Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Developing Aquatic Programs For Children Diagnosed With Autism, Giavanna Stavros

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

There is a need for inclusion in therapeutic aquatic programming for children diagnosed with autism (ASD), as their increased participation in aquatic interventions and activities promotes safety and well-being for this population. Pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) are vital to fill this gap in skill, as pediatric OTs consistently work with children diagnosed with ASD (Jaicks, 2024), and core principles of the occupational therapy (OT) profession include enhancing one’s safety and well-being (American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2025). Children diagnosed with ASD must have the opportunity to engage in swimming and aquatic therapy, as this population is at a higher risk …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Promoting An Accessible Playground Environment For Parents With Physical Disabilities, Molly M. Busby

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

Limited implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards and concepts of universal design in the playground environment restrict parents with physical disabilities' engagement in the co-occupation of visiting the playground with their children. The outdoor playground environment promotes the child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development and has positive benefits on the mental health of the parent. Local community park organizations have the power to make accessibility changes to playgrounds in the community but often they lack the knowledge to do so. The purpose of this capstone project is to facilitate increased inclusivity and physically accessible playground …

Reimagining Occupational Justice Beyond Anthropocentrism: A Humane Education Approach To Occupational Therapy Education, Macy Sutton

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Occupational therapy positions itself as a holistic, justice-oriented profession, yet many of its theories, practices, and educational standards reflect Eurocentric values and assumptions. Even occupational justice, the disciplinary concept specifically concerned with advancing a more just world, is steeped in coloniality. Critical scholars have increasingly critiqued particular oppressive structures embedded in the field, such as ableism and white supremacy; however, anthropocentrism remains largely unchallenged. In the occupational justice literature, anthropocentrism operates primarily through omission; that is, animals are absent from most scholarly works. This gap is significant because anthropocentrism contributes to prejudice, oppression, and discrimination not only toward animals and …

Recognizing Excellence: Key Traits, Qualities, And Behaviors Of The Exceptional Fieldwork Educator In Occupational Therapy, Piper Hansen, Lydia H. Schallenberg, Jayde M. Kahn, Jacqueline Rizzi, Ariel Torres

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

All students of occupational therapy enrolled in accredited programs are required to complete Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences. A critical factor in shaping successful fieldwork experiences is the fieldwork educator, who guides clinical learning, models professional behaviors, and supports skill development for practice readiness. Despite the importance of the fieldwork experience, the fieldwork educator, and the impact of the supervisory relationship, there is limited understanding of the unique attributes and strategies that distinguish exceptional occupational therapy fieldwork educators. This study sought to investigate the key traits, qualities, and behaviors of the exceptional fieldwork educator in occupational therapy and …

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Students' Knowledge Of Menstrual Health: A Quantitative Pilot Study, Glynnis Jones, Skylar Edwards, Allison Bressette, Emilie Wright, Michelle Hiller

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study examined preliminary effects of a targeted learning module on occupational therapy students’ knowledge and perceived understanding of the profession’s role in menstrual health. Although menstrual health is a universal biological process, it remains underrepresented in occupational therapy curricula. Guided by occupational justice theory, this project aimed to enhance awareness within professional education to promote equity. A quasi-experimental, pre-posttest design assessed changes following completion of a self-paced online module. Fourteen second-year students from accredited occupational therapy programs participated. Subjects completed pre- and post-intervention knowledge assessments and the Menstrual Health Understanding Questionnaire (MHUQ), a 5-point Likert scale measuring perceived understanding …

Student And Recent Graduate Perceptions Of Single Versus Multiple Supervision Models In Occupational Therapy Level Ii Fieldwork: A Descriptive Survey Study, Ricardo G. Altahif Jr., Kirsten Davin, Kelli Easley

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

As occupational therapy programs increase in number, the need for increased fieldwork capacity has led to growing interest in alternative supervision models. Understanding how supervision structure influences student perception of the fieldwork experience is essential for ensuring quality educational experiences. This descriptive, cross-sectional study examined occupational therapy students’ and recent graduates’ perceptions of single versus multiple supervision models during Level II fieldwork. A 23-item online survey was developed and distributed nationally via professional networks and academic channels. Participants rated their experiences across three domains: satisfaction and mentoring quality, communication and feedback, and development of clinical and professional skills. Descriptive statistics …

Recalibrating Readiness: Pandemic Impact On Ot Admissions, Bridget J. Hahn, Kajol Patel, Jacquelyn A. Siegel, Jessica Rappaport, Michelle Mcfall-Johnsen, Kia A. Burks

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study explored shifts in occupational therapy applicant characteristics across two distinct time periods: pre- and post-COVID-19, while also describing admissions policy changes implemented by an urban Midwestern Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. Retrospective data from admissions records from 917 applicants (2017 – 2024) were grouped into pre-COVID (2017 – 2020) and post-COVID (2021 – 2024). Academic, pre-professional, interview, and underrepresented minority (URM) status was compared using independent t-tests and chi-square analyses. Cumulative grade point average (GPA) and research experience increased post-pandemic, while pre-professional experience and interview performance declined. The proportion of URM applicants rose significantly from 8.1% pre-COVID to …

Attribution Theory In Occupational Therapy Clinical Education: A Scoping Review, Julia Shin, Anna Domina, Ashley Fecht, Lisa Bagby, Raigan Borsh

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Intrapersonal and interpersonal skills are essential for occupational therapy students’ professional development and fieldwork success. Despite their importance, these competencies are often ambiguously defined, inconsistently assessed, and underemphasized in curricula. Attribution theory, a well-established framework from social psychology, provides a valuable lens for examining how students’ causal attributions influence their motivation, behavior, and professional growth. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the application of attribution theory in health professions education by characterizing attribution-focused interventions, assessments, and student outcomes. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) five-stage framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted systematic searches across Academic Premier, CINAHL, ERIC, OTSeeker, and PubMed …

Building Self-Perceived Confidence Through Occupational Therapy And Nursing Student Peer Teaching, Jennifer A. Tokash, Melissa Nolan, Jamie Bittiger, Jessica Wagoner, John Damiao, Michelle Lopez

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Peer teaching, which is student-to-student instruction, has emerged as a promising pedagogical strategy in higher education, yet it remains underexplored in health professions curricula. While traditional professor-led instruction remains the predominant model, peer teaching may offer comparable or enhanced outcomes, particularly in fostering students’ self-perceived confidence and active learning. This study examined the impact of peer teaching on nursing students’ self-perceived confidence in applying ergonomic principles and performing safe patient handling techniques, as instructed by occupational therapy students. Additionally, the study assessed occupational therapy students’ self-perceived confidence in measuring vital signs following instruction provided by nursing students. Using a quasi-experimental …

Equity-Oriented Mentoring For Occupational Therapy Students In Canada: A Narrative Assessment, Kaarina Valavaara, Tara Pride, Chris Mcwilliam, Jaime Blenus, Stephanie R. Bizzeth, Brenda Beagan

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

In the health professions, mentoring has emerged as a key strategy for reducing the isolation and exclusion of students from equity-denied groups – including students who identify as Indigenous, racialized, disabled and/or queer. Mentoring often focuses on academic and professional skills, which implies students from these groups are somehow lacking. In contrast, ‘equity-oriented’ mentoring focuses on learning in the context of on-going, everyday isolation, exclusion, discrimination and even hostility. Mentors from the profession, who are also members of the same equity-denied groups, provide role models for thriving in the face of oppression. They may provide psychosocial support while helping students …

What Motivates Occupational Therapy Students To Self-Study Anatomy, Samantha Williams, Athena Kirou-Mauro, Kelly Hennessy, Lexi Davidson, Emily S. Ho

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Informed by self-determination theory, this study examined the motivations and preferred learning styles of entry-level occupational therapy students and explored how their perceived anatomy competency related to their academic performance. To investigate this, ninety-seven occupational therapy students completed a reflective assignment through which they set anatomy self-study learning goals. Self-study learning approaches were categorized, and the relationship between student perceived anatomy competency and academic outcomes (i.e., anatomy quizzes, term grades) was analyzed. When examining self-study learning approaches, students favored computer assisted instructional tools (n = 75, 77%) and integrated clinical application with their learning goals (n = 52, …

Disability Accommodation Implementation Within Occupational Therapy Academia: A National Descriptive Survey On Knowledge, Training, And Attitudes, Nicole Pawek, Julie Olson Rand, Rebecca Ozelie, Hannah Y. Oldenburg

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs are accredited health professional programs that have, anecdotally, seen an increase in requested disability accommodations among students over the last decade. There is limited knowledge regarding faculty preparedness, available resources, and attitudes related to implementing accommodations in accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs located in the United States. Researchers aimed to describe faculty knowledge and experience with disability accommodation implementation, as well as identify available training and resources related to accommodation implementation and faculty attitudes toward the accommodation implementation process. Researchers used the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) …

Comparing Pre-Occupational Therapy Student Intercultural Competence Through Local And Global Service Learning, Leah S. Dunn, Diane Ceo-Difrancesco

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study examined undergraduate pre-occupational therapy student intercultural competence (ICC) development through a local or global service-learning experience. Using a mixed-method approach, responses to the Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competence among Healthcare Professions-Student Version (IAPCC-SV) were compared as well as a content analysis of student essays before and after the service-learning experience to determine ICC growth. Both groups demonstrated ICC growth, but global participants continued their development past the experience. Student essays revealed themes of dissonance, reflection, transformation, and advocacy, with local students focusing on clients and global students adopting broader advocacy goals. Immersive experiences in occupational …

A Rasch Analysis Of The Self-Assessment Scale Of Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy (Sa-Crot) For Continuing Professional Development, Sho Maruyama, Reiko Miyamoto, Takuya Hirose, Takao Kaneko, Peter Bontje

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The purpose of this study was to establish structural validity, internal reliability, and concurrent validity of the Self-Assessment scale of Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy (SA-CROT) when used in continuing professional development. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 513 occupational therapists with ≤5 years of experience. Rasch analysis was applied to assess structural validity (rating scale functioning, monotonicity, dimensionality, item/person fit) and reliability (item/person reliability, strata). Additionally, concurrent validity was examined by Spearman’s correlation with clinical experience. The Rasch rating scale analysis supported the structural validity of the SA-CROT. Categories showed ordered thresholds with outfit mean-square (MnSq) values ranging from …

Perceived Impacts Of Confucianism On Placement Experiences Of Hong Kong Pre-Registration Occupational Therapy Students In The United Kingdom, Hin Yuet Li, Sarah Louise Mcginley, Rachel Dadswell, Rachel Houweling

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study explored the views of Hong Kong pre-registration occupational therapy (OT) students in the United Kingdom (UK) about how Chinese culture influenced their practice placement experiences. Students from diverse cultural backgrounds may encounter various challenges during OT placements, but little is known about how OT students from Hong Kong—where Confucianism traditionally shapes workplace expectations and the hierarchical teacher‑student relationship—experience placements in the UK. Two online focus groups to collect qualitative data were conducted in November 2022 with four participants who were UK-based OT students from Hong Kong (N=8 in total), two facilitators (OT students from Hong Kong, based in …

From Classroom To Care: A Pilot Level I Fieldwork Experience Building Acute Care Self-Efficacy, Hannah Y. Oldenburg, Jennifer Bergstrom, Traci Kruse, Tamra Trenary, Corey Mcgee

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Level I fieldwork provides an opportunity for occupational therapy students to be exposed to the occupational therapy framework and process across various practice settings. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding introductory fieldwork experiences for occupational therapy students in complex medical settings, specifically acute care. Researchers implemented a seven-week Level I fieldwork experience at two Midwest trauma centers, utilizing a mixed-methods, two-cohort design with 12 students and 16 practitioners. The program featured a blended Level I fieldwork supervision model, combining faculty-led and traditional on-site supervision. Over the seven-week period, students showed significant improvement in their perceived self-efficacy regarding …

Examining The Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Knowledge And Fieldwork Performance Among Canadian Student Occupational Therapists, Madelyn Walther, Viansa Guiotto, Rhona Anderson, Emily S. Ho

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

To evaluate the physical aspects of occupational performance, occupational therapists must understand the anatomical structure and function of the body. As such, occupational therapy academic programs must provide sufficient foundational musculoskeletal (MSK) education to prepare student occupational therapists for successful clinical practice. There is a paucity of research on MSK educational needs, and the relationship between student occupational therapists’ MSK academic outcomes and fieldwork performance. This study examined the relationship between MSK anatomy course academic grades and fieldwork performance indicators on the Competency-Based Fieldwork Evaluation for Occupational Therapists (CBFE-OT) of student occupational therapists. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was conducted …

Enhancing Mental Health Through Occupational Therapy, Evelyn G. Garibay

OT Doctoral Capstones

Behavioral health providers may have limited knowledge of occupational therapy and its role in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, which can limit opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of occupation-based approaches in practice. This capstone project aimed to increase behavioral health providers’ awareness and understanding of occupational therapy in mental health through an interactive educational program. Following a site needs assessment, an educational series was developed that combined presentations with hands-on, occupation-based activities focused on areas including daily functioning, emotional regulation, social participation, and health and wellness. Implementation also included the development of a comprehensive participant handbook containing …

Planting The Seeds Of Well-Being: Cultivating Student Wellness Through Occupation-Based Environmental Design, Alexis Selena Feliciano

OT Doctoral Capstones

The Rehabilitation Sciences Complex (RSC) at The University of Texas at El Paso provides limited opportunities for students to access outdoor wellness spaces despite the high academic demands experienced by Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy students. A needs assessment of 128 students identified strong interest in a Student Wellness Garden to support stress management, relaxation, studying, and meaningful engagement with nature. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop an occupation-based Student Wellness Garden while creating the resources needed to support its future implementation. Although the garden was not physically installed during the capstone experience due …

Work Smarter, Not Harder: The Ergonomic Approach In Occupational Therapy, Genevieve Daan

OT Doctoral Capstones

Bus drivers experience physical strain in areas such as the lower back, neck, hips, and knees. Long shifts, aging vehicles, and limited opportunities for movement can contribute to this discomfort. Occupational therapy (OT) is underrepresented in workplace ergonomics. However, its focus on the relationship between the person, environment, occupation, and performance provides a broader view of workplace needs. This capstone used the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model to develop an ergonomic toolkit for bus drivers.

A needs assessment was completed through ride-alongs and driver interviews. The toolkit was initially planned as six modules and later reduced to four. Two 1-hour training sessions …

Sensory Journey: Equipping Children’S Museum Staff To Support All Children, Denisa A. Felix

OT Doctoral Capstones

Museums ensure access to important opportunities for learning, exploration, and community participation; nevertheless, limited staff training and sensory-friendly resources may generate limitations for children and families with sensory processing needs. A needs assessment at La Rodadora Espacio Interactivo in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, highlithed limited staff knowledge of sensory processing and sensory integration, lack of formal sensory-related protocols, and limited sensory accommodations. The purpose of this Capstone project was to improve museum staff and volunteer knowledge, awareness, confidence, and preparedness to support visitors with sensory processing needs and foster inclusive museum experiences. An evidence-based educational intervention was developed based on occupational …

Optimizing Postpartum Recovery: An Occupational Therapy–Informed Home-Based Education Program, Maria Cristal Sanchez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Postpartum women experience significant physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes, yet care often prioritizes the infant, leaving mothers with limited recovery education. This doctoral capstone project developed and implemented an occupational therapy (OT)-informed, home-based education program for pregnant and postpartum women, in collaboration with Moonstone Wellness OT, a private occupational therapy practice in El Paso, Texas. The program, guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation model, covered OT awareness, pain education, lymphatic system and swelling management, scar healing, pelvic floor health, energy conservation, body mechanics, and emotional well-being. Sessions were individualized and one-on-one, delivered either in-home or via telehealth, and supported by a Facilitator …

Promoting Social Participation In Pediatric Behavioral Health, Desirae Gomez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children receiving behavioral health services may experience challenges with social participation, including difficulty communicating, forming friendships, and engaging with peers. A needs assessment identified a need for more opportunities to develop social skills and support emotional well-being within an outpatient behavioral health setting. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an occupational therapy-driven social participation program that promoted social engagement, coping skills, emotional expression, and interpersonal skills among children receiving behavioral health services. Weekly group workshops were implemented using evidence-informed, occupation-based activities, such as art and emotional expression, social stories, board games, and collaborative activities. Pre- …

Navigating Child Development: A Toolkit For Bridging Knowledge And Strengthening Caregiver Confidence, Kristen Sarai Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children involved in the child welfare system are at increased risk for trauma, prenatal substance exposure (PSE), adverse childhood experiences, and developmental challenges that may affect participation and well-being. A needs assessment conducted at CASA of El Paso identified a need for practical resources to strengthen advocates’ knowledge and confidence related to child development, trauma-informed care, PSE, play-based strategies, and communication with caregivers. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement an evidence-based occupational therapy toolkit and educational workshop to increase CASA advocates’ knowledge, confidence, and skills in supporting children and families. The project included a …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Pediatric Specialty Care Office, Sierra Leigh Hays

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: The role of OT in primary and specialty care clinics is a rising area of interest in the field. There are also many multidisciplinary clinics that OTs can be or are apart of. This study aims to evaluate the consulting role of OT in primary and specialty care clinics, as well as to evaluate data collected by an OT in a pediatric brachial plexus and peripheral nerve clinic. Methods: The first objective was focused on analyzing functional outcomes, using the Active Movement Scale (AMS), of children following neurosurgery or onabotulinum toxin A injections. This was a retrospective study with …

From Evidence To Action: A Rapid Review To Support Acute Care Ot Guidelines For Heart Failure Self-Care, Alan K. Cook, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Heart failure (HF) significantly affects individuals’ ability to perform daily activities and sustain quality of life, with disproportionate impact on older adults and marginalized populations due to structural inequities embedded in Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Although self-care is central to HF management, occupational therapy (OT) remains underrepresented in acute care HF intervention research and clinical guidelines. This doctoral capstone project conducted a rapid review, following Cochrane Rapid Review methodology, to inform the development of preliminary Acute Care Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines for Heart Failure Self-Care and Health Management. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, and Scopus, developed …

A Mixed Methods Exploration Of Autistic Adults' Leisure Experiences, Sevia Raelson, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Across ages and populations, leisure participation is essential to humans and associated with improved well-being, and both mental and physical health (Bishop-Fitzpatrick et al., 2017; Coster & Khetani, 2008; Lapa, 2013). The American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA] formally defines leisure as intrinsically motivating, non-obligatory, self-chosen, and enjoyable activities done in one’s free time (AOTA, 2020). Leisure participation trends for autistic populations are better understood in pediatric populations than adults, but studies rely on neurotypically defined leisure activities. Given the differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent brains, it is likely that leisure activities are experienced differently by autistic adults; thus, …

Impact Of Interprofessional Collaboration On Nurses And Occupational Therapists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beverly Murphy, Marissa Casamento, Abigail Fleming, Anna Gomolski, Camryn Labrador

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

This study explores the impact of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between nurses and occupational therapists (OTs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It investigates the process of collaboration and stakeholder perceptions of interprofessional teamwork. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of IPC in the NICU setting, specifically between nurses and OTs, and to identify barriers that might hinder optimal collaboration.

Methods

A single survey instrument was distributed via social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) and completed by 47 participants (21 Nurses, 26 Occupational therapists). The survey, created using REDCap, included scaled items …

Perspectives Of Occupational Therapy-Led Caregiver Education On The Quality Of Life Of Caregivers Of Stroke Survivors, Yu Hsiang Liang-Paultre, Stefani Costanzo, Alaunte Major, Krisyadlee Mercado Lugo, Olivia Schrader

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

Occupational therapy plays a vital role in equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals recovering from a cerebrovascular accident. Caregiver training provided by occupational therapy practitioners helps families manage post-stroke care and reduce the risk of secondary complications. This study explored caregivers’ perspectives on occupational therapy-led education, focusing on the type, quality, and perceived effectiveness of training before discharge.

Methods

Originally designed as a mixed-methods study, the research was modified to a qualitative design after hurricanes affected recruitment. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals who had a cerebrovascular accident …

Implementing Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy After Stroke In An Early-Supported Discharge Rehabilitation Service: A Process Evaluation Using Re-Aim Quest, Ashan Weerakkody, Erin Godecke, Barby Singer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) improves upper limb (UL) function after stroke. Despite extensive evidence supporting its efficacy and multiple clinical practice guidelines recommending its provision, very few eligible stroke survivors receive mCIMT internationally. A multi-modal behaviour change intervention, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Behaviour Change Wheel, was implemented across a large early-supported discharge (ESD) rehabilitation service in Perth, Australia, to increase delivery of mCIMT within existing resources. As part of this iterative implementation process, qualitative data from stroke survivors, carers, clinicians and managers informed program adaptations to support sustained mCIMT delivery. This study aimed to …