Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Oncology: Returning To Work During And After Treatment, Annamarie Scheidell, Otas, Stephanie Sloane, Bs, Ms, Otas, Sara Loesche, Ms, Otr/L, Cht

School of Continuing and Professional Studies Posters

Medical advances have improved the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with cancer and some late-stage cancers that once were terminal have now become manageable, chronic conditions. Because of this, more individuals with cancer as well as survivors of cancer are re-entering the workforce. Resuming the role of worker is considered an important step in recovery for many. Occupational therapy (OT) can play an important role in facilitating a successful transition back to work for both cancer patients and survivors.

The Meaning And Motivation Of Children Participating In Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Pilot Study, Beth Laskowski, Melissa Y. Winkle, Whitney Lucas Molitor

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Background: Despite claims that animal-assisted therapy is beneficial, there is limited empirical evidence supporting this. Current literature supports the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits an animal can provide, but few studies have explored the outcomes of incorporating an animal into skilled treatment facilitated by a healthcare professional. This study seeks to explore the effects of animal-assisted therapy in outpatient pediatric occupational therapy practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore the meaningfulness and motivation animal-assisted therapy interventions provide for pediatric clients when compared with traditional occupational therapy treatment.

Methods: Researchers utilized a within-participants repeated-measures design for this study. …

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 …

Community-Working Occupational Therapists Serving As Fieldwork Supervisors: Characteristics And Associated Factors, Tore Bonsaksen, Anne-Stine Dolva, Sissel Horghagen, Unni Sveen, Cathrine Hagby, Cathrine Arntzen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

As enrollment numbers grow in occupational therapy academic programs in Norway, the need for more fieldwork placements and supervisors increases. More knowledge about factors of importance for occupational therapists’ decisions to take on the role of fieldwork supervisor may promote easier access to supervisors who are ready for the task, and it may assist in addressing the barriers for those who are not. We recruited a sample of 561 community-working occupational therapists for an electronic survey conducted in 2017. Quantitative survey responses were obtained and used in the current study. The differences between supervisors and non-supervisors were examined with independent …

A Preliminary Historical Report On Embracing Online Education In Occupational Therapy, Janel Anne Belarmino, Angela Bahle-Lampe

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The relevance and popularity of online occupational therapy education have been increasingly recognized. This paper describes the historical development of online occupational therapy education. Findings revealed three shifts in occupational therapy education, namely shifts in perception, in mode of instruction, and in the roles of teachers and students. The inception of online education in occupational therapy was a product of technological advancement and the demand for improved access to occupational therapy online education. The early phase of occupational therapy online education was confronted with challenges related to hesitance in the development and implementation of online programs and to negative perceptions …

Challenging The Status Quo: Infusing Non-Western Ideas Into Occupational Therapy Education And Practice, Wanda J. Mahoney, Anne F. Kiraly-Alvarez

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The authors of this Topics in Education article, who are both occupational therapy educators, reflect on challenging concepts related to decolonizing occupational therapy education, an idea they first encountered at the 2018 World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress. They acknowledge that Western views heavily influence the occupational therapy concepts they teach to their students. The downside of approaching occupational therapy education and practice primarily from a Western worldview is that occupational therapy students and practitioners may perpetuate societal inequities through their practices and are not well-prepared to address the occupational needs of individuals and communities around the world. This article …

The Impact Of Cognitive Functioning On Daily Occupations For People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study, Aoife Mc Auliffe, Sinéad M. Hynes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Cognitive rehabilitation research in multiple sclerosis is ever-developing, but the impact of cognitive difficulties, seen in 40% to 80% of people, on daily occupations is not well known. The aim of this study is to explore the needs of people with MS who have self-reported cognitive deficits.

Methods: An exploratory qualitative descriptive research design was used. Data was collected through semi-structured telephone interviews with the participants. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed thematically.

Results: Seven participants were recruited (mean age 47). Three themes were developed through associations found in the data. “Neglected symptom” reported the participants’ frustrations …

Life After Losing An Adult Child To A Drug Overdose: A Kawa Perspective, Aaron Weis, Julie D. Kugel, Heather Javaherian-Dysinger, Jessica Nicole De Brun

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Limited research is available to occupational therapy practitioners focusing on parents’ abilities to cope with the loss of an adult child to a drug overdose. We examined the unique experiences of grieving parents from a Kawa model perspective to identify potential implications for occupational therapy.

Methods: We used a qualitative approach in which 11 participants completed Kawa drawings and participated in semi-structured interviews.

Results: Following a Kawa model analysis themes emerged: volatile nature of flow, support from inner circle and connection with outer circle, lonely islands, personal attributes of positivity and economics, and enhancing my river’s flow.

Conclusion: The …

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.

The Use Of Music As A Therapeutic Tool To Increase Positive Outcomes In Individuals With Neurological Disorders, Kelly Swaringen

MOT Student Capstones

The overall concept of this study is to explore and gather evidence to support the positive impact that music can have on individuals with neurological impairments or disorders in areas including communication, cognition/memory, psychosocial skills, and motor skills. The goal is to examine how music can be a powerful tool in increasing patient outcomes and how occupational therapy (OT) practitioners can utilize music as a tool in their own practice setting. As OT practitioners, our overarching goal is to facilitate functional and effective participation in occupation while promoting emotional well-being and high quality of life. We have the unique privilege …

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 …

Use Of Online Educational Modules To Improve Occupational Therapy Students’ Knowledge And Perceptions Of Their Emotional Intelligence Skills: An Evidence-Based Pilot Study, Jennifer Calabrese, Jennifer E. Lape, Theresa Delbert

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Many current students studying in health care professions lack skills in communication, socialization, and decision-making that can lead to an inability to recognize and manage emotions, indicating a need for emotional intelligence training in university health field curricula. This article presents an evidence-based study that used a new approach to education using online emotional intelligence modules within a graduate occupational therapy program to supplement the program’s curriculum. The study was completed over six and one-half weeks and included 28 second-year graduate occupational therapy students. A pre/post-survey design was used to determine participants’ knowledge and their perceptions of their own emotional …

An Innovative Interprofessional Team To Enhance Refugee Resettlement Into U.S. Daily Life, Stephen Kern, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Christina Kubica, Msw

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

The world continues to see dramatic increases in the numbers of refugees as new humanitarian crises emerge. Once approved by a host nation, the resettlement process begins. To facilitate successful resettlement, a collaborative partnership between a refugee resettlement agency and a university occupational therapy program has continued to successfully serve the needs of the partnership’s three key stakeholders; the organization; the individual refugee or family; and the clinical training of occupational therapy students. Through ongoing program development and enhancements, an innovative interprofessional team approach to resettlement has emerged.

Together, with the individuals and families served, a clientcentered, interprofessional approach was …

Client Centered Simulation: Practicing Interprofessional Teamwork With Standardized Patients, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota, Sarah Libros, Ba, Courtney Newsome, Ba, Richard Hass, Phd, Caitlin Cadematori, Ots, Abegale Nelson, Bs, Neal Geosits, Ba

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

Interprofessional education (IPE) prepares students to work in collaborative teams (Burin et al., 2009). Educators use a variety of methods to develop and enhance teamwork skills (Fox et al., 2018).

Standardized patient (SP) simulations allow students to practice skills in safe environments (Herge et al., 2013) and respond to situations as they would under natural conditions (McGaghie, 1999). As an active learning experience, SP simulations help students break through the “illusion of understanding” (Syinicki & McKeachie, 2001 p. 190).

Kirkpatrick posits a hierarchy of changes as a result of training/education (Kirkpatric, 1979). At the highest level is transfer of …

Efficacy Of Alternative Seating On Attention, In-Seat Behavior, And Occupational Performance In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, A. Chacko, K. Kosztyo, N. Long, Z. Mullan, J. Norkitis, L. Wratcher, M.-C. Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Currently, there is one systematic review conducted by Gochenour and Poskey7 that synthesize current research evidence regarding alternative seating for students with attention difficulties. A limitation of this review, as noted by the authors, is a lack of a consistent definition of attention difficulty in the studies they included. A systematic review focused on a specific, well-defined diagnosis will better contribute to practice recommendations since these recommendations will be tailored to a clear and comprehensive understanding of the child’s attentional and occupational challenges. The review also included studies of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).7 While those with ASD may …

A Systematic Review Of The Efficacy Of Motivational Interviewing On Occupational Performance, J. Binder, Ots, C. Hannum, Ots, C. Mccarthy, Ots, E. Mcleod, Ots, J. Overpeck, Ots, L. Kaiser, Otd, Ms, Otr/L, M.-C. Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

This systematic review aims to review the efficacy of MI to address such performance goals falling within the occupational therapy scope of practice.

Effect Of Motor Imagery On Children With Developmental Disabilities, J. Bonner, Ots, L. Finnegan, Ots, V. Leonard, Ots, M. Scuderi, Ots, A. Shacklett, Ots, J. Thiel, Ots, M.-C. Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

This systematic review provides a comprehensive summary of current research evidence with the intent to help OTs working in pediatric settings understand the potential outcomes of using MI with children with DD.

A Systematic Review: Light Therapy For Individuals With Dementia And Implications For Practice, E. Goodman, Ots, A. Milione, Ots, C. Mikus, Ots, E. Jacobs, Ms, Ots, A. Torres, Ots, V. Vu, Ots, L. Kaiser, Otd, Otr/L, M.-C. Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

This systematic review seeks to answer the question: is light therapy an effective intervention for sundowning symptoms experienced by individuals who have dementia?

The Effect Of Mirror Therapy On Upper Extremity Functioning For Patients Poststroke: A Systematic Review, Caitlin Beach, Halie Finke, Abby Garrity, Amanda Norcini, Lily Postus, Kristen Tekel, Lyn Kaiser, Otd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Due to the high incidence of stroke and the detrimental impact it can have on a patient’s independence, several systematic reviews examining the effect of MT on post-stroke rehabilitation for upper extremity functioning have been conducted. However, it is necessary to provide an update to existing systematic reviews to include new clinical studies that have recently been published. Since stroke is a leading cause of disability, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of MT in post-stroke rehabilitation for upper extremity function as compared to conventional therapy.

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.

The Role Of Horticultural Therapy In The Treatment Of Refugees With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Molly Nadeau

Senior Honors Theses

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cites that there are an unprecedented number of refugees. As of 2017, over 68.5 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes, with 25.4 million of this group being classified as refugees (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2018). Often, mental health issues arise from the trauma that they face. Recently, the use of horticultural therapy, which uses gardening and plant-based activities as a form of treatment, has shown mental health improvements in military veterans and active duty soldiers diagnosed with stress related disorders. This paper will describe the role of …

Consultation-Based Ot Services To Improve Complex Environmental Modifications: Perspective Of Practicing Occupational Therapists, Brooke E. Wallace

MOT Student Capstones

Occupational therapists (OTs) are skilled medical professionals who use a holistic and clientcentered approach to improve one's functional independence. Research demonstrates that consultation-based occupational therapy services between a client, OT, and building professional would benefit aging and/or disabled adults who are seeking complex home modifications. The objectives of this capstone project are threefold: to increase practicing occupational therapists' awareness of an expanding area of need with >50% of participants in agreeance that consultation-based services will increase a client's level of independence, for OTs to report an increased familiarity level with relevant assessments and with the implementation process for consultation-based OT …

Enhancing Mot Student Fieldwork At The Community Free Clinic, Antwon Griffin

MOT Student Capstones

The purpose of this project was to development of a level I fieldwork manual to improve the structure of the occupational therapy student learning experience at Community Free Clinic. It aimed for the occupational therapy student to gain perspective and understanding of occupational therapy's role in a unique setting to enhance organization and critical thinking skills to apply theory to practice. The manual is based upon the importance of establishing mutual respect, trust, and communication skills with other healthcare professionals to provide quality care and cultural competence to provide additional services to the people of underserved communities. Evidence supports that …

Aol Transfer Training Program For Nursing Staff In The In-Patient Rehab Setting Through Occupational Therapy Based Skills, Bailey Christiano

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone is a project implementation of an AOL transfer training program for nursing staff for an in-patient rehab facility. The three objectives of this project include decreasing the overall number of client falls on the unit, increasing the self-efficacy of the nursing staff in regards to ADL transfers, and to educate the nursing staff on how to perform safe ADL transfers at a minimal assist level. Training videos were created through the collaboration of OT, nursing, and hospital videographers and were viewed by all nursing staff participants. Three hands-on training sessions for nursing staff were conducted by OT clinicians …

Vision Rehabilitation Impacting Return To Occupation After Post-Concussion Syndrome, Joe Kardine, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Vision rehabilitation is an emerging use of efficient occupation-based intervention in occupational therapy for vision impairment after concussion. Public awareness of untreated concussions has led to more patients seeking treatment for symptom remediation. Efficient interpretations of comprehensive vision evaluations followed by incorporation of vision therapy to treatment improve performance outcomes, increase patient quality of life and ensure compliance of intervention.

Bridging The Gap Between Academia And Practice: Possibilities For Research Collaboration And Funding, Anne H. Zachry

Faculty Presentations

Preparing a successful small grant proposal involves research, planning, preparation, and determination, but obtaining funding for a creative project is not unrealistic. Practitioners are in the trenches on a daily basis, and many likely have novel ideas and relevant questions, especially when it comes to interventions. These intervention questions are important, with the American Occupational Therapy Association reporting that more studies are needed to investigate and support occupation-based intervention. By developing partnerships, educators, practitioners, and students can engage in small scale projects to further the knowledge base in the field of occupational therapy.

From Prison To The Community: The Pivotal Role Of Ot In Facilitating A Healthy Transition, Pari Kumar, Bs, Jennifer A. Merz, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Otr/L, Cla, Susan E. Connor, Otd, Otr/L, Cchp

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

• Approximately 630,000 prisoners are released into the community each year.1
• First Step Act (2018) reduces minimum sentencing for populations such as nonviolent drug offenders.2
• Majority released to unsafe areas due to shortage of affordable housing. 3
• Insecure housing and homelessness are related to increased:
• Recidivism4; Emergency room use5; Substance use 6; Unstable family relationships7; Mental health (MH) problems.7
• Post-release is a high-risk time due to poor care continuity and lack of support.8 •Individuals report difficulty: Obtaining employment and stable housing, accessing relevant treatment services, reintegrating with their families and communities.9
• Stable housing provides a secure place to seek employment, …

Critically Appraised Paper: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial Of Individualized Occupational Therapy For Patients With Schizophrenia In Japan, Pari Kumar, Bs, Mary Muhlenhaupt, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

• Based on the article "A multicenter, randomized controlled trial of individualized OT for patients with schizophrenia in Japan," by Shimada, et al.
• Results suggest that combining individual OT with group OT can improve cognition, intrinsic motivation, medication adherence, and treabnent satisfaction for individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
• These findings have implications for OTs working in psychiatric settings.

The Power To Transform Development: Benefits Of Power Mobility Devices For Children 0-3 Years, Madeleine Clements, Ots, Chalia Bellis, Ots, Audrey Zapletal, Otd, Otr/L, Cla

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

The purpose of this poster is to describe the benefits of PMD for children 0-3 years old and to provide evidence-based recommendations for prescription and usage.

Addressing Chronic Homelessness & Mental/Behavioral Health Needs In The Community: Collaborative Level Ii Fieldwork And Doctoral Experiential Programming, Tina M. Deangelis, Edd, Otr/L, Josephine Beker, Ots, Eliza Brooks, Ots, Rebecca Brown, Ots, Jonette Ishmael, Ots, Alex Manwaring, Ots, Jennifer Merz, Ots, Erin Schifferdecker, Ots, Cerissa Zenor Clark, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

OT students worked with a diverse population in a variety of living environments including permanent supportive housing, and safe havens.