Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Holistic Occupational Therapy Approach In Addressing Women’S Health Needs & Access To Care, Lilja Jurva

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: As women across the lifespan experience complex physical, emotional, and occupational challenges related to maternal transitions, mental health needs, chronic conditions, and rural healthcare disparities, occupational therapy is uniquely equipped to address the complex challenges. Services have been proven to be directly correlated to lower incidence of preterm birth, cesarean delivery, low birth weight, excessive gestational weight gain, diabetes mellitus, and hypersensitive disorders, and higher incidence of vaginal delivery. A clear gap for maternal support services was identified in the Grand Forks community through literature review, interviews, and community engagement, leading to the development of NoDak Therapy and Wellness. …

The Therapy Behind The Tractor: An Occupational Therapists’ Guide For Treating Farmers, Allison Haiby

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Historically, farming is known as a highly laborious job, placing farmers at increased risk for injury. Despite an injury, the farm must continue to be cared for. Although occupational therapy cultivates client-centered care, many therapists have limited knowledge of farming culture and best practice methods to integrate the demands of farming into therapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational guide, Built for the Farm: An Occupation-Based Guide for Therapists Working with Farmers, to support therapists treating farmers. The guide promotes culturally informed, occupation-based strategies to strengthen therapeutic relationships and improve the healthcare experiences …

Translating Pediatric Home Programming Into Daily Life, Anna Elizabeth Jones

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Caregivers play a critical role in a child’s overall development and are essential partners in the therapy process (Jaffe et al., 2020). Because of this, caregivers are in a unique position to support and reinforce therapeutic goals with daily routine and activities. When caregivers are equipped with appropriate strategies and guidance, they can help facilitate skill development outside of the formal therapy sessions, increasing opportunities for practice and generalization of skills (Lage et al., 2024). Current evidenced-based practice supports the use of caregiver coaching to increase caregiver autonomy and promote their ability to support their child’s developmental needs (Gmmash …

Empowering Caregivers: An Occupational Therapy-Informed Educational Program For Dementia Care In Rural Communities, Maria Lynn Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Hospitalization presents significant risks for individuals with dementia, including increased behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), delirium, functional decline, and reduced occupational engagement (Boltz et al., 2023; Teichmann et al., 2019; Zwingmann et al., 2020). Acute care environments are often overstimulating, unfamiliar, and task-oriented, which can exacerbate cognitive impairment and contribute to caregiver distress. Despite strong evidence supporting nonpharmacological, occupation-based interventions, structured engagement opportunities are rarely integrated into acute care workflows (Burgdorf et al., 2023; Faeder et al., 2023). This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop occupation-based dementia activities for use during hospitalization while equipping formal and informal caregivers with …

Mitigating The Effects Of Technology Use In The Classroom: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Hannah E. Ibach

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The average child spends three times the recommended time on technology, which is leading to a wide range of consequences affecting education, such as fine motor, cognitive, and social deficits (Christensen, 2021; McGough, 2021; Qi et al., 2023). Parents and teachers play a crucial role in helping children be prepared for their education, yet many are not aware of the impacts of too much technology use (Srivastava, 2022). Developing strong foundational skills early in childhood is critical for setting the stage for long-term educational success. When skills are nurtured from a young age, children are better prepared to adapt …

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 …

Rebuilding Participation: Trauma-Informed Support For At-Risk Teens, Emily A. Funk

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Over half of our youth population have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) before they reach adulthood (Madigan et al., 2025). ACEs are major factors in increasing a child’s chances of making risky lifestyle choices that negatively affect their physical, emotional, and mental health (Atchison & Suarez, 2021; Felitti et al., 1998). Dysregulation, irrational behaviors, poor academic achievements, high levels of stress, and feeling a loss of purpose are some of the challenges that at-risk youth face (Atchison & Suarez, 2021).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a toolkit that contains indirect occupational …

Quality Of Life Of Individuals Residing In Senior Living Facilities, Meagan R. Danda

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Formal caregivers play an essential role in supporting residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs which contribute to overall health and well-being (Spilsbury et al., 2024). Due to these responsibilities, caregivers need to be properly equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform clinical duties with confidence. The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a product that increases caregiver confidence by providing caregivers with occupational therapy informed education. By enhancing caregivers’ knowledge and skill set, this product may contribute to a supportive environment that fosters resident engagement in meaningful occupations and promotes improved quality of life (QoL) …

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 …

Determining Driving Ability Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Shauna M. Corrigan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a severe injury that causes lasting effects such as visual changes, challenges with concentration and memory, and problems with coordination and balance (Centers for Disease Control, 2024). This can impact an individual’s ability to safely return to the valued occupation of driving. Occupational therapists will commonly assess an individual’s ability to return to drive following a TBI, but they experience challenges in doing so due to a lack of standard method in assessing one’s safety while operating a motor vehicle (Baker et al., 2015; Tamietto et al., 2006; Classen et al., 2009; …

Development Of Feed In Context: A Context-Responsive Pediatric Feeding Guide For Rural Practice Guided By The Ecology Of Human Performance Model, Jatin Lee Cranmore

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Pediatric feeding participation is influenced by complex interactions among sensory processing, motor coordination, emotional regulation, caregiver routines, and environmental conditions. When feeding challenges occur, the impact extends beyond nutrition and may limit participation in family routines, school environments, and community activities (St. John et al., 2026; St. John & Ausderau, 2024). Access to specialized feeding services can be particularly limited in rural communities where healthcare workforce shortages and geographic barriers reduce the availability of pediatric rehabilitation services (Tak et al., 2022). Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to address feeding participation because occupational therapy practice examines the interaction among …

Gamifying Occupational Therapy Education: Enhancing Student Engagement And Outcomes, Payton Alise Baumann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Occupational therapy students face high rates of burnout and attrition during graduate education due to mental health challenges, reliance on passive learning strategies, and non-learner-centered curricula. These barriers limit active learning and reduce practical readiness for independent practice. Gamification has been shown to enhance engagement and application of knowledge; however, its adoption is limited by time constraints, attitudinal barriers, and lack of implementation guidance.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop practical, evidence-based faculty training resources and gamified learning activities to incorporate gamification into occupational therapy curricula for the promotion of student well-being, engagement, and professional readiness. …

Unfolding Recovery: An Occupational Therapy Practice Protocol Manual For Dupuytren’S Disease, Rebecca Valdez

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a disease of the fibrous tissue called the fascia of the palm and fingers of the hand (Eckhaus, 2016). It develops over time, thickening the palmar fascia and leading to nodules and cords that flex the fingers (Pineda et al., 2024; Salari et al., 2020). The disease occurs mostly in men, with individuals of Northern European descent having a higher likelihood of disease development, alongside family history increasing the risk. This disease can result in disability for individuals, including difficulty performing certain activities such as picking up objects, donning and wearing gloves, putting hands in …

Family-Centered Programming For A Rural Midwest Emergency Shelter: An Occupational Lens, Ariel Kathryn Tix

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: After a period of decline in homelessness, a startling trend reversal occurred between 2023 and 2024; there was a 39% increase in families experiencing homelessness in the United States (de Sousa & Henry, 2024). Rural homelessness is less visible and often looks different from urban homelessness, which presents challenges that require a different approach (Brott et al., 2019). Individuals experiencing homelessness have challenges in every area of occupation and could benefit from novel strategies and resources. Challenges include parenting, accessing medical care, obtaining permanent housing, community mobility, and meaningful routine development (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020; Brott et al., …

Regulation Creations: A Trauma-Informed Resource Addressing Sensory And Socio-Emotional Childhood Challenges, Meagan Noel Barnes Pearson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Trauma is ubiquitous and can negatively impact many life outcomes. Though trauma can occur across the lifespan, particular emphasis has been placed on the outcomes of experiences that occur in childhood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as coined by Felitti et al. (1998), pertain to traumatic events that occur before the age of 18, and the correlation between the number of ACEs and poor health outcomes is significant. Children can begin demonstrating unfavorable symptoms upon becoming exposed to trauma. Current literature has illustrated particular differences in sensory systems and social skills for young children. These challenges can lead to hardship …

Stroke Recovery Throughout The Continuum Of Care: A Dual Component Educational Manual, Jordyn Marie Wolff

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: One of the leading causes of death in the United States are strokes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC, 2024]). People who have had a stroke and their caregivers go through various phases of recovery throughout the continuum of care. Therefore, providing education to the individual who had a stroke and their caregiver is a critical component through different phases of recovery. Not only is education an important component, but addressing team communication strategies are critical as well for improved quality of care and team collaboration. The goal of this capstone was to improve the educational need by …

Pain Neuroscience Education With A Veteran Population, Kate Westphal

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: In 2021, upper extremity (UE) injuries accounted for 21.3% of injuries by U.S. active duty service members (Mahlmann et al., 2024). Right or left shoulder pain were the top two diagnoses in active-duty service members between fiscal years 2016 and 2021, with overuse/non-specific injury being the most common UE injury (Isaacson et al., 2024). Pain often follows service members after discharge. It is estimated 66% of the 20 million Veterans in the United States experience musculoskeletal pain, and chronic pain is more intense in a Veteran population, limiting their ability to engage in preferred activities of daily living (Areias …

Rehabilitation Not Punishment: Adults In Custody Learning Skills Needed To Survive In Society, Kaitlyn J. Wanner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The U.S has one of the highest populations of incarcerated individuals in the world and must shift from the use of punishment to rehabilitation for these individuals (Huynh et al., 2015; Muñoz, 2019; Phelps & Aldrich, 2022). While in prison, these individuals are limited in their ability to participate in meaningful activities and lose skills needed to function in society (Lares & Montgomery, 2020). Occupational therapy assists individuals of a variety of populations engage in activities that are meaningful to them. The set of skills that occupational therapy has to offer results in a broad area of settings that …

Brain Injury (Bi) In Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv): The Importance Of Identifying Bi Symptoms And The Impact On Daily Occupations, Alexis Walther

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and resulting brain injury (BI) often experience unmet occupational needs. Specifically, there are barriers to occupations like health management, social participation, work, and education. These barriers occur due to lasting IPV and BI related trauma and symptoms, negative societal views, underreported nature of the injury, and lack of awareness on the topic. This poses a problem, as many service providers may not be educated or aware of the link between IPV and BI, since it is an emerging area of practice. This results in a gap in literature and services related to IPV …

Addressing Sleep Within The Hand Therapy Practice Context, Grant Edwin Tolkkinen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sleep is an essential pillar for health and well-being, yet this is not well understood by the general public. Many clients seen within the occupational therapy advanced practice context of hand therapy are at risk of sleep disturbances which will impact the sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial components of the client. Sleep disturbances also negatively affect many aspects which are required for successful recovery and return to occupational engagement for those with conditions of the upper extremity. Addressing sleep within practice allows occupational therapy practitioners within the advanced practice context of hand therapy to promote occupational performance across all waking …

Integrating A Canine Comfort Program With Occupational Therapy Services For Emerging Adults With Mental Health Diagnoses, Emily Vieth

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Mental health plays a critical role in the lives of emerging adults (ages 18-29) including how they identify, their coping strategies, and social skills (Matud et al., 2020). Occupational therapists (OTs) can play a vital role in the management of depressive and anxiety symptoms for the promotion of an individual’s well-being (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). OT can address depressive and anxiety symptoms through the incorporation of animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a therapeutic approach that uses animals to improve overall health and well-being (Pandey et al., 2024). Though still limited in evidencebased research, emerging interventions like canine …

Enhancing Quality Of Life: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Managing Chronic Conditions, Aubrey Rude

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Chronic conditions are among the most common health concerns, and often cause disruption to daily routines, roles, self-identity, and quality of life (Fields & Smallfield, 2022). In fact, they are the leading cause of disability in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). It is estimated that 129 million adults are living with at least one chronic condition as defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Trying to manage a chronic condition is extremely time consuming, with people spending at least two hours every day on health-related activities …

Caregiver Education In Early Intervention, Payton Schilke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Early intervention services are provided for children ages birth to three years who have identified developmental delays (North Dakota Health and Human Services, n.d.). Services that are provided in early intervention include home visits, consultations, and parent coaching from a multidisciplinary team (North Dakota Health and Human Services, n.d.). The health-related practices of parents during the first two years of their children’s lives plays an important role in terms of influencing children’s health and development (Boelsma et al., 2021). It is the responsibility of the caregivers to utilize the information that is provided and implement within the child’s daily …

Addressing Delirium In The Intensive Care Unit: An Interprofessional Approach, Olivia Grace O'Neill

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Successful recovery from an intensive care stay is influenced by many factors, including length of stay, medical ventilation requirements, and the extent of surgical interventions such as cardiac, intracranial surgery, neurosurgery, and vascular neurosurgery. A major barrier to achieving a full recovery can be delirium, which is seen in 80% of critical care patients. Delirium is described as a severe change in mental abilities and a short-term cause of cerebral impairment that can present as distortion or psychosis and is associated with numerous conditions. While critical care-related delirium typically lasts less than a week, those affected by longer periods …

Nature-Based Practices In Early Childhood Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Angela Mossman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Early childhood experiences are the building blocks for all future behavior and health (Warmbold,2015). These experiences, whether positive or negative, build the foundation of the brain's architecture (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2016). The developing brain comprises neural connections that develop through an ongoing process that begins before birth and continues into adulthood (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2016). This capstone project aims to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of naturebased practices through the lens of occupational therapy. Ginsburg et al. (2007) stated that play is essential for optimal child development. The benefits of …

Chronic Pain Management In Adults In Rural Areas And Its Effect On Health And Well-Being: An Occupational Therapist’S Guide For Clients, Kinley Jo Nordin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Chronic pain is a common problem among individuals in the United States (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). It can affect any area of occupation including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), health management, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). It can also negatively influence an individual’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to address the need for additional resources for individuals living in rural areas who experience chronic pain to help manage their health and …

Pelvic Health Rehabilitation: A Guide For Postpartum Women In Rural Areas To Enhance Occupational Engagement, Joslynn Kay Parks

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Of the over 3 million births in the US each year, 570,000 women experience a birth related injury, leading to pelvic health issues during the postpartum period (DeLancey et al., 2024). Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) affects 25% of American women, directly impacting quality of life (QoL), psychosocial factors, and the ability to successfully engage in meaningful occupation (Baker et al., 2017; Burkhart et al., 2021; Khan, 2023; Nygaard et al., 2008; Peinado Molina et al., 2023; Synder et al., 2022b). Although PFD has a neuromuscular etiology, the physiological effects can lead to psychosocial impacts, including, but not limited, to …

The Impact Of The Provision Of Occupational Therapy Services For Oncology Care Patients Within The Interprofessional Team, Natasha M. Minar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: There is growing evidence to suggest that occupational and other therapy interventions can play a role in positively affecting the outcomes of individuals with cancer and cancer survivors. Occupational therapists can address peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema, pain, fatigue, cognitive deficits, and psychosocial issues (Baxter et al., 2017; Stout et al., 2021; Vining Radomski et al., 2021). Through appropriate assessment, intervention, education, and discharge planning, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation specialties can attempt to collaboratively change the outcome of an individual’s cancer course (Munoz et al., 2015). Individuals with cancer and cancer survivors have difficulty engaging in their own life in …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Vision Rehabilitation In The Rural Outpatient Setting, Hailey Jo Mcguire

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Vision is a complex part of the sensory system that is often overlooked in patient care or mistaken for cognitive impairment (Aravich & Troxell, 2021). As visual disruption often comes secondary to a plethora of physical and cognitive health conditions, addressing the visual system is part of the role of occupational therapy in treating clients holistically. There is a lack of available resources to support practitioners in rural outpatient settings in working with patients who have vision-related complications. Oculomotor skills are one of the three foundational skills considering at the visual system (Warren, 1993) and has multiple subskills underlying …

Acquired Brain Injury And The Impact On Functional Cognition, Jocelyn Rae Kirk

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Occupational therapy practitioners often work with individuals with deficits in cognition due to an acquired brain injury (ABI). Individuals who experience an ABI may have deficits in functional cognition, making it difficult to complete everyday complex tasks, resulting in decreased independence, safety, engagement, health, and wellness (Engel et al., 2019; Erez & Katz, 2018; Klepo et al., 2022; O’Donoghue et al., 2022; Scharaga & Holtzer, 2015). Implementing current evidence-based functional cognition evaluations is difficult for occupational therapy practitioners due to the 17-year lag between evidence and implementation into clinical practice; therefore, practitioners need support in these efforts (Rubin, 2023). …