Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Online Resource To Promote Well-Being Among College Students With Social Anxiety Disorder, Valerie Maxine Sanderson, Steven M. Gerardi, Jerilyn Callen

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Transitioning from high school to college can be a challenge for many students, especially those with social anxiety disorder (SAD). SAD can negatively impact a student’s ability to effectively participate in school. Occupational therapy intervention could be useful to students with SAD but many do not seek out treatment due to fear of stigmatization or discrimination. Not seeking services may place students with SAD at risk of developing unhealthy coping strategies (e.g., avoidant behaviors, alcohol use). The availability of an online resource to support participation in school, without the need to disclose their condition, could be helpful to students with …

Addressing The Unspoken Adl: A Professional Development Training, Cadence Starr, Angela Blackwell

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sexual activity is the most neglected and unspoken about Activity of Daily Living (ADL) in occupational therapy clinical practice due to lack training on how to address it with clients. Addressing the Unspoken ADL is a professional development training, created to train occupational therapist on how to talk about and include sexuality into evaluations and intervention strategies when working with individuals with spinal cord injury. This poster presentation outlines the completed literature review and development and implementation of Addressing the Unspoken ADL: A Professional Development Training.

Development Of A Universal Design Playroom For Children With Visual Impairments, Alejandra Sanchez, Angela Blackwell, Gina Benevente

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aims to create a safe and inclusive playroom for children 0-4-year-old with visual impairment (VI), and to promote the development in social interaction, motor, and process (thinking) skills. With the use of play, children with VI can improve their developmental skills by their interaction with peers and the environment which will improve their well-being. The Person-Environment-Occupation- Performance Model was used to find dysfunction in the constructs that would limit the performance in play for children with VI. The project renovated the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SALBVI) playroom to accommodate the needs of the …

Workplace Wellness For Educators Of High-Risk Youth, Charissa Endow, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill, Karen Park

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Teaching is well-documented as a high-stress career and teachers who work with high-risk youth are exposed to additional stressors exacerbating this problem (Bottiani et al., 2019).

An in-depth needs assessment was conducted using an online survey, observations, interviews, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educator Survey. The needs assessment revealed demand to increase communication and positive acknowledgment, promote a healthier lifestyle, and provide more wellness resources.

A program was developed and proposed to address high psychological stress and burnout which can result in teachers experiencing dissatisfaction, absenteeism, and high turnover. The program is designed to help enhance workplace wellness for teachers and …

An Occupational Perspective: Supporting The Paternal Role And Transition Home From The Nicu, Bryana Salazar, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill, Karen Park

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify occupational therapy’s role in supporting paternal wellness and mental health through routines and occupations, following the transition from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) back home.

Study Design: Online surveys (n=32) and virtual interviews (n=11) were collected in order to complete a mixed-method design study. Interviews were manually transcribed and coded onto Dedoose. Thematic analysis was conducted in order to derive overall themes.

Results: This study delved into the experience of fathers’ post NICU discharge. Five overall themes were identified in this study Adjusting Expectations of the initial transition, …

Occupational Therapist Role In Post-Secondary Education Transition Program: Emphasis On Self-Advocacy Skills, Nikki Voorhees, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

It is becoming increasingly important for individuals to obtain post-secondary education in order to gain employment (Alverson et al., 2019; Chandroo et al., 2018). This increased importance to attend post-secondary education makes it imperative for students who are graduating from high school to be fully prepared for the transition to post-secondary education (Rothman et al., 2008). The transition from high school to post-secondary education is difficult for any individual. However, it is even more difficult for students with learning differences, as they tend to have problems in the areas of social skills, communication, problem solving, self-advocacy, and executive functioning (Alverson …

Life After Death: An Occupational Therapy Perspective On Supporting Hospice Caregivers In The Transition Out Of The Caregiver Role, Shreya Patel, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill, Karen Park

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A phenomenological study was conducted to evaluate the occupational impact of transitioning out of the hospice family caregiver role in order to define and advocate for occupational therapy’s role in hospice and bereavement care, during and after hospice services. This study was conducted using qualitative in-depth interviews of former hospice family caregivers recruited from Facebook groups, online caregiver forums, and snowball sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded using the software Dedoose, and analyzed thematically. The results of the thematic analysis suggested that the occupational impact of losing the caregiver role is correlated to (1) the quality of support systems, (2) …

Self-Regulation For Adolescent Survivors Of Sex Trafficking: An Occupational Therapist’S Perspective, Elyse Harmon, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott, Karen Park

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Adolescent survivors of sex trafficking (SST) are susceptible to being in a continual dysregulated arousal state due to a lack of mastery in self-regulation. During the trafficking experience, many adolescent SST experience severe trauma and are deprived of opportunities that foster essential regulatory capacities needed for occupational engagement. The use of sensory-based approaches that focus on addressing arousal dysregulation and the impact it has on occupation is an evidence-based practice grounded in occupational therapy research.

This capstone sought to support community reintegration for adolescent SST through the development of sensory-based programming that fosters self-regulation, a skill necessary for lifelong occupational …

Exploring Accessibility And Social Inclusion For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Children In Residential Camps Through The Occupational Therapy Lens, Tiffany Coles, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children engage in various play, leisure, and social participation activities to enhance the development of life skills, independence, and social skills. Residential camps provide an opportunity to engage in leisure activities while learning to become independent and self-confident while socializing and making new friends. However, having a disability such as deafness and hearing loss may impact the camper’s experience.

This digital guidebook offers videos, pop-in information, and links to valuable resources for working with and understanding the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture. The guidebook incorporates inclusionary strategies to help the campers and the staff develop inclusive mindsets and social …

Creating A Sustainable Occupational Therapy International Collaboration Through The Development Of A Cross-Cultural Pediatric Experience, Melissa Valencia, Becki Cohill, Beverly Hoffman, Susan Macdermott, Karen Park

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The multicultural population is expected to rise to 56% by the year 2060 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2017). Despite the ongoing increase in cultural diversity of the U.S. population, there still continues to be limited diversity in the field of occupational therapy (Crowe et al., 2016). In academia, it is recognized that there is a need for a necessary to focus on culture and occupational therapy. However, it is questioned to what extent this is actually implemented into the academic curriculum as what constitutes cultural competency in entry level practitioners varies (Humbert et al., 2012). Society is becoming less mono-cultural, indicating …

Increasing Engagement In The Occupation Of Camping For Older Adults, Brittney Grant, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill, Karen Park

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Older adults report they disengage from adventurous leisure activities as they age, such as camping, because it becomes more physically difficult to complete and it is challenging to find peers willing to participate. A study was developed to determine strengths and challenges (if any) older adults (65+) experience while participating in the occupation of camping. Mixed methods virtual surveys (n=64) and semi structured interviews (n=19) were implemented to develop qualitative and quantitative data. The results were categorized into five themes: barriers and challenges affecting participation in camping, camping for socialization, upgrade in accommodation for increased “creature comforts”, camping as a …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In School Disciplinary Practices, Trisha Irwin, Angela Blackwell, Anne H. Watson, Steven M. Gerardi

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone project discusses disproportionate rates of disciplinary practices utilized in public education and examines the negative impact current disciplinary practices have on adolescent well-being, school climate, student engagement, and student outcomes. Public schools across the United States are utilizing exclusionary disciplinary practices wherein the consequence often is more extreme than necessary, influencing continued student misconduct, failing to address trauma and deficits in social-emotional skills, and limiting academic performance and participation for all students.

The purpose of this project is to inform occupational therapy practitioners of their potential roles in addressing school disciplinary practices to better support students in promoting …

Enhancing Quality Of Life For Individuals With Dementia Through A Virtual Ot Based Equine-Assisted Activities Program, Lauren Fearn, Becki Cohill, Karen Park, Martha Gipson

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals living with dementia typically experience progressive, cognitive, and functional decline which limits their ability to communicate and fully perform activities (Pimouguet el al., 2019). Horses have been shown to benefit individuals with dementia by improving well-being, physical health, functional capacity, and social relationships (Fields et. al., 2019). A 6-week OT based virtual equine-assisted activities program was conducted to determine if participation in equine-assisted activities could improve the quality of life of individuals with dementia. Outcomes of the program resulted in improvements in mood, energy level, engagement, communication, memory, socialization, and overall quality of life.

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Understanding The Impact Of Social Distancing On Older Adults And Senior Organizations To Better Adapt Towards A New Normal, Salina Jivan

San Marcos, Summer 2020

COVID-19 brought about social distancing mandates that posed as a new barrier to meaningful social participation in the community. The purpose of this project was to understand the impact of social distancing on older adults and senior organizations to better inform the role of OT in helping seniors adapt towards a new normal within the community. A qualitative study and needs assessment were performed through phone interviews with seniors and organizations that support them from around the United States. Themes highlighted seniors desire for social contact and cautious return to the community once mandates are lifted. Both seniors and organizations …

Optimal Interventions To Address Drop Foot And Increase Gait Speed In Stroke Populations, Christopher Tran, Tommy Ngo, Dana Hazlett, Ethan Jung, Faris Alshammari

San Marcos, Summer 2020

Background: The mechanism of stroke or cerebral vascular accident (CVA) is an interruption of blood flow to the brain, which can result in many different neuromuscular impairments including drop foot. There is limited research focusing on comparative interventions for gait improvement in early stroke.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the various physical thereapy interventions to benefit patients with drop foot following a single stroke.

Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted within the PubMed and ProQuest databases. This study examined papers assessing conventional physical therapy for stroke patients with drop foot who had their 1st stroke …

Remedying Healthcare Disparities Affecting The Black Community, Savonna Reed

San Marcos, Summer 2020

The purpose of this literature review is to determine how black communities are being impacted by racial/social determinants of cardiovascular health, and to investigate potential healthcare solutions to eliminate these disparities.

As physical therapists, we commonly treat patients following lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Post-op outcomes have been found to be impacted by racial disparities in decision making in whether care providers offer surgical care, differences in access to care due to socioeconomic barriers, and differences in attitudes towards surgical care among ethnic groups.

Review of current literature has revealed that more research should be done to establish ways of remedying …

The Effectiveness Of Home Health Physical Therapy Following Diagnosis Of Acute Respiratory Failure Secondary To Covid-19: A Case Report, Desiree Lyall, Maura Owens

San Marcos, Summer 2020

The purpose of this case study is to describe the effects of home health physical therapy involving gait training, respiratory exercises, disease process education and rehabilitation exercises for strength, endurance and balance in the treatment of a 73 year-old, male patient with a diagnosis of acute respirtory failure secondary to Covid-19.

For a patient with a diagnosis of acute respiratory failure secondary to Covid-19 diagnosis home health physical therapy was an effective treatment option to facilitate return to prior level of function. This case study supports previous research and recommended treatment guidelines for the effectiveness of gait training, respiratory exercises, …

The Effectiveness Of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback In Conjunction With Traditional Treatment For Thoracic Outlet Syndrome In A 25-Year-Old Female: A Case Report, Sepehr Rezaei

San Marcos, Summer 2020

Introduction: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex condition that causes pain, tingling sensation, hypesthesia, muscle atrophy, weakness, and edematous changes in the upper quadrant (UQ) and down upper extremity (UE). ^3,7,8,16,17 TOS is due to compression of neurovascular bundles in the interscalene triangle, costoclavicular space, and under pectoralis minor and caused by trauma, congenital malformations such as a cervical rib, and abnormal/poor postures from muscle imbalances.^3,7,8,16,17 Interventions for TOS can consist of correcting posture by addressing muscle imbalance, decreasing tone and muscle tightness and rib mobilization, and in rare cases, rib resection. ^{3,7,8,13,16,17} However, there is limited research …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Sex And Intimacy For Individuals With Progressive Neuromuscular Disorders, Lindsay N. Richards, Becki Cohill, Katrhyn Ellis, Susan Macdermott

San Marcos, Summer 2020

Individuals with progressive neuromuscular disorders (PND); specifically, Parkinson’s disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s Disease (HD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) often face physical, psychological, and social challenges related to sex and intimacy. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are experts in activity analysis and are equipped with unique knowledge of performance skills and client factors to address deficits in occupational performance.

Though there is literature presenting the effects of PND on sexual occupations, a gap exists as it relates to qualitative data from the perspective of the individual and their partners. A mixed-methods survey was conducted examining the lived experience of …

Analysis Of Physical Therapy Interventions Vs. Kinesio Taping For Relieving Low Back Pain, Amanda Orr

San Marcos, Summer 2020

Introduction/Background: This topic focuses on the utilization of kinesio taping (KT) to assist with decreasing pain in the low back. According to Shipton, low back pain has gone up by more than 50% since 1990. These factors are attributed to smoking, obesity, sedentary occupations, and to low socioeconomic status.Globally, in 2016, it is said that low back pain contributed 57.6 years to disability and the prevalence peaks around the ages of 35-55 years according to the World Health Organization.

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to compare research articles between KT with physical therapy interventions as compared …

The Occupation Of Training Service Dogs: A Therapeutic Intervention For Combat Veterans With Ptsd, Denae A. Padilla, Jessica De Brun

San Marcos, Summer 2020

There are few interventions that present opportunities to engage in meaningful occupation (Kashiwa et al., 2017) to help Veterans reintegrate into the civilian lifestyle that create a desire to participate and attend therapy (Goetteret al., 2015).

The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of training service dogs as an occupation and means of social support for combat Veterans living with PTSD with the following objectives:

• explore an occupation basedintervention that addresses low retention rates in occupational therapy.
• teach coping mechanisms and provide social support as a by-product to training service dogs in order to assist in reintegration …

Dressing Skills For Children With Cerebral Palsy [Research Plan], Diane Mellin, Jenna Oberg, Amber Torgerson, Charlene Yuson

San Marcos, Summer 2020

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical dysfunction in children. Because there is damage to their cortex and corticospinal tracts, children who have cerebral palsy have difficulty in precise grasping and fine motor control, affecting their activities of daily living and quality of life (Ouyang et al., 2020).

The purpose of this study will be to develop an OT intervention using threading techniques that will help children with cerebral palsy dress independently without using adaptive clothing. This study will utilize a quasi-experimental design with the subjects as their own control. Pre- and post-tests will be administered for each child …

Understanding The Impact Of Social Distancing On Older Adults And Senior Organizations To Better Adapt Towards A New Normal, Salina Jivan, Christine Mary Childers, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill

Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

COVID-19 brought about social distancing mandates that posed as a new barrier to meaningful social participation in the community. The purpose of this project was to understand the impact of social distancing on older adults and senior organizations to better inform the role of OT in helping seniors adapt to towards a new normal within the community. A qualitative study and needs assessment were performed through phone interviews with seniors and organizations that support them from around the United States. Themes highlighted seniors desire for social contact and cautious return to the community once mandates are lifted. Both seniors and …

Occupational Therapist’S Role In Addressing Transition Support Through Life Skills, Rupa Parikh, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The transition period from high school to postsecondary education has been shown to be a difficult time for youth, especially those with disabilities. The use of occupational therapists in transition services can positively affect a student's ability to attend postsecondary education. Guidance and support are necessary to teach these individuals life skills needed for future success in the transition to postsecondary education. This capstone project aims to assess the needs of students at the Winston school to identify occupational limitations in the area of life skills. Through identification of problem areas, a detailed program was created and implemented to meet …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Homeless Women And Women At-Risk Of Homelessness, Kelcey Storkersen, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill

Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project is focused on assessing the occupational needs and barriers of women at-risk of homelessness at a resource center. A needs assessment, facility observations, and research study were conducted to identify population needs and create a client-centered program for offering occupational enrichment to these women at CMOH.

Occupational Therapy And Accessibility In The Outdoors And Summer Camps, David M. Lewis, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill

Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Opportunities for positive youth development (PYD) are promoted through both outdoor and camp experiences. The experiences provided by the outdoors and camps are ideal for developing physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. These areas of PYD are further generalizable to several aspects of occupational performance and participation, while continuing to have benefits throughout the lifespan. While the outdoors and camps provide these valuable opportunities for development, the environments and contexts of these opportunities are often limiting factors for individuals with disabilities.

Utilizing an occupational therapy approach allows for further understanding of how to promote inclusion and accessibility practices in these …

Occupation-Based Programming For Survivors Of Human Trafficking, Breann H. Paul, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists have an essential role in overcoming the gaps in maternal health care by providing the necessary support to both mothers and children. There is currently limited research on the unique needs of survivors of human trafficking who are mothers, especially their psychosocial needs. Survivors of human trafficking may experience severe trauma, physical violence, long-term emotional distress, and health problems. Therefore, it is essential that survivors of human trafficking are provided the appropriate resources, education, support, and guidance throughout the transition to motherhood and this life changing role. The program created for this population focuses on the occupational needs …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Sensory Deficits In Children With Behavioral Health Challenges Through Teacher Training, Devon A. Ayres, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott, Mark Wilson

Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sensory processing difficulties have been well-documented in children who have behavioral health challenges. Addressing a child’s sensory processing needs may decrease behaviors that disrupt occupational participation and thus leading to improved learning and better information retention. A review of current literature revealed that teachers who work with children with behavioral health challenges are not required to receive education in addressing sensory deficits in the classroom. This capstone project performed a needs assessment, exploring current teacher understanding of sensory processing and what role occupational therapy could play in providing training for teachers. The project also generated pertinent online teacher training modules …

Turning Everyday Activities Into Play: Building Relationships And Fostering Connections For Adopted And Foster Children, Marissa E. Siu, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Turning Everyday Activities into Play is a program that was created for foster children, adopted children, and individuals who work with this population in the community. This program uses everyday activities to foster the connection between children and adults. The goal of this program is to use the power of play to support regulation and build stronger bonds and relationships by turning everyday activities into play.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Assisting With Community Reintegration For Survivors Of Human Trafficking, Jane Huynh, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Victims of human trafficking were exposed to traumatic experiences that affected their physical, psychological, cognitive, and social health. As the survivors entered the healing stage and progressed in their journey to community reintegration, the complex traumatic experiences may affect their independence with occupational tasks. This capstone explored the areas where occupational therapy can assist with community reintegration for survivors of human trafficking. Interviews were conducted through casual conversation using the modified-COPM as guidance, and the QOL was used to gather baseline data. Survivors identified priorities of their everyday living and the barriers to them achieving their goals: education, vocation, transportation, …