Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

A Guide To Sexual Intimacy Following Spinal Cord Injury, Jillian M. Olenick

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

A Guide to Sexual Intimacy Following Spinal Cord Injury is a two-part manual that was created to increase the knowledge related to how sex can be impacted following a spinal cord injury. The first manual was created as a guide for individuals with spinal cord injuries and their partners to enhance their knowledge on how their spinal cord injury may impact their sexual functioning. The second manual was created as a guide for occupational therapy practitioners to use as a resource when addressing sex with their clients following a spinal cord injury. Each manual provides information related to sexual intimacy, …

Pediatric Occupational Therapists’ Perception On How Nature-Based Play Affects Fine Motor Development, Abbi M. Rosenow

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study aimed to explore the benefits of nature-based pediatric occupational therapy and the influence of nature and nature-based play on fine motor development. It was hypothesized that nature and nature-based play would positively impact a child’s fine motor skills, and that nature-based occupational therapy would offer unique benefits to a child’s therapeutic experience. To examine these relationships, a survey was distributed to pediatric occupational therapists across the United States. The survey was designed to gather insights into how occupational therapy supports fine motor development, how nature-based play/therapy enhances these skills, and the perceived benefits of incorporating nature into therapeutic …

Promoting Social-Emotional Learning In Pre-K Students, Hailey Dawn Turner

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

During my doctoral capstone and applied leadership experience, I partnered with Eastern Scholar House, a child development center at Eastern Kentucky University serving children ages 0–5. The primary ACOTE focus area was education, with an emphasis on educating Pre-K teachers and parents on social-emotional learning (SEL) and strategies to support its development in both the classroom and home settings. Project goals included gaining hands-on experience with SEL, understanding its impact on well-being, collaborating with an interprofessional team, and providing educators with practical SEL resources. A literature review and needs assessment highlighted the benefits of SEL in improving behavior, academics, and …

Examining The Relationship Between Stigma And Physical Disability Through Lived Experiences, Apphia M. Donoghue

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, to discover the impact that perceived stigma has on several factors in a person’s life including overall health, well-being, and quality of life. A qualitative research design was used. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, and to discover the impact of stigma on overall health and well-being. Three themes are identified: stigma narratives, shifts in awareness, and factors inhibiting quality of life. Stigma narratives contained three subthemes: experiences with stigma, frequency of stigma, and settings where …

Following Painting's Quiet Call To Adventure, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Yael Goverover, OTR/L, Ph.D., professor and post-professional program director of occupational therapy at New York University at Steinhardt (NYU), provided the cover art for the summer issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. This oil painting on canvas, titled, Still Life, 2024, features an arrangement of everyday objects with vibrant tones of gold, yellow, orange, and green found in the vase, and a coffeepot, fruits, and botanicals set against a backdrop of scarlet and striped patterned fabrics. She created this piece while on sabbatical in Israel as she studied under the tutelage of a seasoned oil …

Letter To The Editor: Embedding Indigenous Knowledges In Occupational Therapy: ‘Nothing About Us Without Us.’, Chontel Gibson, Isla Emery-Whittington, Lavonne Fox, Tirritpa Ritchie, Kaarina Valavaara, Angela Phenix, Tara Pride

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

As a collective of Indigenous occupational therapists, we write this letter not only in response to McColl et al.'s (2024) Letter to the Editor, but as a call to action for the profession, to enhance its ability to apply decoloniality and Indigenous human rights via strengths-based approaches.

Benefits Of Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (Smart) In Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Asha K. Vas, Lori G. Cook, Wanyi Wang, Alisha Schaefer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists engage in critical thinking to integrate knowledge into clinical application. Academic curricula offer critical thinking strategies to facilitate flexible thinking and innovation to optimize clinical outcomes. Prior research has demonstrated that a gist-based reasoning program called Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) is beneficial in improving critical thinking skills in both healthy and clinical populations. The current study examined the benefits of the SMART program in masters-level occupational therapy (OT) students. Fourteen students between the ages of 22 and 45 (M = 25.71, SD = 6.34) completed the research study. The SMART program teaches strategies of strategic attention, …

Prevalence Of Incivility And Bullying In Occupational Therapy Fieldwork, Edwin Myers, Kaitlyn Cremer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The prevalence of incivility and bullying in the domain of occupational therapy warrants attention. The long-term effects of incivility and bullying can be profound and multifaceted. These may include job dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, heightened hostility, and an increased likelihood of malpractice. Despite the implications of such behavior, there remains a noticeable gap in existing literature. This study investigated the prevalence of incivility and bullying occurring during occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork. The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) was completed by 702 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students regarding their fieldwork experiences. Over 80% of participants reported being exposed to bullying or …

Becoming A Skater: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Supports And Barriers To Participation In Adaptive Skateboarding, Megan Sandwith, Susan Macdermott, Amy Griswold

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The occupation of adaptive skateboarding expands concepts of skateboarding through modifications that support performance for individuals with disabilities. There is a gap in the literature representing the experience of individuals with disabilities who desire to participate in adaptive skateboarding. The intent of the research study was to provide a foundational understanding of the occupation of adaptive skateboarding by exploring the question: What are the supports and barriers to participation in adaptive skateboarding?

Methods:This mixed-methods study was comprised of a 14-question virtual survey, a semi-structured interview, and an optional video submission.

Results: A total of 41 participants participated …

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Practice Through A Mentorship Program: A Qualitative Study, Natalie S. King, Bryan M. Gee, Sarah A. Schoen, Mim Ochsenbein

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapy entry-level education is filled with opportunities for experiential learning. Post-professionally, few opportunities exist for participation in structured mentored experiences. Mentoring in health care professions is not new; it has resurged over the past 15 years, documenting the nature of mentorship for practicing clinicians, the design of programs to promote advancement, and the effectiveness of these programs. Level I Mentorship by the STAR Institute uses a small group format and entails a blend of live and online instruction, fostering discussion and reflection rooted in on-site learning experiences. This qualitative study aims to understand participants' perceptions of STAR …

Breastfeeding Interventions For Dyads With Medical Complexity: A Mixed Methods Study, Jairrah L. Godsil, Julia R. Farrell, Julia Shin, Cary C. Moore, Yongyue Qi, Vanessa D. Jewell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Breastfeeding dyads with medical complexity have lower success with direct breastfeeding. Evidence to support occupational therapists working with this population is limited. This study explored occupational therapists' experiences, training, and interventions for breastfeeding dyads with medical complexity.

Method: Occupational therapists providing clinical breastfeeding services for parents and or children with medically complex conditions participated in this study. The study employed an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods design, consisting of an online survey (N = 102) followed by two 75-min semi-structured focus groups (N = 7).

Results: Occupational therapists with more clinical breastfeeding experience (p = .003) and …

Use Of Podcasts As Emerging Technology In Occupational Therapy Education, Abbigail Kubiak, Karen Jacobs, Varsha S. Kulkarni, Maruška Vizek

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Podcasts are an emerging modality with a developing evidence base to reinforce their use in educational settings; in particular, to support knowledge retention and introduce topics. This research demonstrates the potential of podcasting in an educational context. Podcasts were used to educate occupational therapy (OT) students about emerging and innovative OT career opportunities. A series of 13 standardized 20- to 30-min podcasts featuring occupational therapists in emerging and innovative practice areas (E/IPA) globally were developed. In each podcast, the occupational therapist described implicit and explicit aspects of their career experiences. The podcasts were piloted in an entry-level OT doctoral course …

Globally Inclusive Occupational Therapy Scholarship, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a global profession and OJOT supports global scholarship through its open-access, online format. OJOT is read in over 200 countries and global/international authorship is encouraged. This article describes the global reach of OJOT and suggests how OJOT authors can embrace the opportunity and responsibility of producing scholarship that has the potential for global impact.

An Innovative Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (Cimt) Program Design And Case Study To Address Upper Extremity Use And Spatial Inattention, Mark Blanchard, Ingrid A. Franc, Payton Nisby, Michelle Arceneaux, Kathleen Chapiesky, Genevieve Ducros, Austin Brannon

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Introduction: Common consequences of stroke include decreased upper extremity function and spatial inattention, both of which cause difficulties in occupational performance in activities of daily living. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an intervention that has been utilized to improve these consequences of stroke.

Methods: This single case study describes the design and results of a two-week modified CIMT (mCIMT) program that used an enhanced visual and auditory feedback system, the Flint Rehab FitMi device, to address both upper extremity function and left spatial inattention in one participant. Left spatial awareness was encouraged during mCIMT activities by striking targeted pucks placed …

Interprofessional Collaboration Between Primary Care And Occupational Therapy, Ellen Modlin, Phd, Otr/L, Bcp, Caps, Deana Shevit Goldin, Phd, Dnp, Arnp, Fnp-Bc

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: This article explores the utilization of occupational therapy (OT) in interprofessional health care teams in adult populations. Primary care settings are typically the first point of contact for individuals seeking health care services; therefore, primary care practitioners (PCPs) are in a unique position to initiate collaboration with specialty clinicians to optimize the use of health care resources.

Method: Peer- reviewed literature from primary care and OT research was reviewed and summarized. The search focused on barriers and potential opportunities for collaboration between primary care and occupational therapy in adult populations.

Results: Occupational therapy (OT) is underutilized, as lack of …

How Returning To Work And Sense Of Belonging Influence Acquired Brain Injury Survivors: A Descriptive Case Study, Shaina Saribay-Talana

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose. This capstone project explored the experiences of an individual with acquired brain injury (ABI) returning to work (RTW), highlighting their sense of belonging (SoB) in the workplace. While literature emphasizes SoB's importance for mental health and quality of life, its impact on workplace reintegration for ABI individuals is underexplored. This project intended to address the gap in understanding ABI individuals' workplace belonging, potentially enhancing OT practices and outcomes for reintegration.Methods. A descriptive single case study approach using a qualitative phenomenology methodology, including semi-structured interviews and site observations, was used to gather insights from an individual who has re-entered the …

Rays Of Resilience:Tbri® Nurture Group© Intervention For Improved Social-Emotional Development In Head Start, Madison Carlson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) face challenges that impact their developmental trajectory, family dynamics, and occupational engagement (CDC, 2021a). Rays of Resilience is a trauma-informed occupational therapy capstone project designed to enhance social-emotional skills in preschoolers at a rural Head Start program guided by the TBRI® framework and the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model. Using Nurture Group© small group intervention, collaboration with staff, and engagement with caregivers, this project targeted social-emotional development and relationship building in children with a higher risk of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Fifteen students participated in weekly lessons focused on self-regulation, identifying emotions, and communicating wants …

An Occupation-Based Intervention Program To Address The Mental Health Needs Of Students In Rural School Systems, Caitlin A. Butterfield, Mackenzie Feldhacker Otd, Otr/L, Clt-Lana

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

In the United States, 20% of the population lives in rural areas, with many experiencing mental illness, including adolescents facing increased risks from unemployment, obesity, and limited mental health services (Berryhill et al., 2021; Morales et al., 2020). Rural youth also have a suicide rate twice as high as non-rural areas, highlighting the need for mental health interventions (Berryhill et al., 2021). This capstone project addressed the mental health needs of students in a rural school system through an occupation-based, multi-tiered intervention. Using a trauma-informed Occupational Therapy (OT) Public Health Approach aligned with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, …

Silent Sparks: Gaining Clinical Experience To Implement An Occupation-Based Program In A Birth-3 Group With Deaf/Hard-Of-Hearing Children, Sydney Patrow, Moses Ikiugu

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to develop clinical skills and implement an occupation-based program for Deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) children at Metro Deaf School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Guided by the Dynamic Family Systems Model, Lifespan Development, and Sensory Integration Theory, the project emphasized holistic, family-centered care, skill development, environmental modifications, and promotion of regulation and participation. Clinical skill development was assessed using the Theory Application Assessment Instrument (TAAI) and a site mentor survey. An 8-point improvement from pretest to posttest on the TAAI indicated enhanced theory use skills, and the mentor survey reflected high satisfaction. The program included a five-week …

Bridging The Gap: A Structured Curriculum For Occupational Therapy Students On Level Ii Fieldwork In Acute Care, Caroline Cameron, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Students achieve entry-level competence through didactic education and fieldwork (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education [ACOTE], 2023). However, transitioning from student to practitioner can be challenging (Mason et al., 2020). Research has identified challenging areas globally across fieldwork settings environment (Knecht-Sabres et al., 2013; Mason et al., 2020) and specifically in the acute care. These challenges indicate a compelling need to cultivate lacking skills and close the gap between students' didactic curriculum and clinical placement in acute care, where supervisors have the highest expectations for students (Kemp & Crabtree, 2018).

Objectives: This project aimed to develop an educational program …

Empowering Occupational Therapists: Integrating 3d Printing Into Rehabilitation For Spinal Cord Injury Patients, Juliana Sullivan, Ms, Otr/L, Cbis

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) encounter significant challenges in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Adaptive equipment (AE) is widely recognized as essential for enhancing ADL participation, which in turn improves quality of life, autonomy, and long-term functional outcomes (Sturm et al., 2021). However, access to AE is hindered by barriers such as lack of personalization, lesion level, financial limitations, and limited rehabilitation access (Hertig-Godeschalk et al., 2017). 3D printing to create custom AE can increase patient satisfaction, adherence, and participation (Schwartz et al., 2019). Occupational therapists (OTs) working in inpatient rehabilitation focus on maximizing patient independence before …

Empowering Caregivers: Enhancing Early Intervention Through The Coaching Model, Lindsay M. Carlson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The caregiver coaching model, aligned with the Best Practices in Early Intervention (BPEI) framework, is a family-centered and strengths-based approach to Birth to Three early intervention. This framework aims to empower caregivers with strategies to embed into the family’s daily routines, increasing their confidence and competence as well as the child’s development and participation. Despite research supporting its effectiveness, providers may face challenges including provider preparedness, caregiver engagement, and varying family and/or cultural preferences. Therefore, the purpose of this capstone project was to develop in-depth clinical practice skills in applying BPEI’s coaching model and to create educational resources to support …

Limitless: Transforming Lives Through Adaptive Sports, Virtual Reality, And Occupational Therapy, Justin R. Kooiman

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Although it is known that physical activity and engagement in meaningful occupations lead to numerous positive physical and mental health outcomes, individuals with neurological conditions are often unable to participate in these activities. This capstone experience focused on adaptive sports, assistive technology, and the implementation of virtual reality at a Veterans Affairs hospital. This capstone project consisted of three primary goals: the development of clinical skills and knowledge in assistive technology used in neurorehabilitation, the development of skills and experience in adaptive sports as it relates to occupational therapy, and the exploration of feasibility for expanding adaptive sports opportunities and …

Beyond The Flames: Occupational Therapy Approaches To Address Pain Management, Mental Health, And Occupational Engagement In Burn Patients, Mackenzie Mertz

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project centered around gaining advanced clinical skills and knowledge, advocating for occupational therapy’s role in burn rehabilitation, and creating education on topics such as pain management and mental health. This project was completed at the Medical University of South Carolina Burn Center with a diverse population throughout the continuum of care and various functional and psychosocial needs. The theoretical framework supporting this project was the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement. Assessment tools included range of motion, manual muscle testing, sensation, a pain analogue scale, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Clinical skills were gained throughout the …

Mealtime Mastery: A Quality Improvement Project For Pediatric Feeding Therapy, Jada D. Cunningham

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Among the pediatric population, feeding problems are common. Feeding challenges can be addressed by several professions including occupational therapists. The purpose of this capstone is to conduct a quality improvement project of feeding evaluation forms while also gaining clinical practice skills at Piller Child Development in Phoenix, Arizona. A needs assessment determined the feeding evaluation form, feeding parent questionnaire, and feeding report template would benefit from being updated. A thorough literature review was completed to analyze current feeding assessments being used across multiple fields of healthcare. To determine the validity of the feeding evaluation, interviews were conducted with practitioners employed …

Implementing An Art-Based Occupational Therapy Program To Enhance Mental Health And Well-Being For Domestic Violence Survivors, Kameron A. Sievert

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Domestic violence significantly impacts the mental health and well-being of survivors and their children, often leading to disruptions in engagement and performance of occupations. This capstone project aimed to address these challenges by developing a therapeutic craft-based occupational therapy program at a domestic violence shelter. The program was guided by the following theories: Person-Environment-Occupation Model, Recovery Framework, and Trauma-Informed Care Distinct to Occupational Therapy. Current literature and a needs assessment at the site revealed gaps in therapeutic programming and child-related resources. Adult-specific and family-oriented program sessions were designed to facilitate opportunities for self-expression and building coping skills, with modifications made …

Occupational Therapy Fellowship Curriculum Design: A Framework And Curriculum Mapping, Sydney Mitchell

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Objective. There is little published research on occupational therapy (OT) fellowships and varying levels of understanding around fellowships. The purposes of this IRB-exempt capstone were to identify stakeholder perception of OT fellowships, create a neurologic OT fellowship to bridge the gap in access to this training in the Southeast, and apply a conceptual framework during development. Methods. Anonymous surveys and semi-structured interviews were used to identify stakeholder needs for the curriculum. Methods focused on curriculum outline, development of one educational lesson, and incorporating formative and summative assessments. Five volunteers rated the module on usability and overall experience. The curriculum was …

Preparing Young Learners: Using Occupational Therapy To Promote Kindergarten Readiness At The Ymca., Zoey Eastman

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to enhance kindergarten readiness skills in preschool-aged children through the implementation of a school-based occupational therapy program at a YMCA child care center. The primary objective was to support children's developmental progress across multiple domains critical for school success. Over a 14-week period, developmentally appropriate, play-based activities were integrated into the classroom routine, specifically targeting fine motor skills, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and executive functioning—key areas linked to kindergarten readiness. Standardized assessments, including the Denver II Developmental Screening Tool and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), were utilized to monitor each child’s growth and identify areas …

Utilizing Trauma-Informed Universal And Targeted Occupational Therapy Interventions In A School Setting, Maciah L. Nobles

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This project aimed to provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 trauma-informed occupational therapy interventions to a rural elementary school. Project components included implementing the “Just Right!” Sensory Curriculum (Wiggins & Wild, 2020) with students grades preK-6th, education to staff about trauma-informed classroom strategies, development of a sensory room for the elementary school, and creation of centers to be used in the classrooms. Key findings included a significant decrease in hyperactivity/inattention (p=0.00) on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, a 1.13 point average increase in staff members’ knowledge of trauma-informed classroom strategies on a 5-point Likert scale, and students reporting increased understanding …

Early Intervention For Adulthood: Occupational Therapy’S Vital Role In Secondary Transition Services, Carolyn A. Blatchford

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Transition to adulthood is an essential stage of development, especially for those with disabilities. Occupational therapy practitioners are qualified to play a vital role in a young adult’s transition to adulthood within school settings, yet the majority of therapists are not serving transition-aged youth. This capstone utilized the Zarrow Institute on Transition & Self-Determination, specifically the “ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness & Self-Advocacy” and “TAGG Lesson Plans” lessons as a programming intervention foundation within a school-based setting to support transition-aged young adults currently served by the school district’s special education program, and classified as in a regular classroom at least …