Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Part 2: Preparing Entry-Level Occupational And Physical Therapy Students To Promote Healthy Lifestyles Emphasizing Healthy Eating With Individuals With Disabilities, Brooks C. Wingo, Donald H. Lein, Beth A. Barstow, Christopher A. Eidson, Tara S. Pearce, Laurie A. Malone, David M. Morris

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Rehabilitation professionals including occupational therapists (OT) and physical therapists (PT) are increasingly called upon to incorporate health promotion of lifestyle behaviors including physical activity and healthy eating into routine clinical care. While OTs and PTs may be comfortable promoting activity-related behaviors, many are less comfortable with nutrition behaviors. To address entry-level OT and PT students’ perceived discomfort with discussing diet-related behaviors, faculty developed a healthy eating module for students to use during a community-based service learning program. The purpose of this paper is to describe the formative evaluation process of developing the healthy eating module, and to discuss results of …

Take Charge For Therapy Discharge: Outcomes Of A Patient Education Program Applying The Co-Op Approach, Kathryn Westley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A thorough needs assessment at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Largo revealed slight dissatisfaction scores on the Press Ganey survey for both the occupational therapy department and discharge planning processes. This quality improvement project, Take Charge for Therapy Discharge, implemented a two-session patient education protocol using the Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach. Using the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), participants identified and prioritized three therapy goals and rated their perceived current performance. Results demonstrated a significant difference between the participants’ PSFS pre and post-intervention scores. Patients’ improved self-perceived goal attainment scores served as evidence that, in addition to using …

Effects Of Patient Characteristics On Outpatient Rehabilitation Outcomes In Patients With Lumbar Impairments, Jenna Powers

Theses and Dissertations

Lumbar spine impairments affect an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living, making it pertinent to understand the importance of rehabilitation and variables influencing clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine variables (demographics, health conditions, and biopsychosocial) that contribute to larger functional status (FS) improvement for patients with lumbar spine impairments seeking outpatient rehabilitation therapy. This study was a secondary data analysis of data collected by FOTO Inc. (Knoxville, TN, USA). A sample of 221,168 participants with lumbar spine impairments were analyzed. Correlations were performed to examine the strength of the linear relationship between variables of …

Tips For Allied Health Professionals To Successfully Engage With Research: A Commentary, Siti Nurliyana Abdullah, Saravana Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

While allied health professionals are encouraged to engage with research, there are numerous challenges to do so in practice. In this commentary, we reflect on some of these challenges and provide some simple tips on strategies that can be used by allied health professionals to overcome these challenges. These tips may provide a starting point for allied health professionals to successfully engage with research.

Using Mobile Augmented Reality To Enhance Health Professional Practice Education, Bernie M. Garrett, Joseph Anthony, Cathryn Jackson

Current Issues in Emerging eLearning

The use of augmented reality (AR) as a new multimedia networking technology is increasing. An investigation was made of the value of using AR as a tool to support the teaching of clinical practice skills. A series of mobile AR resources were created for use on tablet computers and smartphones to supplement clinical skills teaching in the laboratory (using image recognition), and clinical practice (using geolocation). Undergraduate students in nursing, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy tested these resources in lab sessions, a location-based campus exercise, and during clinical practice experiences. Following this, a post-exposure web survey and focus group interviews were …

Overcoming Barriers By Doing Things Differently, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Tom Yendell, an artist based in Hampshire, England, provided the cover art for the Summer 2018 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Silk Flowers” is a mouth painting made from acrylic on silk. Born a bilateral congenital amputee, Tom has learned to use his toes the same ways others use their hands. Tom relies little on aids and adaptations in his everyday life. He believes learning to do things your own way is empowering. As a world-renowned mouth and foot painter, Tom is a living example of how barriers can be overcome by doing things differently. Through …

Development And Evaluation Of A Collaborative Model Level Ii Fieldwork Program, Annmarie T. Kinsella, Catherine V. Piersol

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This project developed a Collaborative Model Level II Fieldwork (CM-FWII) program to evaluate the effect of the program on fieldwork educator and student understanding of the model and changes in knowledge, perceptions, and satisfaction. Four fieldwork educators (FWEd) were recruited from two pediatric and two adult practice settings. Eight occupational therapy (OT) students met participation criteria and agreed to participate. A pre/post design was used to evaluate change in knowledge and perceptions. Satisfaction with the collaborative model (CM) was examined after the 12-week fieldwork rotation. Analysis procedures included a priori coding, calculation of frequency distributions, and thematic analysis of transcribed …

Use Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation In The Treatment Of Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Literature Review, Denise Justice, Jonathan Awori, Spencer Carlson, Kate W-C Chang, Lynda J-S Yang

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct a review of current literature on the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for restoring motion and function in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP).

Method: A database search was conducted for NMES articles published between 1947 and 2015. Pre and posttreatment data were extracted for muscle power, active range of motion (AROM), and morphometric measurements.

Results: An initial search yielded 2,721 articles. A further title/abstract review produced 27 articles; of these, four met the inclusion criteria. Treatment protocols varied. There were no changes in average Medical Research Council …

Women Family Members’ Experiences Of Involvement In Adult Inpatient Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Isabelle Savage, Mary Egan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) rehabilitation is an intensive process aimed at reducing disability. The experience of care is lived not only by the patient with TBI, but by the family as well.

Methods: Five women family members of patients with TBI were interviewed. Based on a descriptive qualitative approach informed by phenomenology, thematic analysis was completed to draw a general sense of family members’ description of their involvement.

Results: Two themes were identified: Wearing different hats and a balancing act, that highlight the many roles undertaken by the women family members as well as the difficulties …

They Said: A Global Perspective On Access To Assistive Technology, Angela K. Boisselle, Lenin C. Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

International experts in assistive technology from five global regions (South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Australia) and with affiliation to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) community were invited to share their perspectives on the delivery of assistive technology and provision of assistive products in their regions. Four common topics emerged from the experts: (a) user and environmental barriers; (b) policy, funding, and product access; (c) professional training, collaboration, and service delivery; and (d) occupational justice (i.e., empowerment, participation, and progress).

Emerging Opportunities: Lymphedema Management And The Potential For Surveillance Methods In A Primary Care Model, Claire Brummet, Nicole Chang, Kayleigh Odgear

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Heidi Shaffer, OTR/L, MSM, CLT-LANA at MultiCare-Gig Harbor was interested in how early intervention, namely intervening at Stage 0, related to better outcomes for oncology patients at risk of lymphedema. This question was developed from a desire to follow-up prior student research relating to the usefulness of the LDEX in lymphedema management, however current literature did not indicate the LDEX as an early intervention method. Although the authors did not exclude other types of cancer, the research only reflected breast cancer outcomes. Overall, strong evidence was found that exercise is not contraindicated for clients at risk of breast cancer related …

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Activity-Based Interventions And Rote Exercises In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Loren Burnett, Kelsey Tasoe, Kirsten Woodard

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Joette Jindra, OTR/L and director of rehabilitation at ManorCare in Tacoma, WA was interested in learning what type of interventions should be utilized by the therapists on her team. Therefore, the purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) was to examine the current literature on the effectiveness of activity-based intervention (meaningful or nonmeaningful) and rote exercise for improving physical performance outcomes in patients residing in skilled nursing facilities (SNF). The student researchers examined the literature on articles comparing the outcomes of activity-based interventions to those of rote exercise. Articles describing the outcomes of the two interventions independently were also examined. …

Efficacy Of Myofascial Release, Michelle Chait Ots, Erin Eaton Ots, Tiffany Farley Ots

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

In collaboration with Tomi Johnson and Domonique Herrin, hand therapists working in a MultiCare rehabilitation clinic, we sought to answer the question: In adults with upper extremity and cervical spine orthopedic and peripheral nerve conditions, does myofascial release (MFR) lead to functional outcomes (such as decreased pain or disability, or increased range of motion etc.), compared to therapeutic exercises, other manual therapeutic techniques, and/or modalities? Twenty-three research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included in our evaluation of the research. Based on our findings, moderate evidence exists to support the use of MFR in the upper extremity and its effectiveness …

Survey Of Sensory Diet Use Among California Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Morganne Peterson, Allison Hunt, Emily White

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of sensory diets in the field of occupational therapy. This study investigated the use of sensory diets among California occupational therapy practitioners. A mixed-methods design was used to collect data through an online survey. The survey was sent out to members of the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) and received 98 respondents within one month. Participants worked among various clinical settings and implemented sensory diets with various client populations. Practitioners reported using terms such as “sensory strategies,” “sensory tools,” and “sensory supports” which indicates an overall misunderstanding associated with …

Measuring Physiological Responses To Sensation In Typical Adults, Sarah Button, Kristen Christensen, Emily Minor

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Objective: Sensory processing issues can have a large negative impact on the ability to participate in daily occupations such as ADLs, access to work, school and leisure environments, and social interactions (Dunn, 2001). The evidence documenting sensory processing issues in adults is sparse. Physiological information can be used as objective evidence to support the claim that those with over-responsivity to sensations are experiencing their environment differently than the typical population. Understanding more about sensory processing in adults may lead to increased recognition of the problem and more opportunities for intervention to increase occupational participation. The purpose of this quantitative study …

Exposure To, Knowledge Of, And Interest In Occupational Therapy And Physical Therapy As Career Options, Prisca M. Collins, Cynthia Carr

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Lack of awareness and knowledge of the occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) professions has been cited as a barrier to consideration of these professions as career options. This study examined the types of exposure to, knowledge of, and career interest in OT and PT of students from underrepresented minority (URM) and non-Hispanic White and Asian American (NHW-AA) populations. A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 150 high school and undergraduate college students. Demographic data and student responses to questions regarding exposure to, knowledge of, and career interest in OT and PT were collected. Descriptive statistics and …

Reliability Of The Bulb Dynamometer For Assessing Grip Strength, Colleen Maher, Seoyoung Yoon, Shannon Donovan, Rochelle J. Mendonca

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Hand function is an overall indicator of health and is often measured using grip strength. Hand-held dynamometry is the most common method of measuring grip strength. The purpose of this study was to determine the inter-rater and test-retest reliability, the reliability of one trial versus three trials, and the preliminary norms for a young adult population using the Baseline^® Pneumatic Squeeze Bulb Dynamometer (30 psi).

Methods: This study used a one-group methodological design. One hundred and three healthy adults (30 males and 73 females) were recruited. Six measurements were collected for each hand per participant. The …

Informal Leadership In The Clinical Setting: Occupational Therapist Perspectives, Clark Patrick Heard, Jared Scott, Tanisha Mcginn, Emily Van Der Kamp, Amjad Yahia

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Leadership is vital to clinical, organizational, and professional success. This has compelled a high volume of research primarily related to formal leadership concepts. However, as organizations flatten, eliminate departmental structures, or decentralize leadership structures the relevance of informal leaders has markedly enhanced.

Methods: Using a qualitative phenomenological methodology consistent with interpretative phenomenological analysis, this study examines the impact of informal leadership in the clinical setting for occupational therapists. Data was collected through the completion of semi-structured interviews with 10 peer-identified informal occupational therapy leaders in Ontario, Canada. Collected data was transcribed verbatim and coded for themes by …

A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Developmental Milestones And Parental Experiences In Ghana, Kate G. Barlow, Stacey Reynolds

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Ghana currently lacks a systematic method for identifying children with developmental delays, and there do not appear to be any culturally sensitive assessment tools available. The objectives of this mixed-methods research study were to explore normal developmental milestones and parental practices in the Ghanaian population. The study also aimed to identify and describe culturally specific factors that should be accounted for on assessments used in the Ghanaian culture.

Methods: Twenty-eight Ghanaian parents were interviewed and asked to participate in a developmental milestone picture-identification task. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses were performed.

Results: The interviews revealed several cultural factors that …

Normative Or Heavy Clouds? Early Indicators Of Nonverbal Learning Disability Based On Mothers’ Reports, Sara Rosenblum, Michal Piran, Sonya Meyer, Dalia Sachs

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Children with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD) are verbally competent and particularly weak in nonverbal, visuospatial, and social abilities. Most of the literature about NVLD discusses the all-around functioning and diagnosis process during school years. In this qualitative study, the perceptions of mothers of children with NVLD were explored in the context of their children’s daily functioning characteristics during their first 3 years. The aim was to identify early indicators and warning signs of NVLD during the developmental process.

Method: Five mothers participated in two in-depth, semi-structured retrospective interviews.

Results: Two main themes were identified: (a) “Everything …

Lymphatouch As A Tool For Manual Lymph Drainage: A Therapist's Perspective, Karlie D. Kimball

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Lymphedema, swelling due to impaired flow of lymph fluid, is a result of interrupted lymph circulation of the lymphatic system (McLafferty, Hendry, & Farley, 2012). This project aims to review and synthesize literature regarding the physiology of the lymphatic system, treatment of lymphedema involving the use of manual lymph drainage (MLD), and technology advances in the use of negative pressure in treatment and intervention in lymph flow. In addition to the literature review and synthesis, one Certified Lymphedema Therapist and physical therapist will be interviewed and asked to provide commentary on her experience using an advanced technology, the LymphaTouch®.

The Magic Wand: A Case Study Of Chronic Neck Pain, Sandra L. Winkler

The Qualitative Report

Medications used to manage chronic pain have documented side effects including drug dependency, drug interaction, and adverse systemic reactions. This case study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to understand how one individual experienced chronic neck pain including pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Convenience sampling identified Ms. P, an individual with a 10-year history of chronic pain. The research questions were: “How does one individual with chronic neck pain describe their experience living with neck pain?” and “How does one individual with chronic neck pain manage their pain?” Three super-ordinate themes emerged: pain pervades everything, finding relief, and recovery. Findings suggest that living …

Co-Constructing Simulations With Learners: Roles, Responsibilities, And Impact, Diane E. Mackenzie, Kathleen E. Collins, Mylene J. Guimond, Abby C. Hunter, Kassia J. Jurcina, Johanna L. Mcdonald, Nikki L. Richards, Stephanie. H. Sinclair, Kelsey Y. Taylor

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Co-constructed simulations were designed and piloted with senior occupational therapy master’s students in a neurorehabilitation practice module. The instructor served as the guide for the students through all phases of the case creation, simulation development, delivery, and debrief. The instructor facilitation promoted self-regulated learning (SRL) of knowledge and skill development through independent discovery and peer learning. This paper provides an evidence-informed co-construction simulation design with outlined stages, roles, and responsibilities for the instructor and learner. Thematic qualitative analysis of student feedback highlighted enhanced insight and SRL as a result of multiple role preparation, observation and interaction with peers, close interaction …

Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educator Practices And Preferences In Clinical Education, Kaitlyn Ryan, Melanie Beck, Lee Ungaretta, Magdalena Rooney, Elaina Dalomba, Leamor Kahanov

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The shortage of clinical education fieldwork sites coupled with a concern over the quality of the required fieldwork experience poses an unintended outcome for the recent changes in the health care system and an increasing number of occupational therapy students. While the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) issues standards for fieldwork education, the quality of the experience is known to vary. The present study employed a mixed methods concurrent nested design with a quantitative online survey alongside qualitative individual semi-structured online interviews to examine the practices and preferences of fieldwork educators in Pennsylvania ACOTE accredited programs. From the …

Occupational Therapy Employers’ Perceptions Of Professionalism, Vicki C. Mason, Kathleen Mathieson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction survey, the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, and the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are affecting expectations of professionalism in health care. These initiatives and shifts in expectations are especially concerning for occupational therapists whose services historically have not been well understood.

Method: Eighteen supervisory and managerial occupational therapy practitioners were interviewed regarding perceptions of professionalism in occupational therapy employees. The semi-structured interview guide explored professionalism in occupational therapists’ interactions with patients and co-workers and in an employer’s organization. …

Evolution Of Practice: Life History Of Jeff Mcmenamy, Jenna Marton, Brittanie Schafer, Myah Vanwormer

Oral History Student Papers

The purpose of this qualitative Life History project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing occupational therapy in these two states. A onetime semi-structured interview was conducted with Jeff McMenamy, an occupational therapist in rural Wyoming. The questions were structured from an interview schedule that was provided by the project research directors, which was inspired by the Kawa model. In addition, the questions from the interview schedule were modified by the researchers to ask specific and applicable questions …

Admission Requirements And Practices In Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Programs, Patricia Bowyer, Cynthia Tiongco, L. Kaye Rubio, Judy Liu, Sandra M. Whisner

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

When establishing admission processes for entry-level doctoral programs, admission requirements for master-level programs provide a comparison for consideration. The purpose of this study was to provide information about admission practices for graduate-level occupational therapy programs. The three aims included: 1) to describe admission requirements of a sample of entry-level master’s programs; 2) to examine the relationship between attrition and admission requirements for the sample; and 3) to provide a summary of admission requirements used by entry-level master and doctoral programs in the United States. Results of the study provided a synthesis of information about admission requirements that included programs’ minimum …

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 …

Increasing Self-Efficacy Through Role Emerging Placements: Implications For Occupational Therapy Experiential Learning, Amy Mattila, Elizabeth D. Deiuliis, Ann B. Cook

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Fieldwork education is an essential component of occupational therapy curriculum design and student development. Today’s students are faced with a variety of challenges in the changing, diverse healthcare system, and educators need to ensure there are placements that best prepare them for these demands. Role emerging fieldwork offers an opportunity to not only meet the curricular requirements of fieldwork education, but also afford students the chance to develop confidence and skills unique to this kind of placement. The purpose of this explanatory case study was to explore graduate occupational therapy students’ self-efficacy before and after a Level I role emerging …

The Impact Of An Interprofessional Geriatric Training Experience: Attitudes Of Future Healthcare Providers, Lisa J. Knecht-Sabres, Minetta Wallingford, Michelle M. Lee, James F. Gunn, Esperanza M. Anaya, Sarah E. Getch, Nathaniel D. Krumdick, Gloria M. Workman

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

As the older adult population increases, it is vital to educate and train healthcare providers as members of interprofessional healthcare teams who can work effectively with these individuals. Ageism is a potential obstacle to achieving this goal. The purpose of this pre/post-test design pilot study was to determine the impact of an interprofessional geriatric training experience on the attitudes of future healthcare providers towards interprofessionalism and working with older adults. Sixteen graduate level students from occupational therapy and clinical psychology programs completed four interprofessional sessions with older adults residing in a long-term care facility. Quantitative data were gathered from pre/post-test …