Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Understanding The Needs Of Gender-Diverse Youth And Young Adults And Their Staff Members In Homeless Shelters And Supported Housing, Sharon Gutman, Ashley Choi, Alexis Kearney, Margaret Swarbrick Dr

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Gender-diverse youth experience twice the risk for homelessness as their same-age cisgender peers and report experiencing discrimination in homeless shelters and supported housing.

Method: Eighteen participants (9 gender-diverse residents and 9 staff members) were interviewed individually to understand their experience of and needs in these settings.

Results: The major findings included: (a) Gender-diverse service recipients felt unsafe and vulnerable in these facilities. Sharing space in which to carry out occupations of vulnerability often triggered anxiety and PTSD. (b) Gender-diverse service recipients felt that staff members did not understand how cumulative trauma adversely affected participation in programmatic …

An Orientation Towards Care In Occupational Therapy: A Theoretical Framework, Myah G. Beylotte

Movement and Being: The Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies

The purpose of this paper is to explore Ethic of Care (Gilligan, 1936; Noddings, 1984) in an occupational therapy (OT) setting and to determine if empathetic and relational care can provide greater patient outcomes. Ethic of Care (EoC), originally established by Gilligan (1936), is a moral orientation towards care that has been applied in the areas of education, nursing, sports coaching, and other popular professions (Fisher et al., 2017; Gano-Overway et al., 2009; Knust & Fisher, 2015; Lachman, 2012; Newton et al., 2007; Noddings, 2005; Schools, et al., 2020), but has not been widely researched in the field of OT. …

Posture And Injury Prevention Program For High School Musicians, Clifford C. Scott, Cassandra Nelson

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Musicians face many musculoskeletal-related injuries due to overuse and repetitive motions (Gembris et al., 2020). These injuries can be mitigated by addressing posture as well as methods to prevent injuries and promote healthier playing. The proposed capstone program is occupationally based and developed to address posture and prevent musculoskeletal injuries among musicians. Occupational therapy can help musicians prevent and treat the development of postural asymmetries and musculoskeletal injuries that inhibit occupational participation and performance in playing their instruments (Ting et al., 2019).

The Role Of Occupational Therapy On Sexuality And Intimacy In Women With Disabilities, Diamond Escobedo, Cassandra Nelson

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project was developed to provide an educational program to spread advocacy and education about the stigmatization of women with disabilities, who are unable to interact in sexual relationships and intimacy. The occupational therapy perspective would be identified as solving the problem by providing education, resources, and adaptive devices to individuals who have a disability and experience deficits in sexual intimacy through the implementation of a program.

An Occupational Therapy Guide To Promoting Social And Emotional Health Among Youth In A Post Covid-19 Era, Alejandra Olvera, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a significant rise in mental health challenges among children and adolescents, impacting their daily performance and overall well-being. These psychosocial effects underscore an urgent need for comprehensive support from educators, parents, and communities to effectively address the increasing mental and behavioral health issues among young individuals.

The purpose of this project was to implement a program that would improve the social and emotional health of youth and adolescents, as well as to educate educators and parents. By fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being among youth and adolescents, the program's initiatives seek to mitigate the …

Rethinking Disability Simulations For Occupational And Physical Therapy Students: Integrating The Social Model Of Disability, Sara Kate Frye, Monique C. Chabot

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Disability simulations traditionally have been used in many healthcare profession educational programs with the intent to foster empathy and positive viewpoints towards people with disabilities. However, research is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of these activities. The appropriateness of these activities has also been called into question when considering disability as a form of diversity and social justice, with recommendations to utilize the Social Model of Disability to frame activities. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the efficacy of a temporary orthopedic injury simulation assignment on first-year occupational and physical therapy students’ viewpoints regarding working with people with …

Incorporating Animal-Assisted Therapy (Aat) To Improve Handwriting Skills In Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Jessica M. Simon, Jessica Mchugh

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Within the field of occupational therapy, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is becoming more widely recognized and utilized as a supplement to traditional therapeutic interventions. As this area is still an emerging area of practice within occupational therapy, research is necessary to better understand the effect of AAT on children’s progress toward various goals. The purpose of this research study was to analyze the effectiveness of using Animal-Assisted Therapy to improve children's performance with and engagement in handwriting activities in outpatient pediatric occupational therapy. This study utilized a Quasi-experimental design, assigning participants to two groups. One group participated in handwriting activities while …

Sensory's Role In The General Education Classroom, Grace Sievert

OT Student Capstones

Background. Sensory processing significantly impacts students’ ability to learn successfully in educational environments (Little et al., 2017). Classroom sensory strategies have been shown as an effective method to regulate student’s sensory systems, promoting academic success through improved participation and attention (Dean et al., 2018). Academic faculty are the ideal candidates to provide sensory strategies to the general student population, yet these roles typically lack sensory education (Budd & Rehling, 2014). Occupational therapists are in a prime position to provide academic faculty with sensory education due to their expertise in sensory processing, their responsibility to provide professional development to educators, and …

Leisure Education Program For Older Adults At Beatitudes Campus, Kendall Morrissey

OT Student Capstones

As individuals age they may experience a decrease in quality of life that impacts their overall health and well-being. One way to improve quality of life in older adults it through leisure activities that can provide a sense of purpose, autonomy, and roles or routines within their lives. The purpose of this doctoral capstone experience and report is to enhance older adult’s leisure competence through to improve leisure satisfaction and overall quality of life. The occupational therapy capstone student developed a five-session Leisure Education Program for residents at a continuing care retirement community, Beatitudes Campus. Using an occupational therapy point …

Low Vision And Dementia, Anna Bradner

OT Student Capstones

Low vision and dementia are highly common among older adults. Individuals with these conditions often experience decreased ability to perform daily tasks safely and independently due to the functional implications of visual and cognitive decline. This leads not only to decreased participation in meaningful activities but also to an increased dependence on a caregiver. Over time, these caregivers can experience a perceived strain, or caregiver burden, that affects not only their own health but also the health of the individual they are caring for. Occupational therapists can provide skilled services to address the needs of older adults with low vision …

Novel Occupational Therapy Treatment In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Aegia Mari Baldevia

OT Student Capstones

Millions of children are hospitalized in the United States each year. Hospitalization can negatively impact the child, their family, and their education. Occupational therapy can be used to target the family unit in coping and engagement in meaningful occupations in the hospital setting. The magazine photo collage has been used in the past to target coping and social interaction, but there is limited evidence of its use in occupational therapy in the hospital setting. This project aimed to explain the experience of families in creating and using the magazine photo collage in occupational therapy in the hospital setting. In this …

Understanding The Role Of Ot In Infertility, Jordan Swarztrauber

OT Student Capstones

Infertility is prevalent in the United States, affecting approximately 16% of couples. Those affected by infertility often seek Assistive Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments to help them conceive. Past literature has found that ARTs have negative effects on those undergoing treatments in their occupations, routines, habits, and mental health. Although it is commonly known in the medical literature, there is a dearth of research and clinical support for individuals who are experiencing disturbances in the above-described areas, leaving a gap in care for individuals who are undergoing ARTs. The present research study consists of 13 in-depth qualitative interviews, which gather data …

Dance As A Sensory-Based Occupation To Improve Regulation Skills In A Pediatric Population, Anna Seedall

OT Student Capstones

Dance is integrated into every culture. There are several psychosocial, cognitive, and physical benefits to dancing. The sensory system is highly involved in dance. Further, many children have difficulties with sensory processing and regulation. There are finite programs outside of therapeutic services to address this gap in utilizing sensory strategies. Limited research has been conducted to determine if dance is an effective approach for improving sensory regulation. A 10-week program was designed for eight participants, ages 4 to 8 by an occupational therapy doctoral student. The program utilized the Alert Program®, breathing techniques, yoga positions, tactile input, proprioceptive input, and …

Maximizing Prehabilitative Care For Breast Cancer: Program Evaluation And Quality Improvement In Outpatient Therapy, Aedan Collins

OT Student Capstones

Background. Individuals with breast cancer experience side effects and impairments from the disease and treatments that impact their physical, cognitive, neurological, emotional, and social health. Breast cancer-related psychosocial issues are most prevalent right after diagnosis. Services prior to receiving breast cancer treatment or surgery are termed prehabilitation (prehab) and have been shown to improve patient outcomes. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners play an important role in the rehabilitation of patient with cancer and can contribute to prehab services.

Methods. This was a program evaluation and quality improvement project that used data collected during prehab evaluations for breast cancer to create supplemental …

The Effect Of The Safe And Sound Protocol On The Emotional Regulation Of Children: The Caregiver Experience, Brooklyn Gratzer

OT Student Capstones

Introduction: Emotional regulation is a complex process that develops throughout one's lifetime. Emotional dysregulation can be due to an individual’s unbalanced physiological state leading the vagus nerve into a “fight or flight” mode (Auditory Processing Center, 2022). The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) targets the autonomic nervous system through filtered music to improve social-emotional functioning by bringing safety to the nervous system.

Methods: The purpose of this project is to evaluate the effect of the SSP on emotional regulation in children through the caregivers perspective. Participants were chosen if their child had difficulties with emotional regulation. They completed a caregiver …

Discharge To Success: A Life Skills Manual Developed By Ots For Transitioning Individuals With Smi From Forensic Hospitals, Kelsie Cooper

OT Student Capstones

This research project examined the development of and staff training using a discharge manual aimed at improving transition outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) within a forensic psychiatric setting. The manual, tailored to the needs of patients at Arizona State Hospital (ASH), addresses barriers to community reintegration through the provision of occupation-based interventions and resources. Occupational therapists (OTs) played a central role in the project, emphasizing the importance of meaningful activities in promoting independence and well-being among individuals with SMI in an effort to reduce recidivism. Interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals underscored the holistic approach to mental health …

Exploring Advanced Technology In The Outpatient Adult Neurorehabilitation Clinical Setting, Cynthia Burhop

OT Student Capstones

Background: Occupational therapists have access to many advanced technological devices that can aid in enhancing patients’ functional occupations. Such devices can be very costly and beneficial to the profession at large however they are not being used to their fullest potential. Barriers surrounding the usage of advanced technology can include a lack of therapist training, a lack of confidence in skills required to operate the devices and being uninformed on the benefit that technology can have on the client’s functionality. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify and reduce the barriers surrounding the usage of the neurosensorimotor integrator …

The Effects Of A Training Module On Ot's Self-Efficacy In Montessori Settings, Raquel Crowe

OT Student Capstones

Background. The Montessori method is a non-traditional education setting that uses child-directed learning with practical life materials to foster natural learning patterns in students. Montessori students have been shown to display increased cognitive, academic, and psychological skills that continue to impact an individual through their adulthood. Due to the traditional ways of the Montessori method, related services, such as occupational therapy (OT), are not always viewed as a valuable addition to a student’s learning environment. Lack of familiarity and education regarding the Montessori method may impact the self-efficacy an occupational therapist has when providing services to Montessori students. Methods. A …

A Client-Centered Life Skills Education Program For Enhancing Successful Integration Among Newly Arrived Refugee And Asylum Seeking Afghan Women, Irene Kwangaba

OT Student Capstones

Introduction. Refugees and asylum seekers are subsects of immigrants who are forcibly displaced from their home environments. They face unique challenges after immigrating that prohibit their ability to acclimate to their new environments, such as language barriers, role and identity changes, and a lack of social support. This capstone project explores the effects of a ten-week client-centered life skills education program on integration into their newfound communities for refugees and asylum seekers. Methods. Three participants who identified as refugees or asylum seekers seeking services at the community partner for this project, Matthew House, were included. All participants were from …

Canine Animal Assisted Therapy: Educating Otp And Students, Anna Medel

OT Student Capstones

Canine animal assisted therapy demonstrates health benefits throughout numerous populations and healthcare environments. Unfortunately, there is limited literature and resources available regarding how to utilize canine animal assisted therapy within the profession of occupational therapy. The capstone project proposed the following question due to the limited resources available: within the profession of occupational therapy, would an educational course on how to utilize an animal assisted therapy canine increase the knowledge, confidence, and interest of use within the profession? An educational workshop, Canines in Occupational Therapy, was developed throughout the 12-week capstone experience and administered on March 30th, 2024, at A.T. …

Healthy Living After Cancer: A Community-Based Program To Improve Exercise And Nutrition In Cancer Survivors, Czarina Banzon

OT Student Capstones

Persevering through cancer treatment is an uphill battle, but continuing survivorship for the rest of their lives becomes the biggest challenge for cancer survivors. Concerns in survivorship include side effects from cancer treatment, fear of recurrence, and returning to previous roles and routines. Additionally, survivors must maintain their health and well-being through exercise and nutrition. Occupational therapists possess the necessary skill set to create programming for cancer survivors that is relevant and realistic. They can take side effects from treatment into consideration and offer personalization of goals and maintenance strategies. Furthermore, occupational therapists can offer simple alternatives to maintaining a …

The Impact Of Individualized Exercise Programs On Athlete's Perception Of Performance In Winter Adaptive Sports, Kiley Foster

OT Student Capstones

Background: Historically, people with disabilities have faced barriers to participating in meaningful occupations like adaptive sports. Despite the positive effects of adaptive sports, sport-induced injury can impede an individual’s functional independence. This capstone project aimed to evaluate the impact of individualized exercise programs on athletes’ perception of performance in winter adaptive sports, with a focus on injury prevention.

Methods: Two recurring High Country Adaptive Sports athletes participated. They provided consent to engage in a 10-week individualized home exercise program (HEP) prior to the 2024 ski season. They completed a pre-survey at the initial meeting and a post-survey upon completion of …

Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy In Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Marisa Lamb

OT Student Capstones

This capstone aims to measure entrepreneurial self-efficacy in students enrolled in occupational therapy (OT) programs across the nation by sending an online survey. Occupational therapy’s profession has expressed a need for more entrepreneurs within its field. Further research into the factors that contribute to the lack of entrepreneurship in OT was performed and are described. The factor in which this capstone focuses is the first of its kind as there were no studies that have directly targeted OT graduate students as a population to measure entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE). By reporting on data representative of national demographics, this capstone seeks to …

The Impact Of Vision Training On Visual Perceptual Skills In Male Soccer Players, Mackenzie Watterson

OT Student Capstones

Background. Athletic performance is one of the most visually demanding activities an individual can participate in. Due to the physically and cognitively demanding nature of soccer, it is imperative to take a deeper look into how visual-perceptual skills impact overall athletic performance. If an athlete’s visual system does not correctly receive messages from environmental stimuli, overall athletic performance may suffer. For an athlete to function at their highest performance possible, it is essential to focus on improving visual-perceptual skills.

Methods. A mixed methods approach was used to determine the impact of vision training on visual perceptual skills in male soccer …

Promoting Engagement Of Male Individuals With Alzheimer’S In A Memory Day Care, Tara Brophy

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Alzheimer’s and related dementias impact an individual's cognitive, psychological, social, and physical functions resulting in impairments within the engagement of activities. Activities offer many therapeutic benefits including improvements in mood, alertness, communication, socialization, sleep, cognitive function, and quality of life. The focus of this quality improvement capstone project was to address the decreased level of engagement in male members within a memory day care center setting through engaging them in male-tailored activities. The project included the development of a website that provided tailored male-oriented activities and educational resources that were shared with the staff to revise their day care activity …

The Perceived Impact Of Direct Patient Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic On Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Mental Health Status, Emilee N. Sasser, Kathleen French, Alison Lecompte, Carrie C. Slade, Jasper Queen

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Aim: To identify the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) on the mental health status of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners providing direct patient care.

Methods: The researchers administered a survey to identify OT practitioners’ perceptions of mental health prior to and during the pandemic. The survey was posted online via a link on social media pages related to occupational therapy professional groups. Participants completed the self-administered survey consisting of 16 questions. Some participants provided narrative responses to select survey questions, which asked about their mental health prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: One hundred and …

Coaching In Context Model (Version 4), Marie-Christine Potvin, Maryjane Mulcahey, Nicole Gerhardt

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Coaching in Context (CinC) is a conversation-based approach intended to foster clients’ goal attainment through coach-facilitated self-discovery of insights and solutions. Anchored in positive psychology, CinC situates clients as resourceful experts, and builds upon clients’ strengths to promote awareness and insights about factors that potentially impact their goals, and to strengthen problem-solving skills. CinC conversations are contextualized within lived environments including tasks demands and life roles. CinC intends to operationalize and organize professional coaching competencies into a model that health, rehabilitation, education, and human service professionals can embed into their practice.

The CinC model was developed and published in four …

Proposals To Address Health Disparities In Occupational Therapy, Madison Michelle Cotten

Honors Theses

Health disparities, “preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health,” are infamous for their effects within both general healthcare and occupational therapy settings (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2008). Though existing literature establishes a need for the widespread adoption of anti-discrimination measures, specific recommendations for occupational therapy schools remain limited. This project aims to remedy this gap in knowledge by serving as an initial overview of healthcare disparities within occupational therapy and by addressing the potential value of incorporating diversity courses into the curriculum of occupational therapy schools. Through the presentation …

Improving Access To Mainehealth Care At Home, Amanda Kunkel, Mhcah Intake Department, Mhcah Scheduling Department, Mhcah Clinical Leadership Team

Operations Transformation

It is known that there are capacity limitations at MaineHealth Care at Home caused by a decrease in staffing. This leads to limited availability of home health services to patients in the community and can also contribute to increased length of stay for patients in acute care hospitals. MaineHealth Care at Home needs a way to measure current capacity to accept referrals and improved systems for communicating with referral sources.

A Community Re-Integration Mental Health Occupational Therapy Program For Veterans At The Sioux Falls Veterans Affairs Hospital, Holly M. Forrester

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The Veteran population continues to be disproportionately impacted by mental health disorders despite growing efforts to address this epidemic. Despite an increase in Veterans Affairs (VA) sponsored programs to mitigate the disparity, the interdisciplinary team tasked with implementing the novel programs remains undiversified. My capstone project aimed to provide a comprehensive community reintegration program to the Veterans in the inpatient behavioral health setting and advocate for the role of occupational therapy on the mental health interdisciplinary team. The literature and needs assessment indicated a need for the implementation of occupational therapy specific groups that aimed to increase functional independence and …