Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Promoting Equity And Inclusion For Mothers Of Young Children In Academia, Sabina Khan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Equity and inclusion are critical factors in ensuring that mothers of young children are able to participate fully in occupational therapy academia. Mothers of young children often face significant barriers that prevent them from fully engaging in academic pursuits, including lack of access to childcare, limited support structures, and societal expectations regarding gender roles and caregiving responsibilities. This opinion paper reviews strategies for academics at various levels within academia to promote equity and inclusion for these individuals.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Recognition, Assessment, And Treatment Of Presbyvestibulopathy, Jennifer Hill, Ellen Hudgins, Sharon Leonard

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Sensory functions decline with age, and the likelihood of having multiple sensory impairments increases with age, potentially leading to decreased physical activity and performance, decreased social participation, poorer quality of life, and greater health care spending. Presbyvestibulopathy (PVP), a diagnosis established in 2019, is a vestibular dysfunction or loss related to the aging process characterized by mild bilateral vestibular deficits, chronic dizziness, unsteadiness, gait disturbance, and/or recurrent falls. Given the potential impact of vestibular dysfunction on occupational performance and participation in meaningful activities, occupational therapy’s (OT) role in PVP is evident; however, limited literature exists specific to OT and vestibular …

Improving Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students’ Social Awareness For Making Equitable Policy Decisions: A Quantitative Quasi-Experimental Study, Alysson Goodwin, Denise Crowley

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy has set a strategic vision to increase equity and health access through leadership in all practice areas. To this end, educators in occupational therapy doctorate programs must increase the students’ ability to lead with an awareness of the social impacts of policy decisions. The purpose of this study was to explore educational opportunities to support occupational therapy doctorate students in developing social awareness for decision-making. The study aimed to use an e-learning module to increase social awareness surrounding a departmental decision about a white coat ceremony. A quantitative quasi-experimental one group pre-test post-test study examined if a significant …

Associations Between Learning Environment And Study Satisfaction Across Time: Two Cross-Sectional Analyses Of Occupational Therapy Students, Gry Mørk, Susanne G. Johnson, Astrid Gramstad, Linda Stigen, Tove Carstensen, Tore Bonsaksen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

There is increasing attention toward students’ satisfaction and how they perceive the quality of the program they attend. This study examined stability and change across time with regard to the relationships between learning environment factors and occupational therapy students’ satisfaction with the program. In the two consecutive cross-sectional analyses performed in this study, 163 second-year students and 193 third-year students from all six occupational therapy education programs in Norway participated. The Course Experience Questionnaire was used to assess learning environment factors and study satisfaction. The data were analyzed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient r and with hierarchical linear regression. Bivariate associations …

The Relationship Between Holistic Admissions Criteria And Program Ranking Among Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Programs, Kristian Taylor, Cat-Tien Nguyen, Jenny Grant, Mary B. Brewster, Mary A. Barrett, Teal Benevides, Sharon M. Cosper

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Holistic admissions criteria are one strategy to be more inclusive of students with a variety of experiences, cultures, and beliefs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between holistic admissions criteria and occupational therapy program ranking. We used a retrospective cross-sectional cohort descriptive study design of occupational therapy programs in the United States to understand whether top performing programs employ holistic admissions criteria. Secondary descriptive analysis from the top and bottom 50 ranked occupational therapy programs in 2020 U.S. News & World Report (Morse et al., 2020) was completed. We used a nominal scale to classify programs …

Barriers That Affect Equity In The Occupational Therapy Admissions Process: Student And Faculty Perspectives, Quinn P. Tyminski, Lenin Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The use of holistic admissions in higher education has been demonstrated to increase the diversity of incoming student classes; yet, in occupational therapy (OT) research, admissions processes remain under-explored. This phenomenological study aimed to explore the process of OT admissions from the perspective of students, faculty, and staff at a single OT program with the goal to create a more inclusive, equitable, and holistic process. Focus groups were conducted with first-year students, and an online survey was sent to faculty to explore perspectives on the admissions process, necessary qualities for an OT graduate student, and suggestions for increasing inclusion and …

Perspectives Of Occupational Therapy Graduates On Sentinel Events During Transitions To Practice: A Phenomenographic Study, Nileththi Achini De Silva, Eleanor Furtado, Anne W. Hunt

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Research suggests new occupational therapists face many positive and negative experiences during their transition from student to therapist. Current research lacks information regarding sentinel events that occur during this shift. An exploration of sentinel events as interpreted through the life course perspective may inform how to support the transition to occupational therapist. The purpose of this study is to (a) determine sentinel events that occur during the transition to practice for new occupational therapists and (b) the impact of these events. A phenomenographic approach guided a semi-structured interview with 14 recent occupational therapy graduates. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic …

The Effects Of Cervical Cancer Diagnosis On Occupational Performance, Wynnet Sinclair, Christine Mcconnell, Emily Clark, Katie B. Mcentire, Caitlin Lewis, Lyndsi Pound, Katherine Wuertz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: In the United States, it was predicted that approximately 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer would be diagnosed in 2023 (American Cancer Society, 2023). The research question focused on identifying changes in occupational performance for patients with cervical cancer. The areas of occupational performance considered were activities of daily living, leisure, work, education, social participation, and mental health.

Methods: The respondents completed a cross-sectional, mixed methods Qualtrics survey. Likert scale questions captured the degree of functional impact of cervical cancer on the predetermined areas of occupational performance.

Results: Twenty-seven subjects (ages 18 to 70) fully …

Adolescent Perceptions Of Weighted Blankets And Quality Of Sleep: A Mixed Method Design, Tara D. S. Summers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to describe the perceived sleep quality experience of an adolescent, without a pre-identified sleep need, when they used a weighted blanket during sleep.

Method: Adolescents (n = 5) 11 to 16 years of age completed a sleep diary for 7 days, sleeping with a self-selected weighted blanket for at least 3 days. A semi-structured individual interview was held after Day 7.

Results: The majority of the participants would like to continue using a weighted blanket for sleep. Eighty percent of the adolescents choose to sleep with a …

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions On Addressing Spirituality: A Cross Sectional Survey, Shannon Metzger, Jeanine Beasley, Jordan Marheineke, Amy Stites, Amy Riley, Christine Byam, Diane Maodush-Pitzer, Dawn R. Devries

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational Therapy (OT) was founded as a holistic profession that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Research indicates that occupational therapists feel uncomfortable incorporating spirituality into practice. Method: This study aimed to identify perceptions of occupational therapists in addressing the spiritual needs of their clients. A cross-sectional Qualtrics survey was adapted from the Religious/Spiritually Integrated Practice Assessment Scale (RSIPAS). The survey was electronically sent out by several professional OT organizations. It was sent to occupational therapists and OT assistants to obtain their perspective of incorporating spirituality in practice. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis was completed. Results: Of the 52 …

A ‘Friendly Visitor’ Volunteer Intervention For Hoarding Disorder: Participants’ Perceptions, Susan Noyes, Sarah Van Houten, Elizabeth Wilkins

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Determining and delivering effective interventions for Hoarding Disorder remains challenging, and appropriate resources are often unavailable. To address the need, the Friendly Visitor Program was designed in Portland, Maine, to pair people living with hoarding disorder with a trained volunteer to help with decluttering the living environment. The majority of the trained volunteers were occupational therapy students.

Method: This qualitative research study explored participants’ perceptions in a volunteer program that addresses hoarding behaviors. The study was conducted through an interpretivist, constructivist lens, examining the Friendly Visitor hoarding intervention program through individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine participants, …

Factors Influencing Driving Confidence In Older Adults, Jill Linder, Beth Ann Walker, Elizabeth Moore, Anne Hegberg

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: It has been determined that both confidence and cognition impact driving performance and self-regulation. While it is known that cognitive decline impacts driving safety and that decreases in driving confidence can lead to self-driving regulation, further research is needed to determine whether cognition, demographics, and driving routines are associated with driving confidence.

Method: A non-experimental, cross-sectional design study using a convenience sample of 100 older adults was conducted to determine if individual factors are related to daytime and nighttime driving confidence.

Results: Multiple regression indicated that four variables predicted daytime driving confidence, including cognition, driving at …

Informing Modifications To Social Participation And Navigation (Span) For Adolescents With Social Anxiety Incorporating Pet Dogs, Nicole Porter, Gary Bedell, Jason Getzler, Megan Mueller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Social anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health challenges of adolescence and profoundly impacts social participation. This study obtained adolescent and parent feedback to inform a future modification of Social Navigation and Participation (SPAN) for use with adolescents with social anxiety incorporating pet dogs.

Methods: The study had two phases: Phase 1 included interviews with adolescents with social anxiety (n = 8) about their social participation experiences, strategies, pet dogs, and thoughts on a proposed intervention to promote social participation; and Phase 2 included on-line survey completed by the adolescents and their parents (n = 14) assessing …

Artificial Intelligence: Analysis And Guidelines For Scholarly Writing, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Quantitative Pilot Study: Impact Of Social Responsibility And Altruism Values On Rehabilitation Employee Satisfaction, Debra Beazley, Agnes Kim, Lori Bolgla

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: This study explores the association between physical therapist satisfaction in a rehabilitation private practice and perceptions of altruism and social responsibility in the workplace. Small private, for-profit businesses like therapy practices often embrace altruistic values and socially responsible cultures driven by close stakeholder relationships. Alignment between business culture and personal values is a stronger predictor of workplace and career satisfaction. Employees who perceive value alignment report higher job satisfaction and relatedness. Prosocial cultures, rich in altruism and social responsibility, foster job fit and reduce dissatisfaction and turnover. Physical therapy's core values, including altruism and social responsibility, are integral to …

Peer-Mediated Family Support Project: Evaluation Of Changes In Family Quality Of Life, Preethy S. Samuel, Elizabeth Janks, Nia S. Anderson, Michael Bray, Christina Topolewski, Sharon Milberger

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The Family Quality of Life (FQOL) approach represents a paradigm shift from fixing to supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) by changing the focus from the individual to the family and highlighting strengths rather than deficiencies. Aging family caregivers of individuals with I/DD often encounter obstacles, including accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of services. Little is known about best practices to support aging families of adults with I/DD. Understanding how a state-wide peer-mediated family support project implemented in this study helped improve the FQOL of aging caregivers is important in broadening participation of other caregivers in these types of programs. To …

Exploring The Occupation Of Education Of Children With Undocumented Immigrant Parents, Denise Perez, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This research study highlights the detrimental effects of family separations on children's well-being, academic performance, and long-term outcomes. It emphasizes the urgent need for research on the mental health effects of immigration policies on children at risk of parental deportation. A qualitative research study was used to understand the experiences and challenges of adults with undocumented immigrant parents during various stages of schooling. The research utilizes the Kawa model to explore emotional factors and barriers affecting students' occupational engagement in an educational setting. The study aims to identify supports and barriers to school engagement for students with undocumented immigrant parents, …

Capstone Curriculum For University Students With Intellectual Disabilities At Lipscomb University’S Ideal Program, Aubrey J. Barcelo

OTD Capstone Projects

The IDEAL program at Lipscomb University is an inclusive postsecondary education program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. This project was centered around creating a curriculum for the capstone course for fourth year students in the IDEAL program. The capstone course is two semesters of 14-week curriculum aimed at completing an independent/semi-structured needs-based project and experiential learning. The deliverables of the advanced program capstone include a culminating project based on the five components of Person-Centered Planning. The curriculum includes templates and task lists incorporating principles of universal design to facilitate students’ ability to complete the project independently.

Development Of Teacher Training Program, Manual, & Curriculum Guide For Inclusive Dance Studio, From An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Susanna C. Dunn

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in collaboration with MOVE Inclusive Dance, a nonprofit, inclusive dance studio specifically serving individuals of all ages with various disabilities. A needs assessment conducted with the staff at MOVE necessitated a cohesive teacher manual, including teacher training protocol, disability index, safety precautions, sample class activities, curriculum guide, and more. The focus of this capstone was to create and distribute a teacher training manual to dance teachers at MOVE Inclusive Dance. The teacher training manual was created using anonymous pre and post test qualitative and quantitative surveys to assess teacher perceptions regarding feelings of confidence and …

A New Lease On Life: The Occupational Impact Of Adaptive Skiing, Caitlin Tetherow, Amy Lyons-Brown, Amy Griswold

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This research study focuses on understanding the occupational impact of adaptive skiing on well-being and identity to promote lifelong occupational engagement, representation, and inclusion within current ski culture. A mixed-method research study utilized a 25-question online survey and an optional one-time virtual interview. 50 adaptive skiers and/or snowboarders participating in a winter adaptive program between 18-65 years old completed this study. This study found positive evidence supporting outcomes related to physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being and positive identity formation from adaptive skiing.

Occupation-Focused Aquatic Therapy For Stroke Survivors, Amanda Chan, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project explores the impact of aquatics-based occupational therapy on stroke survivors' quality of life. A needs assessment was performed at an outpatient aquatic physical therapy clinic, and an aquatic program was developed based on stroke survivors' unmet physical, social, mental, and occupational needs.

Occupational Therapy's Role For Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices (Lvads) In Acute Care, Rachel Roberson

MOT Student Capstones

What is occupational therapy's (OT's) role for patients with LVADs in the acute care setting? OT addresses activities of daily living (, endurance. fine motor coordination. preparation for discharge. and evaluations for patients both pre- and post-LVAD implantation. Expectations of OT for this population are not clear to OT practitioners and members of the multidisciplinary LVAD team due to a current gap in literature. The purpose of this project is to develop an evidence-based practice guideline on OT's role for patients with LVADs in the acute care setting. The practice guideline is intended to be used by OTs working with …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Improving Self-Regulation In Classrooms, Holly Huggins, Elizabeth Hunter, Cayce Nance

MOT Student Capstones

Self-regulation is essential to elementary students' academic success. Students' ability to manage their behaviors and develop a sense of self-awareness can positively impact their school engagement and performance. School-based occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) can collaborate with teachers and relevant staff to improve classroom behaviors by implementing self-regulation strategies and modifications through the multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). An educational presentation was developed and presented to teachers and support staff to increase their understanding and knowledge of applying self-regulation strategies in the classroom. The objectives of the presentation were to educate on the role of occupational therapy (OT) in the school …

The Effects Of Occupation-Based Programming On Occupational Deprivation For Civilly Committed Mental Health Patients, Joshua Clapper

MOT Student Capstones

Patients who are involuntarily committed to the mental health hospital are likely to be exposed to occupational deprivation. Through the induction of occupation-based programming, it is believed that occupational engagement can catalyze recovery and support meaningful participation in daily life, decreasing the prevalence of occupational deprivation. This paper investigates the latest evidence-based practices related to mental health and occupational performance in the inpatient hospital setting. To explore the need to educate clinical staff, who are responsible for programming, a pre-survey was distributed, preceding a presentation. A post-survey was then used to examine the effect the brief educational presentation. They survey …

Impact Of Incorporating A Sleep Hygiene Routine In Children With Developmental Disabilities, Katie Vondersaar

MOT Student Capstones

The paper explores the impact of incorporating a sleep hygiene routine in children with developmental disabilities, aiming to decrease maladaptive behaviors and improve occupational performance. The objectives include identifying maladaptive sleep behaviors, creating a sleep hygiene routine, and completing a literature review. The methodology involves conducting an in-depth literature review, creating a PowerPoint presentation, and utilizing pre- and post-surveys to assess the effectiveness of the educational intervention. The results demonstrate an increase in knowledge of the benefits of implementing a sleep hygiene routine with children with developmental disabilities. The conclusions emphasize the importance of addressing maladaptive sleep behaviors in children …

Positive Communication Strategies And Approaches To Improve Quality Of Care For Those Living With Dementia, Tiffany M. Wright

MOT Student Capstones

The number of people living with dementia (PL WD) is growing exponentially each year. As the number increases, skilled nursing facilities (SNF) will be faced with the challenge of caring for more residents living with dementia. This project investigates the benefits of providing education to healthcare professionals in SNF who care for PL WD to improve the quality of care provided. Historically, pharmacological interventions have been overused in SNF. This project investigates the most effective evidence-based approaches to providing high-quality dementia care to manage behaviors and improve active participation in occupations. To address this topic, a literature review was conducted, …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Addressing Health Disparities In Transgender/ Gender Diverse Youth, Samantha Ryan

MOT Student Capstones

This study investigated the effectiveness of an educational module in improving occupational therapists' knowledge and skills regarding transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth. The research builds upon existing literature demonstrating positive outcomes when integrating TGD population needs into healthcare education programs. The study employs a pre-test/post-test design to assess participants' understanding of critical areas, including culturally affirming care, legal and ethical considerations, social determinants of health and health disparities, developmental stages related to gender identity, and safety considerations for TGD youth. Participant< ; who completed the module demonstrated significant improvements in several key areas. They displayed a firmer grasp of culturally affirming care principles and how to 4 implement them in practice. Additionally, their understanding of legal and ethical considerations surrounding TGD healthcare provision deepened. The study also revealed increased knowledge of social determinants of health and the impact of TGD identities on access to equitable healthcare. Participants better understood how developmental stages relate to gender identity and its influence on occupational engagement. Finally, they demonstrated increased knowledge of safety considerations and protective factors for TGD youth in occupational therapy settings. Findings reveal measurable improvements in participants' knowledge and ability to deliver affirming occupational therapy for TGD youth. The results suggest that the educational module promotes culturally competent and ethical care. Furthermore, these findings suggest that integrating TOD-specific education into occupational therapy curricula can significantly enhance practitioners' ability to provide affirming and effective care for TGD youth.

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Practitioners' Confidence In Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue Through Occupation And Performance-Based Interventions, Chelsea White

MOT Student Capstones

Cancer-related fatigue has the potential to have a lasting impact on the quality of life, engagement in meaningful occupations, and well-being of oncology patients, which negatively impacts occupational performance and causes an increase in demand for each task an oncology patient managing cancer-related fatigue completes. This capstone project explores the importance of enhancing occupational therapy practitioners' (OTPs) confidence in implementing interventions for cancer-related fatigue using an evidence-based educational program presentation. Based on the literature review, there is a gap in the lack of formal training in oncology and OT academic curriculum, which does not highlight general oncology and cancer-related interventions …

Riding For Recovery: The Impact Of Hippotherapy For Adults With Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, Kesti Suggs

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone project focuses on the underutilization of hippotherapy in occupational therapy (OT) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In OT, the horse's movement enhances motor skills, coordination, balance, focus, sensory integration, and functional performance in everyday tasks. This approach simultaneously addresses sensory processing, including the vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual, and auditory systems. The objective of the capstone project is to emphasize the importance of utilizing hippotherapy as an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for adults with IDD. Increasing awareness about integrating hippotherapy into occupational therapy environments, particularly outpatient clinics, is the second objective of this capstone project. The goal …

Benefits Of Universal Sensory Integration Interventions On Behavior In The Traditional Classroom Setting, Kayla Cannon

MOT Student Capstones

Traditional Classroom settings can have a negative impact on the behavior of students. In this project the student researcher compared traditional classroom behavioral strategies to integrated universal sensory intervention programs on school performance and behavior. As occupational therapy practitioners, it is important to provide education to teachers on universal sensory integration interventions to help adapt the classroom environment. These interventions can help students self-regulate in an overstimulating classroom setting. In this project, an in-service was created and presented to five primary grade level teachers and one occupational therapist. They were presented with a pre- and post-survey to be completed before …