Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Trauma-Informed Care (Tic) Interventions: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Ryan Anderson, Jenalyn Bigasin, Amal Hassan, Kendra Mertes, Rebekah Muilenburg, Christine Simon, Julia Trnka, Lucy Zeihen, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following question: What are the characteristics and effectiveness of trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches on health and participation (well-being, quality of life) outcomes for populations who have experienced trauma?

Trauma And Health Outcomes: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Kelly Breuer, Christina Cink, Shawna Geisler, Hannah Hillstrom, Cerena Ice, Olivia Kreuser, Ladislava Mazurkevicz, Hallie Schommer, Jullie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following questions: EBP Question What is the relationship between trauma (ACE or traumatic events) and child and adult performance, participation, health and disability outcomes for general and specific populations? What additional person or environment characteristics predict positive or negative outcomes from trauma?

Descriptive Characteristics And Risk Factors For Trauma: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Hawo Jama, Hibak Jama, Molly Kreutter, Jill Olson Moser, Glory Pierre, Sora Samejima, Naomi Teetzel, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following question: What are the perspectives, experiences, and self-reports of adult individuals, groups, or populations who have MCI or report problems with Functional Cognition (and / or their caregivers)?

Training In Trauma-Informed Care (Tic): An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Erin Bugajski, Danielle Erler, Ashley Fosness, Diamond Hill, Jon Lindahl, Lindsay Purcell, Amber Ramirez-Acosta, Joy Smith, Michelle Vacinek, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following question: What are the characteristics and effectiveness of trauma-informed care (TIC) training on the performance of health professionals and organizations who provide services to populations who have experienced trauma (traumatic events or ACE)?

Screening And Assessment In Trauma-Informed Care: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Megan Bender, Beka Bickel, Ashley Hoffmann, Emily Howard, Mykayla Laurie, Yer Lee, Rachael Nelson, Ciara Nervick, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following question: What interprofessional and occupational therapy screening and assessment measures are used in trauma-informed care and what are their psychometric characteristics?

Trauma Experiences And Perspectives: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Libby Blattner, Melanie Homan, Ellie Leabch, Jennifer Malwitz, Faye Mcguire, Rachel Mcpherson, Julia Rupp, Maria Tonn, Hannah Zenisek, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following questions:

• How do individuals who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences describe their experiences and the impact trauma has had on their life?
• How do healthcare professionals describe their experiences of working with individuals who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences and their perspectives on trauma-informed training and approaches?

Exploring Wheelchair Service Delivery In A Dedicated Seating Department, Cara E. Masselink

Dissertations

This study is a series of three studies aimed at exploring wheelchair service delivery in a department of physical and occupational therapists dedicated to wheelchair seating. The three studies utilized a retrospective analysis to investigate the clinical documentation written by the practicing clinicians between 2007 and 2017. The first study aimed to describe the wheelchair and accessory recommendations made in the 11-year period, in relationship to age and gender. The majority of recommendations in the dedicated seating department were for complex wheelchairs. The results indicated the ratio between standard and complex power mobility devices and four complexities of cushions changed, …

Program Evaluation Of The Impact Of Sensory Room Activities On Student Readiness In Muskegon County, Mary C. Spyhalski

Education

There is a lack of research regarding the effect of sensory room interventions and equipment on student’s school readiness, as well as a lack of research regarding documentation and monitoring the effectiveness of sensory rooms. This is a problem for occupational therapists and teachers implementing sensory interventions that are not backed by research (Stephenson & Carter, 2011). Occupational therapists in Muskegon County Northern Service Unit (NSU) have determined a need to collect data on the impact of sensory room interventions on student readiness for school-day activities within their district. Program evaluations are needed in order to gather data that discusses …

Program Evaluation Of The Impact Of Sensory Room Interventions On Student Readiness In Muskegon County, Emilie Brzak, Olivia Deweerd, Erica Roll

Pediatrics

Aim: This study is a program evaluation of four different sensory rooms in the schools within Muskegon County Northern Service Unit (NSU) to uncover the benefits of sensory interventions on students’ school readiness.

Methods: Grand Valley State University occupational therapy students analyzed data from the school occupational therapists to promote evidence based practice of this program.

Results: Within this program, sensory interventions increased students’ school readiness.

Conclusion: Outcomes indicate that the primary means of increasing students’ school readiness include transitioning to an active activity following sensory interventions and participating in multiple stations. Results are not generalizable to other programs.

A Bilingual Approach To Pediatric Occupational Therapy: The Importance Of Communication Between Providers & Spanish-Speaking Families In Northwest Arkansas, Emily Ann Davidson

World Languages, Literatures and Cultures Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to the demographic demands of Northwest Arkansas and the prevalence of disparities in health care, this study aims to assess the current practices, perceived need, and willingness to provide bilingual Spanish-English outpatient pediatric occupational therapy options in Northwest Arkansas. The hope of this study is to better inform pediatric occupational therapy providers of the growing need for bilingual services so that they may respond appropriately in order to better serve Latino and Spanish-speaking patients and their families or caregivers.

Examining The Lived Experience Of Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Kaitlyn Kurtz, Rachel Matuseski, Ava Mckee, Vincent Murphy, Megan Peterson, Rachel Polland, Leigha Rudd, Elly Ryan, Maddie Troske, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project addressed the following question: What are the perspectives, experiences, and self-reports of adult individuals, groups, or populations who have MCI or report problems with Functional Cognition (and / or their caregivers)?

Descriptive And Predictive Characteristics For Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) And Functional Cognition: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Alison Baumgartner, Chelsea Benitz, Jessica Bosacker, Adriel Fredrickson, Tara Grandolfo, Kira Hinz, Alex Jaenke, Lauren Klugherz, Calli Marg, Julie Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project addressed the following question: What are the descriptive and predictive characteristics of individuals, groups, or populations who have or are most at risk for mild cognitive impairment and problems with functional cognition?

Assessments For Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) And Functional Cognition: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Margaret Hiniker, Hannah Kleschult, Erica Norton, Libby Reger, Natalie Ristau, Kate Skluzacek, Seng Vang, Tiffany Vang, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project addressed the following question: What occupational therapy and interdisciplinary assessments are currently used and have the best psychometric characteristics and are most effective for screening or evaluating functional cognition of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and measuring the outcomes of intervention programs for mild cognitive impairment?

Interventions For Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Erika Beal, Caroline Boris, Bailey Brownlee, Sydney Busker, Fabiola Droguett, Grace Hermer, Bridget Ireland, Paige Nelson, Danielle Sioui, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project addressed the following question: What occupational therapy and multidisciplinary/interprofessional interventions are most effective for addressing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to improve occupational performance, functional cognition, participation, well-being, quality of life, and caregiver burden?

An Analysis Of The Developmental Enrichment Of The Seattle Children's Playgarden, Caitlin Koob

Honors Theses

This paper analyzes the opportunities for developmental enrichment, as provided by the Seattle Children’s PlayGarden, from the perspective of occupational therapy. The PlayGarden, located in Seattle, Washington, is an inclusive playground, preschool, and summer camp that promotes inclusion of children with disabilities. The analysis highlights each area of occupation, as identified in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, and discusses the garden’s contribution to facilitate growth in those specific skills (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2014). The intentionality of the design and program structure advocates for children to maximize their independence in activities of daily living, despite the play-based approach. …

Board Games For Kids: Reducing Stress And Learning Through Play, Benjamin Wolf

OT Student Capstones

The aim of the project, Board Games for Kids was to provide an opportunity for underprivileged children to reduce stress and improve essential life skills through the occupation of play. Despite the lack of scholarly research, board games are widely considered to assist in the development of executive function skills necessary for future life skills. This program served as a pilot test and proof of concept. Clinical observation determined improvements in the development of appropriate play skills, and executive functioning skills such as planning, organizing, and sequencing. Staff observations noted improved peer to peer interactions, mood, and behaviors and abilities …

Occupational Therapy And Veterans’ Resiliency Post-Amputation: Addressing Psychosocial Needs, Alexandra K. Broussard

OT Student Capstones

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this project is to identify: (a) the unmet needs of veterans’ post-amputation, (b) gaps in successful promotion of resilience, recovery, and reintegration, (c) role of occupational therapy in promoting resilience, recovery, and reintegration. METHODS: Needs assessment to identify the unmet needs to address psychosocial adjustment post-amputation from the perspectives of veterans and healthcare providers. RESULTS: This project revealed several themes from the experiences of veterans’ post- amputation and healthcare providers who treated veterans’ post-amputation. DISCUSSION: There is limited research incorporating mental health occupational therapy to improve resiliency for veterans’ post-amputation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This supports the …

“We Don’T Like Talking About Toileting Issues In Front Of Everyone”: Parents’ Reflections On Family-Centered Care, Holli Ruiz

OT Student Capstones

Objective. The objective of this study was to describe how pediatric occupational therapist enacted family-centered care in the outpatient clinic and the resulting perception families had of this care. Method. The use of an open-ended, six question survey was administered to parents of children who were receiving occupational therapy services in an outpatient pediatric clinic. Two researchers employed thematic coding to analyze the results. Results. Five themes emerged including: styles of communication, transfer to home, environment, focusing on the child, and involving the family in goals and focus. Conclusion. There were many positives associated with family-centered care to include satisfaction …

Sleep And Wellbeing At Phoenix Children’S Hospital, Rebecca Ls Knowles

OT Student Capstones

Background/Literature Review: Sleep and well-being have a dynamic, reciprocal relationship. A review of the literature suggests hospital night shift employees are vulnerable to health disparities due to circadian rhythm disruption, and experience low ratings of well-being. Methods: A multi-layered needs assessment included meetings with interdisciplinary representatives, review of employee satisfaction and attrition data, and interviews with night shift workers. Results: The needs assessment identified several unmet employee needs, including staffing, scheduling, and healthy food access. Insufficient staffing emerged as a barrier to employee health and well-being. Discussion: The results suggested that new graduates enter PCH enthusiastic and resilient but suffer …

Case Report: A Modified Early Passive Mobilization Protocol For A Zone Ii Flexor Pollicis Longus Repair, Brandon Ryan

OT Student Capstones

A hand can be injured in many ways, but rehabilitation of a tendon laceration following a surgical repair can be one of the most challenging aspects of hand therapy. For example, rates of secondary repair due to complications, such as tendon rupture or tendon adhesion, have been reported to be as high as 17% (Dy et al., 2012). This can be especially problematic when considering the unique characteristics of the dynamics of thumb flexion when compared with that of the other digits. There are many different protocols for flexor tendon repairs, which can make it difficult for a therapist to …

Resiliency And Proactive Coping Methods Targeting Perceived Stress Levels In Older Adults, Katie Holmes

OT Student Capstones

Stress, or perceived stress, has the potential to be life-threatening to those that experience it on a regular basis. Community-dwelling older adults may be particularly vulnerable to perceived stress and its effects due to stressors such as negative life events, chronic disease or declining health, loss of loved ones experienced with the aging process, and social isolation. Stress and mental health and well-being are not being adequately addressed in independent and assisted living communities for older adults. An eight-week stress management program focusing on the concepts of resiliency and proactive coping was implemented at a local retirement community. An overall …

Use Of The Alert Program® In A Sensory Room At An Emergency Children's Shelter, Sarah May Bautista

OT Student Capstones

Children who have experienced trauma have difficulty with behavioral self-regulation which effects social participation, play, and academics (Petrenchik & Weiss, 2015). Young children learn through exploration of their environment and gather information from the senses of taste, sight, touch, smell, sound, proprioception, and body movement (vestibular). As sensory information is gathered, the brain and body organize and interpret these sensations. The manner in which these senses are experienced determine which sensory experiences are preferred, and the nature of behavioral reactions. Children who have experienced trauma have difficulty managing stress, emotions, and daily routines. In the community occupational therapists can encourage …

Healthy Brains, Healthy Bodies: A Program Designed To Address Mealtime Routines And Self- Regulation In Children With Dual Diagnosis, Heather Warner

OT Student Capstones

Trauma can be defined as an actual or posed threat that could cause or has caused harm to an individual (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2018). Situations that put a child at risk or have the perceived threat of putting a child’s life at risk are defined as traumatic and can cause serious detrimental developmental changes. For this particular doctoral project, programs were designed by an occupational therapy student for Tennyson Center for Children, a facility that works with at-risk children and their families, to address concerns in both the school and community-based setting for children who have experienced trauma. …

Exploring The Refugee Occupational Experience Across The Socioecological Model, Cyrena Crockett Connolly

OT Student Capstones

The aim of this Doctoral Experiential Component was to explore the occupational experiences of refugees in engaging in cross-cultural occupations. This was done by using the person- environment-occupation model and Occupational Therapy Practice Framework as theoretical lenses to identify and map occupational barriers across the socioecological model. Identifying occupational barriers across multiple levels of prevention creates new ways to address specific occupational needs and allows for impactful change. This project explored the occupational barriers of 8 participants in Salt Lake City, UT. Participants were refugees from Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Syria, and United States-born to Sudanese …

Resiliency In School Experiences: A Dropout Prevention Initiative, Stephanie L. Smith

OT Student Capstones

The ramifications of high school dropout have significant adverse effects both for individuals and society. High school graduation is the social determinant that strongly predicts long-term health and success (American Public Health Association, n.d.). Unfortunately, more than 500,000 high school students dropout each year without the skills and credentials needed to become successful, productive members of society (Communities in Schools, 2009). The dropout numbers for ethnic minorities are disproportionately high. In 2009, the proportions of 16 to 24- year-old high school dropouts were 10.7% for African Americans, 15.9% for American Indians, and 17.9% for Hispanics (Center for Mental Health in …

Occupational Therapy In Community Corrections And Reentry: Program Implementation For Adult Males With Addiction, Cassandra E. Sankey

OT Student Capstones

The evolution of incarceration, or confinement, began in the 18th century with the Quakers, known as the Pennsylvania system, an isolation and penitence ideology (Penner, 1978). Later, the Auburn system was implemented in the 19th century, which embraced an approach of mental isolation (Penner, 1978). Today, citizens entrust the criminal justice system with the power to protect communities from individuals who commit crimes (Muñoz, Moreton, & Sitterly, 2016). Therefore, the United States criminal justice system diversified the supervision of lawbreakers based upon the severity of their crimes, such as jail, prison, probation, and parole. This has led to decades of …

Harnessing Nature For Occupational Therapy: Interventions And Health Promotion, Gina Ferra Kaplanis

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Literature is beginning to emerge which states that participation in natural environments can be restorative, provide much needed physical activity and assist with health promotion and prevention of illness. Theories such as Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan, 1995) and Biophilia Hypothesis (Wilson, 1993) support the benefits for participation in natural outdoor environments. Health benefits of participation in nature including accessing Vitamin D, improving balance, attention restoration, reduced myopia, stress reduction are widely present in literature. Despite the health benefits of participation in nature, occupational therapists rarely complete interventions in the natural environment. Principles of adult learning and occupational adaptation were used …

Impact Of Shoulder Pathology On Individuals With Distal Radius Fracture: A Mixed Methods Study, Sarah Beth Doerrer

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this convergent parallel mixed methods study was to expand the understanding of the impact of shoulder pathology on individuals with distal radius fracture (DRF). This included describing the population that had shoulder pathology, comparing participants who had shoulder pathology with participants who did not, and exploring their experiences. The occupational adaptation model guided this study. Recruitment for this study included 45 patients post DRF. Each participant completed a short questionnaire after informed consent was obtained which asked demographic information such as age, gender, race, date of injury, and if the dominant hand was fractured. Over 9 weeks, …

Development Of A Caregiver Education Support Tool For Family Caregivers Of Older Adults With Dementia, Sarah Guariglia

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

For every person diagnosed with dementia, four family members are affected and burdened with providing care. Providing familial care is associated with greater psychological, social, and emotional burden on the caregiver. Caregivers are not provided with adequate education to support successful caregiving and aging in place. This capstone project developed and piloted a caregiver education support tool to simplify the process of finding caregiver education. Five caregivers participated in interviews to guide the development of the support tool, next completed the Likert questionnaire, and tested the caregiver education support tool. Four themes were identified: (1) burden, (2) loss, (3) unmet …

An Examination Of Mothering Occupations In The Context Of Spinal Cord Injury, Gohar Ghushchyan-Tigranyan

OT Student Capstones

An examination of mothering occupations in the context of spinal cord injury across cultures, motherhood is a desired life trajectory that is strongly influenced by cultural norms and expectations. Mental or physical injuries can become a barrier to fulfilling this life goal, leaving a great sense of loss and feeling of failure for women (Albright, Duggan, and Rahman, 2009). This paper aims to understand the lives of mothers with spinal cord injury, the physical challenges and adaptation that they found around the disability, and the psychosocial impact of mothering from a wheelchair. This project will also investigate professional involvement, such …