Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Healthcare Professionals' Occupational Lives, Javed A. Mohammed, Ronald Kevin Dela Cruz

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a period of instability for billions of people around the world. Healthcare systems have been severely strained by the influx of infected patients, placing much of that hardship on healthcare professionals (HCPs). Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other essential personnel—individuals who will be inclusive of the term “HCPs”—continue to struggle with frequent occupational disruption. This paper examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occupational lives of HCPs at the national and international levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased work-related stress leading to anxiety, depression, burnout, and …

Promoting Belonging Among Occupational Therapy Students Transitioning To Doctoral Studies, Gina M. Delgado

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Adapting The Ceramics Process With Creative Problem-Solving, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Madeline Kaczmarczyk, a ceramics sculptor based in Rockford, MI, provided the cover art for the Fall 2021 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece is a wall vase made from clay, luster glaze, and glass beads. Madeline has been creating decorative ceramics for over four decades. In recent years, Madeline has found creative ways to adapt the ceramics process so she can continue creating beautiful works of art. For Madeline, ceramics is more than a means to make a living. This meaningful activity brings focus to her life.

Development Of The Dynamic Model Of Occupation-Based Practice, Sarah M. Psillas, Wendy B. Stav

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupation-based practice is unique to occupational therapy, supported as effective in the literature, and promotes health and well-being for clients. There is no framework describing what occupation-based practice looks like, making the goal of infusing occupation into practice difficult. This research study aimed to develop a model of occupation-based practice, providing a framework with constructs, facilitators, and barriers for using occupation in practice.

Method: A grounded theory study was completed with interviews and a focus group. Charmaz’s approach to grounded theory was used to analyze data and allow a model to emerge.

Results: The dynamic model …

Using A Health Promotion Approach To Frame Parent Experiences Of Family Routines And Their Significance For Health And Well-Being, Jennifer S. Pitonyak, Kelly Souza, Caroline Umeda, Tracy Jirikowic

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Scholarship

Occupational therapy providers working with young children and their families in early intervention settings frequently provide interventions to support family routines related to social participation, health management, and related occupations at home and in the community. Family routines are inextricably tied to individual and family health and well-being, yet contextual influences can impact satisfaction with and performance of routines resulting in disparities in health and occupational outcomes. A health promotion approach to intervention is intended to address contextual aspects of occupational performance in natural settings, and therefore, may be a useful approach for providing family-centered, routines-based intervention in early intervention …

An Educational Resource For Young Adults With Disabilities, Their Caregivers, And Clinicians In The Driver Learning Environment, Destinee Logan, Missy Bell, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Driving and community mobility are essential occupations for growing independence and identity. Young adults who are transitioning into adulthood have a desire to engage in their community, and it is at this time that an interest in driving begins. Driving is a complex occupation that requires in-depth education and experience to safely participate in.

Learning to drive can be challenging, especially for a person with a disability. Young adults with disabilities confront several community concerns that limit their ability to participate in the meaningful activity of driving. Those with disabilities often rely on their support systems to help guide their …

Understanding Factors Relevant To Poor Sleep And Coping Methods In People With Schizophrenia, Yen-Ching Chang, Megan C. Chang, Yun-Jou Chang, Ming-De Chen

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background

Sleep disruption is pervasive in people with schizophrenia, but few studies have explored their sleep experiences. This study aims to identify factors relevant to sleep problems and explore coping methods used by community-dwelling people with schizophrenia.

Methods

Eighteen participants with schizophrenia were recruited from three mental health centers in Taiwan. They completed a semi-structured interview and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) assessment. The Person-Environment-Occupation model offered a framework to assess factors related to sleep. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data analysis.

Results

Factors related to sleep were classified under person, environment, and occupation domains. The person …

Ikebana: An Ancient Tradition Of Contemporary Healing And Artful Practice, Jennifer K. Fortuna Phd, Otr/L

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Ricardo Carrásco, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is an occupational therapy professor and ikebana artist. He provided the cover art for the Summer 2021 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of arranging flowers. “Kanta of the Wind, Sun and Moon” is an ikebana design made from blue and white Phalaenopsis orchids, chrysanthemum, bear grass, and heirloom driftwood. This gendaika, or freestyle design, is a haiku tribute to the wind, sun, and moon. Dr. Carrásco has been practicing occupational therapy and ikebana for more than 5 decades. As an occupational scientist and …

Life Repurposed: Finding A New Calling Through Meaningful Occupation, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Kelly Allen, an occupational therapist and artist based in Grand Rapids, MI, provided the cover art for the Spring 2021 edition of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Follow” is a 16” x 20” painting made from oil on panel. The painting, which features a coati from Central America, is from Kelly’s Animal Totem series. After more than 2 decades as a fine artist and educator, she began searching for a career change. Kelly’s background in fine art and her desire to help others prepared her for a career in occupational therapy. Certain events in Kelly’s life aligned not …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Supporting The Enculturation And Acculturation Process For Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Immigrants, Sherry A. Manoly, Susan Macdermott, Karen Park, Becki Cohill

Spring 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Objectives: The Egyptian Coptic Orthodox population in America has grown exponentially due to religious intolerance in Egypt. Many Copts move to the U.S. and experience feelings of helplessness because of the stark difference in American culture compared to the culture they had left behind. Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession that can impact the Copts due to the focus on gaining independence in life through participation in meaningful occupations. This qualitative study sought to answer the research question, “what is the current state of occupational engagement for recently immigrated Coptic Christian immigrants, and how can occupational therapy support immigrant populations?” …

Creating A New Normal Through Engagement In Meaningful Occupation, Jennifer K. Fortuna Phd, Otr/L

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Katie Edick, an occupational therapist and artist based in Portland, Michigan, provided the cover art for the Winter 2021 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Katie Bird” is a 4” x 6” watercolor painting. After receiving a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), Katie set out to find a new purpose and leave a legacy. She made the decision to live with intention and choose life experiences that create joy. Through engagement in meaningful occupations, such as painting and patient advocacy, Katie is creating a new normal.

Occupation-Focused Learning And Personal Development Through Service-Learning, Sarah Quinn, Katie Cremin

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Experiential learning is not without its challenges. Following a pilot examination of student feedback on practical and learning difficulties they encountered, students’ experiences of their occupation-focused, service-learning module was systematically explored using a case study design. Concurrent mixed methods were employed to collect data with emphasis on qualitative data gathered through weekly, guided reflective journals and online forums. Students were also surveyed pre and post module to validate data on their experiences regarding their concerns, perceived learning, and evaluation of the module. Four themes were identified. These related to students’ increased understanding of the use and value of occupation; their …

Tacit To Explicit Knowledge Transfer In A University Health Care Program: Use Of Student-Professor And Professor-Professor Collaboration, Geela Spira, Allen S. Keener

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

Student feedback indicated difficulty applying Occupational Therapy values such as “participation in meaningful occupations” into clinical interventions. Two instructors of a components-based course and a theory course collaborated to link practical OT interventions to conceptual OT models. Use of a model for transfer of tacit knowledge was utilized. Each instructor kept a reflective diary. An iterative process for a semester attempted to transfer learned explicit knowledge into an integrated intuitive ‘art of the therapy’ which incorporated Occupational Science core concepts. Worksheets were developed to make the pathway more explicit. By semester’s end, students completed a comprehensive plan for client care.

The Perceptions Of Four Novice Occupational Therapists' Preparedness And Ability To Perform Occupation-Based Practice In Pediatric Practice, Laurie Knis-Matthews, Meagan Koch, Alivia Nufrio, Melissa Neustein Gorman, Feby Zaki, Katheryne H. Wall

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Although occupation-based practice (OBP) is considered best practice within the occupational therapy profession, practitioners continue to have a difficult time actively implementing OBP into treatment. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards necessitate the implementation of OBP. Within the literature, there are gaps in the research investigating novice therapists’ perceptions of incorporating OBP in practice, especially in the United States. Since children and youth is a rapidly growing area of practice, this study focused on investigating how novice therapists are implementing OBP in pediatric settings. This qualitative study therefore investigated the perceptions of four novice pediatric occupational therapists’ …

Healing The Mind And Soul With Art And Music, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Gracie Fisher, an artist and composer based in Santa Barbara, California, provided the cover art for the Fall 2020 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “The Fruit of Spirit” is a 16” x 20” oil painting on canvas. When a rare neurologic condition left Gracie paralyzed from the neck down, art and music helped to heal her mind and soul. Upon returning home from the hospital, Gracie’s wish was to create an inclusive environment where children of all abilities could engage in art and music. She founded the Grace Fisher Foundation so others could experience the healing …

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 …

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.

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.

Defining Mobile Tech Posture: Prevalence And Position Among Millennials, Nathan Short, Michelle Mays, Alex Cool, Ariana Delay, Ali Lannom, Laryn O'Donnell, Ruth Stuber

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Mobile technologies have revolutionized daily life, significantly impacting ADLs and IADLs, as well as use of the hand and upper extremity. The primary objectives of this study are to (a) provide a formal goniometric description of mobile tech posture and (b) examine the prevalence of this sub-optimal posture among a group of graduate students.

Method: This study used a cross-sectional study design. Comprehensive goniometric measurements of the neck and upper extremity were taken with participants (N = 46) using their mobile devices while texting or using the Internet. Handheld usage data from the iPhone Screen Time …

Development Of The Steppin' Up For Success Program, Darlene F. Guckenberger

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

School transitions can be challenging for students, especially when students enter junior high school. Junior high school students experience significant developmental growth in the areas of autonomy, relationships, acceptance, cognitive skills, as well as physical differences associated with hormonal changes. When a student transitions into junior high school, evidence indicates possible declines in motivation, school interest, and academic achievement. Personal relationships, self-worth, and coping skills are essential for a successful transition between schools. Adolescents engage in the occupations of education, leisure, social participation, and activities of daily living. Occupational therapy is perfectly positioned as a support service within the school …

Resilient Aging: Maximizing Functional Abilities Of Aging Adults, Casey M. Perkins

MOT Student Capstones

The Resilient Aging program aims to educate fitness trainers and other movement professionals who work with community-dwelling older adults in order to help them provide the best exercise programs for overall wellness. Training from the program includes education regarding a variety of restorative movements, stretching, positional transitions. proprioceptive training, balance, and strengthening exercise in multiple planes with a variety of loads to maximize the functional abilities, and resilience of the elderly participants, with outcomes aimed at improving the movement professionals" understanding of these topics. The program promotes the client participation in occupations by providing education to movement professionals regarding not …

Teaching And Learning Occupation In Occupational Therapy Education: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis, Mikaylah Miller, Melanie J. Roberts

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupation is the core focus of the occupational therapy profession and is a complex concept for students to know and understand. The aim of this review was to understand how teaching and learning occupation has been represented by educators and students across qualitative studies in occupational therapy education. A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted which included searching four databases; CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, and Embase. Research articles were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria by two reviewers. The search resulted in 328 records being identified, with 13 articles included. The methodological quality of included articles was assessed using the Critical Appraisal …

The Efficacy Of The Healthy Families Flourish Program For Families Raising Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Carli Madalena Rita

Honors Theses and Capstones

The family unit is the driving force that creates a foundation for life satisfaction and wellbeing of a child that extends across the lifespan. Understanding family health and family participation in meaningful daily activities are critical components of family life lacking in current research, especially for families raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study seeks to determine the effectiveness of an occupational therapy intervention program designed to support families raising children with ASD to identify and overcome barriers to everyday family activities. The Healthy Families Flourish Program is a 10-session occupational therapy intervention program developed for this study …

Fragile X Syndrome And Family Occupations: Sertraline Treatment Via Case Studies, Decerie Mendoza, Tracy P. Ye, Martina C. Dualan, Elena A. Javier

Student Research Posters

Current research on children with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) lacks inclusion of qualitative outcomes on the child’s daily occupational performance. Standardized measurements are frequently utilized and provide useful information, however, can be less sensitive to change (Berry Kravis et al., 2013) and miss capturing family perspectives and improvements within meaningful occupations. This research incorporates family perspectives via semi-structured interviews to promote an in-depth understanding about FXS and its impact on child and family occupations in addition to standardized assessment scores through in-depth case study analysis. This study used a mixed method research design examining four male participants who were given …

Promoting Healing With Therapeutic Use Of Clay, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Alice McCall Smith, occupational therapist and artist based in North Carolina, provided the cover art for the Summer 2019 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece, titled “Mother and Child,” is an 8-1/4” tall sculpture made from clay. Alice grew up on a hill sheep farm in the Scottish Highlands. She has used many of the skills learned on the farm in everyday life and in occupational therapy practice. After being diagnosed and treated for depression, Alice turned to sculpting to cope with challenging emotions. The therapeutic use of clay was a meaningful part of her …

Effects Of Sertraline Treatment For Young Children With Fragile X Syndrome: Family Perspectives Via Case Studies, Tracy P. Ye, Decerie A. Mendoza, Elena A. Javier, Martina C. Dualan

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Current research on children with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) lacks inclusion of qualitative outcomes on the child’s daily occupational performance. Standardized measurements are frequently utilized and provide useful information, however, can be less sensitive to change (Berry Kravis et al., 2013) and miss capturing family perspectives and improvements within meaningful occupations. This research incorporates family perspectives via semi-structured interviews to promote an in-depth understanding about FXS and its impact on child and family occupations in addition to standardized assessment scores through in-depth case study analysis. This study used a mixed method research design examining four male participants who were given …

The Art And Process Of Wood Carving As A Meaningful Occupation, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Leonard G. Trujillo, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, occupational therapy professor and chair emeritus based in North Carolina, provided the cover art for The Spring 2019 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece, titled “Life’s Struggles,” is a relief carving made from butternut wood. Dr. Trujillo enjoys carving lifelike images that depict previous travels and his love of nature. His carvings are sculpted from a solid plank of wood, yet they provide the illusion of a three-dimensional form. Dr. Trujillo’s body of work reflects a lifetime of learning and engagement in the art and process of wood carving …

Occupational Therapy Practice With Adults With Intellectual Disability: What More Can We Do?, Khalilah R. Johnson, Meghan Blaskowitz, Wanda J. Mahoney

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

An Occupation-Based Approach To Management Of Concussion: Guidelines For Practice, Christina Finn

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Concussion and the cumulative effects of repetitive head trauma have become a growing health concern both in the mainstream media and in the health care community. Although symptoms of concussion are not always outwardly visible, evidence suggests that post-concussion symptoms may interfere with an individual’s ability to work, play, and participate in school. In the past, the recommendations following concussion emphasized a complete rest approach, whereas current approaches focus on a gradual engagement in functional activities shortly after the injury. Since current recommendations are focused on a gradual engagement in occupation and activity, occupational therapy may be a valuable service …

The Road To Resilience: Traveling The Path Less Followed To Realize What Is Possible, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Bernadette Mineo, PhD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist and mixed media artist based in Portland, Oregon, provided the cover art for the Winter 2019 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece, titled “Paper Dolls” (2009), consists of 37 individual paper doll sculptures made from mixed media. Dr. Mineo believes that being an artist is about connecting with one’s creative heart. Her art is about being playful, challenging oneself, and setting up experiments. Engaging in a daily creative art practice has brought joy to Dr. Mineo’s life. Art has empowered her to take risks, build resilience, and …