Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Oral History Service Learning: Veterans Studies And Sosa, Amanda S. Hansford

Veterans Studies Undergraduate Capstones

As professionals, it is important to promote interprofessional education and collaboration among disciplines. This project explores connections between Veterans Studies, Library Science, and Occupational Science / Therapy. An oral history protocol was developed between the student sponsored organization Student Occupational Science Association (SOSA) and the Eastern Kentucky University Veterans Studies academic program. The goal was to promote deeper learning and cultural competency about members of veteran and military communities. Participants also gain leadership and interviewing skills applicable in a variety of career settings.

The model of human occupation (MOHO) guided aspects of the project design is used to discover the …

The Use Of Compression To Treat Phlebolymphedema Symptomology: A Systematic Review, Naomi Moran

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: There is a lack of clinical practice guidelines regarding treating phlebolymphedema symptomology. To facilitate client centered evidence-based practice, occupational therapists (OTs) who are Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs) need disease specific evidence for treating phlebolymphedema. Finding available evidence regarding the use of complete decongestion therapy (CDT) for this population will support evidence-based practice. For this capstone compression usage is the one component of CDT that will be researched.

Purpose: A systematic review of evidence related to use of static compression for treatment of lower leg phlebolymphedema that is within the scope of a CLT who is not wound care certified. …

Addressing Tobacco Use With Improved Utilization Of 5as Framework In Primary Care, Binta Bojang

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Identifying and treating tobacco use disorder through screening and evidence-based intervention is necessary to assist all tobacco users to quit and or to decrease typical tobacco-linked health risks. The findings from the literature review suggested that the implementation of the technology-enhanced 5As model (asking, advising, assessing, assisting and arranging for follow up) approach might serve as a reminder to clinicians to assess tobacco use, and improve patient outcomes in tobacco cessation care. The purpose of this DNP project was to improve the treatment of tobacco use disorder among adults in a primary care. The objective of this project was …

Bridging The Gap In Education For Patients On Oral Chemotherapy: A Qi Project, Lindsay Rodriguez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Oral chemotherapy and intravenous (IV) chemotherapy share many of the same side effects. However, at community General Hospital Medical Center oral chemotherapy patients were not receiving equitable monitoring and education like their IV chemotherapy counterparts. To bridge the gap, a quality improvement (QI) initiative to improve education, documentation and follow-up between visits was proposed to increase compliance and understanding. The QI project consisted of patients taking oral chemotherapy within the first 12 weeks of starting treatment. Patients were contacted weekly via nurse lead follow up calls and the Oral Chemotherapy Template was discussed with the patient to identify concerns …

Complete Health Improvement Program To Implement Lifestyle Medicine, Robert Hobbs Jr

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The health of many Americans continues to worsen. Over the past 20 years there has been a fifty percent increase in the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the US. America has an increase in obesity rates, and lower mortality rates compared to other countries that spend less per capita. Currently the US healthcare system only contributes about 20% of the overall care of patients. Provider burned out is increasing and many remain uneducated regarding lifestyle medicine. Since up to 90% of chronic diseases are lifestyle related, a different approach to chronic disease care is needed. The Complete Health …

Decreasing Falls: Communicating Safety With Patient-Directed Visual Cues, Signs, And Symbols, Lizelle Hill

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Patient falls during hospitalization are a major clinical problem that occurs frequently. It is estimated that between 700,000 and 1,000,000 patients fall in hospitals each year. Between 30% and 50% of patients who fall in hospitals are injured. Consequently, falls with serious injury are among the most frequent hospital-reported sentinel events. Hospitals also suffer from patient falls as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer reimburse for costs related to preventable falls or fall-related injuries. Given the significant negative impact of falls on patients and healthcare organizations, hospitals continue to look for interventions to decrease falls. Research strongly …

Online Support For Families Affected By Opioid Use Disorder, Sharonda Hill

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Families who care for children with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) face many challenges and may be lacking support. The purpose of this project was to provide evidence-based information to families caring for NAS children through an established online support group, To the Moon and Back. Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model was the theoretical model used to guide this project. An intervention to deliver support and information was implemented through three sessions. During these sessions participants were educated on evidenced-based tools to help their children with behavioral self- regulation and communication with providers. Data was collected through pre and post assessments …

Use Of Academic Detailing To Improve Reporting Of Peri-Operative Events, Allyn Sara Miller-James

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Problem: Four million people worldwide die within thirty days of surgery. The EPIC Corporation has created the opportunity to collect and analyze data on the peri-operative care of patients. Initially, implementation of the program has identified barriers to event reporting by anesthesia providers. Barriers identified in the literature and in semi-structured interviews are fear of liability and retribution by patients, employers, and governing bodies. Significance: Despite national efforts to increase the reporting of medical errors, they remain grossly under- reported. The integration of the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) events data collection tool into the EHR for anesthesia providers …

A Self-Compassion Intervention For University Students: A Dnp Project, David Coffey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

University students are reporting increased levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Trends for mental health distress among this population have been increasing over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this trend. It is important to provide college-age students with the knowledge and skills for self-compassion necessary to navigate the difficult transition from high school to university. Self-compassion skills have been shown to positively affect mental health outcomes, specifically anxiety and depression. A brief, two-part intervention was developed focusing on the major components of self-compassion and offered to university students over a two-week period. Results of the …

Simulation To Improve Dementia-Related Care Of Veterans, Brandy Wardrip

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Millions of Americans, including Veterans, are diagnosed with dementia. Healthcare staff may benefit from dementia-related training. This Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated the effectiveness of the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) as a learning tool to improve staff’s knowledge of dementia, enhance their empathy and attitudes when interacting with Veterans diagnosed with the disease, and increase awareness that behaviors commonly seen with dementia may be forms of communication. Interprofessional healthcare staff (N=33) at a Veterans hospital participated in the experiential simulation. A pre-and post-test design utilized the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) and the Dementia Attitude Scale …

Providing Mbsr Tools To First Year Adn Nursing Students: A Dnp Project, Katherin Brandt

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

As part of the educational training provided to nursing students it is important to not only provide information regarding stress management, but also to give them tools that they can use to handle stressful situations more effectively. Literature supports the use of mindfulness techniques practiced regularly to decrease stress and anxiety. This DNP project developed, implemented, and evaluated the addition of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques into the curriculum of the first-year Medical Surgical nursing course in a prelicensure Associate Degree Nursing program. The project was guided by Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and the Model for Improvement (PDSA …

Streamlining The Referral Process For A Mental Health Clinic: A Dnp Project, Ashley Barr

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Mental health providers are in short supply in the United States. Access to mental health is impacted by the process used to refer patients. To bridge this gap, this DNP Project sought to increase mental health referrals to the partnering organization through strategic outreach to primary care and an online social media presence. After IRB approval, outreach to twenty-one primary care providers across eleven clinics was completed, a social media campaign was conducted, and the intake form for the partnering organization was updated for tracking the source of the referral. Results of the interventions included high satisfaction on the …

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Implications For Treating Trauma, Kara L. Harrison Psy.D.

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Trauma related symptoms and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been increasingly recognized for the key roles they occupy in mental health and overall individual well-being within both adult and childhood populations. They often represent significant barriers to the provision of mental healthcare within military populations and individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI). This original contribution to practice explores the significance of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy as a novel adjunctive approach to treating trauma. symptoms in adults and children. An extensive literature review examines current research and discussion on common definitions and nomenclature. It begins with discussion on the broader areas …

Occupational Therapists’ Clinical Reasoning In Aat With Dogs In Pediatric Therapy, Catherine C. Goodman

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to understand the clinical reasoning used by occupational therapists to select animal assisted therapy with a dog to be included in a treatment plan for their pediatric occupational therapy clients

Theoretical Framework. The Ecology of Human Performance model supports the study purpose and emphasizes the effect of a person’s context and environment on their ability to function and perform tasks.

Methods. The descriptive qualitative study used interviews of seven occupational therapy practitioners who have included dogs in therapy sessions with children. Interactive coding and theme development was employed with member checking applied to …

Understanding The Experiences Of Occupational Therapists Assessing And Treating Functional Cognition Following Stroke, Emma R. Gregg

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background. Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability in the United States, with many stroke survivors experiencing cognitive impairment. Despite the prevalence and impact of cognitive impairment amongst the post stroke population, the evidence for functional cognition assessment and intervention in occupational therapy practice is not well described, and there is currently no evidence available exploring the perceptions of occupational therapists regarding functional cognition for stroke survivors.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of occupational therapists assessing and treating functional cognition in individuals following stroke.

Methods. This qualitative descriptive study included occupational …

The Effects Of Education With Healthcare Providers On Low Vision Assistive Devices And Their Ability To Improve Self-Care Skills, Lora L. Jester-Rains

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Results of a study by Casten et al., (2005) confirmed low rates of use of devices and services for low vision by the older adult. Older adults with low vision are receptive to using low vision resources but are often unaware of them (Lighthouse International, 2021). Casten et al. (2005) further suggested that the lack of services or use of devices may be due to a lack of awareness of health care professionals. Low vision assistive devices (LVAD), whether high or low tech, or mainstream, can help maximize a client’s vision so that they can perform everyday tasks …

Maintaining Occupations For Long-Term Care Residents, Lara Albano

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

This Capstone project focused on client-chosen occupations and the use of client-centered evaluations and interventions for long-term care residents. Client-chosen occupations keep our clients actively engaged in therapy, gives them a sense of control, and maintains their identity. The purpose was to prepare occupational therapists to address long-term care residents’ unique occupational needs and promote participation in their chosen and meaningful occupations. It aimed to examine how occupational therapists interpret and include client-chosen occupations and occupation-based assessments in evaluations and interventions for long-term care residents in skilled nursing facilities.

Effectiveness Of Electrical Stimulation In Treating Upper Extremity Pain For Older Adult Clients Residing In A Skilled Nursing Facility, Cody L. West

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: It is estimated that 55% of older adults who reside in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have chronic pain that affects their daily function. However, limited research has been conducted on the effectiveness of electrical stimulation (e-stim) in treating upper extremity (UE) pain for the older adult population specifically.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether electrical stimulation can decrease UE pain in clients age 65+ residing in a SNF. A sub-question in the study was whether e-stim can improve UE functional performance in older adult clients.

Theoretical Framework: There are two guiding theoretical …

Impacting Students: Students With Disabilities Participating In A Theater Occupation-Based Program, Markii D. Landry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Acting Creates Therapeutic Success (ACTS Jr.) is a program that uses theater and drama activities to address a variety of skills. Theater advantageously offers a variety of activities that suit the individual (costume and prop making, set design, screenplay writing, etc.), many that fall under the scope of occupational therapy, and is executed well as a form of group therapy given its innate camaraderie of actors and production members working together to form a final cohesive product (Phillips, 1996). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how theater can be used as a meaningful activity for students with disabilities …

Interprofessional Collaboration Practice Between Nurses And Occupational Therapists, Kimberly Lamke

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: There is limited research on the interprofessional relationship between occupational therapists and nurses in pediatric outpatient settings, as well as the understanding nurses have of occupational therapy. Interprofessional collaboration is a key component in pediatric client care, regardless of the setting. Interprofessional collaboration is imperative to ensure that health care teams are efficient and able to provide clients with the highest quality of care (Loy et al., 2015).

Purpose: The purpose of this Capstone is to determine how nursing students perceive occupational therapy in a pediatric setting and to examine their perceptions of the interprofessional relationship. Further, it will …

Coaching, Capacity, And Change: Youth Sport Providers' Perceptions On Creating A Health-Promoting Environment, Jennifer Papenfuse

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Rising youth public health disparities can be attributed to the social determinants of health that influence health and wellness. Youth sport providers can be influential in creating healthier environments that facilitate positive youth development, positively impacting life-long healthy behaviors.

Purpose: The purpose of this Capstone Project was to explore youth sport provider’s perceptions, after completing an educational module, of their capacity to implement positive youth development and to create a health-promoting environment. Theoretical Framework. The Model of Human Occupation and the Transtheoretical Model of Behavioral Change guided this project’s assumption that the multicontextual environment’s influence on the process of …

Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Employer-Sponsored Evidence-Based Practice Activities, Kelli Spayd

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Evidence-based practice is an expectation for the practice of occupational therapy, however, practitioners are not engaging regularly in it. Employers have started to offer activities, such as journal clubs and case studies, or access to research articles and continuing education activities, to help increase evidence-based practice use.

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive open-ended survey study was to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of employer-sponsored evidence-based practice activities by occupational therapy practitioners. It was the goal of the research to answer the question: what are occupational therapists’ perceptions regarding employer-sponsored evidence-based activities?

Theoretical Framework. The Model of Human Occupation provides …

A Literature Resource For Those Supporting Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Cancer, Kaylee James

Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts both social interaction and patterns of behavior. ASD is rooted in genetic, biological, and environmental causes. Cancer begins when cells grow out of control and there is also a genetic and biological cause of cancer. There is an overlap between the genetic and biological causes of ASD and cancer. As a result, evidence supports an increased risk of developing some types of cancer as well as protective factors for some times of cancer for individuals with ASD. Therefore, individuals with ASD may be at a heightened risk to develop cancer, …

Occupation And Time-Use: The Narratives Of One Individual With Tetraplegia, Amanda Balser

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Successful health-management habits of individuals with tetraplegia have correlated with better quality of life and occupational engagement. Objectives: Little is known about the experience of time-use during these practices and the influence these routines have on participation in other meaningful occupations. This study aimed to explore the stories an individual with tetraplegia has about time-use in health management practices, influences on time-use, and feelings about quality of life and life satisfaction. Methodology: Narrative inquiry was used to explore the stories of time-use of one individual living with tetraplegia. Findings: Eleven interpretive stories were thematically represented illustrating the complexity of …

Understanding Perceptions Of Social Eating During Lunch For Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa: An Instrumental Case Study, Madelyn Duzyk

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Current literature on adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) show that social participation is a key factor of community reintegration and long-term recovery (Mekori et al., 2017; Preyde et al., 2017); however, there is little known about the impact of social eating for adolescents with AN.

Purpose: The purpose of this instrumental case study is to more fully understand the meaning of social eating during lunch for adolescents with AN and begin to illustrate social eating’s impact on treatment, community re-integration, and long-term remission.

Methods: A qualitative case-study methodology was developed to gain perceptions of social eating from adolescents with …

School-Based Practitioners' Perceptions Of Working With Students With Challenging Behaviors, Candace Thrash

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: School-based occupational therapy practitioners must develop a skill set that allows effective service delivery to individuals, groups, and populations in the school setting in order to support students with varying disabilities achieving their occupation-based goals. There is limited research and literature regarding occupational therapy practitioners’ perceptions regarding working with students with challenging behaviors and what they feel has prepared them to work with these students. It is important to determine if additional training, professional development, fieldwork experiences or mentorships are necessary to prepare school-based therapists to manage students effectively and confidently on their caseload who have challenging behaviors.

Purpose: …

Use Of Concept Mapping Within A Functional Neuroanatomy Course To Promote Critical Thinking Skills In Occupational Therapy Students, Alissa R. Baker

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Critical thinking involves examining and reflecting on one’s own biases, assumptions, and thinking processes. Within occupational therapy (OT), critical thinking skills are foundational skills to support effective clinical reasoning and decision making; however, there is limited evidence on how these skills can be developed and applied within OT education to support positive student outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this research project was to explore the use of explicit instruction on critical thinking paired with concept mapping as teaching methods to support entry-level OT student mastery of content knowledge related to functional neuroanatomy. This study aimed to answer the following …

The Effects Of External Load And Body Composition On The Sebt In Marching Band Performers, Alexander Alvarez

Online Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Marching band performers are susceptible to a variety of injuries that may have long-term consequences, especially in the lower extremity. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) dynamic stability assessment tool has been utilized to detect the risk of lower extremity injuries, such as chronic ankle instability. The SEBT may be influenced by internal and external load variations amongst individuals; however, the interactions between these factors and the impact on specific populations, such as marching band performers, have not been studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine how performance on the SEBT differs when taking external load …

Types Of Social Media Use And Adolescent Mental Health, Ashley Bragg

Online Theses and Dissertations

Communication in today’s world is rapidly changing, some suggest for the better, while some suggest it is for the worse. Networking for the adolescent perspective has social media platforms at an all time high. The amount of face-to-face communication between adolescents has been replaced with outlets such as Instagram and Snapchat. Although this is another form of communication, it often faces challenges to whether this outlet is detrimental to the adolescent’s mental health or a positive chance for interacting with peers. Anxiety, depression and fear of missing out (FoMO) are three major mental health concerns that correlate with social media …

The Price Of “Normal”: Masking In The Autistic Community, Phyllis Elizabeth Holloway

Online Theses and Dissertations

The Autistic community has a rich history that often includes poor mental health outcomes due to the increased stress and anxiety surrounding the push to have “normal” social skills. On Twitter, many autistic people utilize a hashtag to connect with others in the online Autistic community. This qualitative study analyzes the Twitter hashtag, #ActuallyAutistic, to understand masking and camouflaging from the autistic point of view. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to perform this analysis. The themes found emphasize the need for professionals to increase their understanding of the Autistic community’s value and contributions. By improving the ability of non-autistic …