Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Implementing Entrustable Professional Activities: Evaluation And Insights From Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice Education In Singapore, Heidi, Siew Khoon Tan, Gabriel, Wu-Xin Kwek, Corrine, Kar Ling Hoo, Florence, Wai Fong Cheong, Muhammad Rahizan Zainuldin

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Competency-based education is widely adopted in occupational therapy programs, yet translating broad competency frameworks into authentic clinical assessment remains challenging. Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) offer an outcome-oriented approach by integrating multiple competencies into observable clinical tasks. This study evaluated the implementation of a nationwide EPA framework alongside an established competency-based assessment tool within an undergraduate occupational therapy clinical practice education program in Singapore. Guided by the 2018 Ottawa Consensus Framework for Good Assessment, this qualitative evaluation study conducted seven focus group discussions with 18 occupational therapy clinical educators and 12 students who experienced the integrated EPA and competency-based assessment system. …

Psychosocial And Behavioral Health Fieldwork: Impact On Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Stigma And Confidence, Tiffany L. Benaroya, Ann A. Murphy, Michelle Zechner, Meredith Cimmino, Margaret Swarbrick

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study examined the impact of psychosocial and behavioral health fieldwork experiences on occupational therapy assistant students’ attitudes toward individuals with serious mental illness and their confidence in working with this population. The study compared different fieldwork experiences among 30 occupational therapy assistant students from multiple cohorts to assess potential changes in stigmatizing attitudes and confidence across four different measures: the Attribution Questionnaire – 9, the Mental Illness Clinician’s Attitudes Scale v 4, the Knowledge Test of Mental Illness, and the Student Confidence Questionnaire. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a statistically significant reduction in stigma from pre- to post-placement (p=0.04) on …

Occupational Therapy Assistant Students’ Perceptions Of Level I Fieldwork Instructional Methods: A Mixed Methods Study, Tiffany L. Benaroya, Susan M. Higgins

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Level I fieldwork is a cornerstone of occupational therapy assistant (OTA) education. Placement shortages have prompted OTA programs to expand instructional methods beyond traditional methods to include standardized patients, faculty-led site visits, simulated and virtual environments, and non-traditional placements. Limited research has examined OTA student perceptions of these instructional methods. Therefore, this study explored OTA student preferences, recommendations for future use, and perceived strengths and challenges of Level I fieldwork instructional methods. Nineteen OTA students completed surveys in Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 in this retrospective mixed methods study. Students ranked instructional methods directly experienced in Level I fieldwork: traditional …

Sustaining A High-Fidelity Simulation Assessment For Fieldwork Readiness: A Process Description And Quality Assurance Process, Mary K. Thelander, Sue Iliff, Geneva L. Nolan, Heidi M. Sanders

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy students often report feeling underprepared for the complex and integrative demands of Level II fieldwork, prompting increased use of simulation-based approaches to support clinical readiness. This process description outlines the design, implementation, and sustained quality assurance of the Occupational Therapy Student Performance Assessment (OTSPA), a multimodal, high-fidelity simulation required before fieldwork in a Southwestern occupational therapy graduate program. Grounded in a problem-based learning framework, the OTSPA integrates multiple levels of simulation fidelity and requires students to complete a full-cycle clinical experience, including referral review, interaction with a standardized patient, documentation, and intervention planning. Faculty evaluate performance using structured, …

Reimagining Level I Fieldwork: A Virtual Home-Based Observation Model In Occupational Therapy Education, Tara Mansour, Colleen Muse, Nicole Williams, Rachel Pittmann

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Fieldwork is essential to occupational therapy education, yet placement demand and constraints on clinician capacity require programs to consider innovative approaches to practice-based learning. Home-based practice is especially difficult to offer as a traditional Level I placement because of travel and space constraints inherent to how services are delivered. This educational innovation describes and evaluates a structured virtual home-based Level I fieldwork model implemented through a partnership between an entry-level occupational therapy program and a national rehabilitation provider. Students completed five live virtual observations of services delivered in clients' living environments. The model, now in its fifth year, incorporated prebriefing, …

Nbcot First-Time Pass Rates At A Hispanic-Serving Institution: The Role Of Academic Metrics And Primary Language, Timothy Tu

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This retrospective study examined academic and demographic predictors of first-time success on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam among graduates (N = 82) from the classes of 2019 through 2022 at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Despite demographic growth, Hispanic and linguistically diverse practitioners remain underrepresented in the profession. Analyzed variables included self-reported primary language, undergraduate GPA (UGPA), prerequisite GPA (PGPA), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and Occupational Therapy Knowledge Exam (OTKE) performance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 31. Three factors significantly predicted first-time NBCOT pass status: UGPA (p = .010), OTKE scores …

Exploring Parents’ Perspective Of Outdoor Occupational Therapy Sessions, Harold Ho, Michelle Huynh, Christina Le, Amy Morrison

Master's Projects

Introduction: Outdoor play is recognized as critical for supporting children’s development across physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains (Firby & Raine, 2022; Walker & Ray, 2024; Zhu et al., 2024). The current literature suggests that outdoor play strengthens executive functioning, early learning skills, and enhances social-emotional competency (Dinkel et al., 2019; Walker & Ray, 2024; Zhu et al., 2024). Furthermore, accessibility to outdoor play is shaped by contextual factors, including parental perceptions of safety, environmental barriers, and broader societal influences (Cox et al., 2025; Faulkner et al., 2025; Jelleyman et al., 2019). The research suggests that common parental concerns have emerged …

Bridging The Sensory Gap With Occupational Therapy: Program Development For Sensory Integration In Inpatient Rehabilitation For Adults With Central Nervous System Injuries, Callie Marie Honaker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Objectives: This project aimed to identify sensory processing deficits in adults with central nervous system injuries and to inform the development of sensory-informed program components in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Participants: A total of 76 adults admitted with diagnoses including cerebrovascular accident, brain injury, and spinal cord injury were included. Methods: A structured sensory screening and mental health questionnaire were administered and compared to prescreening admission documentation and PHQ-9 scores. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were conducted. Results: Sensory impairments were highly prevalent, with participants demonstrating an average of three impairments across the sensory domains. Proprioceptive, tactile, and visual deficits …

Integrating Pilates Into Outpatient Occupational Therapy:A Complementary Approach To Traditional Rehabilitation, Ellie Drechsler

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Reformer Pilates, originally developed by Joseph Pilates as a holistic method to enhance strength, alignment, and mind–body integration, has gained increasing recognition for its therapeutic potential in rehabilitation settings. Despite evidence supporting its benefits for balance, chronic pain, functional mobility, and mental wellbeing, its use in outpatient occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) remains limited. The purpose of this quality‑improvement project aimed to bridge that gap by developing an accessible, reformer‑based educational resource for clinicians with minimal Pilates experience and by evaluating client and clinician perceptions of its therapeutic value.

METHODS: Using mixed-methods surveys, qualitative and quantitative feedback …

Promoting Caregiver And Staff Education For Motor Development And Feeding Skills On A Pediatric Heart Center, Karina Dharia

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Around the world, congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading birth defects in infants and has been known to cause many long-term developmental effects (Scott & Neal, 2021). Given these developmental risks, recent literature suggests that there lack strong and effective resources for parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals about infant development and the application of occupational therapy in the setting of pediatric CHD (Marino et al., 2019). The purpose of this capstone was to promote parent, caregiver, and staff engagement with patients to promote motor development and feeding skills in the in-patient pediatric cardiac setting. Our aims were …

Optimizing The Utilization Of Interpreter Services In A Student Run Clinic, Mallory Vaclav

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

No abstract provided.

Collaboration In Acute Care: Enhancing Occupational Therapy Outcomes Through Canine Therapy Integration​, Deanna Hamke

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The utilization of animal-assisted therapy has the potential to increase patient participation, motivation, and help simulate real-life experiences to promote a successful discharge from therapy services. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to: 1) expand collaboration between occupational therapists & canine therapy handlers through use of a communication platform and 2) to create a resource outlining in-session responsibilities to facilitate partnership between occupational therapists and canine therapy handlers. Occupational therapy treatment sessions were completed using canine therapy interventions targeting mobility, engagement, and emotional regulation. The final deliverables included multiple educational resources and a platform for communication. These deliverables …

Bridging Research And Practice In Occupational Therapy: Education On Regulation And Socioemotional Development For Caregivers And Novice Clinicians, Lily Andrews

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Background: New graduates in pediatric occupational therapy are frequently expected to be autonomous but experience poor self-confidence and challenges with clinical decision-making (Moir & Copley, 2025). Concurrently, parents of children receiving occupational therapy to improve regulation and socioemotional development often have limited understanding of these concepts, resulting in frustration and reduced carryover of therapeutic strategies at home. This dual gap highlights a clear need to enhance clinician confidence and caregiver understanding within pediatric occupational therapy practice.

Aim: This capstone project aimed to develop resources synthesizing key principles of pediatric practice and intervention to improve student clinician and new graduate confidence …

Creating An Effective Video Case-Based Teaching Tool To Enhance Undergraduate Clinical Skills, Tyler Kam

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Education In Cancer Rehabilitation​, Elizabeth A. Dorn

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone project aimed to enhance entry-level occupational therapy (OT) education by developing and evaluating evidence-based instructional materials addressing musculoskeletal and oncology rehabilitation within a doctorate curriculum. Designed as an oncology-focused experience, the project involved a two-phase approach: (1) testing educational techniques by implementation and evaluation of an elbow pathology lecture and lab, and (2) development of an asynchronous oncology rehabilitation unit informed by outcomes from the initial phase. The project was guided by the ASSURE instructional design model and emphasized active, visual, and case-based learning strategies to support clinical reasoning.

Student outcomes were assessed using pre- and post-lecture …

The Relationship Between Phone Usage, Activity Participation, And Hand Strength, Debra Gibbs, Will Best, Raegan Adams, Amanda Finke, Rachel Pierce, Salem Swallows, Alisha Yoo

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Smartphone use among university students in the United States is steadily increasing. Longer duration of smartphone use has been associated with increased risk of smartphone addiction, reduced musculoskeletal strength, and engagement in meaningful activities. While prior research has examined these variables separately, limited evidence exists on the associations between smartphone use, hand grip and pinch strength, and extracurricular and leisure activities among U.S. university students. To address this gap, a correlational study was conducted using the Spearman rank correlation to analyze the relationship between phone use, activity participation, and hand strength. A Qualtrics survey including demographic information, phone usage, and …

The Impact Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Self-Reported Balance And Confidence On Perceived Fall Risk: A Pilot Study, Antoney Labuschagne, Wesley Hopper, Bailey Watson, Alexis Ignatin, Ashtyn South, Whitney Dupree, Natalie Michaels

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Background: Each year, thousands of people experience one or more episodes of falling, that lead to a lasting impact in function and participation in daily life. Education regarding fall prevention is often focused mainly on the older adult population, but falls can happen at any age. Fear of falling and pain-related fear exists among adults at any age. The focus of this research study was to determine if participation in an aquatic exercise program that focused on balance, core body strength, and cardiopulmonary endurance could be utilized to alleviate the fear of falling and improve performance. Methods: Eight participants completed …

Enhancing Leisure For Older Adults In Senior Living Communities, Hannah Louise Street

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Older adults living in senior living communities are at an increased risk of social isolation, depression, boredom, and decreased quality of life (Donovan & Blazer, 2020; du Toit et al., 2019). Increasing access to meaningful, person-centered leisure activities can improve life satisfaction and overall quality of life for older adults (Chang et al., 2021; Shryock & Meeks, 2020). The purpose of this project was to develop a product to increase meaningful leisure engagement amongst older adults living in senior living communities for an overall improved quality of life.

Methodology: The model of human occupation (MOHO) was utilized as the …

Promoting Parent Well-Being And Balance During Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Stays, Lauren Brooke Nelson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience challenges that influence quality of life, occupational balance, and participation in meaningful activities, limiting their ability to nurture their infants. Currently, occupational therapists in the NICU focus on observable infant occupations including oral feeding, holding, and social interaction. Occupational therapy can support families by promoting engagement in meaningful cooccupations, encouraging balanced routines and roles, providing caregiver education, and adapting tasks or environments to meet family needs.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted prior to arrival on site to understand the needs of parents in the NICU. After the arrival on …

Baby-Life Balance: Occupational Therapy Strategies To Support The Transition To Motherhood, Morgan Muriel Harshman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The postpartum period is characterized by significant physical, emotional, and occupational changes that can disrupt daily functioning, routines, and role transition into motherhood (Albanese et al., 2020; Baker et al., 2024). These changes impact a mother’s ability to engage in meaningful daily activities, including self-care, infant care, and participation in family and community roles. Despite these challenges, postpartum care often emphasizes infant health, leaving gaps in support for maternal occupational performance, routine development, and environmental adaptation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023; World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to address these needs through its …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Vision Rehabilitation Across The Lifespan, Abigale Marie Ellenberger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Visual dysfunction is highly prevalent across the lifespan and can significantly limit occupational performance and participation. Despite this, vision-related impairments are addressed inconsistently within occupational therapy (OT) practice, with documented gaps in standardized evaluation, occupation-based intervention, and practitioner confidence (Kaldenberg et al., 2023; Weisser-Pike et al., 2023a). The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop an evidence-informed resource to support OT practitioners in the evaluation and intervention of visual dysfunction across the lifespan. A comprehensive literature review and needs assessment were conducted to examine current evidence and identify gaps in practice, including limitations in practitioner confidence, access to …

Examining The Relationship Between Sleep And Physical Activity Among University Students, Maddie Stock

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Sleep and physical activity (PA) are important factors for maintaining overall health and are positively associated. The relationship between sleep and PA is well-documented for the general adult population, but there is less research on college students who are in a formative stage of developing lifelong health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between aerobic PA and sleep in college students. College students at a Midwest University were invited to participate by completing the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment evaluating students’ health behaviors over the previous 1-2 weeks. These values were used …

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Resilience In Women's Lacrosse: An Ecological Dynamics Approach, Annika J. Wozney

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries remain a significant concern in the sport of women’s lacrosse due to the amount of cutting and rapid deceleration movements in the sport. Non-contact ACL injuries in women’s lacrosse arise from complex interactions involving biomechanical, anatomical, and neuromuscular factors. Traditional ACL injury prevention programs (IPPs) often focus on strengthening and neuromuscular training in controlled environments with pre-planned movements, which may not adequately simulate the cognitive demands and unpredictability during a competition. An ecological dynamics approach is proposed that considers the athlete, the game environment, and the immediate task to emphasize the athlete-environment relationship. By incorporating …

Statins For Primary Prevention Of Variceal Bleeding In Cirrhosis: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background/Objectives: Variceal bleeding (VB) is a major complication of cirrhosis, marking a progression from a compensated to a decompensated stage of the disease. Previous research has suggested that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called statins, may have therapeutic benefits for those living with cirrhosis, though their exact benefits and role have yet to be elucidated. This scoping review evaluates the potential role of statins in the primary prevention of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis, and if there exists a difference between hydrophilic and lipophilic statins for this indication. Methods: Publications from the last 10 years with primary or secondary outcomes …

Validity Of The Promis Ability To Participate In Social Roles And Activities Measure In Older Adult Health Assessment, Theresa Raudsepp

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Objective: The International Classification of Function is often used in older adult clinical assessments. Well recognized is the high value, and difficulty, of assessing participation in social roles. The PROMIS Ability to Participate in Social Roles (APSR) measure may augment assessments enhancing our understanding of older adults’ participation in social roles. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the APSR diverges with other clinical measures suggesting it is measuring a separate construct adding new information to the clinical assessment.

Methods: A sample of convenience of older adults (n = 89) was recruited and administered clinical assessments that include …

Mindfulness Practice And Increases In Gray Matter Density, Gray Matter Volume, And Cortical Thickness: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background/Objectives: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been linked to psychological and cognitive benefits, yet evidence for their impact on brain structure remains sparse. Neuroimaging suggests MBIs may alter gray matter volume (GMV), density (GMD), and cortical thickness (CT). The purpose of this scoping review was to investigate structural neuroplasticity following MBIs. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2023 that used structural MRI to assess structural brain changes in subjects after receiving MBIs. Nine studies met inclusion criteria, including five randomized controlled trials. Results: Mindfulness interventions ranged from 10 h of training to long-term practice …

The Effect Of Gratitude On The Mental Health Of Healthcare Workers As Measured By Burnout And Depression, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Burnout and depression have been considered long-standing issues among healthcare workers worldwide. Current interventions for managing poor mental health include exercise, medical treatments, mindfulness, and workplace changes. The practice of gratitude has shown significant improvements in mental health in the general population, and it has been proposed as a potential intervention for healthcare workers. This scoping review aimed to assess the effect of gratitude on the mental health of healthcare workers as measured by burnout and depression. The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online databases were searched using medical subject …

Embracing The Green Thumb: Occupation-Based Resources For Stroke Recovery, Brianna Padovano

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Stroke recovery requires ongoing effort from survivors, caregivers, practitioners, and communities to promote meaningful participation in long-term engagement in daily life. Despite the growing amount of evidence supporting continued recovery beyond the acute stages of stroke, accessible resources that address the needs of these stakeholder groups remain limited (Chen et al., 2019). This doctoral capstone experience aimed to bridge these gaps through the development and dissemination of educational, clinical, and advocacy-based resources designed to support stroke rehabilitation across various stakeholders. An evidence-informed, occupation-based stroke recovery guide, which includes relevant theories, decision-making flowcharts, sample protocols, and resources, was created for new …

Breaking Barriers In Bariatric Care, Morgan Lapshanski

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

The doctoral capstone project titled Breaking Barriers in Bariatric Care was established to promote equitable care and increase the quality of healthcare services provided to bariatric patients. Breaking Barriers in Bariatric Care was implemented to address the areas of education, research, and advocacy. With the focus being on these areas, the student worked to promote levels of accessibility and inclusivity within the healthcare system. The capstone project included an asynchronous virtual educational program for healthcare students at Misericordia University to enhance knowledge in the areas of bias reduction, safe handling, and providing appropriate care to bariatric patients. The student conducted …

Harmony In Healing: Addressing The Psychosocial Needs Of Individuals Living With Lymphedema, Bria K. Brombacher

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Lymphedema is a chronic and incurable condition associated with significant physical and psychosocial challenges, including depression, anxiety, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. Despite increasing recognition of these concerns, limited interventions exist that specifically address the psychosocial needs of individuals living with lymphedema. Additionally, individuals within this population often report limited provider awareness of lymphedema within the healthcare system. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project, Harmony in Healing: Addressing the Psychosocial Needs of Individuals Living with Lymphedema, was to promote well-being, improve quality of life, and increase awareness of the psychosocial implications of lymphedema through occupational therapy intervention. …