Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Course For Occupational Therapy Students, Alison Cherney, Shauna Gregoire-Norrie

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is limited information regarding the occupational therapists role in the cardiac rehabilitation setting. This lack of information may contribute to a limited amount of therapists working in this setting. Through the identification of this problem, the need for a course on cardiac rehabilitation for occupational therapy students was identified. The course was intended to expand the students’ knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation and the position of an occupational therapist within this setting.

A literature review was conducted utilizing several research databases which include PubMed, ERIC, and SCOPUS in order to determine the depth of information available regarding educational theories, educational …

An Occupational Therapy Guide For Entry-Level Therapists Not Specializing In The Treatment Of Upper Extremity Dysfunction: Three Common Cumulative Trauma Injuries, Ryan Edwards

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to Kasch, Greenberg, and Muenzen (2003), occupational therapists (OTs) who are initiating entry into upper extremity orthopaedic therapy specialization do not have the knowledge and skills of experienced therapists; a concerning viewpoint considering the fairly high rate of cumulative trauma injuries each year in the United States. Carpal metacarpal osteoarthritis occurs in “approximately 8% of all adults” (Hunter, Schneider, Mackin & Callahan, 1990, p. 886), whereas ulnar neuropathy at the elbow occurs in “10 to 15 percent of adults” (Trumble, 2000, p. 327). “Tennis elbow occurs in approximately one third of the tennis population because of the requirements of …

Educational Class For Parents Of A Child Recently Diagnosed With Autism, Sarah Haugen, Marcie Sandeen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an education class for parents of children with autism. When discussing the term autism with parents it can lead to confusion, the term autism has changed greatly in the past few decades and today agreement on what the term means is still lacking. With a diagnosis of autism the parents are also going to face many challenges and added stress throughout their daily lives. These known problems helped to determine the need to create the product of this scholarly project. A review of literature and research was conducted to collect accurate …

A Guide To Training Therapists In Dealing With Difficult Patient Care Situations, Tegan Aymond, Andrea Kuhn

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A literature review was conducted on the difficult issues faced in occupational therapy to gain general information on how these issues and situations were being addressed. After reviewing the literature, it was noted that there is a high rate of over-involvement when working in occupational therapy that can lead to stress and burnout. It was found that defining the role of occupational therapy is difficult and trying to establish boundaries within that role is a constant challenge. The lack of knowledge on issues such as ethics, therapeutic relationship, and core values can be difficult when establishing a personal and professional …

Home Modifications For The Elderly, Jennifer Samuelson, Kristyn Kurpius

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify and present methods to increase a person’s ability to participate in occupations within their home. “Almost 50 million Americans - about one in five - live with a mental or physical disability, many of their homes are inconvenient, restrictive, or dangerous for them,” (McCullagh, 2006, p.54). As a result they are unable to participate in safe and functional occupations.

Methods: A literature review was conducted with the use of Pub Med, AJOT, textbooks, home modification handbooks, and the internet. The literature review determined the need for home modifications with the elderly …

Helping To Win The Battle Within: An Occupational Therapy Perspective On Returning War Veterans With Ptsd And Employment, Christine Avikainen, Amber L. Harvey

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Approximately 300,000 individuals of the 1.64million servive members and veterans, from Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008).

This scholarly project has addressed the needs of the increasing number of war veterans suffering from PTSD. The soldiers returning from the present war and their employers do not have adequate resources to understand symptoms related to PTSD and the effects on functioning.

A review of the literature revealed a lack of information for returning military personnel and the process of obtaining/reobtaining employment. The research provided evidence that employers and employees …

Knowing While Growing: Occupational Therapy Interventions For Women With High-Risk Pregnancies, Rebecca Anderson, Cammie Vodicka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

High-risk pregnancy is a growing concern in the United States (McCormick, 2001), resulting in complications in both the mother and the fetus. Each year, approximately 875,000 women experience at least one complication. Approximately 460,000 women are receiving inadequate prenatal care (American Pregnancy Association, 2007). The purpose of Knowing While Growing: Occupational Therapy Interventions for Women with High-Risk Pregnancies is to promote the health and well ness of expectant mothers and to prevent disability to themselves and their developing fetus through the use of research-based therapeutic interventions. The components of this manual include definitions of high-risk pregnancies and related terms, information …

Infant Positioning And Its Effect On Development And Head Symmetry, Marjorie Dvorak

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Parents that do not provide their babies with a variety of proper body positions throughout everyday activities may increase their infant's risk for motor development problems and abnormal head shaping. The purpose of this scholarly project was to create parental educational materials in order to increase parent awareness and prevention of common problems due to lack of proper infant positioning in everyday activities.

The methodology used was an extensive research literature review, review of current professional resources on this topic, and this therapist's clinical expertise. The clinical products developed from this evidence included: A parental Developmental Care Guide which is …

The Impact Of Domestic Violence On Children: Implications For Professionals, Kelly Hughes, Brooke Kohler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There are 3 million child abuse and neglect accounts reported to child welfare agencies across the United States every year, but researchers predict as many as 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence in the home (Christian, 2002). Children do not always show the physical signs of living in homes with domestic violence. Frequently the most prevalent impact can lie within the child’s mind, resulting in possible cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects (Tri-State Rural Collaboration Project, n.d.). In order to provide the best possible care, it is imperative for professionals to understand the effects that domestic violence has on …

Occupational Therapy Caregiver's Guide To Spinal Cord Injury, Kelsey Berg, Amanda Larson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In 2006, it was estimated that there were 253,000 Americans living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) (Spinal Cord Injury Information Network, 2003, p. 1). Current literature suggests that individuals are transitioning into the community earlier with the majority of care being provided by informal caregivers (Boschen, Tonack, & Gargaro, 2005). These caregivers are often unprepared for the major role they will be assuming in the care of their loved one and often their health and well-being is compromised due to the overwhelming nature of caregiving.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore and identify the needs of caregivers. Topics …

Ideas For Inclusion: A Resource For Occupational Therapists, Jason Browning, Roxanne Hartje

Occupational Therapy Capstones

School-based occupational therapy practice is continually changing to meet the needs of the students and stay in alignment with federal mandates and current research. Current legislative regulations of No Child Left Behind Act of2001 (NCLB 2001; Public Law 107-110) and The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA 2004, Public Law 108-446) together require that education programs be provided in the natural or least restrictive environment. After the review of literature and personal interviews it was found that many occupational therapists, teachers and school based staff were having difficulty fulfilling this requirement, often using the direct, pull-out service …

A Manual For Ot Educators And Ot Students In A Level Ii Fieldwork Experience In Hand Therapy, Adam J. Dewenter, Erik G. Peterson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to Leatherwood (1997), approximately 30% of all emergency room injuries are injuries of the upper extremity, amounting to 16 million hand injuries per year seen in the United States. According to the Arthritis Foundation (2008), an estimated 46 million adults in the United States (21 %) report having doctor diagnosed arthritis. Traumatic injuries and cumulative trauma such as arthritis are two of the diagnostic categories most commonly treated by hand therapists in the United States and Canada (Muenzen et aI., 2002). Often, occupational therapists who specialize in the treatment of clients with upper extremity disorders are responsible for treating …

Bright Beginnings: Quick Tips For Occupational Therapists In The Level Ii Nursery, Lindsey Bartholomew, Lacey Gramstad

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In 2004 there were 790 infants born prematurely in Wyoming (Freudenthal, 2006). Currently, the highest level of infant care available in Wyoming is a Level II nursery. In Wyoming, infants born prematurely with special medical needs are typically transported to specialized NICU's in surrounding states. The limited contact that medical staff, including occupational therapists (OT's), in rural facilities have with critically or moderately ill infants creates a lack of competency with the unique medical care needs of the infants. According to Gordon (2003) "nearly half of America's babies start out their lives in a rural community" (p. 3). Furthermore, research …

The Use Of Aquatic Therapy For Children With Neuromuscular Disorders, Chris Hydukovich, Troy Schmitz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this literature was to determine the effects aquatic intervention has on children suffering from neuromuscular disorders compared to that of traditional land-based physical and occupational therapy services.

Method: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, OT search, AJOT online, CINAHL, the Mayo Clinic Triage, and various occupational therapy textbooks regarding the use of aquatic therapy in a neuromuscular population. Information was extracted from this literature to generate educational material for parents of child receiving aquatic occupational therapy.

Results: A review of literature presented cerebral palsy as the main neuromuscular disorder of study associated with aquatic therapy. …

Occupational Therapy Perspective In The Management Of Lymphedema, Mellonna Beckermann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Lymphedema is a collection of excess water, interstitial fluid, plasma proteins, bacteria, and cellular waste products in the interstitial tissues as a result of an impaired lymphatic system due to disease or trauma (Cheville, McGarvey, Petrek, Russo, Taylor, & Thiadens, 2003). This fluid typically collects in a person's upper and/or lower extremities. Lymphedema is a chronic condition and can be progressive if not managed properly. Lymphedema may result in significant impairments to the person, which results in functional limitations and a decrease in quality of life (Konecne & Perdoma, 2004). Treatment of lymphedema can be costly, timely, and overwhelming …

Proposed Process: Practice Analysis, Design & Implementation Of Occupational Therapy In Community Behavioral Health Hospitals (Cbhh), Jill Gill

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has adopted the Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) Program, developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The IMR Program is an evidence-based and recovery focused model of intervention. The primary aim of the IMR Program is to empower consumers with severe mental illness (SMI) to manage their illness, find their own goals for recovery, and make informed decisions about their treatment by teaching them the necessary knowledge and skills to do so. The first Community Behavioral Health Hospital (CBHH), operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, was opened in 2006. …

Treating The Whole Child: Recognizing And Addressing Depression In Children With Physical Disabilities, Kathleen A. Koehn

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a tool that would assist occupational therapy practitioners working with children with physical disabilities in recognizing and addressing symptoms of depression in that population. Ailey (2003) reported that symptoms of depression in children with developmental disabilities are frequently attributed incorrectly to a child's primary diagnosis, rather than depression. Because occupational therapists typically see these children more frequently than primary care physicians, they are in a prime position to assist in the screening and referral processes related to depression.

This project involved a comprehensive review of the literature, including data on the …

Managing Post-Stroke Fatigue: A Guide For Daily Living For Clients And Caregivers, Carolyn Krum, Heather Satrom

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Several research studies have determined that fatigue is a common symptom, that should be viewed as an independent consequence following a stroke: it interferes with an individual's engagement in activities of daily living. Fatigue can be misinterpreted as depression, therefore, may be treated inappropriately or remain untreated. Fatigue is not often addressed by health care professionals, therefore, clients and their families are not receiving the proper education and resources to manage fatigue challenges (Glader, Stegmayr, & Aspuland, 2002; Schepers, Visser-Meily, Ketelaar, & Lindeman, 2006). The purpose of this project was to develop a guide for daily living for clients and …

An Occupational Therapy Guide For Improving Social Performance In Adolescents Within The Juvenile Justice System, Missy Law, Ashle Hicks

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists believe social participation is an important aspect of adolescent development. Social participation problems can be linked to mental health diagnoses and delinquency. Adolescents who are court ordered into the juvenile justice system often do not receive the necessary treatment due to lack of resources within the community.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather information regarding social participation aspects in relation to adolescent delinquency and placement within the juvenile justice system. The findings suggest there is more emphasis placed on punishment for adolescents rather than rehabilitation. Interventions used to support rehabilitation are primarily limited to counseling. A …

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy: An Educational Module For Occupational Therapy Students, Tamira Ott, Grant Basko

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The literature indicates that approximately 730,000 Americans experience a new or recurrent stroke each year. There are approximately 4 million Americans living with some type of disability as a result of having suffered a stroke. Due to the high incidence of stroke related disability and associated economic costs; stroke rehabilitation is a health care priority. Even with early intervention only 10% of stroke survivors will recover completely, 25% recover with minor impairments, 40% experience moderate to severe impairments, 10% require care in a nursing home, and 15% die shortly after the stroke. Since the highest categories range from minimal to …

An Educational Resource Forum For Family Caregivers Of Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease, Tina Langlie, Karli Morman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There are currently 10 million Americans who care for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia (Alzheimer's Association, 2008). Monitoring and maintaining the health of the caregiver is important because it allows the individual with Alzheimer's disease to remain in their familiar home environment for as long as possible. It has been proven that both physical and emotional health of a caregiver decline with the demands associated with caregiving (O'Rourke, Cappeliez, & Neufeld, 2007). Healthcare professionals are responsible for assisting caregivers with maintaining their own health while caring for their loved one. Therefore, it is important …

Achieving Positive Benefits For Chronic Pain: Complementary And Alternative Medicine And Occupational Therapy, Cheryl A. Keffeler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Complementary and alternative medicine can fit into the occupational therapy practice framework to prepare chronic pain patients for participation in occupational performance. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies can be used preparatory to the therapy process or as treatment modalities in their own right.

A comprehensive literature review explores the use and efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine associated with chronic pain diagnoses seen by occupational therapists. Massage, yoga, biofeedback and cognitive-behavioral therapy, Feldenkrais, and Pilates are all techniques that can be utilized by occupational therapists. However, Pilates and Feldenkrais methods are used less frequently by occupational therapists, possibly due …

Reintegrating Military Personnel To Community Life: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Carlotta Booth, Heather Hanson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The numbers of returning service men and women from Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing combat-related complications is an area of growing concern for military health providers. This scholarly project investigated the risk factors and problems associated with post traumatic stress disorder among service men and women returning from military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine occupational performance issues faced by the returning soldier. The most significant complications include: inadequate coping skills, loss of interest/participation in leisure, vocational disruptions, problems with reintegrating into the family structure, and ineffective communication/interpersonal skills.

The Lifestyle Redesign Program …

A Manual Of Expected Milestones In Childhood And Occupation-Based Interventions, Laura J. Rabenberg, Chere L. Vosberg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a manual for parents of children ages birth to five years. The manual includes significant milestones and provides age-appropriate activities which can be used to facilitate development.

A literature review was conducted to identify how play is used to achieve developmental milestones. Resources included journal articles and textbooks from the disciplines of occupational therapy, psychology, education, and medicine.

A manual for parents was created and consists of a discussion on the importance of play in development, expected milestones, occupation-based interventions, and resources regarding child development. This manual is intended for distribution …

Giving Dentistry A Hand: Occupational Therapy Msd Prevention In Dentistry, Andrea Bilotti

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose a significant threat to the dental profession. There are many risk factors inherent in the tasks of dental professionals that could lead to MSDs. A literature review from professional literature, journal articles, and professional websites was used to determine the various risk factors and types of MSDs that occur in the dental profession; best practices in MSD prevention in the dental field; and the role of occupational therapy ergonomic intervention in the dental field. The information has a solid foundation in Malcolm Knowles' theory of Andragogy.

To gather real life information, visits to a dental office …

Pediatric Oncology: Parent Education Handbook, Lindsey Anderson, Lacey Harrington

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In America, approximately 12,400 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year (Harris, 2004). The number of newly diagnosed children is on a steady increase. With this steady increase it is important to ensure that parents of the child diagnosed with cancer have resources about cancer and the treatment process as well as support. A review of current literature, research, and resources was conducted in order to locate the gaps within pediatric oncology. The literature helped identify areas of concern related to pediatric oncology. The areas identified consist of the parents having minimal knowledge while under emotional stress when …

The Wings Of Change: Occupational Therapy Activities For Women Of Domestic Violence, Lainie Donahue, Dianna Steen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Literature indicates that the current services provided to women of domestic violence typically include emergency housing, crisis counseling, and short-term legal and financial assistance (Gorde, Helfrich, & Finlayson, 2004). While these resources provide necessary immediate support to the victim, she may often feel powerless to make long-term changes. If adequate long-term resources and support are not available to the victim, the victim is more likely to return to an abusive situation.

The review of literature focuses on obtaining a deeper understanding of the needs that exist for women subsequent to leaving an abusive relationship, and how to prevent the risk …

An Occupational Therapy Parent Education Handbook: Parenting In The Nicu, Olivia Donald, Angie Laakso

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Parents often feel overwhelmed by their premature infant's fragile medical state and intimidated by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environment. The birth of a premature infant is a stressful event for parents because they are coping with their newborn facing life threatening immaturity and its possible consequences, such as handicap or even death. Due to the premature infant's fragile medical state parents often feel their infant does not belong to them but rather to the healthcare staff.

A parent's lack of involvement in their infant's care is a major source of stress, feelings of dis empowerment and a lack …

Handwriting From A-Z, Connie Lillejord

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Prevalence for the number of students with poor handwriting skills has been estimated to range from 12% to 21 % depending on grade, selection criteria, and instruments used (Graham & Weintraub, 1996; Hamstra-BIetz & Blote, 1993; Smits-Engelsman & Van Galen, 1997). During late elementary and middle school years there is an increasing demand for efficient work output, particularly in written requirements. Greater numbers of required reports, math assignments, and writing assignments tap into a child's capacity to develop ideas quickly and put them down on paper (Levine, Oberklaid, & Meltzer, 1981). Children who have not developed automatic, fluent handwriting will …

Achieving Success In College: An Occupational Therapy Approach To A Study/Support Group, Mattie Heckaman, Angela Sepe

Occupational Therapy Capstones

This project was designed to target the needs of students with psychiatric disabilities pursuing higher education. Kessler, Foster, Saunders and Stang (1995), noted that early-onset psychiatric disorders often disrupt attainment of higher education. According to Mowbray et al. (2006) epidemiological studies indicated that youth ages 15-21 years old had the highest prevalence rate of mental illness in 2005. These ages correlate with the conventional years that an individual may attend college. Consequently, the initial psychiatric occurrence of many young adults is experienced during college years. As noted in recent literature, increased supports are needed to retain students with psychiatric disabilities …