Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy Intervention Program Addressing Mental Health For Student Athletes Navigating Transition And Recovery, Taylor K. Pfrommer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to develop and evaluate an occupation-based mental health program for student-athletes navigating the transitions in and out of sports. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), Occupational Adaptation (OA), and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), intervention sessions contained six one-on-one sessions focused on identity reformation, building adaptive responses, and restructuring a meaningful routine. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate outcomes from two participants using the Brief-COPE, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), satisfaction surveys, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback. Results indicated growth in self-awareness and emotional expression for both participants. Participant …

Identifying Predictors Of Student Success During Occupational Therapy Level Ii Fieldwork, Melissa R. Foster

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The training paradigm for new occupational therapy (OT) practitioners includes both didactic classroom learning and clinical fieldwork experiences in order for them to establish clinical competency. However, many students struggle with the theory-to-practice gap of translating classroom knowledge to clinical experiences. When students struggle in this manner, it causes stress for all stakeholders involved, including the fieldwork educator, clinic managers, OT program faculty, as well as the student.

This study aims to avoid this stress by identifying predictors of student success by analyzing data from recent graduates of the University of Arkansas/University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences OT program through …

Empowering Future Practitioners: Using Constructivist Learning Strategies To Teach Occupational Therapy’S Role In Oncology Rehabilitation, Erin L. Latimer

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project developed educational materials on occupational therapy’s role in oncology rehabilitation for first-year OT students at an accredited program. The deliverables included a lecture and lab session, guided by the constructivism theory and 5 Es educational model, to integrate foundational oncology content into early curricula. By addressing this gap, the project aims to better prepare future OTs to serve cancer survivors. Goals included enhancing students’ knowledge of oncology’s continuum of care and improving clinical reasoning during evaluations. Students completed a Pre-Quiz (testing general oncology/pathophysiology knowledge), Post-Quiz (lecture-specific questions), and Post-Survey (34 respondents). Results showed strong comprehension, with one …

Nourishing Movement: Nutrition For Parkinson's Wellness, Alexa E. Shever

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was conducted in collaboration with Bridges for Parkinson's, an organization designed to connect people living with Parkinson's Disease to a community that engages them in a specialized fitness program that helps them rediscover hope and joy and connect them to other resources to improve overall quality of life. The primary objective was to understand the lived experience of individuals with PD and develop PD specific nutrition education and programming for PD fighters and their care partners to use in fighting back against PD. The specific nutrition topics in the education and programming include Whole Foods, Hydration, …

Critical Time Intervention For People Experiencing Homelessness At Room In The Inn, Kristen N. Hocklander

OTD Capstone Projects

Room In The Inn is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization serving people experiencing homelessness in Nashville, Tennessee. Their services include a day center where participants have access to essential needs, classes through Hope University, the lunch program, transitional and permanent housing, the winter shelter program, and guest house and recuperative care beds. The purpose of this capstone experience was to collaborate with Room In The Inn staff and participants to increase efficiency from intake into the guest house to housing readiness. Room In The Inn’s services were presented in a flow chart and prioritized based on participants’ levels of …

Creating Educational Curriculum And Fostering Health Promotion For Individuals With Down Syndrome At Gigi’S Playhouse, Allie Hutchinson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville. GiGi’s Playhouse is an organization with over 61+ locations across the United States and Mexico with the purpose of offering free, therapeutic and educational programs for individuals with Down Syndrome. The goal of this project was to create appropriate, educational curriculum for participants in GiGi Nashville’s adult education programs focused on self-confidence, skill knowledge, personal wellness, quality of life and a variety of other topics. A secondary focus of this project was to foster health promotion for individuals with Down syndrome through an emphasis on functional fitness. A …

Implementing Self-Regulation Practice And Handouts For Parents And Educators At Linden Waldorf School For The Neurodivergent Student Population​, Samantha Thompson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Linden Waldorf School in Nashville, TN. The invention, application, and advocacy of occupational therapy approaches for the neurodivergent student population were the main objectives of this research. This project aimed to empower Linden Waldorf educators and staff to more effectively address the needs of their kids by offering direct observations, educational presentations, and a range of educational resources on an assortment of neurodivergent deficits and diagnoses. Executive dysfunction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, difficulties with emotional regulation, autistic spectrum disorders, and anxiety are among the diagnoses and deficiencies discussed in this …

Bridging Resources For Occupational Therapists And Children At Mckenna Farms, Audrey S. Morris

OTD Capstone Projects

Mckenna Farms Therapy Services is a therapeutic riding center that offers hippotherapy and therapeutic riding services. They also offer therapy services such as: physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy as well. This project focused on creating online occupational therapy resources (e.g., activities, worksheets, handouts). This project also included making a pamphlet that provided inclusive experiences in the Northwest Georgia area for children/families. The deliverables of this project are the online occupational therapy resource binder easily accessible in a google drive, and the physical pamphlet with information on inclusive experiences.

Increasing Referrals To Ot Breastfeeding Specialists Through Accessible Education, Kameron Grigsby

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This project aimed to educate mothers and healthcare providers about the role of occupational therapy (OT) in infant feeding, with the goal of increasing occupational performance satisfaction by promoting appropriate referrals to OT lactation specialists. A significant gap exists in understanding the distinction between other healthcare professionals and OT roles in infant feeding, and the literature lacks detailed OT interventions to support mothers during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding struggles. To address this, I conducted a patient survey to guide the creation of a pamphlet outlining OT’s role in feeding and developed a presentation demonstrating OT interventions for both providers and mothers. …

Cmc Arthritis And Splinting, Andrea Nantz

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project and applied leadership experience was on CMC arthritis and splinting. The primary focus area of this capstone experience was clinical practice and education. There are multiple different interventions that can benefit individuals with CMC arthritis such as splinting, joint protection/modifications, and exercise. The problem this capstone project solved for my clinical setting is helping patients implement joint protection, modifications, splint wear, as well as providing information on why custom orthotics are more effective. I evaluated the effectiveness of my project through a survey given to CMC arthritis patients and verbal feedback from patients after they read through …

A Lifestyle Redesign®-Informed Approach To Substance Use Recovery, Alexis Lemaster

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) took place at Enrich, a nonprofit in Richmond, Kentucky, that supports individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The primary ACOTE focus area was program development. The goal was to design a sustainable Lifestyle Redesign (LRD)-informed program to help men in recovery build healthy routines, navigate life transitions, and engage in meaningful activities. Additional goals included educating staff on occupational therapy’s (OT) role and integrating LRD principles into existing services. A needs assessment—including observations, a review of Enrich’s sober living objectives, and four interviews with individuals in recovery—revealed disruptions in daily routines, emotional regulation, …

Building Awareness, Access, And Advocacy Through Kham's Klub, Morgan E. Guidry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

During my doctoral capstone and applied leadership experience, I partnered with
Kham’s Klub, a nonprofit in Richmond, Kentucky, whose mission is to empower and
elevate families with autism. The project's primary ACOTE focus area is program
development, education, and advocacy within a community-based setting. The aim of this project was to strengthen the organization’s capacity to promote early diagnosis, provide support for inclusive environments at Kham’s Klub events and cultivate donor and community engagement. Through literature review and collaboration with the founders/CEO of Kham’s Klub Non-profit for Autism there were gaps revealed in caregiver understanding of autism, limited community participation, …

Perceptions And Barriers Of Vestibular Rehabilitation Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Rebecca Callais

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Vestibular dysfunction affects 15-20% of adults annually, often impacting daily activities and quality of life (Neuhauser, 2016). While occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (OTs/OTAs) can address functional limitations caused by vestibular disorders, their role in vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is under-studied.

Objective: This study explored the competence and confidence of occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) in VR and identified barriers to implementation.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 532 OTP in the Gulf South region, with 79 responses received. The survey included questions on VR training, techniques used, barriers of implementation in practice, and educational supports. Quantitative data were …

Sensory Integration In The Intensive Care Unit Environment, Kara M. Lee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) commonly experience deficits in areas linked with cognition, mental health, and physical functioning (Rapolthy-Beck et al., 2023). Delirium is the most common complication among individuals who are mechanically ventilated, which can be associated with adverse outcomes, including increased mortality, cognitive decline, and decreased functional outcomes (Martinez et al., 2017). The primary purpose of the capstone project was to create a sensory-based program for patients admitted into the ICU. The program aimed to enhance the quality and consistency of care, ultimately reducing the prevalence of delirium. By doing so, it seeks to improve …

Increasing Awareness Of Occupational Therapy For College Students At Dominican University Of California, Joshua James King Ng, Connor Efstathiu, Audrey Nakashima, Rylee Sarasua, Katie Szoboszlay

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: This project is the third iteration of the Occupational Therapy (OT) college student program at Dominican University of California aiming to promote OT Coaching services for students while enhancing occupational engagement in daily activities, and overall well-being. Occupational therapists play a distinctive role in postsecondary education (AOTA, 2013).The second iteration of the OT college student program (2022–2023) prioritized collaboration with the school’s Student Success Center (SSC) and on-campus Integrative Coaches (ICs) who played a pivotal role in streamlining client referrals and enhancing the program outcomes. During their time with the program, this group was able to flagship a program …

Professional Identity Levels Of Occupational Therapists In Different Practice Settings, Megan Maekawa, Alyssa Vessel, Ryan Yambao

Occupational Therapy | OTD Research Papers

Occupational therapists may experience weakened professional identity when their practice settings’ cultures, policies, resources, or interdisciplinary teams do not support occupational therapy’s core philosophies and values. Each practice environment has different workplace cultures and resources that influence an occupational therapist's ability to provide quality service for their clients. For example, when an occupational therapist works in a practice setting that does not support a core philosophy like occupation-based practice, they may experience a blurring of roles and responsibilities with other professionals. Overlap and confusion of responsibilities can lead to unclear expectations about their unique contribution to the client’s care. Additionally, …

Advocating For The Field Of Occupational Therapy Among High School Students, Linda Crabtree

Doctoral Projects

The field of occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare field that is impactful on the lives of many individuals however there is currently a lack of awareness of the field of OT due to a lack of knowledge of and interest in OT among healthcare providers and the public (Richards and Valleé, 2020). The Aim of Research. The purpose of this project is to advocate for the field of OT and assess if an introductory presentation and hands-on lab about OT’s scope can improve the interest in OT among high school students in both rural and urban environments. Methods. The …

Assessing The Impact: Retrospective Analysis Of Department Initiatives On Students' Success In Standalone Occupational Therapy Anatomy Course, Rebecca Ozelie, Saba Elothman, Bridget Hahn

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Student success in anatomy courses is critical for entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) programs, yet many students struggle to master this foundational subject. Research on effective academic interventions to support anatomy learning in OTD programs is limited, leaving a gap in understanding the impact of supplemental resources. This study examined the effectiveness of targeted academic interventions, such as an anatomy bootcamp, peer-led tutoring, and the Anatomage Table for virtual dissection, in improving student performance in a standalone anatomy course. A retrospective cohort design compared two groups of students enrolled in the course during Fall 2022 (FA22; n=36) and Fall 2023 …

Interventions To Improve Community Mobility In Autistic People: A Systematized Review, Sydney Maddox, Jada Ford, Heather Olson, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: Community mobility (CM) enables access to locations outside the home, allowing participation in work, leisure, and social environments. Autistic adults have reported less access to public transportation and driving than the general population (Wilson et al., 2021), impacting their community participation, life satisfaction, and likelihood of employment and further education (Egilson et al., 2016, Song et al., 2022, Wilson et al., 2021). Occupational therapists can support autistic people by providing interventions to increase CM.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve CM in autistic people.

Methods: We collaborated with a medical librarian to conduct a systematic review …

A Program To Support Kangaroo Care Of Preterm Infants In The Nicu For The Caregivers, Katherine Blake Carby Cooksey, Mary Jan Greer, Debbie Johnson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation is about an educational program developed to help educate the caregivers about kangaroo care while their baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This program is to emphasis in the occupations of social interaction and family involvement with kangaroo care. Caregivers/parents are able to learn about the what kangaroo care is, the different type methods of kangaroo care, the benefits of kangaroo care, the importance of kangaroo care while being in the NICU. This program development for the caregivers is able to help with their journaling experience while in the NICU and adjusting kangaroo care into …

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Health Management Within The Adult Population: A Road Toward Occupational Engagement, Valeria Martinez, Cassandra Nelson, Otd, Otr/L, Mba, Cns, Ceas I

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Approximately 37 million Americans have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (CDC, 2023). As a result, DM is ranked as the eighth leading cause of mortality in the United States, yet the management of symptoms and overall condition is frequently neglected by a significant portion of the American population (CDC, 2023). A contributing factor to this issue is the insufficient access to resources for underserved communities, particularly among the Hispanic population with low health literacy. This capstone project focuses on health management and educating the adult population with a goal of enhancing activities of daily living (ADL) and …

Lower Limb Prosthetics Impact On Social Participation, Kayla Jones, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Amputations can cause a lack of motivation which will hinder occupational performance and participation after limb loss (Şimsek et al., 2020). The fit of an individual’s prosthetic is crucial to allow for an increase in participation (Diment et al., 2022). Occupational therapists treat the limb loss community but there is little evidence in the literature to support social participation with the use of a prosthetic limb. There is a need for new research to better understand how the use of a prosthetic can impact an individual’s social participation.

Use Of Creative Outlets To Impact Quality Of Life For Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Andria Burden, Helen Carey, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) profoundly impacts quality of life by limiting participation in meaningful activities. This mixed-methods study explored the role of creative outlets in enhancing quality of life for individuals with ALS. Quantitative data from the ALS-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form (ALSSQOL-SF) and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews revealed key themes of adaptation, purpose, community, and quality of life. Findings indicate that creative outlets foster self-expression, social connection, and cognitive engagement while reducing isolation. Recommendations include integrating tailored creative activities into occupational therapy (OT), emphasizing group settings and early introduction to promote adaptability and community-building. This study underscores …

Early Mobility And Delirium Prevention For Intensive Care Unit Patients At Kingman Regional Medical Center, Lyndsey R. Lehman Ms, Otr/L

Masters Projects

Over five million patients are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) annually in the United States, with 50-70% of those developing debilitating physical, cognitive, and mental health issues. Occupational therapy (OT) is a holistic profession that provides evidence-based interventions to improve ICU patients’ function and participation in daily occupations by addressing early mobility and delirium. A needs assessment performed for the Kingman Regional Medical Center (KRMC) ICU revealed a lack of knowledge about early mobility and delirium prevention among nursing staff, underutilization and limited understanding of OT services, and KRMC-specific barriers impacting patient care. This author designed and implemented …

Effectiveness Of Interventions In The Scope Of Occupational Therapy For Mental Health In Children And Adolescents: A Systematized Review, Shawn Macdonald, Jaden Siegle, Cheyney Loper, Simone Regnier, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: 1 in 5 children in the US have a mental health disorder (Larson et al., 2017) which affects health across the lifespan, including engagement in school and play (Rizvi et al., 2024).

Objective: This systemized review explored literature about the effectiveness of mental health interventions for children and adolescents within the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice.

Data Sources: A medical librarian searched articles from 2019-2024 that were retrieved from PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO.

Study Selection and Data Collection: Studies were included if the outcome measures addressed mental health, interventions were within the scope of OT, participants were children …

An Occupational Therapy Perspective Of Post Secondary Transitions For High School Students: Considering Socioeconomics And Opportunities, Aubrie Howell, Mary Greer, Kelley Spell-Hernandez

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

In most cases, an occupational therapist’s role in a post-secondary transition includes improving adolescents with disabilities’ functional preparedness to transition from a special education setting, into adult-based roles. Much of this work is explained by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), and only encompasses occupational therapy’s role in post-secondary transitions for adolescents with a diagnosed disability. Unfortunately, these resources, programs, and services are not available to adolescents who do not have a disability. This barrier of not providing similar services or programs to adolescents without a disability creates a lack of opportunity for these individuals to explore possible career paths. …

Development Of A Post Professional Neurorehabilitation Track At The University Of Zimbabwe, Alejandra Garcia, Angela L. Blackwell, Karen Aranha

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Collaborated to create an Occupational Therapy Post Professional Neurorehabilitation Track (OTPPNCT) blueprint for the University of Zimbabwe. This poster describes the background, methods, product and discussion for this capstone project.

Flow: An Ot-Based Yoga Program, Na'talia Orebeau, Keisa Boykin, Sadé Barnswell

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

At-risk youth are at risk for decreased mental wellness and occupational engagement. There are limited programs available from an occupational therapist standpoint for the population. Flow: An OT-Based Yoga Program focused on bridging this gap by providing a 10-week program focusing on emotional regulation skills, social skills, and occupational engagement.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Long Covid Rehabilitation, Lisa H. Hamilton

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project explores the integration of Occupational Therapy (OT) into primary care settings, focusing on chronic conditions such as long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). These conditions are often misunderstood by both healthcare providers and the broader community due to their complex and multifaceted symptoms, which necessitate specialized care. The project aimed to create resources and educational materials tailored to the needs of patients and rehabilitation professionals, to enhance the management of these challenging conditions. Additionally, the project placed a strong emphasis on advocacy for individuals with "invisible disabilities," aiming to raise awareness and improve accessibility to …

Occupational Therapy With Refugees And Asylum Seekers, Hana Listes

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The capstone project aimed to define the role of occupational therapy in the reintegration of refugee families in Jacksonville, Florida, in collaboration with Muslim American Social Services. The project focused on utilizing occupational therapy to identify and address barriers faced by refugees during their resettlement process. Following assessment of barriers, culturally sensitive intervention strategies were implemented to improve independence and participation in meaningful daily activities. Interventions focused on the development of targeted programs that addressed challenges such as language barriers, access to resources, and cultural adjustment. Implications of the project aim to advocate for occupational therapy as a stakeholder in …