The Impact Of Nurse-Led Distraction Techniques On Pain And Anxiety During Cancer Treatment In Pediatric Oncology Patients: Examining Virtual Reality And Play Therapy, Alexis Abalos

Nursing | Senior Theses

Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience pain and anxiety during cancer treatment, including chemotherapeutic invasive procedures such as frequent port access or peripheral catheterization. Nurse-led distraction techniques, including virtual reality and play therapy, have emerged as promising non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce levels of pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. This thesis analyzes existing data through a close examination of primary and secondary research articles that prove the effectiveness of virtual reality and play therapy on reducing pain, anxiety, and psychosocial distress in pediatric oncology patients receiving cancer treatment. Using the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Symptom Management Theory, …

Strong Foundations: Supporting Mental Well-Being In School-Age Youth, Skylar Simpson

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

School-age youth in the United States increasingly face stressors that disrupt their overall mental well-being, highlighting a need for accessible preventative interventions. To address this gap, this doctoral capstone project developed a program titled Strong Foundations: Supporting Mental Well-Being in School-Age Youth, an evidence- and occupation-based program consisting of various interventions designed to enhance the well-being of youth attending a San Francisco Recreation and Park (SFRPD) community-based summer camp. Through embedding occupational therapy-based programming into an environment that currently lacks dedicated mental well-being promotion methods, the Strong Foundations aims to foster mental well-being among school-age youth through occupational engagement that …

Access Resource Guide For Bay Area Cultural Arts Organizations Developed In Collaboration With People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Clarissa Junio

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

Background: Hidden access barriers persist within cultural arts organizations. As a result, people with IDD continue to experience reduced levels of community participation, limiting the associated benefits to health, well-being, and quality of life. Organizational-level occupational therapy (OT) consultation can address barriers and expand organizational capacity to meet the needs of people with IDD.

Purpose: The project aimed to strengthen organizational capacity of Bay Area cultural arts organizations and expand existing accessibility resources by co-developing a resource guide centered on lived experience to maximize community social participation for people with IDD. The guide was disseminated to cultural arts …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Developing Aquatic Programs For Children Diagnosed With Autism, Giavanna Stavros

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

There is a need for inclusion in therapeutic aquatic programming for children diagnosed with autism (ASD), as their increased participation in aquatic interventions and activities promotes safety and well-being for this population. Pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) are vital to fill this gap in skill, as pediatric OTs consistently work with children diagnosed with ASD (Jaicks, 2024), and core principles of the occupational therapy (OT) profession include enhancing one’s safety and well-being (American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2025). Children diagnosed with ASD must have the opportunity to engage in swimming and aquatic therapy, as this population is at a higher risk …

Sensory Modulation For Adults With Developmental Disabilities: An Occupational Therapy Approach For Adult Day Programs, Aveen Dulai

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

This occupational therapy (OT) doctoral capstone project focused on the development and implementation of a proactive sensory modulation program with the use of Assistive Technology (AT) for adults with Developmental Disabilities (DD) at an adult day program. Adults with DD have diverse needs such as - motor, communication, behavioral, cognitive, and sensory processing challenges. These varying abilities often require AT and environmental adaptations to afford meaningful participation in occupations.  Providing customized and accessible programing for adults with DD arediversity, equity, inclusion, justice and accessibility (DEIJA) issues (Kripke, 2018). Often, adult day programs are limited in OT services, including accessible sensory …

Strengthening Communication And Collaboration Between The Student Support Triad (Teachers, Caregivers, And Health Professionals) In Schools, Jasmine E. Henley

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

Teachers, caregivers, and health professionals, who are key stakeholders that form a student support triad, each face a range of challenges and barriers that impact their ability to communicate and collaborate with one another, therefore impacting the student and their ability to access and participate in meaningful occupations. Though these challenges and barriers for each stakeholder are well-documented individually, there is limited evidence on solutions to strengthen communication across the triad and solutions that center the student and their engagement in meaningful occupations. This project aims to bridge this gap, despite the greater systemic barriers, by developing remedial solutions that …

Sensory Friendly Summers: Designing Inclusive Camp Experiences For Children With Sensory Processing Challenges, Isandla Blanc

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

Children with sensory processing challenges may experience barriers to participation in everyday activities. While summer camps offer opportunities for social development, play, and growth, staff may have limited training and resources to support children with different sensory needs. This can create challenges to participation and inclusion within traditional summer camp environments. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a staff training program aimed at increasing staff understanding of sensory processing and providing practical strategies to support campers with sensory processing challenges.

A project-level needs assessment was conducted through informal staff conversations, observations of daily camp …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Promoting An Accessible Playground Environment For Parents With Physical Disabilities, Molly M. Busby

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

Limited implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards and concepts of universal design in the playground environment restrict parents with physical disabilities' engagement in the co-occupation of visiting the playground with their children. The outdoor playground environment promotes the child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development and has positive benefits on the mental health of the parent. Local community park organizations have the power to make accessibility changes to playgrounds in the community but often they lack the knowledge to do so. The purpose of this capstone project is to facilitate increased inclusivity and physically accessible playground …

Doing Drag: Exploring The Experiences Of Drag As An Occupation For Performers In California, Alicia Montes, Anna Ranario, Lilibeth Rosales, Eileen Spahle, Nathan Gelman, Laura Greiss Hess, Karen Mccarthy

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Scholarship

Background: Drag is a performative art where individuals explore identity, challenge societal norms, and foster community through exaggerated gendered performance. Drag in the United States is facing potential restrictions and remains underexplored in occupational science and occupational therapy literature.

Methods: This qualitative study explored the experiences of drag performers in California, applying an occupational perspective through the framework of form, function, and meaning. Five drag performers were interviewed. Reflective thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative data.

Findings: Identity was the central theme, interconnected with form, belonging, non-belonging, meaning and motivation, and resistive occupation. Findings highlight drag …

Promoting Occupational Harmony With High School Students Transitioning To College, Megan Maekawa

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

Background: Many students struggle to balance their occupations, especially in their first year of college. One reason they struggle may be that they are unprepared for the demands of college life as they transition out of high school. They may struggle with adjusting to different academic standards, adapting to their new social life, transitioning to a new environment or living situation, and managing their mental health. Occupational therapists support high school students in learning and implementing occupational harmony. Occupational therapists can support pre-college students in a summer bridge program as students learn to balance their academics, manage their social …

Optimizing Pelvic Health: Evaluating The Efficacy Of Prenatal Strength And Resistance Training Combined With Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises In Reducing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Risk, Samantha Requilman

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of pelvic organs—such as the bladder, rectum, or uterus—into the vaginal canal, causing symptoms like discomfort, incontinence, and pain. Beyond physical effects, postpartum women may also experience anxiety, decreased self-confidence, and fear of symptom progression. Research by O’Boyle et al. (2002) highlights that POP studies have focused more on treatment than prevention and suggests that while pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) are supported as effective preventive strategies, POP remains prevalent in pregnancy. There are limited research studies on the effectiveness of prenatal resistance training in the prevention of pelvic dysfunctions and this study …

Optimizing Pelvic Health: Evaluating The Efficacy Of Prenatal Strength And Resistance Training Combined With Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises In Reducing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Risk, Samantha Requilman

Nursing | Senior Theses

While postnatal recovery is focused on the newborn, the mother’s health is equally important – particularly in preventing pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition that results in pelvic discomfort, incontinence, and a reduced quality of life. Although clinicians encourage pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) throughout pregnancy, POP is still prevalent among women, especially those who deliver vaginally. There are limited research studies on the effectiveness of prenatal resistance training in the prevention of pelvic dysfunctions and this study aims to address the gaps in the literature. So the question to address this study is: Does combining prenatal resistance training with …

Caregiver Perspectives On Sensory Diets, Naomi Sosa, Catharina Smith, Skylar Simpson, Giavanna Stavros

Occupational Therapy | OTD Research Papers

A sensory diet, a targeted sensory intervention designed to address an individual’s sensory needs, requires a child to engage in frequent, brief activities throughout their day that promote an adaptive response and improve occupational performance. While occupational therapists formulate the sensory diet, the role of administering the sensory diet ultimately lies with the child’s caregiver. Several studies have examined the effectiveness of sensory-based interventions and how caregivers support children with sensory processing disorders; however, caregiver perspectives on implementing sensory diets for their children have yet to be studied. Methods: This study used a descriptive, mixed-methods survey approach capturing quantitative data …

Professional Identity Levels Of Occupational Therapists In Different Practice Settings, Megan Maekawa, Alyssa Vessel, Ryan Yambao

Occupational Therapy | OTD Research Papers

Occupational therapists may experience weakened professional identity when their practice settings’ cultures, policies, resources, or interdisciplinary teams do not support occupational therapy’s core philosophies and values. Each practice environment has different workplace cultures and resources that influence an occupational therapist's ability to provide quality service for their clients. For example, when an occupational therapist works in a practice setting that does not support a core philosophy like occupation-based practice, they may experience a blurring of roles and responsibilities with other professionals. Overlap and confusion of responsibilities can lead to unclear expectations about their unique contribution to the client’s care. Additionally, …

Psychosocial Factors Affecting Quality Of Life In Kidney Transplant Recipients, Lawrence Panlilio

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Kidney transplantation is the best solution to save lives for those that have end-stage renal disease. However, psychosocial issues play a huge role in their quality of life after the procedure which can affect these individuals negatively. These issues recipients face include depression and anxiety, a lack of social support, and self management difficulties. Objective: This research consists of investigating psychosocial factors that affect kidney transplant recipients’ quality of life. Evidenced by research, focused assistance with ongoing support in patients is essential after receiving surgery and recovery. A literature review was conducted that consists of research on studies with …

The Effectiveness Of Botulinum Toxin Injections In The Management Of Chronic Neck And Shoulder Myofascial Pain: A Nursing Perspective, Jia Zhou

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Background

Chronic neck and shoulder myofascial pain has long been challenging patients and medical professionals due to its limited response to traditional therapies on top of high recurrence. Physical therapy, oral analgesics, and trigger point injections have only provided partial or short-term relief. As a result, botulinum toxin type A injections have been explored as an alternative treatment. Previous studies have shown promising short-term outcomes, but concerns regarding long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and potential adverse effects, particularly in older adults, have remained unresolved. These gaps have highlighted the need for comprehensive evaluation from both clinical and nursing perspectives.

Objective

The …

Developing A Nursing Early-Intervention Bundle To Decrease The Prevalence Of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, Aneesha Biju

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) has become an increasingly recognized challenge in critical care as more patients survive prolonged mechanical ventilation and lengthy ICU stays. Although lifesaving interventions support recovery from the primary illness, many patients develop new or worsened physical, cognitive, or psychological impairments after discharge. These complications often limit independence, slow recovery, and create long-term burdens for both patients and families. Research shows that early, consistent nursing interventions, such as delirium prevention, early mobility, mental health support, and family communication, can reduce the risk of PICS. The absence of a unified and standardized approach results in inconsistent practices and …

The Impact Of Nurse-Led Distraction Techniques On Pain And Anxiety During Cancer Treatment In Pediatric Oncology Patients: Examining Virtual Reality And Play Therapy, Alexis Abalos

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience pain and anxiety during procedures such as port access or peripheral catheterization. Nurse-led distraction techniques, including virtual reality and play therapy, have emerged as promising non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. Existing data from primary and secondary research articles reveal the effectiveness of virtual reality and play therapy on reducing pain, anxiety, and psychosocial distress in pediatric oncology patients receiving cancer treatment. This study proposes a quasi-experimental design involving 90 pediatric oncology patients aged 6–12 years diagnosed with leukemia. Participants will be placed in a nurse-led VR distraction, play …

Technol-Ot And Creativity: Implementing Occupational Therapy (Ot) And Assistive Technology (At) Into Art And Music For Adults With Disabilities, Camille Alexandra Aquino, Aarti Subramanian, Austin Yee, Joshua Darrin Montano, Angelica-Kjristen Antonio

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: Assistive technology (AT) holds the potential to enhance independence and participation among individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (IDD) and physical disabilities. AT supports for adults with these disabilities remain limited in community settings after they transition out of the K–12 educational system. Addressing this gap requires collaborative, client-centered approaches to implementing effective AT solutions.

Purpose: This project aims to assess and address the AT needs of Marin Ventures (MV), an adult engagement day program, and seeks to develop and implement sustainable AT applications to enhance creative expression and communication for MV clients.

Methods: A needs assessment was conducted …

Exploring The Synergy Of Executive Functions And Sensory Processing In Shaping Occupational Participation, Isabella Aguirre, Kaitlin Mulvaney, Sophia Zertuche

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

This study adds to the available literature on the relationship between executive functions (EF) and sensory processing (SP), and their combined effect on occupational participation (OP) in children aged 5-12 years. Understanding the nature of this relationship holds the key to identifying factors shaping a child's ability to engage effectively in daily life activities. The research team hypothesized that children with stronger EF and more efficient SP will demonstrate higher levels of OP, while those with challenges in either or both domains may experience limitations to effectively engage in daily activities. Participants consisted of parents of 26 children aged 5 …

Impact Of Sensory Diets On Occupational Performance, Kyndra Holloway, Cassandra Howard, Makena Collin, Princess Pillos

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

This study investigates the impact of individualized sensory diets on children’s occupational performance in daily life. Sensory diets are structured, child-specific interventions designed to facilitate improved sensory processing by integrating activities into established routines. They involve a tailored home program plan, consistent application, and interventions aligned with the child’s specific sensory needs (Wilbarger, 1995).Using a multiple single-case study design, this research examined the outcomes of sensory diets prescribed alongside direct occupational therapy (OT) services for four white male children aged 3 years, 11 months to 5 years, and 8 months with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Participants were recruited through Developmental FX (DFX) …

Increasing Awareness Of Occupational Therapy For College Students At Dominican University Of California, Joshua James King Ng, Connor Efstathiu, Audrey Nakashima, Rylee Sarasua, Katie Szoboszlay

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: This project is the third iteration of the Occupational Therapy (OT) college student program at Dominican University of California aiming to promote OT Coaching services for students while enhancing occupational engagement in daily activities, and overall well-being. Occupational therapists play a distinctive role in postsecondary education (AOTA, 2013).The second iteration of the OT college student program (2022–2023) prioritized collaboration with the school’s Student Success Center (SSC) and on-campus Integrative Coaches (ICs) who played a pivotal role in streamlining client referrals and enhancing the program outcomes. During their time with the program, this group was able to flagship a program …

Resilience Programming For Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed-Methods Exploration, Meghan Shellooe, Jalina Madriaga, Valerie Perez, Gabriela Velazquez

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy students and practitioners experience high levels of stress due to classroom and professional demands which can lead to burnout. Resilience is found as a protective factor against stress and burnout. Resilience can be defined as the different ways systems work together to achieve better results than expected, after experiencing adversity. Concepts related to resilience include social connection, self-efficacy, and mindfulness. Research done on resilience programming for students has been shown to support students in navigating the hardships of college. Resilience programming has been found to be effective for occupational therapists in the workplace during high work demands. However, …

Gender, Sexuality,Social Norms On Occupation, Alison Mula, Karen Mccarthy, Jaime Leite Jr.

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Conference Presentations

No abstract provided.

The Barriers To Adult Play In Graduate Students, Rosalind Nolde, Catherine Salomon, T. Monelli, Sabrina Solis

Occupational Therapy | Graduate Student Research Posters

The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge of barriers to play for graduate students. The research question asked, what are the barriers to play experienced by graduate students? Play is a complex term that is unique to the individual. Although subjective, existing literature gives suggestions as to what play can mean or feel like to the individual participating. Brown (2009), notes that the definition of play should be experienced rather than defined as it is distinctive to each individual. Van Vleet and Feeney (2015) describe play as being the purpose of amusement, fun or to have energetic, …

Covid-19 Pandemic’S Effect On Occupational Therapy Students’ Time-Use And Occupational Engagement On Returning To In-Person Learning, Jhannell Hannah D. Ocampo, Susan Macdermott, Karen Mccarthy

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Scholarship

The COVID-19 pandemic emotionally and physically impacted students in occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs. College students lost autonomy and access to meaningful occupations and environments. As students returned to campus, they struggled to navigate and adapt to in-person occupations and how they use their time. This study uses a mixed method descriptive research design to understand how the pandemic affected occupational therapy students' time-use and occupational engagement during the transition to in-person learning. Seventy-three students completed an online survey, while 12 of those students additionally participated in a follow-up time-use diary and interview. Eighty-three percent of the participants …

The Barriers To Adult Play In Graduate Students, Rosalind Nolde, Sabrina Solis, Catherine Salomon, T Monelli

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge of barriers to play for graduate students. The research question asked, what are the barriers to play experienced by graduate students? Play is a complex term that is unique to the individual. Although subjective, existing literature gives suggestions as to what play can mean or feel like to the individual participating. Brown (2009), notes that the definition of play should be experienced rather than defined as it is distinctive to each individual. Van Vleet and Feeney (2015) describe play as being the purpose of amusement, fun or to have energetic, …

Mentorship Treasure Chest (Mtc): A Toolbox For Successful Mentoring, Lluvia Angel Gonzalez-Castro, Bridget Elizabeth Mccarron, Sarah Christine Donaldson, Austin Michel Muniz-Bottomley

Occupational Therapy | Graduate Student Research Posters

This poster delves into the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping the professional trajectory of occupational therapists, with a specific focus on the Dominican Occupational Therapy Alumni Mentoring Program (DOTAMP). Aligned with the mentorship definition posited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, this project aims to outline challenges encountered by recent graduates in transitioning to professional practice. This project aimed to enhance the effectiveness of DOTAMP by incorporating research-informed principles and refining its guidance approach.

The project development team proposed a solution that introduces the 'Mentorship Treasure Chest' (MTC) — a comprehensive toolbox shaped by validated sources that underscore the …

Addressing The Occupational Needs Of College Students, Amanda Lam, Ashley Keates, Marissa Heirich, Noreen Pervaiz, Albert Andrew Mendoza

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The Dominican Occupational Therapy (OT) Coaching project was led by a team of five master's level OT students in collaboration with the Integrative Coaching (IC) team at Dominican University of California. Aligned with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework 4th edition (2020), the project supported various aspects of student wellness, such as academics, healthy lifestyles, stress management, sleep hygiene, and time management. In the fall of 2022, the team conducted a comprehensive literature review and needs assessment of Dominican's Student Success Center (SSC), actively engaged in SSC and IC meetings, and delivered an educational presentation on OT to SSC staff. The …

Addressing The Occupational Needs Of College Students, Amanda Lam, Ashley Keates, Marissa Heirich, Noreen Pervaiz

Occupational Therapy | Graduate Student Research Posters

The Dominican Occupational Therapy (OT) Coaching project was led by a team of five master's level OT students in collaboration with the Integrative Coaching (IC) team at Dominican University of California. Aligned with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework 4th edition (2020), the project supported various aspects of student wellness, such as academics, healthy lifestyles, stress management, sleep hygiene, and time management. In the fall of 2022, the team conducted a comprehensive literature review and needs assessment of Dominican's Student Success Center (SSC), actively engaged in SSC and IC meetings, and delivered an educational presentation on OT to SSC staff. The …