Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Use Of Occupational Therapy Services In Outpatient Mental Health, Kelsey A. Wasik, Matt T. Valois, Kaylee M. Essenberg, Kelcie P. Beck

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is aimed to explore the structure and utilization details of occupational therapy in outpatient behavioral health settings. Two occupational therapists participated in qualitative phenomenological interviews which were transcribed and analyzed using the thematic approach. A total of two themes emerged: billing and coverage, and education and advocacy. Participants identified there are necessary factors for reimbursement of services, in addition to the need for education and advocacy for occupational therapists to practice in outpatient behavioral health settings. Future research should be aimed at recruiting more participants, occupational therapists, and from other roles in these clinics such …

Occupation-Based Learning Modules In Preparation For Parole: A Program Evaluation, Alisha Cheyne, Gabrielle Martino, Elizabeth Vander Wall, Natalie Wallace

Community Based

A qualitative research study was conducted that examined occupational therapy students’ fieldwork rotation at Muskegon Correctional Facility, where they implemented a 15-week pre-parole program. One focus group with three participants was conducted. Transcription, coding, and theming followed, providing five themes; restriction, OT perceptions, learning styles, future needs, and relationships. Results showed areas of needs within this population, ways occupational therapy can address this need, and general improvements that can be made to pre-release programs.

An Exploration Of Leadership Qualities Demonstrated During Level Ii Fieldwork, Amy Maurer, Summer Besteman, Jessica Mooney, Katelyn Campbell

Education

Background. Occupational therapy (OT) students are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities throughout their Level II Fieldwork experiences; however, it has been reported that students lack this quality. The purpose of this project was to identify the leadership characteristics that master’s-level OT students demonstrate and develop during their Level II Fieldwork experiences.

Method. This study utilized an online survey tool, Qualtrics, to understand the perceptions of Fieldwork Educators (FWEds) who have taken a Level II Fieldwork student within the past five years. A code-recode procedure was used to analyze open-ended questions. The frequency and mode of responses were used to report …

The Applicability Of Occupational Therapy To Correctional Programming, Jordan Lanning

Honors Projects

Correctional facilities are a controversial topic in the United States. Whether it is prison reform policy or overcrowding issues that are being debated in a political setting or at the dinner table, it is a hot topic of conversation. The discussion goes around and around to no avail, and seemingly no one is satisfied. A detailed look at current issues facing corrections, what has been done, and then, potentially what could be done may provide some clarity for a situation that is seemingly spinning out of control. Furthermore, occupational therapy and its application to correctional programming is explored as a …

Program Evaluation Of The Impact Of Sensory Room Activities On Student Readiness In Muskegon County, Mary C. Spyhalski

Education

There is a lack of research regarding the effect of sensory room interventions and equipment on student’s school readiness, as well as a lack of research regarding documentation and monitoring the effectiveness of sensory rooms. This is a problem for occupational therapists and teachers implementing sensory interventions that are not backed by research (Stephenson & Carter, 2011). Occupational therapists in Muskegon County Northern Service Unit (NSU) have determined a need to collect data on the impact of sensory room interventions on student readiness for school-day activities within their district. Program evaluations are needed in order to gather data that discusses …

Program Evaluation Of The Impact Of Sensory Room Interventions On Student Readiness In Muskegon County, Emilie Brzak, Olivia Deweerd, Erica Roll

Pediatrics

Aim: This study is a program evaluation of four different sensory rooms in the schools within Muskegon County Northern Service Unit (NSU) to uncover the benefits of sensory interventions on students’ school readiness.

Methods: Grand Valley State University occupational therapy students analyzed data from the school occupational therapists to promote evidence based practice of this program.

Results: Within this program, sensory interventions increased students’ school readiness.

Conclusion: Outcomes indicate that the primary means of increasing students’ school readiness include transitioning to an active activity following sensory interventions and participating in multiple stations. Results are not generalizable to other programs.

Framework For Implementation Of A Partial Hospitalization Program, Katelynn Krause, Erin Bachler, Stephanie Moon

Mental Health

This abstract will be available for download after an embargo period

Perceived Effects Of Ballet And Movement-Based Interventions For Parkinson’S Disease, Gabrielle Beauchamp, Ian Heinkele, Emily Hoogstra, Mackenzie Schumacher

Adult

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The Preferences Of Toileting Habits And Routines In Older Adults, Deanna Orr, Courtney Madary, Bethany Robinson

Older Adult

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Female Veterans: Satisfying Patterns Of Daily Activities As Defined By The Life Balance Model, Chloe Hillpot, Kerry A. Macdonald, Laura A. Rohr

Mental Health

This phenomenological case study explored the occupational needs and life satisfaction of one female veteran upon reintegration into civilian life. One female veteran, with 23 years of military service, participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Results demonstrated that military service negatively impacted the participant’s social interactions, physical and mental wellbeing, and ability to cope with stressors, indicating military service posed difficulties for the participant to engage in meaningful occupations upon reintegration. Recommendations included development of occupation-based interventions using the Person Environment and Occupation framework, and further research to identify appropriate services to facilitate successful reintegration into society for female veterans.

Identifying Themes When Using A Community-Based Participatory Research (Cbpr) Approach With Men Living In Abstinence-Based Recovery Housing, Rachel Morrison, Jade Sharrer, Jason Clements

Community Based

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The Effect Of Occupational Therapy Play-Based Interventions On Cooperative Behavior In Elementary School Aged Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Shaunna Kelder, Jennifer E. Langill, Carol A. Reiss, Nicole F. Socia

Pediatrics

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of occupational therapy practitioners regarding the effect play-based interventions have on cooperative behaviors in elementary school aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While occupational therapy practitioners use a variety of interventions involving play to enhance skills related to social, self-regulation and communication, the concept of how play affects cooperative behavior, specifically in children with ASD, has not been readily identified. This qualitative research project utilized an anonymous survey to collect the perceptions of occupational therapists (OT) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTA). The intent of the survey was to …

The Use Of Sensory Spaces In Schools, Syeda S. Mahmood, Erin E. Mallekoote, Ashley Rister

Pediatrics

Objective: This mixed methods continuing line of inquiry was conducted in order to identify how occupational therapists (OTs) report that sensory spaces are being used in Michigan public school settings. This includes who uses the spaces, what purpose the space serves, and the training that individuals utilizing the spaces have received.

Methods: A link to a survey, which was adapted from Abbot, Wills, and Hanert (2015), was posted on the Michigan Alliance of School Physical and Occupational Therapists’ (MASPOT) listServ and Michigan Occupational Therapy Association’s (MiOTA) facebook page in June of 2016 in order to recruit participations. The …

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review Of Occupational Therapy Interventions, Meredith L. Aja, Katie L. Cole, Trenton S. Warning

Pediatrics

Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the current role of occupational therapy (OT) in the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is an umbrella term that encompasses six subtypes of the disease. JIA is one of the most common childhood chronic diseases and can be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and loss of function, as well as psychosocial impacts. JIA participants generally receive pharmacological treatment, but less commonly receive therapeutic interventions to help reduce symptoms. Individualized treatment plans are necessary for clients with JIA due to the diverse nature of the disease. …

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis Of Conservative Treatments, Sarah E. Johnson, Britta L. Carlson, Maureen G. Meyers

Hand and Upper Extremity

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify which conservative occupational therapy (OT) treatment(s) were most effective in reducing pain in patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Design: A retrospective study of 222 de-identified treatment cases of patients seen from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2013 were examined. Paired sample t-tests determined statistical significance between eight initial and final outcome measures. Binary logistic regressions determined statistical significance of clinically effective treatments that reduced pain at rest and pain with activity.

Setting: The 222 cases were from 31 outpatient rehabilitation clinics offering occupational therapy services.

Subjects: Participants were …

Encouraging Occupation: A Systematic Review Of The Use Of Life Review And Reminiscence: Therapy For The Treatment Of Depressive Symptoms In Older Adults, Allison P. Zuiderveen, Caitlin M. Ivey, Sarah A. Dordan

Older Adult

Objective: The present systematic review attempts to investigate the efficacy of both life review and reminiscence therapy interventions in the treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. This review also attempts to clearly define each intervention; thereby determining which type of therapy was actually performed in previous research studies.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using three databases: CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and pertinent variables were extracted for data analysis.

Results: In all six articles, the reminiscence therapy or life review intervention was found to be effective in the treatment of …

Sensory Integration Interventions Used By Pediatric Occupational Therapists For Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Teddie Buchner, Jennifer Fortuna, Natalie Lindsay

Pediatrics

Objective: To identify sensory based interventions used by pediatric occupational therapists treating children diagnosed with ASD.

Design: Systematic Review

Methods: Researchers searched four scholarly databases to obtain articles identifying sensory integration interventions used by pediatric occupational therapists. The four key terms used to filter the resulting articles include: “occupational therapy,” “autism,” “sensory,” and “interventions.” Articles were eliminated based on inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results: A total of 11 articles were chosen to identify sensory integration interventions used by pediatric occupational therapists treating children diagnosed with ASD.

Conclusions: The sensory based interventions most commonly used by pediatric occupational therapists treating children diagnosed with …

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 …

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 …

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 …

A Systematic Review Of The Best Practices For Playground Inclusion, Megan Mejeur, Graceann Schmitt, Hannah Wolcott

Pediatrics

Occupational therapy considers the person, occupation, and environment when providing treatment services. In schools, the person is the student, the occupations include education and play, and the environment is the classroom and the playground. In Muskegon, Michigan, the public school system is undergoing a consolidation of elementary schools and trying to determine what to do with the current playground environment. The researchers conducted a systematic review of the existing research regarding best practice, accessible, and inclusive playground designs for the elementary schools that will promote physical activity and enhance classroom performance. Scholarly databases and gray literature were searched using predetermined …

Analysis Of Playground Equipment At Muskegon Public Schools: A Needs Assessment, Kailee Chandonnet,, Elizabeth Elam, Leah Lucas

Pediatrics

A local school district, Muskegon Public Schools, is restructuring due to budget constraints. Therapists at Muskegon Public Schools were concerned about the safety and accessibility of the current playgrounds. The purpose of this needs assessment was to determine if any of Muskegon Public Schools’ playgrounds met the students’ safety and accessibility needs. To determine this, the researchers created a checklist using the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Handbook on Public Playground Safety (1997) and the U.S. Access Board Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas (2005). The checklist was then used to assess all nine Muskegon Public School playgrounds. None of …

A Qualitative Study Of Middle School Students’ Perceptions Of Unstructured Time, Stephanie L. Hovick, Justine N. Gonzalez Bratt, Kristin M. Cameron

Pediatrics

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify middle school students’ perceptions of unstructured time by determining physical and leisure activities the students would want to have available for their use at school.

METHOD: A researcher developed questionnaire (Students’ Leisure Time Questionnaire) was used to interview 23 middle school students (ages 11 to 15) regarding their perceptions of activities during unstructured time. A phenomenological design was used, incorporating open-ended qualitative questions.

RESULTS: The students were able to identify activities in which they would like to participate during their unstructured time at school. Students primarily indicated football and basketball as …

Protecting The Hand: .Quantifying Pressures Involved In Daily Living Activities With Tools, Kelly Cotter, Trisha Thompson, Amanda Ward

Hand and Upper Extremity

This study utilized individuals with no known hand joint pathologies and analyzed the pressure exerted on varying spoon handle diameters during a simulated self-feeding exercise. This was done in an effort to determine which spoon handle diameter required the least amount of pressme. Individuals with no known hand joint pathologies were selected in order to prevent any inaccuracy of results due to underlying co-morbidities. Methods: The Novel Pliance-X hand sensor was wrapped around 15 mm, 25 IDDl, and 40 mm spoon handles. The participants were asked to complete a self-feeding exercise. The self-feeding exercise was simulated by scooping quarters from …