Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Navigating Cultural Differences Between Fieldwork Educators And Students, Tiana Brown, Norris Chin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background Cultural competency is an awareness and incorporation of knowledge about individuals and groups of people into specific policies, practices, standards and attitudes by incorporating the client's personal views, values and belief (Suk, Oh, & Im, 2018). Although it is important for future health care professionals and faculty to understand our growing diverse population, there is little to no emphasis on improving the interactions of diverse students and their fieldwork educators. Currently, there is no literature that provides guidance on facilitating culturally competent interactions and challenges for fieldwork educators or students. The purpose of this project was to develop a …

Implementing An Occupational Therapy Student-Run Clinic At The University Of North Dakota, Ryan Walter, Kennedy Bresnahan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The curriculum of the occupational therapy program at the University of North Dakota (UND) includes approximately 185 hours of level I fieldwork experience where students work to integrate and practice skills learned within the classroom in a clinical setting. Students report that these experiences are often observation-based. Additionally, academic fieldwork coordinators are having an increasingly difficult time finding placements to support the growing number of students nationwide. A contributing factor to placement shortages is the tradition of using the apprenticeship model of supervision, where one student is supervised by one fieldwork educator (FWE). In order to ensure a consistent …

Educational Materials For Implementation Of Cognitive Interventions Across Practice Settings, Ashlyn Grindberg, Nicholas Wahlstrand

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop educational materials for the UND occupational therapy (OT) program to address cognitive strategies for intervention across populations.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to determine the need for our product. The review of literature included the role of OT in functional cognition, use of cognitive intervention strategies with populations, and specific frames of references used in OT practice settings. It was found that new OT practitioners did not feel prepared to address cognitive deficits across populations when moving from one setting to another.

Results: The Adult Learning Theory …

Preparing Occupational Therapists For Treatment Of The Transgender Population: A Training Guide For Supportive Care, Nicola Grun, Lauren Trohkimoinen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Throughout current literature, it is clear that people who identify as transgender face larger percentages of occupational injustice and deprivation than people who identify with the sex they were assigned at birth (Bar, Jarus, Wada, Rechtman, & Noy, 2016; Twinley, 2014). There is no occupational therapy specific research or client-specific programming for transgender people (Beagan, Chiasson, Fiske, Forseth, Hosein, Myers & Stang, 2013), which indicates the need for supportive care for this population. The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a training guide to prepare occupational therapists to provide supportive care for the transgender population. The Ecology of …

Educating Caregivers In Assisted Living Facilities (Alfs) Who Care For People With Dementia, Rodney Palmer, Ashley Palmer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

It is estimated that approximately 40-71% of residents living within assisted living facilities (ALFs) have a form of dementia or other cognitive impairment (Harris- Kojetin et al., 2016; Zimmerman, Sloana, & Reed, 2014). There is also evidence that suggests that caregivers working within ALFs have inadequate knowledge on how to care for a resident diagnosed with dementia (Hughes, Bagley, Reilly, Burns, & Challis, 2008; McKenzie, Teri, Pike, LaFazia, & Van Leynseele, 2012; Sharpp, Kayser-Jones, & Young, 2012; Zimmerman et al., 2014). The authors of this scholarly project created an instructional manual that can be used to train caregivers within ALFs …

Identified Stressors And Coping Mechanisms Of Occupational Therapy Students, Amy Fitzsimmons, Ashley Zimmer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of this research study was to gather data on stressors experienced by occupational therapy students during their program and how they cope with their identified stressors. The rationale for this study was the lack of and inconsistent research regarding occupational therapy students, how they experience perceived psychological stress during their program, and how they cope with their identified stressors.

Methodology: The researchers utilized a quantitative exploratory survey design to discover perceived psychological stress and coping methods in Master’s of Occupational Therapy (MOT) students. Prior to recruitment, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was received. Respondents were recruited through …

Open Access Continuing Education Occupational Therapy Resources For Rural Communities, Amber L. Daly, Emily E. Germolus

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists working in rural areas face a number of barriers when trying to access continuing education courses, which are required to maintain licensure. Some of the largest barriers these practitioners face include: time, cost of the courses, and ease of access. Continuing education often requires travelling, time out of one’s day, and a fee ranging from $25-$300 (North Dakota Occupational Therapy Association [NDOTA], 2016; Continuing education, 2013). The purpose of this scholarly project is to address continuing education requirement-related needs and education access for occupational therapists working in rural areas. Following the completion of a comprehensive literature review and …

Prosthetics Guide For Occupational Therapy Students And New Graduates, Chelsea De Bruto, Kayla Oates

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"The prosthetic technology is effectively an interface between that person and the life they wish to lead" (Gallagher, 2004, p. 828). Occupational therapy can help individuals with prosthetics deal with psychosocial and physical aspects of his or her condition (Gulick, 2011). Current literature covers all aspects of prosthetics, but it is scattered in many different places. The results of a study conducted by Mitchell, Gorelick, Anderson, and Atkins (2014), approximately 3-5 hours or less are spent on prosthetic training, while 85% of respondents felt that it was considered to be “very important”. This scholarly project focuses to bridge this gap …

Curriculum Development For Occupational Therapy Education: Integrating Collaboration And The Use Of Simulation Laboratories, Janine Albert, Danielle Nielsen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The Scholarly Project titled Curriculum Development for Occupational Therapy Education: Integrating Collaboration and the Use of Simulation Laboratories by Janine Albert and Danielle Nielsen and advised by Nicole Harris, MOTR/L and Breann Lamborn, MPA was developed to meet the demands of collaborative education in the field of occupational therapy. A literature review was completed to determine the need of collaborative education between Occupational Therapy education and Occupational Therapy Assistant education and the use of simulation laboratories. From the literature review there was a gap found linking the use of simulation laboratories, the occupational therapy process and occupational therapy education. Following …

Intentional Integration Of Service And Therapy Dogs In An Occupational Therapy Program Curriculum, Stephanie Rehovsky, Brittni Danner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

This scholarly project involves the intentional integration of Buddy, the service/therapy dog of the University of North Dakota’s Occupational Therapy graduate program. This project contains researched evidence regarding the variety of benefits involved with the implementation of animal assisted therapy (AAT) into the curriculum. The final product contains instructor materials for six existing courses in the graduate and undergraduate program. We have also included future implications for this product including adaptation to other similar graduate occupational therapy programs and future use at the University of North Dakota.

Experiential Learning And Its Impact On Critical Thinking, Vanessa Dvergsten, Alissa Haugen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: In occupational therapy education, it is unclear what educational methods best facilitate the development of critical thinking. Therefore, this pilot study explored whether Level I fieldwork coupled with reflective learning opportunities impacts the development of critical thinking skills.

Methods: The researchers employed a pre and post-test design which measured both self-perception of critical thinking and actual performance of critical thinking. Specifically, the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) and a reflective writing assignment graded with a rubric were utilized to measure actual performance. The Self-Assessment of Critical Reflection and Reasoning (SACRR) was used to measure self-perceived performance of critical thinking. …

Occupational Therapy's Role: A Foundational Occupational Therapy Education Resource For Ghana, Shalyn K. Hample, Maria J. Sundsted

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the developing country of Ghana, West Africa, there is a population of over 1 million individuals with disabilities (Timney, 2007). Ninety-five percent of these people have no rehabilitation service access (Timney, 2007). Due to the presence of social, political, and economic factors including negative societal stigma towards people with disabilities, political corruption and poverty, Ghana's population is vulnerable for occupational deprivation. Occupational deprivation places this population at risk for preventing engagement in or forceful discontinuation of meaningful daily occupations such as farming, education, and employment opportunities (Whiteford, 2000; Yeoman, 1998).

The U.S. has helped offer some assistance to Ghana, …

Process To Incorporate A Therapy Service Dog In An Occupational Therapy Educational Program, Hanna Eickenbrock, Marlee Wheelhouse

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of the scholarly project is to incorporate a therapy/service dog within the occupational therapy department at the University of North Dakota (UND). The therapy/service dog will be utilized as a support system for student’s and faculty’s health and well-being and as an educational tool for enhancing student learning. The authors completed the process of implementation by progressing through the hierarchical process of UND gatekeepers. Through the development of a legality and safety protocol, loan agreement, and purpose proposal, the authors obtained official approval to implement a therapy/service dog in the UND Occupational Therapy program.

The Impact Of Multicultural Education Course On Therapist Cultural Competence, Gemma Cosky Saxon

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"The need for culturally skilled occupational therapists (OTs) has been documented for years" (Wittman & Velde, 2002). In 2009, Cherry, Kitchens, Nicholson, Soden, Tomkiewicz, Kedia & Shah found that 32.8% of their respondents did not know about the demand for culturally competent occupational therapy (OT) services and cultural factors that could influence a client's occupational performance. Of this group 55-85% rated themselves as having limited awareness.

The purpose of this proposed study was to assess the effectiveness of the University of North Dakota (UND) OT multicultural course in preparing graduates toward cultural competence. The assessment was then compared to the …

Collaboration To Impact Occupation-Based Practice During Level Ii Fieldwork, Krista Coleman, Natalie Senger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of the product was to develop a collaborative learning process between the fieldwork educator and the student to promote the use of occupation-based and client-centered practice during level II fieldwork experiences in adult physical rehabilitation settings. The literature review revealed many obstacles that constrain occupation-based and client-centered practice from being utilized by occupational therapists in the medical setting. The product uses the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) as a catalyst to promote implementation of occupation-based practice throughout the fieldwork experience. A collaborative approach to learning using the social collectivism perspective is used. The product provides opportunity through participation …

Integration Of Sexuality Content Into An Occupational Therapy Curriculum, Brittany L. Larson, Sarah R. Stutz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Sexuality is a broad term that can be used to encompass other terms such as sexual expression and sexual functioning, and can be defined as a holistic concept of the individual that is more than just physical sexual behavior but also relates to thoughts and feelings of everyday life (Couldrick, 1998a). Sexuality and sexual functioning are considered an activity of daily living (ADL) by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (2008); however, it is a topic that is not being routinely addressed with clients by occupational therapists or other healthcare professionals (Hattjar, 2012). Studies show there is a …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Skilled Dementia Care: Improving Quality Of Life, Kelly Bainbridge, April Benoit

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The occurrence of dementia has been increasing over the years. It is estimated that the number of people with dementia will increase to more than 45 million within the next 20 years (Ferri et al., 2005). This increase will lead to an increased demand for occupational therapists to work with individuals with dementia within skilled care units to meet the vast needs of this population and promote quality of life. Occupational therapists are skilled in working with people with dementia; yet, most occupational therapists do not feel confident in their role with skilled dementia care. This has been found to …

Understanding Culturally Competent Care In Occupational Therapy School To Providing Clinical Practice, Tracy Lord

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This purpose of this study is to determine if the knowledge that is gained in occupational therapy school about working with diverse cultures is continually developed and applied while practicing in the field of occupational therapy.

Methodology: Data was collected from 18 participants in a quantitative survey and 6 participants in a qualitative interview from four Southwestern states.

Results: Results of this study suggest that the therapists who have graduated within the last 20 years have a greater understanding of including a client’s culture to provide true client-centered care in the delivery of occupational therapy services. 50% of the …

Students' Experience Of Learning To Use Occupation As Intervention On Fieldwork In Medical Settings, Kelli Atkinson, Nicole Knutson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There are few studies that focus on students’ experiences of fieldwork; specifically, investigating how students learn to use occupation. In addition, there is limited research regarding the students’ learning to use occupation-based interventions in medical settings. The purpose of this independent study was to explore students’ experience of learning to use occupation as intervention on fieldwork in medical settings and specific strategies used by students and fieldwork educators for learning to use occupation as intervention. A phenomenological, qualitative research design was used with this study. Participants were recruited through the use of the University of North Dakota occupational therapy department …

A Research Study To Explore Casper College Undergraduate Education Majors' Perceptions Of Educational Curriculum Concerning Occupational Therapy's Role In The Public School System, Jenny Lok, Mike Seabeck

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge concerning OT roles in the school district setting that undergraduate education majors are receiving at Casper College.

Methodology: Data was collected from 57 participants through the use of a survey to identify pre-service teachers’ perception of occupational therapy and the education they have received in their coursework.

Results of this study indicate that undergraduate education majors at Casper College are receiving less than optimal instruction on the role of OT in school-based practice. Overall 91% of students polled indicated that they had not received education on OT …

An International Service Learning Guide For Occupational Therapy Students And Clinicians, Alicai D. Bohrer, Emily A. Kringle

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop" -Mother Teresa

Increased diversity within the U.S. demands the education of occupational therapy clinicians who can deliver culturally responsive care. The number of immigrants to the U.S. is at an all-time high and the African-American and Hispanic populations are expected to double by mid-century (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). Occupational therapy students and entry-level clinicians have identified the need for more information, resources, and experience with people from different cultures (Murden et aI., 2008). Service …

A Guide To Training Therapists In Dealing With Difficult Patient Care Situations, Tegan Aymond, Andrea Kuhn

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A literature review was conducted on the difficult issues faced in occupational therapy to gain general information on how these issues and situations were being addressed. After reviewing the literature, it was noted that there is a high rate of over-involvement when working in occupational therapy that can lead to stress and burnout. It was found that defining the role of occupational therapy is difficult and trying to establish boundaries within that role is a constant challenge. The lack of knowledge on issues such as ethics, therapeutic relationship, and core values can be difficult when establishing a personal and professional …

Bright Beginnings: Quick Tips For Occupational Therapists In The Level Ii Nursery, Lindsey Bartholomew, Lacey Gramstad

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In 2004 there were 790 infants born prematurely in Wyoming (Freudenthal, 2006). Currently, the highest level of infant care available in Wyoming is a Level II nursery. In Wyoming, infants born prematurely with special medical needs are typically transported to specialized NICU's in surrounding states. The limited contact that medical staff, including occupational therapists (OT's), in rural facilities have with critically or moderately ill infants creates a lack of competency with the unique medical care needs of the infants. According to Gordon (2003) "nearly half of America's babies start out their lives in a rural community" (p. 3). Furthermore, research …