Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Development Of An Occupation-Based Program For Hispanic Women With Breast Cancer, Tara Licon, Leslie Khan-Farooqi, Mary Ann Smith

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Currently, available programs for breast cancer patients do not consider the specific needs of Hispanic women or their preferred occupations. The goal of the capstone project was to develop an occupational therapy (OT) program that is personalized to Hispanic women with breast cancer at every stage of their recovery. The program was informed by lifestyle redesign. After reviewing the literature and conducting a needs assessment the capstone student created a program titled ‘Beautiful, Bold, Breast Cancer’ which contains five detailed treatment sessions.

Designing A Conceptual Framework To Align Learning Objectives To The Interprofessional Education Collaborative Core Competencies: A Narrative Review, Norman C. Belleza, Maureen E. Johnson

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Early placement of interprofessional education (IPE) in academic curricula may foster foundational learning to shape student attitudes, knowledge, and skills and better prepare practice-ready clinicians for future team-based collaboration. The purpose of this narrative review was to investigate and analyze the current use of IPE in OT and PT higher education.

Methods: Three databases, Academic Search Complete, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ERIC, were searched from 2017 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were articles with full text availability, published within the 5 year search time range from the time of the narrative review process, peer reviewed studies, …

Penerapan Kerangka Acuan Biomekanik Pada Kasus Fraktur Distal Radius Ulna Dalam Kemandirian Membungkus Makanan, Hermito Gidion, Jasmine Putri Sugianto, Mahrus As’Ari, Purnama Betty

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

A distal radius fracture is a fracture that occurs when the radius bone, one of the two long bones in the forearm, breaks near the wrist. This paper aims to determine the application of the biomechanical frame of reference in cases of fractures of the distal radius ulna in the independence of wrapping food. This research was conducted by taking the case of a patient, conducting assessment, observation, and intervention on the patient. Specifically, the assessment carried out focuses on range of motion abilities, muscle strength and endurance, pain scale and functional activity abilities. The patient's problems were decreased joint …

Occupational Therapy Strategies For Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Rachel Geissler, Marjorie Jamerson, Hunter Tockey, Mackenzie Dew, Emily Bennett, Summer Weldon, Laura Mendez

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Effectiveness of occupational therapy strategies with adults with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

Modified Vs. Standard Sternal Precautions, Alex Rome Mot/S, Katie Morris Mot/S, Payton Johnston Mot/S, Cheyenne Franklin Mot/S, Rachel Jeneff Mot/S, Hannah Tackett Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The poster examines standard and modified sternal precautions in pediatrics following a median sternotomy and the impact on developmental outcomes. The question our poster aims to answer includes, do modified sternal precautions improve developmental outcomes in children who underwent (median) sternotomy in a hospital setting compared to those with traditional sternal precautions? Through searching databases, the authors were able to gather articles providing evidence and information regarding modified vs. standard sternal precautions. Through the research, the authors concluded that there is further research needed on this topic in pediatric populations with the recommendation to proceed using caution due to no …

Lessons Learnt By An Experienced Clinician-Novice Researcher Throughout The Process Of Qualitative Research Interviewing, Heidi Lavis, Paulette Van Vliet, Meredith Tavener

The Qualitative Report

Within occupational therapy, the complex process of transitioning from clinician to clinician-researcher often presents challenges demanding critical contemplation. Methodological issues and ethical challenges can arise throughout the emergent transition into role duality, potentially impacting upon novice clinician-researcher development, influencing research processes and quality. As part of the Task-AT Home qualitative study, a reflexive critique of interview processes, guided by the reflection-on-action rubric and a typology of catalysts for dual-role experiences was conducted. The reflective critique identified commonalities and differences between clinical and research interviewing. Additionally, through three exemplars of experience, the critique provided insights into how clinical reasoning processes were …

Potential Occupational Therapy Interventions For People With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Scoping Review, Annette Leep, Darcie A. Shaw, Meghan E. Lloyd, Stephanie M. Voelck, Hannah R. Ghneim

Masters Projects

There is limited research highlighting occupational therapy (OT) interventions utilized with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This scoping review analyzes current literature by data-charting psychosocial interventions that are or could be applied by OT practitioners for BPD treatment. Five health sciences and psychology databases were searched; the search strategy included keywords and subject headings related to BPD and psychosocial interventions. A variety of evidence-based interventions applicable to the BPD population were identified for OT implementation. Themes included awareness of behaviors and skill training for functional performance. There is a need for training and professional development opportunities for OT practitioners treating this …

Past, Present, And Projected Occupational Impacts Of Adults Who Experienced Parentification In Childhood, Olivia Vanni, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parentification is a functional and/or emotional role reversal where the child sacrifices their own needs for attention, comfort, and guidance in order to accommodate and care for the needs of a parent and/or sibling. OTs need an understanding of how to recognize and support the impact of parentification during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Methods: Mixed methods were used to explore the experience of adults (18-65) that served as caregivers for their sibling(s), and/or their parent(s) during their childhood/adolescence. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires (N=20) and interviews (n=6), allowing for a deeper understanding of the …

Guidebook For Occupational Therapy For End-Of-Life Care, Shannon Sudrla, Mary Smith, Alexandria Cannata, Anna Norene Carlson

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Patients at the end-of-life (EoL) experience functional decline in response to terminal illness and the active dying process, inhibiting participation and engagement in meaningful daily activities. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) are equipped to address patients’ occupational needs and desires despite their declining capacities; however, the absence of occupational therapy (OT) services in EoL care leaves patients’ occupational needs unmet, directly affecting their quality of life. The literature demonstrates the need for enhanced education and training among occupational therapy students (OTS) and practitioners to better prepare them to work with terminally ill patients who face progressive functional decline and imminent death. …

A Mindfulness Intervention For Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ashley N. Ries, Steven M. Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr, Mary Horne Lcsw

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Every day, many United States veterans are suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Responses to trauma may vary from person to person; however, a diagnosis of PTSD includes the individual experiencing clinically significant distress in their social and occupational areas of functioning. The impact of PTSD on a veteran’s life could impact their ability to carry out activities of daily living, decrease the amount of social participation they have, and limit their ability to perform instrumental daily activities, such as grocery shopping. Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment, without judgment, and …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Mealtime Participation In Schools, Jaidee Mae Reyes, Karen Park

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A mixed-methods research design was utilized to explore the role of occupational therapy in mealtime participation in school-based settings. Interviews and surveys were completed to understand occupational therapy practicers' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with providing services related to mealtime. The themes that emerged from the study including (a) occupational therapy practitioners experience inhibiting and supporting contextual factors that affect their involvement in mealtime, (b) admin and occupational therapy culture and the interpretation of educational relevance can differ between each school, and (c) occupational therapy practitioners go through a decision-making process when deciding to address mealtime.

Cultural Humility When Caring For Lgbtqia+ Older Adults: A Resource Guide For Occupational Therapy Practitioners And Students, Michele Ramos, Deb Meyers, Mary Ann Smith

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The LGBTQIA+ older adult population has unique needs due to their experience as diverse individuals in a cisgender, heteronormative society. Experiences and effects of discrimination need to be considered when providing care. Occupational therapists have a role in addressing disparities of all marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ older adults. Practitioners may utilize cultural humility and trauma-informed practices when treating the LGBTQIA+ population. Existing resources to guide culturally humble occupational therapy care for LGBTQIA+ older adults are insufficient. The purpose of this project was to build on existing cultural humble resources and create a website on the focus of occupational therapy cultural …

Welcoming Wellness: A Health Promotion And Chronic Condition Prevention Program Rooted In The Foundations Of Occupational Therapy, Karlee G. Duncan

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background: Despite the national $3.8 billion spent annually on chronic condition management, they are still the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Chronic conditions have a variety of global implications. The development of chronic conditions can be managed through education and lifestyle behavior modifications, which lies within the scope of occupational therapy. Method: Simultaneous experiences at Logan Health and Logan Health Medical Fitness Center informed the development and implementation of a health promotion and prevention program, Welcoming Wellness. Results: Treating clients in acute care improved my understanding of chronic condition presentation and population needs, and connecting …

An Occupational Therapy Program For Improving Caregiving Performance And Satisfaction With Performance Among Caregivers For Individuals With Neurological Conditions, Andrea Marie Molus

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project was to develop a program that would decrease the symptoms of caregiver burnout to increase the performance and satisfaction with performance among caregivers of individuals with neurological conditions. Caregivers can develop burnout when the burden of caregiving increases to the extent that the experience is not a healthy option for the caregiver or care recipient (Kasuya et al., 2000). Three occupational therapy theories were used to support this project: Model of Human Occupation, Tolgia’s Dynamic Interactional Approach, and Andragogy Learning Theory for Adult Learners. An online resource website was developed to help disseminate the information used in …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Helping Individuals In The Us Justice System Transition From Incarceration To The Community, Kathryn E. Foster

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals with cognitive disabilities face unique challenges in their transition and integration from prison settings. Occupational therapy offers tailored, client-centered reentry services to address their needs and the evidence on impact is limited. The purpose of this project was to examine the efficacy of strengths-based, occupational therapy-led reentry services on the reentry of individuals on probation and parole with a cognitive challenge into society following incarceration. I used a retrospective, mixed methods design to complete this project. Community-based reentry services were provided post-release in the local St. Louis community. Participants included both occupational therapy practitioners tracking process and impact measures, …

Mobile Munchies: An Occupation-Based Transitional Skills Program For Adolescents, Reilly S. Dujmovic

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project is focused on program development in the area of life/work skills for adolescents in a special education setting. The specific interest was in transition skills for adolescents, or skills that promote independence in ADLs, IADLs, and leisure, and work activities following formal education. The goal of this project was to develop work programming as an intervention to teach transition skills to adolescents in a special education classroom setting. The programming developed was based on programming the special education classroom has used in the past. Programming was modified to take an occupational therapy lens to reach the goal …

Occupational Therapy In Family Education: Fourth Trimester Wellness To Kindergarten Readiness, Gabrielle Madeline Hagen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Early intervention programs provide unique opportunities for children to develop cognitive, socioemotional, behavioral, and executive functioning skills which are necessary for success in the school environment. The purpose of this 14-week capstone experience was to integrate trauma-informed occupational therapy principles into an early childhood family education course and to advocate for the role of occupational therapy in postpartum and postnatal wellness. Methods included facilitating play-based interactions between caregivers and children, preparing and presenting educational materials, completing an annotated bibliography, and developing a freely accessible webpage with information about fourth trimester support. The outcomes of this project demonstrate that implementation of …

Promoting Successful Discharges From Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Units Among Older Adults, Melissa A. Tweet

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Older adults may face occupational limitations that serve as a barrier to maintaining independence in their homes for various reasons, including the onset of illness, injury, or age-related generalized weakness. When individuals are admitted to the hospital and require ongoing rehabilitation to improve their functional abilities, they require effective and client-centered discharge planning to promote a successful transition from the rehabilitation unit. There is a continued need to explore how occupational therapists can provide quality discharge planning throughout the patient’s therapeutic process and methods to facilitate the carryover of skilled interventions after discharge. This capstone project aimed to obtain in-depth …

Occupation-Based Sexual Health Education For Adolescents With Disabilities, Elizabeth J. Klocke

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience barriers to learning about sexual health education even though there is documented interest in this subject. Additionally, caregivers of children with disabilities lack experience and knowledge of their children’s sexual developmental needs. My capstone project aimed to provide comprehensive sexual education to adolescents with disabilities and education on childhood sexual development to healthcare professionals, educators, and parents. The literature and needs assessment indicated a need for sexual health education for both students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and caregivers. Due to viewing clients in a holistic manner, occupational therapy is uniquely qualified to …

Relaxation As An Intervention For Military Service Members Experiencing Ans Dysregulation Following Mtbi, Tori Julianne Vanvelzen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Current evidence indicates that a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) can negatively impact autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation, leading to decreased occupational performance (Belchamber, 2022; Frueh et al., 2020). This project aimed to support military service members in ANS regulation following an mTBI to enhance the quality of life (QoL) and occupational performance. The Person Environment Occupation (PEO) Model, Psychological Model of Stress, and Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) provided a theoretical foundation for the capstone project. Clinical practice, the development of a standardized pilot manual with a relaxation-based curriculum, and education for the interdisciplinary healthcare team were implemented to achieve …

Examining The Utility Of The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Copm) Vs. Cognitive Mapping And Motivational Interviewing (Cm/Mi) To Provide Person-Centered Care (Pcc) For People With Parkinson’S Disease (Pwpd), Mary Lagasca, Karen Aranha

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) limits occupational engagement and quality of life. Clinicians need tools to help understand the lived experiences of people with PD to provide more person-centered care (PCC). The Canadian Occupational Performance Model (COPM) is one tool used with this population, but its predetermined categories may be limiting. In contrast, Cognitive Mapping and Motivational Interviewing (CM/MI) is a non-standardized method that may provide more insight. Objective: To identify the benefits of the COPM to CM/MI in delivering more person-centered care (PCC). Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological self-study was used. Data collection compared the assessments and reflected on determining if …

The Effects Of Sound-Based Intervention On The Daily Performance Of College-Aged Students, Claire Pribble

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

A mixed-methods summary examining the effects of The Listening Program (TLP) on the daily performance of a graduate student is presented. This is a pilot study that will observe the impacts of this program and the possible improvements in focus, visual perception, time management, behavior, and emotional and social regulation. Improvements in self-control/belief and overall stress management were noted.

This case study focuses on one college-aged individual who is successfully and independently managing her graduate experience, receives no accommodations for disability, and has no previous experience with The Listening Program. Self-reports indicated high levels of intermittent stress and anxiety which …

Efficacy Of Coping Strategies On Emotional Regulation For Individuals With Childhood Trauma, Alyssa Szatmary

MOT Student Capstones

In childhood, individuals may be exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and carry the weight of the trauma throughout the lifespan. Childhood trauma can have a negative impact on mental health, causing emotional dysregulation, and influencing perspective, actions, and social patterns. Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma may improve their quality of life by creating resilience, advocating a healthy lifestyle, and developing adaptive, coping strategies to cope with adverse, or major life events. In the Upper Cumberland of Tennessee, there are limited resources within the community that targets this population. This capstone project aims to assess the differences in emotional …

Association Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury In Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Katie A. Harris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Previous studies have found a higher rate of hypermobility among physical and occupational therapy students compared to the rate of hypermobility within the general public. Hypermobility has been linked to increased injury rates. This raises the question of the influence hypermobility has on injury type and recurrence.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to examine the rate of hypermobility and injury history among physical and occupational therapy students. The injury type and frequency of those with hypermobility was compared to those without hypermobility to determine if there was a relationship. The Foot Posture Index was used …

Interdisciplinary Approaches To Pediatric Aquatic-Based And Land-Based Therapy, Danielle E. Scheck

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

With various injuries, diseases, and conditions continuing to grow and expand with our rising population size, so does the need for therapeutic intervention. To assist in the rehabilitation process, aquatic therapy may be used by multiple healthcare professionals to best benefit their clients through the aquatic medium's unique hydrodynamic and hydrostatic qualities. The aquatic medium is particularly beneficial to the pediatric population as water is usually naturally motivating and "fun." Occupational and physical therapists are among the professionals qualified to perform "aquatic-based" therapy in addition to or in place of more traditional "land-based" therapy. This project aims to expand on …

Restoring Identity For The Homeless: Exploring Occupational Therapy Services For Unhoused Populations, Christina E. Geistfeld

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals experiencing homelessness face many occupational and social barriers that limit the ability to participate in meaningful daily living activities, impacting the overall identity of individuals within this population. Occupational therapy services have been explored but there is a continued need to expand and advocate for the effect of occupational therapy in meeting the population’s needs and ultimately aim to reduce homelessness rates. This capstone project sought to explore service delivery for individuals at the Stephen Center in Omaha, Nebraska who are experiencing homelessness, providing increased advocacy efforts along with continuing to explore clinical skill development to best serve the …

Neonatal Therapists' Perceptions Of Using Integrated Collaborative Care In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Sarah J. Elkington

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who have advanced clinical knowledge in gestational and infant development can work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) as neonatal therapists (NTs). NTs apply their developmental expertise, therapeutic use of self, and client-centered training to create individualized goals for infants and families amid a complex, critical care medical setting. Each discipline (OT, PT, and SLP) brings a unique professional perspective and their own empirical knowledge to the NICU. Researchers have made efforts to capture work trends of NTs as they relate to direct patient care; however, researchers have also recognized …

Physical And Psychological Impacts Of Burn Injuries On The Pediatric Population And Their Families: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Sadie E. Anderson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background: Due to the curious nature of the pediatric population, burns are a common and leading cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries among children. Following these injuries, the impacts extend beyond the physical impairments that occur and often result in long-term psychological impacts for the child and their families. With a holistic approach to care, occupational therapy is fully equipped to aid in the mitigating of these impacts. Method: Through advanced clinical practice and the development of various questionnaires, occupational therapy interventions were explored and integrated to facilitate functional outcomes and improve mental health care. Results: With the provision of …

Exploring The Occupational Transition Of Leaving A Cult, Justine Thompson, Baylee R. Chelossi, Emily Osborn, Christian J. Quitoriano

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The emergence of cult groups has introduced a new population for occupational therapists to understand and support through the unique challenges they face after transitioning out of these organizations. While research within the field of psychology is robust, little is known about the occupational transition of individuals who leave cults and how occupational therapists can provide occupational science based intervention. In this study, the frameworks of Doing, Being, Becoming (Wilcock, 2002), and Belonging (Hitch et al., 2014b) were utilized to guide theme development and enrich interpretation of 11 hand-searched first-hand accounts. First-hand accounts were analyzed from multimedia sources such as …

Promoting Cultural Arts Access Through Sensory-Friendly Theatre, Chanelle Bautista, Alyssa Cho, Jazmine Cunanan, Ariana Marino, Miko Ramos

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Children with sensory processing differences have “reduced participation in recreational and community activities compared to children with both typical development and other developmental disabilities” due to their difficulties with social communication, and strict social settings (Giserman-Kiss et al., 2020). Sensory-friendly theatre programs aim to dismantle social participation barriers for individuals with sensory processing differences by creating a relaxed theatre experience that includes preparatory materials, environmental modifications, and specialized training (Umeda, 2017). We implemented a pilot sensory-friendly performance of Willy Wonka, Jr. in collaboration with youth actors at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, CA on February 13th, 2022. Approximately 80 …