Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Sedation Minimization And Early Mobility To Prevent Intensive Care Unit Delirium, Alana M. Kugelard

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize current evidence on sedation minimization, early mobility, and multicomponent care bundles for the prevention of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium in critically ill adults. ICU delirium is a common and serious complication associated with increased mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, extended ICU and hospital length of stay, and long-term cognitive impairment, making it a significant safety and quality-of-care concern. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and the Cochrane Library, with search terms including “ICU delirium,” “sedation minimization,” “light sedation,” “early mobilization,” and “ABCDEF bundle.” Filters included adult populations, peer-reviewed studies, randomized controlled …

Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation And Clinical Skill Readiness In Nursing And Occupational Therapy Curricula, Gretchen Johnson, Linda Barnett, Lori Aaron-Brija, Emily Berkowitz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As the healthcare landscape evolves, education for health professionals must prepare future practitioners to meet emerging challenges and navigate diverse care settings. Integrating interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities within healthcare curricula supports the development of essential clinical skill competencies and collaboration across multiple disciplines. The Clinical Skill Readiness interprofessional model prepares students for successful clinical rotations by integrating assessment and skill development. Students develop vital interprofessional skills, with specific emphasis on communication, professionalism, and role clarity, all of which are essential for effective practice in a collaborative clinical setting. Methods: Nursing and occupational therapy students participated in timed treatment sessions …

Exploring Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy Students Using Think Aloud During Computerized Patient Simulation, Candra Selene Talylor

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

The objective of this research was to explore the effects of the think aloud (TA) method on the development of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students completing an online simulation assignment. The study aimed to determine if thinking aloud develops clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students as evidenced by a change in clinical reasoning skill scores and investigates the relationship between students' overall clinical simulation competency scores.

This study used a mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data to explore and measure the use of the TA strategy on the development of clinical reasoning skills. The sample from this …

An Ot Educational Program For Individuals With Upper And Lower Limb Amputations, Laurie R. Spinks Mrs, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

An OT approach to reducing prosthetic abandonment with an accessible guide to promote self sufficiency and community connections for individuals with amputations.

Implementation Of A Classroom-Based Sensory Regulation Toolkit To Enhance Participation In Students With Severe Disabilities, Camryn R. Woods

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Students with severe and multiple disabilities often experience sensory processing differences that can adversely impact their ability to engage, participate, and regulate within the classroom environment. Educators frequently report feeling underprepared to address sensory needs and implement effective, practical strategies to support these students. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a classroom-based sensory regulation toolkit within a specialized educational setting serving students with significant physical and cognitive disabilities.

The primary goals of the project were to (1) increase teacher knowledge and confidence in recognizing sensory processing patterns, (2) provide accessible, evidence-based strategies to support …

Empowerment Of Patients Through Sexual Wellness Programming, Carly M. Busby

OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract:

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Dr. Jenny Archer with Archer Physical Pelvic Floor Therapy. This project highlights empowerment of Dr. Archer and her team through administrative tasks and empowerment of clientele through education materials. The primary deliverable of my project is a six week ‘course,’ addressing pelvic pain through evidence-based therapy practices. Other deliverables include education materials that cover an expanse of pelvic floor and pregnancy related topics. The prominent goal of this capstone project was empowerment through education.

Interprofessional Collaboration: A Functional Vestibular Screening Framework For Children With Hearing Loss, Corinne Marascio

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: The vestibular system is comprised of five organs located in the inner ear that support balance, coordination, and spatial awareness (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Due to the proximity of the hearing and vestibular organs, children with hearing loss are at an increased risk for vestibular dysfunction (Cushing & Papsin, 2018; Kelly et al., 2021). Early recognition and treatment of vestibular disorders via vestibular rehabilitation therapy can support healthy development throughout childhood (Monshizadeh et al., 2022; Wrobel et al., 2020). While vestibular assessment falls within the audiological scope of practice, barriers preclude routine screening of vestibular deficits in pediatric patients with …

Bringing Awareness And Education To Rural Areas About The Role Occupational Therapy (Ot) Has In Infant Care, Makenzi Richwald

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project focused on education and advocacy. The aim of my capstone project was to provide education to parents of eastern Kentucky (KY) about what Occupational Therapy (OT) can address with infants aged 0-18 months. I saw a gap in knowledge in the eastern KY community about what OT could do for infants and wanted to address this. Through my research, consultation with my mentors, and collaboration with the occupational therapists at my site (BPT) I discerned 14 areas of development and/or common reasons of needed referral for OT services by this age group. These educational materials aimed to …

A Rasch Analysis Of The Self-Assessment Scale Of Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy (Sa-Crot) For Continuing Professional Development, Sho Maruyama, Reiko Miyamoto, Takuya Hirose, Takao Kaneko, Peter Bontje

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The purpose of this study was to establish structural validity, internal reliability, and concurrent validity of the Self-Assessment scale of Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy (SA-CROT) when used in continuing professional development. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 513 occupational therapists with ≤5 years of experience. Rasch analysis was applied to assess structural validity (rating scale functioning, monotonicity, dimensionality, item/person fit) and reliability (item/person reliability, strata). Additionally, concurrent validity was examined by Spearman’s correlation with clinical experience. The Rasch rating scale analysis supported the structural validity of the SA-CROT. Categories showed ordered thresholds with outfit mean-square (MnSq) values ranging from …

Examining The Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Knowledge And Fieldwork Performance Among Canadian Student Occupational Therapists, Madelyn Walther, Viansa Guiotto, Rhona Anderson, Emily S. Ho

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

To evaluate the physical aspects of occupational performance, occupational therapists must understand the anatomical structure and function of the body. As such, occupational therapy academic programs must provide sufficient foundational musculoskeletal (MSK) education to prepare student occupational therapists for successful clinical practice. There is a paucity of research on MSK educational needs, and the relationship between student occupational therapists’ MSK academic outcomes and fieldwork performance. This study examined the relationship between MSK anatomy course academic grades and fieldwork performance indicators on the Competency-Based Fieldwork Evaluation for Occupational Therapists (CBFE-OT) of student occupational therapists. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was conducted …

Factors Influencing The Access To Activity Resources Of Occupational Therapy Students During Work-Integrated Learning: A South African Perspective, Karin Van Niekerk, Mischa Viviers, Sunike Nel, Thandi Pelebese Takalo, Reitumetse Georgia Mofutsana, Yi-Fang Chen, Carla Faber

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Activities are the backbone of occupational therapy intervention. In order to effectively use activities during Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, occupational therapy students require access to appropriate activity resources. This study explored the factors influencing the access to activity resources of South African occupational therapy students from the University of Pretoria during their undergraduate education and how this potentially affected student learning. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Fourteen participants with WIL experience were selected through purposive and quota sampling to ensure diversity in living situations and WIL experience. Data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews and were analyzed thematically. Six …

Exploring The Influence Of A Longitudinal Small-Group Mentorship Course On Occupational Therapy Graduates’ Professional Identity Formation, Tosh Whitley, Lovejot Mangat, Susan G. Rappolt, Daniela Testani, Siobhan Donaghy, Lynn Cockburn, Sylvia Langlois, Ruheena Sangrar, Eric Lee, Rachel Roby, Erin Knobl, Susan Hannah, Anne Fourt, David Gerstle, Naomi Davids-Brumer, M. Shone Joos

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Professional identity formation is a critical aspect in facilitating the transition of healthcare professionals into entry-level practice. Previous literature has highlighted the benefits of mentorship in shaping professional identity formation among healthcare learners. However, few studies have explored longitudinal small-group mentorship courses on professional identity formation in entry-level occupational therapists. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of graduates on whether pre-certification mentorship influenced their professional identity formation. Online surveys, comprising open-ended and fixed-choice questions, were collected from graduates of a professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MScOT) program across four cohorts (2020-2023) who completed a …

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, …

Impact Of Interprofessional Collaboration On Nurses And Occupational Therapists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beverly Murphy, Marissa Casamento, Abigail Fleming, Anna Gomolski, Camryn Labrador

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

This study explores the impact of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between nurses and occupational therapists (OTs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It investigates the process of collaboration and stakeholder perceptions of interprofessional teamwork. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of IPC in the NICU setting, specifically between nurses and OTs, and to identify barriers that might hinder optimal collaboration.

Methods

A single survey instrument was distributed via social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) and completed by 47 participants (21 Nurses, 26 Occupational therapists). The survey, created using REDCap, included scaled items …

Empowerment Through Creating An Adaptive Sports And Recreation Program For Persons With Disabilities, Sarah Kadri, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adaptive sports and recreation (ASR) refers to recreational and competitive physical activities modified to be inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities (PWD), adjusting equipment, rules, instruction, and environmental setup to support participation across a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. PWD often report feeling disempowered due to social stigma, inaccessible environments, and limited opportunities to make meaningful choices about leisure and community life. A lack of diverse and consistent ASR opportunities within communities collectively hinders participation and negatively impacts overall well-being. Utilizing the Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) theoretical framework, this capstone project developed a 10-week swimming …

Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Treatment Guide For African-American And Hispanic People With Eating Disorders, Desere N. Cooper

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone project addressed the critical need for a culturally responsive approach to occupational therapy in the treatment of African-American and Hispanic with eating disorders (EDs) in the United States. Although EDs impair physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning, these communities often encounter systemic barriers such as cultural stigma, food insecurity, and inadequate assessment tools rooted in Eurocentric norms—that contribute to underdiagnosis, limited access to care, and poorer outcomes. The central issue addressed was the absence of clear, culturally relevant guidance for occupational therapy practitioners working with these underserved populations. The project was informed by a comprehensive literature review and synthesis …

Increasing Implementation Of The Comfortable Cafeteria Program To Promote School-Age Children’S Mental Health And Well-Being, Reinecka Mondesir, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Every Moment Counts (EMC) is a positive mental health promotion initiative that offers several initiatives to create inclusive environments that support student participation and emotional well-being throughout the school day. Comfortable Cafeteria, part of EMC, fosters positive mealtime experiences supporting peer interaction, emotional regulation, and inclusion. Many SBOT practitioners lack the resources to implement Comfortable Cafeteria, despite its benefits. This capstone project addresses the need for practical tools to help school-based occupational therapy (SBOT) practitioners integrate the Comfortable Cafeteria program into daily practice. Using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, the project developed and disseminated an interactive, evidence-based video …

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

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

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

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

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

Occupational Therapy In Upper Limb Loss, Prosthetics, And Rehabilitation: A Video Training Series For Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Bailey M. Brown, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to deepen my understanding of upper limb prosthetics, observe patient care, and identify gaps in occupational therapy education related to upper limb loss, prosthetic use, and rehabilitation. A key objective was to support the Hanger Clinic by increasing the number of completed Upper Limb Prosthetic User Outcome Forms, as well as to capture photos and videos—separate from this video training series—to contribute to Hanger’s educational library. Additionally, the project aimed to develop practical resources for both patients and clinicians navigating upper limb loss. Insights gained throughout this experience informed the creation of a …

Interprofessional Education And Collaboration In The Philippines: Current Landscape, Gaps, And Propositions, Arvie Vitente, Michael Sy, Reeva Ann Sumulong, Anna Causapin, Jocel Regino

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Faculty Articles

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a forward-looking strategy in healthcare education that unites students and professionals from various disciplines to enhance interprofessional collaboration (IPC). IPE is designed to prepare future health and social care professionals to navigate and address the complexities of modern healthcare systems. In the Philippines, despite being a developing country with a fragmented healthcare system, there have been efforts over the last 15 to 20 years to introduce and institutionalize IPE and IPC in both higher education and healthcare settings. However, significant challenges persist, including the dominance of medical professionals, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and a lack of strong …

Interprofessional Education And Collaboration In The Philippines: Current Landscape, Gaps, And Propositions, Arvie Vitente, Michael Sy, Reeva Ann Sumulong, Anna Karerina Causapin, Jocel Regino

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a forward-looking strategy in healthcare education that unites students and professionals from various disciplines to enhance interprofessional collaboration (IPC). IPE is designed to prepare future health and social care professionals to navigate and address the complexities of modern healthcare systems. In the Philippines, despite being a developing country with a fragmented healthcare system, there have been efforts over the last 15 to 20 years to introduce and institutionalize IPE and IPC in both higher education and healthcare settings. However, significant challenges persist, including the dominance of medical professionals, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and a lack of strong …

Rethinking Systematic Review Assignment Design In Graduate Health Science Education: Librarians' Perspectives, Laura Lipke, Carrie Price Mls

Library Scholarship

Background: This article examines the problematic phenomenon of faculty assigning graduate health science students systematic reviews as semester-based assignments while expecting a health science librarian to be a willing support system for those students. Despite published conduct and reporting guidelines establishing that systematic reviews require a team, time, and methodological expertise, some faculty still turn to full systematic review assignments in the classroom. The authors propose applying cognitive load theory and chunking the systematic review process into manageable steps, allowing both faculty and students to better understand the required methodologies and to enhance educational outcomes.

Experience: The authors have often …

Increasing Awareness Of Burnout And Developing An Action Plan To Reduce Stress For Graduate Health Profession Students Through An Interactive Workshop, Oaklee Rogers, Zachary Baker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Healthcare students can experience stress and burnout before becoming practicing clinicians. Increasing education about your level of stress and understanding what burnout is are important factors in preventing burnout. Method: A 90 minute interactive workshop was developed and implemented for graduate health profession students to meet three objectives: 1) increase foundational knowledge about burnout and its impact on different health professionals, 2) assess student’s level of burnout and apply strategies to mitigate their stress, and 3) create and share a plan on how they would incorporate stress reduction strategies and/or reduce their level of burnout. Results: In total, 349 …

Implementing Visual Supports Through Vocational Training Modules For Students Preparing To Exit School-Based Services, Kaitlynn Karthan

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Unemployment and underemployment remain persistent barriers for autistic and developmentally disabled individuals, with up to 75% of autistic adults in the United States experiencing difficulty obtaining or maintaining meaningful work. To address this disparity within school-based transition services, this capstone project evaluated the effectiveness of video modeling as an instructional method for vocational skill acquisition among seven young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD). Grounded in the Occupational Justice framework, this study utilized a quantitative pretest–posttest–follow-up quasi-experimental design to measure accuracy and task completion time on two vocational tasks: rolling silverware and filling condiment cups. …

Breaking Down Silos: Creating And Implementing A Longitudinal Interprofessional Education Curriculum For Graduate Health Science Professional Students, Robert Wellmon, Jill D. Black, Wendy Wachter-Schutz, Kathleen M. Youse, Adrienne N. Pinckney, Lori L. Felker

Health Professions Education

Background. Accreditation standards for graduate health professional programs require the inclusion of interprofessional learning and collaboration (IPL/C) activities in entry-level curricula. This implementation necessitates collaboration among educators from multiple disciplines and openness to innovation and to educate students in a manner that breaks down uni-professional curriculum silos that are known barriers to the creation of meaningful IPL experiences.

Objective. The purpose of this paper is to describe one institution’s process for creating a longitudinal interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum that aligns with accreditation mandates and meets the call to foster IPC competency skills.

Methods. Widener University established an interprofessional thread of …

Pediatric Hearing Loss: Screening For Developmental Delays Among Children With Hearing Aids, Kelsey Wallace

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Children with hearing impairments are at risk for developmental delay, and research has shown that children born with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are at a higher risk for delays in motor, sensory, and social skills development. The literature points to an obvious impact of hearing loss on development, but also a lack of screening for this phenomenon beyond language development skills. A doctoral capstone project was conducted to pilot a process for the implementation of developmental screening for children with hearing aids (HAs), as well as subsequent therapy referrals and parent education, in collaboration with a hospital-based pediatric audiology department. …

Predictors Of Nbcot Examination Pass Rates: The Role Of Gpa, Gre, And Otke Scores In Occupational Therapy Education, Sherri Powers, Lori Eggers Saxby, Christopher Mecklin

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Given the critical role of National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification in occupational therapy (OT) practice, this study examined predictors of NBCOT examination success to inform program improvement. Analyzing data from 59 Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) graduates at a single institution over the course of three years (2020–2022), a retrospective design with logistic regression assessed undergraduate grade point average (GPA), prerequisite GPA, within-program GPA, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and pre- and post- Occupational Therapy Knowledge Examination (OTKE) scores as predictors of first-attempt NBCOT pass rates. Of 58 students with reported outcomes, 56% passed …

Preoperative Education For Total Hip And Knee Replacements, Molly Whitehead, Cassandra Nelson, Gwen Morris

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

An educational program has been developed to implement with total hip or knee replacement patients prior to their procedure to improve function with ADLs, lessen the need for caregiver assistance, and to increase patient satisfaction.

Occupational Therapy Education And Advocacy For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Francis Green, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that profoundly affects individuals' daily lives. While occupational therapy (OT) has been shown to enhance independence, motor function, cognitive health, and emotional well-being for individuals with PD, awareness and understanding of these services remain limited among patients and caregivers. This capstone project sought to address this gap by developing and distributing tailored educational materials. Weekly handouts, supported by in-person discussions, were designed to raise awareness of OT’s role and provide actionable strategies for managing PD symptoms. Surveys conducted throughout the project provided valuable feedback on the educational materials created, ensuring the materials' …

An Occupational Therapy Educational Guidebook For Participating In African American Hair Care, Kyra Mann, Lakeisa Boykin

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This educational guidebook offers resources for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to support African American hair care during Activity of Daily Living (ADL) interventions. The materials aim to enhance OTPs' awareness, knowledge, and confidence, fostering inclusive and effective approaches to improve participation and success in these tasks.