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Increasing Parent Confidence And Involvement In The Nicu: An Occupational Therapy Educational Guide, Megan D. Berginski Jan 2023

Increasing Parent Confidence And Involvement In The Nicu: An Occupational Therapy Educational Guide, Megan D. Berginski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Research shows that 40% of mothers with preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) reported feelings of depression, and 23% reported experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms, with that number increasing to 40% after discharge (Harris et al., 2018). Factors that contributed to this included a lack of social support, a lack of empowerment, perceived less capability in their new roles, and the stressful experiences that can happen in this setting (Matricardi et al., 2013; Sabnis et al., 2019). A similar study found that at discharge, 69.8% of parents reported that they were not confident in providing the necessary care …


Let’S Groove: A Dance Program Designed For Children With Disabilities, Michayla Burckhard Jan 2023

Let’S Groove: A Dance Program Designed For Children With Disabilities, Michayla Burckhard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children with disabilities face limited opportunities to participate in the occupation of dance when compared to opportunities available for their non-disabled peers. Barriers to their participation include lack of class opportunities, cost, and knowledge about programs (Carrion et al., 2018). Many dance studios offer integrated or non-specialized classes, but participation by a child with a disability in this type of class is sometimes limited by parental or child fears, or other barriers such as lack of accommodations (Lucas, 2017).


Addressing Adherence To Home Exercise Programs In A Hand Therapy Setting, Austin B. Ellis Jan 2023

Addressing Adherence To Home Exercise Programs In A Hand Therapy Setting, Austin B. Ellis

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Roughly 1,100 per 100,000 persons experience an upper-extremity injury per year including burns, fractures, or amputations (Ootes et al., 2012). These upper-extremity injuries can impact a person’s physical function, activities of daily living (ADL), social, psychological, and financial aspects in life (Che Daud et al., 2016b). These statistics warrant the need for occupational therapy practitioners specializing in hand therapy, and other hand therapists to address these areas of client’s lives that have been affected by their upper extremity injury.


Supporting Caregivers Of Children With Complex Health Needs, Anne Louise Domanus Jan 2023

Supporting Caregivers Of Children With Complex Health Needs, Anne Louise Domanus

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop and implement programming that provides support and meets the needs of caregivers of children with complex health needs. This was done by providing a resource guide of local community resources to caregivers to increase engagement in leisure occupations.


Exploring Nature-Based And Animal-Assisted Therapies As A Therapeutic Modality, Rachel Cheatley Jan 2023

Exploring Nature-Based And Animal-Assisted Therapies As A Therapeutic Modality, Rachel Cheatley

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is characterized by integrating animals into the therapy process as a therapeutic partner and modality (Laskowski et. al., 2019). AAT shows positive outcomes for those who take part in the practice (Ein et. al., 2018; Feng et. al., 2021; Mapes & Rosén, 2016; Nieforth et. al., 2021). Common goals that are targeted via AAT include anxiety and related symptoms, depression and related symptoms, coordination, fine motor skills, reaching, hand-eye coordination, body balance, body awareness, communication, and relationship building (Ein et. al., 2018; Feng et. al., 2021; Mapes & Rosén, 2016; Nieforth et. al., 2021). Even with the …


Caring For All In The Nicu, Zachary Daniel Gascho Jan 2023

Caring For All In The Nicu, Zachary Daniel Gascho

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the infants who are being examined, evaluated, and treated are not the only people that need to be thought of when providing care. The parents/guardians in the NICU are just as important to consider in providing support. Research has shown that parents who have a child in the NICU experience a great deal of stress and guidelines recommend emotional support intervention in the NICU (Bigsby, 2021; Dudek-Shriber, 2004, Hynan & Hall, 2015). Emotional support is needed for these parents as they are experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that are often left untreated …


The Mind Matters: Interprofessional Mental And Emotional Health Guide For Cancer Survivors, Jaecy Giegerich Jan 2023

The Mind Matters: Interprofessional Mental And Emotional Health Guide For Cancer Survivors, Jaecy Giegerich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Cancer is the second-highest leading cause of death in the United States with approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases and over 600,000 deaths in 2022 alone (Department of Health and Human Services et al., 2022). Cancer-related mental health is a primary barrier for engagement in treatment-related care; negatively impacting survivors’ perceived quality of life (Islam et al., 2022). Comprised mental health is one of the contributing factors to suicide. Patients undergoing a cancer diagnosis are at an ever-high suicide risk with incidences higher than other diagnoses (Saad et al., 2019).


Educating The Educator: Articulating Ot’S Role In School-Based Collaboration, Bryce Shaun Graves Jan 2023

Educating The Educator: Articulating Ot’S Role In School-Based Collaboration, Bryce Shaun Graves

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many teachers in the educational field are unaware of the role of occupational therapists (OTs) and how OTs can support teachers and students (Kennedy et al., 2018; Truong & Hodgetts, 2017). Educators who are aware of the OT role often desire further collaboration including realistic recommendations for their classroom (Truong & Hodgetts, 2017). This presents a need for increased education about the role of occupational therapy (OT) in school-based practice and additional instruction for increased effectiveness of OT-teacher collaboration.


Fostering A Loving Connection: A Foster Parent’S Toolkit For Understanding And Addressing Behaviors For Children Placed In Out-Of-Home Care, Emily A. Knust Jan 2023

Fostering A Loving Connection: A Foster Parent’S Toolkit For Understanding And Addressing Behaviors For Children Placed In Out-Of-Home Care, Emily A. Knust

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children placed in out-of-home care have an 80% chance of having a mental health diagnosis or experiencing negative behaviors related to trauma experiences (Armstrong-Hiemsoth et al., 2020). Children in foster care have been exposed to trauma by being removed from their biological parents and the abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions that occurred leading up to the removal and placement in out-of-home care (Bartlett, 2021). From this trauma, a child is more likely to experience difficulty with basic self-care skills, executive functioning, emotional regulation, attachment disorders, or positive interactions and relationships within the foster home and their environment (Pervis et al., …


Primitive Reflex Screening And Caregiver Education And Support. A Product To Support Children With Retained Primitive Reflexes Transitioning Into The Formal Education System., Anna Justine Logan Jan 2023

Primitive Reflex Screening And Caregiver Education And Support. A Product To Support Children With Retained Primitive Reflexes Transitioning Into The Formal Education System., Anna Justine Logan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Infants are born with movement patterns called primitive reflexes. Primitive reflexes are active for approximate times during the first few years of life (Smet et al, 2020; Myott et al., 2016). Retained primitive reflexes are primitive reflexes that have not integrated in the expected time. Retained primitive reflexes have been linked to a variety of developmental delays in older children including fine and gross motor (Gieysztor et al., 2018a), visual (Andrich et al., 2018), and academic performance (Feldhacker et al., 2021; Calvin & Ramli, 2020).


Development Of A School Based Program: Implementing Occupational Therapy Into General Education Classrooms, Samantha Jo Larson Jan 2023

Development Of A School Based Program: Implementing Occupational Therapy Into General Education Classrooms, Samantha Jo Larson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project (SP) was to build a program containing activities for kindergarten and first grade general education classrooms that promote childrens’ skills that are necessary for development in handwriting, reading, writing, spelling, and clothing management.


The Newly Arrived Client: Applying Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Approaches To The Refugee Population To Promote Occupational Justice, Dominique Menard Jan 2023

The Newly Arrived Client: Applying Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Approaches To The Refugee Population To Promote Occupational Justice, Dominique Menard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

At the end of 2021, there were 836,300 Somali refugees and asylum seekers worldwide; in Minnesota alone, there are more than 70,000 Somali refugees, which is the largest concentration in the United States (Culture Care Connection, 2022; The UN Refugee Agency, n.d.). As with many refugee populations, Somali refugees experience many healthcare inequities including limited understanding of the resettled nation's healthcare system, poor functional health literacy, provider and/or interpreter gender preferences, discrimination, and limited cultural competence of providers (Eklöf et al., 2019; Fang et al., 2015; Gele et al., 2016; Houston et al., 2021; Njenga, 2022; Wångdahl et al., 2018). …


Reading The Warning Signs: Preventive Mental Health Youth Education Program, Cammy Cate Robertson Jan 2023

Reading The Warning Signs: Preventive Mental Health Youth Education Program, Cammy Cate Robertson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Wyoming is the third leading state in suicide related death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018; Wyoming Department of Health, n.d.). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2022), suicide is the second leading cause of death in individuals aged 10-14. One in six youth experiences a mental health disorder yearly, while 50% of individuals aged 14 begin to have lifelong mental health concerns (Kessler et al., 2005; Whitney & Peterson, 2019). Students who experience depression are twice as likely to drop out of school, and students with mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns are three times more …


Occupational Therpay’S Role When Treating Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Callie Vold Jan 2023

Occupational Therpay’S Role When Treating Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Callie Vold

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Feeding and eating are required occupations that all humans must engage in to meet one of their most basic needs (AOTA, 2020; Maslow, 1943). While feeding and eating allows humans to meet their most basic physiological needs it also allows them to meet other needs of Maslow's Hierarchy along with engaging in valued occupations (AOTA, 2020; Maslow, 1943. Children with Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD) have difficulty with one or more areas of feeding which are medical, nutritional, feeding skill and/or psychosocial dysfunction (Fleet et al., 2022; Goday et al., 2019; Howe & Wang, 2013; Marshall et al., 2015; Sharp et …


Disability Awareness To Promote Inclusivity For Children In The Educational Setting, Abby Bauman Jan 2023

Disability Awareness To Promote Inclusivity For Children In The Educational Setting, Abby Bauman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A large barrier to an effective and successful educational experience is the stigma and perceived judgment surrounding a child’s disability (Fontil et al., 2020). Implementing disability awareness materials into young classrooms is a way to prevent the development of stigma towards disability. Children who received disability awareness programming in the past have shown improved attitudes towards disabilities as opposed to those who have not (Chae et al., 2019). The purpose of this scholarly project is to assist teachers with implementing disability awareness materials to increase encouragement for young peers to accept, include, and support young individuals with disabilities.


Transitioning A Hand Therapy Clinic From Traditional Paper Home Programs To An Electronic Platform: A Quality Improvement Project, Megan Raissa Fuka Jan 2023

Transitioning A Hand Therapy Clinic From Traditional Paper Home Programs To An Electronic Platform: A Quality Improvement Project, Megan Raissa Fuka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with upper extremity conditions who receive occupational therapy within the hand therapy context are often provided with paper or electronic home programs (HPs) as part of their rehabilitation protocol. Electronic HPs may promote greater adherence and functional improvements than paper handouts, as they can accommodate various learning styles and address patient barriers (Chung et al., 2020; Harte & Law, 2019; Lambert et al., 2017; Nussbaum et al., 2019; Toci et al., 2021; Valdes et al., in press). Despite evidence showing positive patient satisfaction and outcomes as a result of using electronic HPs, some occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) may be …


Best Practice Occupational Therapy Interventions For Addressing Trauma And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Practitioner Guide, Madison Kay Ertelt Jan 2023

Best Practice Occupational Therapy Interventions For Addressing Trauma And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Practitioner Guide, Madison Kay Ertelt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts approximately 3.6% of adults and 5% of adolescents in the United States and has pervasive impacts on occupational performance (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) likely encounter clients with PTSD frequently due to this widespread prevalence in addition to trauma being comorbid with a variety of mental and physical health conditions. Despite the widespread prevalence of trauma, many OTPs find that trauma-informed care is not adequately implemented in practice (Holman et al., 2022). There is a gap in the literature regarding occupational performance deficits experienced among clients with trauma, knowledge of …


Submitting Research Grant Applications To Fund A Study Examining The Effect Of Equine-Assisted Therapy On Compassion Fatigue In Caregivers, Briana Minette Kent Jan 2023

Submitting Research Grant Applications To Fund A Study Examining The Effect Of Equine-Assisted Therapy On Compassion Fatigue In Caregivers, Briana Minette Kent

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Caregivers are expected to provide the best care possible to their patients, no matter the circumstances. Depending on the need of the individual being cared for, a caregiver’s job can cause an abundance of stress at various levels and can even lead to decreased mental health. This is often accompanied by a lack of self-care, poor health, and overall diminished wellness, otherwise known as compassion fatigue. Occupational therapists can address poor mental health due to compassion fatigue in caregivers by introducing a variety of important skills, habits, routines, and activities that patients need or want to engage in on a …


How Adaptive Sports Promote Occupational Engagement And Quality Of Life For Individuals With Disabilities In A Rural Community, Michael Helgeson Jan 2023

How Adaptive Sports Promote Occupational Engagement And Quality Of Life For Individuals With Disabilities In A Rural Community, Michael Helgeson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Health management, play, leisure, and social participation are all valued occupations related to sports. However, individuals with physical disabilities face many barriers that inhibit them from engaging in sports, depriving them of these occupations. Some of these barriers include a lack of adaptive sports resources, adaptive equipment, adaptive sports programs in rural communities, and knowledge of how to include individuals with disabilities (Obradovic et al., 2021). The purpose of this scholarly project was to address these barriers through the development of adaptive sports programs; hereby, increasing occupational engagement, quality of life (QOL), and life satisfaction for individuals with disabilities. To …


An Occupation-Based Approach To Chronic Pain In Rural Alaska, Emma Elizabeth Lehman Jan 2023

An Occupation-Based Approach To Chronic Pain In Rural Alaska, Emma Elizabeth Lehman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Adults with chronic pain living in rural communities experience occupational deprivation due to a lack of access to healthcare resources. While chronic pain is multifaceted and treated by multiple professions, occupational therapy (OT) can have a significant role in treating adults experiencing chronic pain with occupation-based interventions to improve their daily complications (Lagueux et al., 2018). The role of OT with chronic pain management is reflected in the evidence-based program entitled Lifestyle Redesign®, which offers effective strategies to improve quality of life, selfefficacy, and daily functioning for those who experience chronic pain (Uyeshiro Simon & Collins, 2017). However, there are …


Program Structure For Children And Adolescents With Disabilities To Increase Participation In Physical Activity, Abbigail Mackenzie Smith Jan 2023

Program Structure For Children And Adolescents With Disabilities To Increase Participation In Physical Activity, Abbigail Mackenzie Smith

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents with disabilities face barriers and are often excluded from engaging in daily activities such as physical activity and social participation (Bundy & Du Toit, 2019; Hocking, 2019). Activities such as physical activity and social participation not only increase children's and adolescents' sense of belonging, mental health, and quality of life but also impact the development of skills needed to fully engage in society (Bundy & Du Toit, 2019). Opportunities for children and adolescents with disabilities to engage in physical activity and social participation are commonly seen in the form of programs supported by nonprofit organizations. These programs …


A Guide For Occupational Therapists: Utilizing Equine-Assisted Therapy For Children In The Foster Care System Dealing With Trauma, Alexis Skogen Jan 2023

A Guide For Occupational Therapists: Utilizing Equine-Assisted Therapy For Children In The Foster Care System Dealing With Trauma, Alexis Skogen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In 2015, over three million children who were affected by trauma or abuse were reported to Child Protective Services (Papovich, 2019). “Children in the foster care system have often been exposed to traumatic experiences such as violence, illicit substances, and neglect” (Crabill & Hanson, 2018, p.8). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be similar to experiencing trauma; children, prior to entering the foster care system, often experience ACEs (Craig, 2020). Children in the foster care system face hardships such as being taken out of their homes, passing through multiple homes, in addition to other childhood traumas they experience prior to their …


Water Based Therapy Educational Resource And Program Development For Children With Neurological Disorders, Alicia Young Jan 2023

Water Based Therapy Educational Resource And Program Development For Children With Neurological Disorders, Alicia Young

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children with neurological disorders require more social, behavioral, and physical support to be successful in everyday life (Ogundele, 2018). The impairments these children face can often lead to isolation, decreased overall functioning, and impact engagement in occupations such as play, social participation, and leisure (Kwan and Collet, 2020). Access to water-based group lessons can be limited due to one- on-one instruction required. Occupational therapy has the skill set to be able to incorporate play, social participation, and leisure-based activities for children with neurological disorders.


The How To’S For Engaging With Medically Complex Children: A Resource Guide, Allyson Bourque Jan 2023

The How To’S For Engaging With Medically Complex Children: A Resource Guide, Allyson Bourque

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to identify and address the factors that serve as barriers to engagement in valued occupations for children with serious or life-threatening illness.


Living A Trustful Life: A Trauma-Focused Mentorship Program For Foster Youth, Michelle Ann Mcnamee Jan 2023

Living A Trustful Life: A Trauma-Focused Mentorship Program For Foster Youth, Michelle Ann Mcnamee

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Foster youth can experience many challenges as they transition into adulthood which can threaten their success in achieving whom they wish to become. Often, foster youth are exposed to physical, mental, and sexual trauma leading to their removal from their biological home (Engler et al., 2020). Adverse experiences at a young age can be multi-dimensional and long-lasting, leading to negative consequences in occupational performance including self-isolation and hesitation to trust others (Häggman-Laitila et al., 2019; Paul-Ward & Lambdin-Pattavina, 2016).


The People Left Behind: Older Adults In Custody, Therese Pettersen Jan 2023

The People Left Behind: Older Adults In Custody, Therese Pettersen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The number of older adults in custody has significantly increased over the past few decades, now accounting for 10% of the total prison population (Carson & Sabol, 2016). It has been documented that older adults in custody have been subjected to bullying, lack of understanding and knowledge among prison staff, harassment, isolation, lack of age-appropriate occupations and more (Du Toit & McGrath, 2018). Increased staff training on older adult care (Brooke & Ryback, 2020; Williams et al. 2012), environmental modifications (Bierie, 2018; Brooke et al., 2020; Du Toit et al., 2019; Du Toit & McGrath, 2018; Maschi et al., 2012), …


Addressing The Psychosocial Impacts And Recovery Of A Patient With Carpal-Metacarpal (Cmc) Arthroplasty: A Case Study, Christopher Hernandez Jan 2023

Addressing The Psychosocial Impacts And Recovery Of A Patient With Carpal-Metacarpal (Cmc) Arthroplasty: A Case Study, Christopher Hernandez

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background & Purpose: Hands are an integral part of what defines us as human beings, they provide us with independence in work, leisure, self-care, and social interactions (Hannah, 2011). Injury to the upper extremity can harm one’s ability to engage in daily occupations, and often can result in a wide range of consequences affecting the physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects of a person’s everyday life (Cederlund et al., 2010; Chown et al., 2017). Treatment is often placed on the physical aspects of the injury, while the phycological symptoms associated with the injury are often not addressed (Jack & Estes, …


Improving Transitions For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: A Dual-Component Resource, Benjamin Frederick Stagg Jan 2023

Improving Transitions For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: A Dual-Component Resource, Benjamin Frederick Stagg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Returning to societal functions after a spinal cord injury is often the primary goal of most individuals (Kennedy et al., 2010). The transition out of rehabilitation is often inhibited by many difficulties ranging from a lack of quality peer supports, a gap in post-discharge care, an absence of psychological support, and experiences of unaddressed chronic pain, worries about bowel and bladder accidents, altered body image, concerns about autonomic dysreflexia, and spasms (Dickson et al., 2011; Kennedy et al., 2010). Transitions for individuals with spinal cord injuries presents a clear area of need for this scholarly project.


Integrating Occupation-Based Activity Groups In The Earlyelementary School Setting, Krista Rae Weiland Jan 2023

Integrating Occupation-Based Activity Groups In The Earlyelementary School Setting, Krista Rae Weiland

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the early-elementary school curriculum, foundational skills are established to promote success in education and beyond. With limited remediation opportunities in the areas of fine motor and social skills, students are not receiving adequate resources to foster academic success. Students who demonstrate deficits in fine motor and social skills are prone to negative peer and teacher perception, a lack of self-esteem, decreased mental flexibility, and an inability to communicate knowledge effectively (Case-Smith et al., 2014; Lust & Donica, 2011; Taverna et al., 2020). These adverse consequences often result in a negative attitude towards school and low academic performance, which may …


The Missing Piece: A Sensory Toolkit For Parents, Educators, Healthcare Professionals, And Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Sensory Processing Disorder (Spd)., Jennavive Holm Jan 2023

The Missing Piece: A Sensory Toolkit For Parents, Educators, Healthcare Professionals, And Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Sensory Processing Disorder (Spd)., Jennavive Holm

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project is to create educational material pertaining to sensory processing. The intended audience includes families, caregivers, teachers, and other healthcare professional who treat and/or care for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This sensory toolkit was developed to enhance parents and caregiver education on ASD and SPD diagnoses to increase both the child’s and the caregiver’s quality of life. It is hoped that this sensory toolkit will provide caregivers with invaluable resources and tools to use outside of the clinic. This product will incorporate the expertise of occupational therapy (OT) …