Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Does Caregiver Use Of Portable Technology Impact Attachment For Infants And Young Children?, Caitlyn Alejo, Kevin Antoine, Christine Caley, Tess Morgan

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Ellie Olson, OTR/L, the primary collaborator for this project, is the owner of Fall City Children’s Therapy. In collaboration with occupational therapy (OT) students and faculty advisors, Renee Watling, Maggie Hayes, and Yvonne Swinth, the research question, “Does caregiver use of portable technology impact attachment for infants and young children?” was developed. This systematic review resulted in 12 articles meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles reported mixed results: (1) association between parent technology use and child attachment, (2) no association between parent technology use and child attachment, and (3) other associations besides parent technology use and child attachment, including …

Effectiveness Of Feeding Therapy Approaches On Consumption And Dietary Variety In Children With Sensory-Based Feeding Challenges, Josie Ash, Kayla Estes, Cecilia Morales, Rachel Mcelroy

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

This project was completed in collaboration with Hannah Michlmayer (OTR/L) at Therapy Services for Children in Seattle, Washington. The research team conducted a literature review to investigate the following question: For children ages 3-12 with sensory-based feeding challenges, what are the most effective interventions to improve dietary diversity and/or food acceptance? Evidence indicates that ABA-based interventions are the most studied, followed by video modeling and caregiver/parent training. These approaches demonstrate short-term increases in consumption and dietary variety. Most studies had small sample sizes with minimal long-term follow-up. There is a lack of research on group interventions, the SOS approach, and …

“Growing Together”: Addressing The Support Needs Of Caregivers Postpartum Through Occupational Therapy Intervention, Garrett Bagdon, Stephanie Iwasaki, Kelli Kawamoto, Alexa Mahoney

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Through a collaboration with a practicing occupational therapist in Tacoma, Washington who is currently interested in opening a private practice focused on providing care to caregivers in the postpartum period, the researchers posed the question, “When treating caregivers with children under one year of age, what is the effectiveness of existing interventions within the scope of occupational therapy in improving occupational performance?” Through a critical appraisal of topic project, it was found that the existing evidence supports occupational therapy interventions in the form of brief motivational interviewing, behavioral treatments, self-regulation education, wrist stabilization techniques, and group treatments aimed at decreasing …

Interventions That Address Quality Of Life For Those Transitioning To Long Term Care, Sharan Bhander, Michaela Mikulis, Kiana Serrao, Laice Valera

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

This research was proposed by community collaborator Lauren Gilliland, OTR/L, the director of occupational therapy at the Villages, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, in central Florida. Gilliland was interested in adding new interventions to her current practice, especially with older adults affected by transitioning to a long term care facility, who experience a shift of daily roles, routines, and identity that may impact their quality of life. The focus of this evidence-based project was to explore current literature of occupational therapy interventions aiming to improve quality of life for older adults, specifically transitioning into long term care facilities. The …

Pediatric Burn Management: Examining Efficacy And Affordability, Grace Bouker, Gabrielle Golinvaux, Kaytie Ridle, Makayla Stahl

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Our research was led by Kelly Culhane, OTR/L, at California Children Services (CCS), in searching for efficacious and cost-effective occupational therapy treatments, or sequences of treatments, in chronic pediatric (ages 3-21) burn scar management. The primary outcomes following burn scar treatment are to increase functionality, mobility, well-being, and to improve the physical appearance of the scars. Research suggests that exercise, massage, silicon gel, and silicon patches can all be used as occupational therapy treatment for burn scars. Unstructured massages and silicon patches were found to be the most cost-effective solutions, resulting in less itch and scar vascularity, and increased range …

Evidence-Based Interventions To Teach Daily Life Skills To Adults Impacted By Disabilities In Transition-Based Programs, Noam Baruch, Natalie Daughton, Sarah Derifield, Chloe Herrera

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

In collaboration with an occupational therapist at a school-based outreach program, we conducted a systematic literature review exploring existing evidence-based interventions that support activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) skill acquisition for transition-aged students over the age of 18 highly impacted by cognitive or intellectual disabilities. Existing literature explored the use of video-based interventions such as video prompting (VP) and video modeling (VM); interactive technology such as augmented reality, iPad applications, or audio recordings; non-technology based interventions such as visual supports, self-regulated problem solving, and adapting the environment. The evidence favored the use of …

Impacts Of Cultural Competency Training On Patient Outcomes, Claire Sinner, Lani Messmer, Sharon Oh

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

The collaborating provider is Malcolm Reed, OTR/L who works at an outpatient clinic with the Office of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Tacoma, WA. The outpatient clinic that Malcom practices in is a multidisciplinary rehabilitation setting that provides therapy services of PT, OT, SLP, and chiropractic care treating a wide variety of diagnoses. Mr. Reed believes there is a growing need for a strategy to provide effective culturally competent care at the VA, particularly for the African American population. The need to provide care to the increasingly diverse veteran population guided student researchers to conduct a literature review asking if cultural …

Strength-Based Occupational Therapy Interventions For Neurodiverse Adolescents And Young Adults, Ellen Howard, Christina Connell

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

In collaboration with Seattle Therapy Network, an outpatient pediatric occupational and speech therapy clinic, a critical appraisal of the literature was conducted to answer the following question: How can occupational therapists provide strength-based interventions for adolescents and young adults with autism and/or ADHD that support progression toward personally meaningful outcomes? Nineteen articles were critically appraised and were found to support using such interventions to promote meaningful outcomes in seven occupational areas. It is recommended that occupational therapy practitioners utilize strength-based, identity-affirming approaches that leverage client interests and abilities when working with neurodiverse youth in order to facilitate progress toward meaningful …

Factors That Influence Handwriting Legibility For School-Aged Children, Briegan Bester, Tori Chaffee, Jenna Miller, Laura Soper

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Four occupational therapy students collaborated with 360 Pediatric Therapy, a Seattle based pediatric occupational therapy practice. The collaborating practitioners, Catherine (Cate), Heather, and Miriam, were interested in the current and relevant evidence surrounding factors impacting handwriting legibility with children. Student researchers systematically reviewed the literature from 2007-2023 to address the question, "What are the main factors that affect or correlate with handwriting legibility for school- aged children K-5?” Out of the 936 articles screened, researchers found 36 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Research demonstrates that handwriting interventions (in and out of the classroom) involving multiple skills (cognition, visual motor, …

Critically Appraised Topic (Cat) Project Benefits And Methods For Promoting A Cue-Based Feeding Protocol For Premature Infants In The Nicu, Katy Knackstedt, Cooper Cochran, Tiffany Frias, Sara Parish

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

In collaboration with Cuyler Romeo, an occupational therapist working in the NICU at Banner-University Medical Center in Arizona, a systematic review was conducted to answer the question "What evidence exists for implementing cue-based feeding in the NICU?" Six databases were searched and eleven articles were selected for critical appraisal after meeting search criteria. The results indicate moderate evidence that supports the implementation of cue-based feeding (CBF) for preterm infants in the NICU. It is recommended that CBF be implemented in the NICU as a team approach with a protocol in order to provide positive feeding experiences for preterm infants. A …

Lower Extremity Compression Bandaging: A Treatment Option For Edema In Certain Clients With Heart Failure, Tatiana Klein, Samantha Kalmbacher, Katie Strain

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

The collaborating practitioner for this evidence project, Lauren Brown, OTRJL, works in an inpatient acute care setting in the Colorado University hospital. The researchable (PICO) question for this evidence project was raised by the collaborating practitioner as, "What is the evidence that using lower extremity multilayer compression bandaging is a safe and effective intervention for clients with heart failure in acute care to decrease lower extremity edema or lessen the impact of venous ulcers?" The evidence appraisal process found that lower extremity compression is safe for clients with stable heart failure, and may be safe for clients with severe heart …

Self-Feeding Interventions For Adults With Tremors, Kd Bradley, Kristine Miller, Samantha Patterson, Madelyn Siemer

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

This research analysis was completed in collaboration with Carol Schramek, OTR/L, who works at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Iowa run by ABCM corporations. A systematic review of literature was conducted to explore the research question: "What evidence-based interventions have been shown to be effective for reducing tremors, improving occupational performance, and/or increasing client satisfaction during self-feeding in adults with resting and/or action tremors?" After initial review of 73 articles based on title, 33 articles met our inclusion criteria and were included in our critical appraisal of our topic (CAT). We found there to be a lack of research …

A Critical Appraisal Of The Vital Components Of Vocational Rehabilitations Counselors On Return To Work Outcomes For Injured Workers, Danielle Van Dusen, Kate Schooley, Sarah Riddle

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Our collaborating practitioner is Lee Caton, PT, is the Regional Vice President of Peoples Injury Northwest (PINN), which has multidisciplinary industrial rehabilitation facilities across Washington and Oregon. The research question was: "Is there a difference in the rate of return to work (RTW) for injured workers who use vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) versus injured workers who do not use vocational rehabilitation counselors?" A literature review discovered 57 articles that were then reviewed and synthesized into 24 total articles that included 23 quantitative and 1 qualitative article and were then assessed in a critically appraised topic (CAT). Strong evidence was found …

Associations Between Otitis Media And Social Development And Behavior, Samantha Reed, Inga Rohde, Hannah Yu

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Doreen Hunt, MA, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist at Children's Therapy of Woodinville, an outpatient pediatric clinic. She served as the primary collaborator with three University of Puget Sound occupational therapy (OT) doctoral students to address the research question, "How are chronic ear infections (otitis media) in early childhood associated with children's behavioral outcomes and social development?" A literature review identified 29 relevant articles which led to establishing themes of social skills, attention and behavior. Strong evidence indicates an association between chronic ear infections and social skills. However, due to mixed evidence, no clear associations could be found between chronic …

Best Practices For Toilet Training Children With Disabilities, Sara Kne, Gabriela Gonzalez, Jorge Medina

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

This research project was conducted in collaboration with Paige Kensil, OTR/L and Erica Petru, OTR/L at Little Fin Therapies. Through discussion with Paige and Erica, we determined that there was a need to examine the effectiveness of various toilet training interventions for children with disabilities. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature was conducted on strategies and interventions for toilet training focused on promoting independence of children between the ages of 2-18 years old with disabilities. The literature review yielded a total of 20 research articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Ten toileting interventions were examined in these articles for children …

Evidence Appraisal On Indocyanine Green Lymphography's (Icg-L) Efficacy In Diagnosing Lymphedema Compared To Other Assessment Methods, Jasmin Cardenas, Catherine Daggi, Leah Parsons

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

The authors collaborated with Kate Long, OTR/L, CL T who is currently practicing at Legacy Salmon Creek Rehabilitation outpatient clinic, to answer the research question, "How effective is indocyanine green lymphography (ICG-L) in diagnosing and guiding treatment of adult clients suspected of having lymphedema compared to other assessment methods?" Results of the in depth literature review provided moderate evidence to support the use of the ICG-L assessment method for obtaining an early, conclusive diagnosis of lymphedema. Findings also showed that imaging of individual lymphatic flow can assist certified lymphedema therapists (CLTs) in delivering personalized treatment to their clients. Compared to …

Evidence For Sensory Integration And Sensory-Based Interventions For Mental Health In Pediatric Populations, Elyse Johnston, Kelsey Graeber, Monica Lyons

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

There is an increasing prevalence of mental health concerns within the pediatric population (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). To equip practitioners to address this need, researchers examined the literature to consolidate the evidence for the following question: "For children with mental health conditions, do Ayres' Sensory Integration and/or sensory-based interventions reduce mental health symptoms?". This project was undertaken in collaboration with Dr. Jackie Brown, DrOT, OTR/L, owner of Apple Tree Therapy, a private pediatric occupational therapy (OT) clinic in Kitsap County, WA. In sum, there is a moderate evidence base to support the use of Ayres' Sensory …

Non-School Leisure Activity And Sensory Processing Patterns In 5 To 10-Year-Old Children, Jennifer L. Jarest

School of Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctoral Theses

PURPOSE: Though Ayres (1979) recognized the importance of child participation in significant movement activities to support sensory processing and promote development, the relationship between the nature of activity choices and child sensory processing patterns is unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of a link between children’s sensory processing patterns and patterns of engagement in leisure activities, using the question ‘Do activities engaged in during leisure time by children between the ages of 5- and 10-years old correlate with observed patterns of sensory processing?’.

METHOD: This descriptive study examined the patterns of sensory processing and leisure …

Correlation Between Proprioceptive Processing And Self-Concept In Children Ages Nine To Twelve Years From The Pacific Northwest, Jaclyn Brown Otr/L

School of Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctoral Theses

Objective: The correlation between proprioceptive processing and self-concept in children ages nine to twelve years of age was investigated.

Method: A descriptive research design was used to examine the results of 40 participants ages 9 to 12 years using the Comprehensive Observations of Proprioception (COP) and the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale: 3rd Edition (Piers Harris 3). Participants were recruited through convenience sampling and snowballing strategies. Pearson product moment correlation (r) analyses were used to examine the correlation between variables.

Results: The study sample consisted of 40 participants with 16 females and 24 males. Significant correlations at p = .05 were noted …

Socioeconomic Status's Impact On The Experience Of Loneliness, Tessa Samuels

Sociology & Anthropology Theses

Loneliness is a feeling that is nearly universal, yet some people are more vulnerable to prolonged exposures of the experience of loneliness. Due to the subjective nature of loneliness, there is minimal literature on loneliness without the variable of social isolation (Hawkley et al. 2008, Ryan et al. 2008, Kearns et al. 2015, Lee and Ishii-Kuntz 1987) or social capital (Benner and Wang 2014, Andersson 1998, Ryan et al. 2008, Kearns et al. 2015) involved. There are numerous variables that impact loneliness. One must consider age — there has been solid gerontology research that reveals that elderly people are less …

Client Adherence With Home Programs After Discharge From A Campus-Based Occupational Therapy Adult Clinic, Wendell M. Nakamura

School of Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctoral Theses

This retrospective, descriptive study used the Ecological Model of Adherence to examine how client, provider, intervention, and contextual factors are associated with client adherence with home programs, two months after discharge from a campus-based occupational therapy clinic. Twelve participants (M = 60.67 years, SD = 13.68, range: 30-78 years) were interviewed and occupational therapy clinic records were reviewed. The reported rate of adherence with home programs was 25% (n = 4). Point-biserial correlations and Phi coefficient cross-tabulations were calculated between 10 variables and client-reported adherence with home programs, two of which were high, positive, and statistically significant: the correlations between …

The Impact Of Sensory-Based Movement Activities On Students In General Education, Julie Anderson

School of Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctoral Theses

OBJECTIVE. Movement throughout the day in the school setting may help support skills such as time on task, and academics. This study examined the impact of sensory-based movement activities on academic learning. In addition, the teacher and student perceptions of the activities were analyzed.

METHOD. A mixed method design followed students in six classrooms during intervention (three classrooms) and control (three classrooms) (N = 135) with results based on participation in pre and posttest scores on STAR reading and math and DIBELS assessments. Students in the intervention group participated in six sensory-based movement activities, twice daily, once in the …

Factors Affecting The Capacity Of Occupational Therapists To Serve In A Formal Leadership Position In The School-Based Practice Setting, Emily Garza

School of Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctoral Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to estimate the prevalence and explore the perceptions of occupational therapists across the U.S. in regards to leadership positions in the school-based setting. A survey was completed by 116 occupational therapists who were members of either Early Intervention & School System, Developmental Disabilities, or Administration & Management special interest sections (SIS) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. The findings indicated that there is a higher prevalence of occupational therapists in formal leadership positions than the literature suggested, with 26% of respondents (n = 116) reporting that they have held a leadership position during …

Effects Of A Collaborative Rti Based Integrated Kindergarten Motor And Academic Program, Wendi Trummert

School of Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctoral Theses

Objective: This study examined the effects of a collaborative program of fine motor activities, linked to state academic standards, in two general education kindergarten classrooms, on dexterity, handwriting skills, reading ability and math skills.

Method: A modified randomized design, with two experimental and two control classrooms, contained pre and post testing of motor and academic skills. Classrooms receiving intervention engaged in 25-30 minutes of activity over 18 weeks using a program designed through teacher-therapist collaboration. Teacher and students were surveyed for their perceptions.

Results: Both control and intervention groups made significant gains in all academic and motor areas evaluated. Compared …

Content Analysis Of Qualitative Research 2011-2014 On Clients Affected By Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications For Occupational Therapy Practice, Kathryn Gedrimas

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Objectives Using a content analysis, this study explored relevant qualitative research conducted on individuals with autism and their families and determined its contribution to occupational therapy intervention and evidence based practice. In addition, this study will seek to update and enrich data collected by Tomlin, Swinth, and Luthman (2011).

Method Sixty-two articles, of 70 gathered, published between 2011 and 2014 in a variety of scientific disciplines were collected and reviewed using a content analysis methodology to extract and summarize themes relevant to occupational therapy practice. Articles included either the perspective of the individual with autism or of their family members. …

Ergonomic Modification To Pipetting To Reduce Discomfort And Muscle Strain, Megan Unyi, Kelsey Asato

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Objective: This study examined the effects of two ergonomic arm supports on bilateral muscle activity of the upper trapezius during pipette work on laboratory workers and university faculty and students as well as participants’ perception of productivity and discomfort.

Method: A repeated measures design was conducted at each individual’s workplace. Participants (N = 7) did an 8 minute predetermined pipette task using a static ergonomic arm support, a zero gravity dynamic arm support, and no arm support, sequenced at random. Electromyography (EMG) readings of bilateral upper trapezius, as well as perceptions of discomfort and productivity were collected for each trial …

A Manual For Occupational Therapy Student-Run Wellness Program Targeting Persons With Chronic Stroke, Jennifer Hoeniges, Julie Fry

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

It is not uncommon for stroke survivors to encounter a number of mental and physical barriers that impede on their ability to engage in everyday occupations. In order for these individuals to successfully live a meaningful lifestyle, it is necessary that they be educated on how to use their resources and re-integrate themselves back into the community. Participation in group interventions aimed at increasing self-management skills has been effective for persons with other chronic diseases and show potential to increase overall wellness and participation for those living with chronic stroke. A manual was created to educate occupational therapy students on …

Non-Verbal Resource Kit For Center Asays In Morocco, Heidi Vladyka, Christina Reyer

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common neurological disorder caused by injury during brain development. The impairments commonly associated with CP include motor and sensory deficits that can significantly impact all areas of occupation, especially ADL. In countries such as Morocco where the number of healthcare facilities is limited and languages vary, the burden on families to access appropriate care and education can be challenging. Center Asays in Morocco serves children with CP and requested a DVD for caregivers to provide education on proper positioning for both the child and caregiver during ADL. This project created a DVD that includes instruction …

The Use Of Everyday Technology In Occupational Therapy Practice For Clients With Acquired Brain Injury, Julia Ladner, Allison Davis

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate how occupational therapists use everyday technology (ET) in their evaluation and treatment of adults with acquired brain injury (ABI). Questions included (1) the type of client therapists believed most likely to benefit from using technology, (2) current patterns of technology use with clients, including type of technology and frequency of use (3) the extent to which therapists think ET was effective, and (4) the supports for and barriers against using ET in practice. A survey was completed by 40 occupational therapists who were members of the Physical Disabilities, Technology, or Home …

Creating A Dvd And Resource Kit: Effective Adl Techniques For Children With Cerebral Palsy And Their Caregivers For A Clinic In Morocco, Africa, Blair Burmark, Carly Valentine

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common neurological disorder caused by injury during brain development. The impairments commonly associated with CP include motor and sensory deficits that can significantly impact all areas of occupation, especially activities of daily living (ADL). In countries such as Morocco where the number of healthcare facilities is limited and languages vary, the burden on families to access appropriate care and education can be challenging. Center Asays in Morocco serves children with CP and requested a non-language based DVD for caregivers to provide education on proper positioning for both the child and caregiver during ADL. This project …