Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Dietary, Behavioral, And Psychosocial Factors Related To Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among South Asian Americans: A Scoping Review, Lakshmi Meyyappan, Peggy A. Ursuy, Olivia S. Anderson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: South Asian Americans disproportionately represent the world’s prevalence of cardiovascular disease. This scoping review assessed the dietary and psychosocial factors associated with cardiovascular disease risk that South Asian Americans encounter and concluded with considerations for health professionals who encounter this population in practice. Method: Inclusion criteria included studies with the primary population as South Asian Americans and investigated diet or psychosocial factors as variables and cardiovascular disease as an outcome variable. Results: Thirteen studies were included. Analysis of nutritional factors showed that South Asian Americans have high dietary quality yet eating non-vegetarian diets and high alcohol consumption is associated …

Promoting Early Identification Of Developmental Delays With The Cdc’S Learn The Signs. Act Early. Campaign, Katsia Renaud

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Empowering Occupational Therapists: Navigating Cancer Care Through The Lens Of Moho​, Luis G. Lares

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Cultivating Inclusion: A Multicultural Sensory Garden For Pediatric Occupational Therapy​, Carolyne Teixeira

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Defining, Educating, And Inspiring Young Diverse Students About The Career Of Ot, Matthew Pinckney

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Identifying And Addressing Maternal Health Needs: Using Occupational Therapy To Empower, Educate, And Support Mothers, Anne K. Lyles

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

There is a critical need for extended maternal support, particularly when viewed through the lens of occupational therapy. This capstone project aimed to address this gap by conducting a needs assessment using the Maternal Occupational Therapy Health & Environment Risk Screening (MOTHERS) to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges mothers face during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Findings from the needs assessment informed the development of practical, evidence-based resources—including digital products, social media content, educational flyers, and a virtual course—designed to support postpartum mothers in a format that is both accessible and empowering.

Integrating Occupation-Based Activities And Habit Training To Support Independence In Senior Living Facilities, Jamie Spangler

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Seaside at Fort Myers, a senior living facility encompassing Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), and Memory Care (MC) settings. The primary objective was to promote independence among older adults through two occupational therapy-informed initiatives: the development and facilitation of a structured habit training program and the creation of a practical activity planning checklist for staff. The 4-week habit training program focused on supporting daily routine development using analog tools such as calendars, checklists, and simulated planning tasks. These sessions targeted cognitive functions commonly impacted by aging, including task initiation, planning, and consistency. …

Enhancing Caregiver Support: Tailored Education For Families Of Veterans With Polytrauma, Riley J. Pullen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Addressing The Occupational Therapy Faculty Shortage: A Capstone Experience In Academic Administration At Nova Southeastern University, Tiesha N. Henley

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The project aimed to address the critical shortage of occupational therapy faculty by understanding and mitigating factors that contribute to this shortage, ultimately strengthening recruitment pipelines and supporting long-term faculty development within a graduate-level occupational therapy program. I developed a pamphlet outlining concrete resources and strategies to attract and retain qualified educators. Additionally, I engaged in the daily responsibilities of a full-time OT faculty member by contributing to course instruction and creating graduate-level learning materials.

Occupational Therapy’S Impact On Heart Failure Readmission Rates In The Acute Care Setting, Morgan Breen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Posture And Balance In Fall Prevention For Older Adults: Implications For Daily Living Activities, Julia L. Otoski

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a falls prevention program within a community-based organization to help reduce fall risk and maintain independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), among older adults. The project focused on assessing fall risk using evidence-based tools, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 4-Stage Balance Test, which identified all participants as being at risk for falls. Individualized treatment sessions were then implemented, emphasizing balance, posture, and the safe performance of ADLs and IADLs. The Otago Exercise Program was adopted and integrated …

Occupation-Based Foster Caregiver Toolkit, Jane L. Donat

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Peer-Led Recovery: Developing A Mentorship Program For Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries At The Va, Alexis Smich

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Supporting Parent Confidence Through Accessible Education In Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Dylan Spruill

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project explored strategies to enhance parent confidence and engagement in pediatric occupational therapy. Guided by a needs assessment drawn from literature, clinical observation, and parent input, the project identified a lack of accessible, affirming educational materials for families. In response, strengths-based, plain-language resources were developed and distributed in both print and digital formats. These materials supported parent understanding of therapeutic goals and encouraged home-based carryover of clinical strategies. Additionally, participation in small-group summer programming and one-on-one parent conversations provided insight into family needs and informed the resource design process. Outcomes suggest that empowering parents through targeted education can …

Inspiring Internationalization For Students Across Asia With Aapi-Ot, Mike D. Palou-Morales

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to
provide opportunities for internationalization between occupational therapy (OT) students across Asia, specifically in Japan and South Korea, with the assistance of the Asian-American and Pacific-Islander (AAPI-OT) and student organizations at my capstone site. I developed educational material and provided opportunities for discourse on the benefits of internationalization and collaboration through the student platform for occupational therapy (SPOT) Europe and Americas.

Supporting The Fourth Trimester: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Maternal Function And Recovery, Cedrica Durham

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project focused on supporting mothers and infants during the prenatal and postpartum periods through a blend of occupational therapy, doula practices, and lactation support. The project investigated how occupational therapists can work with other maternal professionals to promote maternal recovery and overall wellbeing. This capstone project addresses this gap by implementing a brief, occupation-based screening tool that can be used by lactation consultants, maternal health professionals, and home health providers to identify clients who may benefit from occupational therapy services

Supporting Participation In Daily Occupations, Quality Of Life, And Well-Being For Individuals With Dementia In Nursing Homes, Julianne M. Sta.Ana

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to enhance the quality of life, well-being, and occupational participation of individuals with dementia residing in nursing homes through the implementation of an eight-week occupational therapy-based program. By addressing unmet needs through personalized, meaningful activities such as cognitive stimulation, physical activities, and social engagement, this project seeks to reduce cognitive decline and improve emotional well-being. The SLUMS and GDS were used to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. Ultimately, this project sought to understand occupational therapy’s role in supporting dementia care in nursing homes.

Administrative Leadership Digital Hub To Expand Access To Occupational Therapy For Underserved Veterans ​, Bianca N. Haddock

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to address key administrative leadership functions within the Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System through the development of a digital hub supporting interdisciplinary collaboration among allied health services— occupational therapy (OT), recreational therapy (RT), and whole health (WH). The project aimed to close communication gaps that limit Veteran access to rehabilitative services by enhancing administrative coordination, streamlining pre-service implementation documentation, facilitating therapeutic equipment acquisition and training, and promoting service integration.

Nsu Otd Peer Mentoring Program: Improving Otd Student Knowledge And Professionalism, Mckinley Rivas

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Education, Awareness, And Resources Related To Aging In Place For Older Adults And Stakeholders Within Community-Based Care, Nevaria M. Rumery

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In Female Strength Athletes, Meghan Rohde, Jason Brumitt, Jodi Sandvik, Kari Bo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a symptom during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but a high prevalence of SUI is experienced in sports involving running and jumping. Objectives: Identify the scope of the problem of SUI in women participating in strength sports, movement patterns that elicit SUI, and the impact on quality of life in female athletes with SUI. Study Design: Survey mixed methods with qualitative focus groups. Methods: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a sport-specific and obstetric/gynecological history questionnaire were sent to women who are United States citizens, age 18-65, and …

Predictors Of Sleep Duration In Undergraduate Students Attending A Health Sciences University In Japan, Aaron M. Eakman, Yuki Kawakatsu, Miki Takahata, Daisuke Kudo, Shinji Satake, Toshiaki Sato

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Inadequate sleep is a pressing public health concern contributing to absenteeism and poor school performance, especially in health sciences students. In this study we investigated the sleep quality and duration of undergraduate students in a prefectural university of health sciences program and explored factors explaining sleep duration (i.e., < 6 hours per night vs > 6 hours) using multiple variable logistic regression.

Method: This cross-sectional survey study included 369 nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy students who completed Japanese versions of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, in addition to well validated sleep-related and mental health-related assessments.

Results: We found just 11.7% of the …

Navigating Cultural Barriers In Clinical Education: Unique Experiences And Insights From Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (Cald) Physiotherapy Students, Non-Cald Students, And Clinical Educators, Annie Yu, Neil Tuttle, Andrea Hams, Benjamin K. Weeks, Saras Henderson, Liisa Laakso

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) students commonly face cultural barriers in the clinical learning environment that can impact on the success of clinical education experiences. Lack of effective strategies to facilitate clinical learning can be challenging for students and clinical educators alike. This study aimed to explore the issues impacting on clinical learning from the perspectives of CALD physiotherapy students and their clinical educators, and seeks suggestions from both participant groups to improve the clinical education experience. Methods: Qualitative descriptive design using grounded theory principles was utilised to gain insights from physiotherapy students and clinical educators regarding their clinical …

Transforming Healthcare Virtually: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Artificial Intelligence In Telehealth Across Internal Medicine Subspecialties, Jassimran Singh, Aditi Agrawal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing telehealth within various subspecialties of internal medicine. The focus is on enhancing patient care, addressing healthcare challenges, and mitigating professional burnout through the real-time, data-driven insights offered by AI. The integration of AI in telehealth is examined across diverse medical fields such as cardiology, pulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, endocrinology, geriatrics, nephrology, neurology, and hematology-oncology. The research methodology employs a systematic literature review and analysis approach, utilizing academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore to identify relevant literature up to July 2023. Inclusion criteria …

A National Study Of Opioid Knowledge Of Physical Therapy Professionals, Shelene Thomas, John Kiesel, Steven G. Kinney, Isain Zapata

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Deaths from opioid overdoses persist as the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Musculoskeletal pain remains the primary symptom for opioid prescription. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) provide non-prescription pain management strategies to people with musculoskeletal pain. Currently, there lacks research quantifying opioid overdose management knowledge possessed by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students. The purpose of this study was to quantify opioid overdose knowledge by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students, collectively termed physical therapy professionals (PTP). Methods: The electronic survey included several demographic characteristics and the opioid overdose knowledge scale (OOKS) …

Increasing Clinical Placements For Occupational Therapy In A Social Services Setting: Innovations For Practice, Martin Fitzgerald, Becky Antich, Ele Grimwood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The provision of undergraduate clinical placements to support Allied Health education has always been a challenge. However, in the last few years, the mismatch between undergraduate students and available placements has become acute. This paper describes how an undergraduate occupational therapy programme and a Metropolitan Council provider of social services worked together to overcome these challenges. The aim was to enhance inter-institutional cooperation and placement educator support and to increase placement opportunities. Method: A series of meetings between the university and the host institution identified barriers and opportunities to placement expansion. For the host institution, these included the absence …

Impact Of Self-Selected Self-Care Activities On Perceived Stress And Resilience Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Leslie F. Taylor, Niamh M. Tunney, Lisa Fraher

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To assess the impact of self-selected self-care activities, supported by four interspersed reflection prompts, on the perceived stress and resilience of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students over 12 weeks. Methods: This exploratory study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Participants included third-semester DPT students (n=37; Class of 2024) enrolled in an eight-semester program.100% provided consent, with an 89% response rate (n=32). Quantitative pre- and post-measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD RISC-25), and a researcher-developed survey which asked students to identify their current self-care activities from a list of physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, …

Clinical Observation Of Oral-Motor Dysfunction In Joubert Syndrome: Case Series, Müberra Tanrıverdi, Gökhan Can Törpü

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Joubert Syndrome (JS) is a rare autosomal recessive neurological disorder, characterized by hypotonia, ataxia, tremor, developmental delay. JS also presents with respiratory abnormalities, oculomotor apraxia, motor speech dysarthria, and various atypical dysmorphic features. Oral-motor dysfunction (OMD) is a notable concern in JS, manifesting as difficulties with sucking, swallowing, drooling, and prolonged meal times. Methods: This study investigates OMD in five JS cases evaluated by physiotherapists and assessed using the Oral-Motor Examination Tool (OMET). Results: The cases exhibited feeding-related stress symptoms such as gagging and reflux. OMET evaluations identified asymmetrical faces, puckered lips, open mouths, and lip biting, with normal …

Conflict Between Student Physical Therapists And Clinical Instructors During Full-Time Clinical Education, Megan W. Moran

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine what conflicts student physical therapists perceive with their clinical instructors during full-time clinical education experiences and if there was an association between conflict and the students’ opinions of their learning and the overall clinical education experience. Students in other healthcare disciplines experience conflict during clinical education. Additionally, research shows that licensed healthcare providers report conflict in the workplace. These conflicts can result in positive and negative consequences for the learner or provider and the patients. Tailored training may help to minimize the negative consequences; however, there is a lack of available …

Educational Objectives Of Doctor Of Athletic Training (Dat) Degree Programs: A Document Review, Matthew J. Rivera, Samuel Orr, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) degree is one postprofessional educational pathway that could provide athletic trainers advancement in clinical, leadership, and scholarship practice. Although some is known about the motivations to pursue and the anticipated learning outcomes from both clinical and educational settings, we sought to explore the stated learning outcomes DAT programs publicly state related to advanced clinical practice, advanced practice leadership, scholarship, and specific programmatic uniqueness. Methods: We used a document review of publicly available websites. We analyzed eight DAT program websites that were available as of September 2023. Using deductive coding, from the professional …