Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Addressing Adherence To Home Exercise Programs In A Hand Therapy Setting, Austin B. Ellis

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Roughly 1,100 per 100,000 persons experience an upper-extremity injury per year including burns, fractures, or amputations (Ootes et al., 2012). These upper-extremity injuries can impact a person’s physical function, activities of daily living (ADL), social, psychological, and financial aspects in life (Che Daud et al., 2016b). These statistics warrant the need for occupational therapy practitioners specializing in hand therapy, and other hand therapists to address these areas of client’s lives that have been affected by their upper extremity injury.

Transitioning A Hand Therapy Clinic From Traditional Paper Home Programs To An Electronic Platform: A Quality Improvement Project, Megan Raissa Fuka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with upper extremity conditions who receive occupational therapy within the hand therapy context are often provided with paper or electronic home programs (HPs) as part of their rehabilitation protocol. Electronic HPs may promote greater adherence and functional improvements than paper handouts, as they can accommodate various learning styles and address patient barriers (Chung et al., 2020; Harte & Law, 2019; Lambert et al., 2017; Nussbaum et al., 2019; Toci et al., 2021; Valdes et al., in press). Despite evidence showing positive patient satisfaction and outcomes as a result of using electronic HPs, some occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) may be …

A Proactive Approach To Lymphedema Treatment: A Patient’S Educational Guide, Bridget Jae Reuss

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Lymphedema affects between 90 and 250 million people worldwide, yet there is little information about it, and it is poorly understood by the medical community (Manrique et al., 2022). This too often results in patients not receiving proactive treatment for their symptoms. Proactive intervention increases the patient’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations, socialization, quality of life, mobility, and confidence (Dominick et al., 2014; Lu et al., 2015; Warren et al., 2007; Yarmohammadi et al., 2021).

Assisting Mothers In The Transition Into Motherhood, Abbey Mckenna Marinucci

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The perinatal period ranges from 22 weeks gestation to 2 years postpartum (Hoekzema et al., 2017; Seth et al., 2016; World Health Organization, n.d.). During the perinatal period, intervention is primarily provided by an obstetrician and gynecologist (OBGYN) during pregnancy. Typically, mothers are discharged on average 2.1 days after a natural birth (Podulka et al., 2011). Women are seen at 6 weeks postpartum where mothers’ physical health is the focus of the visit, leaving mothers' mental health concerns unaddressed and questions typically unanswered (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012 & American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2012 as cited in Corrigan …

Aquatic Therapy: An Interprofessional Resource Focusing On Children With Developmental And Intellectual Disabilities, Mackenzie Martha Brokaw

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) experience impairments with physical development, learning, language, and behavior (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021b). These impairments lead to impacts with day to day functioning and meaningful occupations such as play, education, social participation, and activities of daily living (ADLs) (CDC, 2021b). Occupational therapy has the skilled knowledge to assist with these challenges from a variety of approaches. Aquatic therapy is one tool shown to be beneficial as the physical properties of water create an environment that can be very supportive to an individual and their needs (Pocius & Riley, …

The Development Of A Transition To Motherhood Education And Support Program: Elevate Motherhood, Chloe R. Haas

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background The transition to motherhood is a transformative event. The postpartum period is a significant timeframe that challenges a mother in all areas of her life through occupational, physical, hormonal, emotional, and cognitive changes. Although most mothers receive routine care throughout their pregnancy, it is known that standard education and support are typically inadequate, placing mothers at a greater risk for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and other challenges of the postpartum period (Howell, Mora, Chassin, & Leventhal, 2010; Martin, Horowitz, Balbierz, & Howell, 2014). Research findings indicate that sufficient education and support prior to birth and through the postpartum period …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Post Cva Education, Sadie Larson, Brooke Westrich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The average literacy rate for healthcare client education materials is currently 11th-16th grade (Dignan & Hunter, 2015). Due to cognitive impairments, difficulty understanding healthcare education materials increases after experiencing a stroke (Danzl et al., 2016). Poor health education results in lower adherence to treatment and limited participation in everyday activities at home (DeMarco, Nystrom, & Salvatore, 2011). Clients and caregivers specifically reported a lack of understanding of post-stroke impairments (O'Connell, Baker, & Prosser, 2003).

A literature review was conducted on topics related to health literacy, post-stroke residual deficits, client education, and occupational therapy’s role in client education. There was an …

Secondary Stroke Prevention And Support: An Occupational Therapy Program, Kaitlyn Bosch, Jamie St. Germain

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many individuals in the United States experience a recurrent stroke and evidence suggests that strokes, primary and secondary, could be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The objective of the scholarly project was to develop an occupational therapy (OT) led secondary stroke prevention program to address modifiable risk factors for stroke. A literature review was conducted to identify research to support development of this program. Based on the review of literature and through the use of the Model of Human Occupation, The Secondary Stroke Prevention and Support: An Occupational Therapy Program was designed to address competence in the occupational role of managing …

Using Evidence To Address Psychosocial Impairments Post-Stroke: A Guide For Occupational Therapy, Michael Thurn, Emilee Rath

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Following a stroke, individuals experience a wide variety of physical and psychosocial impairments. While physical impairments are commonly given attention by medical practitioners, psychosocial impairments are often overlooked or undiagnosed. (Hildebrand, 2015). Unfortunately, the same is true in occupational therapy, where physical and psychosocial issues have not been receiving the same amount of attention, physical issues being addressed far more than psychosocial issues (Gillen, 2014). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide occupational therapists a guide to use of current evidence-based assessments and interventions to address psychosocial impairments following stroke. The guide focuses on evidence-based assessments, and …

Identified Stressors And Coping Mechanisms Of Occupational Therapy Students, Amy Fitzsimmons, Ashley Zimmer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of this research study was to gather data on stressors experienced by occupational therapy students during their program and how they cope with their identified stressors. The rationale for this study was the lack of and inconsistent research regarding occupational therapy students, how they experience perceived psychological stress during their program, and how they cope with their identified stressors.

Methodology: The researchers utilized a quantitative exploratory survey design to discover perceived psychological stress and coping methods in Master’s of Occupational Therapy (MOT) students. Prior to recruitment, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was received. Respondents were recruited through …

Factors Influencing Minority Group Pursuit Of Occupational Therapy Education, Heber Hepworth, Courtney Schafer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is limited representation of minority groups in the OT workforce and a dearth of research on factors influencing minority groups to pursue and successfully complete OT education. The CINAHL and PUBMED databases were used to explore factors influencing minority population enrollment, experiences in health care programs, and barriers to educational participation. A survey was constructed based on the literature and sent to students in OT programs at the doctorate, master and assistant levels through the AOTA Program Director list-serv. One hundred and thirteen masters (93%) and doctorate (7%) OT students completed the survey. The majority of participants heard about …

Virtual Reality: An Evidence-Based Guide For Occupational Therapy, Grant Mitchell, Kyle Nelson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that serves to position the user in control of a virtual environment to maximize interest and function. VR is a context for intervention included in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process 3rd edition (OTPF-3; AOTA, 2014). It is crucial that occupational therapy (OT) practitioners enhance their knowledge about VR technology used by their clients to provide effective client-centered practice (AOTA, 2010). There is a lack of organization of the literature and research evidence regarding the use of VR as an intervention modality. While there has been a significant increase in …

Implications Of Huntington's Disease On Daily Living: An Educational Tool And Guide For Occupational Therapists Treating Individuals With Huntington's Disease, Jacquelin Jones, Megan Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause stress on the individual as well as their family members and caregivers. Due to the rareness of Huntington’s disease (HD), it is common that professionals are often at a loss when treating patients who have it. Dawson et al. (2004) discussed the need for individualized and client-centered care for those individuals diagnosed with HD, as well as providing practical supports for those diagnosed and their families. Furthermore, a major challenge to assessment and intervention is the complexity of the symptoms present with HD. Etchgary (2011) found in her study that …

Occupational Therapy's Role: A Foundational Occupational Therapy Education Resource For Ghana, Shalyn K. Hample, Maria J. Sundsted

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the developing country of Ghana, West Africa, there is a population of over 1 million individuals with disabilities (Timney, 2007). Ninety-five percent of these people have no rehabilitation service access (Timney, 2007). Due to the presence of social, political, and economic factors including negative societal stigma towards people with disabilities, political corruption and poverty, Ghana's population is vulnerable for occupational deprivation. Occupational deprivation places this population at risk for preventing engagement in or forceful discontinuation of meaningful daily occupations such as farming, education, and employment opportunities (Whiteford, 2000; Yeoman, 1998).

The U.S. has helped offer some assistance to Ghana, …

Interventions Used By Occupational Therapists And Allied Health Providers In Regards To Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Kara L. Maatz, Jared Q. Zimmerman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is the most widely known disability in the American health care system (National Institute of Health [NIH], 2010). Chronic pain affects how individuals are able to engage in meaningful activities of daily life. Unrelieved pain can potentially result in longer hospital visits, emotional distress, and increased re-admission rates to hospitals (The American Academy of Pain Medicine, 2012). A review of research in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) database revealed that few clinically useful references were available for practitioners regarding interventions used with chronic musculoskeletal pain (AOTA, 2014). As a result, it was determined that effective …

Occupational Therapy In The Intensive Care Unit: A Quick Reference Guide, Susie Bonn, Megan Keidel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create a quick reference guide for occupational therapists treating clients in the intensive care unit (ICU) in order to increase quality of care, decrease medical errors, and improve confidence.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to determine the needs of occupational therapists and other health professionals working in the ICU environment. It was discovered that occupational therapists do not receive specific education on treating clients in the ICU and that there are no specific resources for occupational therapists currently available. Rehabilitation is beginning sooner within the ICU in order to decrease client …

Caring For Individuals With Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (Fop): A Treatment Manual For Occupational Therapists, Amanda Rositas, Kathryn Zavoral

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva is a rare and disabling genetic disorder that results in ossification of the soft tissues (Kaplan, Xu, et al., 2008; Kocyigit, Hizil, Hemis, Sabah, & Memis, 2001). There is a lack of research and literature on therapeutic intervention for those with a diagnosis of FOP. However, occupational therapists (OTs) can help those with FOP increase their quality of life through enhancement of activities of daily living (Kaplan, Le Merrer, et al., 2008). Overall, this product will serve as a guide for occupational therapists working with individuals diagnosed with FOP. The benefits of this product will be determined …

Ride The Wave: A Guide For Implementing Biofeedback In Occupation-Based Interventions In A Rehabilitation Setting, Sarah Averett, Johanna Meister

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Historical and current research studying EMG biofeedback has shown this method to be an effective adjunct to occupational therapy intervention. Utilizing EMG biofeedback has been shown through research as effective in improving functional gains. The use of biofeedback allows an individual to visualize unseen physiological processes which are unique to each individual and provide better understanding of otherwise unseen functions (Laurenção, Battistella, Moran de Britto, Tsukimoto, & Mayizaki, 2008). An extensive literature review and students’ observations of clinical occupational therapy practice led the investigators to conclude that EMG biofeedback was a viable treatment method which has not been utilized to …

Easing The Transition Into Long Term Care: An Occupation Based Approach, Sarah Boroos, Janel Ludenia

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to present methods to help ease the transition process for older adults into a long term care (LTC) facility using a meaningful occupation based approach. An estimated .9% of the community dwelling individuals versus 72% of long term care residents exhibit some form of depression (Harris & Haffer, 2003; Harris, 2007). Consequently residents experience decrease functional status and decreased quality of life. A comprehensive literature review of adults' transitioning into LTC facilities was conducted using PubMed, Ebsco, Psychlnfo, Scopus, OT search, CINAHL, AJOT, textbooks, and the internet. The literature supp0l1s the need for …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Pre And Post Liver Transplant Patients, Tina M. Sauber

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Liver transplantation is the only treatment of choice for chronic liver disease. The illness distress associated with liver disease and transplantation involves every aspect of the individual's life (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) and impacts the individual's quality of life, an important outcome measure of life satisfaction and well-being (Belle, Hoofnagle, Lake, Porayko & Zatlerman, 1997). Patients on the liver transplant waiting list experience a decline in functional performance or may expire while waiting.

The occupational therapist has the challenge of motivating the patient to independently mange his or her life and will complete a comprehensive evaluation with emphasis on …

Infant Positioning And Its Effect On Development And Head Symmetry, Marjorie Dvorak

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Parents that do not provide their babies with a variety of proper body positions throughout everyday activities may increase their infant's risk for motor development problems and abnormal head shaping. The purpose of this scholarly project was to create parental educational materials in order to increase parent awareness and prevention of common problems due to lack of proper infant positioning in everyday activities.

The methodology used was an extensive research literature review, review of current professional resources on this topic, and this therapist's clinical expertise. The clinical products developed from this evidence included: A parental Developmental Care Guide which is …

Life After War: An Occupational Therapy Resource Guide For Returning Soldiers With Prosthetics, Monica Lemoine, Andrea Longtin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There are a growing number of U.S. military soldiers medically discharged due to injuries sustained while on active duty. A number of these injuries result in limb amputation. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an evidence-based resource guide for a population of soldiers returning from war having an amputation and utilizing a prosthetic.

An extensive literature review was conducted in order to develop the occupational therapy role for this population. Three main areas of concern were identified: 1) a lack of information related to prosthetic use during instrumental activities of daily living, 2) limited information regarding reintegration …

Stress-Related Injury Prevention Business Plan, Jose Lucio

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Sexuality And The Initial Occupational Therapy Assessment For Adults With Physical Disabilities, Mandy Sherrick

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

The New View: Clinical Recommendations For Occupational Therapy Treatment For Clients With Lateral Epicondylitis, Kendra Larsen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

An Advanced Inquiry Of Occupational Therapy Treatment In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Focusing On The Sensory Systems Of The Infant, Summer J. Van Rooyen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.