Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Increasing Collaborative Communication Regarding Proper Positioning: A Photographic Guide, Kyle Donner, Rachel Newman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Approximately 98,000 people die annually in the United States due to medical errors (Institute of medicine, 2013). These medical errors are most often due to miscommunication between healthcare providers (Sutcliffe, Lewton, & Rosenthal, 2004). Impaired positioning is one type of medical error, which leads to severe complications such as contractures, pressure ulcers, and occupational deficits (Amidei, 2012; de Jong, Nieuwboer, & Aufdemkampe, 2006; Gordon, Gottschlich, Helvig, Marvin, & Richard, 2004). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide a communication tool that will increase interprofessional communication and collaboration in regards to client positioning needs in healthcare settings. A literature …

Promoting Social Participation, Leisure And Community Integration For Adults With Developmental Disabilities: An Intervention Guide, Joelle Evenson, Rebekah Miesbauer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Upon an initial review of literature, it was found that life expectancy of individuals with developmental disabilities has been increasing which is leading to a greater number of adults with developmental disabilities living in the community. Because these individuals are living longer, it puts an extended burden on caregivers and the adults with developmental disabilities are being placed in group homes. Adults with developmental disabilities have limited access to activities outside of group homes (Mansell, Elliott, Beadle-Brown, Ashman, & Macdonald, 2002; Abbott & McConkey, 2006). They are spending most of their time engaged in more passive activities and have little …

Making The Better Half Even Better: A Support Program For Military Wives, Chelsey Jones, Kayley Knapek

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to develop a program that addresses the needs of military wives and the challenges they experience due to having a spouse in the military. Through utilization of an occupational therapy perspective, this program focuses on the promotion of wellness and increased quality of life for military wives which in turn facilitates overall cohesion and support among military families.

Making the “Better Half” Even Better: A Support Program for Military Wives was influenced by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance Model due to the focus on an individual’s valued roles, tasks and activities along with their performance in those …

Integration Of Sexuality Content Into An Occupational Therapy Curriculum, Brittany L. Larson, Sarah R. Stutz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Sexuality is a broad term that can be used to encompass other terms such as sexual expression and sexual functioning, and can be defined as a holistic concept of the individual that is more than just physical sexual behavior but also relates to thoughts and feelings of everyday life (Couldrick, 1998a). Sexuality and sexual functioning are considered an activity of daily living (ADL) by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (2008); however, it is a topic that is not being routinely addressed with clients by occupational therapists or other healthcare professionals (Hattjar, 2012). Studies show there is a …

A Guide For Occupational Therapists On Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Kelsey Lindstrom, Molly Simmons

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop the occupational therapy (OT) role and a practice guide for OTs to use with their young adult client who has sustained a sports-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Methods: An extensive literature review was completed on mTBI to examine risks when engaging in sports, common symptoms occurring due to mTBI, OT and rehabilitation assessments and interventions used following an mTBI. Further literature reviewed included current guidelines used in OT and other disciplines, integration of individuals affected by mTBI back into daily occupations, effects of intervention, and identifying when retirement from the …

Interventions Used By Occupational Therapists And Allied Health Providers In Regards To Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Kara L. Maatz, Jared Q. Zimmerman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is the most widely known disability in the American health care system (National Institute of Health [NIH], 2010). Chronic pain affects how individuals are able to engage in meaningful activities of daily life. Unrelieved pain can potentially result in longer hospital visits, emotional distress, and increased re-admission rates to hospitals (The American Academy of Pain Medicine, 2012). A review of research in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) database revealed that few clinically useful references were available for practitioners regarding interventions used with chronic musculoskeletal pain (AOTA, 2014). As a result, it was determined that effective …

Occupational Therapy Based Guide For Caregivers Of Individuals With Muscular Dystrophy, Chelsea Hesby, Macaila Pagel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a holistic guide that could be provided by occupational therapists (OTs) to caregivers of individuals with muscular dystrophy (MD). A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the impact that caregiving for individuals with MD has on quality of life, stress management and mental health. The review of literature also explored caregivers’ access to resources and common difficulties experienced. The literature revealed that there have been recent advances in medical fields which have led to an increased lifespan for individuals with MD to an average age of 27 years old (Eagle et …

Pilot Study: Affect Of Power Posing On Ot Student Performance When Implementing Interventions, Aimee Abel, Brittney Barelman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Objectives. This pilot study used a quasi-experimental repeated measures design to explore the affect of power posing on Occupational Therapy student performance when conducting interventions with clients. The study was conducted in an attempt to determine an effective strategy used to enhance student therapist performance to support occupational adaptation in school and during the transition to entry-level clinician.

Method. Second year occupational therapy students (n = 10) from the University of North Dakota at the Casper, WY site and practicing clinicians (n = 10) from the community of Casper participated in the study. The student therapists conducted two interventions on …

Collaboration To Impact Occupation-Based Practice During Level Ii Fieldwork, Krista Coleman, Natalie Senger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of the product was to develop a collaborative learning process between the fieldwork educator and the student to promote the use of occupation-based and client-centered practice during level II fieldwork experiences in adult physical rehabilitation settings. The literature review revealed many obstacles that constrain occupation-based and client-centered practice from being utilized by occupational therapists in the medical setting. The product uses the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) as a catalyst to promote implementation of occupation-based practice throughout the fieldwork experience. A collaborative approach to learning using the social collectivism perspective is used. The product provides opportunity through participation …

Stroke And The Younger Adult: Recommendations For Occupational Therapy, Kara Black, Callie Schneider

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapy (OT) is an integral component of the rehabilitation process for individuals who have sustained stroke. As the number of individuals sustaining and surviving stroke in the United States has consistently risen over the past decades (Bartels, 2011), it is anticipated that stroke prevalence from 2010 will have a 25% increase by the year 2030 (American Heart Association (AHA), 2011). In addition, a current trend in research has been found, indicating an increase in the incidence of stroke within the young and middle-aged, or younger, adult population between the ages of 18 and 55 years (AHA, 2011).

An extensive …

The Experiences Of Occupational Therapists In Natural Disasters: A Qualitative Study, Samantha L. Becker, Emily Reiter

Occupational Therapy Capstones

OBJECTIVE. This study explored the experiences of occupational therapists who have lived through a natural disaster within the last five years.

METHOD. Researchers conducted a literature review and developed a semi-structured interview using the Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) model as a guide. Six occupational therapists (1 male and 5 females) were selected using convenience and purposive snowball sampling. Each participant was interviewed one time. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and data was analyzed using an open coding system.

FINDINGS. Following the data analysis process, four categories were identifies. These categories included personal experience, environmental influence, social experience, and professional …

A Guide To Seasonal Migration: Increasing Snowbirds' Longevity, Stephanie Haselkamp, Jenny Styles

Occupational Therapy Capstones

With the demographic shift of the aging population within the United States, and the push for preventative healthcare measures, occupational therapy (OT) practitioners need to adjust the way they are delivering their services to best meet this growing population's needs. Falls prevention is a method for occupational therapists to get involved in preventative care. The need for preventing falls is further supported by the concept of aging-in-place. Aging-in-place is popular amongst the older population, as older adults often wish to remain in their homes and natural contexts for as long as possible. Homes can come in many different forms; and …

A Reference Manual For Caregivers Of Individuals With Als, Jessica Pastir, Brianna Woodard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Adolescents With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Program For Prevention Of Juveniles Entering The Criminal Justice System, Erin Sykora, René Warzecha

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of the product is to provide adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) who are in a youth juvenile detention center the opportunity to participate in group sessions that will increase their functional occupational performance and decrease behaviors associated with their disorder.

Methodology: An extensive literature review was completed in order to determine the need for services and the information to include within the product. The authors looked at websites related to programming already implemented in Juvenile Centers to gather an idea of how to organize the product. A review of Cole’s 7 Steps was done in …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Skilled Dementia Care: Improving Quality Of Life, Kelly Bainbridge, April Benoit

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The occurrence of dementia has been increasing over the years. It is estimated that the number of people with dementia will increase to more than 45 million within the next 20 years (Ferri et al., 2005). This increase will lead to an increased demand for occupational therapists to work with individuals with dementia within skilled care units to meet the vast needs of this population and promote quality of life. Occupational therapists are skilled in working with people with dementia; yet, most occupational therapists do not feel confident in their role with skilled dementia care. This has been found to …

An Intergenerational Leisure Activity Program To Promote Successful Aging, Rachel Becker, Jason Zacharias

Occupational Therapy Capstones

PROBLEM: By the year 2030, older adults who are 65 years of age or older will account for 20% of the US population (Center for Disease Control, 2008); however, the rate of successful aging has decreased 25% from 1998 to 2004 (McLaughlin, Connell, Heeringa, Li, &Roberts, 2009).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop an intergenerational program that will promote successful aging of older adults. METHOD: A literature review was conducted on older adults and successful aging using PubMed, OT search, CINAHL, AJOT, Google scholar, and textbooks. RESULTS: Researchers indicated that intergenerational programs promote successful aging and …

A Qualitative Study On The Impact Of Occupational Therapy Mentors On Children From Disadvantaged Homes And The Implications For Future Success, Melinda Cervantes, Jennifer Prevett

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Research into childhood development has shown that the impacts of a traumatic life event can have adverse effects on the development and future success of a child. Traumatic live events can be defined as any experience that varies from a typical pattern of childhood development, for example divorce, death of a parent, addiction concerns, domestic violence, or incarceration of a parent. Often a positive role model cannot be found in these children’s lives, keeping them from reaching success later in life. Researchers have studied the impact of a mentoring relationship on children from disadvantaged homes and have found the mentoring …

Occupational Therapy For Adolescents: A Nature-Based Interventions Approach, Amanda Cruze, Myrtyce Remus

Occupational Therapy Capstones

PURPOSE: The first purpose of this scholarly project was to address current trends in relation to adolescents’ increased reliance on technology, decreased exposure to natural settings, and utilization of nature in adolescent occupational therapy care. The second purpose of the scholarly project was to provide occupational therapists with an interventions guide for nature-based activities to be used with the adolescent population.

METHOD: A literature review was conducted on adolescents, technology and nature using PubMed, CINAHL, AJOT, OT Search, MESH, Google Scholar, and textbooks.

RESULTS: A review of the literature indicated that the target population, Generation Z, had grown up with …

An Occupation-Based Protocol For Treatment Of Adults With Burn Injury, Lyndsey Felber, Megan Metelak

Occupational Therapy Capstones

People are occupational beings. Occupations build the structure of a client’s day. Thus, occupations give life it’s meaning (Hocking, 2001). Occupational therapists have a holistic viewpoint of clients that focuses on improving their quality of life through meaningful occupations. There is a lack of literature supporting the use of occupationbased intervention with adults with burn injuries. Throughout the literature preparatory and purposeful interventions are prominent for burn rehabilitation. (Holavanahalli et al. 2011, Fung et al., 2010, Parry et al., 2012). According to Richard et al. (2008), current techniques to treat burn injuries have remained unchanged for centuries. They suggest that …

An Occupational Therapy Guide To Assessment Of Executive Function Of Rural Agriculture Workers, Cayleigh Gerstner, Alyssa Lopez

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Develop a guide for occupational therapists working with rural agricultural-based individuals’ experiencing cognitive deficits. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was completed with major topics including the definition of executive functioning, common duties of ranch/farm workers, relationship between executive functioning and work, rural agriculture culture. The goal of the literature review was to gain an understanding of the influence of executive functioning skills on engagement within occupational duties and tasks of rural agriculture workers. Results: An occupational therapy guide was developed to provide a list of common tasks/duties of ranchers/framers and the associated executive functioning skills as well as client …

An Occupation Based Intervention Protocol For Carpometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty, Joshua A. Gillbertson, Christopher G. Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is located at the base of thumb and, functionally, is the most important joint within the hand due to its extensive mobility and the importance it has on the dexterity of human prehension. Due to the hypermobility and high degrees of utilization of the CMC joint, it is a common area for increased pain, joint disease, and the development of arthritis. Arthritis can be a debilitating condition as it is associated with instability, deformities, and limited range of motion, which all impact engagement in activities of daily living and meaningful occupations. When conservative treatments and non-surgical …

Substance Abuse Post-Spinal Cord Injury: A Manual For Occupational Therapists, Janaye Hellman, Emilee Soper

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to assist therapists in physical rehabilitation settings to begin addressing and treating substance abuse with patients post spinal cord injury (SCI). The project provides therapists with a resource guide to use for identifying specific screenings. occupational therapy assessments, intervention strategies, and discharge recommendations that may be useful during treatment sessions.

Methods: The literature review was conducted on the topics of substance abuse and SCIs. Research identified there is a lack of substance abuse recognition and treatment by healthcare professionals in a physical rehabilitation setting as many healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists …

Community Based Program For Young Adults With High Functioning Autism: Social Participation And Dating, Brook Dahle, Laura Hennes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In the United States, autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 88 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Autism spectrum disorders affect individuals throughout their lifespan (Alexander, 2011). The most significant impairment in individuals with high functioning autism experience is qualitative impairment in social interaction (Sadock & Sadock, 2008). Services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders are available until the age of 21. Therefore, adults with autism spectrum disorders have limited access to intervention even though they continue to struggle (Shattuck, Wagner, Narendorf, Sterzinger, & Hansley, 2011). The focus of this project is young adults with high functioning …

Caregivers Of Children With Disabilities: An Exploratory Study Of Factors Influencing Occupational Therapy Home Programming Engagement, Sara E. Joersz, Rebecca I. Polansky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Home programming for children with disabilities is prescribed frequently by occupational therapists as an effective adjunct to practice-setting occupational therapy. The effectiveness of home programming is largely influenced by the degree to which caregivers (and children) adhere to the home programming parameters. Numerous factors are thought to promote or limit home programming adherence but there is a lack of quantitative research addressing the relationships between these factors and home programming adherence. The purpose of this quantitative, independent study was to explore the factors that are correlated with or influence caregivers’ adherence to their child’s occupational therapy home program. A …

Occupational Therapy In The Intensive Care Unit: A Quick Reference Guide, Susie Bonn, Megan Keidel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create a quick reference guide for occupational therapists treating clients in the intensive care unit (ICU) in order to increase quality of care, decrease medical errors, and improve confidence.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to determine the needs of occupational therapists and other health professionals working in the ICU environment. It was discovered that occupational therapists do not receive specific education on treating clients in the ICU and that there are no specific resources for occupational therapists currently available. Rehabilitation is beginning sooner within the ICU in order to decrease client …

Occupational Therapy Screening Tool For School-Aged Children With Sleep Problems, Jenae Becker, Kathryne Kitchen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to review the occupational therapy literature and develop a guide to instruct occupational therapists in screening children with sleep problems and associated occupational performance issues.

The primary method used for this project was the use of an extensive literature review of common sleep problems, co-morbidities of sleep problems, the impact of lack of sleep, sleep interventions, and the role of occupational therapy when addressing sleep problems in school-aged children. A number of search engines were utilized including PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, OT Search, OT Seeker, and OT textbooks.

The literature indicated there was a …

Understanding Culturally Competent Care In Occupational Therapy School To Providing Clinical Practice, Tracy Lord

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This purpose of this study is to determine if the knowledge that is gained in occupational therapy school about working with diverse cultures is continually developed and applied while practicing in the field of occupational therapy.

Methodology: Data was collected from 18 participants in a quantitative survey and 6 participants in a qualitative interview from four Southwestern states.

Results: Results of this study suggest that the therapists who have graduated within the last 20 years have a greater understanding of including a client’s culture to provide true client-centered care in the delivery of occupational therapy services. 50% of the …

Occupational Therapy In Oncology: A Guide For The Occupational Therapist Working On The Oncology Care Team, Kaitlyn Radi, Anna Schumacher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

An Exploratory Study Investigating The Quality Of Life In Parents Of Children With Disabilities, Jeffrey Crain, Rebecca Lang

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of the study is to investigate caregivers' of children with disabilities perceptions related to their quality of life through engagement in meaningful occupations. Researchers hope that data from this study will contribute to the growing body of literature on caregivers of children with disabilities. Quality of life is an outcome measure that occupational therapists utilize in their practice.

Throughout the course of the study data was collected through the use of a semi structured interview tool. Researchers developed this tool to allow participants to openly express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences related to having a child with a …

A Manual For Caregivers Of Infants And Young Children Who Are At Risk For Or Have Experienced A Tbi: Prevention And Education, Meghan Enabnit, Stephanie Gubbels

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The prevalence of infant TBI, 0 to 4 years of age, is one of the highest population groups to experience TBI (Faul, Xu, Wald, & Coronado, 2010). The age group between 0-4 years old has contributed to 251,546 emergency department visits, 15,239 hospital visits, and 998 deaths (Faul et aI., 2010). The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase awareness and knowledge of infant and young child traumatic brain injury across all contexts, to reduce incidence of traumatic brain injury and re-injury and to promote development for the vulnerable, at-risk, infant and young child population through the creation and …