Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Pain Management Resource Guide For Caregivers Of Children With Phantom Limb Pain, Micaela Monn, Amanda Steffen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Approximately 80% of children, under the age of 18, develop phantom limb pain within one year after receiving an amputation (Burgoyne, Billups, Jiron, Kaddoum, Wright, Bikhazi, Parish, & Pereiras, 2012; Krane & Heller, 1995). Research on treating phantom limb pain has been focused on the adult population and often includes the use of pharmacological interventions (Subedi & Grossberg, 2011). Because phantom limb pain can cause psychological and physical dysfunction, it can negatively impact a child's ability to engage in everyday life. Currently, no holistic treatment guides are available for caregivers to refer to when helping their child manage his or …

Engaging Caregivers In Family-Centered Pediatric Occupation Therapy, Sidney Carlson, Sarah Schwartz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose Family-centered care is considered the gold standard when working with children and their families (Darrah, Wiart, Magill-Evans, Ray, & Andersen, 2010). Despite there being a strong push toward family-centered care, there remains a disconnect in outpatient pediatric settings when working with children ages 3-18. The purpose of this scholarly project is to raise awareness of the need for caregiver engagement in pediatric, outpatient occupational therapy and identify best practice principles for caregiver engagement.

Methods An extensive literature review was conducted in order to understand caregiver engagement in pediatric occupational therapy. The information obtained from the literature review was analyzed …

The Epidemiology Of Pediatric Sports And Recreational Injuries Reporting To The Emergency Department In Grand Forks, Nd, Erin Arndt, Sterling Hubbard

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PROBLEM: Sports and recreational injuries among youth is constantly being reviewed, and ways to prevent or decrease their incidence is an ongoing goal. The purpose of this study was to examine and provide information regarding the epidemiology of sports and recreation-related injuries in the pediatric population (ages 0-19) in the Grand Forks, ND area. This study is a continuation of a previous 10-year study; adding data retrieved within this current study would combine for 15 years of epidemiological data of those that presented to the Altru Emergency Department in Grand Forks, ND.

METHODS: This retrospective study involved examining Altru Department …

Toda La Familia: An Occupational Therapy Resource Guide For Working With Latino Children Diagnosed With Asd And Their Families, Rachel Fritzler, Stacey Sigmond

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a resource guide for occupational therapists working with Latino children diagnosed with ASD and their families. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that has become increasingly prevalent within the United States (Baio, Wiggins, and Christensen, 2018), with ASD rates triplining in Hispanic children between the years of 2002 through 2006 (Pedersen et al., 2002). Blanche, Diaz, Barretto, and Cermak (2015) indicated that multiple family members, not just primary caretakers, are aiding in caring for a child diagnosed with ASD. However, many extended households which may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, …

Creating A Sensory Inclusive Classroom: A Guide For Teachers, Bobbie Bertsch, Kylie Browen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A school classroom is the place where students are expected to complete the majority of their learning. Many classrooms have a large amount of distracting sensory stimuli such as bright lights, visual stimuli on the walls, noises from individuals within the room, and sensory rich learning experiences. The physical environment can affect children's learning and attention (Miller-Kuhaneck & Kelleher, 2015). Based on an in-depth literature review, it has been found that certain components of the classroom can be altered to create an environment more inclusive for all children, regardless of abilities. In light of the push to keep children in …

A Guide For Occupational Therapists: Utilizing Trauma-Informed Care To Guide Intervention For Children In Foster Care, Courtney Crabill, Katie Hanson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a guide for trauma-informed interventions for occupational therapists specifically to use with foster care children. Currently, there are approximately 600,000 children living in foster care in the United States (Child Welfare League of America, 2015). Children in the foster system who have experienced or witnessed violent actions often demonstrate post-traumatic stress like symptoms and diagnoses. Often times these experiences affect their development, coping skills, emotional regulation, and relationships and attachments (Lynch et al., 2017; Deutsch et al., 2015; Heim et al., 2010). It is estimated that between 40% and 60% of …

The S.P.I.R.I.T. Program: Spirituality Promotion Interdependence Resiliency Inclusive Therapy, Alycia Heisler, Brianna Safranski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Native American children and adolescents are some of the most underserved people in the United States (Warzak, Dogan, & Godfrey, 2011). Common mental health problems this population typically experiences are depression, suicidal thoughts or ideation, traumatic experiences, substance use, and results of historical trauma (Brockie, Dana-Sarco, Wallen, Wilcox, & Campbell, 2015). They have the highest rates of these mental health problems, more than any other ethnic group (Evans-Campbell, Walters, Pearson, & Campbell, 2012). There is a need for preventative programs to be implemented with elementary school-aged Native American children and adolescents (Ohl, Mitchell, Cassidy, & Fox, 2008; Stigler, …

Occupational Therapy Practice Trends For Occupations Impacted By Puberty In Children With Asd, Sydney Larson, Kelsey Hemberger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Adolescents face physical, social, cognitive, and emotional changes during the developmental stage of puberty. Pubertal changes can be difficult for neurotypical adolescents to cope with, but especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, adolescents with ASD experience challenges with adapting to physical and emotional changes, managing new hygiene routines, abiding to social norms, and inappropriate sexual behaviors (Beddows & Brooks, 2016; Cridland, Caputi, Jones, & Magee, 2015; Cridland, Jones, Caputi, & Magee, 2014). While occupational therapy plays a role in helping adolescents with ASD, a lack of occupational therapy literature on this topic leads to unknown …

An Epidemiological Study Of Pediatric Sports And Recreational Injuries Reporting To The Emergency Room In Grand Forks, Nd, Carly Bertsch, Lucas Dolan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PROBLEM: The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the emergency room records from Altru Health System in Grand Forks, ND from 2011-2015 to find trends in pediatric injuries from the ages of 0-19. The justification for the study is to provide Grand Forks with information about the frequency and distribution of pediatric sports and recreational injuries. No injury surveillance system has been implemented to monitor youth injuries, but his study is a continuation of a previous 10-year study and the combining of the two time frames would result in a 15-year compilation of data. By using descriptive data …

Generationactive: Creating Healthier Communities Two Generations At A Time, Jerrica Thiel, Mallory Manecke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Obesity has become an epidemic across all ages, as the prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled over the last 40 years (World Health Organization, 2017-a). Obesity can have a detrimental impact on the health and future of Americans, as many diseases are correlated with obesity. Diabetes, which often occurs secondary to obesity and is the 7th leading cause of death in America, is similarly on the rise (CDC, 2012). To combat these issues, there is a great need for a health promotion initiative that provides individuals of all ages an opportunity to learn about health and wellness, to take steps …

Road To Recovery: An Online Guide To Prepare Parents Of Children Who Have Sustained A Major Burn Injury For Successful Home And Community Transition, Michelle Jones, Chad Oppegaard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children are the most vulnerable population and represent the highest rate of nonfatal burns resulting in prolonged hospitalization, disfigurement, and disability. These injuries can be a severely stressful experience for children and their families. As a result, it is important for the patient and family members to not focus only on immediate treatment, but recognize the importance of long-term care following discharge in order to effectively reintegrate the child back into the home and community.

A literature review was conducted to investigate the key components of burn care throughout the duration of recovery. Research identified that many parents feel helpless, …

Introduction Of Peanuts To The Pediatric Patient, Leslee Graff

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Peanut allergies have been diagnosed exponentially over the last ten-years and are more severe now than ever before. (DuToit et al. 2106) Some of the latest statistics are citing more than double the amount of peanut allergies diagnosed in the last few years. Guidelines set forth in 2010, by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology stated that peanut, milk, soy, wheat, egg, and other tree nuts were to be avoided until three years of age, unless these patients have other chronic illnesses such as asthma or other atopic conditions. If so, the patient is to abstain from these …

Occupational Therapy Feeding And Eating Interventions For Autism Spectrum Disorders And Pervasive Developmental Disorders: A Systematic Review, Jordan T. Adolf, Hana M. Mattern

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Due to the limited evidence and lack of methodological rigor regarding feeding and issues in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), clinicians who treat children with these diagnoses rely on the limited amount of information and many are not aware of evidence-based interventions (Ahearn, Castine, Nault, & Green, 2001; Marshall, Hill, & Dodrill, 2013). The purpose of this scholarly project is to gather, critique, and determine efficacy of occupational therapy feeding and eating interventions for children with ASD and PDD.

We systematically reviewed literature for higher-level evidence, as defined by Level III evidence or above, …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Adhd: A Systematic Review, Kamela L. Kelsch, Kaci L. Miller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: ADHD can have a negative impact on occupational performance of a child, interfering with ADLs, IADLs, education, leisure, and play. However, at this time, a cumulative review of evidence based occupational therapy interventions for children with ADHD do not exist.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to complete a systematic review of what occupational therapy interventions are effective for school-aged children with ADHD.

Methods: An extensive systematic review for level T, II, or II research articles was completed using CINAHL and OT Search. Inclusion, exclusion, subject terms, and words or phrases were determined with assistance from the …

An After-School Wellness Program For Children In Low Socioeconomic Neighborhoods, Sarah Faehnrich, Kalee Mccann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an interdisciplinary after-school program for fifth graders living in low socioeconomic neighborhoods. This program entitled Let’s Move, Cook, and Learn With Friends! is intended to reduce obesity through promoting healthy habits in children by increasing physical activity, consumption of healthy food, and positive interactions with peers. Childhood obesity is a worldwide epidemic that can result in lifelong health problems if not treated proactively (Vizcaino et al., 2008). Therefore, the goal of this scholarly project is to raise their knowledge about obesity and decrease the risk factors for childhood obesity.

A literature …

Addressing Vehicle Safety For Children With Additional Emotional And Behavioral Needs, Madeline Aandal, Bailey Stotts

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: More than 148,000 children were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2011 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Currently, while it is understood that transporting children with special needs likely to affect behaviors (SNLAB) provide safety challenges (Yonkman, Lawler, Talty, O’Neil, & Bull, 2013), there is little information regarding how to evaluate and intervene for this significant aspect of daily life. The purpose of this project was to develop an occupational therapy protocol for evaluation and intervention for car safety to be used by occupational therapists working with children who have emotional and behavioral needs.

Methodology: An extensive …

A School-Based Reintegration Program For Children With Limb Loss: The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Allison Sussman, Samantha Hoy

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to assist in treatment planning for school-based occupational therapists providing services to children who have suffered a traumatic limb loss. The goal of this scholarly project was to promote successful reintegration into the school setting as children with traumatic limb loss have been found to encounter difficulties returning to full participation in valued occupations including being a student and a friend (Michelsen, Van Wijk, & Ketelaar, 2010). There has been limited research conducted focusing on the role of occupational therapists when working with children in the school setting who have experienced traumatic …

A Study Examining The Effectiveness Of A Sensory-Based Feeding Group For Children With Problematic Eating Behaviors, Laura Notch, Brionna Simenson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

KEY WORDS: children, problematic eating behaviors, sensory, intervention

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to analyze the process and outcomes of a routine sensory-based feeding group on a child’s problematic eating behaviors.

METHODS: An experimental pretest-posttest research design was used to gather and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on 4 children who demonstrated problematic eating behaviors. The children participated in a routine 8-week sensory-based feeding group, which utilized sensory activities to promote change. The Children’s Eating Behavior Inventory (CEBI) and the Feeding Intake Form (FIF) were completed through parental report prior to and upon completion of the intervention. …

Retained Primitive Reflexes And Adhd: Examining Atypical Symptomology In The School-Aged Population, Quincey Adams, Jamie Craft

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Typical development begins in-utero and progresses throughout the lifespan. Jean Piaget authored a theory that encompasses core aspects of the lifespan stages related to typical development of sensory and motor systems. Piaget outlined the developmental stages as: sensorimotor stage, preoperational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage. Within these stages, the typically developing child learns to adapt and respond effectively to his or her environment (Cole & Tufano, 2008). Dr. Jean Ayres described a similar developmental process, termed Sensory Integration. This process is defined as the coordination of the sensory systems in order for an individual to effectively …

A Qualitative Study On The Impact Of Occupational Therapy Mentors On Children From Disadvantaged Homes And The Implications For Future Success, Melinda Cervantes, Jennifer Prevett

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Research into childhood development has shown that the impacts of a traumatic life event can have adverse effects on the development and future success of a child. Traumatic live events can be defined as any experience that varies from a typical pattern of childhood development, for example divorce, death of a parent, addiction concerns, domestic violence, or incarceration of a parent. Often a positive role model cannot be found in these children’s lives, keeping them from reaching success later in life. Researchers have studied the impact of a mentoring relationship on children from disadvantaged homes and have found the mentoring …

Motivating The Unmotivated Child: Using Psychosocial Intervention Methods In The School, Kristi Fickes, Kelsey Hoffmann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: School-based occupational therapists have reported barriers to working with children with psychosocial needs including a limited knowledge of psychosocial methods (Barnes, Beck, Vogel, Grice, & Murphy, 2003; Case-Smith & Archer, 2008). These issues prevent children with motivational and behavioral issues from receiving the best care possible and, in some cases, from receiving therapy at all.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted to understand current utilization of psychosocial strategies in school-based occupational therapy practice, barriers therapists experience in applying these strategies, and effective psychosocial strategies for children with motivational issues. Findings of the literature suggested that continuing education was …

Occupational Therapy Screening Tool For School-Aged Children With Sleep Problems, Jenae Becker, Kathryne Kitchen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to review the occupational therapy literature and develop a guide to instruct occupational therapists in screening children with sleep problems and associated occupational performance issues.

The primary method used for this project was the use of an extensive literature review of common sleep problems, co-morbidities of sleep problems, the impact of lack of sleep, sleep interventions, and the role of occupational therapy when addressing sleep problems in school-aged children. A number of search engines were utilized including PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, OT Search, OT Seeker, and OT textbooks.

The literature indicated there was a …

Caregivers Of Children With Disabilities: An Exploratory Study Of Factors Influencing Occupational Therapy Home Programming Engagement, Sara E. Joersz, Rebecca I. Polansky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Home programming for children with disabilities is prescribed frequently by occupational therapists as an effective adjunct to practice-setting occupational therapy. The effectiveness of home programming is largely influenced by the degree to which caregivers (and children) adhere to the home programming parameters. Numerous factors are thought to promote or limit home programming adherence but there is a lack of quantitative research addressing the relationships between these factors and home programming adherence. The purpose of this quantitative, independent study was to explore the factors that are correlated with or influence caregivers’ adherence to their child’s occupational therapy home program. A …

An Occupational Therapy-Based Education Program For Caregivers Of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy: A Culturally Conscious Perspective, Allison L. Kalb, Diana L. Huettl

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) are able to lead functional, productive, and fulfilling lives when provided the opportunity. In the country of Ghana, the prevalence of CP is estimated to be one out of every 300 births (Purple Field Productions [PFP], 2011), however, a lack of education about CP and other disabilities, limited access to healthcare services, and scarce resources hamper the Ghanaian people’s opportunities for habilitation (Reynolds, 2010; Tinney, Chiodo, Haig, & Wiredu, 2007). In addition, cultural beliefs and societal attitudes toward people with disabilities in Ghana pose a barrier for those individuals to fully participate in occupation. …

A Guide For Teachers And Paraprofessionals Working With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Lesley Fettig

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a resource for occupational therapists in the public school system to provide a guide to educators and paraprofessionals working with children with autism spectrum disorder. The resulting guide for the occupational therapist provides the necessary materials to develop child specific guides for the educator and paraprofessional. The product provides education and guidance to optimize the educator and paraprofessional's ability to provide for the needs of a child with autism spectrum disorder in the school environment.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine current best practice and treatment guidelines for autism …

A Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Protocol For Children With Acquired Brain Injuries, Amber Bath, Kortni Heckart

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Acquired brain injury (ABI) includes any non-traumatic brain injuries such as stroke, cerebral palsy, and brain diseases such as cancer (Book, 2005). A child who sustains an acquired brain injury may experience profound impairments in motor performance, and significant deficits in sensory awareness and responsiveness, secondary to hemiplegia. (Taub et al., 2007, Taub, Ramey, DeLuca & Echols, 2004). Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a intervention developed by Dr. Edward Taub for the secondary condition of hemiplegia affecting the adult stroke population. This intervention has also produced positive results in studies conducted with children (Taub et al., 2007). An extensive …

An Afterschool Toolkit For Implementing Occupation-Based Activities, Kelsey Miller, Kayla Petersen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"Each day in America, millions of kids go home to an empty house after school" (Afterschool Alliance, 2009, p.1). The Afterschool Alliance (2009) indicates that based on a 2009 survey of30,000 families, there are more children unsupervised each afternoon in the U.S. and the demand for afterschool programming is higher than ever. In the United States, 30% of middle school students and 4% of elementary aged children are responsible for taking care of themselves and only 15% currently participate in an afterschool program (Afterschool Alliance, 2009, pg. 4). Students are at particular risk during these hours, millions are unsupervised each …

Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Guide To Therapeutic And Pharmacological Treatments, Rebecca Mcomie

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is becoming a more common diagnosis with young children and babies (PAGER, 2010). GERD is often misdiagnosed and there is no single test available to determine its presence (Eisen, 2001). The term reflux can be confusing and used to mean different things to different people. Often reflux is linked to colic in babies or may be considered a "normal" part of being a baby. But when a sequalae of symptoms arise in an infant, gastroesophageal reflux becomes a serious issue that needs to be addressed through a variety of interventions and sources (Sondheimer, 2006 ).

In …

Life Skills: An After School Program For Children With Down Syndrome, Allison Hendrickson, Kayla Korynta

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Parents of a child born with Down syndrome often have concerns about their child’s education, ability to live independently outside of the home, gain employment and have a means to support themselves, and their participation in social events within the community. Concerns also arise when parents are unsure about what professional will address these issues and help support their child in development. Occupational therapy is a unique discipline that offers a number of services to children with disabilities in the school system. These services begin at the age of 3 and continue until the child graduates or turns 21 and …

On The Go: Sensory Kit Manuals For Families Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sarah Dahlhauser, Holly Frolek

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the past 10 years the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased to 1 in every 150 children (Case-Smith & Arbesman, 2008). According to Greenspan and Wieder (1997), 95% of these children diagnosed with ASD experience sensory modulation problems. Having a child with ASD can have a significant impact on family dynamics during the first years post-diagnosis. The findings of a qualitative study by Werner Degrace (2004) suggest that family life revolves around the preoccupation with the child’s behaviors. The findings further indicate that social and leisure involvement are sacrificed to manage the child’s behaviors at the cost …