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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Non-Verbal Resource Kit For Center Asays In Morocco, Heidi Vladyka, Christina Reyer
Non-Verbal Resource Kit For Center Asays In Morocco, Heidi Vladyka, Christina Reyer
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common neurological disorder caused by injury during brain development. The impairments commonly associated with CP include motor and sensory deficits that can significantly impact all areas of occupation, especially ADL. In countries such as Morocco where the number of healthcare facilities is limited and languages vary, the burden on families to access appropriate care and education can be challenging. Center Asays in Morocco serves children with CP and requested a DVD for caregivers to provide education on proper positioning for both the child and caregiver during ADL. This project created a DVD that includes instruction …
The Use Of Everyday Technology In Occupational Therapy Practice For Clients With Acquired Brain Injury, Julia Ladner, Allison Davis
The Use Of Everyday Technology In Occupational Therapy Practice For Clients With Acquired Brain Injury, Julia Ladner, Allison Davis
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate how occupational therapists use everyday technology (ET) in their evaluation and treatment of adults with acquired brain injury (ABI). Questions included (1) the type of client therapists believed most likely to benefit from using technology, (2) current patterns of technology use with clients, including type of technology and frequency of use (3) the extent to which therapists think ET was effective, and (4) the supports for and barriers against using ET in practice. A survey was completed by 40 occupational therapists who were members of the Physical Disabilities, Technology, or Home …
Alternative Seating For Improved Learning In The Classroom, Christie Mosley, Alexia Kritsonis
Alternative Seating For Improved Learning In The Classroom, Christie Mosley, Alexia Kritsonis
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
Sensory approaches that are accessible and appropriate for incorporation into the classroom may be a valuable means of providing a learning environment better suited to meet the needs of today’s diverse student body. Up to an estimated 20% of general education students have sensory challenges, leading to over- or under-stimulation, which can result in difficulties with learning and behavior. Evidence-based guidance on implementing alternative seating in the classroom would benefit teachers, who are increasingly held accountable for students’ success. Sensory approaches such as alternative seating have been shown to increase attention and promote self-regulation, leading to improved classroom behavior and …
Listening To The Client: Experiences Of Occupational Therapy Services Shared By An Anishinaabe Tribal Member, Lauren Brown, Tessa Currie
Listening To The Client: Experiences Of Occupational Therapy Services Shared By An Anishinaabe Tribal Member, Lauren Brown, Tessa Currie
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The indigenous American consumer perspective is lacking within occupational therapy research. By better understanding the experiences of individuals who identify as indigenous and who have received occupational therapy, practitioners can work to create a more effective therapeutic relationship, more relevant goals, and more effective treatment. A phenomenological approach to qualitative analysis was used to explore the perspective of one indigenous woman and her experience with occupational therapy. Themes that emerged include: 1) know the individual’s background and the tribal and regional history, 2) treat the whole including family and community, and 3) use a functional, practical and individualized approach relevant …
Tablet Use By Occupational Therapists For Preliteracy Learning With Preschool Children, Burnley K. C. Dluhosh, Amanda Y. Burns
Tablet Use By Occupational Therapists For Preliteracy Learning With Preschool Children, Burnley K. C. Dluhosh, Amanda Y. Burns
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
Purpose: Tablet technologies are being used in pediatric occupational therapy (OT) despite a dearth of literature supporting their use. The purpose of this study was to investigate key strategies and decision-making considerations occupational therapists are using with tablet technologies to develop preliteracy skills with preschool aged children. Method: An ethnographic study of three pediatric occupational therapists (one school-based; one private clinic; and one school-based/private clinic) was conducted through semi-structured interviews and observations of the participants using the tablet. Results: One central theme, that tablets are “just a tool,” and three subthemes, that tablets are versatile, motivating, and fun, were identified. …
The Educational Transition Resource Guide For Parents Of Middle School Students With Disabilities, Yoshiko Lindemeier
The Educational Transition Resource Guide For Parents Of Middle School Students With Disabilities, Yoshiko Lindemeier
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of K -12 education for students with disabilities is to prepare them for the transition to a meaningful adult life. As students transition from school to adult life, they need to develop social interaction and communication skills that support community participation. Adolescents with disabilities may require extra time to prepare for changes in life when compared to students with typical development. One study indicated that, for students with disabilities, starting transition planning in middle school can be beneficial and lead to better outcomes (Lee et al., 2011 ). There is a plethora of resources available on the internet …
On-Campus Student Occupational Therapy Clinic’S Impact On Client’S Participation And Quality Of Life, Margaret Mcgarry
On-Campus Student Occupational Therapy Clinic’S Impact On Client’S Participation And Quality Of Life, Margaret Mcgarry
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of occupational therapy at an on-campus student clinic on clients’ activity participation and quality of life, as measured by the Activity Card Sort (ACS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF measure (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were collected on 6 participants for the ACS, and 8 participants for the WHOQOL-BREF, at the beginning and end of a 10-week, 20-session treatment program. Pretest and posttest scores for the ACS current activity participation and WHOQOL-BREF Social Relationship Domain and Satisfaction with Life were statistically significant (p < .05). Physical Health, Psychological Health, and …
Client Adherence To Discharge Recommendations From A Campus Occupational Therapy Student Clinic, Nancy Fuller
Client Adherence To Discharge Recommendations From A Campus Occupational Therapy Student Clinic, Nancy Fuller
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
Eighteen adults with chronic medical conditions who participated in a university occupational therapy clinic were surveyed about adherence to home program discharge recommendations. Adherence rates for discharge recommendations that were occupation-based or purposeful activities were compared to preparatory activities, including rote exercise. Reported adherence rates were not statistically different. The study also examined barriers and supports that impacted adherence. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between age and adherence to preparatory activity recommendations and between the number of discharge recommendations and adherence to preparatory activities. In order to achieve better adherence, and therefore improve outcomes, occupational therapists should carefully consider …
Spiritual History Assessment And Occupational Therapy: Students Using The Fica©, Patricia Kelso-Wright
Spiritual History Assessment And Occupational Therapy: Students Using The Fica©, Patricia Kelso-Wright
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of spiritual history assessment and/or the experience of administering the FICA© with an adult client in an on-campus clinic. A retrospective survey was completed by 13 second year occupational therapy students enrolled in a clinic class. Of the 13 respondents, ten were able to implement the FICA©. Data collection included: demographic information; Likert scaled questions; and open and close-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed and the results indicated an increase in respondents’ confidence in administering a spiritual history assessment and discussing a client’s spiritual history. Seven of ten respondents noted …
Occupational Therapy Practice Opportunities When Working With Mothers With Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study, Katie Tam
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this study was to identify current and ideal occupational therapy practice for mothers with breast cancer, from the perspective of the occupational therapist, in order to describe strategies for effective occupational therapy practice with this population. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze two interviews from occupational therapists working with mothers with breast cancer. Three themes emerged from the interviews, identifying effective treatment strategies: giving a voice, preventing loss of motherhood, and collaborating with multiple disciplines. These themes identified opportunities for occupational therapists to maintain the occupational performance and feelings of success in mothers with breast …
Occupational Therapist Practices Regarding Cognitive Deficits In Mild Acquired Brain Injury, Kristina Babbitt
Occupational Therapist Practices Regarding Cognitive Deficits In Mild Acquired Brain Injury, Kristina Babbitt
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
This study examined occupational therapists’ current knowledge and practices in cognitive rehabilitation for adults with mild acquired brain injury (mABI). A survey was sent to 250 occupational therapists with questions that addressed assessment, treatment, and discharge planning for this population. Fifty-seven therapists (22.8%) returned the survey and met inclusion criteria. The Mini-Mental State Examination was the most well-known and used assessment overall and the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and Executive Function Performance Test were the most well-known and used occupationally based assessments. Therapists cited availability of an assessment as the main reason for use and lack of knowledge …
Competent And Confident: An Occupational Therapist Perspective On Sexual Health, Bridget Tanner
Competent And Confident: An Occupational Therapist Perspective On Sexual Health, Bridget Tanner
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this study was to evaluate, from the perspective of an occupational therapist, what experiences or education created competent health professionals with regard to addressing sexual health concerns and to gather suggestions on how to increase the confidence of therapists about sexual health in the profession as a whole. A qualitative design with a semi-structured interview was used to gather data from two therapists with extensive experience addressing sexual health for people with physical disabilities. Data from the interviews revealed four major categories with subthemes. (1) ‘Why Address Sexual Health?’: Just Part of OT’s Job!, Enhancing Quality of …
Family Perspectives On Traumatic Brain Injury: Caregiver Training, Aimee Fay
Family Perspectives On Traumatic Brain Injury: Caregiver Training, Aimee Fay
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of three caregivers, each of whom received hospital based inpatient caregiver training within the past five years and were caring for a family member with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Data gathered from interviews with caregivers revealed four major themes, one with subthemes. The themes were: 1) “Changes in Family Roles after TBI,” (2) “Need for More than Physical Training” with subthemes, “Psychosocial Support for Caregivers,” and “Social Isolation;” (3) “Expectations for Behaviors and Recovery,” and (4) “Identity Blurring.” These themes suggest that the individuals in this study likely could …
Current Trends In Occupational Therapy Low Vision Rehabilitation, Amber Chonsky
Current Trends In Occupational Therapy Low Vision Rehabilitation, Amber Chonsky
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
In the U.S. the number of adults age 40 and older who are blind or have low vision is 3.3 million (National Eye Institute, 2004) and it is expected to reach 5.5 million by the year 2020 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). The background and training occupational therapists receive on disability and aging puts them in a position to serve this population of individuals with low vision concerns. This study described the level of knowledge, confidence and practices of occupational therapists in the U.S. who work in physical disability settings with regard to the assessment and treatment …
Current Trends In Occupational Therapy Services For Adults With Developmental Disabilities In Small Community Living Settings, Jennifer Anderson
Current Trends In Occupational Therapy Services For Adults With Developmental Disabilities In Small Community Living Settings, Jennifer Anderson
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess current trends in occupational therapy services provided to adults with developmental disabilities living in community settings. A survey questionnaire was sent to 52 directors and managers of community living facilities in Whatcom, Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties. The results indicated that the needs of residents are a direct match with the services occupational therapists provide as outlined in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework -II (AOTA, 2008). The results also indicated that people with developmental disabilities still have significant barriers to inclusion in their communities. Occupational therapists and advocates for this population …
Experiences With A Service Dog Of An Adolescent With Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Sarah Onsager
Experiences With A Service Dog Of An Adolescent With Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Sarah Onsager
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
Adolescents with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) may receive occupational therapy services and may at times use service dogs. Literature suggests that service dogs can provide social and physical benefits to children and adults with physical disabilities, however little research has been published, especially with adolescents. A qualitative methodology was used to best gain insight on the daily life experiences with a service dog of a thirteen year old female adolescent with a diagnosis of SMA and her mother. Major themes that emerged from interviews included: A Process, A Special Bond, A Sense of Security, Increased Independence and Participation in Life, …