First-Time Mothers, Kaitlyn Berglund, Brianna Peterman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

This scholarly project, Occupational Therapy for Pregnant Women: An Ergonomics Program for First-Time Mothers, provides occupational therapy practitioners with a 3-session group protocol to address ergonomic concerns of pregnancy and new motherhood with pregnant women who are becoming mothers for the first time. These ergonomic concerns are addressed as they specifically relate to the occupations of the clients. Through an extensive literature review, it was found that there is limited research and programming specific to occupational therapy’s role in providing services to pregnant women and new mothers. Ergonomic programming for pregnant women that was previously available did not address occupations …

Increasing Quality Of Life And Occupational Performance: A Treatment Protocol For Military Burn Patients And Their Families, Emma Chafin, Jessica Lambert

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a treatment protocol to address the challenges that can affect quality of life and occupational performance of military burn patients and their families. Occupational therapy can offer skilled treatment to help facilitate a successful transition back into civilian life after sustaining a lifealtering combat wound.

Addressing Sexual Intimacy Post-Spinal Cord Injury With Clients And Their Significant Other, Michelle Arnhalt, Taylor Beatty

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Discussing sexual participation with a client who has experienced a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a critical component to addressing their overall occupational needs during the rehabilitation process. Literature has shown that education on sexual intimacy following their injury is often neglected during therapy due to the sensitive nature of the topic (Federici, Artegianai, Pigliautile, Antonelli, Diotallevi, Ritacco, & Maschke, 2019; Hess & Hough, 2012; Walker, Otte, LeMond, Hess, Kaizer, Faulkner, & Christy, 2020). Overlooking the topic of sexual intimacy during the client’s rehabilitation process can impact the client psychologically by decreasing their self-esteem and confidence, their desire to …

Prevention, Positioning, Participation: Wheelchair Education And Promotion Of Occupational Engagement For Caregivers In Snfs, Sarah Lovelace, Brandon Steffen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Certified nursing assistants are considered the principal caregivers within long-term care / skilled nursing facilities (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2019), and spend the most time interacting and caring for residents. Although CNAs provide approximately 60-90% of the care to elderly residents in nursing homes, they are provided with the least amount of education of the direct-care employees (Lerner, Resnick, Galik, Russ, 2010). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide caregivers in skilled nursing facilities with adequate education and resources to increase certified nursing assistants’ knowledge of pressure injury prevention, correct positioning for increased …

Creating An Adaptive In-School Sports Program To Increase Occupational Engagement And Performance In Children With Physical Disabilities: A Resource Manual For Occupational Therapists, Bethany Kasberger, Kaylee Loken

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Participating in physical activity, including sports programs, has been found to have many positive health benefits both physically and mentally (Moss, Lim, K, Prunty, & Norris, 2020). The purpose of creating adaptive sports programs within schools is to promote engagement in physical activity and achieve the many benefits that sports programs have to offer. Children with and without physical disabilities should have equal access to these benefits for appropriate development. Enabling individuals with physical disabilities to participate in sports can assist in improving their overall quality of life and begin building skills that will benefit them in adulthood.

Creating Sense Of It: An In-Service To Address Military Students Experiencing Sensory Deficits, Danielle Cox, Katelyn Jennings

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Life for military children is challenging as they are exposed to various experiences that may have adverse effects. There is an unprecedented need for additional resources regarding sensory deficits in military children to provide more insight into the challenges faced by this population as well as to increase awareness and support for the demands placed upon children in military families. The purpose of this project is to provide information to educators regarding added sensory challenges faced by military students as well as to increase awareness and support for the demands placed upon these children.

The Occupational Therapy Guide For Enabling Meaningful Social Participation Post-Tbi, Vanessa Johnson, Hope Nelson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a guide for occupational therapists to enable meaningful social participation throughout the rehabilitation phases with adults who have sustained a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Guide discusses and presents assessments and interventions recommended for each phase of the rehabilitation process.

Prevention Of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Individuals Utilizing A Home Computer Workstation, Dalton Fetsch, Jonah Kratochvil

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive educational guide for office workers and students who utilize a home computer workstation for a majority of their day utilizing current evidence. This guide is intended to help prevent the onset of MSDs that often occur due to improper ergonomic positioning and limited resources when utilizing home computer workstations

Structured Ambassador Program For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities In The Preschool Setting, Aspen Pitcher, Abby Wendel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and developmental disabilities (DD) have multiple opportunities to participate in the community through a variety of programs. Most programs show significant benefits in immersing individuals with ID/DD in social and physical contexts. Ashley, Fossey, and Bigby (2019) explain that participation for individuals with ID/DD is influenced by motivation, abilities, and environmental conditions. The environment plays a key role in supporting or hindering occupational engagement for individuals with ID/DD (Ashley et al., 2019). The research supports the use of vocational programs, intergenerational programs, and peer mentorship to improve the quality of life for individuals with ID/DD …

A Guide For Occupational Therapist Working With Women With Postpartum Depression And Eating Disorders, Nathina Crabtree, Sara Gregoire

Occupational Therapy Capstones

An eating disorder (ED) is characterized by regular and constant disturbances in eating or an eating-related behavior that are associated with distress and impairments (Marcus, 2018). Schmidt et al., (2016), noted that the average duration of an ED illness is six years and young women make up the majority of people with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). According to Knoph et al., (2013) the majority of women with AN and BN that were pregnant appeared to turn to adaptive changes in eating behaviors. The researchers in the article by Knoph et al., (2013) found that pregnancy is a …

Youth Mental Health Community Based Ot Intervention Guide: Putting The Pieces Back Together, Bailey Schumacher, Meaghan Wolfgram

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Each year, approximately half a million youth are brought to juvenile detention centers. Based on these statistics, 26,000 children are detained each day (Holman & Ziedenber, 2006). Many children and youth who encounter the juvenile justice system have past experiences of exposure to trauma and mental health illnesses. When these are overlooked or neglected, this may lead to worsening mental health and longstanding involvement within the criminal justice system. For young people, action of prevention to keep them in school and in the community is key: kids should not be in jail in the first place, especially not as …

Coffee With Farmers, Ivy Steiger, Kelsey Sherry

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The farming community is an underserved population in health care and historically there has been a lack of recognition of the psychosocial stress farmers endure. There is a lack of programming for addressing farmers’ psychosocial stress and mental health, specifically within the field of occupational therapy. The overall purpose of this independent study was to explore the role occupational therapy has within the farming community and develop a program that can be implemented to address psychosocial health with this population.

Improving School Readiness In Home-Based Care Settings, Malea Peters, Shelby Wittenberg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of this project was to create a resource guide for home-based daycare providers to promote school readiness skills in preschool-age children. Several national and local policies promote children’s school readiness in early childhood years (NEGP, 1995). Children in home-based daycares may be at-risk for lower school readiness skills upon school entry compared to similar-age children in other childcare arrangements (Bassok, Greenberg, Fitzpatrick, & Loeb, 2016). Occupational therapists can play a role in supporting home-based daycare providers to implement school readiness activities for preschool-age children into their daily routines.

A Practitioner's Guide: Using The Cognitive Performance Test To Increase Independent Living Skills For Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities, Alycia Peacock, Grace Spanos

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have the desire to live as independently as possible (Gragoudas, 2014). There are a number of barriers that impact living independently including the ability to complete self-care tasks, money management, home management, and health management (Bond & Hurst, 2010). Other barriers reported for individuals with ID include relationships with caregivers, living alone, and vulnerability (Bond & Hurst, 2010). Research identifies that it is difficult to determine the amount of support needed to promote independence in individuals with ID (Francis & Reed, 2019). Occupational therapists (OTs) possess a unique skillset to assist clients with ID …

Parental Caregiver Guide For An Adolescent With Down Syndrome: Transitioning Out Of High School, Kalindi Rachey, Hailey Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The current literature revealed a need to address the establishment, organization, and application of primary health care as well as support programs for parental caregivers of adolescents with Down syndrome, especially during the transition period out of high school (Barros, Barros, Barros, & Santos, 2017). Providing information, resources, and support to parental caregivers of adolescents with Down syndrome and health care professionals, such as occupational therapists, can help alleviate caregiver burden and promote the parents’ quality of life. Occupational therapists can play an important role during the post-secondary transition period for adolescents with Down syndrome by assisting them in …

A Group-Protocol: Returning To Life Post Breast Cancer Treatment, Janice Finley, Ashley Timm

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to design a group protocol to assist breast cancer survivors living in the community to address unmet physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. There are more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors within the United States today (American Cancer Society, n.d.). A cancer survivor's performance in meaningful occupations and roles need to be addressed as they learn to live with the long-term physical and psychosocial effects of treatments such as self-confidence and pain management (Burg et al., 2015; Kim, Kim, & Han, 2020). There is a lack of occupational therapy services for individuals diagnosed with …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Promoting Employment Outcomes With Individuals Diagnosed With A Serious Mental Illness, Lexie Coalwell, Allison Moran

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to enhance occupational therapy (OT) practitioners’ and other healthcare professionals’ knowledge on the essential role OT plays in promoting employment outcomes among individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness (SMI).

Occupational Therapy And Primary Care: The Tools For Referral, Alexandra Grosser, Kelsey Tadman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with chronic conditions receive the most primary care services and account for the highest annual healthcare spending with the poorest outcomes (Leland, Fogelberg, Halle, & Mroz, 2017). Primary care providers (PCP) often address acute symptom management due to inadequate time to explore underlying problems related to diagnoses due to time limitations and a shortage of PCPs. (Dahl-Popolizio, Manson, Muir & Rogers, 2016). It has been recommended that other disciplines are incorporated into primary care to increase holistic, client-centered care and to improve health outcomes. Occupational therapy has been identified as one discipline that is well suited to contribute to …

Broadening The Role Of Occupational Therapists Within The Icu Setting: An Occupation-Based Toolkit, Roxana Chirinos, Carly Derouin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create a quick intervention toolkit for occupational therapists treating clients in the intensive care unit (ICU) in order to increase occupation-based services, quality of care, and improve client outcomes. Additionally, this project hopes to enlighten occupational therapists who may experience burnout while providing services within such an intensive setting.