Occupational Therapists’ Consideration Of Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity When Working With Adolescents: An Exploratory Study, Kristin Willey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Executive Summary

Background: A review of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (AOTA, 2020) and scholarly literature within healthcare fields, including occupational therapy, discuss the contextual issues of occupational justice and health disparities in situations when sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) are not considered as part of the occupational therapy process.

Purpose: This study explored if occupational therapists (OTs) considered a client’s SOGI when providing services to an adolescent. Subsequent research questions were: do OTs perceive that SOGI influences adolescents’ occupations, and do OTs perceive gaps in their knowledge related to SOGI?

Theoretical Framework: This research project was based on …

Elementary Teachers' Perceptions Of The Value Of Collaboration With School-Based Occupational Therapists, Jennifer Edick

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Literature review coupled with needs assessment data indicated that collaborative practices between teachers and occupational therapists might not be happening consistently and may be in need of improvement. Further research is needed to determine elementary teachers’ perceptions of the value of collaboration with occupational therapists in order to ensure maximum benefit for the students.

Purpose: This Capstone Project focused on identifying elementary teachers’ perceptions of the value of collaboration with occupational therapists and validating the need for improved occupational therapy supports in the school environment.

Theoretical Framework: This Capstone Project was guided by the National Interprofessional Competency Framework (NICF), …

Get The Wiggles Out: Sensory Paths A Motor-Based Intervention To Decrease Out-Of-Seat Events In Preschool Children With Special Needs., Teresa Ludwig

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Sensory Paths are sensory motor-based interventions that will provide opportunities for teachers to incorporate structured movement into the natural classroom routine, such as before circle time, to help the children in their classes be ready for learning by increasing attention and decreasing out of seat events.

This single subject A-B-A design project, rooted in the Ecology of Human Performance framework, explored providing structured sensory motor-based opportunities prior to circle time throughout the classroom day to decrease interfering behaviors in the classroom, such as out of seat behaviors and improve attention during circle time.

The results indicate that the Sensory Paths …

How Does Intraprofessional And Interprofessional Collaboration Impact The Use Of Occupation-Based Practice In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Stedmon D. Hopkins

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Research shows that there are many barriers to the implementation of occupation-based practice amongst occupational therapy practitioners. One barrier that requires a more in-depth review is the process of interprofessional and intraprofessional collaboration amongst staff in skilled nursing facilities.

Purpose: The purpose of this research project was to examine how interprofessional and intraprofessional collaboration influence occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistant’s ability to provide occupation-based practice in skilled nursing facilities.

Theoretical Framework: The frameworks utilized throughout this study included the National Interprofessional Competency Framework and the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model (OTIPM).

Methods: This study utilized a …

Parental Educational And Engagement Through Positioning And Play, Gaile E. Seay

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: This project is to increase the confidence of parents/caregivers via education about their infants that may not otherwise be provided by other health care professionals. This project also provides early intervention to the infants in efforts to facilitate their maximum development through proper positioning for sleeping and play. Purpose: The purpose of this project was a parental education class for parents/primary caregivers of babies ages 0-6 months. They were educated about their child’s development, and how to engage their baby through play and positioning for optimal cognitive, communication, and social-emotional development. This class and project sought to enhance parents’ …

An Interprofessional Learning Experience With Occupational Therapy Assistant And Physical Therapist Assistant Students Through A Simulated Educational Environment, Brooke Gentry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study is to explore if occupational therapy assistant students demonstrate increased perceived confidence and communication skills. This was completed through interprofessional interactions during a simulated lab-based case with physical therapist assistant students. The perceived confidence and communication are measured through a pre and post survey using the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS). Each student completed the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) pretest prior to the event. The students underwent an educational lecture, lab demonstrations, and training for the performance of the practical application. The students participated in a simulated patient experience of …

Assistive Technology In Transition Programming For Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities, Jennifer L. Veenendall

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are employed at lower rates than those without disabilities and evidence supports the use of assistive technology (AT) to improve vocational outcomes for this population. This preliminary study investigated the impact of AT training among special educators in secondary transition programming. The results provide useful information that can be used to guide decisions regarding additional training and interventions to build capacity in quality AT service delivery for young adults transitioning into work roles within this program. Successful implementation of person-centered AT problem-solving and decision-making could positively impact the integrated employment options and opportunities for young adults …

Examining Cognitive, Social And Teaching Presence In A Virtual Professional Continuing Education Workshop, Christina Bretz

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Due to COVID 19, there has been an increase in opportunities for online learning due to the reduction of in-person trainings. As occupational therapist practitioners, we have a responsibility to complete our professional continuing education and maintain our skills proficiently, whether those trainings are in-person or virtually. Therefore, the effectiveness and quality of professional training should not decrease when the delivery system is switched from in person to online.

Purpose: This study addressed professional continuing education for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and Pre-K thru 5th grade teachers in a virtual environment. The primary purpose of this study was …

The Role Of Rehabilitation Services In Managing Delirium In The Icu: A Retrospective Chart Review, Veronique Munier

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Executive Summary

Background: The onset of delirium during a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) is considered a sign of complication and is associated with increased risk of mortality and longer stays. Monitoring for delirium and incorporating early rehabilitation services (occupational therapy and physical therapy) are considered promising, evidence-based strategies to manage delirium.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess current practices for 1) delirium monitoring and 2) rehabilitation intervention as part of delirium management. The study verified the rate of delirium monitoring using standardized assessments, prevalence of delirium, the interval between admission to the ICU and …

Interdisciplinary Collaboration In The Homecare Setting, Erica J. Arndt

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Communication among interdisciplinary team members is a key component in providing quality care to patients. In the homecare setting, there are unique challenges to ensure effective communication occurs.

Purpose: To compare perceived interdisciplinary collaboration and work engagement between a team of homecare clinicians who were involved with identifying why critical clinical and social information is not communicated with a team of homecare clinicians who were not involved

Theoretical Framework. The Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) model provided the theoretical framework for this project.

Methods. A quasi-experimental interrupted time series design with an intervention and control group was used. The …

Feeding Into Complicit Bias Or Promoting Agents For Change: A Reflection On Pedagogy-Where’S The Justice?, Michele Mills, May Tom

Publications and Research

In the authors' careers, as an invisible method for survival and climbing the ladder, they learned of the importance of adopting and understanding White American culture to work successfully in the United States healthcare system. In this reflection, they discuss the necessity of teaching cultural diversity and cultural competence in occupational therapy assistant and physical therapist assistant programs.

The Efficacy Of Resistance Training In Addition To Usual Care For Adults With Acute Burn Injury: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Paul M. Gittings, Benedict M. Wand, Dana A. Hince, Tiffany L. Grisbrook, Fiona M. Wood, Dale W. Edgar

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Resistance training immediately after a burn injury has not been investigated previously. This randomised, controlled trial assessed the impact of resistance training on quality of life plus a number of physical, functional and safety outcomes in adults with a burn injury. Patients were randomly assigned to receive, in addition to standard physiotherapy, four weeks of high intensity resistance training (RTG) or sham resistance training (CG) three days per week, commenced within 72h of the burn injury. Outcome data was collected at six weeks, three and six months after burn injury. Quality of life at 6 months was the primary endpoint. …

Stable Lateral Meniscal Posterior Root Tears Left In Situ At Time Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Are Of Minimal Long-Term Clinical Detriment, Sarah J. Shumborski, Lucy J. Salmon, Claire I. Monk, Leo A. Pinczewski

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare long-term patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with untreated stable lateral meniscal posterior root (LMPR) tears to those with an intact meniscus.

Methods: Four hundred ninety-two subjects were followed for a minimum of 15-years posteACL reconstruction and evaluated by an International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire. The integrity of the meniscus was classified at surgery. Patients were grouped as either untreated injury to LMPR “with stable tear” (WST) group (n ¼ 52) or intact lateral meniscus “no tear” (NT) group (n ¼ 440). WST group included tears where …

The L.E.G.A.C.Y.® Appreciative Life Review Model: A Framework And Process To Develop Psychosocial Resources In Emerging And Young Adulthood, Nicole Onori Hansen

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This project introduces the L.E.G.A.C.Y. appreciative life review model (L.E.G.A.C.Y.) and provides preliminary evidence for its feasibility with emerging adults in a higher education context. L.E.G.A.C.Y. is the first model to integrate appreciative inquiry as well as a retrospective-prospective framework and experiential elements into the life review process. Increased rates of mental health disorders, underdeveloped psychosocial resources, and limited independent living skills have resulted in significant role impairments and poor adjustment to college. Conceptual development of the L.E.G.A.C.Y. model and the results of a quasi-experimental pilot study that investigated its effectiveness with agroup of college students (N = 17) are …

Developmental Stepping Stones, Couri S. Taylor

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Healthy child development is imperative for future success, parents/caregivers are at the helm of guiding children down a path that supports health and wellbeing for future success. When there is a lack of education, information, and resources readily available to families there is a risk for delayed development and lack of engagement. For many of our clients, health literacy is low, vulnerability is high, and they often feel cornered with no other available choices. Making it easier not to engage in certain activities, due to lack of opportunities, resources, and/or education. This lack of participation has a significant impact …

Shaping The Lives Of Little Ones Developmental Equipment Project, Marilyn Tyre

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may experience extensive hospitalizations due to prematurity and medical complications requiring interventions to sustain life and support physiological development. NICU staff are often focused on immediate medical concerns for these infants and may not consider the development and play needs for these long term hospitalized infants. Occupational therapists are aware of the importance of play and supporting the parental role and co-occupations between the infant and parents. This capstone paper discusses the Shaping the Lives of Little Ones Developmental Equipment Project for infants, nurses, and parents designed to provide opportunities for …

Accessing The Potential Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Primary Care Setting, Trudy Bazzy

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background. This capstone method focuses on the limitations and barriers of type diabetic education provided in the primary care setting and calls to attention the potential role that occupational can play in the primary care setting. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise in the United States which can be managed by providing diabetic education to patients. Primary care physicians are at the forefront to provide education or avenues to which patients obtain diabetic education to manage the disorder. Although, primary care physicians are providing diabetic education patients the current amount of education has not led to increased …

What Is The Lived Experience Of Mothers Of Premature Infants In A Level-Iv Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Jennifer Lorraine Nelson

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain knowledge of the lived experience of mothers of premature infants in a Level-IVneonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Additionally, the purpose of the dissertation study was to have a more in-depth understanding ofmothers’ experience of mothering in a Level-IV NICU. The eight participants were mothers of premature infants in a Level-IV NICU who had been admitted for a least one month. Data sources for the dissertation study were a demographic form, the primary investigator’s journal, two individual semi-structured interviews, and fieldnotes. The person-environment-occupation model and an occupational theory of human nature were …

Profile Of Pediatric Assessments Selected In Occupational Therapy Practice And The Influence Of Occupation-Based Assessments On Clinical Practice, Alysha Skuthan

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Occupational therapy practice is intended to reflect the core construct of occupation throughout all aspects of service delivery. In pediatricoccupational therapy, there is insufficient evidence examining regularly selected assessment tools and the occupational constructs ofselected assessment tools. A mixed methods research study was conducted to examine the most regularly selected assessment tools by pediatric occupational therapists and the resultant effects on service delivery specific to goal writing, intervention planning, length oftreatment, materials used in practice, and the context of service delivery among other practice outcomes generated by therapist participants. The primary assessment tools utilized by pediatric occupational therapists reflected a …

Childhood Play As A Predictor For Development Of Creative Potential In Adulthood: A Mixed Methods Study, Brittany Nicole Saviers

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Previous research has demonstrated the benefits of childhood play and creativity in childhood from either a qualitative or quantitative perspective; yet, questions remain regarding the predictive power of childhood play, specifically what types of toys facilitate competencies such as creative potential in adulthood. Utilizing a mixed methods convergent parallel design, the aim of this research was to explore the relationship between the types of toys frequently used during childhood and adult creative potential. Additionally, utilizing adults’ retrospective play stories, the study sought to understand the contribution of play to human development by identifying how qualitative themes ofchildhood play experiences aligned …

Perspectives Of Individuals With Acquired Neurogenic Communication Disorders And Co-Survivors On Person-Centered Care Within Speech-Language Therapy, Logan Macrae Ellis

Online Theses and Dissertations

Main Argument: Acquired brain injury impacts 2.8 million individuals each year in the United States (Taylor et al., 2017). Stroke, traumatic brain injury, tumor, infection, and other conditions cause life-altering changes to the way humans interact with each other. Social interaction and communication are important in many aspects of life, including but not limited to work, community, relationships, and mental health, etc. Damage to the brain often changes the ability to communicate drastically, which can impact all of the aforementioned aspects of life (Ardila & Rubilo, 2018). Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) address the acquired neurogenic communication disorders associated with brain injury …

Relationship Among Emotional Intelligence And/Or Extrovert Bias On Perceived Stress Levels In Dpt Students, Scott Richardson, Jordan Auvinen, Brennan Bonnett, Lucas Takeuchi, Erin Thompson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose/Hypothesis: Students in graduate level DPT programs function at varying levels. Some students thrive and others struggle to maintain required minimum levels of academic performance. When considering admission of applicants, and when assisting enrolled students, consideration of factors contributing to academic success is of interest. Stress has been shown to be prevalent in a wide range of students and has many negative effects including poor life satisfaction, increased clinical burnout, and reduced academic performance. Research has shown a correlation between higher emotional intelligence (EI) and decreased stress levels in medical, nursing, and undergraduate students. The purpose of this study was …

Transcending Chronic Illness And Disability: Virtue-Based Adaptation Model Perspective, Jeong Han Kim, Rene Gonzalez, Taryn V. Richardson, Dong Hun Lee

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

The present study examined the replicability of Virtue-Based Adaptation Model (V-PAM). Traditional adaptation studies in the field of rehabilitation often focus on examining innate psychological disposition such as personality. In V-PAM; however, the emphasis is given to virtue, one’s pursuit of excellence and commitment after the onset of illness and disability. From this perspective, adaptation to illness and disability is viewed as a positive by-product of having endured adversities while transforming them into insightful opportunities for renewal. Thus, adaptation is not only affected by innate dispositions, but also it can be nurtured via the collaborative counseling process. Two hundred eight …

Primary Care: A Service-Learning Environment For Occupational Therapy Students, Brandi Andreae, Wen-Pin Chang, Thomas F. Fisher, Priya Bakshi

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

This research provides evidence on occupational therapy (OT) students in primary care (PC). OT demonstrates the skills and knowledge to address chronic medical conditions in PC with entry-level education. Limited evidence of occupational therapists in PC demonstrates a need to examine OT services in this setting. In this emerging area of practice and ever-changing reimbursement models, additional evidence is needed to define the value and continuation of OT services in PC. A mixed-methods study aimed to answer the primary research question: How are OT students used in the PC setting in fieldwork or capstone experiences? A two-phase process was involved. …

Relationship Between Preoperative Frailty And Postoperative Outcomes After Lvad Implantation, Katherine L. Wilhelm

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Frailty is common in many patients with advanced heart failure, including those who undergo left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Frailty has been associated with worse outcomes after other cardiac surgeries; however, little is known about the effect of frailty on postoperative outcomes after LVAD implant.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether preoperative frailty [as determined by either short physical performance battery (SPPB) score ≤ 7/12 or 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) <200 >meters] is associated with poorer postoperative outcomes after LVAD implantation than non-frailty in adults with advanced heart failure.

Setting and Sample: This project …

The Effects Of A Mirror On Cognitive Strategy And Performance Of A Muscular Endurance Task, Brianna M. Simmons

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Context: Mirrors are common-place in exercise facilities, however, the effect the mirror has on cognitive strategy (i.e., where the mind’s at) and performance time has not been examined in a muscular endurance task (i.e., a wall sit). Objective: To determine, (1) the mirror’s effect on cognitive state during a wall sit to volitional exhaustion, (2) the mirror's effect on time to volitional exhaustion during a wall sit, and (3) the mirror’s effect on the participant’s rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during the wall sit. Design: Repeated measures design. Setting: Indoor exercise facility. Participants: Twenty resistance-trained Georgia Southern University Students (9 …

Footwear Affects Conventional And Sumo Deadlift Performance, Kevin A. Valenzuela, Kellie A. Walters, Elizabeth L. Avila, Alexis S. Camacho, Fany Alvarado, Hunter J. Bennett

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Barefoot weightlifting has become a popular training modality in recent years due to anecdotal suggestions of improved performance. However, research to support these anecdotal claims is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the differences between the conventional deadlift (CD) and the sumo deadlift (SD) in barefoot and shod conditions. On day one, one-repetition maximums (1 RM) were assessed for thirty subjects in both the CD and SD styles. At least 72 h later, subjects returned to perform five repetitions in four different conditions (barefoot and shod for both CD and SD) at 70% 1 RM. A …

The Effects Of Blood-Flow Restriction Training On Muscle Hypertrophy, Strength, And Power In College-Age Adults, Meghan Rohde, Lauren Bacsalmasi, Quinton Erhard, Tanner Lung, Whitney Weinert

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Low load BFR (LLBFR) training can produce similar strength gains as high load resistance (HLR) training, especially in cases where persons may not have the ability to toelrate heavy loads. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in strength, power, and hypertrophy between HLR (70% 1RM) and LLBFR (30% 1RM). Methods: Sixteen healthy individuals, ages 23-21 (8 male, 8 female) were randomized into HLR and LLBFR groups. Obtained baseline measurements included 1-repetition maximum (1RM), thigh circumference, and vertical jump height. Each group performed back squat, Bulgarian split squat, barbell step ups, and lunges. The HL group trend …

Increasing Physical Activity In Older Australians To Reduce Falls: A Program Evaluation, Kristy Robson, Nazmul Ahasan, Carly Barnes, Kylie Murphy, Rodney Pope

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As people age, they are at greater risk of injurious falls. Falling has a significant impact not only on the individual but also the wider community. Undertaking physical activity is effective in reducing the rate of falls in this population. Therefore, providing targeted education during group-based falls prevention programs may increase the awareness and amount of physical activity older people undertake to assist in reducing their risk of falling. Methods: A longitudinal cohort design involving a pre-post intervention survey was conducted over an eight-month period with community-dwelling older adults who participated in a fall-prevention program. Participants were N = …

Les Lésions Professionnelles De La Coiffe Des Rotateurs De L'Épaule : Optimiser La Prise En Charge Des Travailleurs Et Favoriser Le Retour Au Travail, François Desmeules, Jean-Sébastien Roy, Joseph-Omer Dyer, Pierre Frémont, Clermont Dionne, Joy C. Macdermid, Michel Tousignant, Annie Rochette

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Les atteintes musculosquelettiques de l’épaule sont fréquentes chez les travailleurs. En plus d’affecter leur qualité de vie, elles entraînent une augmentation de l’absentéisme et une diminution de la productivité, et peuvent conduire à une retraite anticipée. Pour l’année 2017, la province de Québec a enregistré 2,1 milliards de dollars en prestations en lien avec des lésions professionnelles. Environ 8 % de ces réclamations étaient dues à une lésion touchant l’articulation de l’épaule (CNESST, 2018).

Les lésions de la coiffe des rotateurs (CR) sont les affections les plus rencontrées chez les travailleurs présentant une atteinte à l’épaule. Présentement, les cliniciens ne …