Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Ot For Independence: A Shelter-Based Approach, Joshua A. Dotson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Capstone project was conducted at the Clark County Homeless Coalition in Winchester, Kentucky, focusing on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness through occupational therapy (OT). The main objective was to understand shelter staff roles and clients’ occupational needs while helping clients engage in meaningful activities to improve their quality of life and independence. Research showed a strong need for OT services among homeless and mentally ill populations, with client-centered, choice-based interventions proving most effective. Tools like the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) informed the approach, though outcome measurement was limited by inconsistent client participation. Nonetheless, the COPM guided meaningful goal-setting. Informal …

From Foundation To Future: The Kota Story, Lynn Duncan M.Ed, Otd

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

I worked with the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA) in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University’s Special Collections and Archives for my Capstone Project and Applied Leadership Experience, with an emphasis on advocacy. KOTA plays an essential role in advocating for its members by focusing on community networking, research, advocacy, legislative affairs, and education (Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association, 2025). Research indicates the importance for professional associations to safeguard records, however several challenges include managing the volume of materials, selecting a cataloging system, ensuring easy retrieval, maintaining secure storage, and addressing concerns about sustainability (Brown, 2013). The needs assessment revealed disorganized physical …

A Lifestyle Redesign®-Informed Approach To Substance Use Recovery, Alexis Lemaster

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) took place at Enrich, a nonprofit in Richmond, Kentucky, that supports individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The primary ACOTE focus area was program development. The goal was to design a sustainable Lifestyle Redesign (LRD)-informed program to help men in recovery build healthy routines, navigate life transitions, and engage in meaningful activities. Additional goals included educating staff on occupational therapy’s (OT) role and integrating LRD principles into existing services. A needs assessment—including observations, a review of Enrich’s sober living objectives, and four interviews with individuals in recovery—revealed disruptions in daily routines, emotional regulation, …

Making Waves In Occupation: Advancing Ot Practice Through Aquatic Therapy, Maria E. Luciano

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project focused on enhancing the role of occupational therapy (OT) in aquatic therapy through education, advocacy, and clinical practice. Conducted at a YMCA pool in Richmond, KY, the project aimed to increase OT practitioner competence and confidence in delivering aquatic therapy to adults and older adults. Primary goals included developing an educational plan to support occupational performance for aquatic therapy participants, creating a website with OT-specific aquatic therapy resources, and equipping OT students with guidance on entering this nontraditional practice area. A literature review revealed a lack of OT-specific aquatic therapy resources despite evidence supporting its benefits. …

Enhancing Postpartum Care Through Occupational Therapy: Supporting Program Growth, Expanding Resources, And Strengthening Practice, Breanna Hamrick

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

During my doctoral capstone, I partnered with Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska to support the recent addition of occupational therapy services on the hospital’s mother/baby unit. The project focused on program development and education to address the unique needs of postpartum women in the acute care setting and advocate for OT’s role in this emerging area.

Following a literature review and needs assessment, the project identified a significant gap in postpartum OT services—only 84 of 2,158 U.S. hospitals currently offer these services (Pelvic Health Network, n.d.). High readmission rates from postpartum complications such as infection, preeclampsia, and cardiovascular issues …

Occupational Balance In Relation To Therapist Threshold, Caroline Crump

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My Capstone/Applied Learning Experience took place at Foundation Hand and Physical Therapy in Richmond, Kentucky. The primary ACOTE focus areas that were used within my study was Education, Research and Clinical Practice. The goal of this research was to investigate any correlations between occupational balance and therapist threshold in the outpatient rehabilitation setting. It was important to be able to investigate both Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists to determine factors that related to a clinician’s personal occupational balance and therapist threshold. These factors were able to be addressed by this study through further researching the ways clinicians view occupational balance …

Building Awareness, Access, And Advocacy Through Kham's Klub, Morgan E. Guidry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

During my doctoral capstone and applied leadership experience, I partnered with
Kham’s Klub, a nonprofit in Richmond, Kentucky, whose mission is to empower and
elevate families with autism. The project's primary ACOTE focus area is program
development, education, and advocacy within a community-based setting. The aim of this project was to strengthen the organization’s capacity to promote early diagnosis, provide support for inclusive environments at Kham’s Klub events and cultivate donor and community engagement. Through literature review and collaboration with the founders/CEO of Kham’s Klub Non-profit for Autism there were gaps revealed in caregiver understanding of autism, limited community participation, …

Safe Patient Handling Training For Radiologic Technologists In Acute Care, Dana Newland

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project took place at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital where I worked closely with the quality and safety director of the UK’s Department of Radiology. The purpose of this project was to develop educational resources to educate radiology staff regarding safe patient handling when performing daily activities such as patient transfers and patient positioning to reduce staff injuries and prevent patient falls. Additional goals consisted of how to safely handle a falling patient and the implementation and use of gait belts within the radiology department. After reviewing the department’s staff injury data and developing a …

The Art Of Belonging: Group Interventions For Social Engagement In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Grace Perry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Capstone project focused on developing a group art-based therapy program for older adults in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), aiming to enhance social engagement and quality of life through weekly creative sessions. Activities were inclusive and adaptable, supporting residents with physical and cognitive impairments. The program included a binder of weekly activity plans, supply lists, adaptive strategies, and conversation prompts. Over nine weeks, sessions were held twice weekly with 4–6 residents per group. Completed artwork became meaningful keepsakes often displayed in residents’ rooms. Participation, engagement, and feedback were tracked throughout. The experience fostered significant personal and professional growth, deepening …

Promoting Inclusion: Creating A Sensory Space In A Local Church, Ashleigh N. Dotson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project took place at a local church, The Creek, in London, KY. Specifically, this project took place within the Kid’s church area. The ACOTE focus areas for this project were program development, education, and advocacy. The goals of this Capstone/ALE project were to learn more about and better understand the sensory system and how it works; to create a sensory room for children with disabilities who may need to regulate their sensory system; to create resources and educational guides for adults and volunteers who may be in the sensory room to guide them on the appropriate ways to …

Feeding Futures: Empowering Families Through Pediatric Feeding Therapy, Hannah Grace Wesley

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project, completed at Marshall Pediatric Therapy, focused on developing structured, accessible resources to support caregiver engagement and improve consistency in pediatric feeding therapy, aligning with ACOTE’s emphasis on program development. Caregivers often feel overwhelmed by the fast pace of sessions and struggle to recall and implement strategies at home, where most feeding takes place (Carpenter & Garfinkel, 2021). To address this, I conducted a needs assessment, literature review, therapist interviews, and a SWOT analysis to guide the development of resources that improve carryover and caregiver confidence. Deliverables included a structured home program with a developmental feeding continuum, weekly …

The Ethical Imperative Of Leadership In Dentistry, Mike Graham, Toni M. Roucka Rn, Dds, Ma, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Leadership is one of the four pillars of the American College of Dentists, taking its place alongside excellence, ethics, and professionalism. Leadership in dentistry carries an inherent ethical responsibility to uphold the trust and well-being of those who depend on us—our patients, our teams, and the community. When leaders in our field exercise their influence, they wield significant power over patient outcomes, industry standards, and public health policy. With this influence comes an imperative to act ethically, to ensure that decisions are guided by a commitment to care, integrity, and the best interests of those we serve. At the heart …

Interprofessional Models Of Care: A Strategic Framework For Advancing Integrated Healthcare, Daniel J. Pihlstrom Dds

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Interprofessional models of care (IPMC) provide a vital framework for improving the delivery of health services through the alignment of medical and dental protocols, integration of shared health data, and collaborative, team-based care. Drawing on both empirical data and theoretical models, this analysis explores how integrated care can become the norm rather than the exception.

Unifying Health And Oral Health—An Ethical Imperative, Shelia Brear Bds

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The 2024 Ethics Summit, Breaking Down the Silos, convened by the American College of Dentists, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse on the ethical responsibilities of oral healthcare professionals. This distinguished gathering of interprofessional experts offered an insightful and urgent exploration into one of healthcare’s most pressing yet underexamined ethical imperatives: the moral obligation to fully integrate oral health into the broader healthcare system. The summit’s focus aligns powerfully with the mission of the American College of Dentists to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in oral healthcare.

The Impact Of Professionalism Education And Formative Feedback In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students Utilizing The Abbreviated Cpi Feedback Form In The On-Campus Clinic Environment, William L. Scott

Dissertations

Problem

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) developed the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) to assess the professional behaviors required for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student to be considered "entry level" in their clinical training. Feedback from our clinical partners has indicated that, historically, students from the Andrews University DPT program have scored lower than students from other programs in several areas of the CPI during their clinical experiences. According to subjective reports from our clinical partners, these areas included safety, professional behavior, accountability, communication, and critical thinking. These five areas have been the focus of our efforts in …

An Exploration Of The Clinical Senior Nursing Student Preceptor Relationship, Kimberly Nicole Dunker

Dissertations

Problem

The use of clinical preceptors for training is well documented in the literature as an effective strategy for helping students, new graduates, and RNs orient to their roles in healthcare facilities. The need to ensure that the preceptor is adequately trained and then matched to a preceptee for a successful relationship is a challenge. The healthcare facility does its best to identify a preceptor and ensure adequate training is completed and there is a willingness to facilitate the experience. The academic institution is required to ensure that preceptors are chosen based on criteria outlined by the board of nursing …

Using Virtual Reality To Assist Students At Academic Risk In Human Anatomy, Michael Foley, Lauren T. Lilley, Lindsay Meyers, Robert Armstrong, Lisa Fore-Arcand, Kelly Mccoy, Chad Eitel, Tod R. Clapp, Natascha Heise

Department of Pathology & Anatomy Faculty Publications

Learning human anatomy presents a significant challenge for health profession students due to the difficulty in visualizing structures in three dimensions. Virtual reality (VR) has been reported to aid in understanding these relationships. In this study, students at academic risk attended VR sessions alongside their gross anatomy course. Data from post-surveys, observations, and examinations indicated VR participants performed similarly to peers, except in head/neck and pelvis/lower limb exams where performance was lower. Students valued VR for enhancing confidence and understanding. VR shows promise in supplementing anatomy education, particularly for less complex regions, and bridging gaps in traditional learning methods.

Electrical Homeostasis Of The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, Peyman Fahimi, Lázaro A. M. Castanedo, P. Thomas Vernier, Cherif F. Matta

Bioelectrics Publications

The electric potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane must be maintained within certain bounds for the proper functioning of the cell. A feedback control mechanism for the homeostasis of this membrane potential is proposed whereby an increase in the electric field decreases the rate-limiting steps of the electron transport chain (ETC). An increase in trans-membrane electric field limits the rate of proton pumping to the inter-membrane gap by slowing the ETC reactions and by intrinsically induced electroporation that depolarizes the inner membrane. The proposed feedback mechanism is akin to a Le Chatelier's-type principle of trans-membrane potential feedback control.

Community Based Psychosocial Wellness Groups For Children And Adolescents With Neurodivergent Conditions, Caitlin Duffy Ot/S, Tania Rose Otd, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Aim and Purpose:

Research Question: What is the impact of community based psychosocial wellness groups on the overall mental health and wellness of children and adolescents with neurodivergent conditions?

Aim: To reach more children by creating a Surf-Fit program located within a local community setting.

Purpose: To create and implement effective community-based psychosocial wellness groups in collaboration with Gnome Surf.

Optimizing Compression In Venous Leg Ulcers To Improve Wound Healing Rates Through Wound Care Nurse Support: A Quality Improvement Project, Temilola Obisesan

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are the most common lower extremity ulcers, accounting for 75% of chronic leg wounds and affect up to 2% of the population in developing countries. Generally, it has a 1-year recurrence rate of 40-70%. VLUs costs about $11B in the USA and other developed countries annually. Patients with VLUs spend about $7,000 more annually. Compression therapy along with local wound care is the best approach for VLU management, with compression therapy as the gold standard. Currently, compression therapy is underutilized in VLU care. The goal of this QI project is to provide wound nurses who …

Feeding With Competence: Empowering Parents In Ng Feeding For Nicu Graduates: A Quality Improvement Project, Karen Marsh

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Infants who are born prematurely stay in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until they are able to take full enteral nutrition by mouth. While in the NICU a nasogastric tube (NG tube) would be used to supplement the volume needed to be ingested for optimal nutrition. Infants typically feed better with a consistent caregiver and at home in an environment with less stimulation. Allowing infants to be discharged with an NG tube allows the parents to be more involved in their infant's care with a shorter hospital stay. An increased number of infants being discharged home with …

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Improve Nurse Reassessment And Documentation Of Administered Prn Pain Medication, Stacy L. Brady

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Effective pain management remains a critical challenge both globally and with the United States, where more than 51 million adults suffer from pain. Veterans are particularly vulnerable due to the lasting impact of service-related injuries. “Pro re nata” (PRN or “as needed”) pain medications are frequently used to manage pain, but timely reassessment and documentation following a PRN pain medication administered is often missed or delayed. Reassessing and documenting the results after the administration of the PRN pain medication is required by The Joint Commission and the Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System’s (VAPHS) standard operating procedure (SOP) states reassessment …

Implementation Of Outpatient Cervical Ripening In The Community Hospital Setting: A Quality Improvement Process, April St Hilaire

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Cervical ripening is a critical component of labor induction. Outpatient cervical ripening using mechanical dilators offers a safe patient- centered alternative to inpatient management, with potential benefits in efficiency and patient satisfaction and cost savings.

Local Problem: At a community hospital setting with increasing induction rates, prolonged admission-to-delivery times and prolonged patient stays were observed in patients undergoing inpatient cervical ripening, prompting a need for more efficient, patient centered approaches.

Methods: Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, an outpatient cervical ripening protocol was implemented over a 15-week period to compare inpatient versus outpatient cervical ripening using mechanical …

The Effect Of Non-Contact Boxing On Occupational Performance Of Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: A Case Series Design, Ruben Blanco Ot/S, Sheridan Ferland Otd, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that negatively impacts occupational performance due to the effect it has on motor and nonmotor skills. Research suggests that forced intense exercise such as noncontact boxing improves these motor and nonmotor symptoms in individuals with PD. Unfortunately, there is no literature that determines a direct link to noncontact boxing and an improvement in occupational performance for individuals with PD. This study aims to make this direct link using the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) protocol.

The Impact Of A Community-Based Motor Performance Program On Children And Adolescence With Neurodivergent Conditions, Isabella Catarina Ots, Tania Rose Otd, Otr/L, Brooke Tubbs Otd, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Site Description:

Gnome Surf

• A non-profit organization committed to inclusive therapy for all children, regardless of ability or financial background.

• Surf Therapy: Uses the therapeutic elements of water and the joy of surfing to improve physical and mental health. Providence Parks and Recreation.

• Includes a gymnasium, indoor pool, play areas, and multipurpose field.

• After-school program offers rotating programming.

Research Question, Aim, and Purpose:

PICO: What is the impact of community-based motor programming on motor performance in children & adolescents with neurodivergent conditions.

Aims: Enhance participants' motor abilities, socialization, and general well-being through a therapeutic Surf-Fit program. …

Teaching And Learning Approaches To Improve Staff Training At Empowersci, Amanda Bastos Ot/S, Monique Dawes Otd, Otr/L, Cpam

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Empower SCI: A non-profit organization for individuals with SCI Mission of Empower SCI: “To propel individuals living with spinal cord injuries on their path to a fully actualized, more independent life through immersive programming and community support” (Empower SCI, n.d.)

Purpose: develop an evidence-based orientation program for new staff and to provide EmpowerSCI with a more uniform and effective training protocol that will improve participant safety and experiences, as well as staff caregiver confidence.

Research Question: How will an evidence-based orientation and training program impact knowledge and task performance in personal care staff at EmpowerSCI?

Impact Of Power Tilt Functions On Users Independence, Functional Reach, And Overall Quality Of Life, Jordan Dodge Ots, Andrea Fairman Phd, Otr/L, Atp, Jennith Bernstein Pt, Atp/Sms, Heather Cianciolo Otr/L, Atp/Sms

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Background:

• There is significantly limited information regarding the functional benefits of using power tilt functions.

• Insurance, specifically Medicare, will only cover these functions under limited circumstances.

• This project intended to collect further data that highlighted the functional benefits of power tilt functions to further advocate for increased insurance coverage.

Increasing Self-Efficacy Through A Wellness Program For People With Parkinson’S Disease And Their Care Partners, Abby Clark Ot/S, Sheridan Ferland Otd, Otr/L, Carolyn Kosiba-Quiterio Cpt, Crs, Cgx, Sf

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Site Description:

Rock Steady Boxing is a nonprofit organization that gives people with Parkinson’s disease the opportunity to improve their quality of life through non-contact boxing, stretching and various exercises (Rock Steady Boxing, 2024). Locally, Rock Steady Boxing East Greenwich (RSBEG) has approximately eighty athletes enrolled.

Aim & Purpose:

Aim: To provide a comprehensive wellness education program on various PD related topics for people who participate in RSB class.

Purpose: To explore the impact of wellness education on self-efficacy to improve physical and mental outcomes for those with PD, thereby addressing a gap in current literature. Question: Does wellness education …

Technology Use By Skilled Nursing Facility Residents To Enhance Leisure Participation And Overall Quality Of Life, Madisyn Frederick Ots, Shannon Strate Otd, Ms, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Site Description:

• 120-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in Providence, RI

• Comprised of 3 units: short-term rehabilitation services, long-term skilled nursing care, and memory care

Research Question: Is technology use an effective form of leisure engagement for improving the quality of life for long-term skilled nursing facility residents?

Project Goals:

•Identify an effective means for enhancing leisure participation amongst residents

•Assess residents’ relationship with technology and identify barriers or oppositions to use

•Provide Steere House with an effective solution to their lack of resident leisure engagement

Impact Of Self-Directed Goals For Long-Term Patients In A Forensic Hospital: A Mixed-Methods Study, Chapin Graham Ot/S, Nancy Dooley Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Natalie Petrucci Msot, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Purpose: To determine the impact of self-directed goals for long-term patients in a forensic hospital. This was a single group, pre-and post-test study.

Setting: Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital (RISPH). Forensic settings are where people with mental illness who have allegedly committed crimes gain competency to stand trial and undergo treatment for their mental illness.