Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Feeding Intervention Program For Teachers Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Capstone Proposal, Orin A. Frazier, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

04/14/2024

Orin A. Frazier

Feeding Intervention Program for Teachers of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Capstone Proposal

Dr. Jessica Alden, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

Nourishment plays a critical role in development. It is common for school-aged children to display selective eating. However, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience selective eating at a much higher rate. Inadequate nutrition may result in decreased ability to perform student occupations. This research addresses the need for accessible and personalized resources for educators to increase food exploration in students with ASD to enhance nutritional intake. The study focuses on the current competence of teachers …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Community Reintegration And Cultural Responsiveness Among African American/Black Adults With Major Clinical Depression, Walter Akoh, Felecia Banks

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Walter Akoh

The Role of Occupational Therapy, Community Reintegration and Cultural Responsiveness Among African American/Black Adults with Major Clinical Depression

Felecia M. Banks, PhD, MEd, OTR/L, FAOTA

Abstract:

This project explores the pivotal role of occupational therapy in fostering successful community reintegration outcomes among African American/Black adults grappling with major clinical depression. Depression, a prevalent mental health ailment, often impairs individuals' ability to carry out daily tasks, resulting in reduced engagement in preferred activities and diminished community participation (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Consequently, occupational therapy, renowned for its focus on empowering individuals to partake in meaningful occupations, holds promise for …

Resource Parent Educational Program: Promoting Life Skills For Successful Transition Into Adulthood, Alina Hernandez, Shanteria Carr

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Student Name: Alina Hernandez

Capstone Project Title: Resource Parent Educational Program: Promoting Life Skills for Successful Transition Into Adulthood

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shanteria Carr, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

Youth exiting out of foster care can often feel unprepared to transition into adulthood due to poor relational skills, self-regulation skills and independent living skills (Paul Ward, 2009). As of September 2021, there were 391,098 youth in the foster care system throughout the United States (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2022). In Washington, DC currently, there are 542 children and youth under Child and Family Services care (Child and …

The Importance Of Ot Home Modification Coordination Prior To Rehab Discharge: A Comprehensive Evaluation Tool, Jada Appling, Joylynne Wills

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/22/2025

Student Name: Jada L. Appling

Capstone Project Title: The Importance of OT home modification coordination prior to rehab discharge: A comprehensive evaluation tool

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Joylynn Wills, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

This 14-week capstone project was completed at Royal Park of Matthews Rehabilitation & Health Center, a skilled nursing rehabilitation and long-term care facility, with a focus on program development and advocacy. The overall goal of the capstone project was to provide a comprehensive home modification evaluation tool using an occupation-based approach to enhance health outcomes for community dwelling patients at Royal Park, discharging back home. The capstone …

Bridging The Communication Gap: Empowering Occupational Therapists To Support Limited English Proficiency Families Of Children With Learning Disabilities Or Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Ester Eugene, Phyllis Ross

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/16/2025

Student Name: Esther Eugene

Capstone Project Title: Bridging the Communication Gap: Empowering Occupational Therapists to Support Limited English Proficiency Families of Children with Learning Disabilities or Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Phyllis Ross, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CLT, CAPS

Abstract:

This capstone project aims to bridge the communication gap between occupational therapists and parents with limited English proficiency (LEP) to empower them with the knowledge and tools necessary to support their child's development. By illuminating the challenges non-Englishspeaking families face, this project proposes tangible solutions to foster effective communication and collaboration between therapists and parents. The project focuses …

Occupational Therapy’S Holistic Role In Student-Athletes’ Well-Being, Malik Hyatt, Phyllis Ross

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/16/2024

Student Name: Malik Hyatt

Capstone Project Title: Occupational Therapy’s Holistic Role in Student-Athletes’ Well-Being

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Phyllis Ross, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CLT

Abstract:

Student-athletes encounter various challenges as they strive to balance academic demands and athletic commitments, impacting their mental resilience and overall well-being. This study explores the array of obstacles faced by student-athletes and emphasizes the crucial role occupational therapists can play in providing comprehensive support for their success on and off the field. Through a thorough assessment of needs, this project seeks to illuminate the intricate challenges and develop a toolkit covering …

Occupational Therapy (Ot) Programs At Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus): A Closer Look At Diversity Equity And Inclusion, Diarra Simmons, Felecia Banks

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/14/2025

Student Name: Diarra Simmons

Capstone Project Title: Occupational Therapy (OT) Programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): A Closer Look at Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Felicia Moore Banks, PhD, M.Ed, OTR/L FAOTA

Abstract:

Underrepresented populations, specifically minorities in the profession of occupational therapy, must be proliferated to align with the population that, in a few years, will be dominated by this demographic. The change however begins when individuals within this group complete educational programs to become registered occupational therapists. To enter the field of occupational therapy requires completing a master’s degree or a …

The Development Of A Continuing Education Module For Occupational Therapy Practitioners On Gender Diverse Individuals With Physical Disabilities, Madison Oberg, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/14/2025

Student Name: Madison Oberg

Capstone Project Title: The Development of a Continuing Education Module for Occupational Therapy Practitioners on Gender Diverse Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Jessica Alden., OTD, OTR/L,

Abstract:

With the increasing awareness and number of gender diverse individuals in the United States, in combination with the current political climate, leads to historic and continuing medical discrimination through refusal of care, lack of education, or legal barriers to care. With occupational therapy’s emphasis on holistic care, it is important to improve the educational content for gender diverse individuals’ care for occupational therapists to apply …

Feeding Intervention Program For Teachers Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Capstone Proposal, Orin Frazier, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/14/2025

Student Name: Orin A. Frazier

Capstone Project Title: Feeding Intervention Program for Teachers of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Capstone Proposal

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

Nourishment plays a critical role in development. It is common for school-aged children to display selective eating. However, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience selective eating at a much higher rate. Inadequate nutrition may result in decreased ability to perform student occupations. This research addresses the need for accessible and personalized resources for educators to increase food exploration in students with ASD to enhance nutritional …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Community Reintegration And Cultural Responsiveness Among African American/Black Adults With Major Clinical Depression, Walter Akoh, Felecia Banks

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 4/14/2025

Student Name: Walter Akoh

Capstone Project Title: The Role of Occupational Therapy, Community Reintegration and Cultural Responsiveness Among African American/Black Adults with Major Clinical Depression

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Felecia M. Banks, PhD, MEd, OTR/L, FAOTA

Abstract:

This project explores the pivotal role of occupational therapy in fostering successful community reintegration outcomes among African American/Black adults grappling with major clinical depression. Depression, a prevalent mental health ailment, often impairs individuals' ability to carry out daily tasks, resulting in reduced engagement in preferred activities and diminished community participation (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Consequently, occupational therapy, renowned for its focus on …

The Impact Of Art Based Interventions On Self-Regulation In Children With Autism, Kianna Bennett, Joylynne Wills

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/22/2025

Student Name: Kiana Bennett

Capstone Project Title: The Impact of Art based Interventions on Self-Regulation in children with Autism

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joylynne Wills, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

This program development proposes a comprehensive toolkit with the use of Art Intervention within the practice of Occupational Therapy, to help improve self-regulation skills. The purpose is to create an intervention model to help enhance self-regulation skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using art and the Zones of Regulation as the intervention. Various art-based activities will be used as an intervention such as drawing, clay, and mixed media. …

Bridging The Communication Gap: Empowering Occupational Therapists To Support Limited English Proficiency Families Of Children With Learning Disabilities Or Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Esther Eugene, Phyllis Ross

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/16/2024

Esther Eugene

Bridging the Communication Gap: Empowering Occupational Therapists to Support Limited English Proficiency Families of Children with Learning Disabilities or Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Phyllis Ross, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CLT, CAPS

Abstract:

This capstone project aims to bridge the communication gap between occupational therapists and parents with limited English proficiency (LEP) to empower them with the knowledge and tools necessary to support their child's development. By illuminating the challenges non-Englishspeaking families face, this project proposes tangible solutions to foster effective communication and collaboration between therapists and parents. The project focuses on the diverse population of …

Occupational Therapy’S Holistic Role In Student-Athletes’ Well-Being, Malik Hyatt, Phyllis Ross

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

04/16/2024

Malik Hyatt

Occupational Therapy’s Holistic Role in Student-Athletes’ Well-Being

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Phyllis Ross, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CLT

Student-athletes encounter various challenges as they strive to balance academic demands and athletic commitments, impacting their mental resilience and overall well-being. This study explores the array of obstacles faced by student-athletes and emphasizes the crucial role occupational therapists can play in providing comprehensive support for their success on and off the field. Through a thorough assessment of needs, this project seeks to illuminate the intricate challenges and develop a toolkit covering essential areas like goal setting, stress management, time management, study …

Medicine Men: Medicine Match A Program To Increase Male Participation In Targeted Areas Of The Healthcare Field, Anthony Paul Huffman

Honors Projects

The Medicine Men program addresses the imbalance in gender representation in low and middle-level healthcare careers. The program uses a website named Medicine Match to achieve this goal, which offers shadowing, talking, and additional resources with verified medical professionals. Medicine Match provides an engaging platform for individuals interested in exploring healthcare careers. The program's methodology involves creating connections between aspiring professionals, following the path of role models, fostering a sense of community, and educating and empowering target populations. Through a theoretical test and analysis, Medicine Men seeks to demonstrate its efficacy in increasing interest, knowledge, and comfort among male students …

Exploration Of Enterococcus Faecalis Bacteriophages Diversity: Comprehensive Phylogenetic Analysis And Discovery Isolation Of Enterococcus Faecalis Phage From A Soil Sample In South Florida, Hailey N. Jauernick

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, and vagina of humans, which can transition to pathogenic states, leading to diverse infections. Many E. faecalis infections are becoming progressively challenging to treat, stemming from the lack of effective antibiotic therapies against its virulence factors, including biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Phage therapy emerges as a promising alternative, targeting bacteria with minimal impact on host flora. However, despite phages' ubiquitous presence and potential applications in medicine and biotechnology, their diversity and ecological niches are vastly understudied. Here, we investigated the diversity of sequenced E. faecalis phages …

Maternal Depression And Phone Use Around Their Children: A Phone Tracking And Daily Survey Study, Brandon T. Mcdaniel Phd, Brooklyn Coleman, Victor P. Cornet Ms, Lauren Reining, Rebecca Tegiacchi, Zachary Kaiser

Health Services and Informatics Research

Previous research has connected phone use with mood and depressive symptoms but has typically relied on self-report measures of phone use. The current study examined the potential connection between objectively tracked phone use and self-reported depressive symptoms among 42 U.S. mothers with a young child (M age = 2.34 years). Their phone use was measured continuously for 5 days via an app installed on their smartphones, and mothers also completed a nightly survey each day. Mothers spent an average of 4.73 hours on their phone each day (SD = 2.87; Range = 0.70 - 13.59), and maternal phone use occurred …

Endocarditis: A Review Of Recent Literature, Scott Dale, Zaid Tayyem, Steven Maceyko

Jefferson Hospital Staff Papers and Presentations

Purpose of Review

Endocarditis remains a challenging diagnosis, with significant implications for early identification and initiation of therapy. In this review, we examine the evolution in the epidemiology and presentation of infectious endocarditis (IE), the role of new diagnostic tools, and the approach to therapy.

Recent Findings

Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species remain the most common causative organisms, but the prevalence of IE caused by enterococcus and non-HACEK organisms is increasing. While newer antibiotics such as dalbavancin have shown promise, treatment must still be tailored on an individual basis. Evidence suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent IE be limited to high-risk …

Effect Of Advanced Patient Scheduling On Patient-And Resident Continuity, Michael Schulte, Hannah Christiansen

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Universal Depression Screenings In The High School Setting, Telisha Anthony Msn, Fnp-Bc, Jennifer Thorsen Bsn, Rn, Jackie Sharp Dnp, Pmhnp-Bc, Sharon Little Dnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Depression in adolescents is rising each year. Early detection of depression has been shown to result in better health outcomes and success in school. This scoping review aims to evaluate the implementation of universal depression screenings in the high school setting and how this detection of depression and initiation of treatment.

Methods

From August 2022 to November 2023, we used the Medline, PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO databases, using specific keywords related to depression in adolescents. Of the 38 articles found, 10 were chosen after extensive article critique. The publication dates ranged from 2014-2023, were full-text, and from …

Comprehensive Guidance For The Prevention Of Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Joint Arthroplasty And Pitfalls In The Prevention, Javad Parvizi, Yonghan Cha, Emanuele Chisari, Kangbaek Kim, Kyung-Hoi Koo

Rothman Institute Papers

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a surgical procedure, in which parts of damaged joints are removed and replaced with a prosthesis. The main indication of TJA is osteoarthritis, and the volume of TJA is rising annually along with the increase of aged population. Hip and knee are the most common joints, in which TJAs are performed. The TJA prosthesis is composed of metal, plastic, or ceramic device. Even though TJA is the most successful treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis, it is associated with various complications, and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most serious complication after TJA. With the increasing volume …

Introducing An Evidence-Based Copd Care Bundle To Reduce Readmission Rates: A Quality Improvement Project, Michael Distasio

DNP Projects

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and debilitating lung condition, and a leading cause of readmission following an acute exacerbation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP) determines reimbursement penalties to hospitals when patients admitted with acute exacerbation of COPD are readmitted for any reason within 30 days of discharge. A regional medical facility (MF) identified 30-day readmission rates for COPD patients as a key improvement metric. Several gaps in the standardized care of patients with COPD on a pulmonary-focused medical-surgical unit (MSU) identified by key unit stakeholders provided impetus for …

Effect Of The Mediterranean Diet On Type 2 Diabetes In Teens/Young Adults, Megan Herrera, Taylor Folwark, Christine Marti-Milward, Madison Benjamin

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition affecting roughly 422 million people worldwide. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that occurs when there are elevated blood sugar levels for long periods of time which could lead to damage within the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes, and nervous system. T2D occurs due to the body’s resistance to insulin or insufficient production of insulin. T2D is prevalent among adults, but as time continues, a larger number of teens/young adults are being diagnosed with this condition. As research advances, there is evidence that indicates pharmacological treatments can be used to positively affect T2D. …

Implementation Of Telemedicine In A Level Iii Nicu To Reduce Transfer Of Infants, Jennifer L. Welch

MSN Capstone Projects

In July 2012, a hospital located in North Texas opened its 9 bed Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Level II NICU is limited to the admission of infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks and above. There has been tremendous growth and expansion of the NICU resulting in an expansion to 13 licensed beds and gaining Level III NICU designation in 2017. Level III designation enables the care of infants that are 23 weeks or greater and have more complex medical conditions to be cared for. In the current competitive market of health care services, it is …

Impact Of Baby Friendly On Exclusive Breastfeeding: Befriending Baby Friendly, Constance Z. Townson

MSN Capstone Projects

Unless you have personally breastfed a newborn baby or tried to help a struggling breastfeeding mother, chances are you would think breastfeeding is not only natural but comes easily. Breastfeeding is indeed a natural progression following delivery; however, various things can play a role in the success of a mother and newborn baby trying to breastfeed. Issues such as feeding position, waking a sleepy newborn, mothers not recognizing newborn hunger cues, a full day of well-meaning visitors impeding skin-to-skin time with mom, or delayed feedings are just a handful. Sometimes, breastfeeding is so difficult that moms who want to breastfeed …

A Plan To Improve Sleep During Critical Care Hospital Stay, Andrea Nutting

MSN Capstone Projects

The purpose of this paper is to bring awareness and possible solutions to the ongoing issue of sleep deprivation in hospitalized patients, specifically patients in the intensive care unit. Sleep deprivation can lead to delay in healing, and therefore delay in discharge. There are also many other issues that coincide with sleep deprivation, such as risk for development of delirium and lack of motivation to participate in care. The ICU is a constant state of distress for not only the staff, but also the family members and ultimately the patient. The stressful environment can inhibit relaxation needed to sleep, which …

Increased Venous Access With Ultrasound Guided Ultralong Iv Placement, Daniel Purifoy

MSN Capstone Projects

Maintaining intravenous (IV) access is a vital part of providing care in critical care areas of nursing. It allows for continuous therapies, blood draws, complicated scans, and emergency treatment when needed. There are current procedures for obtaining IV access that are guaranteed to have a successful attempt and placement of a long catheter in a deeper vein. Patients that have been determined to have difficult venous access have proven to lose access quickly with an IV catheter of less than 3.18cm in length (Moy & Keeyapaj, 2017). These difficulties can cause monetary loss to the patients and hospitals, and damage …

Oma1-Mediated Mitochondrial Dynamics Balance Organellar Homeostasis Upstream Of Cellular Stress Responses, Robert Gilkerson, Harpreet Kaur, Omar Carrillo, Isaiah Ramos

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

In response to cellular metabolic and signaling cues, the mitochondrial network employs distinct sets of membrane-shaping factors to dynamically modulate organellar structures through a balance of fission and fusion. While these organellar dynamics mediate mitochondrial structure/function homeostasis, they also directly impact critical cell-wide signaling pathways such as apoptosis, autophagy, and the integrated stress response (ISR). Mitochondrial fission is driven by the recruitment of the cytosolic dynamin-related protein-1 (DRP1), while fusion is carried out by mitofusins 1 and 2 (in the outer membrane) and optic atrophy-1 (OPA1) in the inner membrane. This dynamic balance is highly sensitive to cellular stress; when …

Modern Approaches To Treating Hospital Acquired Infections: An Overview Of Current Treatments Using Antibiotics And New Therapies Centered Around Photo-Activated Porphyrins, Meghan Johns

Senior Honors Theses

Annually, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. and impose a great economic burden. The current problem is further exacerbated due to the failure of traditional treatment strategies considering the rise in antimicrobial resistance rates. Besides the fact that antimicrobial resistances complicates clinical treatment strategies, patients are also more vulnerable to secondary infections and complications from prolonged antibiotic use. As a result, research investigating novel treatment strategies for bacterial infections has recently increased. A strategy using porphyrin-based compounds is showing promise. Porphyrins and their derivatives have exhibited bactericidal effects against Gram-positive bacteria by the destruction …

Predictive And Prognostic Biomarkers And Tumor Antigens For Targeted Therapy In Urothelial Carcinoma, Aditya Eturi, Amman Bhasin, Kevin Zarrabi, William Tester

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the fourth most prevalent cancer amongst males worldwide. While patients with non-muscle-invasive disease have a favorable prognosis, 25% of UC patients present with locally advanced disease which is associated with a 10-15% 5-year survival rate and poor overall prognosis. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is associated with about 50% 5 year survival when treated by radical cystectomy or trimodality therapy; stage IV disease is associated with 10-15% 5 year survival. Current therapeutic modalities for MIBC include neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery and/or chemoradiation, although patients with relapsed or refractory disease have a poor prognosis. However, the rapid success of …

Barriers To Dental Utilization Among Medicaid-Enrolled Young Children From Primary Care Practices In Northeast Ohio, David Selvaraj, Neel Agarwal, Jeffrey M. Albert, Suchitra Nelson

Faculty Scholarship

Objectives: To evaluate the individual and community factors that contribute to dental utilization among young children on Medicaid utilizing the Anderson Model and the Socio-Ecological Framework. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data (socio-demographics, clinical dental need) from a cluster-randomized hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial among 1021 child–parent dyads recruited from primary care practices across northeast Ohio. The baseline data were then linked to dental Medicaid claims data (categorized as any dental visit, volume, and type in the past 12 months) and ICD-10 codes from the child's EHR data (individual-level) together with Dental Health Provider Shortage Area (HPSA) status …