Awareness And Advocacy For The Needs Of Nfl Athletes: A Qualitative Study, Bianca Castro, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The presentation delves into understanding, investigating, and supporting the occupational needs of NFL athletes. Through thorough research and analysis, it was revealed that these athletes face distinct challenges and demands in their professional and personal lives, specifically in wellness, quality of life, and lifestyle balance. The study results provide knowledge and abilities to address and advocate the unique needs of NFL athletes. The evidence strongly emphasizes the advantages and benefits of occupational therapy services in non-traditional settings such as sports.

Navigating Dysautonomia: A Workbook For Empowered Living, Madison Thornton

OTD Capstone Projects

Dysautonomia Support Network (DSN) is a nonprofit organization composed of volunteers who have a passion for serving the population of individuals with dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a complex and often debilitating disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature control. Those living with dysautonomia face a myriad of challenges ranging from chronic fatigue and dizziness to gastrointestinal issues and cognitive impairment. The unpredictability of symptoms can significantly impact daily life, leading to feelings of frustration, isolation, and helplessness. However, amidst these challenges lies the potential for empowerment and transformation. …

Occupational Therapy After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Guidebook For Hispanic Women, Katarina Tauran, Mary Smith Phd, Ms, Otr/L, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aims to understand the needs of Hispanic women post-breast cancer treatment and offer a guidebook with educational resources in both English and Spanish.

Integrating Nature-Based Occupational Therapy In Traditional Clinical Settings: Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences, Renee Duong, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic situations that a child may face during the early developmental stages of life (Felitti et al., 1998). According to research, the detrimental effects of adversity and emotional distress may contribute to poor outcomes in adulthood. Research has shown that exposure to adversity can change a child's molecular and genetic system and influence the development and functioning of their neurological, immune, and endocrine systems. There is a significant public health concern considering the long-term implications of adverse childhood experiences on an individual's overall well-being (Boullier & Blair, 2018). This project aims to conduct a …

The Role Of Ot In Treating Ecmo Patients In The Icu: A Scoping Review, Sophia C. Roe, Angela Blackwell, Whitney Hohman

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This scoping review investigated the role of occupational therapists in treating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Databases analyzed included CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest. The primary research question aimed to identify the role of occupational therapists in ECMO patient care. The secondary research question aimed to determine the percentage of ECMO patients who received occupational therapy services in the ICU and were discharged home. The search retrieved a total of 400 records. After …

Experiences Of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers, Kimberly Ben, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an insightful exploration into the lives of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers (WSCs), a group defined as individuals aged 30-65 who simultaneously provide care for both aging adults (over 65 years old) and younger dependents (29 years old or younger), while also managing their careers. The study delves deep into the unique challenges and experiences faced by WSCs, aiming to highlight the occupational, emotional, and physical demands inherent in their roles. Through qualitative research methods, including interviews and occupational therapy assessments, the manuscript offers a comprehensive look at the balancing act WSCs perform daily. It seeks to inform …

Social And Leisure Participation By People With Dementia: A Caregiver Resource Guide, Rebecca Mcmillian, Beth Lambert, Mary Smith, Katherine Christie

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this caregiver education intervention is to increase caregiver self-efficacy and effectiveness in increasing social participation and quality of life for those they are caring for as well as decreasing caregiver stress and burnout associated with providing care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The guide will include education and resources for these caregivers detailing safety precautions, strategies to reduce difficult behaviors impacting social and leisure engagement, and resources to decrease caregiver burden.

Improving Participation In Physical Education For Children With Disabilities, Randi Major, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Participating in adaptive sports has many benefits for children with disabilities (CWD), however literature demonstrates that many barriers exist within community-setting adaptive sports which impact participation for CWD. There is currently a lack of understanding of the needs of CWD and the barriers that exist within schools that impact their participation in physical activities and sports. In addition, the literature demonstrates that many individuals with disabilities are not meeting the recommended minutes for daily physical activity which can impact the health and well-being of CWD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).

The purpose of this capstone project was …

An Ot Needs Assessment For Children And Families Residing In Shelters, Jessie Siono, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study created a needs assessment is to determine the unique occupational deficits of children and their families in California experiencing homelessness within a shelter setting via recording their lived experiences. A local family shelter was analyzed via observation and interviews with staff and residents of the shelter. The results were compiled into a facility assessment to identify supports and barriers to occupation. Results were also utilized to complete an occupational needs assessment for families and children living in homeless shelters. The study determined the occupational needs and occurrences of occupational deficits that were experienced by residents of the family …

Care For Caregivers: Exploring Occupational Therapy's Role In Caregiver Support, Mariah Mendez, Amy Lyons-Brown, Negin Zare

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Care for Caregivers explores the challenges of spousal and remote caregivers to determine how occupational therapy can assist through program development.

Occupational Impact Of Caregivers In Pediatric Palliative Care, Lezlye Ramos, Karen Park, Jazminne O. Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this study is to understand the occupational impact for caregivers who had a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition who had received pediatric palliative care. A lack of understanding of occupational therapy’s role in end-of-life care ultimately underutilizes and under-prepares occupational therapists to work in this practice area. Becoming a medical family caregiver, neglecting personal needs and desires becomes a norm having a in-direct effect on physical and psychological health and well-being. Findings from this study suggest that it is reasonable to infer that occupational participation among caregivers is influenced by finding time for self and …

Exploring Student Ageism Perceptions Using Life Review: An Educational Intervention, Rene Wren

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Exploring Student Ageism Perceptions Using Life Review: An Educational Intervention

Abstract

Background: Addressing student ageism is essential for promoting desires to work with older adults, but little is known about how life review intervention, used as an educational tool in OT programs, can affect ageism. This study aimed to explore the effect of life review on OT students’ ageism perceptions and desires to work with older adults.

Design: A qualitative focus group research approach was performed.

Method: Thirty entry-level occupational therapy students from a Texas university were used as a convenient sample. After participating in a 4-hour workshop, students conducted …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions Of Their Experience In A Role-Emerging Level Ii Fieldwork Within Higher Education Student Services, Marie-Christine Potvin, Alexis Morales, Erin West, Mika Kalimi, Jeanne M Coviello

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Role-emerging settings - those where occupational therapy (OT) services have not traditionally been provided - are common sites for practice placements of entry-level occupational therapy students. A growing body of literature has attempted to determine the value and drawbacks of such practice placements on the professional preparedness of OT students with mixed findings. Benefits have been identified, including increased cultural understanding, advocacy, creativity, initiative, and problem-solving skills. However, OT students have been reported to perceive such placement as limiting their professional growth and preparedness to practice compared to traditional placements.

METHODS: A phenomenological study was conducted seeking the perceptions …

Ot's Perspective On Type 1 Diabetes Management In College Students, Nimmy Thomas, Cassandra Nelson, Elizabeth Pyatak

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

To create a program guide to provide resources for freshman-year students to seek accommodations or helpful tips for students with type 1 diabetes to have a smooth transition to college enhance overall health management, and participate in leisure activities.

Expanding Impact To Promote Wellness And Functional Independence, Margaret Stacy

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP). SSP is a studio that specializes in supporting the scoliosis community, offering a range of resources for everyone, no matter their age, curve, or where they are in their journey. SSP utilizes evidence-based methods to lengthen and strengthen the body while empowering clients to live happily, pain-free, and fearlessly. The objective of this project was to expand the positive impact SSP can make on promoting wellness and functional independence for its clients through the development and refinement of resources. This included increasing the usability and accessibility of …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Mothers With Children Who Have Had A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Stay, Reagan Mclendon, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study examined the occupational needs of mothers with a child who required a NICU stay and illustrates the potential roles of occupational therapy for this population.

Promoting Parental Competence When Transitioning From The Nicu To Home: A Coaching Intervention, Vanessa Chavez, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This handbook aims to improve the support system for families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by developing a coaching intervention that empowers parents, improves their confidence, and provides necessary home care skills.

Investigating How Children With Autism Respond To Virtual Environments, Mykaela Naragon

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Over 90% of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder face sensory processing challenges. Virtual environments can trigger adaptive sensory responses akin to real-world experiences. This preliminary study explored how students with autism interact within virtual settings. Conducted at Julie Billiart Schools, where over 75% of students have autism and sensory differences, the project involved 35 participants aged 6-14 in six VR sessions. Data on Zones of Regulation, affect, and behaviors were collected. Results showed VR was enjoyable, with highly significant post-VR changes in Zone of Regulation (p<0.001). This suggests VR holds promise as a therapeutic tool for self-regulation in children with ASD.

Occupational Therapy's Role In The Area Of Eating Disorders And Body Image, Tayler Arjune

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

The role of Occupational Therapy with the eating disorder and body image population is not widely addressed. This capstone, worked alongside TripleAWellness, to advocate for occupational therapy services within the population of body image and eating disorders by educating clients and staff on occupational engagement and enhancing occupational performance.

Student-Athletes And Their Hidden Opponent: Assessing And Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Health And Well-Being, Dena Wenzinger

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Suicide is now the second most common cause of death among college athletes in the United States. This capstone involved conducting an in-depth needs assessment of the mental health resources in the Athletics Department at Cleveland State University. There was a collaboration with the Student-Athlete Academic Services staff and the Athletics Counselor to provide mental health resources reported to be needed by the student-athletes (SAs). This population can benefit from occupational therapy intervention as occupational therapists are educated on mental health practices. Resources were created and made available to the SAs on their “Community for Student-Athlete Engagement” Blackboard course.

Care Partners As The Client: Understanding The Needs Of Informal Care Partners Of Older Adults With Dementia And Addressing Their Challenges, Mariam Boulos

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone at Brush Development produced an educational dementia program to meet the specialized needs of at-home care partners. Content within this program addresses the challenges for both the care partner and the person with dementia through strategies that improve their purpose in everyday activities and quality of life.

Optimizing Effects Of Occupational And Physical Therapy Post Stroke, Taylor Joseph

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Even after rehabilitation, 40% of individuals post-stroke are left with upper extremity residual deficits. This capstone, completed at Cleveland Clinic's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focused on current research that is being conducted to optimize the effects of rehabilitation post-stroke. A manuscript was completed that focuses on research findings on the efficacy of bimanual upper extremity training that will be submitted for publication.

Occupation-Based Wellness Within The Veteran Population, Jennie Burdette

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Transitioning from military to civilian life often leaves veterans with long-lasting difficulties which includes physical and mental health challenges that affect different aspects of daily functioning. This capstone, at Baldwin Wallace University’s Student Veteran Center, provided occupation-based education and resources to promote mental health and overall well-being of student veterans.

Enhancing Hospice Care: Integrating Altered Engagement In Occupations Through The Dimensions Of Doing, Being And Becoming, Heather Raible

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Evidence demonstrates engagement in occupation at the end of life is perceived as insignificant and disregarded, therefore, often absent from care. My capstone identified new avenues for facilitating meaningful engagement in occupations that fulfilled individual needs and desires during each stage of hospice through altered engagement in occupation.

Increasing Occupational Therapists' Knowledge And Awareness Of Service Dogs, Emily Freyberg

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone involved the development and dissemination of a resource manual on service dogs for children based on collaboration with the 4 Paws for Ability organization. This manual provides occupational therapists with education on the purpose and scope of service dogs to increase recognition and understanding in the profession.

Occupational Therapy Program Fostering The Development Of School Readiness Skills In Refugee Children, Grace Reminder

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)- Cleveland offers programming and services that help immigrants, refugees, and uprooted individuals transition to life within the United States. Refugee children face challenges with socialization, mental health, and experience a great deal of trauma and are unable to engage in meaningful activities. This paper aims to highlight programming that was created throughout a 14-week capstone experience at USCRI Cleveland that fostered the development of school readiness skills needed for pre- school aged refugee children and exposed them to new occupations and skill development, increased their quality of life, self-esteem and self-confidence

Promoting Skill Development, Inclusion, And Participation By Implementation Of Activity-Based Sensory-Enriched Programs For Children, Amanda Pearson

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Both neurotypical and neurodivergent children need more opportunities to engage in activity-based programs to promote overall development. We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym is an OT-based facility designed for children of all ages and abilities. This facility promotes socialization between children and caregivers as well as provides a variety of sensory input. During this experience, I collaborated with We Rock the Spectrum to modify and develop programs geared towards children of all abilities and ages within the community to promote inclusion, skill development, and participation.

Ai And Mobile App Utilization For Hand Therapy Among Patients With Lower Socioeconomic Status, Olivia Trickett

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Background: The capstone project aims to enhance upper extremity rehabilitation in underserved communities by creating educational resources for practitioners on mobile app usage. Methods: Conducted interviews with a hand therapist, and conducted a literature review on mobile app usage for lower SES hand therapy patients. Results: Developed educational materials and implemented mobile apps to improve therapy accessibility and outcomes, showing promise in engaging lower SES patients. Challenges include digital literacy, smartphone access, and data security concerns. Conclusions: Mobile apps can aid hand therapy accessibility, but addressing digital literacy and smartphone access is vital. Collaboration is crucial for user-friendly app design …

Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Perspectives On Pain Management Following Spinal Cord Injury, Helen Saul

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone was done in collaboration with MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute and Cleveland State University. This qualitative study explored the role of occupational therapy in pain management for individuals with spinal cord injuries. The specific strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the profession were evaluated to enhance service delivery.

Promoting Positive Maternal Mental Health: Co-Occupational Education, Engagement, And Empowerment In The Perinatal Period, Elyse Mueller

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone, which took place at University Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, focused on enhancing maternal well-being and the maternal/infant dyad. This was promoted and advocated for through telehealth sessions for perinatal individuals and by increasing the awareness and practice of impactful co-occupations within the hospital’s NICU.