Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Disruption: The Influence Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Behavioral Inflexibility And Anxiety Of Autistic Children, Aaron R. Dallman, Catherine Perry, Jessica Goldblum, Nicole M. Butera, Brian Boyd, Clare Harrop

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented changes to the lives of many. The aim of this paper was to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted behavioral inflexibility (BI) and anxiety among autistic children and how autistic children and their families have adapted to COVID-19-related routine changes.

Methods: This sequential mixed-method study included two phases. During the first phase, parents of autistic children (N = 48) completed an online survey consisting of the Behavioral Inflexibility Scale (BIS) and the Parent-Rated Anxiety Scale – Autism Spectrum Disorder (PRAS-ASD). During the second phase, a subset of parents (parents of adolescents, N …

Occupational Therapists And Covid-19 Pandemic: An Observational Survey In Europe, Christian Pozzi, Alessandro Lanzoni, Pier Carlo Battain, Evelyn Alvarez, Eduardo Tobar, Ruth Hersche, Stefano Cavalli, Anna Monsò, Eva Llarch, Giuseppe Bellelli, Alessandro Morandi, Maud Graff

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a health care emergency in Europe since the first wave in 2020. Several challenges have arisen for occupational therapists, as well as all the health care professionals. The aim of this study was to determine what occupational therapists have changed to adapt their therapeutic processes for this catastrophic situation.

Method: An online survey was developed and sent in conjunction with the Council of Occupational Therapy for European Countries (COTEC) to European national associations of occupational therapists.

Results: The study was based on a sample of 65 occupational therapists who worked …

From Isolation To Connection: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Older Adults’ Social Participation Using The Cov19-Qol Scale, Kathleen Melei, Jill Linder

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Social isolation during COVID-19 has the capacity to impact older adults’ physical health, mental health, and quality of life. Using an occupational therapy perspective of social participation as an occupation, the current study explores (a) the extent to which social participation (habits/routines) has changed following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, (b) differences in perceptions of social participation in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and (c) differences in scores on the COVID-19 Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) scale by demographics, access to health care, and lifestyle routine.

Method: Community-dwelling adults (N = 230) 65 years of age or …

A Dialogue Regarding The Current Status Of Mental Health And Occupational Therapy Practice In The United States, Bryan M. Gee, Sonia Zimmerman, Janice Hinds, Halley Read

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Increasing Occupational Engagement By Addressing Psychosocial And Occupational Factors Of Chronic Pain: A Case Report, John V. Rider, Monica C. Tay

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Chronic pain can significantly disrupt occupational engagement through physical, psychological, and social domains. Because pain is a subjective experience influenced by numerous factors, it has the capacity to become increasingly complex. Evidence supports addressing chronic pain through a biopsychosocial approach and promoting health and well-being through occupational engagement.

Method: This case report describes the implementation of psychosocial and occupation-focused assessments and interventions for a 68-year-old client with chronic pain and increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing. The use of an occupation-focused time-use assessment (Occupational Experience Profile), psychosocial assessments, and pain assessments guided intervention development. Occupational …

Stress Matters: A Case Report In Occupational Therapy For Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment, Amy Driga, Naomi Dolgoy, Julie Hunley

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This case report details occupational therapy (OT) for a woman with breast cancer experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), referred to OT for memory strategies.

Method: Preliminary subjective and cognitive screenings were completed with further/finer assessment diarized.

Results: While the cognitive aspect of CRCI is often addressed via OT, in this case, stress was the most prevalent barrier to function reported. Stress was identified as: impacting occupational engagement, CRCI presentation, interfering with return-to-work goals, and accentuated given the COVID-19 pandemic. A common cancer-specific stress screening tool appeared inadequate in identifying the impact and interplay of stress on function, necessitating a …

Addressing Occupational Performance Deficits In A Religious Setting: A Pediatric Case Report, Bryan M. Gee, Daniel Leatham

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this pediatric case report is to document how occupational therapy assisted a family with a child who has a diagnosis of ASD and the religious clergy increase the child’s participation in activities in the religious context.

Method: The pediatric case report uses an exploratory approach to explore the process of evaluating challenging psychosocial behaviors and implementing contextual and personal strategies to increase participation in meaningful occupations.

Results: As a result of the occupational therapy recommendations and follow-up consultations, the client demonstrated a reduction in behaviors that were a barrier to her participation in …

Occupational Therapy’S Psychosocial Role For Young Children Transitioning Out Of Foster Care, Patrick J. Walker, Bryan M. Gee, Sharon Leonard

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Unmet needs for children in the foster care system lead to hardships with social participation, healthy relationships, and occupational engagement. Despite an understanding of these needs, there is minimal research on occupational therapy’s role for young children transitioning from foster care back to their biological parents.

Method: A single case report was completed via occupational-based interventions focused on psychosocial development, such as emotional regulation and appropriate social skills. All nine interventions were intended to be provided via 45-min individual treatment sessions followed by biological parent coaching for 15 min with strategies such as role-playing, sensory techniques, and trauma-informed …

Occupational Therapy In Secondary Transition: A Case Report, Latoya Harvey, Susan Zapf, Sandra E. Groger

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Introduction: This case report aims to inform the occupational therapy profession of best practice by providing an example of the profession’s role in secondary transition for students with disabilities.

Method: This qualitative case report examines the value of occupational therapy during transition in the life of one student with a disability. Six weeks of coaching and collaboration were provided to facilitate student engagement to enhance independent living skills, work-related skills, and self-determination. Pre-test and post-test results of the Roll Evaluation of Life Activities (REAL), the Goal-Oriented Assessment of Lifeskills (GOAL), the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), interviews, informal discussions, …

Occupational Therapy Enhancing Psychosocial Factors: Through The Lens Of Case Reports, Bryan M. Gee

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Nurturing Personal Capacities Through Engagement In Art, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Andy Wunderlin, an artist based in Vicksburg, MI, provided the cover art for the Spring 2022 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Tree with Birds” is a 10” x 13” drawing made from colored pencil (see Figure 1). Andy’s style is uniquely photorealistic. His work involves meticulous attention to detail. Each piece takes between 6 months and 2 years to complete. For Andy, drawing provides a powerful source of motivation and purpose. Art has played an important role in the development of Andy’s personal capacities and potential.

Functional Cognition: An Opportunity To Highlight The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Post-Concussion Care, Rachel Taylor Postma, John V. Rider, Robyn Otty

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

As concern surrounding concussion and the associated long-term effects grow, a continued need for comprehensive, holistic concussion care emerges. Occupational therapists are well-equipped to address the wide variety of symptoms and deficits that clients may experience post-concussion. Functional cognition is one area in which occupational therapists can demonstrate their unique value on the interdisciplinary treatment team. In this Opinions in the Profession paper, we describe how occupational therapists are poised to further establish their role in post-concussion care by becoming the primary discipline for assessing and treating functional cognition. The aim of this paper is to outline the role of …

Women’S Self-Concept, Sexual Activity, And Intimacy After Sustaining A Traumatic Brain Injury, Erin Skotzke

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a profound impact on how people think and feel about themselves and their abilities, values, goals, personalities, physical characteristics, and roles. Preliminary research findings suggest that barriers to developing a positive self-concept after injury in women include the desire to be perceived as “normal” after the injury or the feeling that society dismisses their injuries. In the field of occupational therapy, it is critical that therapists and researchers understand that self-concept can be altered after sustaining a TBI. This outcome can have a significant impact on participation in valued occupations, including participation in …

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices Are A Moral Imperative For Occupational Therapy, Aaron R. Dallman, Kathryn L. Williams, Lauren Villa

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The term neurodiversity encompasses neurological differences such as clinical labels of autism, learning disabilities, synesthesia, hyperactivity disorders, and more. Proponents of the neurodiversity movement argue that current therapeutic and medical practices often attempt to “normalize” behaviors and ways of participation that originate from these differences in neurology and contribute to an individual’s sense of identity. This paper argues that an ethical and morally just occupational therapy practice should affirm neurodivergent ways of being, and that occupational therapists must be active agents of change by listening to and collaborating with their neurodiverse clientele. We focus the discussion on our work with …

Is It Reasonable? Reasonable And Unreasonable Accommodations For Occupational Therapy Students In Clinical Settings, Rebecca Ozelie, Jennifer Bock, Sarah Gervais, Leah Schneider, Caitlyn Silhavy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Despite the growing number of graduate students with disabilities, little is known about what accommodations are considered reasonable in various occupational therapy fieldwork settings. This study explores which accommodations fieldwork educators perceive as reasonable or unreasonable for occupational therapy students with disabilities. Snowball sampling methodology was used to distribute a virtual survey, using a descriptive design. One hundred and sixty-two occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants answered questions relating to demographic information, clinical experience supervising fieldwork students, and their clinical judgement regarding commonly requested accommodations. Using a quantitative approach, the accommodations deemed most reasonable were allowing the use of adaptive …

Use Of Standardized Patient Encounters As Predictors Of Fieldwork Performance: A Pilot Study, Linda Frasier, John V. Rider, Ashley Fecht

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Although standardized patient encounters (SPEs) are being used in occupational therapy (OT) education, limited literature exists on the value these experiences have on OT student learning outcomes and preparation for fieldwork. This study sought to examine if SPEs had the potential to predict Level II A fieldwork performance.

Method: This study used a retrospective analysis of 35 entry-level OT students. Independent variables included demographics (enrollment in an entry-level OT master's or doctoral degree, age, and overall grade point average) and SPE performance. The fieldwork Level II A final performance evaluation score was used as the dependent variable. Hierarchical regression …

Addressing Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions In Older Women, Amanda Scott, Kristen Digwood, Rachel Teslow, Allyson Bloom

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Women’s pelvic health has become an emerging practice area for occupational therapy in recent years. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that 24% of women in the United States are impacted by pelvic floor disorders (2008). As the general population ages, older women’s health has become a pivotal topic for occupational therapists to include as part of a comprehensive plan of care. Occupational therapists must acquire deeper knowledge related to pelvic pain and urinary incontinence. Developing a deeper understanding of the types of pain and urinary incontinence in older women facilitates efficacy and efficiency in the delivery of occupational …

Practice Guidelines: Addressing Vestibular And Visual Problems In The Neurologically Impaired Adult, Mary J. Mcguire

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The visual and vestibular problems experienced by adults post brain injury (concussion, traumatic brain injury, cerebral vascular accident, tumor removal, etc.) must be evaluated and treated in conjunction with each other for best outcomes. The American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Practice Framework categorizes both the visual and vestibular sensory systems as client factors (body functions) that are a part of the scope of practice of occupational therapy (AOTA, 2020). AOTA’s statement on vestibular impairment, vestibular rehabilitation, and occupational performance emphasizes the importance of occupational therapists addressing this critical client factor. The skills of entry-level and advanced-level occupational therapists are outlined …

A Conceptual Framework: Life Course Health Development And Partial Hand Loss, Alison L. Johnson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Partial hand loss can be a profound source of disability with far-reaching economic and social consequences across the lifespan. Compared to other limb loss populations, perhaps surprisingly, the partial hand loss population experiences higher rates of whole-person impairment and disabling mental health conditions. Despite these known health disparities, the long-term health outcomes of the partial hand loss population are not adequately understood. Deepening understanding and preventing further disparity requires a multi-perspective approach examining factors contributing to health and well-being across the lifespan. This paper examines the partial hand loss population through two separate but overlapping lenses: population health and the …

The Dynamic Use Of The Kawa Model: A Scoping Review, Jayme L. Ober, Rebecca S. Newbury, Jennifer E. Lape

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Kawa model, a framework to guide culturally relevant occupational therapy, has gained recognition and become more widely used in practice. Research on the model thus far, while still relatively sparse, provides guidance for the model’s use, including its strengths and facets that require further exploration to support its use and effectiveness in dynamic ways.

Method: A scoping review was completed to gather, organize, appraise, and synthesize the current research evidence on use of the model.

Results: Findings support the Kawa model’s culturally flexible application and its capacity to garner client-centered qualitative information, as well as …

Comparison Of Computer-Based And Therapeutic Activity Interventions For Improving Visual Motor Abilities Of Preschoolers With Autism: A Randomized Control Study, Supawadee C. Lee

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based and a traditional activity/practice-based intervention for improving the visual motor abilities of children with autism.

Methods: A group, pre-post, experimental design was used with randomization of subjects to four intervention conditions: a computer-based training, a therapeutic practice intervention, the combination of a computer-based training and therapeutic practice intervention, and a martial arts exercise. A sample of 34 preschool children with autism and visual motor integration deficits between 3 and 5 years of age were recruited. The Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities was administered …

Aquatic Developmental Play Program For Children In Early Intervention: A Case Series, Brynn N. Butzman, Cynthia Lau, Cheryl Vanier

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Despite limited evidence, aquatic programming has the potential to be an ideal intervention for young children with disabilities because of its unique and dynamic properties. This study explored the impact of an aquatic developmental play program in addressing sensory integration and motor development needs of children with disabilities as well as its impact on parental isolation.

Methods: A case series design was used. Children with disabilities under 3 years of age and their parents participated in a 9-week aquatic developmental play program held in the community. Goals were individualized for each participant and monitored using the Goal …

Supporting The Paternal Role And Transition Home From The Nicu: A Mixed Method Study, Bryana L. Salazar

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Limited research has focused solely on fathers’ experiences following a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay. The study aimed to identify occupational therapy’s role in supporting paternal wellness and mental health through routines and occupations following discharge.

Methods: Online surveys (n = 32) and virtual interviews (n = 11) were collected to complete a mixed method design study. Interviews were manually transcribed and coded to perform thematic analysis.

Results: Five themes were identified: adjusting expectations, changes in priorities, the unexpected toll of the NICU, coping and healing, and fathers and health care providers. This study …

The Lived Experiences And Occupational Performance And Satisfaction Of Young Adults With Multiple Sclerosis (Ms) As Related To Fine Motor Skills, Mary Squillace, Pamela Linden

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Young adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience fine motor (FM) challenges that prevent them from engaging in age-appropriate occupations. Disease mediated changes in occupational skills can affect how a young adult perceives their occupational performances. This study aimed to gain an understanding of how young adults with MS perceive their FM abilities and social and emotional performance during daily activities.

Method: Eighteen young adults with MS who previously scored equal to or less than the low average range on FM pegboard tests and who reported high satisfaction and low performance on a modified self-report were interviewed. …

Exploring Spirituality Of Elders Relocating Into Long-Term Care Facilities, Kai-Lai Tsai, Pei-Fen J. Chang, Anila J. Mathew, Clarissa Richard, Harriett A. Davidson, Gayle I. Hersch

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Spirituality is recognized as an important contributor to quality of life, particularly for older adults. Yet, limited research has been conducted to examine spirituality of older adults relocating to long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The intent of this mixed methods study was to cull data from a parent study to explore different aspects of spirituality among residents newly admitted to LTCFs.

Method: Qualitative and quantitative data of six participants from a parent study including interviews and scores from the religious and existential well-being sections of the Spiritual Well Being Scale (SWBS) were analyzed and triangulated.

Results: Descriptive …

Clarifying Mixed Methodology In Occupational Therapy Research, Kristin A. Winston, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Using Creative Making To Redesign Life After Stroke, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Kate Davies, a knitwear designer and author based in Scotland, provided the cover art for the Winter 2022 edition of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. “Balance for Better” is a blanket made from wool and mohair. The blanket consists of 30 individual squares designed and knitted by KDD & Co. employees. The colors and pattern of each square reflect the work, achievements, and legacy of the inspirational women celebrated in the blanket. At age 36, Kate suffered a near-fatal stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side of her body. Forced to give up her career as …

Racially Informed Care: A Treatment Approach And Exploration Of The Implications Of Race Related Barriers In The United States, Charae Mcconnell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Social factors surrounding race and ethnicity often create barriers to meaningful occupation and keep people of color from achieving a greater quality of life (Pooremamali et al., 2016). These barriers often result in occupational deprivation and feelings of alienation in society. Research has shown that these barriers created by systematic racism exist for individuals across different environments and persist over their lifetime (Pooremamali et al., 2016). Because of these barriers and the prolonged stress responses caused by racism, people of color, especially black and brown, have significantly higher rates of chronic illness than White Americans. People of color, specifically African …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In The Foster Care System, Melanie N. Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Children and youth who spend time in the foster care system face a variety of obstacles perpetuated by childhood trauma and limitations in service provision. Literature regarding this population demonstrates challenges, including the inability to form attachments and productive peer relationships, deficits in cognition and educational performance, and unpreparedness upon transitioning from the system. In addition, literature demonstrates the significantly increased prevalence of mental health challenges among those in foster care. Parents of foster children report inadequate services and supports to address the ongoing ramifications of a child raised in a constant state of traumatic stress. Following a depiction of …

Considerations For Occupational Therapists In Developing Community-Level Interventions For Youth With High Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces), Victoria G. Wilburn, Megan E. Huber, Denise Senter, Hannah B. Stoll

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Drug misuse likely contributes to the over 30,000 children in foster care and to the 24.2% of children who have experienced two or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Twenty-five percent of children are living in poverty, with nearly half of those living in single-parent households. Among the national guidelines to preventing ACEs are connecting youth with positive activities and providing family relationship enhancement opportunities. We believe the profession of occupational therapy can help contribute to the mental and behavioral health care workforce in a greater capacity than is currently used. Many children are not afforded the opportunity to engage in …