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Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions Of Practice During The Covid-19 Pandemic And The Impact On Their Mental Health And Well-Being, Victoria Long

Online Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic occupational therapists worked through a plethora of stressors. Research concerning the mental health of occupational therapists working in inpatient settings during the COVID-19 pandemic has been underexplored. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and perceptions of healthcare for occupational therapists working in inpatient settings. Ten occupational therapists, recruited via purposive sampling, completed a semi-structured interview. The transcription was coded using thematic analysis finding five main themes. The five main themes included: fear impacts occupational therapists' performance patterns; workplace barriers influence quality of care; …

Faith-Based Collaboration To Improve Depression & Self-Compassion In The Elderly: A Dnp Project, Julita Cinguina

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Faith-based organizations are in a position to improve mental health outcomes for the elderly. With the help of the Community Wellness Center at Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) Catholic Church in Wilton, Connecticut, a new action plan was implemented to accomplish this goal. The proposed DNP Project was an evidence-based, multi-factorial intervention to improve self-compassion and reduce risk for depression for the elderly in the community. It consisted of four structured group sessions over a 6-week period with each session lasting 45 minutes. The group meetings offered evidence-based strategies to improve mental health including: (1) purposeful spiritual counseling utilizing …

Improving Osteoporosis Awareness By Implementing Bone Mineral Density (Bmd) Testing Algorithm, Mark A. Roark

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

One of the leading concerns in the United States healthcare system is the aging population and age-related health concerns such as osteoporosis. Estimates suggest that 50 percent of women and 20 percent of men over 50 are at increased risk of fractures from osteoporosis. However, the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis are on a downward trend. If no changes are made by 2040, it is estimated that there will be an annual expense of $95 billion and over 3.2 million fractures per year in the United States alone. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), along with Healthy People 2030, recommends goals …

Implementing A Covid 19 Policy For Telehealth, Ashley M. Morello

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The proposed DNP Project explored the implementation of a COVID-19 telehealth policy to clarify evidence-based practice, promote use of safe medications, and reduce hospitalizations. Providers were recruited from a telehealth organization, educated on current guidelines, and given a pocket card for reference and re-enforcement of training. Data was collected to examine guideline utilization, confidence in treating COVID-19, and efficacy of pocket card. COVID-19 patients also received follow up calls to determine if hospitalization was required post treatment. Chart audits were then completed to review compliance with guidelines. The results indicated both objective and clinical improvement in provider confidence treating COVID-19. …

Addressing Gaps In Respiratory Assessments: A Dnp Project, Kristin Quakenbush

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Respiratory assessments by healthcare workers, particularly counting the respiratory rates, have been found to be inadequate and ineffective. As a result, patient care may be delayed, reimbursement may be inaccurate, and the nurse may risk legal consequences. The purpose of this project was to fully examine the current accuracy of respiratory rate counts and documentation on two identified units within an acute care hospital, offer evidence-based solutions in the accurate count and documentation of respiratory rates, and perform follow-up chart audits to evaluate if application of learning occurred. Baseline audits demonstrated that respiratory rate counts were not even skewed and, …

Improving Asthma Management Behaviors In School Nurses Through Facilitator Training And Supported Implementation, Mary D. Hacker-Taylor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Uncontrolled asthma in middle school age children and adolescents results in increased morbidity and often impairs a student’s ability to participate in school activities. School absenteeism is an unintended consequence which in turn can impact academic success. School nurses can improve student asthma outcomes through effective asthma management behaviors (AMB’s). The purpose of this multi-phase quality improvement DNP project was to improve both knowledge and confidence, and thereby improve AMB’s in Kentucky school nurses. A convenience sample of twelve nurses participated in the project. The American Lung Association’s (ALA) Kickin’ Asthma training was extended to all Kentucky school nurses who …

Intimate Partner Violence Screening In The Veteran Affairs' Ambulatory Care Clinics: A Quality Improvement Project, Stephanie Ralston

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Intimate Partner Violence is a type of Domestic Violence (DV), referring to physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual violence, or stalking between current or former intimate partners. Veterans may be at higher risk than those identified in the civilian population. The rate of IPV across military populations ranges from 13.5% to 58% with rates among female Veterans ranging from 29% to 74% (Veterans Affairs, 2023). This project's purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of an awareness campaign on IPV screening and referral rates in a federal healthcare facility. Results from this DNP project indicate that ongoing training and education are vital …

Mock Drills To Improve Inpatient Stemi Performance And Self-Confidence, Samantha Miniard

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

STEMI care can be challenging for med-surg telemetry nurses to recognize among inpatients because it is a high-risk low volume population. Frequently these patients’ present with atypical acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and not the classic chest pain seen when someone calls 911. However, the same treatment and care out-of-the hospital patients receive when calling 911 should be the same gold standard for in-hospital patients. More studies have been conducted to perfect the out-of-hospital STEMI care versus the in-hospital STEMI care. Mock drills can help improve knowledge, self-confidence, and performance with inpatient STEMI care. This DNP project was an evidenced-based quality …

Impact Of Accessible Training For Providers On Continuous Glucose Monitoring Utilization, Shana Cunningham

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) use can improve blood glucose control, reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, and assist healthcare providers with medical management of diabetes mellitus. CGM therapy for patients with diabetes may not be fully utilized because of a provider's lack of knowledge or confidence in using the technology. The DNP project aimed to increase the utilization of continuous glucose monitors by providing accessible training with ongoing implementation support for providers through electronic learning. The goal was to increase CGM implementation and ultimately improve outcomes for a person with diabetes. The intervention included recorded modules, live interactive session, resources, handouts, …

Application Of Preceptorship Bundle To Enhance New Graduate Rn Success, Joann R. Nardoni

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

New graduate Registered Nurses (RN) are experiencing a difficult transition to practice. In turn it causes increased stress and job dissatisfaction. The quality improvement project focused on a bundled intervention to bridge this gap. It involved a preceptorship enhancement bundle to improve training with an emphasis on intentional pairing of preceptor/preceptee and use of the One-Minute Preceptor Model. People of like temperament were paired using the Ntrinsx personality profile to enhance the learning relationship. The One-Minute Preceptor Model was used to train preceptors how to engage critical thinking and clinical reasoning in the new RN. The actions of intentionally pairing …

Improving Self-Management Of Diabetes With Culturally Sensitive Interventions, Janet O. Makori

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Adult Latino patients with diabetes may require education and skills that are culturally appropriate to achieve optimum results. The purpose of this DNP project was to improve diabetes self-management among Latino and other at-risk adults. The project used an intervention bundle to streamline screening, education, and improve patients’ self- confidence. Adult patients were screened during triage to obtain vital signs and blood glucose levels per the routine at the clinic and via phone to discuss management of diabetes. Implementation of the project included provision of culturally sensitive diabetes education material, culturally sensitive “traffic light” food guide in English and …

Implementation Of A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Transition To Practice Survival Kit Series: A Dnp Project, Dera Harvey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

It is imperative that new graduate PMHNPs successfully traverse the gap from student to prescriber of care to meet these needs. Currently, a transition to practice gap exists for PMHNPs who are often left alone to navigate the beginnings of their new career. Additionally, the transition has not been analyzed extensively in literature (Barnes, 2015). The purpose of this DNP project is to implement a transition to practice survival kit series. The proposed DNP project is a mixed methods design focused on program evaluation. The project will assess the effect of a 6-session transition to practice survival kit series on …

Therapeutic/Expressive Writing And Resilience Promotion For Nurses To Reduce Burnout Syndrome, William D. Wagner Mr.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

COVID-19 accelerated the rate in which nurses were unable to maintain resilience and reduce burnout. This evidence-based DNP project obtained data from a therapeutic/expressive writing intervention and group resilience discussion with Women’s Care Center (WCC) nurses to improve resilience acuity and reduce symptoms associated with burnout syndrome. A review of previous studies indicated therapeutic/expressive writing and group resilience discussions have been beneficial in improving resilience and reducing burnout. A demographic and two preintervention surveys were completed by WCC nurses in the hospital relaxation room or skills lab. The Connor-Davidson RISC-25© was used to determine resilience scores for morning and evening …

Improving Self-Management Of Diabetes With Culturally Sensitive Interventions, Janet O. Makori

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Adult Latino patients with diabetes may require education and skills that are culturally appropriate to achieve optimum results. The purpose of this DNP project was to improve diabetes self-management among Latino and other at-risk adults. The project used an intervention bundle to streamline screening, education, and improve patients’ self- confidence. Adult patients were screened during triage to obtain vital signs and blood glucose levels per the routine at the clinic and via phone to discuss management of diabetes. Implementation of the project included provision of culturally sensitive diabetes education material, culturally sensitive “traffic light” food guide in English and …

Improving Early Utilization Of Palliative Care Services To Impact Quality Of Life, April Mcdonald

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Despite studies indicating the benefits of palliative care, many barriers remain that prevent individuals from accessing this specialty service. Palliative care needs improved utilization. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve the utilization of palliative services and increase general knowledge and confidence among nursing staff within one nursing home facility. In the intervention bundle, training was provided on the use of a Palliative Referral Flowchart and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) along with evidence-based materials made available to residents and families. Data was collected pre and post intervention. Knowledge was improved by 26 %. Confidence was improved …

Improving Hepatitis C Virus Screening Through Bundle Interventions, Jennifer West

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Hepatitis C (HCV) is estimated to impact 57,500 people in the US and is a leading infectious disease worldwide. The purpose of this DNP Project is to increase provider confidence in screening, early detection rates and ultimately timely treatment for patients at risk for HCV served within a rural Federal Qualified Health center (FQHC).

Interventions for this project included bundle steps consisting of provider and staff training of Hepatitis C guidelines for screening, use of an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) HCV flowsheet and lab template, revision of preventative health form, and self-efficacy survey to evaluate provider and nursing confidence …

Professional Behaviors On The Fieldwork Performance Evaluation: Perspectives Of Fieldwork Educators, Jessi S. Clark

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy (OT) students are assessed on their professional behavior skills during Level II fieldwork (FW) by fieldwork educators (FWEs) as measured by the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE). Most of these professional behavior skills are not required components of entry-level OT education, therefore academic preparation may be variable. The purpose of this Capstone project was to study the perspective of FWEs regarding the seven professional behavior items on the FWPE, primarily the relative importance of and academic preparation for these items. Participants included FWEs who completed the FWPE in the last 15 years. They completed an online survey that utilized …

Barriers To Sleep In Us Army Service Members: A Scoping Review, Sally Paul

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Insufficient sleep contributes to human health and performance deficits with Active Duty US Army soldiers being at highest risk for poor sleep and subsequent sleep disorders. Research in this area continues to grow and has focused on pathology and intervention, often related to deployment, yet it is vital to understand the barriers to sufficient sleep in healthy soldiers (the majority) in the garrison context, where they will spend most of their time. Purpose: Explore the current state of literature regarding barriers to sufficient sleep in healthy US Army active duty service members in the garrison setting. Theoretical Framework. Biopsychosocial …

Exploring The Perceived Meaning Of Community-Based Lifestyle Wellness Programs, Interprofessional Collaboration, And The Relationship To Occupational Therapy: A Phenomenological Approach, Christina Buchignani

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Community-based health care providers use interprofessional collaborative strategies to support the lifestyle wellness needs of older adult clients at risk for chronic disease. A phenomenological approach was taken to explore a sample of community-based health care professionals’ shared meanings of lifestyle wellness programming, interprofessional collaboration, and the Lifestyle Redesign® program and to determine the perceived relationship to occupational therapy, if any. The qualitative descriptive thematic analysis within the Framework of Occupational Justice context revealed positive perceptions of lifestyle wellness programming and interprofessional collaboration but limited awareness of Lifestyle Redesign® and occupational therapy’s distinct role in community-based preventive wellness. Occupational therapy …

Administrators’ Perceptions Of Alternative Service Delivery Models And The School-Based Occupational Therapists’ Role, Kimberly Saccucci

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

School-based occupational therapists (SBOTs) provide a range of services with collaborative consultation amongst interdisciplinary team members being one of their responsibilities. One perspective that has not been thoroughly examined within previous research is the administrators’ perceptions of the OTs’ roles and responsibilities within the school setting, which may impact how therapists can implement alternative service delivery models. This study aimed to determine administrators’ perceptions of the workload model for SBOTs, to explore their understanding of the SBOTs’ role and responsibilities, and to understand their perceptions regarding collaborative consultation.

An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to public school administrators within Rhode …

Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Perceptions Of Their Confidence And Skills When Providing Community And Social Interventions After A Guided Educational Experience, Jenny Williams

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: As the population is aging, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are well placed to address the community and social needs of older adults to promote healthy aging. However, OTPs seem to be lacking the resources and guidance to implement community and social interventions routinely.

Purpose: This quantitative non-experimental, pre-, and post-survey design aims to determine the impact of a guided education intervention on how OTPs perceive their skills and confidence when providing community and social interventions.

Theoretical Framework: The Model of Health Promotion (Wilcocks, 2006) and Lifestyle Redesign® (Clark et al., 1997) program were used as the guiding theory and …

Occupational Therapy Certified Hand Therapists' Perceptions Of Remaining Rooted In Occupation In The Hand Clinic: A Phenomenological Study, Andrea E. Berke-Mclaughlin

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Occupational Therapy Certified Hand Therapists (OT CHTs) working in the outpatient hand clinic tend to use the dominant biomechanical approach in the rehabilitation of their upper extremity (UE) clients. Due to the existence of a multitude of barriers and challenges for implementing an occupation-based approach, OT CHTs may not treat their UE clients holistically, placing less focus on treating the occupational performance deficits caused by the UE impairment. Purpose: The purpose of this Capstone is to explore the essence of OT CHTs’ current lived experiences in the use of occupation-based approach in the outpatient hand therapy clinic. Theoretical Framework. …

Perceptions Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners In Recognizing And Addressing Older Adult Food Insecurity, Mitzie Marion C. Mickelson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: According to productive aging initiatives from the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy practitioners play an integral role in advancing and promoting wellness and independence of adults in later life. Evidence has indicated that numerous occupational therapy interventions can enhance the quality of life and functional ability levels of older adults and may be modified to target the needs of older adults who experience the threat of hunger.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to explore how occupational therapy practitioners view their role in enhancing older adults’ healthy eating behaviors and reducing the risk of food …

The Impact Of Brief Mindfulness Training On Occupational Therapy (Ot) Students' Perceived Level Of Stress, Emily K. Masters

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Mental health issues and burnout are becoming more common among students in healthcare programs (Dyrbye et al., 2014). As demands placed on healthcare professions continue to increase, there has been an increased interest in researching the practice of mindfulness to promote self-care (Irving et al., 2009). Mindfulness has been defined as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment” (Kabat-Zinn, 2003, p. 145). Mindfulness has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety among pre-healthcare college students (Burgstahler & Stenson, 2020). Little research has investigated …

How Do Informal Caregivers Of A Person With Dementia Experience Stress And Which Supports Help Mitigate The Effect Of These Stressors?, Kwandra Andrews Brinson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD) are one of the most rapidly growing epidemics that the world is facing. Caring for a person with ADRD is challenging and often causes informal caregivers stress, loneliness, and social isolation.

Purpose: The aim of this qualitative instrumental case study was to obtain a better understanding of how informal caregivers of persons with ADRD experience stress and which supports helped mitigate the effect of these stressors in their role as a caregiver.

Theoretical Framework: The Model of Human Occupation focuses on therapy helping persons to engage in occupational behaviors that maintain, restore, reorganize, …

Biofeedback And Anxiety Reduction: An Occupational Therapy Intervention For Persons With Long Covid, Colette Freda

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: People who acquire Covid 19 may have symptoms lasting over three months, called Long Covid. It is estimated that one in five people in the United States has Long Covid. Unpleasant symptoms of Long Covid are many including anxiety. People with Long Covid have a difficult time engaging in everyday activities and have a poor quality of life. Occupational therapy practitioners using heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback may help decrease anxiety in the Long Covid population. There is limited research on occupational therapy and HRV biofeedback.

Purpose: The problem the study addressed was to investigate the use of HRV …

Perceptions Of Occupational Therapists Working In Established Pace Programs, Jessica L. Daugherty-Peters

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: The Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides medical and social services to older adults who meet nursing home level of care but wish to remain in their own homes. Although PACE has been in existence for decades, this program is new to the state of Kentucky.

Purpose: The problem this Capstone project will address is the need for further research related to occupational therapy’s roles and experiences in PACE programs. This capstone will explore the perceptions of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants working in established PACE programs.

Methods: This study followed a Qualitative Descriptive …

Toothbrush Training For Preschool Teachers Of Students With Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cheryl D. Domino

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: One in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Oral health for children with ASD is significantly impacted by sensory sensitivities and communication delays. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to provide special education preschool teachers with an evidence-based oral hygiene module. This module is focused toward giving teachers the confidence and accommodations to provide a daily toothbrushing program. Theoretical Framework. The theoretical framework used in the development of this Capstone is Cognitive Learning Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and Occupational Justice.

Methods. A sampling of preschool teachers of students with level 3 ASD was …

Enhancing Support Staff Self-Efficacy In Supporting Neurodiverse Students’ Classroom Engagement, Jennifer Molina

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Executive Summary

Background: Neurodiverse students often face many challenges within their classroom environment due to a mismatch of the environmental demands and the student’s unique processing. This mismatch is often not understood by school support staff which can lead to adverse student outcomes in academic achievement and graduation rates. Support staff are often undertrained and unsupported in meeting the complex needs of neurodiverse students and OTs are often underutilized in this deficit.

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project was to measure the knowledge and self-efficacy gained by an evidence-based training module for school support staff that promoted increased classroom …

Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Perceived Self-Efficacy And Readiness For Discharge After Receiving Occupational Therapy Services At A Skilled Nursing Facility (Snf)., Shih-Ni N. Lai

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Abstract

Background: Older adults who plan to go home from a SNF after having injuries have increased concerns about their transition and feel they have limited knowledge and information on community resources. There is research on the critical roles of occupational therapy in preparing community-dwelling older adults to transition home from SNF. However, limited research on community-dwelling older adults' perception of their self-efficacy and discharge preparedness after receiving occupational therapy services at SNF.

Purpose: This project examines the perceptions of community-dwelling older adults’ preparedness and self-efficacy after receiving occupational therapy services in a SNF to increase their quality of life …