Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Understanding The Lived Experience Of Outdoor Camping, Marisa Snyder, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity that allows individuals to connect with nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and engage in physical activity. For aging adults, camping can be a way to improve their quality of life, fulfill their roles as grandparents and parents, and maintain independence. However, there was a lack of awareness and education about the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor camping, limiting the recreational exposure and experiences for the aging population. Additionally, campgrounds are typically in unpredictable environments that may require additional resources for aging adults to confidently engage in an enjoyable camping experience. …

Supporting Leisure Exploration And Participation For Older Adults To Improve Occupational Performance, Jack Fong, Karen Park, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to develop a program advocating for leisure exploration and participation among older adults to address functional decline and improve quality of life. The program utilized a comprehensive needs assessment, including interviews, interest screening, and observations, to identify participants' preferences and barriers to participation. Through education and advocacy, the program encouraged engagement in meaningful leisure activities tailored to individual interests and abilities. Participants reported satisfaction with their leisure participation, emphasizing the importance of socialization and maintaining physical and cognitive health. Modifications, such as activity adjustments, enabled participation despite health-related challenges. This project highlights the value of responsive …

Generative Ai In Education: Insights From Rehabilitation Sciences Students, Erin Pletcher, Travis Pollen, Robert Dekerlegand, Malachy Clancy, Alison Bell

Department of Exercise Science Posters

Background

• Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) creates original, contextually relevant outputs that mimic human-like creativity and reasoning.
• GenAI promises to reshape health care from student and clinician education to comprehensive patient management in rehabilitation sciences.
• Insight into students’ perceptions and use of GenAI in education can help guide instructional strategies to facilitate its responsible implementation.

Evaluating Pulmonary Tuberculosis Knowledge Deficits Among Nursing Students In The United States, Jamie Lynn Woo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The healthcare field consistently faces patients with a wide range of diseases and illnesses. Pulmonary Tuberculosis is an infectious lung disease with established tools to prevent, detect, and treat it. Yet, there has been a significant rise in cases within the past year. Amidst this troubling situation, it is crucial that all healthcare workers, nursing students, and nurses in particular, are properly educated on caring for TB patients. This research proposal aims to determine if there are TB treatment knowledge gaps among nursing students in the United States by conducting a 20-question survey utilizing the Likert Scale. If results show …

Enhancing Dignity Amongst Persons With Dementia Through Occupational Engagement, Habeeba Ahmed, Amy Lyons-Brown Ms, Otd, Otr/L

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Dementia is a cognitive impairment that impacts an individual's memory, judgement, safety awareness, and emotions which can interfere with their activities of daily living. As the condition progresses, the person living with dementia (PLWD) may require a care partner to help them complete their daily tasks. Having a care partner and being a care partner can be challenging for both, the PLWD and their care partner, as there begins to be a shift in their independence. The PLWD must rely on their care partner to help them throughout their day, leading to a decrease in independence and occupational engagement. When …

Msw Portfolio, Andrea E. Anderson

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

The portfolio narrative includes a brief introduction to my academic journey including field related work. The ten social work competencies are used as a guide while I reflect on the required appendices, theoretical frameworks and orientation to practice throughout the narrative.

12.02.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Email Address Matters

All of Us Researcher Symposium

Welcome Anya Goldman

Development Of Financial Management Skills: A Guidebook For Caregivers Of Autistic Children, Marcie Balleza, Steven M. Gerardi, Angela Blackwell

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Autistic children face challenges to living independently, including learning to manage finances. Caregivers of autistic children must develop in their care recipients the financial skills to live independently. A lack of educational resources on how to teach financial management skills can impede the development of independent living skills in autistic children. Caregivers of autistic children lack the education and training that is necessary to teach financial management skills to autistic children to prepare them for transition to adulthood. Caregivers of autistic children do not know how to help their child learn money management skills in preparation for the transition to …

An Educational Video Guide To Aging In Place, Cecilia Ramos, Steven Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr, Elizabeth Deluca-Berg Otd, Otr, Caps

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The growing population of older adults in the U.S. faces numerous challenges in maintaining independence while aging in place. Key findings from the needs assessment and literature review underscore the importance of accessible resources, health promotion, and health literacy in fostering autonomy and well-being among older adults. Occupational therapy addresses individual needs, educates on resource availability, and promotes interventions to enhance older adults' independence and safety. The purpose of this project was to create an educational video guide aimed at empowering older adults and their families with the knowledge and tools to overcome barriers to aging in place. This project …

Enhancing Fall Prevention: Prioritizing Postural Health And Monitoring Falls Among Persons With Parkinson's Disease (Pwpd) And Care Partners, Kara Day, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr, Karen Aranha Phd, Ot

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Falls are a significant concern for persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) that can lead to injury, occupational deprivation, and poor quality of life (QoL). This capstone project addressed the gap in resources related to fall prevention by focusing on postural health and fall monitoring for PwPD, their care partners, and community organizations. The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive guidebook for PwPD and care partners, as well as a handbook for community organizations to enhance postural health literacy, increase fall monitoring, reduce the risk of falling, and overall improve the QoL for PwPD and their care partners.

Lower Limb Prosthetics Impact On Social Participation, Kayla Jones, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Amputations can cause a lack of motivation which will hinder occupational performance and participation after limb loss (Şimsek et al., 2020). The fit of an individual’s prosthetic is crucial to allow for an increase in participation (Diment et al., 2022). Occupational therapists treat the limb loss community but there is little evidence in the literature to support social participation with the use of a prosthetic limb. There is a need for new research to better understand how the use of a prosthetic can impact an individual’s social participation.

Intouch Week Of December 9, 2024, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Donors Make an Impact This Giving Tuesday
• Medical Students Inspire Youth During Black Men in White Coats Summit
• 29th Annual MSRF Set for December 13
• GSBMS Celebrates Friendsgiving
• NYMC Alumni/Student Fall Mixer Builds Connections and Professional Insights
• Human Milk for Extreme Preemies: A Kosher Option
• Artificial Intelligence Can Revolutionize Acute Stroke Care
• Design the Next NYMC T-Shirt
• NYMC and TU Hosts “Ninety Minutes: The Medical Magazine of the Web”
• In The Community: GSA 5K Raises Awareness for Food Insecurity, Fundraising Continues
• Faculty Spotlight: From Pupil to Professor: Alumni Lighting the Way at NYMC

12.09.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Employee Profiles

In Person Account Reconciliation and Tableau Training

NSF Proposals with Consultant or Professional Services

A Multifactorial Fall Prevention Program, Virale Patel, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Falls among older adults are a pressing public health concern, leading to significant physical, psychological, and economic consequences. This capstone project aimed to design and implement a multifactorial fall prevention program to address unmet occupational needs and enhance safety and occupational participation among long-term care residents at a skilled nursing facility. The six-week program included targeted weekly sessions focusing on behavior modification, footwear safety, adaptive equipment training, strength and balance exercises, toileting strategies, and environmental modifications. Pre- and post-program assessments utilized the Fall Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) and participant surveys to evaluate changes in confidence, fear of falling, and satisfaction …

Training Staff Members And Caregivers On Utilizing Allen Cognitive Levels To Aid Individuals Living With Alzheimer's And Dementia To Maintain Activities Of Daily Living, Kristy Boyd, Cassandra Nelson, Jennifer Summers

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project is about training staff members and caregivers on utilizing the Allen's cognitive levels to aid individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia to maintain their activities of daily living by creating a program that consists of modules, physical demonstration, and a deliverable for staff members and caregivers as well as therapeutic activities and sensory regulation activities for the participants.

Benefits Of Multisensory Rooms In Schools To Control Behaviors In Children With Disabilities, Kye Smith, Cassandra Nelson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explores the benefits of implementing multisensory rooms in schools to manage challenging behaviors in children with disabilities. Conducted at the Barack and Michelle Obama Ninth Grade Center in Lancaster, TX, the program involved participants aged 13-15 diagnosed with disabilities. A comprehensive needs assessment identified gaps in behavior management and overstimulation challenges. The program was designed using evidence-based strategies, including the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, and incorporated techniques such as the Take Five Breathing Strategy, deep pressure input, chair yoga, and meditation.

Through pre- and post-surveys with students, parents, and teachers, the study evaluated the program's impact on functional independence …

Pre-Sleep Routines Affecting Sleep In Adults, Diana Navarro, Rebecca King, Cassandra Nelson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project examines the impact of pre-sleep routines on adult sleep quality, emphasizing the role of consistent habits, reduced technology use, and stress management. A six-week intervention incorporating evidence-based strategies such as sleep hygiene education, environmental adjustments, and relaxation techniques was conducted. Results revealed significant improvements in sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and enhanced physical and emotional well-being among participants. These findings highlight the importance of tailored pre-sleep routines in addressing sleep disorders and provide a foundation for broader implementation and future research.

Individualized Sensory Based Functional Activity Program For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disability With A Co-Morbidity Of A Mental Health Condition, Dakota Laporte, Cynthia Haynes, Rebekah Jarrar

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This Program was designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a co-occurring mental health condition. This program was designed based on the individual's sensory needs to improve occupational performance in their lives. This capstone project filled a knowledge gap by creating a sensory based activity program for individuals with IDD and mental health conditions. Its primary goal was to educate participants about their sensory needs and integrate these into functional activities to improve occupational performance.

Powerful Families Podcast: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Family Education Of Mental Health Conditions And Substance Use Disorder, Wessleigh Holloway, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Mental health conditions and SUD significantly impact family members emotionally and physiologically, yet these effects are often insufficiently recognized and addressed (Delaney, 2023). Existing education programs focus on individuals in recovery, leaving families without the necessary knowledge and skills to support their loved ones effectively, resulting in feelings of powerlessness and confusion. This capstone project created an education program to equip family members of individuals with SUD or mental health challenges with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate addiction and recovery effectively. The program focuses on improving understanding of SUD, fostering healthier coping mechanisms, strengthening family trust, and enhancing …

Occupational Therapy Education And Advocacy For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Francis Green, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that profoundly affects individuals' daily lives. While occupational therapy (OT) has been shown to enhance independence, motor function, cognitive health, and emotional well-being for individuals with PD, awareness and understanding of these services remain limited among patients and caregivers. This capstone project sought to address this gap by developing and distributing tailored educational materials. Weekly handouts, supported by in-person discussions, were designed to raise awareness of OT’s role and provide actionable strategies for managing PD symptoms. Surveys conducted throughout the project provided valuable feedback on the educational materials created, ensuring the materials' …

Use Of Creative Outlets To Impact Quality Of Life For Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Andria Burden, Helen Carey, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) profoundly impacts quality of life by limiting participation in meaningful activities. This mixed-methods study explored the role of creative outlets in enhancing quality of life for individuals with ALS. Quantitative data from the ALS-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form (ALSSQOL-SF) and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews revealed key themes of adaptation, purpose, community, and quality of life. Findings indicate that creative outlets foster self-expression, social connection, and cognitive engagement while reducing isolation. Recommendations include integrating tailored creative activities into occupational therapy (OT), emphasizing group settings and early introduction to promote adaptability and community-building. This study underscores …

Awakening The Senses: Family-Centered Education On Sensory Stimulation For Children In The Icu, Kylie Pinson, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Awakening the Senses: Family-Centered Education on Sensory Stimulation for Children in the ICU. This project was designed to educate family members and healthcare providers on the sensory stimulation for children in the ICU, mainly focusing on patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. Educational handouts were created along with sensory bins highlighting all 5 senses.

The Implementation Of Ketamine-Assisted-Psychotherapy On Healthcare Workers Suffering From Workplace-Related Ptsd Due To Covid-19, Ziluolan Zou

Nursing | Student Research Posters

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare workers were exposed to a deadly disease with limited knowledge and personal protective equipment, subjected to long hours, forced to ration care due to limited critical care resources and ventilators, and isolated from their families due to fear of spreading the virus. These factors further compounded the occupational stress associated with being a healthcare worker. The literature shows that the physical, mental, and emotional challenges frontline healthcare workers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic had lasting impacts on their mental health. The prevalence of mental health illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, among …

Robotics And A.I In Oncological Surgery, Ian Ngo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Throughout the decades, advancements in

technology have been surpassing limits that

were thought impossible. Every day these

breakthroughs are improving modern

surgery whether it be enhancing precision

on surgical sites, increasing accuracy of

procedure, or reducing recovery rates for

patients. Among the newly increasing

innovations, the implementation of robotics

systems and artificial intelligence (AI) into

the surgical field has emerged into

becoming a transformative force, especially

within a context as delicate as tumor removal.

This study explores the numerous benefits

of incorporating robotics and artificial

intelligence (AI) in tumor removal surgeries.

We investigate how these innovations

improve surgical accuracy, reduce …

The Effects Of Music Therapy On Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Defects In The Pre And Postoperative Setting, Janelle Marie Choy

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Congenital heart defects is a prominent medical occurrence especially in pediatrics. These defects often require surgeries and extensive treatment plans. These treatment plans often include invasive surgeries and extensive treatment plans which can require long recovery times along with potential surgical complications. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy on pediatric patients with congenital heart defects in the pre and postoperative setting and how music therapy can be implemented in treatment plans to yield effective recovery results for these patients. This research is significant as elevated vital signs and preoperative anxiety are associated with an increased need …

Educational Program On Depression And Anxiety For Low Socioeconomic Postpartum Latina Mothers, Lizbeth Valdez Duran

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety are common mental health conditions that women experience after childbirth. PPD involves intense feelings of extreme sadness, and diminished interests in activities that once brought them happiness. Postpartum anxiety involves constant worry and fear, often centered on the well-being of the baby. Symptoms may include restlessness or irritability, panic attacks, and trouble concentrating or sleeping. Barriers to treating depression and anxiety among Latinas include a lack of awareness or understanding of mental health issues. (Lopez et al., 2018).

Health Literacy refers to the individual's ability to understand and process health-related information. By assessing a …

Prepared To Protect: Improving Cardiac Emergency Response In Youth Club Sports, Melissa Garcia

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency where the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. A person experiencing a cardiac arrest collapses, loses consciousness, and ceases breathing (American Heart Association, 2022).

Exercise offers numerous benefits to the cardiovascular system and a person’s overall health. However, there are incidents of sports-related cardiac arrest in apparently healthy athletes, including children and young adults. Athletes may be exposed to dehydration, adrenic surges, electrolyte imbalances, acid/base disturbances, and trauma which increases their risk of experiencing a cardiac event (Wasfy et al., 2016).

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of …

Racial Concordance Perceptions Of Post-Op African-American Patients, John-Ezekiel Moya

Nursing | Student Research Posters

African-Americans have historically faced significant health disparities, which persist due to implicit racial biases and a lack of cultural competency among non-Black healthcare providers. These disparities often result in poorer health outcomes and diminished patient satisfaction. One potential factor in mitigating these issues is racial concordance, the alignment of racial identity between patients and providers (Jetty et al., 2022). However, only 6.3% of the nursing workforce identifies as Black or African-American (Smiley et al., 2023), limiting opportunities for racially concordant care. While racial concordance may foster trust, communication, and comfort in healthcare settings, research on its importance to African-American Patients—especially …

The Power Of Plate & Knowledge: Nutrition’S Role In Pcos Management For Asian American Women, Cassandra Camille Diego Curameng

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic endocrine disorder affecting 8–11% of women worldwide, with 70% remaining undiagnosed (WHO, 2023). It presents with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, high testosterone levels, anxiety, depression, and infertility, significantly impacting quality of life and health (OASH, 2021). The symptoms of PCOS can severely impact women’s quality of life, mental health, and long-term well-being. Insulin resistance contributes to symptom severity and a 50% likelihood of developing diabetes or prediabetes by age 40 (Wang et al., 2011). Women with PCOS face a threefold increased risk of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancers (Barry …

Intouch Week Of December 2, 2024, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Welcomes Wellness Ambassadors for the Academic Year
• SOM Class of 2028 Celebrates End of First Block of Classes at Friendsgiving
• Age is Just a Number: Study Shows Older Donor Livers Hold the Key to Saving More Lives
• Feature Your Artwork on the Chironian Back Cover
• Pediatrics Interest Group Volunteers Serve Families at Ronald McDonald House
• Faculty Spotlight: From Pupil to Professor: Alumni Lighting the Way at NYMC
• Student Spotlight: Danielle Diegisser Pushes the Limits in Metabolic Research