Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Low Vision Affecting Their Mental Health, De'aundria M. Gipson, Jaimee Fielder, Becky King

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Low vision is a prevalent public health issue among older adults, often leading to functional limitations, reduced participation in activities of daily living (ADLs), and increased risk of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation. This capstone project explored the relationship between low vision and mental health by developing and evaluating a program to address both functional and psychosocial needs. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, the program was implemented at Envision Dallas and included a needs assessment, tailored strategies, and group activities targeting emotional well-being, independence, and social participation. Data from surveys, interviews, and observation indicated …

Equine Assisted Services To Increase Participation In Activities Of Daily Living And Social Engagement For Veterans With Ptsd, Mackenzie A. Alexander, Rebecca King, Gwen R. Morris

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Currently there are limited occupational therapy programs in equine assisted services that promote engagement in meaningful occupations for veterans who experience PTSD. This capstone project aims to increase occupational participation of veterans with PTSD by providing modules on education and interventions to therapy staff who work in equine assisted services. The modules focus on increasing engagement in activities of daily living and social participation to promote overall quality of life.

Infusing Ot Principles Into A Program For Women Survivors Of Domestic Violence, Lark M. Wilkerson, Mary Jan Greer, Kim Broussard, Wendy Tremaine

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project proposes the development and implementation of a trauma-informed occupational therapy (OT) program designed to support women survivors of domestic violence. Grounded in trauma-informed care principles, the program aims to address the psychosocial, emotional, and functional disruptions commonly experienced by survivors, including trauma-related stress, anxiety, and difficulty engaging in meaningful daily activities. A comprehensive needs assessment informed the development of structured interventions focused on improving emotional regulation, promoting self-care, fostering social participation, and enhancing overall occupational performance. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the project evaluates changes in participants’ functional abilities, psychosocial well-being, and perceived quality of life. …

The Benefits Of Music In Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Dementia, Keanu Butler, Rebecca King, Keegan Mckay

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, leading to progressive declines in memory, behavior, and daily functioning. Music interventions, whether live or recorded, have been shown to improve mood, reduce agitation, and enhance quality of life for individuals with dementia by fostering emotional connection and relaxation. The Model of Human Occupation supports these interventions by addressing volition, routines, and performance skills, helping therapists create meaningful, structured strategies to improve daily living and engagement.

Accessible Outdoor Recreation For Individuals With Physical Disabilities: An Educational Series, Ashlyn Leonard, Zeida Gutierrez

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone paper explores the effects of physical disabilities on outdoor recreation. An educational workshop was designed and delivered to occupational therapy students at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. The purpose of the workshop was to increase their awareness of accessible outdoor recreation that way they can better mitigate barriers experienced by their future clients when trying to participate in desired outdoor activities. A pre- and post-survey was administered and analyzed to determine the applicability and effectiveness of the workshop in delivering the information.

Cultivating Inclusion: A Multicultural Sensory Garden For Pediatric Occupational Therapy​, Carolyne Teixeira

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy In Adolescent And Young Adult Oncology: An Educational Guidebook, Bailee N. Fleming, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, typically aged 15 to 39, face numerous physical, emotional, and psychological challenges during and after treatment, which can significantly affect their quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities. While occupational therapy has proven effective in addressing these challenges, its integration into AYA cancer care remains underutilized. This project aimed to bridge the gap by developing a comprehensive guidebook for AYA oncology patients and their oncology care teams, providing an in-depth understanding of the impact of cancer and its treatments on occupational performance, and promoting the role of occupational therapy in …

Helping Children Cope With Sensory Overstimulation At Theme Parks: An Educational Video Series For Parents, Ashley M. Garcia, Steven M. Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Parents of children with sensory processing challenges often feel overwhelmed and unprepared when visiting high-stimulation environments such as theme parks. Loud sounds, bright lights, crowded walkways, and unpredictable routines can contribute to sensory overload, creating distress for both children and caregivers. Although theme parks aim to provide joyful family experiences, they may not fully account for the needs of neurodivergent children, including those with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or sensory processing disorder. Parents of children with debilitating sensory issues are unsure and uncertain on how to prepare to assist their child to cope with the overwhelming sensory stimuli at …

Integrating Occupation-Based Activities And Habit Training To Support Independence In Senior Living Facilities, Jamie Spangler

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Seaside at Fort Myers, a senior living facility encompassing Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), and Memory Care (MC) settings. The primary objective was to promote independence among older adults through two occupational therapy-informed initiatives: the development and facilitation of a structured habit training program and the creation of a practical activity planning checklist for staff. The 4-week habit training program focused on supporting daily routine development using analog tools such as calendars, checklists, and simulated planning tasks. These sessions targeted cognitive functions commonly impacted by aging, including task initiation, planning, and consistency. …

Fostering Inclusive Care: Advancing Cultural Humility In Healthcare Professional Education: A Micro-Credential, Delaney A. Williams, Lacey Spark, Angela Blackwell

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Health outcomes are the results of healthcare and rehabilitative therapy interventions and describe what a client can accomplish through the rehabilitative therapy process. To achieve positive outcomes, practitioners identify possible barriers impacting clients’ participation in tasks and administer interventions to address these barriers in order to facilitate participation. As a result, cultural humility has been labeled as “paramount in therapeutic practice” (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020) due to it being a foundational principle underpinning effective client care and professionalism. Cultural humility is an ongoing process of acknowledging one’s biases and limitations through self-reflection and self-critique, while actively seeking to …

Enhancing Caregiver Support: Tailored Education For Families Of Veterans With Polytrauma, Riley J. Pullen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Efficacy Of Virtual Group Coaching On The Self-Determination Of People With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Janine E. Rajauski, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

INTRODUCTION
The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a family of 13 genetic connective tissue disorders that affect negatively physical and psychosocial health which in turns have been found to decrease their quality of life and self-determination (Baeza-Velasco et al., 2019; Bennet et al., 2021; Estrella & Fraizer, 2024; Tinkle et al., 2017; Palomo-Toucedo et al., 2020). Limited supports and services, including occupational therapy, are available for those with EDS (Estrella & Frazier, 2024; McDonald et al., 2023; Reychler et al., 2021). Those with EDS have requested better services to support their self-determination (Estrella & Frazier, 2024). Coaching has shown positive impacts …

A Guide To Sexual Intimacy Following Spinal Cord Injury, Jillian M. Olenick

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

A Guide to Sexual Intimacy Following Spinal Cord Injury is a two-part manual that was created to increase the knowledge related to how sex can be impacted following a spinal cord injury. The first manual was created as a guide for individuals with spinal cord injuries and their partners to enhance their knowledge on how their spinal cord injury may impact their sexual functioning. The second manual was created as a guide for occupational therapy practitioners to use as a resource when addressing sex with their clients following a spinal cord injury. Each manual provides information related to sexual intimacy, …

Pediatric Occupational Therapists’ Perception On How Nature-Based Play Affects Fine Motor Development, Abbi M. Rosenow

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study aimed to explore the benefits of nature-based pediatric occupational therapy and the influence of nature and nature-based play on fine motor development. It was hypothesized that nature and nature-based play would positively impact a child’s fine motor skills, and that nature-based occupational therapy would offer unique benefits to a child’s therapeutic experience. To examine these relationships, a survey was distributed to pediatric occupational therapists across the United States. The survey was designed to gather insights into how occupational therapy supports fine motor development, how nature-based play/therapy enhances these skills, and the perceived benefits of incorporating nature into therapeutic …

Promoting Social-Emotional Learning In Pre-K Students, Hailey Dawn Turner

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

During my doctoral capstone and applied leadership experience, I partnered with Eastern Scholar House, a child development center at Eastern Kentucky University serving children ages 0–5. The primary ACOTE focus area was education, with an emphasis on educating Pre-K teachers and parents on social-emotional learning (SEL) and strategies to support its development in both the classroom and home settings. Project goals included gaining hands-on experience with SEL, understanding its impact on well-being, collaborating with an interprofessional team, and providing educators with practical SEL resources. A literature review and needs assessment highlighted the benefits of SEL in improving behavior, academics, and …

Barriers And Facilitators To Occupational Therapy For The Frail Older Person Within Primary Care In Belgium, Anne Ledoux, Stijn De Baets, Thérèse Van Durme, Patricia De Vriendt, Dominique Van De Velde, Sophie Thunus

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: The population is quickly aging in Belgium and there is an increasing number of older frail adults. Occupational therapy (OT) in primary care (PC) favors the stay-at-home of frail older persons through its preventive action on the person, the environment, and/or the task. However, OT is not well implemented in Belgian PC. We aimed to investigate the implementation of OT, to support the frail older person living at home, within primary care in Belgium. Methods: We performed a secondary thematic analysis, based on data collected during an implementation study of an OT guideline for this population. Data were collected …

14-Year Retrospective Review Of Audiology Graduate Admission Data: Comparative Analysis With Other First Professional Health Programs, Alyssa R. Needleman, Patricia A. Gaffney, Erica B. Friedland, Josiah Alamu

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Demographic and cognitive data on students entering audiology programs is incomplete, and there is a lack of comparison among audiology students and those entering other first professional health (FPH) programs. This paper is the first of a multi-part series to provide evidence into the characteristics of the typical audiology student and their graduate outcomes. This is valuable for improving recruiting, admissions, retention, and success rates of audiology programs. A comprehensive descriptive analysis of admission criteria was performed for students who entered the NSU Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program over the last 14 years. Additionally, NSU admissions data was compared …

Examining The Relationship Between Stigma And Physical Disability Through Lived Experiences, Apphia M. Donoghue

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, to discover the impact that perceived stigma has on several factors in a person’s life including overall health, well-being, and quality of life. A qualitative research design was used. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, and to discover the impact of stigma on overall health and well-being. Three themes are identified: stigma narratives, shifts in awareness, and factors inhibiting quality of life. Stigma narratives contained three subthemes: experiences with stigma, frequency of stigma, and settings where …

Following Painting's Quiet Call To Adventure, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Yael Goverover, OTR/L, Ph.D., professor and post-professional program director of occupational therapy at New York University at Steinhardt (NYU), provided the cover art for the summer issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. This oil painting on canvas, titled, Still Life, 2024, features an arrangement of everyday objects with vibrant tones of gold, yellow, orange, and green found in the vase, and a coffeepot, fruits, and botanicals set against a backdrop of scarlet and striped patterned fabrics. She created this piece while on sabbatical in Israel as she studied under the tutelage of a seasoned oil …

Letter To The Editor: Embedding Indigenous Knowledges In Occupational Therapy: ‘Nothing About Us Without Us.’, Chontel Gibson, Isla Emery-Whittington, Lavonne Fox, Tirritpa Ritchie, Kaarina Valavaara, Angela Phenix, Tara Pride

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

As a collective of Indigenous occupational therapists, we write this letter not only in response to McColl et al.'s (2024) Letter to the Editor, but as a call to action for the profession, to enhance its ability to apply decoloniality and Indigenous human rights via strengths-based approaches.

Benefits Of Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (Smart) In Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Asha K. Vas, Lori G. Cook, Wanyi Wang, Alisha Schaefer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists engage in critical thinking to integrate knowledge into clinical application. Academic curricula offer critical thinking strategies to facilitate flexible thinking and innovation to optimize clinical outcomes. Prior research has demonstrated that a gist-based reasoning program called Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) is beneficial in improving critical thinking skills in both healthy and clinical populations. The current study examined the benefits of the SMART program in masters-level occupational therapy (OT) students. Fourteen students between the ages of 22 and 45 (M = 25.71, SD = 6.34) completed the research study. The SMART program teaches strategies of strategic attention, …

Prevalence Of Incivility And Bullying In Occupational Therapy Fieldwork, Edwin Myers, Kaitlyn Cremer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The prevalence of incivility and bullying in the domain of occupational therapy warrants attention. The long-term effects of incivility and bullying can be profound and multifaceted. These may include job dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, heightened hostility, and an increased likelihood of malpractice. Despite the implications of such behavior, there remains a noticeable gap in existing literature. This study investigated the prevalence of incivility and bullying occurring during occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork. The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) was completed by 702 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students regarding their fieldwork experiences. Over 80% of participants reported being exposed to bullying or …

Becoming A Skater: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Supports And Barriers To Participation In Adaptive Skateboarding, Megan Sandwith, Susan Macdermott, Amy Griswold

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The occupation of adaptive skateboarding expands concepts of skateboarding through modifications that support performance for individuals with disabilities. There is a gap in the literature representing the experience of individuals with disabilities who desire to participate in adaptive skateboarding. The intent of the research study was to provide a foundational understanding of the occupation of adaptive skateboarding by exploring the question: What are the supports and barriers to participation in adaptive skateboarding?

Methods:This mixed-methods study was comprised of a 14-question virtual survey, a semi-structured interview, and an optional video submission.

Results: A total of 41 participants participated …

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Practice Through A Mentorship Program: A Qualitative Study, Natalie S. King, Bryan M. Gee, Sarah A. Schoen, Mim Ochsenbein

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapy entry-level education is filled with opportunities for experiential learning. Post-professionally, few opportunities exist for participation in structured mentored experiences. Mentoring in health care professions is not new; it has resurged over the past 15 years, documenting the nature of mentorship for practicing clinicians, the design of programs to promote advancement, and the effectiveness of these programs. Level I Mentorship by the STAR Institute uses a small group format and entails a blend of live and online instruction, fostering discussion and reflection rooted in on-site learning experiences. This qualitative study aims to understand participants' perceptions of STAR …

Breastfeeding Interventions For Dyads With Medical Complexity: A Mixed Methods Study, Jairrah L. Godsil, Julia R. Farrell, Julia Shin, Cary C. Moore, Yongyue Qi, Vanessa D. Jewell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Breastfeeding dyads with medical complexity have lower success with direct breastfeeding. Evidence to support occupational therapists working with this population is limited. This study explored occupational therapists' experiences, training, and interventions for breastfeeding dyads with medical complexity.

Method: Occupational therapists providing clinical breastfeeding services for parents and or children with medically complex conditions participated in this study. The study employed an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods design, consisting of an online survey (N = 102) followed by two 75-min semi-structured focus groups (N = 7).

Results: Occupational therapists with more clinical breastfeeding experience (p = .003) and …

Use Of Podcasts As Emerging Technology In Occupational Therapy Education, Abbigail Kubiak, Karen Jacobs, Varsha S. Kulkarni, Maruška Vizek

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Podcasts are an emerging modality with a developing evidence base to reinforce their use in educational settings; in particular, to support knowledge retention and introduce topics. This research demonstrates the potential of podcasting in an educational context. Podcasts were used to educate occupational therapy (OT) students about emerging and innovative OT career opportunities. A series of 13 standardized 20- to 30-min podcasts featuring occupational therapists in emerging and innovative practice areas (E/IPA) globally were developed. In each podcast, the occupational therapist described implicit and explicit aspects of their career experiences. The podcasts were piloted in an entry-level OT doctoral course …

Globally Inclusive Occupational Therapy Scholarship, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a global profession and OJOT supports global scholarship through its open-access, online format. OJOT is read in over 200 countries and global/international authorship is encouraged. This article describes the global reach of OJOT and suggests how OJOT authors can embrace the opportunity and responsibility of producing scholarship that has the potential for global impact.

What Are Safe Hemoglobin, Neutrophil And Platelet Counts For People With Hematological Malignancies To Participate In Exercise And Activities Of Daily Living: A Scoping Review, Joanne L. Houston, Kieran P. Boyd, Paul M. Gittings, Vinicius Cavalheri

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The aim of this scoping review was to summarize the extent of the literature in relation to safe levels of platelet, hemoglobin and neutrophil count for people with hematological cancers to participate in exercise or activities of daily living (ADLs). Methods: A comprehensive search for this scoping review was completed in July 2024 across five databases: the Cochrane Library, Embase, PEDro, PubMed and OTSeeker. Original studies, reviews and expert opinion papers were included if they focused on people with active hematological cancer diagnoses or those undergoing treatment affecting bone marrow, and referenced safe levels of platelet, hemoglobin and neutrophil …

An Innovative Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (Cimt) Program Design And Case Study To Address Upper Extremity Use And Spatial Inattention, Mark Blanchard, Ingrid A. Franc, Payton Nisby, Michelle Arceneaux, Kathleen Chapiesky, Genevieve Ducros, Austin Brannon

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Introduction: Common consequences of stroke include decreased upper extremity function and spatial inattention, both of which cause difficulties in occupational performance in activities of daily living. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an intervention that has been utilized to improve these consequences of stroke.

Methods: This single case study describes the design and results of a two-week modified CIMT (mCIMT) program that used an enhanced visual and auditory feedback system, the Flint Rehab FitMi device, to address both upper extremity function and left spatial inattention in one participant. Left spatial awareness was encouraged during mCIMT activities by striking targeted pucks placed …

Interprofessional Collaboration Between Primary Care And Occupational Therapy, Ellen Modlin, Phd, Otr/L, Bcp, Caps, Deana Shevit Goldin, Phd, Dnp, Arnp, Fnp-Bc

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: This article explores the utilization of occupational therapy (OT) in interprofessional health care teams in adult populations. Primary care settings are typically the first point of contact for individuals seeking health care services; therefore, primary care practitioners (PCPs) are in a unique position to initiate collaboration with specialty clinicians to optimize the use of health care resources.

Method: Peer- reviewed literature from primary care and OT research was reviewed and summarized. The search focused on barriers and potential opportunities for collaboration between primary care and occupational therapy in adult populations.

Results: Occupational therapy (OT) is underutilized, as lack of …