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Rehabilitation and Therapy

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

Theses/Dissertations

2010

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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

The Job Teaches You, If You Are Open To It: The Experiences Of Hospice Occupational Therapists, Gaea Haymaker Jan 2010

The Job Teaches You, If You Are Open To It: The Experiences Of Hospice Occupational Therapists, Gaea Haymaker

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

During the last 3 decades, hospice care has become increasingly prevalent in the United States, and evidence indicates that occupational therapists are involved in end of life care. There is little research, however, examining the experiences and professional development of occupational therapists in hospice care. This study used qualitative methodology (grounded theory) to explore the experiences of 4 hospice occupational therapists practicing in urban western Washington. Data analysis identified 5 major themes: Enhancing clients’ quality of life, Therapeutic use of self, Advocacy, Interdisciplinary team involvement, and Images of ideal practice. A preliminary theory of the professional development of hospice occupational …


Mini-Mental State Examination And Large Allen Cognitive Level Screen: Predictive Validity For Discharge Disposition Among Patients Of A Skilled Nursing Facility, Tonya Pitman Jan 2010

Mini-Mental State Examination And Large Allen Cognitive Level Screen: Predictive Validity For Discharge Disposition Among Patients Of A Skilled Nursing Facility, Tonya Pitman

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

The objective of this study was to determine the association between scores on the Large Allen Cognitive Levels Screen (LACLS) and the Mini-Mental Statue Examination (MMSE) among residents of a skilled nursing facility (SNF) and to what extent they have predictive validity for discharge disposition. Data were collected from one SNF in Washington State through a retrospective chart review. Among all cases, no correlations were found between the MMSE and discharge disposition, and the LACLS and discharge disposition. However, the LACLS was a statistically significant predictor of discharge disposition among orthopedic patients, r (22) = .479, p = .01. A …


Emergency Preparedness And Personal Evacuation Planning: Involvement Of Occupational Therapists, Paul Noakes Jr. Jan 2010

Emergency Preparedness And Personal Evacuation Planning: Involvement Of Occupational Therapists, Paul Noakes Jr.

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

Disaster and emergency events are common occurrences and the skills necessary to respond to these incidents appear to fall within the scope of practice of occupational therapy (OT). This survey explored the format, methods and content, and frequency with which U.S. home health occupational therapists address two topics: emergency preparedness and personal evacuation planning with clients and caregivers, as well as their views of its place within the scope of OT practice. From 250 mailed recipients, 88 usable questionnaires were received for an adjusted response rate of 38.3%. Of the respondents, 85.2% were found to address either or both of …


Aquatic Programs For Individuals With Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis: Self-Reported Changes In Activities Of Daily Living, Andrea Figueira Jan 2010

Aquatic Programs For Individuals With Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis: Self-Reported Changes In Activities Of Daily Living, Andrea Figueira

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

Arthritis is the inflammation of any joint in the body, involving continuous symptoms that are highly variable and dependent on the person. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have been shown to affect a person’s ability to be independent in performing activities of daily living, and aquatic therapy has been shown to decrease pain and improve functional abilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of self-reported functional improvement in those who continued to participate in a specialized aquatic program in the Puget Sound region or in the Metro Vancouver area of British Columbia.


Addressing The Needs Of Caregivers: Self-Reported Practices Of Occupational Therapists In The U.S., Kimberly Naguwa Jan 2010

Addressing The Needs Of Caregivers: Self-Reported Practices Of Occupational Therapists In The U.S., Kimberly Naguwa

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

To investigate the (1) the attitudes of occupational therapists regarding caregiver training for the informal caregivers of people who experienced a stroke, (2) strategies for assessment of caregivers, (3) content of caregiver training and education (CTE) sessions, and (4) barriers and supports therapists experience in addressing the needs of caregivers. Method: Responses to a novel survey by 73 registered occupational therapists (31% response rate) who treated adult clients with stroke in the past year were compiled. Descriptive statistics were calculated to analyze the attitudes and practices of the respondents. Chi-square cross-tabulations were utilized in data analysis.


The Effect Of Alpine Skiing On Behavior Of Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder As Viewed By Their Parent., Katie O'Brien Jan 2010

The Effect Of Alpine Skiing On Behavior Of Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder As Viewed By Their Parent., Katie O'Brien

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

Research has shown that physical activity and sensory input can have positive effects on the behavior of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study sought to examine whether participation in a seven week alpine skiing program had an effect on behaviors of children with an ASD as well as to examine the family’s perspective regarding their child’s participation in the program. Participants were recruited through an adaptive ski program and included three children with an ASD and one of their parent's. The Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) was used to assess sensory-based behaviors. A questionnaire was developed to …


Life After Upper Extremity Replantation: An Examination Of The Experiences Of An Adolescent Male, His Family, And The Treating Certified Hand Therapist, Karina O'Connor Jan 2010

Life After Upper Extremity Replantation: An Examination Of The Experiences Of An Adolescent Male, His Family, And The Treating Certified Hand Therapist, Karina O'Connor

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

The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth perspective on the experience of replantation of a traumatically amputated upper extremity and the subsequent rehabilitation process through the point of view of a 15 year old patient, his parents, his sister, and the treating Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). As an occupational therapist it is important to understand the family relationships, support networks, and the role of the patient in the family. The therapist is in a unique position to provide treatment and emotional support that the patient and family need after experiencing trauma. This case study appraisal using a …


Differences In The Utilization Of Therapeutic Use Of Self By Occupational Therapists In Military And Civilian Settings, Cj Gill Jan 2010

Differences In The Utilization Of Therapeutic Use Of Self By Occupational Therapists In Military And Civilian Settings, Cj Gill

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

The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of therapeutic use of self, and the factors that may influence that implementation in military and civilian settings, as described by occupational therapists who have experience in both settings. A semi-structured qualitative design was used to interview two practicing occupational therapists. Analysis of the audio transcripts resulted in two themes on the comparison of implementation of therapeutic use of self in military and civilian settings: Knowing your Population (identifying differences between the military and civilian settings) and Some Things Do Not Change (identifying similarities between the military and civilian settings). …


Occupational Therapy Needs Assessment Of Male United States Veterans Who Are Homeless, Karyn Best Jan 2010

Occupational Therapy Needs Assessment Of Male United States Veterans Who Are Homeless, Karyn Best

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

The current occupational therapy research base related to individuals who are homeless is sparse, and few studies have identified the various needs of subgroups within the population. To provide appropriate interventions, treatment, and program development for homeless veterans, an understanding of their occupational performance, including impact of prior experiences, roles, and meaningful and valued activities is necessary. This study used qualitative methodology to explore the needs of a small number of male United States veterans in urban Western Washington who are currently or were previously homeless, in order to determine in what way the occupational therapy profession can best meet …


An Occupational Therapy Needs Assessment For At-Risk High School Students Attending An Alternative Education Program: A Case Study, Brittany Mcfadden Jan 2010

An Occupational Therapy Needs Assessment For At-Risk High School Students Attending An Alternative Education Program: A Case Study, Brittany Mcfadden

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

The purpose of this mixed-methods needs assessment was to identify how occupational therapy services might support at-risk high school students enrolled in an alternative education program. Sixteen staff members and 24 students completed a survey addressing potential needs across performance areas and client factors within the domain of occupational therapy. Interviews and observation were used to add breadth and depth to these survey data. The findings indicated a need for intervention in multiple areas including time management, behavior regulation, attention, health and wellness, stress management, communication skills, job skills, and goal setting. Students and staff indicated similar areas of needs …