Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Investigating The Formation And Substantiation Of Anti-Vaccination Attitudes: A Qualitative Analysis, Ned Sherry

Sociology & Anthropology Theses

Despite evidence that vaccinations reduce incidences of disease and spread, certain individuals question vaccine usage and often abstain from vaccination (Dikema et al., 2005 & Salzberg, 2012). Not vaccinating increases the opportunity for certain diseases to enter communities as well as raises healthcare costs.

Existing research of anti-vaccination populations has focused largely on quantitative studies, rarely looking in depth at the individuals that make up this demographic. This study, using qualitative methods, investigated anti-vaccine attitudes, uncovering the underlying processes by which anti-vaccination opinions are created and maintained. Participants were recruited from The Pacific Northwest, a region with the strongest …

Educational In-Service And Training Lab: Proper Body Positioning And Safety For Mothers Of Children With Disabilities, Tara Curtis

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Women who give birth to a child with a mental or physical impairment in Mexico are typically believed to be “at fault” for the disability by their family (Skinner, Bailey, Correa, & Rodríguez, 1999). As a result, men often abandon their family, leaving the mother and children in poverty (Skinner et al., 1999). Bree Lair, MOTR/L, co-founder and director of International Service Learning for Push International, a non-profit organization that works closely with Padres y Compadres Pediatric Therapy Center in Mazatlan, Mexico stated that more than half of the mothers caring for a child with disabilities at their clinic are …

Aging In Place: Older Adults' Current Practices And Future Desires, Lauren Anderson-Connolly, Olive Oyango

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals or populations to regain or maintain independence, function, and a fulfilling life; the American Occupational Therapy Association has named productive aging as a key societal need in the 21st century. Many older adults wish to stay in their homes and communities as they age but may face challenges doing so due to agerelated changes. This study, using mixed methods via a quantitative survey and a qualitative interview, attempted to identify the current practices, attitudes, and future desires that may impact occupational engagement, as reported by U.S. community-dwelling adults age 65 and older who were …

The Nature Of Creativity In Occupational Therapy, Christopher Ernst, Andrew Moore

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to document occupational therapists’ reported use of “creativity” in different practice realms, discover how they defined creativity, and determine their views on its importance to the field. A survey was sent to a random sample of 250 therapist members of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Seventy surveys were returned (28%). Descriptive statistics were calculated to portray responses and reveal relationships between demographic and response variables. The majority of respondents worked in children/youth, or rehabilitation settings. Therapists practicing 35+ years reported creativity in occupational therapy to be significantly more important (M = 8.1 of …

Sensory Strategies To Support Whole Body Listening In The Classroom, Jennifer D. Baron

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this project was to provide general education teachers at Evergreen Primary in University Place, Washington with sensory strategy resources to support the use of Whole Body Listening (Sautter & Wilson, 2011) in the classroom. Whole Body Listening was developed as part of the Social Thinking curriculum by Michelle Garcia Winner and is a program that teaches how to actively listen with all parts of the body (Think Social Publishing, 2008) and is used as a school-wide program at Evergreen Primary. After initial implementation of the program, teachers reported that some students had challenges implementing the strategies due …

Use Of Culturally Adapted Practices Among Occupational Therapists In Work Rehabilitation Settings, Lauren Fisher

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to explore ways in which occupational therapist practitioners use culturally adapted practices when working in work rehabilitation settings. A survey was completed by 95 occupational therapy practitioners who were members of the Work and Industry Special Interest Section of the American Occupational Therapy Association for a usable response rate of 38%. The findings indicate that using certified interpreters is the most common culturally adapted practice used in this setting. Occupational therapy practitioners with formal training were more likely to use many of the culturally adapted practices in therapy than those without formal training and …

Current Practices, Protocols, And Rationales Of Diathermy Use By Occupational Therapists, Grace Faucett, Erin Keeley

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to determine the patterns of use of diathermy by occupational therapists in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and its purported effectiveness. A survey was completed by 90 occupational therapists (response rate of 36%) who were members of the American Occupational Therapy Association, were listed in the practice area of SNF/long-term care (LTC) facility, and who had experience working in a SNF. Results showed that 54% of the participants had experience using diathermy in SNFs nationwide. The majority of participants with diathermy experience (94%) indicated that they typically implemented diathermy as a preparatory treatment before a …

Integrating Universal Design Principles To Camp Indianola, Sarah Jones

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Participating in outdoor recreation benefits a person’s health and wellness, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Many individuals appreciate the social and physical benefits of participation in a summer camp program. Individuals with disabilities are often unable to access many outdoor activities or camp environments due to issues with accessibility. Integrating the seven principles of universal design into a camp environment may improve inclusion in camp related programs and activities. This project focused on the accommodation needs of Camp Indianola in Indianola, Washington through consideration of the incorporation of the principles of universal design throughout the camp. An educational manual …

School Based Occupational Therapists Report On Collaboration With Parents Of Students Who Are Beginning Occupational Therapy Services In The Public Schools, Maia Richardson

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

OBJECTIVE: Many occupational therapists work in public schools, where best practices and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) require collaboration with parents of students. However, there is limited research indicating the benefits and barriers to this collaboration. The present study explores the nature and extent of contact and collaboration between school-based occupational therapists and parents of children who are beginning occupational therapy services in public schools. It includes therapists’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers to and beliefs about collaboration.

METHOD: Descriptive surveys were mailed to a random national sample of 250 occupational therapists members of …

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions Of Factors That Influence Therapeutic Relationship With Parents Of Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Erin Mccarthy

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

This study had a 3-fold purpose; it attempted to extend Gray’s (2001) study to U.S. occupational therapists by investigating how parental “narratives,” or reactions to having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), influence occupational therapy intervention, to examine which of the six most commonly used therapeutic modes identified by Taylor (2008) are employed by therapists, as well as to identify ways in which parents and therapists contribute to, or interfere with, the parent-therapist relationship. A survey was mailed to 100 currently practicing occupational therapists in the U.S. Twenty-four returned surveys met the inclusion criteria and were used in this …

Feeding Activity Book For Home Treatment Programs, Haley Wens

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Sensory processing challenges in children can have adverse effects on their ability to eat. These children may experience food temperatures, flavors and textures more intensely, causing them to have an aversion to many food types, which can potentially lead to the inability to get proper nutrition. In observing feeding therapy at Cascade Children’s Therapy (CCT), it was discovered that the therapists would benefit from a book to efficiently assign home treatment programs to these children with sensory processing challenges as an adjunct to in-clinic intervention. However, the home treatment programs needed to be playful in order to enhance adherence to …

Modifications Of The Home Environment And Routines In Families Of Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jessica Ashe, Tiffany Cunningham

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to identify caregiver-implemented modifications of routines and home environments in families of children with an autism spectrum disorder throughout the U.S. that are believed to facilitate the child’s enhanced participation in daily life. A survey was completed by 50 primary caregivers of children with an autism spectrum disorder in the western, northeastern, and southern regions of the U.S addressing the type and frequency of modifications. Routines for dressing (42%), bathing/grooming (52%), and sleep-related activities (86%) were the most commonly reported modifications used sometimes to always within each area of occupation. Other frequently used modifications …

Workshops At L’Arche: A Model On How To Improve Communication In Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Meghan Blake

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Twenty-eight percent of adults with developmental disabilities living in the United States are employed (United States Census, 2005). Lack of communication skills among adults with developmental disabilities can have a major impact on their ability to find and maintain employment. Those who are employed often have a hard time socializing with other co-workers due to a lack of social skills (Mueller et al., 2003). In an effort to increase social communication skills among their employees with developmental disabilities, L’Arche Tahoma Hope Home, with the help of an occupational therapy graduate student from the University of Puget Sound, provided an opportunity …

Pilates Adapted For Parkinson’S Disease And Multiple Sclerosis, Anna Doucett, Jessica Seminary

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) result in disruptive physical, cognitive, and sensory complications that progress with time. These symptoms can alter muscle tone and disturb movement, which can negatively impact a person’s ability to complete activities of daily living (ADL) and participation in community activities (Lexell, Iwarrson, & Lexell, 2006; Wressle, Engstand, & Granerus, 2007). Treatment for PD and MS consists mainly of medications and occasionally surgery, (Merck Manual, 2012a; Merck Manual, 2012b) but alternative and supplemental treatments, including exercise, are also being used (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke [NINDS], 2012; National Multiple Sclerosis Society [NMMS], …

Promoting Safety And Aging In Place In Tacoma And The Surrounding Area, Amanda Fischels

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The majority of older adults would like to “age in place” by continuing to live in their homes as long as possible. Barriers that can prevent aging in place include normal age-related changes and falls, which can result in injury requiring hospitalization or long-term care. However, fall risk can be reduced with home modifications that increase the safety and accessibility of the home. Unfortunately, these modifications can be costly and often are paid out of pocket. Older adults do not always have the financial means to pay for home modifications, even when they could increase the safety within their home. …

For Everything, There Is A Season: Purposeful Activities For Adult Day Heathcare, Stephanie Gammon

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Engagement in purposeful activities is vital in supporting function, health, and well-being of individuals (Horowitz & Chang, 2004). The purpose of this project was to create and provide occupation based activity kits and an educational manual along with staff training for Cascade Park Active Day (CPAD), an Adult Day Healthcare center. This resource aimed to enhance clients’ engagement in purposeful occupations, thus leading to an increase in quality of life. This was accomplished through structured, client centered, and occupation based activities. Based on the needs of CPAD, the manual consisted of twenty activities all including a purposeful activity, recommended cognitive …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Wiggle Whomper Kit: Improving Sensory Regulation In The General Education Classroom®: A Pilot Study, Jessica Griesse, Jenny Ikard

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Increased emphasis on Response to Intervention and population based approaches in school systems is gaining popularity in literature. The current study examined the perceived effectiveness and patterns of use of The Wiggle Whomper Kit, a sensory regulation activity tool kit that was provided in all classrooms at a suburban elementary school. Thirty-six teachers and support personnel who had access to The Wiggle Whomper Kit were surveyed electronically, and member checking was performed through an interview with the school principal who was involved in The Wiggle Whomper Kit development and implementation. Responses (N = 9) indicated that The Wiggle Whomper Kit …

The Learning Alliance Between Clinical Instructors And Students At A Campus Occupational Therapy Teaching Clinic: Support For The Development Of Clinical Reasoning, Sarah Hunt

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

In order to practice as an occupational therapist, students must complete clinical educational experience as part of their graduation requirements. During this experience, a supervising clinical instructor (CI) provides feedback and guidance that builds the foundation for clinical reasoning skills of the student. The CI-student learning alliance represents the relationship that supports this educational experience. This study used qualitative methodology based in grounded theory to examine the role of the CI-student learning alliance in facilitating students’ development of clinical reasoning by studying the relationship between CIs and fourth semester graduate occupational therapy students during a level I fieldwork experience at …

Casts For Creating Success: An Activity Manual For Pediatric Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, Lindsay Johnson, Min Kim

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Unilateral paralysis or paresis of an upper extremity can cause gross and fine motor functional impairments. These impairments can severely impact bilateral function of the upper extremities, thereby affecting a child’s participation in daily activities. Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) is an emerging and potentially effective treatment for children with unilateral upper extremity impairment that can profoundly improve their functional ability. Thus, the purpose of this project was to create an activity manual for occupational therapists to conduct a mCIMT program for children with unilateral upper extremity impairment through Children’s Therapy Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital in collaboration with the …

The Effect Of Dynamic Seating On Classroom Behavior For Students In A General Education Classroom, Dana Kuhn, Sarah Lewis

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

This study examined the effect of using FootFidgets® and standing desks with FootFidgets® on attention and work completion for students in a fourth grade class in a private elementary school. An A-B-C single subject case study design where phases were one week, and students completed daily visual analog scales to examine classroom behavior. The mean attention of students significantly increased while using the standing desk and FootFidget®, t(8) = 2.79, p = .024. One student identified by the Sensory Processing Measure: Home Form as having some problems processing sensory input, increased work completion while using the standing desk and …

Use Of The Bayley Scales Of Infant Development-Iii By Therapists For Assessing Development And Recommending Treatment For Infants In A Nicu Follow-Up Clinic, Katherine Lee

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Infants who have been hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may present with a multitude of challenges that put them at risk for delayed development. Early Intervention and specialized NICU follow up clinics are in place to help identify NICU graduates’ need for therapy services. Well-established, standardized assessments, such as the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III) are utilized by occupational and physical therapists when making recommendations for therapy. The purpose of this retrospective chart review (N=104) was to identify the extent to which BSID-III motor scores were predictive of a referral for further developmental therapy …

Considering Client And Caregiver Experience After Stroke: A Systematic Review Of Qualitative Studies To Enhance Quantitative Research, Theresa Ryan

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the literature on the process of recovery through the perspective of both clients who have experienced stroke and their informal caregivers, in order to discover to what extent the findings of qualitative research enrich those of the quantitative type as to rehabilitation effectiveness.

Method: A systematic review of the salient qualitative research within EBSCOHOST, MEDLINE, AJOT, BJOT, and CJOT resulted in 50 articles identified. Of the articles initially identified, 41 met the inclusion criteria for further examination and critical appraisal. Themes that emerged from this review were compared with the …

Think Twice, Play Nice: Occupational Therapy Tool To Reduce Social Bullying In A School Setting, Ariel Schwencke

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this project was to create an anti-bullying program kit to enable faculty and staff at Highland Elementary School to decrease social bullying by encouraging positive social behaviors, teaching interpersonal skills, and facilitating appropriate group play at school.

Safe Lifting Training For Mexican Parents Of Children With A Disability, Cathryn Thierry

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent techniques taught during a two-day educational training on body mechanics for lifting and transferring are learned and can be demonstrated by Mexican parents with their children who have a disability. Three parents of children with a disability who attended a culturally relevant educational training on body mechanics lead by graduate occupational therapy students participated in research on their transfer safety. Their body mechanics were observed and scored while they performed up to four transfers prior to and after attending the educational training. Participants performed significantly better on floor transfers …

Determining Sensory-Based Interventions Used By Occupational Therapists, Zena Lia Toyama

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Objective: The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine what types of sensory-based interventions, other than Ayres Sensory Integration®, pediatric occupational therapists are using, how frequently they are being used, and the clinical rationale for choosing these interventions for children with a sensory processing dysfunction.

Method: A survey was sent to 250 primary members of the American Occupational Therapy Association Sensory Integration Special Interest Section (SISIS). The survey was piloted by the SISIS committee members and their feedback was used in guiding the survey contents.

Results: Out of 250 surveys sent, 87 surveys were returned for a response rate …

Client Adherence To Discharge Recommendations From An Occupational Therapy Teaching Clinic Based On Activity Type: Occupation-Based, Purposeful, Or Preparatory, Jennie White

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Research has shown full adherence to occupational therapy home program recommendations varies between 40 and 70%. Considering many clients have chronic conditions and are not completely recovered at discharge, this rate of adherence is far less than ideal and has been associated with poor overall health outcomes. Previous research has also suggested that people respond better to activities that have a goal-embedded component than they do to traditional or rote exercise. The current study examined client adherence based on the type of discharge recommendation given to adult clients at an on-campus clinic. Recommendations were categorized into those which were goal-embedded: …