Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Interprofessional Perspectives On School-Wide Mental Health Interventions For Enhancing Resilience In Adolescents, Danielle Costanzo, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: There is a significant crisis in adolescent mental health (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021; Radhakrishnan et al., 2022) that have been compounded by traumatic experiences experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2022) and widespread fear of violence in schools (Silver et al., 2021). The crisis and resulting vulnerability has led to a dire need to focus on overcoming mental health challenges and moving forward in the face of adversity, which calls for a focus on resilience to promote overall life outcomes (Fenwick-Smith et al., 2019; Ijadi-Maghsoodi et al., 2022; Steiner et al., 2019). …

New Jersey’S Web-Based Parent-Engaged Developmental Monitoring Information: Mapping And Critical Appraisal, Danielle Catalano, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Caregivers use web-based information to make decisions about their children’s health and development. Due to the state’s high prevalence of developmental delays, New Jersey has developed numerous web-based early childhood initiatives to promote parent engagement. However, the quality of those resources is unknown. This critical appraisal evaluated the quality, readability, and accessibility of New Jersey’s commonly used web-based information on parent-engaged developmental monitoring in children aged 0-3. A systematic web search yielded 112 results. Thirty-six webpages were reviewed by three independent reviewers using four standardized assessment tools. Reviewers found that most information was written at a twelfth-grade reading level, two …

Evaluating Hope: A Trauma-Informed Sensory Training For Early Childhood Educators, Andrea Houtras, Otd, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences create challenges in sensory integration (Perry, 2006) impacting preschoolers’ participation and occupational performance (May-Benson, 2016). Professional development in trauma-informed sensory training is essential to support early childhood educators working with this population (Loomis, 2018; Perry, 2006).

Objectives: To develop a trauma-informed sensory training and evaluate its validity and usefulness for early childhood educators.

Methods: We used a modified Delphi method to evaluate the training’s adherence to Ayres Sensory Integration® and trauma-informed care principles of practice and usefulness for early childhood educators. A convenience sample of three expert groups reviewed the training and completed surveys to …

Effects Of Interactive Video Games (Nintendo Wii™) On Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment, Krista Antonio, Sarah Kelly, Kayla Livingston, Bailey Stewart

Occupational Therapy Student Research

The population being served includes the clients at Triple R adult day program in Sacramento, CA. These clients are older adults and all present with a form of memory loss. Currently, health management, specifically physical activity, and social participation are affected in the program as there are limitations to exercise routines that are appropriate for the clients as well as lack of engagement from all clients. We believe that all of the residents are affected by this issue at the facility and would benefit from the use of technology to enhance these areas of needs in the specific occupations. Within …

Tactus Therapy: Mobile At For Aphasia, Francis Gonzales, Robert Swayze, David Vong

Occupational Therapy Student Research

Pacific Speech, Hearing and Language Center

• Adults with communicative impairments and disorders (language, hearing, speech).
• Aphasia apps focus on communication by improving vocabulary, memory, reasoning, attention, differentiation, and organization of concepts, presented as pictures, text, or audio (Galletta & Barrett, 2014).
• Aphasia can affect populations such as those who have autism, TMI, stroke, and encephalitis (Galletta & Barrett, 2014).

Closing Gap In Digital Divide Of The Vulnerable Women In The Community Via Assistive Technology: The Chromebook, Deanne Nguyen, Brian Rogers, Hazel Yang

Occupational Therapy Student Research

• Aims to address the gap in digital division by providing low-income individuals with essential computer skills.
• These individuals are currently facing health challenges due to economic constraints, limited access to healthcare services, and overall lack of familiarity in digital literacy.
• At Wellspring Women’s Center, nearly 200 individuals are affected by this issue.
• The Chromebook could be delivered in a flexible model such as in-person workshops, online tutorials, and 1:1 mentoring.
• This approach ensures accessibility and empowerment of the participants to develop essential digital literacy skills to promote independence in their own health management.
• The Chromebook can open gates to enhancing …

Meristem (Monday): Checklists, Maribel Gutierrez, Josephine Hernandez, Benjamin Magallon, Margerie Vinoya

Occupational Therapy Student Research

Occupational therapy (OT) students from the University of the Pacific assessed needs in various classrooms at Meristem, a college program for individuals in the neurodivergent population to expand life skills of independence. OT students identified the use of checklists, a low-cost assistive device in creating structure of expected tasks in the classroom. The goal of the checklist is to reduce dependency on instructors for reminders and prompts, and promote resilience, autonomy, and enhanced participation in the classroom. The checklist can be personalized for each instructor to fit the needs of their classroom expectations.

Supporting Mental Health Of Wellspring Women’S Center, Lio Inumerable, Sophia Kohgadai, Christie Ledezma, Taylor Sanders

Occupational Therapy Student Research

Wellspring Women’s Center located in Sacramento, CA

• Serves vulnerable women and their children.
• Safe space for community gathering and various basic needs including:
  • Nutritious meals
  • Safety net items
  • Children’s area for learning
  • Women’s Wellness Program
    • Counseling
    • Case management
    • Advocacy
    • Art therapy

  ---

  Go to article

Assistive Technology: Video Modeling, Abigail Waisner, Molly Mcdavid, Haley Morris, Luis Perez

Occupational Therapy Student Research

Population and Site:

• Meristem is an educational program serving young adults who have autism or other neurodiversity (Who we are, 2023).The program promotes vocational and independent living skills through classes, community experiences, and dorm life that address physical, social, and cognitive skills. Students living in dorms are given additional opportunities to develop independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, organization, community mobility, and social participation.

• Our goal as a group was toidentify ways to support students in the acquisition of independent living skills. The ideal assistive technology for this population would be a technology that is easily accessible,portable, …

Delirium Education For Family Caregivers Of Patients In The Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study, Amanda Wheeler, Elise Bloch, Sarah Blaylock, James Root, Kateriza Ibanez, Newman Newman, Jose Diarte, Louis P. Voigt

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Objectives

Delirium, an acute change in mental state, seen in hospitalized older adults is a growing public health concern with implications for both patients and caregivers; however, there is minimal research on educating caregivers about delirium. Utilizing family caregivers to assist with delirium management in acute care settings demonstrates improved health outcomes supporting the need for patient and family centered care. The primary aims of the study were to determine feasibility of implementing a delirium education video for caregivers of patients in an adult oncology intensive care unit and compare delirium knowledge to caregivers in a control group.

Methods

A …

Cracking The Code: The Systematic Development Of A Matrix To Increase Credible And Dependable Coding Of Qualitative Data, Greta Gray, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

A systematic, credible, and dependable coding matrix was developed to deductively code the qualitative data from the Clinician’s Perceptions of Infusing Coaching into their Occupational Therapy Practice study (CPIC). A coding matrix is used to organize qualitative data into meaningful units of text to be interpreted by the researchers. Codes for this project were deductively organized under categories from Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation Theory (RDIT), a framework that identifies how a new idea is adopted in practice. Five preliminary coders, with one leading the process, participated in the development of the coding matrix to reduce the risk of bias influencing …

Life Balance, Stress, And Occupational Burnout In Occupational Therapy Assistant Students: An Exploratory Study, Olivia W. Hammond, Mba, Otr/L, Cht

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

The United States healthcare worker burnout crisis demands immediate attention. College is critical for preparing occupational therapy assistant students (OTA) to address life balance, stress, and burnout as they transition into the workforce. However, little is known about these factors in this population. In this doctoral presentation, the primary author presents her doctoral project, which explored OTA students' life balance and its association with their perceived stress and occupational burnout across employment status, residential status, years of study, and age. A cross-sectional Qualtrics e-survey was distributed to OTA students ages 18 and older, including a demographic survey, Life Balance Inventory …

Examining The Latent Structure And Correlates Of Sensory Reactivity In Autism: A Multi-Site Integrative Data Analysis By The Autism Sensory Research Consortium, Zachary J. Williams, Roseann Schaaf, Karla K. Ausderau, Grace T. Baranek, D. Jonah Barrett, Carissa J. Cascio, Rachel L. Dumont, Ekomobong E. Eyoh, Michelle D. Failla, Jacob I. Feldman, Jennifer H. Foss-Feig, Heather L. Green, Shulamite A. Green, Jason L. He, Elizabeth A. Kaplan-Kahn, Bahar Keçeli-Kaysılı, Keren Maclennan, Zoe Mailloux, Elysa J. Marco, Lisa E. Mash, Elizabeth P. Mckernan, Sophie Molholm, Stewart H. Mostofsky, Nicolaas A.J. Puts, Caroline E. Robertson, Natalie Russo, Nicole Shea, John Sideris, James S. Sutcliffe, Teresa Tavassoli, Mark T. Wallace, Ericka L. Wodka, Tiffany G. Woynaroski

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Differences in responding to sensory stimuli, including sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER), hyporeactivity (HYPO), and sensory seeking (SEEK) have been observed in autistic individuals across sensory modalities, but few studies have examined the structure of these "supra-modal" traits in the autistic population.

METHODS: Leveraging a combined sample of 3868 autistic youth drawn from 12 distinct data sources (ages 3-18 years and representing the full range of cognitive ability), the current study used modern psychometric and meta-analytic techniques to interrogate the latent structure and correlates of caregiver-reported HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK within and across sensory modalities. Bifactor statistical indices were used to …

Exploration Of Ayres Sensory Integration® In School-Based Practice: A Clinician’S Perspective, Maria Cerase, Otd, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: While Ayres Sensory Integration^® is an evidenced-based intervention for autism with potential application in school settings (Whiting et al., 2023; Steinbrenner et al., 2020; May-Benson et al., 2014), school-based occupational therapists perceive challenges in its implementation.

Objectives: To explore the current factors, including facilitators and barriers, identified by school-based occupational therapists impacting the use of ASI intervention in school-based practice.

Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study using survey methodology from a national sample of school-based occupational therapists.

Results: Descriptive statistics calculated for frequency and percentages of reported responses. Top perceived barriers to ASI implementation in the …

A Home Safety Program For Low-Income Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Using Meals On Wheels Volunteers, Erin Jeffords, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Low-income older adults who reside in the community have fewer opportunities to access services and limited resources to obtain equipment that would enhance safety in their living environment. Through their “army” of volunteers, Meals on Wheels agencies have long been the eyes of the community to identify older adults who are socially isolated and disabled (Thomas et al., 2018). The purpose of this project was to evaluate the (1) delivery of the Midlands Modifiers Home Safety Program and (2) training program for the Meals on Wheels volunteers who will administer the home safety screen. The Midlands Modifiers Home Safety Program …

Examining Rehabilitation Referral Patterns For Breast Cancer Patients With Mastectomy: A Retrospective Descriptive Chart Review, Jessie Perchaluk, Ms, Otr/L, Cht

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Advances in health care for those with breast cancer (BC), have led to people living longer lives, however many continue to have difficulty completing daily activities (Hwang et al., 2015; Keesing et al., 2018; Lovelace et al., 2019; Stout et al., 2015; Stubblefield, ). Research explains that physical rehabilitation is beneficial for people with BC, however is not always being recommended (Cheville et al., 2008; Hwang et al., 2015; Pergoletti, 2014; Rafn et al., 2020; Stout et al., 2016; Stout et al., 2015).

Objectives: This study looked at rehabilitation referral patterns and trends for women diagnosed with BC who …

School Participation Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Food Selectivity, Courtney Desol, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are five times more likely to have feeding challenges than neurotypical peers (Sharp et al., 2013). Of these feeding challenges, food selectivity is among the most prevalent (Leader et al., 2020) and is defined as food refusal or limited food repertoire (Bandini et al., 2017). Food selectivity has been correlated with nutrition inadequacies (Bandini et al., 2010; Sharp et al., 2013) and poor diet quality (Johnson et al., 2014) in children with ASD. Additionally, correlations exist with sensory processing difficulties (Leader et al., 2020; Suarez et al., 2014), internalizing and externalizing behaviors (Johnson …

Impact Of Strokes: The Burden Of Care, Post-Cva Fatigue & Caregiver Role Strain, Tanya G. Schlemmer

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

Strokes and cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs) and related disease events are an unfortunate circumstance that inflicts individuals around the world and impacts people every day as individuals and their caregivers. The consequences of these strokes or CVA events are life-changing for all those involved. As a result of long-term disability related to strokes, the caregiver may undergo many emotional, psychological, and physical factors that impact their daily lives. There is a relatively short period of time to react to the necessary change and as a result there may be differences in coping associated with these unexpected health circumstances. Many stoke …

Evaluating Non-Pharmacological Approaches To Nursing Home Dementia Care: A Protocol, Natalie E Leland, Victoria Shier, Catherine V. Piersol, Cara Lekovitch, Jenny Martínez, Yuna H Bae-Shaaw, Neeraj Sood, Claire Day, Paul Cass, Dominique Como, Carin Wong, Felicia Chew

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the daily challenges nursing home (NH) staff face caring for the residents living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (

METHODS: This clustered randomized trial will compare

CONCLUSION: This trial will be the first-ever evaluation of team- and problem-based approaches to ADRD care across multiple NHs and geographic regions. Results can provide health system leaders and policymakers with evidence on how to optimize ADRD training for staff in an effort to enhance ADRD care delivery.

Early Manual Lymphatic Drainage With Secondary Edema, Tiana Bridges Mot/S, Carly Fallin Mot/S, Emma Hilliard Mot/S, Olivia Holmes Mot/S, Kathryn Mullins Mot/S, Jonathan Richardson Mot/S, Cassie Warlick Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Implementation of an early manual lymphatic drainage program on post-op head/neck patients to decrease secondary edema.

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

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

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

The Efficacy Of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Or Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy In Improving Upper Extremity Motor Function In Adults With Hemiplegia After A Traumatic Brain Injury, Ryan Bizette, Adaire Deblanc, Rachel Ridenour, Lindsey Satterlee, Allyson Smith, Katya Vanausdall

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The final portfolio contains 11 research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs include two randomized control trials, one systematic review, four quasi-experimental studies, one case study, two case series, and one pilot case study. All studies relate directly to components of the evidence-based practice question and will be used to draft new practice guidelines for using constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) or modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) in occupational therapy practice.

Seven articles specifically describe the effectiveness of CIMT or mCIMT for adults with hemiplegia following a traumatic brain injury. The other four articles describe the effectiveness of …

Positioning And Feeding Techniques Effective In Improving Sensorimotor Functions In Infants With Cleft Palate, Skylar Russell Mot/S, Kaitlin Steel Mot/S, Robin Edwards Mot/S, Bri Morgan Mot/S, Danielle Boscaccy Mot/S, Haleigh Black Mot/S, Sydney Young Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Orofacial clefts are the second most common type of birth defect in the United States and are continuing to grow each year (Nasreddine et al., 2021). Based on the National Birth Defects Prevention Network annual report in 2014, 1 in 1,700 babies were born in the United States with a cleft palate (Mai CT et al., 2019). While there are different types of orofacial clefts, for this research the term cleft palate will be used to determine appropriate interventions within the scope of occupational therapy, such as positioning, bottle modifications, and sensorimotor techniques. The impact of this birth defect can …

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

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

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

Mini-Mental State Examination (Mmse) As Predictor Of On-Road Driving Ability, Erica Bailey Floyd, Katelyn Elizabeth Stewart, Elizabeth Claire Morris, Hayes Elizabeth Franklin, Kristin Elizabeth Mather, Caymen Lynn Starwalt

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Students met with a community OT practitioner who specializes in driving rehabilitation. The community practitioner identified a potential gap in referrals for individuals with cognitive impairment and on-road driving assessments. Due to the scarcity of driving rehabilitation practitioners, it is important to provide effective evaluation and interview. By identifying clients who are past the potential for safe on-road driving performance due to their score on a status examination, practitioners can reach more clients in a more efficacious manner. There exists a need for a more accurate screening measure to predict on road driving performance in individuals with cognitive impairment. The …

Alzheimer's Dementia And Occupational Therapy, Sofia Demusaj, Averee Ortiz, Laura Swanson

Client Educational Handouts

This handout is an introduction to Alzheimer's dementia and the role that occupational therapy can have in the treatment of the disease. It contains facts, figures, signs, and symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia. It also contains examples of occupational therapy interventions and assessments for clients with Alzheimer's disease.

Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain Prevention: A Collaborative Approach With Nursing And Occupational Therapy In Acute Care, Ebonee V. Cole, Ms, Otr/L, Cbis

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is one of the most common and disabling complications of arm hemiplegia after stroke (Anwer & Alghadir, 2020), with a prevalence as high as 75% of strokes (Xie et al., 2021). HSP can develop as early as the second week (Praveen Raj et al., 2021), may continue several months after stroke in 65% of patients (Kumar, 2019), and is associated with reduced functional arm use (Kumar, 2019). Prevention is the ideal management strategy of HSP (K. Walsh, 2001). Implementing hemiplegic arm management techniques, such as positioning and handling, is key to preventing HSP. In the …

Mental Health Education For Acute Cardiac Patients, Allison Blackburn

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of Using A Community-Based Yoga Program To Increase Feelings Of Inclusion In Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, Cynthia Schmidt

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

No abstract provided.

Using The Kawa Model To Improve Teachers’ Social-Emotional Health, Amy Crosby

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

No abstract provided.