Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

D.A.D.S. Club: Pilot Study Outcomes Of A 5-Week Parenting Program For Fathers In Recovery From Substance Use Disorder, Oaklee Rogers, Kristin Riordan, Elaina Corbin, Shannon Forman, Kara Grace Zahariades, Andrea Clemens, Keely Mcdowell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Over 44 million adults have a substance use disorder, with approximately two million children living with a parent with this disorder. Approximately 40% to 60% of men who receive treatment have a child under 18 years of age. However, most parenting programs are developed and implemented for mothers with addiction, leaving fathers without this fundamental knowledge and skills.

Method: A pilot study using a longitudinal interventional study was conducted to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of an occupational therapy-developed program for fathers in recovery. Pre and post surveys, including the Parenting Sense of Competence, were collected from the …

Perspectives Of School-Based Occupational Therapists, Hannah Smiles, Charlie Mechling, Steven D. Taff, Lauren E. Milton

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: In the United States, schools are the second largest employer of occupational therapists (AOTA, 2020a). While research on school-based topics exist, to date there is no comprehensive study on school-based occupational therapy (OT) practice. The purpose of this study was to describe current implementation of the school-based OT process and better understand perspectives of school-based occupational therapists.

Methods: This descriptive study consisted of a researcher-developed survey with open- and close-ended demographic and practical questions related to the school-based OT process. A convenience sample of school-based occupational therapists were recruited with a snowball recruitment strategy via email and …

Enhancing Trauma-Informed Care Through The Creation Of Motivational Interviewing Training For Staff Of A Homeless Shelter For Lgbtq+ Young Adults, Olivia R. Ming

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral project was completed in collaboration with Nashville Launch Pad (NLP), a nonprofit homeless shelter serving LGBTQ+ young adults and their allies, ages 18–26, in Middle Tennessee. The primary aim of the project was to develop and implement a staff training program that covered several key areas: an introduction to motivational interviewing and its practical application in all 3 NLP settings; an overview of occupational therapy (OT) and its relevance within this setting; the impact of trauma on the body and brain; compassion fatigue; sensory processing differences; and how developmental milestones can be disrupted by trauma, substance use, and …

Educating Ots On The Benefits Of Virtual Reality With Post-Stroke Rehab, John Nacion, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on educating occupational therapists (OTs) about the benefits and applications of virtual reality (VR) in post-stroke rehabilitation. The primary goal was to increase therapists’ knowledge, confidence, and willingness to integrate VR into clinical practice. The project included the development of educational resources such as informational handouts, guidebook, and pre-and post-surveys to assess changes in therapists’ attitudes and understanding of VR. By bridging knowledge gaps, the project aimed to enhance patient engagement and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Supporting Elementary Educators Through A Nervous System Regulation And Social-Emotional Learning Skills Workshop Intervention: An Musc Capstone Project, Lily Morgan

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Teachers have a great influence on developing children’s emotional intelligence, regulatory capacity, and occupational engagement. These professionals also happen to report some of the highest rates of stress, mental health challenges (Agyapong, B. et al, 2022), and burnout (Xie, M., et al, 2022). Providing teachers with education and support on nervous system regulation, social-emotional learning skills, and related topics can improve their ability to manage job stress, enhance modeling and interactions with students, and improve their quality of life. This project aimed to enhance knowledge, provide access to resources, and serve to support elementary educators at an inner-city school in …

Web-Based Wellness, Katherine Shipers

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Adults of all ages experience life stressors and transitions that impact their physical, emotional, and psychosocial wellness. Despite a recognized need for self-improvement, many adults face time constraints that limit their ability to engage in traditional wellness activities. Research suggests that micro-learning strategies—brief, targeted educational interventions—can effectively enhance knowledge and influence life practices.

This quality improvement capstone project explored the use of microlearning to support adult well-being by developing a web-based, modular learning system. The project implemented a series of short educational videos addressing various wellness topics, supplemented by corresponding worksheets and resource materials. Designed for asynchronous completion, these wellness …

Developing A Scheduling Method For Animal-Assisted Therapy In Acute Rehabilitation, Abbegayle Sutterfield

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) provides meaningful benefits in rehabilitation, including reduced anxiety and improved motivation and physical outcomes (Burres et al, 2016, Denzer-Weiler & Hreha, 2018). However, barriers such as inconsistent scheduling and limited clinician experience hinder implementation in fast-paced healthcare settings. This project took place at a large inpatient acute care hospital where therapy staff sought to integrate AAT more effectively into rehabilitation sessions.

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop a sustainable scheduling method to facilitate coordination between therapy staff and volunteer animal-handler teams. Goals included improving interdisciplinary communication, enhancing patient engagement through AAT, and creating …

Combating The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Self-Esteem And Emotion Regulation: An Art-Based Intervention Program, Kaileigh Kirk, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an art-based intervention program developed and designed to positively impact self-esteem and emotion regulation in children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through evidence-based intervention activities and group discussions. This program was created with the hopes of expanding occupational therapy's knowledge and utilization of potential interventions for children with ACEs.

Advocacy For On-Campus Occupational Therapy In College Athletics, Doyle C. Taylor, Keisa Boykin

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focuses on a growing issue in college sports: the lack of accessible, specialized rehabilitation for student-athletes. Many universities rely on off-campus providers for occupational therapy, which often leads to delays in treatment, missed appointments, and inconsistent care. To address this gap, the project advocates for the integration of occupational therapists directly into athletic departments. By developing and delivering educational workshops, distributing advocacy materials, and engaging with key stakeholders, the project highlights how on-campus OT services can streamline care, improve recovery outcomes, and support both the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes. The goal is to bring awareness to …

Advocating For Pots; A Misdiagnosed And Underserved Population, Abbey E. Zimmers, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia that primarily affects the autonomic nervous system, making daily activities such as standing or concentrating difficult due to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog. It is most common in young women, often triggered by autoimmune diseases, viral infections, or trauma. POTS is under-diagnosed, with healthcare providers often unaware of its full spectrum of symptoms and the role of occupational therapy in managing daily function. Occupational therapy (OT) can significantly improve quality of life by helping patients manage symptoms and regain independence. Raising awareness of POTS and the benefits of …

The Impact Of A Sel-Based School Transition Readiness Program For Fifth Grade Students, Abigail V. Hall, Cynthia Haynes, Trish Chialastri

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents a study that developed and evaluated a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) based educational program designed to support fifth-grade students transitioning to middle school. This program targeted five key SEL skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social-Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. The study aimed to improve students' occupational performance and self-perceived skill sets while also expanding knowledge on the role of OT with a psychosocial emphasis. The research addresses the gap in knowledge regarding SEL-based interventions for supporting students during critical educational transitions.

Exploring The Impact Of Ot On Pain Management & Quality Of Life In Individuals Following Lower Limb Amputation, Fernanda D. Massey, Lakeisa Boykin

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project explores the role of occupational therapy (OT) in managing pain and enhancing quality of life (QoL) for individuals following lower limb amputation (LLA). Despite OT's recognized potential in addressing physical and psychosocial challenges, there is a lack of research specifically examining its impact on pain management outcomes post-amputation. This mixed-methods study involved quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 11 participants to assess their experiences with OT services, pain strategies, and QoL. Results highlighted both the benefits and limitations of current OT interventions, emphasizing the need for personalized, client-centered approaches. Themes such as the search for non-pharmacological strategies, …

Advancing Peripartum And Pelvic Health Rehabilitation At Tristar Centennial: Empowering Recovery Through Occupational Therapy, Lilly Martin

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project, Advancing Peripartum and Pelvic Health Rehabilitation, was completed through the Peripartum Inpatient Program and Pelvic Health Outpatient Program at TriStar Centennial Medical and focused on empowering recovery through occupational therapy (OT). It addressed needs by revising educational materials, developing videos for at-home recovery, defining OT’s role alongside physical therapy and social work, and improving the OT presentation and packet for peripartum rehabilitation. Deliverables included educational materials, videos, and graphics to boost patient engagement, alongside an OT presentation clarifying interdisciplinary collaboration. Materials were prepared for dissemination to interdisciplinary teams, patients, and families, ensuring alignment with OT’s scope and …

Enhancing Understanding Of Infant Cues And The Role Of Rehabilitative Therapies In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Lexie Jones

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Research emphasizes the importance of early rehabilitative therapy involvement in the NICU to improve outcomes for preterm infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the presence of occupational therapy (OT) and speech-language therapy (SLP) services in Level III NICUs to enhance neurodevelopment, promote feeding success, and support interdisciplinary collaboration (AAP, 2020). Cue-based feeding approaches have been linked to improved weight gain, reduced hospital stays, and decreased physiological stress in preterm infants compared to volume-driven approaches (Pados et al., 2020). However, limited staff understanding of infant behavioral cues and the distinct roles of OT and SLP can lead to missed …

Maternal Physical And Mental Health In The State Of South Carolina: Creating High-Quality Educational Materials, Elizabeth Chard

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project, in collaboration with the Empowering Moms team at the Medical University of South Carolina, aimed to establish the foundation for a statewide occupational therapy initiative focused on maternal mental and physical health education as a preventative approach to addressing rising maternal mortality rates. The project involved assessing the needs of mothers, developing evidence-based educational materials, and compiling a comprehensive resource list to enhance access to information for mothers and community health partners (CHPs) across South Carolina. To support this initiative, a website and REDCap surveys were created to facilitate information dissemination and track outcomes. Embedded within the …

Addressing Frailty In Heart Failure: Essential Tools & Strategies For Occupational Therapists, Malachy Clancy, Phd, Otr/L, Bcpr

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Learning Objectives

• Understand and describe the concept of frailty and its impact on occupational performance for patients with heart failure (HF).
• Identify comprehensive assessments that encompass physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains to provide a holistic assessment of frailty.

Ready To Shine: A Framework For Coaching K-12 Educators To Support Diverse Learners, Kathleen Childs, Angela Blackwell, Katie Gebhart

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The Ready to Shine: A Framework for Coaching K-12 Educators to Support Diverse Learners is meant to guide occupational therapy practitioners in training and coaching educators to implement strategies to support students with social-emotional, behavioral, sensory, or other unique needs. Through this framework, practitioners will aim to equip educators with the confidence, self-efficacy, and competence to use tools and/or techniques that promote participation and performance among their students.

An Independent Living Skills Training Guide For Direct Support Professionals Working With People With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities, Nigel Yeo, Steven Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) serve an important role in assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in many aspects of their lives through the provision of care and support. Despite lacking in knowledge and training to support the potentially complex and varied presentation of people with IDD, DSPs are in a position to help their clients address and improve on their independent living skills that are important for autonomy and overall well-being. The capstone project developed the Independent Living Skills Teaching Guide (ILSTG), as a tool for DSPs, containing activity plans related to independent living skills, activity modifications based …

Building Bridges: A Community Health Worker Training Course, Taylor A. Ramsey, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr, Dr. Sharita Ambrose, Dhed., Mph, Ches, Chwi

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Building Bridges: A Community Health Worker Training Course is a comprehensive 20-hour continuing education course designed for community health workers (CHWS) who work with Black pregnant women. This training course was developed for and in collaboration with Allure Alliance Incorporated, a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of Black women through community programming, education, and advocacy. This training course reflects an interprofessional collaborative approach to addressing the racial disparities in the Black maternal health population in the U.S. The course includes evidence-based strategies and health management interventions derived from the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 4th Edition (OTPF-4), …

Enhancing Concussion Management: Addressing The Needs Of Student-Athletes, Coaches, And Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Anya Vernon, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Tyra Lea

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

There are limited educational resources available on concussion management for occupational therapy practitioners, coaches, and student-athletes which can limit access to comprehensive occupational therapy services for clients who have sustained a concussion, ultimately hindering participation in sport and overall wellbeing. The purpose of this capstone was to develop a comprehensive guidebook for coaches and student-athletes and a comprehensive handbook for occupational therapy practitioners to raise awareness in concussion education and clarify occupational therapy's role on a multidisciplinary concussion management team. This project addresses the growing need for concussion education among student-athletes and coaches, improves understanding of concussion signs and symptoms, …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Care Of Informal Caregivers Of People With Dementia: A Concept Analysis, Ashley M. Taylor, Steven M. Gerardi, Elizabeth Deluca-Berg

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Informal caregivers (care partners) are people, such as family members, who provide care to those who cannot care for themselves, including people with dementia (PwD). Care partners assist PwD in their daily occupations, often without training. Caring for PwD can lead to emotional, physical, financial, and occupational challenges for care partners. Occupational therapy (OT) has a role to play in the care of PwD. However, if clinicians do not operate from a dyadic model, care partners’ needs may be overlooked. Problem: Although addressing the care partner dyad is important to the delivery of OT, the role of OT in the …

Enhancing Psychosocial Well-Being For Pediatric Oncology Clients: A Guidebook For Occupational Therapists, Marzia Khan, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Brooke Weber

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project addressed the critical gap in psychosocial support for pediatric oncology clients by developing an evidence-based guidebook for occupational therapy (OT) practitioners. Grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), the guidebook provides therapists with developmentally appropriate strategies to enhance emotional regulation, social participation, and engagement in meaningful activities for children aged 3 to 12 undergoing cancer treatment. The project identified key psychosocial challenges through qualitative interviews, needs assessments, and real-time clinical feedback and designed targeted interventions aligned with OT principles. The digital guidebook provides accessible, structured resources to support holistic, client-centered care and improve the quality of …

Occupational Therapy In Upper Limb Loss, Prosthetics, And Rehabilitation: A Video Training Series For Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Bailey M. Brown, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to deepen my understanding of upper limb prosthetics, observe patient care, and identify gaps in occupational therapy education related to upper limb loss, prosthetic use, and rehabilitation. A key objective was to support the Hanger Clinic by increasing the number of completed Upper Limb Prosthetic User Outcome Forms, as well as to capture photos and videos—separate from this video training series—to contribute to Hanger’s educational library. Additionally, the project aimed to develop practical resources for both patients and clinicians navigating upper limb loss. Insights gained throughout this experience informed the creation of a …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Bladder And Bowel Management For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series, Julia Ryan, Steven Gerardi, Heather Rennerfeldt

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned to support individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in developing effective bowel and bladder management (BBM) routines. However, most existing literature approaches BBM from a medical perspective, offering limited guidance on how to translate occupation-based strategies into OT practice. This lack of discipline-specific resources contributes to reduced confidence among generalist practitioners and hinders the consistent implementation of BBM interventions across inpatient and community settings. To address this gap, a nine-part educational video series was developed to enhance OT practitioners’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and confidence in delivering BBM interventions for clients with SCI. The …

Occupational Therapy For Participation In Spirituality For Individuals With Cancer: A Scoping Review, Natalie Fernandez, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Steven Gerardi

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The incidence of cancer continues to rise. For many individuals with cancer, spirituality is an important part of life. Spirituality impacts the individual’s meaning, purpose, self-identity, occupational engagement, occupational performance, and quality of life. However, there are sometimes barriers to participation in religions activities. Occupational therapy (OT) is indicated when people have barriers to participation. However, spirituality is not consistently addressed in OT practice and OT practitioners may not feel comfortable in addressing barriers to participation in spiritual activities among their clients with cancer. Objective: Scoping review methodology was used to answer the research question, how are OT practitioners addressing …

Disability-Related Diversity In Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review, Molly Whitlow, Allison Singh, Johana Cedillo, Brady A. Harrison, Sydney Wondra

Posters and Presentations: Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

An Occupational Therapy Intervention To Enhance Social And Physical Well-Being In Young Adults With First Episode Psychosis, Sarah Zagorac, Caitlin Taylor, Nuriya Neumann, Ilyse Kramer, Tina Deangelis

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

Can Occupational Therapy (OT) increase social participation, physical well-being, and functional recovery in young adults with psychosis?

• Early Intervention Services (EIS), including Coordinated Specialty Care programs (CSC), for young adults who experience a first episode of psychosis (FEP) have been shown to reduce hospitalizations, increase quality of life, and increase global functioning.^1,2,3
• Young adults who experience FEP report a need to further address physical well-being and social participation, areas of life linked with long-term functional recovery.^4,5,6
• Early evidence related to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the disproportionate impact on underserved youth’s psychological well-being, including decreased social participation and …

Supporting College Students’ Mental Health Through Occupational Therapy, Mallory R. Watts

Selected Honors Theses

The mental health of college students has emerged as a significant concern, particularly because of the pressures of academic, social, and personal demands intensify. This study investigates the role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in supporting the mental health of college students, exploring the potential need for integrating OT services into campus programs. By assessing the current mental health resources available to students and evaluating their effectiveness, this research aims to identify gaps in support and determine whether OT could serve as a valuable addition to existing services. Through a combination of surveys, interviews, and literature reviews, the study examines students' …

Implementing A Palliative Care Approach In Acute Care Occupational Therapy Practice, Gianina Concepcion

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and provide an educational resource for acute care occupational therapists to improve knowledge and confidence in treating patients with serious illnesses using a palliative care approach. Through the needs assessment taken by the rehabilitation team, it was discovered that occupational therapists overall were least familiar with palliative care, but at least one occupational therapist reported feeling confident in addressing functional mobility, feeding, mental health, functional abilities, leisure activities, cognition, and communication to improve quality of life. While palliative care is a sub-specialty, the principles and many practices should be employed …

Mindfulness In Motion: Development Of A Post-Operative Protocol For Rotator Cuff Repair Using Reformer Pilates, Carrington M. Lee

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Reformer Pilates, based on values of breath, whole-body health, whole-body commitment, and whole-body encompassing mind, body, and spirit, is a form of low-impact exercises using a specialized machine with springs and straps to gauge resistance, primarily targeting core and postural strength. Evidence demonstrates the use of Reformer Pilates in rehabilitation, signifying improvement in chronic pain, physical health, and mental health compared to traditional therapies. Local adult outpatient clinic prioritizes movement in rehabilitation by using Reformer Pilates, incorporating this into treatment during occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) sessions. The clinic has a significant number of patients with post-op …