Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Examining The Effects Of Adaptive Outdoor Recreation For Individuals With Disabilities: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Georgi Neuser Bs, Ot/S, Sheridan Ferland Otd, Otr/L, Sara Rosell-Gavigan Rtc, Ctrs

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Background:

Adaptive Recreation: Generally defined as the concept where individuals with varying disabilities are granted the same opportunity to participate in recreational activities as non-disabled individuals through adaptations and modifications (Menzes, 2018).

• Research indicates significant benefits of participation, such as:

• An increase in social opportunities & feelings of accomplishment (Manritsakis et al., 2019)

• An increase in participants' physical health (Labbé et al., 2019) • An increase in participants’ emotional well-being (Menzies et al., 2021; Manritsakis et al., 2019)

• Limited research from an occupational therapy perspective.

Research Aim & Purpose:

• To gather qualitative data on participants’ …

A Sensory Approach To Working With Youth Who Have Experienced Sexual Trauma, Madison Fonseca Bs, Ots, Andrea Fairman Ph.D., Otr/L, Cprp, Atp

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Background:

• Stevens Treatment Programs (STP) is a residential treatment facility that specialized in adolescent males with extensive sexual trauma histories. (Stevens Treatment Programs, 2023)

• Individuals with psychiatric conditions typically have different sensory needs than the "normative" sample. (Brown et al., 2020)

• Multi-sensory environments increased prosocial behaviors such as active participation while decreasing distress and discomfort (Breslin et al., 2020)

• Observed differences in behaviors of criminal/psychiatrically diagnosed youth when given controlled or achievement-oriented leisure activities. (Quake-Rapp, 2008)

• Effective engagement is a protective factor that helps young offenders from engaging in illegal activities as passive time-out leisure …

Driving Simulation Off-Road Screening For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Jake Davis Bs, Ot/S, Andrea Fairman Ph.D., Mot, Otr/L, Atp, Drp

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Driving is a cornerstone to an individual's independence and allows for participation in many occupations. There is a need for off-road driving screenings in Rhode Island that is not currently being met. This project aimed to address this community gap by providing off-road driving screenings. Five individuals were included in the project with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To conduct the off-road driving screenings, the Occupational Therapy Driver Off-Road Assessment Battery (OT-DORA) and a driving simulator were used. Individuals participated in two to three approximately one-hour long sessions at Johnson & Wales College of Health & Wellness building. At the …

The Impact Of New-Parent Support Groups On Occupational Balance And Well-Being, Gina Orazietti Ot/S, Tania Rose Otd, Otr/L, Monique Deroche Imh-E

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Background:

• 1/8 women and 1/10 men experienced postpartum depressive symptoms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022a; CDC, 2022b)
• 1/5 of women did not discuss postpartum depression during a prenatal exam (CDC, 2022a)
• 1/2 of pregnant women with postpartum depression were not being treated (CDC, 2022a)
• About half of all maternal deaths occur after delivery (Declercq & Zephyrin, 2020) 
• 12 weeks of support are recommended but only 1 postpartum visit before week 12 is required (Lopez-Gonzales & Kopparapu, 2022).
• New parents report feelings of having less support (Ketner et al., 2019) 
• Improving mothers’ social support and sense of competence …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Sex Education For Staff Working With Adults With I/Dd, Molly Gould B.S., Ot/S, Kathryn Burke Otd, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

This project investigated the attitudes and knowledge regarding SRH (sexual reproductive health) of staff working closely with adults with IDD (intellectual developmental disability).

How can comprehensive sex education impact the attitudes and knowledge of direct service providers working with adults with I/DD?

The Benefits Of Yoga And Mindfulness In Supporting Preschool Children’S Social-Emotional Development, Melany Kurczewski B.S., Tania Rose Otd, Otr/L, Ruby Perry B.S., B.A.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Research Question, Purpose, and Aim:

PIO Question: How do yoga and mindfulness-based interventions benefit preschool aged children in their social-emotional development?

Purpose: To identify social-emotional learning activities that promote positive development for preschool-aged children. Positive social-emotional development will then assist children with social participation, education, play, and participation in ADL’s and IADL’s as they continue to develop.

Aim: To identify the benefits of yoga and mindfulness-based programs assisting preschool aged children’s social-emotional development.

Applying An Occupational Therapy Approach To Developing Trauma-Informed, Anti-Racist Pelvic Health Networking Workshops, Nora Hall Bs, Ot/S, Rachel Ohene Mot, Otr/L, Ceds, Kathryn Burke Otd, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Research Question, Aim, and Purpose:

Question: Does a pelvic health occupational therapy-based BIPOC & anti-racist provider networking lunch & learn improve understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction, how it impacts birthing people and ways to support those experiencing it?

Aim: To determine how this workshop can help participants increase knowledge of trauma-informed pelvic health and find areas for improvement.

Purpose: To provide and apply an occupational therapy perspective to create a trauma-informed anti-racist provider networking workshop for providers & community partners.

Examining The Effects Of A Psychoeducation Program On Parkinson’S Disease Care Partner Engagement At Rock Steady Boxing, Francesca Laurenza Ots, Sheridan Ferland Otd, Otr/L, Carolyn Kosiba-Quiterio Cpt, Crs, Cgx, Csf

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Background & Purpose:

• 1 million people in the United States living with Parkinson’s disease.

• 84% of people with PD report having a care partner who provides a wide range of support.

• Care partner engagement: defined as care partners participating in activities with the individual receiving care.

• Can produce beneficial patient outcomes

• Care partner engagement at RSBEG as of 2023:

• 2-3 care partners participating in class

• Limited participation in support groups

• Care partners drop off at the door

• Purpose: Implement a psychoeducation program for Parkinson’s disease care partners at RSBEG to increase …

Client And Caregiver Training Strategies For The Adoption, Use And Maintenance Of Mainstream Smart Home Technologies, Palma Foschi Walko Ots, Andrea Fairman Ph.D., Mot, Otr/L, Atp, Drp, Dan Ding Phd

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Background:

• There is a lack of training and an established protocol in the service delivery process for persons to implement mainstream smart home technology (MSHT). Also, the shortage of client-centeredness in service delivery leads to device abandonment (Wright et al., 2022).

• Programs that train the client as part of the service delivery process have been most effective (Harris et al., 2018).

• Thus, persons are unable to reach their full potential of increased independence (Jamwal et al., 2018).

• Occupational Therapy Practitioners (OTP) uniquely understand clients’ personal factors to recommend MSHT. There is a lack of occupational therapists …

Nature-Based Interventions To Support Well-Being In Adolescents, Morgan Becker B.S., Ot/S, Sheridan Ferland Otd, Otr/L, Bethany Horne Otd, Ms, Otr/L,

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Research Question: Do nature-based interventions support the mental health and emotional regulation of adolescents with trauma or a mental health diagnosis?

Aim: To increase overall well-being of adolescents assigned female at birth through utilization of sensory strategies and nature-based interventions, supported by evidence of existing literature.

Purpose: To identify how the use of nature, when combined with identified sensory strategies, impacts emotional regulation.

Improving Health Literacy Through Revision Of Educational Materials For Pelvic Health Considerations During Labor & Birth, Stephanie Duzy Ba, Ot/S, Kathryn Burke Otd, Otr/L, Lisa Charron Pt, Dpt

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Literature Review:

• Patient inability to comprehend written healthcare information is a communication barrier (Jager et al., 2019). 
• A systematic review of health literacy in pregnant women found that patients need adequate access, understanding, and the ability to apply information (Nawabi et al., 2021). 
• Helping patients understand health information reduces risk of negative outcomes (Foster et al., 2016). 

For obstetric patients, does applying health literacy principles improve readability of patient education materials?

Impact Of ‘Prioritizing You’ Self-Care Program For Adult Female Survivors Of Domestic Violence, Synclaire Mitchell B.S, Ots, Andrea Fairman Ph.D., Mot, Otr/L, Atp, Drp, Janice Hamlin Msw

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Objective & Research Questions:

Objective: To develop a program that would address the occupational needs of survivors of DV to support NBTS in preparing the residents for independent living.

Question: How does implementing an occupation-based program improve the following for survivors of DV? • Coping skills • Occupational performance & satisfaction • Self-efficacy for independent living skills

Examining The Effects Of A Psychoeducational Program To Minimize Symptoms Of Parkinson’S Disease Care Partner Burnout, Nicole Graves B.S, Ot/S, Sheridan Ferland Otd, Otr/L, Carolyn Kosiba-Quiterio Cpt, Crs, Cgx, Csf

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Background:

Due to progressive nature of disease, Person with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD) will require increased assistance from a care partner.

Care Partner Burnout: a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, in which the person exhibits changes in their attitude and decreased life satisfaction.

Symptoms: withdrawn, easily irritable, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, neglecting personal hygiene & health, and fatigue.

Purpose:

1. Advocate for the well-being of the care partners at Rock Steady Boxing East Greenwich

2. Determine the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention program geared toward the management of care partner (CP) burnout symptom

Peer Support To Enhance Safe Alcohol Use In University Students: A Quality Improvement Project, Kerri Reynolds

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: College is a period of transition to adulthood where many students experiment with alcohol consumption. Peer educators can bring access to evidence-based alcohol consumption education through student-centric strategies. This quality improvement project aimed to implement an evidence-based training program for college peer educators followed by the delivery of campus alcohol education in a six week period. Feasible ideas for sustainable college peer educator training were generated at this medium-sized public university. The impact of training on six peer educators’ self-reported professional leadership skills, knowledge, and confidence was measured.

METHODS: The Certified Peer Educator (CPE) training program (NASPA) was used …

Integrating Behavioral Health Into Family Medicine: Improving Access To Specialty Care Using A Collaborative Care Model, Christina Stephens

DNP Scholarly Projects

Primary care, an extensive of family medicine remains a key access point for patients entering the healthcare system. Accessing medical care and specialty psychiatric services is limited in rural communities. Patients often find exhaustive wait times, untimely referrals, and reliance on emergency services for crisis management. The primary care provider is able to help their community improve access to behavioral health care by using a collaborative approach. This quality improvement initiative used the framework produced by the AIMS Center at the University of Washington and adopted for use creating an 8-week intensive program in a family medical practice located in …

Empowering Nurse Leaders To Achieve Harmony: Fostering Work-Life Balance, Gilberto Gamba

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Balancing professional and personal life demands has become a focal point in today’s healthcare organizational culture. Despite the technological advances in providing better and faster healthcare, team members often struggle to achieve work-life harmony while meeting the demands of a growing population of healthcare clients. The evidence highlights nurse leaders as one group for which the identification and implementation of work-life balance interventions is crucial.

METHODS: An original tool based on available evidence was developed and used with a group of nurse leaders participating in an educational activity to engage them in behaviors supporting work-life harmony. A post-educational survey …

Optimizing The Assisted Living Experience: Integration Of Value-Based Care To Foster Augmented Resident-Centered Quality, Jennette Pietrzak

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Fee-for-Service models are quantity-focused reactive approaches and have historically been at the forefront of healthcare. Value-based models focus on proactive, resident-centered care that is aimed at quality care over quantity. Implementation of ValueBased Care models can positively impact healthcare and fiscal outcomes

Purpose: The quality improvement project aimed to develop, integrate, and implement a valuebased model in Memory Care as an alternative to traditional Fee-for-Service models. The project aimed to improve key performance indicators by reducing hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and falls following the implementation of Value-Based Care (VBC) models.

Method: Data metrics for hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and …

Evaluating The Impact Of Simulation On Perceived Knowledge And Confidence Of New Graduate Nurses (Ngns) In Maternal-Newborn Care, Disa Seymour

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Nursing education worldwide varies in duration and training process, with nurses often facing rapid immersion into patient care complexities when entering the workforce. While new nurses contribute significantly to the nursing community with contemporary knowledge, their transition to practice can be daunting, necessitating support for both competence and retention. As specialty care settings integrate more new graduate nurses (NGNs) to address workforce shortages, collaboration between leaders and educators becomes crucial. Simulation emerges as a vital tool in building confidence while learning, offering a safe space for skill development and growth of confidence.

Purpose: This project’s objective was to …

Impact Of Personal Continuous Glucose Monitor Use During Hospitalization On Rates Of Hypoglycemia And Provider Confidence, Rebecca Longo

DNP Scholarly Projects

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are an essential tool for managing diabetes in the outpatient setting, helping individuals achieve glucose goals. However, CGMs are not currently FDA-approved for use in the hospital setting. Despite this limitation, many individuals continue using their personal CGM during hospitalization or begin using them prior to discharge if the care team believes the technology will support glucose management during and after leaving the hospital.

This project aimed to evaluate whether individuals using personal CGMs during hospitalization experienced less hypoglycemia and whether reviewing CGM data could improve provider confidence in insulin dosing. While initiating CGM use during …

Enhanced Neuroprotection And Neuropromotion In Extremely Premature Infants Through Mindful Hands-On Care And Increased Family Involvement, Kristen Sergott

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Medical breakthroughs including antenatal corticosteroids and exogenous surfactants have improved survival in extremely premature and extremely low birth weight (EP-ELBW) infants. Currently, babies as young as 22 weeks’ gestation are being actively resuscitated and provided with intensive care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) around the world. As a consequence of premature delivery, fragile and immature newborns are at risk for significant morbidities affecting their multiple organ systems. Additionally, such infants encounter neurodevelopmental trauma induced by recurrent stressful experiences ubiquitous to the NICU. Postnatal stress contributes to alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and is associated with alterations in …

The Impact Of Language Preference & Health Literacy On Home Exercise Program Adherence Among Outpatients In Hand Clinics, Samantha Lemus Ot/S, Kathryn Burke Otd, Otr/L, Laura Thibeau Mot/L, Cht

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones

Objectives:

Aim: To increase quality care through improving HEP adherence & comprehension with the use of health literacy strategies and language accessibility Research

Question: What is the Impact of Language Preference & Health Literacy on Home Exercise Program Adherence Among Outpatients in Hand Clinics?

Program Evaluation Case Study: Infectious Disease Reporting Training Program Evaluation, Emily Sekkath Veedu

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) has developed an educational program aimed at Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) health and athletics staff members to ensure timely reporting and action in the event of an infectious disease outbreak (4). The program was implemented after a methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak occurred in a Kentucky community, with a high school football team presenting several of the cases (4). It was noted by a school nurse that many people attending an informational session lacked knowledge regarding infection control, suggesting a need for intervention in this community. I have evaluated this program in the …

Recent Trends In Stimulant Prescribing In Kentucky, 2021-2023, Jordan Shannon

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Abstract

Introduction

Prescription stimulants have a long history of clinical use dating as far back as the 1930s. In the United States stimulant prescribing rates have steadily climbed over the last 3 decades. The primary objective is to describe recent (2021-2023) prescribing trends of stimulant medications in the Commonwealth of Kentucky

Methods

Prescription data collected from Kentucky’s prescription drug monitoring (PDMP) database known as the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System (KASPER). Annual and quarterly trends in stimulant prescribing between 2021-2023 were calculated, examined by age, sex, and geographic location.

Results

Stimulant prescribing increased by ~15% where the majority …

An Integrative Somatic Art Therapy Approach: Emdr & Body-Based Practices For Traumatic Stress, Alexis Sorbara

Art Therapy | Doctoral Dissertations

This research project used a mixed method, within subject design to explore how trauma-informed somatic art therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy impacts symptoms of trauma and burnout. There is limited qualitative research on integrating art therapy with EMDR in a group setting. Art therapy can act as a container, or safe holding environment (Winnicott, 1971) for the limitations of EMDR therapy. This research addressed the implications of integrating art therapy and EMDR therapy as a trauma treatment for healthcare professionals. This research study followed the eight phases of EMDR treatment, using a combination of resourcing, a series …

Implementation Of Unit-Based Preceptor Orientation: The Effects On Perceived Orientee Competence And Self-Confidence Of The Precepting Cvicu Nurse, Laura K. Marcum

DNP Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess how unit-specific preceptor training impacted the perceived readiness of new graduate nurses, self-confidence of preceptors, and the correlated job satisfaction.

Background: The nurse attrition rate is resulting in inexperience at the bedside. Nursing inexperience leads to lower quality patient care. If improving the efficiency of training and education can improve perceived readiness, then in turn we can increase the longevity of our new nurses. Improving the longevity of nurses has significant implications on the budget of each hospital, the patient outcomes, and the staff’s resulting job satisfaction.

Methods: New graduate nurse …

Say No To Drugs: Nonpharmacologic Interventions For Preventing Delirium In Critically Ill Patients Intubated & Sedated In A Pediatric Icu, Jessica C. Ellzey

DNP Projects

Background. Delirium is an acute clinical syndrome that is characterized by features of disrupted arousal, attention, cognition, sleep, and perception. Delirium is a well-documented phenomenon in critical care settings in both adult and pediatric populations, particularly among patients with length of stay greater than or equal to 48 hours. Delirium has multiple adverse effects, including increased mortality rate, prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, higher reintubation rates, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) admission, prolonged hospital admission, short- and long-term cognitive impairment, and posttraumatic stress disorder. There are currently no accepted guidelines or FDA approved medications to treat ICU delirium in the …

Evaluating Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Regarding Language Access Services In The Clinical Setting, Rachel Archibald

DNP Projects

Background: Barriers to accessing and understanding healthcare can place patients with low English proficiency at an increased risk of poor health outcomes. Language-based inequities in healthcare exist due to lack of interpretation and translation services available, lack of healthcare workers’ knowledge of resources, and/or perceptions that these services require too much time or effort. Failing to address barriers affecting this population leaves them vulnerable in the healthcare setting.

Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to educate nurses, providers, and staff on an inpatient unit at a rural hospital of the language interpretation resources available, best practices for implementation, …

Evaluating The Effect Of Sleep Hygiene Education On Sleep Quality Among First-Year College Students, Caroline Lowe Cunningham

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends college students should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Only one-third currently meet this recommendation. Poor sleep negatively affects academic performance, mood, and interpersonal relationships. Sleep hygiene is recommended to improve sleep quality and quantity.

Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to determine the effect of implementing a sleep hygiene educational intervention in classes intended for first-year college students at the University of Kentucky.

Methods: This quasi-experimental project utilized the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index to assess participants’ sleep before an in-person sleep hygiene education and after …

Rural And Urban Clinician Views On Covid- 19’S Impact On Substance Use Treatment For Individuals On Community Supervision In Kentucky, Carrie B. Oser, Maria Rockett, Sebastian Otero, Evan Batty, Marisa Booty, Rachel Gressick, Michele Staton, Hannah K. Knudsen

Center on Drug and Alcohol Research Faculty Publications

Background The COVID-19 pandemic produced system-level changes within the criminal legal system and community-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment system with impacts on recovery efforts. This study examines rural and urban clinicians’ perspectives of COVID-19 on SUD treatment delivery for people on community supervision.

Methods Virtual qualitative interviews were conducted between April and October 2020 with 25 community supervision clinicians employed by Kentucky’s Department of Corrections (DOC), who conduct assessments and facilitate community-based treatment linkages for individuals on probation or parole. Transcripts were analyzed in NVivo using directed content analysis methods.

Results Clinicians were predominantly white (92%) and female (88%) …

Scales For Participant Alliance With Recovery Coach (Sparc): Initial Development And Pilot Test, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Martha Tillson, J. Matthew Webster, Carrie B. Oser, Jennifer Edwards Becan, Kevin Knight, Jeremy Byard, Michele Staton

Center on Drug and Alcohol Research Faculty Publications

Recovery coaches are individuals with lived experience with recovery from substance use disorder who typically engender a greater sense of trust than found with other types of healthcare providers. However, there currently are no validated tools that measure the connection between recovery coaches and their participants. The purpose of this study was to describe the initial development of the Scales for Participant Alliance with Recovery Coach (SPARC) to measure recovery coach connection or alliance, including initial psychometric analyses. Measurement development began with five scales of the Client Evaluation of Self Treatment (treatment participation, treatment satisfaction, rapport, peer support, and social …