Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Occupational Therapy In Oncology Care, Claire Vanderbeek

Capstones: Occupational Therapy

Background: Cancer treatments often result in side effects that impair mental, sensory, motor, and body system functions. The purpose of this capstone was to advocate for the use of occupational therapy (OT) for the cancer population by gaining advanced knowledge and experience at two sites: a local YMCA cancer survivorship program and an outpatient rehabilitation clinic.

Method: At the outpatient rehabilitation clinic, an intervention and patient log were created and used to influence the creation of education materials for patients and providers. During the cancer survivorship program, psychosocial factors, strength, flexibility, balance, aerobic function, and program sustainability were evaluated. A …

Measuring Effectiveness Of A Mobility Aide On A Medical-Surgical Unit, Jamie L. Granatowicz, Laura N. Rogers, Leeza A. Struwe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobility aide on a medical-surgical inpatient unit to improve patients’ surgical outcomes, decrease hospital length of stay, and decrease the number of falls.

Design: A retrospective review was conducted to determine the effects of a mobility aide implemented on a medical-surgical unit. The intent was to ensure the utilization of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for early mobilization before and after implementation. Two-month periods were analyzed before and after implementation.

Findings: The results demonstrated clinical significance for patients when implementing a mobility aide. The mean length of stay was 1.044 days …

Multi-Dimensional Research Appraisal: A Holistic Approach To Evidence-Informed Practice, John Damiao

Translational Science in Occupation

The field of occupational therapy (OT) and healthcare in general have made great strides in enhancing their scientific rigor through study methodologies that prioritize internal validity. However, concerns regarding reproducibility and replicability in research have cast doubt on traditional evidence-based models. This paper critically examines the limitations of an over-reliance on internal validity in evidence reviews and advocates for a multi-dimensional approach to evidence-based practice. By integrating methodological holism, contextual analysis, and a critical appraisal of external validity, this approach provides practitioners with a more nuanced and applicable framework for decision-making. The implications for research credibility and clinical confidence are …

Development And Validation Of A Life Participation Self-Assessment Tool For People Living With Obesity: The Life Participation Impact Questionnaire (Lpiq-O), Marie-Claude Touchette

Translational Science in Occupation

Purpose: Obesity is a chronic condition affecting over 40% of adults in the U.S. Given the well-documented impact of obesity on life participation, a comprehensive, population-specific assessment tool is needed. We aimed to establish the face and content validity of the Life Participation Impact Questionnaire for People with Obesity (LPIQ-O), an occupation-focused assessment tool measuring the impact of obesity on areas of life participation.

Method: This study included seven iterative phases: (a) literature review, (b) interviews, (c) synthesis of the literature review and interviews, (d) item development, (e) expert validation, (f) face validation, and (g) final expert review. Six participants …

Integration Of The Science Of Team Science (Scits) With Applied Healthcare Frameworks: Interprofessional Education Through A University-Based Head Injury Clinic, Part Ii: Mixed Methods, Emily Balog, Susan Paparella, Natalia Noce, Stephanie Hubbell, Kelly Pena

Translational Science in Occupation

Introduction: Effective healthcare delivery requires clinicians to function within high-performing, collaborative teams. To support this, interprofessional education (IPE) must provide opportunities that move beyond siloed training. This paper details the clinical application of a team science-informed educational intervention designed to prepare students for interprofessional practice (IPP) through a university-based head injury head injury clinic. Methods: The research team conducted a mixed methods case study with a convergent design to evaluate student outcomes. Eighteen graduate students from occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology participated in a 10-week clinic. Faculty delivered training in IPEC competencies, TeamSTEPPS® tools, and clinical processes before …

Editors' State Of The Journal: Making Academic Writing Accessible, Nicole Martino, Nancy E. Krusen, Stacy Smallfield

Translational Science in Occupation

No abstract provided.

Interventions To Enhance Care Partner Performance And Participation In Alzheimer's And Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematized Review, Ainslie Suyko, Addison Werner, Elizabeth A. Stacy, Danielle M. Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly A. Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Purpose: Care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) often experience disrupted routines, reduced self-care, and limited participation in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapy (OT) supports care partners’ engagement in health-promoting activities and sustainable caregiving (Rhodus et al., 2023). This systematized review examined interventions that enhance care partner performance and participation.

Design: Peer-reviewed, English-language articles were included if they involved adult care partners of individuals with AD or NCDs, implemented an intervention within the scope of OT, and used quantitate research designs.

Method: A total of 319 articles from MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus were screened; 61 …

Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Return-To-Work After Cancer Treatment: A Systematized Review​, Kateryna Brichka, Jordyn Spotanski, Kara Warner, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

PURPOSE: Return to work (RTW) is a key milestone in cancer survivorship, supporting identity, stability, and quality of life. Many survivors face physical, social, and psychological barriers (Wilson et al., 2023). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are well positioned to address these challenges through energy conservation, environmental modification, and work reintegration strategies (Désiron et al., 2016). This systematized review synthesized evidence on OT interventions that support RTW for adult cancer survivors.

DESIGN: A systematized review was conducted by a medical librarian from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library. Articles were included if published in English between 2003–2024 and classified as Level I–VI …

Neuro Rehab In Rural America: Interprofessional Strategies For Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Rebecca L. Kinnison, Amy J. Goldman, Colleen Spellman

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Transition To Adulthood For Individuals With Idd: A Systematized Review, Jenna Banzhaf, Emily Cummings, Bethany Krenzer, Kamryn Pokorney, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Purpose: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) transitioning to adulthood often receive minimal support, resulting in challenges with education, employment, and independent living. This systematized review aimed to identify interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to aid a smoother transition to adulthood for individuals with IDD. By analyzing existing research, this study identified evidence-based OT strategies to promote independence, self-determination, and community participation.

Design: A systematized review of synthesized results from peer-reviewed studies that examined transition-related interventions for individuals with IDD. Articles were included if they address programs, skills, or approaches within the scope of OT.

Method: A …

Evaluating The Impact Of The Occupation-Centered Intervention Assessment On Client-Centered Care In Inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study, Vanessa D. Jewell, Katherine Lally, Melinda Schultze, Yongyue Qi, Kendra Schnack, Madeline Mcgill, Rachel Vaughn

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) recognize the value of evidence-based practice, however, incorporation of client-centered practice as a component of evidence-based practice is challenging, despite the known advantages. This pilot study evaluated the use of the Occupation Centered Intervention Assessment (OCIA) in increasing practitioner ability to provide client-centered care in inpatient rehabilitation facilities with adults with an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Method: A mixed methods design was employed, using four forms of data collection (OCIA, The Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers [MPOC], MPOC- Service Providers [MPOC-SP], and interviews) to determine changes in observed and perceived …

Development Of An Occupational Therapy-Specific Clinical Guide For Use Of Electrical Stimulation With Spinal Cord Injury: A Modified Delphi Approach Protocol, Timothy P. Dionne, James Allen Lenker, Sue Ann Sisto

Translational Science in Occupation

Objective: To establish a method for the development and validation of a clinical guide for the use of electrical stimulation (ES) in occupational therapy for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI).

Design: A modified Delphi Approach

Participants: 5 geographically dispersed occupational therapists with advanced expertise in use of ES with SCI.

Outcome Measures: Participants rated sections of a draft guide across three rounds, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and clinical relevance. Additionally, p Participants provided suggestions regarding specific revisions to content that were incorporated in subsequent iterations of the guide across all three rounds. Additionally, post-Delphi process participants completed a survey …

Developing A Curriculum Audit Tool For Justice, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion In Occupational Therapy Education, Whitney M. Cranna, Sarah Mckinnon

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: The OT profession is calling for intentional pedagogy that builds future practitioners’ capacity for embodying justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI) values; however, the interpretation and application of this mission remain subjective and nebulous. Developing a theory-driven audit tool may help standardize and clarify JEDI pedagogy needs to enhance OT preparation and practice.

Objective: Using a culturally responsive, justice-based theoretical lens, this paper describes the development of a JEDI Curriculum Audit Tool for a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) program.

Design: Quantitative systematic evaluation of curricular alignment with JEDI principles, including a 3-prong retroactive self-evaluation approach.

Setting: Curriculum …

Enhancing Diversity In Occupational Therapy Through A High School Internship Program, Alexis M. F. Morin, Brittany Adams, Vianni Gomez

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

The United States (US) is projected to become an increasingly diverse nation over the decades ahead, but there is a lack of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in occupational therapy (OT). While the job outlook for occupational therapy practitioners continues to be strong and is expected to rise, OT education programs are facing enrollment crises nationally. It is crucial for academic programs to develop and implement innovative and methodical strategies to recruit and retain a diverse student body to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within the profession. To promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in occupational therapy, a university partnership …

Disability-Related Diversity In Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review, Molly Whitlow, Allison Singh, Johana Cedillo, Brady A. Harrison, Sydney Wondra

Posters and Presentations: Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Interventions To Improve Functional Use Of Hemiplegic Upper Extremity Post-Stroke: A Systematized Review, Brieana R. Dean, Sarah N. Wamsley, Halle Clary, Max W. Granstrom, Danielle Westmark, Bridgette Quinn, Stacey Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Purpose: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability with upper limb hemiplegia, significantly limiting participation in daily life (Lee & Howe, 2024; Long et al., 2020). This systematized review was conducted to address interventions within the scope of OT used to improve functional use of hemiplegic UE for adults post-stroke. Design: A systematized review protocol was used with inclusion criteria of full-text, English-language articles addressing rehabilitation interventions for hemiplegic UEs post-stroke containing participants ranging from ages 18-85. A medical librarian at the McGoogan Health Sciences library conducted a search across multiple databases for articles meeting the criteria for the …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Health, Safety, & Wellbeing In Farmers And Ranchers With Disabilities: ​ A Systematized Review, Trinity Edwards, Lauren Klone, Madilynn Edwards, Emily Morse, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Objective: This systematized review synthesizes evidence on occupational therapy (OT) interventions that enhance health, safety, and participation of agriculture workers with disabilities, advancing evidence-based, context-specific approaches in OT practice.

Abstract: Background: Farmers and ranchers have higher rates of injury, disability, and chronic conditions than the general population. These challenge their health and lifestyle (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2024; Miller & Aherin, 2018; Desai et al., 2022).

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of OT at improving safety, health, and well-being amongst agricultural workers with disabilities.

Design: We performed a systematized review of peer-reviewed …

Interventions To Improve Community Mobility In Autistic People: A Systematized Review, Sydney Maddox, Jada Ford, Heather Olson, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: Community mobility (CM) enables access to locations outside the home, allowing participation in work, leisure, and social environments. Autistic adults have reported less access to public transportation and driving than the general population (Wilson et al., 2021), impacting their community participation, life satisfaction, and likelihood of employment and further education (Egilson et al., 2016, Song et al., 2022, Wilson et al., 2021). Occupational therapists can support autistic people by providing interventions to increase CM.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve CM in autistic people.

Methods: We collaborated with a medical librarian to conduct a systematic review …

Safety Of Healthcare Workers In Acute Care During Patient Mobilization: A Systematized Review, Lina Al Azzawi, Peyton Collier, Delaney Ehlers, Ruby Kulovitz, Danielle M. Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Abstract synopsis

Evidence shows that low-tech aids and lifting equipment promote safe patient handling in acute care, with the most consistent support found for lifting equipment in reducing worker injuries. There was mixed evidence to support ergonomic training.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that enhance safety during patient mobilization for healthcare workers in acute care settings.

This systematized review of safe patient handling interventions included peer-reviewed studies that target healthcare worker safety during patient mobilization in acute care settings.

A medical librarian performed searches in Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus. …

Editors’ State Of The Journal, Nancy E. Krusen, Stacy Smallfield, M Nicole Martino

Translational Science in Occupation

No abstract provided.

The Power Of Podcasting In Knowledge Translation For Occupational Therapy, Matthew C. Brandenburg

Translational Science in Occupation

No abstract provided.

Value Of Case Studies For Translating Evidence In Occupational Therapy: A New 3-Dimensional Model, George S. Tomlin, Bonnie Riley, Aimee Piller, Jessica Mchugh Conlin, Ashlea D. Cardin, Katrina M. Serwe, Deborah A. Dougherty

Translational Science in Occupation

Importance: Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners often address complex occupational performance needs of diverse consumers. Professional reasoning, theory, and trial and error interventions can be demonstrated in case studies. Case studies are usually relegated to the lowest level in evidence hierarchies. Yet they have a long tradition in health care literature, and may particularly document the holism, inclusivity, uniqueness, and complexity of OT practice.

Objective: To determine how case studies make a distinct contribution to professional knowledge, using a new model for categorizing them.

Evidence Review: 103 case studies published in AJOT from 1990-2023 were rated by the authors “1” or …

Translating Knowledge Of Functional Cognition Into Occupational Therapy Practice, Mckenzie R. Behrendt, Emilea Rogers, Azia Ourada, Sara Mengler, Mackenzie Post, Stacy Smallfield

Translational Science in Occupation

Functional cognition is a critical component for safely and effectively performing daily occupations. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned and trained to address functional cognition while considering a client’s abilities and environments. A multimedia e-learning module was developed as a teaching modality to enhance understanding and application of functional cognition concepts for OT students and practitioners. As educators, it is important to assess the effectiveness of the teaching and learning experiences we create. We evaluated the multimedia e-learning module for quality, value, and usefulness using critical reflection perspectives. These perspectives included a literature review, as well as from learner, …

Gazing In The Mirror: Reflecting On Student Perspectives In Work-Integrated Learning In Healthcare Education, Cassidy P. Johnson, Simone C. Regnier, Leah M. Stade Otd, Mhptt, Otr/L

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract: Student engagement is typically woven into the curriculum of healthcare education through hands-on experiences, lectures, discussions, active learning, and lab components. This engagement is critical to developing student confidence, efficacy, and esteem in important skills that will serve them as they enter their profession. In our doctoral program, we are allowed additional engagement opportunities, including belonging to a research project with professionals. Upon reflection, our experience on an interprofessional research team has helped to translate our classroom knowledge to research and professional practice skills.

Plain-Language Summary: This paper is a reflection on the value of adding work skills beyond …

Retrospective Chart Review Of The Acute Care Psychosocial Evaluation Process For Females Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, Kimberly Conrad, Lou Jensen, Shelley Ashcroft, Antoine Bailliard, Vanessa D. Jewell

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: A breast cancer diagnosis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. This retrospective chart review explored the occupational therapy evaluation process with female patients in an inpatient acute care hospital with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods: This descriptive retrospective chart review analyzed 134 occupational therapy evaluations of female patients with breast cancer admitted to a southeastern US academic medical center. Data were extracted and categorized using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework.

Results: The most frequently administered assessments were non-standardized and the AM-PAC "6-Clicks." Documented short-term goals primarily focused on self-care (56.6%), gross motor skills (24.7%), and instrumental activities …

Exploration Of Learning Preferences For Parents Of Children With Sensory Over-Responsivity: A Mixed-Methods Study, Lisa M. Porter, Shelly J. Lane, Barbara B. Demchick, Jane K. Sweeney, Breanne Kearney

Translational Science in Occupation

Importance: Parent education is essential to pediatric occupational therapy (OT), yet there is a paucity of research regarding how to best support parents as adult learners.

Objective: To explore the learning experiences of parents of children with sensory over-responsivity (SOR).

Methods: An embedded mixed-methods design was used. Sixteen parents of children with SOR, aged 3–8 years, were recruited using purposive sampling. All parents participated in group trainings; of these, nine participated in one-on-one interviews. Quantitative data included pre-intervention parenting self-efficacy (PSE) scores and post-intervention learner satisfaction measures. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore parents’ learning experiences during …

Perceptions And Barriers Of Vestibular Rehabilitation Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Rebecca Callais

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Vestibular dysfunction affects 15-20% of adults annually, often impacting daily activities and quality of life (Neuhauser, 2016). While occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (OTs/OTAs) can address functional limitations caused by vestibular disorders, their role in vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is under-studied.

Objective: This study explored the competence and confidence of occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) in VR and identified barriers to implementation.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 532 OTP in the Gulf South region, with 79 responses received. The survey included questions on VR training, techniques used, barriers of implementation in practice, and educational supports. Quantitative data were …

Integration Of The Science Of Team Science (Scits) With Applied Healthcare Frameworks: Interprofessional Education Through A University-Based Head Injury Clinic, Part I: Theory, Emily Balog, Susan Paparella, Natalia Noce, Stephanie Hubbell, Kelly Pena

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Wicked problems in healthcare, such as the complex health condition of head injury, demand interprofessional collaboration that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. These complex clinical challenges call for theoretical frameworks that integrate both disciplinary expertise and interdisciplinary processes.

Definitions and Concepts: Grounded in Repko and Szostak’s (2017) framework of interdisciplinary studies, this paper integrates the Science of Team Science (SciTS), the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies, and TeamSTEPPS® to construct a novel heuristic that informs the design of an interprofessional education (IPE) and practice model.

Relationships Between Concepts: We align SciTS’ four phases with IPEC and TeamSTEPPS® to enhance team-based …

55-Word Stories: Insight Into Healthcare, Nancy E. Krusen

Translational Science in Occupation

Narrative medicine and health humanities focus on arts, ethics, and clinical practice. Many health education programs incorporate creative activities to facilitate learner self-awareness and insight. We include them to address programmatic themes of professional growth and translational science.

Interventions To Improve Or Maintain Activity Of Daily Living Performance In Adults With Dementia: A Systematized Review, Abbey J. Seevers, Tristen F. Toelle, Tate M. Pfeifer, Jake D. Cera, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: Dementia is a progressive cognitive disorder that leads to the degradation of one’s abilities until they are dependent for all activities of daily living (ADLs) (Andersen et al., 2004). There’s an increasing importance to search for effective ways to preserve independence in ADLs and quality of life for adults with dementia (Weng et al., 2019).

Objective: To identify effective occupational therapy (OT) interventions for maintaining or improving ADL performance among adults with dementia.

Data Sources: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO. This search was conducted by a medical librarian.

Design: Inclusion criteria encompassed interventions within the scope of OT, at least one …