Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Early Mobilization In Critical Care: A Benchmark Study, Monica Paige Voelkel

MSN Capstone Projects

Critically ill patients often have complex injuries to multiple organ systems creating barriers to mobilization and a decrease in functional status (Bergbower et al., 2020). Early mobilization (EM) in hospitalized patients has shown to improve patient outcomes and decrease length of stay (LOS) (Bergbower et al., 2020). The link between EM and LOS is one that warrants further investigation with the PICOT question: In critically ill patients (P), how does early mobilization (I), compared to standard mobility (C) improve patient outcomes (O) over a three-month period (T)? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the rationale for the benchmark …

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis In Surgical Patients, Ariel D. Roberson

MSN Capstone Projects

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant medical issue that incurs thrombi formation in the venous system which can result in major medical problems. DVT’s often occur because of complications after orthopedic surgery. Common risks factors for DVT are vein injury, slow blood movement, increase estrogen, and chronic medical illness (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018). As many as 900,000 individuals are impacted by DVT each year (CDC, 2020). Consequently, recent estimates show that 60,000 to 100,000 Americans die each year because of DVT. Even more alarming, 10 to 30% of individuals will die of DVT within a …

The Nurosleeve, A User-Centered 3d Printed Hybrid Orthosis For Individuals With Upper Extremity Impairment, Mehdi Khantan, Mikael Avery, Phyo Thuta Aung, Rachel M. Zarin, Emma Hammelef, Nabila Shawki, Mijail Demian Serruya, Alessandro Naopli

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Active upper extremity (UE) assistive devices have the potential to restore independent functional movement in individuals with UE impairment due to neuromuscular diseases or injury-induced chronic weakness. Academically fabricated UE assistive devices are not usually optimized for activities of daily living (ADLs), whereas commercially available alternatives tend to lack flexibility in control and activation methods. Both options are typically difficult to don and doff and may be uncomfortable for extensive daily use due to their lack of personalization. To overcome these limitations, we have designed, developed, and clinically evaluated the NuroSleeve, an innovative user-centered UE hybrid orthosis.

METHODS: This …

The Dynamics Of A Full-Time Academician: Teaching, Scholarship & Service, Jalissa Nicole Black

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Academia by definition is “an environment or community concerned with pursuing research, education, and scholarship” (Oxford Languages, n.d.). In higher education, such as graduate-level studies, academia is a system fostering the growth in knowledge and practicality of students aiming to be of professional standing, however, academia from a full-time faculty member standpoint is to also be a life-long learner and pursuer of knowledge as well. My doctoral capstone experience (DCE) took place under the guidance of Christina Kane, EdD, MS, OTR/L, a full-time faculty member at Nova Southeastern University where she acts as Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, Academic Professor, and Advisor …

Ot's Role In Facilitating Successful Role Transition For Informal Caregivers Of People Living With Dementia, Kiyatta Freeman, Monica Watford, Evyline Chioma

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The aim of this capstone project was to identify education and training needs for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia and create an educational workshop based on these identified needs. This workshop is a dementia training course focused on education on the dementia diagnosis and effective care strategies to promote occupational participation and safety for the care recipient and the caregiver. The aim is to improve care competency, reduce stress, and facilitate role transition.

Women’S Health Occupational Therapy And Quality Of Life As Related To Pregnancy-Induced Dysfunction, Megan Ramirez, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Jemila Medley

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The following project explored the understanding of Urinary Incontinence (UI) by those experiencing the condition. An educational website was created to assist with the education of those experiencing UI while pregnant. The website was made available to the public via links and social media.

The Importance Of Addressing Sleep As An Occupation Within Assisted Living Communities, Brittany Kiattitananan, Kendra Orcutt, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Around 40-70% of older adults have difficulty sleeping (Sheth & Thomas, 2019). This poster presents an occupation-based sleep intervention program developed for residents of an assisted living community and serves to inform OT practitioners on addressing sleep in their own practice.

Social Media Skills And Safety Education Program For Adolescents With Idds: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Janelle A. Rodriguez, Monica Watford, Nooreen Khalid, Kate Lundgren

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities are interested in using the internet and social media to maintain friendships. There is a gap in the literature exploring social media skills training programs to educate this population to safely use social media and the internet.

Expanding The Occupational Therapy Oncology Rehabilitation Program At James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Annalisa M. Rodriguez

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners In The Care Of Pets And Animals: A Guide To Aging In Place With Pets And Animals, Blake Randell, Mary Jan Greer, Sherry Pidgeon

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy practitioners in the care of pets and animals among older adults which has been referred to as the forgotten instrumental activity of daily living (or IADL) for this population. A needs assessment was conducted to determine how to provide facilitators and remove barriers or hindrances to occupational performance in the care of pets and animals among a group of older adults (with a variety of disability- and non-disability-related needs) in independent living communities. This needs assessment identified compounding health disparities of physical and/or cognitive impairments and lack of financial and necessary …

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Prenatal Approach Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Gaby Hogg, Monica Watford Phd, Otr, Jessica Snow Pt, Dpt

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This is a poster presentation on the workshop development, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Prenatal Approach Through an Occupational Therapy Lens. Women who experience pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) often do not understand that what they are experiencing can be managed through rehabilitation (Chen et al., 2019). This capstone project aimed to educate women about the pelvic floor and pelvic floor dysfunction as a proactive approach to rehabilitation. Additionally, the project provides educational information on pregnancy and birthing positions.

Health Literacy Barriers And Occupation Based Education For Healthcare Providers Serving Hispanic Americans, Serina Subedi, Rocio Alvarenga, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of the program was to shed light on addressing health literacy barriers and provide occupation-based education for healthcare providers serving Hispanic Americans, specifically in rural areas. Additionally, the purpose of the program was to close the gap by providing healthcare practitioners with tools and resources to assist in combating the barriers faced to include the lack of occupational therapy services. The pre-and post-survey during the needs assessment helped determine the participant's baseline understanding of various aspects related to health literacy and guided the development of the educational modules and informative resources. Based on the outcomes of the survey, …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Cognition In The Pediatric Population, Mia Ramirez, Hope Mccarroll, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Coronavirus disease or COVID-19, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can affect adults and children by causing long-term symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, long-term breathing problems, and even heart complications. Children represent about 19% of all reported COVID-19 cases since the pandemic first began. Children also can have trouble concentrating, which can impact their ability to attend school and do their daily activities that require concentration, such as dressing, showering, and social participation. Cognitive deficits due to COVID-19 can impact the pediatric population as they may have decreased occupational performance in desired occupations, such …

Program Development In Pediatric Prosthetic Training For Occupational Therapists, Paulina Alas, Monica Watford, Grace Evasco

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project delves into the necessity for professional tools designed to assist occupational therapists (OTs) in readying themselves for the treatment of pediatric patients requiring upper limb prosthetics. The endeavor encompasses an examination of various diagnoses that warrant prosthetic intervention, an exploration of diverse prosthetic variants, and a comprehensive manual detailing pre-prosthetic and prosthetic functional training.

The Effects On Occupations And Quality Of Life After A Sports Injury In Adolescents: Emphasis On Psychosocial Factors, Mikaela Hajjar, Lindsey Williams, Monica Watford

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone project was designed to develop educational handouts for adolescents who experience psychosocial factors after an injury, using the PEOP and Biopsychosocial models. The project addressed the need for more resources to target this population's psychosocial aspects of injuries. The handouts supported existing literature on recommended coping strategies, techniques, leisure exploration activities, and additional resources for OT treatment. The project aimed to provide accessible education to OTs, coaches, parents, and athletes on the role of OT in treatment and the importance of addressing psychosocial factors. The project successfully provided background information, analyzed methodology, summarized handout development, and highlighted the …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Mina Salinas, Mary Greer, Rudy Seward

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive inherited type of muscular dystrophy that results in progressive muscle weakness and requires a multidisciplinary approach for disease management. Occupational Therapy (OT) services are extremely valuable to this population as individuals diagnosed with this condition face significant difficulty in areas of occupational performance. Research shows occupational therapy services are not being received consistently and there are disparities in services received leaving a gap in the literature about the referral process and the understanding of OT's role.

Educating On The Impact Of Gravitational Insecurity In Children With Sensory Processing Disorder, Amber Pierce, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Elizabeth Mcbride

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Gravitational insecurity impacts 15-21% of children with sensory processing disorder, yet little to no research is available on the topic. Therefore, a program was created to provide education to therapists and therapy students in order to better provide education on the topic to others.

Employment And Mental Matters Amongst Formerly Incarcerated Women, Convalecia Johnson, Monica Watford, Stephanie Riedmueller

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to implement a program for formerly incarcerated women to provide employment preparation and mental health resources to address recidivism. An occupational therapy lens was used to develop and execute this program. One on one Zoom sessions were held for participants to work on resumes and mock interviews for employment preparation. Participants were also provided with a resource guide for future reference. A mixed methods approach was utilized to analyze the data from the pre and post program surveys administered to the participants. Based on the results, the participants found the program to be beneficial …

An Occupation Based Program: Supporting Mothers Through Pregnancy And Postpartum, Precious Barnett, Monica Watford, La'shandra Russell

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to discover the effects of occupational therapy services with women who may experience or who are at risk for postpartum depression. Supporting Mothers Through Pregnancy and Postpartum is the developed capstone program. This program included occupation-based activities and resources to encourage occupational participation and engagement. This program used an integrative approach to support the participants of this project. This poster presentation includes background information regarding this population, the methods used to develop the program, program topic themes and goals, and links to view the program’s deliverables.

The Importance Of Occupational Therapy During The Transition From The Nicu To Home For Parents’ Confidence In Co-Occupations, Randa Sloan, Mary Jan Greer, Faith Saunders

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Parents often transition home from the NICU with decreased confidence in their abilities to care for their infant after having extensive specialized care (Craig et al., 2015). Boykova (2016) explained that parents experienced low self-confidence and fear of making mistakes in their infants’ care upon arriving home. The problem is the lack of support and education about resources for parents during the transition from the NICU to home. Parents lack knowledge about the vital role OT plays in improving confidence in co-occupations which will play a role in improved parental mental health. Furthermore, parents and caregivers lack knowledge on how …

Implementation Of Tai Chi Among Individuals With Dementia In Long-Term Memory Care, Patricia I. Cordova, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Kim Broussard

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focused on a dementia population within long-term care, where increased disablement occurs. A Tai Chi program was implemented into the daily routine of individuals in a long-term memory care facility to improve dynamic sitting balance for the performance of daily occupations.

Wellness And The Occupational Impact Of Being A Police Officer, Daisy Nunez, Karen Park

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The occupational impact of being a police officer was researched. Along with the barriers and supports to wellness services. The study aimed to answer both those questions to analyze the impact of wellness on the population.

Identification Of Structural Brain Alterations In Adolescents With Depressive Symptomatology, J. Bashford‑Largo, R. James R. Blair, Karina S. Blair, Matthew Dobbertin, Ahria Dominguez, Melissa Hatch, Sahil Bajaj

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Introduction: Depressive symptoms can emerge as early as childhood and may lead to adverse situations in adulthood. Studies have examined structural brain alternations in individuals with depressive symptoms, but findings remain inconclusive. Furthermore, previous studies have focused on adults or used a categorical approach to assess depression. The current study looks to identify grey matter volumes (GMV) that predict depressive symptomatology across a clinically concerning sample of adolescents.

Methods: Structural MRI data were collected from 338 clinically concerning adolescents (mean age = 15.30 SD=2.07; mean IQ = 101.01 SD=12.43; 132 F). Depression symptoms were indexed via the Mood …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Patients With Substance Use Disorders: A Practitioner Guide, Mary Barrett

Student eBooks

Occupational therapy interventions for treating clients with substance use disorders. 10 modules which include a section for education, skills instruction, therapeutic activities, goal setting, and assessment tools. The areas included are coping mechanisms, health management, medication management, mental health, occupational engagement, pain management, sleep hygiene, stress management, time management, and work readiness. This project was completed as part of a capstone project at Cleveland State University by an occupational therapy doctoral student.

2022 American College Of Rheumatology Guideline For Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet, And Additional Integrative Interventions For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Bryant R England, Benjamin J Smith, Nancy A Baker, Jennifer L Barton, Carol A Oatis, Gordon Guyatt, Allen Anandarajah, Kristine Carandang, Karmela Kim Chan, Deb Constien, Eileen Davidson, Carole V Dodge, Anita Bemis-Dougherty, Sotiria Everett, Nadine Fisher, Liana Fraenkel, Susan M Goodman, Janet Lewis, Victoria Menzies, Larry W Moreland, Iris Navarro-Millan, Sarah Patterson, Lawrence Rick Phillips, Neha Shah, Namrata Singh, Daniel White, Rawan Alheresh, Kamil E Barbour, Thomas Bye, Dana Guglielmo, Rebecca Haberman, Tate Johnson, Anatole Kleiner, Chris Y Lane, Linda C Li, Hiral Master, Daniel Pinto, Janet L Poole, Kimberly Steinbarger, Daniel Sztubinski, Louise Thoma, Vlad Tsaltskan, Marat Turgunbaev, Courtney Wells, Amy S Turner, Jonathan R Treadwell

Pediatrics Research and Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: To develop initial American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines on the use of exercise, rehabilitation, diet, and additional interventions in conjunction with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as part of an integrative management approach for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS: An interprofessional guideline development group constructed clinically relevant Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) questions. A literature review team then completed a systematic literature review and applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to rate the certainty of evidence. An interprofessional Voting Panel (n = 20 participants) that included 3 individuals with RA achieved consensus …

The Role Of Recreation In Preventing Delinquency And Misdemeanor In Children, Fidel Toker, Hatice Guclu Nergiz

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The active role of recreation should be considered in the solution of social problems. In the elimination of the psychological and environmental causes of juvenile delinquency, the prevention of crime before it is committed must be taken as the basis rather than post-criminal rehabilitation (with recreational rehabilitation). For this purpose, researches showing that the tendency of crime and violence decrease with recreational activities were compiled by document analysis method. A wide literature search was made with appropriate keywords and these studies were interpreted with published statistical data. As a result of the research, it was found that the relationship between …

Services Provided To Aging Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: Survey Of Speech Language Pathologists, Claire H. Gatewood

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Purpose: The present study explored current speech-language pathology service provision for aging individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States, including areas and domains of services, factors restricting service provision, and reported knowledge and confidence of individuals within the field of speech-language pathology in providing services, to identify possible gaps of service and needed improvement.

Methods: Participants (n = 272) from across the United States completed an online survey to gather descriptive information about current speech-language pathology service provision for aging individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants were recruited through state speech-language hearing associations and universities with speech-language pathology clinics …

Effects Of Static Versus Dynamic Cupping On Ankle Dorsiflexion, Alexandria N. Schaub

All NMU Master's Theses

PURPOSE: Cupping therapy involves lifting and separating fascial tissue to facilitate stretching and promote blood flow. Although cupping is a common treatment modality for pain, studies are inconsistent in regards to whether cupping improves other outcomes, like range of motion. Possessing a limited range of motion can lead to musculoskeletal injury. The aim of this research is to determine the acute effect of different methods of cupping therapy on ankle dorsiflexion. METHODS: A total of 35 healthy adults (age: 22.1±4.52 years) with an average ankle ROM of 34.68±4.22° at baseline were included in the study. Participants were randomly …

An Exploration Of The State Of Practice Of Recreational Therapy Within Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Jacqueline Dyke

All Dissertations

Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are widespread in the United States (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2017), and treatment based on evidence may be difficult to find (The CASA Columbia National Advisory Commission on Addiction Treatment, 2012). According to the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certfication’s most recent survey of the profession, 41.69% of Certified Theraepeutic Recreation Specialists work with people who have SUD. In order to gain insight regarding the current state of practice of recreational therapy (RT) within SUD treatment, a national survey of CTRSs who work in the U.S., serving individuals with SUD as either …

Teaching Social Determinants Of Health In Physical Therapist Professional Education Programs: Exploring Curricular Approaches And Examining An Assessment Tool, Emily Jordan Hawkins

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

There is a growing emphasis and need for physical therapists (PTs) to serve not only as clinicians but also as advocates to pursue health equity. Clinical practice for preventing and rehabilitating injuries and promoting physical activity will not eliminate health disparities resulting from the social determinants of health (SDH). Leaders in the field of physical therapy have charged physical therapist professional education programs to teach future PTs to address SDH, however, as of August 2023, the Standards and Required Elements for Accreditation of Physical Therapist Education Programs does not specifically require curricular content regarding SDH. The purposes of this dissertation …