Occupational Therapy Commons^™

A Guide To Tier 1 Supports In The General Education Classroom, Aly Levinson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Thirty-two percent of students were estimated to be behind grade level in the 2023-24 school year (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). Many children in the classroom experience barriers to learning. One factor in the decreasing academic levels is the decrease in attention spans (D’Aurizio, n.d.). A student’s education is impacted by a teacher’s ability to keep students’ attention (Hanley et al., 2017). To receive one-on-one occupational therapy intervention, a student must qualify. Many students who may benefit from occupational therapy services will not receive the needed services. The focus of this doctoral capstone experience was to help address …

Psychosocial Perspectives To Client Care In Orthopedic Settings – The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Ainsley E. Ahrndt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase practitioner and client knowledge regarding the interconnectedness of the mind and body, specifically when it comes to physical healing. Currently, in orthopedic care, there is a large focus on the biomechanical aspects of healing. While this approach is appropriate, it can fail to acknowledge non-physical factors that influence physical healing. Orthopedic injuries and conditions are very common which emphasizes the need for comprehensive care to support individuals as they heal from an injury or manage a condition. Occupational therapists have a unique skillset in that they can address both physical …

Incorporating A Facility Dog Into Practice: A Guide For Occupational Therapists In Mental Health Settings, Anneka Harris

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The field of animal assisted therapy (AAT) is growing as the evidence on the effectiveness of incorporating animals into the rehabilitation process evolves; however, there is currently a lack of guidance for occupational therapy (OT) practitioners working with facility dogs in an adult mental health population. In a setting where clients have traumatic brain injuries (TBI), substance use disorders (SUD), and serious mental illness (SMI), it is important to combine best practice for both OT and AAT approaches. The objective of this project was to understand current resources available, conceptualize appropriate interventions, and provide a guide for practitioners using …

Moving Beyond What Pays The Bills: Implementing New Assistive Technology Outcome Measures, Connor Nathan Fuchs

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The World Health Organization states that measuring outcomes is paramount to understanding the efficacy of assistive technology (AT) intervention (World Health Organization, 2022). Over 1 billion people across the globe use assistive technology, which is expected to double over the next 50 years. Outcome measures such as the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA) or Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) provide practitioners with information regarding the efficacy of AT interventions. This product aims to provide practitioners with a comprehensive, quick, and straightforward resource that outlines 14 assistive technology outcome measures for frequent use in practice.

Methods: A needs assessment …

Ot Role In Staff Development In Schools To Promote Continuation Of Care, Elise Gapp

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: School-based occupational therapy practitioners assume various collaborative roles to improve student performance, promote the carryover of student progress, and enhance teacher satisfaction (Frolek Clark & Hollenbeck, 2019; Shepherd et al., 2019). School-based occupational therapy practitioners experience many barriers to collaborative practice, which limits the carryover of interventions and strategies that support students (Benson et al., 2019; Edick et al., 2023; Jeremy et al., 2024; Mowell et al., 2023).

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create a product for school-based occupational therapy practitioners and school support staff to use in collaboration to promote carryover of interventions and strategies …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Enhancing Awareness And Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction In Women’S Health, Nicole Gentry

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: There are a variety of reasons that pelvic floor dysfunction can occur in women throughout their life, however, pelvic floor therapy is a minimally invasive and a holistic treatment option that can make significant differences (Cozean & Cozean, 2016; Moody & Fashokun, 2021; Wallace et al., 2019). Pelvic floor therapists can treat and provide interventions to help women manage symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Currently, there is limited research on the correlation between pelvic floor dysfunction and recurrent vaginal and urinary infections. However, research suggests that recurrent infections can lead to inflammation, high muscle tone, increased tissue sensitivity, …

Addressing Occupational Challenges Through Multimodal Educational And Training Intervention Approaches To Improve Health Outcomes For Caregivers And Care Recipients, Skye Gross

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Family caregivers represent approximately 20% of the U.S. population (American Association for Retired Persons [AARP], 2020), with a prevalence linked to the rise of conditions and critical care needs among the baby boomer population. Family members are often relied upon to ensure the basic health needs of their loved ones as the complexity of care increases. On average, family caregivers dedicated 24 or more hours a week to caregiving tasks while fulfilling work and other essential functions. Nearly 50% provided high-intensity care to recipients with complex medical conditions with limited formal training (Reinhardt et al., 2019). These extreme levels …

Occupational Therapy’S Role With Caregivers Of Stroke Survivors, Madalyn England

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Caregivers of stroke survivors often report feeling overwhelmed and unprepared to take on such an unexpected role for their loved ones. The purpose of this scholarly project was to support caregivers of stroke survivors by providing them with a self-paced educational program, to ensure caregivers can continue to maintain overall health and well-being while simultaneously caring for a loved one.

Methodology: An in-depth literature review was completed with the use of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) to guide the development of the program. The identification of site-specific needs was achieved through a review of literature and an on-site …

Occupational Therapy Best Practices In Maternal Health, Abby Eken

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Maternal mortality and morbidity rates have been steadily increasing in the United States due to health disparities, inadequate care, and lack of recognition of maternal health service gaps. Additionally, interdisciplinary care provided after birth often emphasizes the infant shifting focus away from the mother which impacts health and recovery during the postpartum period. Despite a wide range of maternal health services provided in the acute care setting, inclusion and referrals to occupational therapy are often lacking. Further, occupational therapists play an emerging role in maternal health that is frequently misunderstood and insufficiently recognized.

Purpose: The goal of this project …

Milestones In Motion: Supporting Student Growth Through Developmental Understanding, Olivia Anne Dobrinz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Developmental milestone expectations increase in school-aged children, accompanied by growing demands in motor skills, cognition, social and emotional development, academic performance, and self-care skills. Routine screenings through a physician's annual well-child visits can help identify if a child is not meeting specific developmental expectations; however, caregivers and teachers play a critical role in early detection. Early detection and intervention of a developmental delay helps aid in their ability to catch up.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase teacher and parent awareness of developmental milestone expectations and to provide them with developmentally supportive activities that can …

A Holistic Program Manual For Permanent Supportive Housing: Integrating Housing First And Occupational Therapy Approaches, Melody Mackenzie

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness often face complex challenges including trauma, mental health conditions, and barriers to daily living. While permanent supportive housing provides long-term housing with supportive services, gaps exist in resources tailored for both residents and residential support staff. Many existing permanent supportive housing programs emphasize behavioral or mental health approaches, with fewer addressing the full range of occupational participation needs. Occupational therapy, with its holistic and client-centered perspective, offers a valuable lens to enhance service delivery in permanent supportive housing.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop two compatible tools–a Permanent Supportive Housing Residential …

Supporting Students’ Sensory Needs: A Guidebook For Educators Using Sensory Closets, Emmy L. Bishop

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Occupational therapy practitioners can provide holistic, client-centered care that considers each student’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act considers occupational therapists to be specialized instructional support personnel (Pfirman et al., 2023). Pfirman et al. (2023) demonstrated the need for school-based programming and how interdisciplinary teams can help with prevention and wellness. As occupational therapists, we can bridge the mental and behavioral health needs and the skills the students need to be successful in school and life. Literature also showed occupational therapists work as instrumental and beneficial for therapy teams in providing sensory interventions. …

Enhancing Engagement: Integrating Sensory-Based Strategies For Students With Emotional Behavior Disorders In Genereal Education Classrooms, Hailey Boline

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This scholarly project aims to develop and implement a toolkit designed to support teachers and paraprofessionals in managing the sensory, behavioral, and educational needs of students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and those who have experienced childhood trauma in general education classrooms. By integrating occupational therapy techniques and sensory-based interventions into classroom settings, this project seeks to enhance students' ability to self-regulate, ultimately improving academic engagement and social participation.

Methods: A multi-phase approach guided by the Ecology of Human Performance Model (EHP), beginning with a comprehensive literature review to identify best practices in sensory-based interventions for students with EBD …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Working With Children With Complex Medical Needs, Maci Layne Bakken

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Children with medical complexity (CMC) spend a lot of time in various medical facilities due to their conditions. One of the medical facilities available to families in the Midwest is a respite and hospice home for medically complex children. There are only three other homes like this in the United States. Due to symptoms of their conditions, functional limitations in skill development, and decreased opportunities to engage in the occupation of play, these children can experience occupational deprivation and decreased quality of life. At this specific respite and hospice home, there are many volunteers who sacrifice their time to …

Creating A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Evidence Based Evaluation Protocol, Mary Redlin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in the United States admit approximately 300,000 infants annually (Valencia et al., 2023). Upon admission, neonatal occupational therapists assess a range of factors, including neurobehavioral, neuromotor, musculoskeletal, and sensory systems, as well as family/caregiver interactions and activities of daily living (Craig et al., 2018). This comprehensive evaluation underscores the need for effective assessment tools, efficient protocols, and adequate support for therapists. However, practitioners often face challenges that impact the quality of care, such as limited resources, lack of specialized training, and inconsistent organizational standards (Kaur et al., 2021). Occupational therapy has emerged as a …

Promoting Wellness In Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Occupational Therapy Approach Guided By The Eight Dimensions Of Wellness, Mckenzie Ulrich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Wellness is a process where an individual intentionally makes choices to support a satisfying lifestyle and is aware of their choices (Swarbrick & Yudof, 2015). In the United States, unhealthy lifestyle choices and the high prevalence of chronic conditions negatively influence one’s health, wellness, and quality of life (Li et al., 2018). Additionally, age-related changes can negatively influence one’s overall well-being. Examples of age-related changes may include changes in strength, mobility, coordination, balance, gait, and cognitive functioning (Bello-Haas et al., 2018a; Bello-Haas et al., 2018b; Judge & Dawson, 2018). Occupational therapy's role in health promotion and prevention includes promoting …

Occupational Participation Through Harm Reduction, Allie Reiffenberger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Individuals who have experienced homelessness face higher risks of physical disabilities, mental illnesses, and substance use disorders (SUD), which often co-occur, compared to the general population (Mosel, 2024; Parker & Scaffa, 2020; SAMHSA, 2023a). Due to past experiences and unmanaged chronic conditions, substance use, and negative health behaviors are common. The high prevalence of SUD, mental illness, and chronic health conditions in this group severely affects their ability to engage in daily activities, influencing overall health and well-being (Marshall et al., 2020a). While complete abstinence is often deemed ideal, it can be unrealistic for this population. Harm reduction seeks …

Accessibility Of Higher Education: Supporting Student Self-Advocacy, Morgan Diane Halliday

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As of the 2020-2021 academic year, 1 in 5 undergraduate students reported having a disability (National Center for Education Statistics, n.d.). College students with disabilities (CSWD) face social and physical environmental barriers to higher education due to exclusive policies, procedures, and designs. In turn, occupational engagement is decreased, inhibiting participation in education. A college education can support career opportunities, financial stability, and personal development (Plotner & May, 2019). Therefore, it is essential that CSWD have equitable access. Despite efforts from college campuses to become more accessible, gaps remain that require CSWD to be self-advocates. The purpose of this project was …

A Guide To Occupational Therapy Intervention Planning For Individuals With Migraines In Rural Communities, Angelina M. Caron

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One in ten individuals in the world experience migraines (Amari et al., 2022). Migraines are a debilitating condition that presents with symptoms of intense head pain, aura, and nausea (American Migraine Foundation, 2018; Mayo Clinic, 2023). These symptoms have a global effect on an individual’s life and affect the meaningful and necessary tasks they do each day including work, school, family and social life, and their emotional health and cognitive functioning (Buse et al., 2019; Estave et al., 2021). Occupational therapy (OT) can be used with individuals with migraine by addressing factors such as routines, migraine self-management, cognitive strategies, and …

Coming To Your Senses: A Guide For Sensory Considerations In Higher Education, Aspen D. Delano

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sensory stimuli bombard humans at every point during their day. Senses are the avenue through which humanity interacts with its world. Individuals have varying thresholds of sensory stimuli. When people face more stimuli than they can cope with, they struggle to interact with the world around them. This can pose a significant challenge for graduate-level college students due to the already strenuous mental load required for formal education. The association between sensory processing and stress has strengthened in recent years, with individuals reporting a positive feedback loop between these constructs (Harrold et al., 2024). Stress leads to greater sensory …

Cultural Competency Of The Interprofessional Team In Burn Care Through An Occupational Therapy Model, Brooklyn Wiest

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Burn injuries are considered one of the most devastating injuries globally (Farzan et al., 2023). Those suffering from serious burns are likely to be affected in all areas of life (physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, intellectual, and psychological) (Abrams et al., 2016). Some of these impacts include changes in appearance, social isolation, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, employment, financial burden, and family problems. These are devastating outcomes are seen throughout diverse populations (Nair & Adetayo, 2019). As diverse populations are rising, an increase in equitable medical care is needed (Peters et al., 2022). Education and increasing awareness of culturally …

Facilitating Engagement In Meaningful Occupations Through Nature-Based Experiences, Sydney Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Many children, especially those living in urban areas, are spending less time in nature than ever before which is decreasing their engagement in meaningful occupations such as sleep, play, education, social participation, and activities of daily living. Interacting with nature can improve children’s emotional regulation, development, attention span, mental health, and overall well-being. It is important that children have access to nature and its benefits to ensure they are reaching their full potential in life. One method to improve children’s access to nature is providing them with nature-based activities that can be modified or adapted for those living in …

Supporting The Development Of Emotion Regulation For Engagement In Occupation, Alexis Karen Smith

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Many children with mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental health conditions internalize and externalize symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger at higher rates compared to children without these conditions (Tajik-Parvinchi, 2021). Difficulties with emotion regulation may lead to heightened experiences of symptoms from mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental health conditions (Tajik-Parvinchi, 2021). Occupational therapy practitioners can support children with emotional dysregulation by using evidence-based best practices. The identified problem is the application of evidence-based emotion regulation evaluation and interventions to support children with difficulty in emotion regulation and their caregivers. The challenge of implementing evidence-based emotion regulation services is limited research and …

Benefits Of Nature-Based Play For Children: An Educational Resource For Parents, Kaitlyn Peterson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: In recent years, children’s use of technology has increased, decreasing the time they spend playing in natural contexts and time spent building the parent-child relationship. The lack of time spent in outdoor contexts has negative influences on the child’s overall health and well-being. The time a child spends with their parent is vitally important for a child’s development, view of the world, and sense of belonging. Parents assist children throughout development by supporting their understanding of themselves and the world, along with supporting the child’s ability to communicate with their parents. Interactions with technology, particularly overuse, can influence a …

Increasing Occupational Therapy Student Preparedness For Level Ii Fieldwork Experiences In Hand Therapy, Claire Meyer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: A level II fieldwork experience is essential within occupational therapy programs as it allows occupational therapy students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life practice. Students need to complete level II fieldwork to graduate, become practicing therapists, and grow the field of occupational therapy. However, many practitioners, particularly those specializing in hand therapy, hesitate to accept students for fieldwork placements. Barriers reported by hand therapy practitioners include a lack of student knowledge, preparation, and clinical skills (Short et al., 2017; Valdes et al., 2022). Hand therapy settings' rapid pace and demanding nature require students to …

Occupational Therapy Best Practices In Partial Hospitalization Programs, Mattea June Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role on the care team in partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Occupational therapy practitioners are a key member of the care team due to their profession’s unique view of the person and goal of supporting them in their valued occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners have training in psychosocial and mental health interventions that enable those with mental illness to engage in meaningful everyday activities. Practitioners must be equipped with the current best practice standards to support participants to engage in recovery and wellness through occupation. With the growing need for mental and behavioral services and …

Specialized Knowledge Of Sensory Interventions For Sensory Function, Cassidy Kay Filson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Between 5%-16.5% of the general population are estimated to have a form of atypical sensory reactivity (Ahn et al., 2004). Atypical sensory reactivity or atypical sensory processing is described as when the brain processes sensory input differently than it typically would (Ark Support Coordination, n.d.). The rates of atypical sensory reactivity increase in children with additional diagnoses such as autism (ASD), developmental delays and disabilities, and neurodivergent children (AOTA, 2023). Sensory processing and integration difficulties negatively impact the quality and quantity of a child’s occupational participation, as symptoms often make various occupations more difficult for the child to participate …

The Impacts Of Ssris In-Utero And Nicu Occupational Therapy Intervention, Kyara Crowley

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this product was to collaborate with the occupational therapy (OT) staff in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to further knowledge and enhance role competence to provide better quality of care to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposed infant population. Mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent among women, therefore, more women are taking SSRIs throughout pregnancy to counteract the effects of those conditions (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). However, the effects of in-utero SSRI exposure are not fully understood. Researchers have found evidence of some short-term and long-term effects caused by the SSRI exposure as well …

Unlock Upper Extremity Rehabilitation: Interprofessional Collaboration Between Ot Hand Therapy And Surgical Teams, Collin Brown

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: In the journey to recovery from upper extremity injuries, outpatient hand therapists who are certified as occupational therapists (OT) play a crucial role in restoring patients' independence and functionality, both before and after surgical intervention. Researchers identified main themes experienced by participants who had acquired an upper extremity injury and were post-operation, such as functional challenges in managing conditions, difficulties in everyday life, coping strategies, differing expectations, and the impact of information on daily life (Hansen et al, 2024). In all of these areas identified, an OT hand therapist is able to identify and facilitate improvements pre- and post-surgery …

Empowering Caregivers Through Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach To Adolescent Mental Health Education, Shannon Grace Ring

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This scholarly project aimed to create an evidence-based toolkit for caregivers of adolescents currently completing partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Adolescents enrolled in PHP have experienced severe disruption in their daily functions. Adolescent mental illness is a public health concern due to its prevalence, early onset, and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities (Ghandour et al., 2019). Mental health disorders during adolescence can affect development by interfering with the ability to function in daily settings and achieve social, emotional, cognitive, and academic milestones (Ghandour et al., 2019). Many adolescents are also exposed to risk factors, including …