Occupational Therapy Commons^™

A Home-Based Program To Support Parents/Caregivers Of Children With Complex Developmental Needs In Their Home Environment, Audrey Lind Soulek

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Early intervention (EI) services play a significant role to support children with developmental disabilities and delays reach important milestones as they grow and develop. A child that qualifies for early intervention services is often seen by a provider once a week, which makes it necessary to provide parents/caregivers with home activities and educational material that will both enhance their knowledge and confidence, as well as promote continual learning opportunities for their child in the home environment. Occupational therapists (OTs) working in the EI setting evaluate a child’s performance completing occupations and provide interventions that promote development and skill building in …

A Sensory-Based Toolkit For Health Management Of Patients With Aggressive Behaviors In Acute Care, Meghan Janssen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: A Sensory-Based Toolkit for Health Management of Patients with Aggressive Behaviors in Acute Care

Introduction: Patients who have aggressive behaviors in acute care have limited engagement in health management and social participation (Beattie, Griffiths, Innes, & Morphet, 2018; Harwood, 2017). There is current evidence stating aggression and difficult behaviors can be caused by a dysregulated sensory system, a specific condition or an internal/external stressor (Bowman & Jones, 2016; Harwood, 2017; Scheydt et al., 2017). The purpose of this scholarly project is to promote patient engagement in health management and social participation through the implementation of a sensory-based toolkit that …

Aquatic Therapy: An Interprofessional Resource Focusing On Children With Developmental And Intellectual Disabilities, Mackenzie Martha Brokaw

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) experience impairments with physical development, learning, language, and behavior (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021b). These impairments lead to impacts with day to day functioning and meaningful occupations such as play, education, social participation, and activities of daily living (ADLs) (CDC, 2021b). Occupational therapy has the skilled knowledge to assist with these challenges from a variety of approaches. Aquatic therapy is one tool shown to be beneficial as the physical properties of water create an environment that can be very supportive to an individual and their needs (Pocius & Riley, …

Realizing, Recognizing, Responding, & Resisting Re-Traumatization: An Evidence-Based Toolkit For Occupational Therapists To Advocate For Their Role On Interprofessional Teams To Address The Impacts Of Childhood Trauma, Abby Werkmeister

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many children in the United States experience childhood trauma and/or adverse childhood events which can have short-term and long-term impacts on a child. Childhood trauma is complex; therefore, the appropriate care needed is also complex, making an interprofessional collaborative approach necessary to address the impacts of childhood trauma, promote positive outcomes for those who have been impacted, and work towards a common goal. (Fraser, MacKenzie, & Versnel, 2019). Occupational therapists (OTs) are well suited to collaborate with other professionals such as mental health practitioners, however, OT’s role related to a trauma care team is still relatively unrecognized. There is a …

The Development Of A Transition To Motherhood Education And Support Program: Elevate Motherhood, Chloe R. Haas

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background The transition to motherhood is a transformative event. The postpartum period is a significant timeframe that challenges a mother in all areas of her life through occupational, physical, hormonal, emotional, and cognitive changes. Although most mothers receive routine care throughout their pregnancy, it is known that standard education and support are typically inadequate, placing mothers at a greater risk for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and other challenges of the postpartum period (Howell, Mora, Chassin, & Leventhal, 2010; Martin, Horowitz, Balbierz, & Howell, 2014). Research findings indicate that sufficient education and support prior to birth and through the postpartum period …

Referral And Outcomes In An Equine Facilitated Occupational Therapy Program, Julie A. Juracich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A miscommunication between referral sources and therapists can lead to difficulties for both parties, as such the purpose of this study is to better understand the perspectives of primary care providers regarding the referral and communication process to equine facilitated occupational therapy. A phenomenological qualitative design was used, seven physicians were recruited through purposive sampling. Each physician participated in a 15-minute interview consisting of 10 open ended questions designed to explore their experiences and perspectives regarding referrals to an occupational therapy program utilizing equine movement. Themes identified in 4 categories were referrals, payment, education and marketing, and communication and updates. …

Supporting Participation In Daily Tasks, Quality Of Life, And Well-Being For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease Dementia, Miranda Kay Evanson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive functioning severe enough to impact participation in daily life which can occur for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) at least one year or more following their PD diagnosis (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022b). There are currently almost one million people living with PD in the United States with about two thousand of those individuals living in North Dakota (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022b; Parkinson’s Foundation, 2022b). Studies show that 50-80% of those individuals will develop PDD throughout the course of the illness (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022b). The treatment …

Addressing Autism Spectrum Disorder In A School Based Setting, Grant Baker

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is currently estimated to be diagnosed in 1 in every 59 children (Baio et al., 2018). It has been established that it is important for individuals with a diagnosis of ASD to receive occupational therapy services (McGuire et al., 2015). Due to the high prevalence of an ASD diagnosis and the importance of occupational therapy services for children with this diagnosis there is a need for occupational therapy practitioners in all settings that work with these children to be competent in evidencebased approaches. Currently, students with ASD are receiving occupational therapy …

An Occupational Therapy Practitioner’S Intervention Guide To Increasing Occupational Engagement In The Virtual Setting With Individuals Diagnosed With Serious Mental Illness, Oluwafeyikemi Deborah Adewoye

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to ultimately reduce psychiatric readmissions by enhancing tele-health services to those diagnosed with a serious mental illness (SMI). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) brought attention to the barriers regarding public health policies and lack of a national pandemic response approach as care was moved to the virtual context (Robinson et al., 2021). Due to the restrictions set in place, many individuals lost their ability to engage in meaningful occupations (Hoel et al., 2021).

Methods: An in-depth literature review was conducted to better understand the supports and barriers that are affecting effective service care …

A Research Study To Identify Gaps And Barriers To Mental Health Treatment In Natrona County, Jedekiah Zean May

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Individuals with a mental health diagnosis in Natrona County may face many barriers to treatment, including a lack of access and a lack of providers. Furthermore, the unique cultural aspects may render available treatment undesirable to these people. Wyoming has various population level mental health challenges including a suicide rate of 24.8 per 100,000 in comparison to the national average of 14.2 per 100,000 (Kaiser Family Foundation [KFF], 2020). Mental Health America (MHA) shows Wyoming ranking 48th in the nation as a state on their access/prevalence ranking as of 2020, indicating high prevalence of mental illness with low access …

Bridging The Gap Between Ancillary Health Professions And Rural Community Health Needs, Mckenzie Rae Peterson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction Rural communities are home to nearly one-fifth of the American population, and they face unique challenges when working to access healthcare (Health Resources & Services Administration, 2021; Slagle et al., 2012). Ancillary health professionals (AHPs) are healthcare professionals, excluding physicians, nurses, and dentists (Ancillary Care Services, 2015). The scholarly project aimed to find what evidence existed in regard to bridging the gap between the healthcare needs of rural communities, and the availability of AHPs.

Methods The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines (Tricco et al., 2018). Based …

Enhancing The Leisure, Social Participation, And Quality Of Life Of Older Adults Isolated During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mariah Leroux

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Enhancing the Leisure, Social Participation and Quality of Life of Older Adults Isolated during the COVID-19 Pandemic

APA Citation Mariah LeRoux, OTDS. Enhancing the Leisure, Social Participation and Quality of Life of Older Adults Isolated during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 N Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58203.

Purpose The purpose of this scholarly project was to enhance the performance range of older adults in assisted living by equipping them with the skills to engage in meaningful occupations throughout a pandemic. The meaningful occupations outlined in …

How To Support Adolescents Affected By Aces: An Advocacy Guide, Hallie Longtin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a trauma-informed guide for educators within a school setting to be used to support adolescents effected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). 1 in 6 adults reported experiencing four or more types of ACEs, and 5 of 10 leading causes of death are associated with ACEs (CDC, 2022). ACEs can negatively impact adolescents in various ways, including cognitively, physically, and socially. These negative impacts affect adolescent’s overall well-being and leads to difficulty with engagement in several occupations. Due to their traumatic experiences and the various impacts, adolescents within a school setting are …

Bridging The Gap: A Comprehensive Discharge Guide, Ashley Marie Mutziger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Much attention is paid to clients while they receive services, but after they have met their goals and are ready for their next steps, they can perceive a lack of support and feelings of uncertainty. Returning home from any healthcare setting can be a time of uncertainty for clients. There are many questions to be answered and potential unknowns surrounding the discharge processes. Literature shows there is a need for improving discharge practices to promote client understanding and follow-through to end the treatment experience with the confidence that the client has the tools and resources necessary to be successful in …

The Effects Of Retained Primitive Reflexes On Students’ Occupational And Academic Performance In The School Setting, Molly Banks

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Primitive reflexes (PR) are survival responses necessary for infants’ health and safety and are the foundation for higher motor skills (Desorbay, 2013). While they usually integrate a year after birth, there are instances when these reflexes stay retained. The retention of PRs often indicates a higher probability of a disruption/delay in motor and cognitive-emotional development. This disruption/delay can be observed in a school setting and can negatively impact a student’s academic performance and behavior in school. There is significant research on the impact of retained primitive reflexes (RPR), but there is a gap in research about effectively implementing reflex integration …

Occupational Therapy Program Development For Group Threatment For Outpatient Pediatric Clinics: Technology Management, Amy Lynn Fust Shaver

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem Statement: Children and adolescents are experiencing difficulty managing the technology in their lives as evidenced by excessive technology use leading to negative effects on their occupational performance. The overuse of technology is associated with a variety of problems, especially for growing children and adolescents, including shorter sleep duration, reduced scholastic achievement, musculoskeletal concerns, obesity, and exacerbated symptoms of depression and anxiety (Gerwin, 2017; Glover, 2021; Gwynette, 2017).

Description of Product: To address these issues, a group treatment program was developed for outpatient pediatric clinics focused on helping children and their families benefit from the use of technology without experiencing …

Pathway Through Nature: A Nature-Based Occupational Therapy Program To Support Adolescent Mental Health, Danielle Grace Halstead

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Pathway Through Nature: A Nature-Based Occupational Therapy Program to Support Adolescent Mental Health

Background: Adolescent mental health conditions have risen 13% between 2007-2017, with increased rates of untreated and unrecognized mental health challenges (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021; WHO, n.d.). Primary challenges include anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, stress, coping skills, and self-identity (Kim, 2021; Magson et al., 2021; Rapee et al., 2019). Decreased access to professionals within the mental health field have presented as a barrier to combat the rise of the challenges listed above (Asher & De Silva, 2017). Nature-based therapy provides services within the most natural context …

Inclusivity In Usa Swimming: A Sport For Every Ability, Ellie Anne Roche

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is a significant need for youth with disabilities to increase their participation in meaningful activities such as sport. However, several barriers exist which limit participation for youth with disabilities within sport including a lack of education for coaches on disability inclusion, non-accessible facilities, and lack of awareness regarding sport-related accommodations. The purpose of this project was to identify methods in which the USA Swimming (USA-S) organization could better support the inclusion of athletes of all abilities outside of disability-only sports programs. Through a literature review guided by the EHP framework, the author identified benefits of disability-inclusive sports teams as …

Parent & Caregiver Education And Support: A Product To Support Families Of Childrn With Senosry Processing Difficulties, Jaslyn Robb Seeley

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose Parent and caregiver collaboration, participation, education, and training has shown to improve therapeutic outcomes for the child receiving therapy services for sensory processing and integration challenges (Lin, Lin, & Yu, 2018; Miller-Kuhaneck & Watling, 2018; Schoen, Miller, & Flanagan, 2018; STAR Institute, 2021). However, parent education and training are often minimally conducted or lacking altogether in the therapeutic process (Gee & Peterson, 2016; Miller-Kuhaneck & Watling, 2018). This product was created with the purpose of enhancing parent and caregiver knowledge about sensory processing difficulties and to increase follow-through of sensory strategies across contexts, such as at home and school, …

Oral Hygiene Education For Patients And Staff In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Cassandra L. Madsen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals recovering from a stroke or hip fracture may have comorbidities, medication side effects, and symptoms that can decrease independence with self-care tasks and lead to a decline in oral health (DeBiase & Austin, 2003). Poor oral health has been associated with systemic infections, diabetes, aspiration pneumonia, and other comorbidities that negatively impact overall health and recovery from illness or injury (Danckert, Ryan, Plummer, & Williams, 2016). Few patients are aware of the importance of oral care and its impact on overall health. Even fewer patients are aware of the importance of oral care after stroke or hip fracture and …

Bringing Peace To The River: Establishing Support Groups For Survivors Of Loss By Suicide, Allison Emily Mcgauvran

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to expand program services within a collaborating agency to establish a virtual support option for survivors of suicide loss in North Dakota and Minnesota, with an aim of reaching survivors in rural areas. Furthermore, a hopeful outcome of this project is bringing attention to the occupational impacts those who have lost a loved one face.

Methods: The Kawa Model was selected as the guiding theoretical framework for this project. A two-tiered literature review was conducted to examine the influence of loss by suicide on occupational engagement in daily life. The review revealed …

Building Life Skills And Reducing Recidivism, Kassandra Severson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In the United States, about two-thirds of incarcerated women who have been released back into the community after they have served time, are re-arrested (Gordon, 2018). This scholarly project was created to help decrease the recidivism rates amongst the female population. Even though there are still more males incarcerated than females, female prisons population have increased 700% both on the state side and locally (Cowan, 2019). The purpose of developing Putting Together the Puzzle of Life is to illustrate the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of incarcerated individuals to reduce recidivism rates amongst the female population.

Methods: …

Sex, Drugs, & Rockin’ Referrals: An Interprofessional Guide For Young Adults With Cancer, Nicole Cathryn Merchlewicz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Sex, Drugs, & Rockin’ Referrals: An Interprofessional Guide for Young Adults with Cancer

Introduction According to the National Cancer Institute (2020), about 89,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) ages 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer each year, accounting for about five percent of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. It is common for AYAs to be diagnosed with pediatric cancers yet receive treatment in a setting that is dedicated either children or older adults. Due to unique developmental milestones that occur during adolescence and young adulthood, the models of care for pediatric or older adult patients do not meet …

A Product To Aid Adolescents In Re-Integration To In-Person Education And Social Activities During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristin Nicole Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted individuals in several ways. “Home confinement can have negative effects on mental health and lifestyle behaviors including social participation and life satisfaction” (Ammar et al., 2020). Unfortunately, adolescents are more vulnerable than adults in regard to mental health problems during a lockdown because of the transitional life phase they are going through (Waters et al., 2021). Additionally, transitioning back to in-person education and social activities can become difficult for the adolescent population due to the mental health challenges and other various effects brought about by mandated isolation. A needs assessment and comprehensive literature review were …

Enhancing Occupational Performance Outcomes For Individuals With Orthopedic Injuries That Includes Psychosocial Well-Being Considerations In Occupational Therapy, Tyler Stecher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Approximately one-third of people who sustain any type of acute orthopedic injury experience depression, one-quarter experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and up to one-half have anxiety up to 10 years after the initial injury (Breazeale et al., 2021; Muscatelli et al., 2017). These psychosocial factors can have negative impacts on clients’ everyday life and occupations such as participation in social activities, return to work, and limit independence in daily activities (Vincent et al., 2018). Occupational therapists are often responsible for evaluating and providing intervention for individuals with upper extremity orthopedic injuries; more than 85% of certified hand therapists are occupational …

Yoga As Occupational Therapy Intervention For Individuals With Upper Extremity Injuries, Dina Mu Nickoson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of disability in the U. S. representing more than half of the chronic conditions of people over 50 years old (United States Bone and Joint Initiative, 2020), costly financially (Yelin, Weinstein, & King, 2016) and detrimental to the physical and psychosocial well-being of people (Andrawis, 2018). Most occupational therapy practitioners follow pre-set intervention protocols using repetitive rote exercise to treat individuals with upper extremity MSDs (Strohman, 2007). The treatment is not an optimal method because disability caused by upper extremity injuries is greatly associated with depression, catastrophic thinking, and decreased quality of …

Educating The Interprofessional Team And Family About Sensory Challenges Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder May Experience, Delanie Vitosh

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often demonstrate difficulties processing and interpreting sensory input experiencing over-responsiveness or under-responsiveness to sensory stimulation (Autism Speaks, n.d.). A sensory education program was created to educate the interprofessional team and families about sensory challenges children with ASD experience and what strategies can be used to prevent or decrease the number of outbursts caused by over-stimulation, under-stimulation, and their potential impact on participation in meaningful occupations. Based on the literature review, non-compliance with home programs is a major factor negatively affecting therapeutic outcomes (Rone-Adams, Stern, & Walker, 2004). However, Koegel, Bryan, Su, Vaidya, and …

Rural Community Park Accessibility, Ashleymarie Patricia Hirdler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Rural Community Park Accessibility

Background: Play is a primary occupation for children and is critical for development (Yogman et al., 2018). School readiness and relationships with others can be impacted when opportunity for play is limited. Play also benefits adults by reestablishing their passion for activities and reducing stress responses to everyday events (Yogman et al., 2018). Lynch et al. (2019) found that when playgrounds were not accessible, children and parents with disabilities felt odd and experienced increased stress due to limited opportunities. It is important for children and their families to have access to accessible parks and spaces …

Occupational Therapist’S Role In Addressing The Psychological Impacts Of Pain In Clients With Upper Extremity Conditions, Shivangi Patel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background & Purpose: The experience of pain is different for every client (Felman, 2020). There are various ways to feel and describe the pain (Felman, 2020). A maladaptive response to pain has been associated with increased pain and physical limitations in clients with upper extremity pain (Verhiel et al., 2019). Upper extremity impairments can result in the disruption of many activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2014). Clients with upper extremity pain often resort to maladaptive coping strategies, such as catastrophic thinking (Verhiel et al., 2019). The most common psychological factors related …

Secondary To Post-Secondary Education Transition: A Guide For Self-Advocacy And Self-Determination, Karleen T. Vonkrosigk

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Post-secondary transitions encapsulate the stage of life between high school and adulthood where adolescents transition to college, technical school, work, or other options (Palmon et al., 2017). It is not uncommon for students to lack the skills and strategies needed for self-advocacy and self-determination, which are crucial to success throughout adulthood (Palmon et al., 2017). Upon reviewing current literature, it was identified that supportive transition services begin to diminish after secondary education ends (Kramer, 2015). A product that helps guide and support individuals transitioning to post-secondary education is beneficial and needed.

Methodology: Extensive research was completed through a literature …