Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Relationship Between Admission Criteria And Fieldwork Performance In A Masters-Level Ot Program: Implications For Admissions, Molly Bathje, Rebecca Ozelie, Elisabeth Deavila

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) graduate programs strive to produce an effective OT workforce with competent and engaged OT practitioners. Admission into OT graduate programs is an increasingly competitive process, with most programs having more applicants than spaces available. Programs need to select applicants that will be the most successful in meeting graduation requirements, including both academic and clinical components. This pilot study was designed to examine the relationship between admission criteria and fieldwork (FW) performance. The study utilized a retrospective analysis with a convenience sample of 108 students with complete data from a private university in the Midwest. Independent variables of …

Technology-Supported Art As A "Way To Participation", Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Brianna Vitale provided the painting featured on the cover of the Spring 2014 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. Brianna completed the painting, titled “Flamingo,” using a mouth joystick (joust) to draw the image on her computer and an assistive device to translate her computer artwork into the watercolor painting. At 12 years old, Brianna has been living for the past 9 years with tetraplegia, the result of a spinal cord injury (SCI). Through technology and with the support of family, friends, and health care professionals, Brianna energetically engages in a variety of creative, social, and philanthropic activities.

Integrating The Classroom, Clinic, And Use Of Simulation To Prepare Students For Working With Individuals With Sci, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L, Rob Hargraves, Ba, Gina Cooke, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background Information

• Students learn best through active engagement. Although experiences vary, practicing skills in clinical situations have proven to be an effective method.
• Practicing skills in a simulated controlled environment provides opportunities for students to receive feedback on their skills.
• Standardized patient experiences provide students a safe environment to practice clinical skills in challenging situations. These experiences have been shown to have a positive impact on learning.

Revisiting Our Roots: Innovative Community-Based Psychosocial Fieldwork Programs: Classroom To Clinic, Susan Santalucia, Ms, Otr/L, Kimberly S. Mollo, Ms, Otr/L, Tina Angelis, Edd, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Objectives:

1. Understand the core components of a community-based level 1 psychosocial experience that bridge and enhance student classroom learning.

2. Examine strategies to identify, create, and maintain partnerships with community based sites.

3. Explore 2-3 learning activities and/or strategies that facilitate student learning during the Level 1 experience in a community based psychosocial setting.

Avoid, Accommodate, Confront Or Collaborate: Using Simulation To Teach Conflict Resolution Skills, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Deborah A. Hopkins, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Objective:

• Interprofessional education competencies include understanding roles & responsibilities of team members, and demonstrating effective communication and team building skills (Pardue, 2013).
• Team conflict impacts patient safety and outcomes (Knickle & McNaughton, 2009; Wagner, Liston & Miller, 2011) so effective team communication and conflict resolution in an important skill for students to develop (Greer et al., 2012; Levi, 2014).
• Simulation is effective in teaching interprofessional communication skills to health profession students (Velde, 2009).

Bridging The Evidence Gap: The Role Of Fieldwork Students, Tracey Vause-Earland, Ms, Otr/L, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Introduction

Understanding and using evidence in practice improves health care delivery (Lugtenberg, Burgers, & Westert, 2009), reduces errors, and increases professional identity. Despite the call for increased use of evidence in occupational therapy decision making and positive attitudes of therapists toward use of evidence in practice), evidence based practice (EBP) is perceived by clinicians as time consuming and difficult due to lack of knowledge and/or resources (Humphries, et al, 2000; Bennett et al, 2003).

Evaluating The Effects Of Grasp Patterns And Grip Strength On Handwriting Skills, Jennifer Bebey, Ots, Kelsey Engelstad, Ots, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background Information

• Handwriting is a critical and complex skill that school aged children acquire over time.
• When a child demonstrates handwriting difficulties, he or she may have challenges with:

Completing written school assignments in a timely fashion,

Taking notes,

Finishing homework,

Completing exams, especially short answer.

• 80% to 85% of occupational therapy referrals in schools are due to atypical grasp pattern, fine motor and handwriting concerns that affect a child’s educational performance.

Creativity In Transitions, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Professor Sandra Edwards, MA, OTR/L, FOATA, and professor emerita at Western Michigan University (WMU), provided the cover art for the winter 2014 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. The oil painting, “Silent Witness, Cross Creek” was created over a period of two years. Professor Edwards has participated in many creative and artistic activities throughout her life, which have shaped her practice as an occupational therapist and her experience in life.

The Occupational Participation Of A Family Of Children With Disabilities, Kim Steele

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to obtain an understanding of how one family of children with disabilities views their occupational participation. A qualitative case study was used to provide a holistic view of occupational participation from individual family members. Data were gathered through interviews with all members of the family, observations of the family engaging in typical occupations, and artwork collected from the children. Data collected during interviews and observations were analyzed using the a priori coding method, with the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) serving as the theoretical framework used to identify codes. Current findings indicate that an …

Farmers With Upper-Limb Amputations And Their Daily Routine, Emily Louise Fintel

Online Theses and Dissertations

For upper-limb amputees who are associated with the farming industry, the process of completing daily occupations may be challenging, especially for those who have not received guidance from occupational therapy. Currently, there is little research in the area of farmers with amputations and their daily routine. The purpose of this phenomenological case study was to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and needs related to the daily routines of upper-limb amputee who is currently working or has previously worked in the farming industry. Participant was asked to share his/her daily routine and how the amputation has affected her ability to perform everyday …

The Teaching Self-Reflection Tool And Skills Checklist, Arlene Lorch, Otd, Otr/L, Ches

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE.

To provide occupational therapy faculty with a collaborative system to review and improve teaching skills within the educational program.

METHOD.

Six faculty members completed a self-assessment using self-reflection tools and feedback from an interview with a fellow faculty member serving as consultant. Surveys evaluated perceptions of the experience.

RESULTS.

Survey responses indicated strong approval of the peer review process as a valuable method for faculty development. Results identified aspects of the process that needed revision, specifically, the burden of time required to complete the process.

CONCLUSION.

Findings support the need for a peer review process because it benefits faculty, …

Evidence-Based Practice In Occupational Therapy Curricula., Tina Angelis, Edd, Otr/L, Thomas G Dimarco, Susan Toth-Cohen, Edd, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

The purpose of this study is to describe currently used educational strategies for teaching evidence-based practice (EBP) in entry-level master's degree occupational therapy programs in the United States. Fifty-eight entry-level occupational therapy program directors completed a survey. Results showed that occupational therapy programs consistently use a wide variety of EBP resources for teaching EBP including database searches, literature reviews, and the development of a research proposal. Less commonly used strategies include the use of case stories and journal clubs. The current study provides a baseline of existing strategies taught in entry level programs that may be built upon to gather …

Children With Developmental Disabilities And Their Motivation To Play, Lindsey Askins, Brittany Diasio, Dagmara Szewerniak, Susan M. Cahill

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how and when children with developmental disabilities aged nine to 12 years spontaneously demonstrated play behaviors indicative of intrinsic motivation. Data was collected from six child participants and four parent participants through the use of the Pediatric Volitional Questionnaire (PVQ) and semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews. Overall, the children who participated in this study sought out play experiences with which they were familiar in their natural environments. Specifically, they sought out experiences that afforded them the opportunity to exercise control over their environment and create a sense of predictability. Each of the children …

You've Got A Friend In Me: Effectiveness Of Social Skills Interventions For Children With Adhd, Michelle Carlton, Kelly Davis, Jacquelyn Matlack, Marietta Van Ness

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Children diagnosed with ADHD present with the core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, which lead to challenges with school based activities, including peer interactions, academics, and extracurricular activities (McClelland, Morrison, & Holmes, 2000; Hoza, 2007). Current research identifies social skills interventions as a potential strategy for occupational therapists (OTs) to address these participation challenges of children with ADHD, however there is a multitude of interventions that fall under this umbrella. The variety of social skills interventions allows for flexibility and diversity in implementation, but poses the challenge of choosing the most effective intervention. This choice should be informed by evidence-based …

Rehabilitative Interventions To Improve Biomechanical Or Functional Outcomes For Children With Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy, Loren Massimino, Erin Mulrain, Katherine Scheponik, Rachel Wiley, Houman Ziai

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Background: Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) affects children worldwide, with incidence rates ranging from 0.5 to 3 per 1000 live births (Foad, Mehlman & Ying, 2008). Injury characteristics vary greatly and therefore, discrepancies exist regarding the most effective rehabilitation interventions. These children receive conservative management (through occupational and physical therapy), Botulinum toxin, surgery, or a combination of treatments (Benjamin, 2005).

Objective: To present the results of a systematic review of the literature to identify rehabilitative interventions that demonstrate statistically significant functional/biomechanical outcomes in children with OBPP.

Methods: A systematic search of the databases PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE …

Doing It Well: Education To Promote Satisfaction With Sexual Intimacy For People With Spinal Cord Injury, Allison Duggan, Erin Maniscalco, Dannielle Miccinello, Lauren Pasciuto, Catherine Scaccia

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Physical and psychosocial effects of a spinal cord injury may lead to concerns and difficulty with sexual satisfaction, exploration, and arousal as well as diminished confidence with participation in intimate relationships (Craig Hospital, 2012). Current research indicates a decreased level of satisfaction with participation in sexual intimacy for adults with spinal cord injury (Fisher et al., 2002). Occupational therapists have a key role in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury, and sexuality is an area of occupation which falls within our scope of practice (AOTA, 2008). Therefore it is necessary that occupational therapists are assertive in addressing the …

Technology In Practice: Promoting Participation In Patients With High Level Of Spinal Cord Injury, Morgan Gill, Kate Nuschke, Kaitlin O'Sullivan, Casey Puvogel, Alex Sagnor

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Motor impairment often occurs following a spinal cord injury, limiting participation in functional tasks. Although the primary rehabilitative focus is to cure paralysis, not all patients experience full recovery. For those who may not regain complete motor function, rehabilitative interventions are needed to bridge the gap between disability and optimal participation. During rehabilitation, patients prioritize increasing independence and participation in meaningful activities (Rigby, Ryan, & Campbell, 2010). More specifically, regaining arm and hand function was reported as a top priority during treatment for individuals with complete spinal cord injury (Peckham, et al., 2001). Technology has been utilized to improve participation …

Dementia And Technology: Evidence Supporting Assistive Technology For Individuals With Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias, Diana Skoutelas, Christine Tanner, Gabriella Vulpis, Gittel Zelczer

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the Unites States is estimated to be 5.2 million (Alzheimer’s Association, 2013). Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) can impact an individual’s ability to independently participate in daily occupations within their environment due to executive dysfunction, memory loss, poor judgment, and decreased problem solving (Desai, Grossberg, & Sheth, 2004; Alzheimer’s Association, 2013). Due to the rising prevalence of dementia, Labelle and Mihailidis (2006) note the importance of occupational therapists finding innovative and evidence-based strategies to enable participation in daily occupations. The purpose of this presentation is to present the results of a literature review …

Thinking Through The Chemo-Fog: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Promoting Participation In Adults With Breast Cancer, Amanda Ally, Lisa Ferguson, Emily Grabow, Katrina Long, Alisha Sharp

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Breast cancer is currently the most common type of cancer in women (American Cancer Society, 2012). In 2012, 2,971,610 women in the United States were breast cancer survivors (American Cancer Society, 2012). Chemotherapy is often used to effectively treat breast cancer but can cause chemobrain, or chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments (CRCI), including decreased attention, concentration, memory, and difficulty learning new skills and completing routine tasks (American Cancer Society, 2013). CRCI can persist for years and may impact an individual’s occupational performance in daily activities and occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners currently work with this population in other areas including cancer-related fatigue management, …

Beyond Piecework: Employment For Persons With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Kelly Brandwene, Ilese Coleman, Adva Epstein, Alyssa Peachey, Lauren Rosenthal

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

All people deserve competitive, fulfilling employment (Lysaght, Cobigo, Hamilton, 2011). Many people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) have difficulty obtaining competitive employment despite desiring to work (Lysaght, Ouellett-Kuntz, & Lin, 2010). In past years, people with I/DD have been employed in sheltered workshops; however, they are often paid below minimum wage, do not receive benefits, and are viewed as subordinates. Workers report the desire to work outside of sheltered employment. Competitive employment (integrated/supported employment), can lead to social justice, social inclusion, personal growth, and improved financial situations (Migliore, Mank, Grossi, & Rogan, 2007). Occupational therapists are suited to assist …

Falling Into Home Mods: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Keeping Older Adults Safe At Home, Elizabeth Janeczko, Brendan Kiernan, Mary Susan Paige, Stephanie Reitemeier, Joshua Springer

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for older adults aged 65 and older.¹ Other consequences of falls are increased fear of falling, and decreased independence and participation in performance of daily activities. In the past decade, evidence has identified the multifactorial approach, which includes home modification, as the most effective approach in preventing falls in older adults.² Occupational therapists have the education and unique skill set to perform client-centered home modifications. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the results of an evidenced-based literature …

Can't Hold Me Back! Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy For Children With Cp: Evidence Based Review, Rebecca Coale, Danni Eisner, Alissa Herman, Sarah Merhaut

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have various functional impairments impacting participation in meaningful occupations. While Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a widely used intervention for adult populations, a modified version of this technique is a relatively new practice in pediatrics (Charles et al., 2006). Occupational therapy intervention, such as CIMT, can support functional goal attainment to enhance participation and quality of life (Boyd et al., 2010). The purpose of this presentation is to synthesize results of a comprehensive evidence-based review and identify treatment characteristics that impact efficacious use of mCIMT on children with hemiplegic CP. Practitioners will learn about best …

Clinical Effectiveness Of Motor Imagery Post-Stroke: An Evidence Based Review, Azadeh Narimanian, Amanda Reese, Karina Ryabo, Rachel Shepp, Annalisa Synnestvedt

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Following a stroke, many individuals experience participation limitations secondary to upper extremity hemiparesis (Shenn & Leishear, 2011). Motor imagery, the mental representation of movement without any body movement, is an evidenced-based intervention to optimize upper extremity function for patients following stroke (Dickstein & Deutsch, 2007). Motor imagery is a readily applicable, safe, and cost-effective intervention that can help clients achieve a variety of occupational goals within diverse environments (Guttman, Burstin, Brown, Bril, & Dickstein, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to present the results of an evidence-based review examining the use of motor imagery to increase functional outcomes for …

Paws With A Purpose: Evidence Supporting The Use Of Animal Assisted Therapy To Improve Quality Of Life In Adults With Psychiatric Diagnoses, Julia Andraka, Lacey Brinser, Kelly D'Ambrosio, Jordan Justice, Elizabeth Rugen

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Approximately 62.7 million Americans have a psychiatric diagnosis, including Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders^1,6. Adults who are diagnosed with these conditions experience a variety of limitations, including decreased quality of life⁴. Occupational Therapy (OT) has been shown to be an effective treatment to increase quality of life in adults with psychiatric diagnoses³. Occupational therapists working within the mental health field often need to use creative and innovative approaches to motivate their clients, including Animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a unique intervention approach that has the potential to improve a person’s emotional, physical, cognitive and …

Transitions For Tomorrow: An Evidence-Based Review Of Post-Secondary Transition Planning For Individuals With Autism, Julie Bardenwerper, James Gillette, Elizabeth Luk, Hilary Moser, Alanna Raffel

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disability in the US other than ADHD (IACC, 2012). Currently, the prevalence of individuals with ASD is estimated to be 1 in 88 in the US (CDC, 2012). Therefore, increasing numbers of children with ASD will age out of high school and transition to postsecondary settings. Individuals with ASD have demonstrated less successful postsecondary outcomes than individuals with other disabilities (Shattuck et al., 2011). Currently, there is limited research supporting the methods of successful transition planning for students with ASD (IACC, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the …

Introduction To Ipe: A School-Wide Orientation Initiative, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Susan Wainwright, Phd, Pt, Frances Gilman, Dhsc, Rt, R, Ct, Cv, Mr

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Session Objectives:

Present an innovative approach to orienting new students from various healthcare disciplines on Interprofessional Educa(on (IPE).

Discuss strategies to shape incoming students’ attitudes toward working in teams.

Discuss challenges and opportunities in coordinating a large-­‐scale IPE event.

Synopsis

Interprofessional experiences are a vital part of healthcare education, and early introduction can positively impact students’ attitudes and knowledge about their team members’ roles. While students at academic health centers (AHC’s) have opportunites to engage in IPE, such opportunites can be overwhelming given significant challenges to coordination and implementation. Addressing these challenges, an interprofessional team at Jefferson School of Health …

Expressing, Responding, Protecting, And Inspiring Through Art, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Margy Hunter, MS, MA, LLP, OTR/L, created the cover of the Spring 2013 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. She created this untitled work as a personal reflection on the impact of war on individuals and society, as well as on the history of the profession of occupational therapy (OT), which began in response to military service members’ needs. Also embedded in the creation of this piece are the restorative benefits of participation in creative arts for OT practitioners who deliver services to patients experiencing profound life changes. Additionally, this article explores the artists’ use of art …

Between Wind And Water: Experiences Of Mothers Of Adolescents With Autism During The Post-High School Transition, Devon R. Casey

Honors Theses and Capstones

Research Question: How do mothers of adolescents with autism experience and prepare for their child's post- high school transition?

Expressing Emotions Through Participation In Painting, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The cover of the Winter 2013 Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, titled Miles eMOTION, was created by Miles Scharfenberg, an 18-year-old young man with multiple developmental impairments. Miles’ story and his artwork provide a reflection on the ways in which creativity and art can enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Miles’ art exists because of his drive toward engagement and participation in life, but also essential is his mother’s commitment to providing opportunities for him to be creative. The Miles eMOTION series of paintings can inspire occupational therapists, families, caregivers, and people with disabilities to …

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 …