Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy In The Time Of Covid-19, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Integrating Art Into Life In Pursuit Of Occupational Balance, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Sharon Gutman, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, an occupational therapy professor and artist based in New York, provided the cover art for the Summer 2020 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Goldfish” is a 10” x 13” watercolor painting. Dr. Gutman has nearly 30 years of experience in clinical practice, higher education, research, and service to the profession. Dr. Gutman pursued a career in occupational therapy because it was a field where she could use her creativity. This decision led to an extraordinary career and a life of service to others. When the demands of a busy lifestyle …

They Said: Perspectives On Capstone Experience And Projects In Occupational Therapy, Rondalyn V. Whitney, Guy Mccormack

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The S.E.L.F. Approach: Systems And Experiential Learning Framework For Fieldwork And Capstone Education Development, Theresa Delbert, Kasey Stepansky, Tina Lekas

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This article presents an evidence-based strategy to assist academic fieldwork coordinators and capstone coordinators with meeting the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education standards of experiential learning components in an entry-level doctoral occupational therapy curriculum. The S.E.L.F. approach core methods for pedagogical framework and manual development are based on systems theory and educational learning theories. To optimize fieldwork and capstone delivery, the recommended process should include organizational analysis, program development, manual writing, and implementation of practical learning experience. Objectives of the fieldwork and capstone experiences can effectively connect to the overall curriculum design while addressing integral credentialing standards through an …

Demonstrating Occupational Therapy’S Distinct Value: Addressing The Quadruple Aim Of Health Care Through Doctoral Capstone Projects, Ingrid Provident, Jennifer E. Lape

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The quadruple aim of health care focuses on enhancing health care systems through improving quality patient care, improving the health of populations, providing care in cost-efficient ways, and improving the experience of providing health care by decreasing provider and caregiver stress and burnout. The purpose of this retrospective review is to share how the curricular design and doctoral capstone process from one postprofessional occupational therapy doctorate program have been designed to support students in recognizing occupational therapy’s distinct value in creating sustainable practice changes to move their respective health care systems forward. The postprofessional occupational therapy doctorate curriculum over 12 …

Fieldwork Educators’ Expectations Of Level Ii Occupational Therapy Students’ Professional And Technical Skills, Jessica Mason, Cynthia L. Hayden, Renee Causey-Upton

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Fieldwork educators are critical to the development of successful occupational therapy students, and the fieldwork experience is vital to the growth of each occupational therapy student in the profession. The purpose of this research was to explore perceptions held by Level II fieldwork educators of occupational therapy students’ professional and technical skills at the beginning of Level II fieldwork. This study used a convergent parallel mixed-method design and surveyed 54 fieldwork educators. The survey participants expected students to possess a variety of professional and technical skills in a multitude of areas. Fieldwork educators identified communication as the most essential professional …

Designing Effective Capstone Experiences And Projects For Entry-Level Doctoral Students In Occupational Therapy: One Program’S Approaches And Lessons Learned, Sara Stephenson, Oaklee Rogers, Cynthia Ivy, Richard Barron, Jennifer Burke

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Entry-level doctoral occupational therapy programs require students to complete a capstone experience and project that supports advanced skills through an in-depth learning experience with a student-selected mentor. Strong curriculum design and mentorship are vital aspects of successful capstone experiences and projects. Through the application of these key components, students are supported, in collaboration with mentors, to achieve mutually beneficial projects allowing advancement of the profession through dissemination of capstone work.

Ican-Play: A Practice Guideline For Assessment And Intervention Of Play For Children With Severe Multiple Disabilities, Stephanie Hui, Katherine Dimitropoulou

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The nature of play in children with severe multiple disabilities (SMD) is complex, as many have significant motor and language impairments. Through the use of assistive technology (AT), children with SMD can play more independently and provide input to caregivers on their preferred play repertoire. This author-developed guideline describes an assessment and intervention to improve play in children with SMD using AT methods. The Interactive Child Activity Narrative of Play (iCan-Play) is an assessment tool used to evaluate play in children with SMD. It provides a comprehensive understanding of children’s play preferences, social and environmental contexts, and frequency of play. …

Sensory-Based Interventions In The School Setting: Perspectives Of Paraeducators, Lyn Kaiser, Marie-Christine Potvin, Caitlin Beach

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore paraeducators’ perceptions of sensory-based interventions (SBIs). Paraeducators are frequently responsible for implementing SBIs to enhance a student’s ability to learn in school. Previous studies have explored the perceptions of teachers and occupational therapists, but as of yet, there are no published studies exploring the perceptions of paraeducators regarding the efficacy of SBIs.

Methods: An ethnographic study was conducted with paraeducators (n = 11) working with students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or emotional disturbance in a center-based special education program. These paraeducators participated in a focus group …

Bundling Payment Initiatives For Total Hip And Knee Arthroplasties: Perspectives Of Health Care Professionals, Katherine Lally, Melinda Schultze, Hannah Ehresman, Helene L. Lohman, Vanessa D. Jewell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: A broad qualitative research study explored the perceptions of rehabilitation health care professionals and administrative leadership on coordination of care for rehabilitation patients who received hip or knee arthroplasties under the bundling initiative.

Method: Data was collected through the conduction of a focus group, email communication, and individual phone interviews. Researchers analyzed data collected from five administrative personnel and eight rehabilitation health care professionals who work in a facility that participates in a bundling initiative payment model.

Results: Four major themes were identified: importance of care coordination, increased efficiency and effectiveness, establishing protocols, and challenges of …

Effectiveness Of A Metacognitive Shopping Intervention For Adults With Intellectual Disability Secondary To Down Syndrome, Katherine V. O'Neill, Sharon A. Gutman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a metacognitive strategy-training intervention on the shopping performance of adults with intellectual disability secondary to Down syndrome.

Method: A single subject ABA design across six participants was employed and included a 2-week baseline data collection period, followed by an 8-week intervention phase, and a 2-week follow-up data collection period 1 month after intervention end. Time, frequency, and level of assistance required by the participants to demonstrate targeted shopping skills were measured during baseline, intervention, and follow-up probe phases.

Results: As a group, the participants experienced …

Experience Of Stigma Post Incarceration: A Qualitative Study, Rebecca Sinko, Tina Deangelis, Bernadette Alpajora, Josephine Beker, Ilyse Kramer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Minimal attention has been given to the perspectives and experiences of individuals post incarceration regarding stigma and its impact on reintegration and occupational engagement. This research aimed to understand how stigma is experienced among individuals who were formerly incarcerated and its influence on occupational engagement, specifically social participation, work, and school occupations. This research also examined the role of occupational therapy as an intervention in addressing stigma from the perspectives of individuals who were formerly incarcerated to inform practice and mitigate the influence of stigma.

Method: Interviews were conducted with 10 participants of a work rehabilitation program for people …

Occupational Therapy Group Programming For Adolescents With Developmental And Learning Disabilities: A Retrospective Documentation Review, Jennifer A. Merz, Bonnie Nakasuji, Kimberly S. Mollo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Individuals with learning disabilities have higher rates of unemployment, are less likely to live independently, and have lower rates of college graduation. Occupational therapists who serve this population need to capture outcomes for programming effectively to determine best practice to address these needs. A retrospective documentation review of occupational therapy transition group programming was completed to identify themes and to assess fieldwork student documentation clarity.

Method: Analysis of 162 de-identified treatment notes from the years 2014–2018 was completed for six high school students (HSS) (13 to 20 years of age) who previously participated in a high school …

Effectiveness Of Electronic Documentation: A Case Report, Christie Raymond, Susan Zapf, Ellen Hudgins

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This case report aims to inform the occupational therapist and other health care professionals of documentation best practices.

Method: This qualitative case report uses an exploratory approach to compare the quality of one participant’s handwritten documentation to her electronic documentation. Outcome measures include the Accuracy Rationale Completeness (ARC) Audit to score the quality of the notes and quantity of words, and an informal discussion with the participant about her experiences using both types of documentation.

Results: The participant’s 25 handwritten notes scored a sum of 321 and the 25 electronic notes scored a …

Capstones: Voices From The Occupational Therapy Profession, Rondalyn V. Whitney, Guy Mccormack

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy As Part Of A Team-Based Approach In Primary Care Settings, Lydia Royeen

Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to study issues related to occupational therapists integrating into primary care settings, as part of a team-based approach and to best meet the needs of the clients.

This is a mixed methods study that examined quantitative and qualitative data for members of the primary care team and occupational therapists working in primary care clinics. The Team Climate Inventory-14 (Kivimaki & Elovainio, 1999) was selected as the quantitative measure because it examines themes related to team functioning, which include vision, participative safety, task orientation, and mutual support. Participants completed a semi-structured interview that examined themes …

Methods For Improving Quality Of Care Within Acute And Post-Acute Settings, Kelly L. Vankoevering

Dissertations

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), over the next 7 years, U.S. national healthcare spending is projected to grow at an average of 5.7% per year, up from 4.8% in 2019. Additionally, personal health care cost is expected to increase by 2.7% per year. As a result, there have been increased efforts among healthcare systems and hospital organizations to improve quality of care while decreasing healthcare cost. The research reported in this dissertation builds upon the existing literature regarding interventions to improve hospital performance and quality metrics. Two of the most researched and effective strategies for improving …

Pinch Span And Force: Normative Data, Requirements For Functional Tasks And Life Roles, And The Influence Of Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis, Nancy Hock

Dissertations

The three studies that form this dissertation build knowledge related to functional pinch. Study 1 provides normative data for the Baseline® 5-Position Hydraulic Pinch Meter, which may be used in clinical practice. The data collected in this study demonstrate the relationship between lateral pinch strength and age and reveal that strength decreases with age in both males and females. Through examination of the lateral pinch force produced at the 5 different pinch spans, it was found that the strongest lateral pinch strength was produced at 4-5 cm of pinch span. This information can be used by clinicians as they modify …

Charting A New Course Through Meaningful Occupation, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Rory Odom, an artist and United States Marine Corps Veteran based in Florida, provided the cover art for the Spring 2020 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Turtles All the Way Down” is an 8”x10” oil painting on canvas. After a tragic accident changed the course of Rory’s life, painting gave him hope. During rehabilitation, Rory sought opportunities to challenge himself and build technical skill as a painter. His bold use of color and signature impressionist style convey emotion and movement. In the face of adversity, meaningful occupation helped Rory chart a new course in life.

Pediatric Heart Conditions: What Do Occupational Therapists Need To Know?, Stefanie Rogers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Social Media As Occupation: Implications For Occupational Therapy Practice, Sheryl Eckberg Zylstra, Kimberly Erler, Wendell Nakamura, Brenda Kennell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Are We Missing Opportunities? How Occupational Therapists Would Benefit From Connecting Mindfulness To Occupational Participation, Barbara P. White, Paige Brousseau, Jessica Daigneault, Emily Harrison, Virginia Lavallee, Kaleigh St Cyr

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Examining Occupational Therapy Students’ Responses To Integrative Seminars, Robyn Wu, Chi-Kwan Shea

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The integrative seminar is an innovative teaching-learning approach that focuses on active learning and peer collaboration, characteristics that align with millennial learners’ preferences. The use of integrative seminars has been reported by various health professions with positive outcomes. Course feedback survey data from the first cohort of occupational therapy students who participated in a new four-course integrative seminar series were analyzed. Findings suggest that the format of the courses was engaging for the learners. The students particularly valued the small class; the opportunities for peer collaboration; and the variety of active learning opportunities, including simulations. The students also indicated that …

Approaches To Studying: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Of Occupational Therapy Students In Six Education Programs In Norway, Astrid Gramstad, Lene Angell Åsli, Susanne G. Johnson, Trine A. Magne, Tove Carstensen, Gry Mørk, Linda Stigen, Tore Bonsaksen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Students’ approaches to studying have been associated with their academic performance. Although previous research suggests that the cultural and educational context may influence approaches to studying, few studies have investigated differences in study approaches across education programs. The aim of this study was to examine whether approaches to studying differed among occupational therapy students enrolled in six different educational programs in Norway. From a population of 308 students, 187 first-year occupational therapy students in six educational programs in Norway were recruited. The students provided their sociodemographic information and completed the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST), and group …

Patient Perceptions Of Acute Phases Of Rehabilitation Following Shoulder Arthroplasty, Elizabeth Horrall Stith, Lisa Borrero, Laura Santurri, Lori Breeden, Sarah Shemanski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Shoulder arthroplasty is a common procedure, but a lack of research regarding recovery and rehabilitation limits occupational therapists from providing appropriate education and support. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the patient’s experiences in the acute recovery phase following shoulder arthroplasty.

Method: Twelve participants completed three semi-structured interviews in the first 6 weeks following surgery. A basic-interpretive approach was used before coding interview transcriptions into categories.

Results: The participants initially reported increased reliance on assistance and/or modifications in ADLs routines, such as dressing, bathing, and sleep. Interruption in sleep was reported because …

Development Of The Occupational Performance Inventory Of Sexuality And Intimacy (Opisi): Phase One, Beth Ann Walker, Kasey Otte, Kelsey Lemond, Pamela Hess, Kandyse Kaizer, Tori Faulkner, Davis Christy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The occupational therapy profession needs a framework to guide understanding of the occupational nature of sexuality and intimacy, assessment, intervention design, and measurement of outcomes. This study aimed to define the occupational nature of sexuality and intimacy and develop a theoretical and occupation-based screen, in-depth self-assessment, and performance measure.

Method: The Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI) was developed following DeVellis’s (2017) guidelines for scale development that involved mapping the construct, generating an item pool, determining the format for measurement, and reviewing the initial item pool.

Results: The Occupational Therapy Sexual Assessment Framework (OTSAF) was developed to …

Assessing Unmet Needs Of Caregivers After Stroke: Occupational Therapist Practices And Perspectives, Deborah R. Clymer, Hadley A. Fields, Kathy Kniepmann

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Family caregivers of stroke survivors often feel unprepared and overwhelmed post discharge with numerous unmet needs. Occupational therapists can play an integral role in addressing family caregivers’ needs. Limited research exists on assessment practices of occupational therapists in identifying caregivers’ needs poststroke. This study explores the practices and perspectives of occupational therapists in assessing unmet caregivers’ needs.

Method: A cross-sectional, mixed methods research design was used to electronically survey 15 occupational therapists. Part 1 of the survey explored participant methods for identifying caregivers’ needs and their views on using formal caregiver assessment tools. Part 2 gathered participant perspectives on …

Pilot Study Of The Just Right Challenge Feeding Protocol For Treatment Of Food Selectivity In Children, Michelle A. Suarez, Elsie Bush

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. This pilot study investigated the Just Right Challenge Feeding Protocol, a multicomponent treatment protocol for food selectivity that combines escape extinction, positive reinforcement, and systematic desensitization.

Method. This study used a single-subject, multiple-baseline-across-participants design to investigate whether treatment produced increases in the food inventories for seven children. All of the children in the study started with parent report of fewer than 15 foods in their dietary repertoire. A sensory profile for each child provided information for treatment planning and interpretation of the results of the study.

Results. Five out of the seven children accepted significantly more …

A Survey Of Occupational Therapy Services Provided For Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alisha Ohl, David Schelly, Dustin Brown, Nette Schulze, Maria Smith, Beth Davies

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: We examined the services provided to adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by occupational therapists across the United States.

Method: This cross-sectional study used an online survey, with a combination of structured and open-ended questions, to collect data from a nonprobability sample. Descriptive, inferential, and nonparametric statistics were used to analyze data.

Results: In our sample (N= 57), the majority of the participants spent less than half of their workweek intervening with the adult ASD population. Caregivers were instrumental in both referral and discharge, and Medicaid was the most common payer source. The Adult …

Exploring How Older People Living At Home Alone Occupy Their Time – A Time-Geographic Study, Alison Wicks, Megan Blanchard, Ingeborg Nilsson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Knowing what older people choose to do with their time informs occupational therapists in their everyday practice. This study explored how sixteen older Australians living at home alone without support occupied their time.

Method: People aged 70 years and older living alone in one’s home and receiving no support services were voluntary recruited. The participants completed time-use diaries for 5 days and recorded how, with whom, and where they spent time. Data were coded and analyzed using the software program Vardagen.

Results: The participants reported 217 different daily activities. While patterns of daily participation varied, all …