Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Understanding The Role Of Occupational Therapists In Managing Type 1 Diabetes In Adolescents: A Critically Appraised Topic, Jatin Cranmore, Morgan Harshman, Kelsey Milleson

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic focuses on occupational therapy's role in working with adolescents (10-18 years of age) to manage Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Managing T1D can be challenging and overwhelming, especially for younger individuals because of the added responsibility and transitions that occur during puberty. There is a lack of literature that supports occupational therapy's role when working with clients who have T1D, especially when it comes to the younger populations.

Identifying Occupational Therapy’S Role In Rural Areas For Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence, Meagan R. Danda, Maria L. Johnson, Hannah L. Street

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the effectiveness of occupational therapy utilized via telehealth within adult women (18-64 years old) who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence in rural areas. Domestic violence is a common type of violence/abuse that can occur toward any gender or sexual orientation (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). Domestic violence encompasses physical, social, and/or emotional abuse (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). It is a form of repetitive behaviors of abuse that occurs within a relationship. (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). Common behaviors of domestic violence may include preventing social contact, preventing access …

The Use Of Evidence-Based Practice To Strengthen Professional Identity Among Occupational Therapists., Allison M. Stephani, Kaelyn J. Talley, Ariel K. Tix

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic focuses on occupational therapy practitioners’ use of evidence-based practice in their practice regarding how it connects to their professional identity. The population studied was occupational therapy practitioners in their work settings. The main factors that were considered were level of connection to the profession, informal and formal education, and current use of evidence-based practice. Professional identity is defined as how a person sees themselves based on values, motives, experiences and beliefs related to their profession (Poole & Patterson, 2021). According to the Tornebohm Model, professional identity is broken down into four categories, which includes competence, conceptual …

Role Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions In Occupational Therapy With Young Adults With Mental Health Conditions Evoked By Social Media, Allison Haiby, Kennedy Reimann, Katie Quinley

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in occupational therapy within a young adult college-aged population, specifically from the ages 18 to 29. The main factors considered in this paper are mental health in young adults, the role of mindfulness-based interventions and occupational therapy, and the implication of social media on occupation.

Increasing Autonomy In The Homeless Veteran Population Through Education-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention: A Critically Appraised Topic, Madeline Kuntz, Karli March, Cheyenne Thompson

Critically Appraised Topics

The focus for this critically appraised topic (CAT) is increasing the autonomy of homeless veterans through life-skills-based education programs. A review of existing literature found a gap of published research on this topic within occupational therapy and interdisciplinary research communities. There is a lack of experimentally designed research studies focusing on autonomy and community assistance programs utilizing life skills education training for or including the homeless veteran population. The level of evidence presented in the literature relating to this topic has been predominantly found to include non-experimental descriptive quantitative studies (Jones et al., 2021; Kline et al., 2021; Laan et …

The Virtual Therapist: An Occupational Therapy Practitioner’S Guide To Telehealth Service Delivery In Pediatrics, Jossette Hannah M. Gianan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to improve the telehealth competency and confidence of occupational therapy practitioners working in pediatrics through the use of a quick reference resource guide.

Methodology: The development of The Virtual Therapist: An Occupational Therapy Practitioner’s Guide to Telehealth Service Delivery in Pediatrics was guided by the concepts found in the Ecology of Human Performance model (Dunn, 2017). The concepts of person, context, and task were used in the overall creation of the guide, while the five intervention strategies outlined in the model were used in the creation of the intervention plan section. A …

The Comfort Of Being At Home: The Benefits Of Outpatient Rehabilitation In The Homes Of Rural Residents, Madison Jo Christian

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: The Comfort of Being at Home: The Benefits of Outpatient Rehabilitation in the Homes of Rural Residents

Background: Rural residents experience more disease, injury, and death than individuals living in metropolitan areas. Harsh weather conditions, distances to healthcare facilities, lack of public transportation options, and restrictions of health insurance coverage make accessing healthcare services difficult for these residents expediting worse health outcomes. One method to address the barriers rural residents face in accessing healthcare services, especially ongoing rehabilitation services, is to establish more accessible healthcare delivery methods in residents’ homes. Many rural residents will benefit from receiving ongoing rehabilitation …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing The Mental Health Of Transitioning Postsecondary Students, Katie Koxlien, Amorelle Upton, Kiley Washnieski

Critically Appraised Topics

There is an increasing concern for mental health in university students transitioning to postsecondary education. For the purposes of this study, we were concerned with the overall mental health of university students, not specific to diagnosed mental illnesses. Mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community” (World Health Organization, 2022, para. 1). This may impact the individual’s ability to function on a daily basis and interact with others within their educational setting. The role of a student …

The Impact Of Mobile Technology Interventions With Older Adults Diagnosed With A Cognitive Deficit, Emily Funk, Adam Nadeau, Savannah Ullyott

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the impact of technology-based interventions in occupational therapy in daily functioning within older adults with cognitive deficits. When considering the components of this CAT, the theoretical framework was described, then a description of the population paired with a description of cognition and its components, followed by the types and use of technology-based interventions with adults, and the impact cognitive conditions and symptoms have on occupational performance.

Rural First-Time Mothers And Their Emotional Engagement With Newborns: Occupational Therapy, Hannah Ibach, Elise Ramberg, Ashley Schindele

Critically Appraised Topics

This paper focuses on resources affecting occupational therapy (OT) mental health services that are provided to first-time moms within a rural-dwelling population in the U.S. The main factors to consider in this scenario are the population of first-time moms in rural areas, mental health services provided in rural areas, and best OT practices for mental health services. Quality of life is an important factor when considering maternal mental health. Quality of life is defined as a person’s life satisfaction, hope, sense of self, health, function, and socioeconomic status (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). The main focus for this critically appraised …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Chronic Condition Self-Management, Makayla Marie Tucker

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background Chronic health conditions often lead to decreased engagement in valued occupations, habits, roles, and routines secondary to the effects of the diagnosis (Lorig et al., 2020). This community project aims to explore occupation-based intervention approaches to assist adults in self-managing their chronic conditions. Additionally, the project aims to fill the gap in healthcare to improve healthcare professionals’ collaboration to improve clients’ health outcomes. Occupational therapy’s role in health management may include developing habits and management strategies for nutrition, physical activity, medications, stress and coping, and improving social skills for problem solving and communication. A literature review and informal interviews …

Enhancing The Service Delivery For Adolescents Using The Mental Health Continuum Through Occupational Therapy, Jadalyn Lane Wagner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to understand how occupational therapy services can enhance the quality of mental health services for adolescents and across the life span. The materials developed provide occupational therapy practitioners resources to demonstrate their unique value and role within the interdisciplinary teams and settings within the mental health continuum of care.

Methodology: The Model of Human Occupation was utilized to organize the literature review that led to the creation of the materials (O’Brien, 2017). Reviewing the literature with the model allowed for a thorough understanding of the needs of adolescents with mental illness, the …

Real Individuals Striving For Excellence (Rise): An Occupational Therapy Based Re-Entry Program For A Rural Jail Facility, Kennedy Tooke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Real Individuals Striving for Excellence (RISE): An occupational therapy based re-entry program for a rural jail facility.

Introduction: The United States criminal justice system continues to be known for currently holding over 2 million people within state, federal, local, and juvenile correctional facilities (prisonpolicy.org, 2021). Jail incarceration rates have increased 15% from 2020 to 2021 following a 26% decline from midyear 2019 (Zeng, 2022). Many individuals involved in the criminal justice system will be arrested again within the same year due to unsuccessful transitions back into the community. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a program …

Improving Occupational Performance For Survivors Of Sex Trafficking: An Executive Functioning Program, Riley P. Thomas

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In 2021, the U.S. reported 10,360 human trafficking cases, of which 7,499 or 72% were explicitly identified as instances of sex trafficking (National Human Trafficking Hotline, 2021). Sex trafficking is “a form of modern-day slavery in which individuals perform commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion” (National Human Trafficking Hotline, n.d., para. 1). Due to survivors of sex trafficking being exposed to dehumanizing and traumatic events, this may impact the ability to participate and engage in daily activities related to an individual's executive functioning and life skills. The purpose of this scholarly project was to analyze …

The Distinct Role: A Toolkit To Promote Occupational Therapy Services For Palliative Care Patients In Acute Care Hospitals, Kailey Ann Squier

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Each year, 56.8 million people receive palliative care services and experience significant impacts overall quality of life. Occupational therapy is well-equipped to maximize engagement in meaningful activities and improve overall quality of life for this population. Despite evidence supporting the unique value of OT, it has had many barriers limiting the ability to expand into palliative care effectively. There is a need to provide education and increase resources to occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in palliative care. The purpose of this scholarly project was to increase the understanding of OTs’ role in palliative care and promote increased OT services within …

Promoting Independence In An Existing Cancer Survivorship Program: Adaptive Equipment And Intimacy & Sexuality, Bailee Scheer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create educational materials for cancer survivors and their caregivers/families on the topics of adaptive equipment and intimacy/sexuality. A person is considered a cancer survivor at any point after receiving a cancer diagnosis, regardless of what stage they are at in their course of treatment (American Cancer Society, 2024). The rate of cancer survivors within the United States has grown drastically over the past several years, due to advances in treatment and early detection (Cronin et al., 2022). Cancer survivors experience many changing side effects during and after treatment that influence the way …

An Interdisciplinary Approach To Fall Prevention In Rural Health, Casidi Pullar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Hospital-acquired falls can lead to severe injuries and complications, posing significant challenges for patient safety and the healthcare facility (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2023). Healthcare workers in rural, Critical Access Hospitals often handle a wide range of responsibilities due to the smaller staff size, limited resources, and difficulty retaining or recruiting staff due to the remote location, typically resulting in fall prevention being less prioritized (Abelsen et al., 2020; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2023). Addressing patient safety and fall prevention strategies is an organizational and systemic challenge that requires evidence-based education and an interdisciplinary team …

Exploring Postpartum Care: A Guide For Mothers, Amber Joy Matlock

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Exploring Postpartum Care: A Guide for Mothers

Background: Thousands of babies are born in hospitals each year. Before being discharged home from the hospital, mothers receive education from interprofessional team members about their infant’s care, but there is a lack of information and education provided to mothers about their care and postpartum recovery. Without having adequate information on a mother’s recovery, there is an increased risk for poor maternal outcomes to occur during the postpartum journey. Maternal health is an emerging practice area for occupational therapy practitioners; the population is within the scope of practice for the profession. Currently, …

Bridges To Bright Beginnings: A Resource Guide For Caregivers Of Infants Diagnosed With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Nas), Makayla E. Murden

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition that happens in newborn babies who were exposed to illicit substances or opiates while in the womb. The baby becomes dependent on the substances and will experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. Between 2010 and 2017, NAS births increased by 131%. Approximately 6.6% of pregnant women admitted to using prescription opioids, of which 21.2% acknowledged misuse. A significant portion (31.9%) of these women reported not receiving information on the potential effects of opioid use on their unborn baby. Infants exposed to opioids in utero are at higher risk of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit …

An Occupational Therapy Program For First Responders Facing Trauma Fatigue And Work-Related Stressors Using Equine Facilitated Approaches, Kady Locke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The proposed program is a mental health program, targeting meaningful daily occupations for the population of first responders facing trauma fatigue and antecedents of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms related to stress from work. For individuals who serve as first responders, there is significant prevalence for trauma exposure, leading to trauma fatigue due to events encountered on the job. Mazur and Collins (2023) found that 80% of police and first responders experience traumatic events on the job and that 25% have experienced suicidal ideation due to impacts of trauma exposure. There is a lack of professional mental health services supporting this …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To The Cumulative Trauma Disorder Of Trigger Finger: A Case Report, Makenzie Lynn Kroupa

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The purpose of this product is to focus on furthering exposure to cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) of the upper extremity (UE) through the development of a case report. This will further explore treatment methods, therapy progression, and management for diagnoses that are associated with repetition and the overuse of the UE. The client of focus possesses the UE CTD of trigger finger as the primary diagnosis but has several concurrent conditions. This increases the complexity of the case since the client must navigate the symptomatology of UE CTDs to engage in occupational performance.

Case Presentation: The client was selected …

Sensory Home Programming Handouts, Taylor Ann Koopmeiners

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sensory processing is the way the brain and nervous system receive sensory information (Star Institute, 2023). When there are difficulties with processing sensory information, it is called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Consequently, the inability to process sensory input results in affected motor and behavioral responses (Star Institute, 2023. This creates difficulty in participating in necessary tasks such as activities of daily living (ADLs), social participation, and school (Lane et al., 2019; Star Institute, 2023). Occupational therapists address these challenges by providing sensory activities in therapeutic sessions and as part of home programming (Gabriele, 2020). The goal of this scholarly …

Expecting Better When You’Re Expecting: Empowering Mothers Through Occupational Therapy, Ann K. Landreville

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The maternal health crisis of the United States presents an opportunity to improve the level of care provided to the maternal population. A new standard of care must be established, going beyond decreasing maternal mortality and morbidity rates, but instead working to promote the health and well-being of mothers. While many well-recognized health professionals currently play a role on the interdisciplinary care team for postpartum mothers, occupational therapists are emerging in this field, proving they have a vital role in providing services that addresses the current gap in care. Many professions largely address physical health; occupational therapists have a holistic …

Sensory Processing And Trauma: A Practical Approach In A Clinical Context, Katya Kivi

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A large majority of people who are receiving mental health services have experienced a form of trauma (Arnaly et al., 2019; Champagne et al., 2010). Individuals who have experienced trauma-related sensory processing issues often have decreased occupational performance because of avoidance of the occupation or dysregulation during the occupation (Cerny, 2019; Gerney & Muffly, 2015). PTSD can affect an individual's overall quality of life and the creation and maintenance of social relationships, resulting in social isolation (Arnaly et al., 2019). The product is a guide to inform care within the adult mental health setting following sensory-based information and trauma-informed care. …

Breaking The Barrier To Leisure Engagement In Long-Term Care Facilities To Enhance Residents’ Health, Well-Being, And Quality Of Life, Callie M. Kleindl

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Breaking the Barrier to Leisure Engagement in Long-Term Care Facilities to Enhance Residents’ Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to promote leisure engagement for residents with dementia in long-term care (LTC) facilities to enhance their overall health, well-being, and quality of life (QOL).

Methodology: A thorough literature review supported the need for increased leisure engagement in LTC facilities for residents with dementia. Chronic conditions, such as dementia, impact a resident’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations which leads to occupational deprivation. In addition, a decline in leisure engagement has been found …

Toolkit For Teachers Who Have Students Who Have Experiences Aces: An Occupational Therapy Guide, Abigail Kasper

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Individuals who experience trauma are at a higher risk of experiencing decreased occupational performance, specifically in education. Students are more likely to have decreased emotional and sensory regulation, decreased attention, problem-solving, and social skills, and struggle to transition between activities (Bhsushan, 2021; Fraser et al., 2019; Goddard, 2021; Whiting, 2018). These difficulties can create barriers to participating and succeeding in education. In addition to experiencing barriers while engaging in school, trauma can also result in an increased risk of experiencing long-term health impacts, such as heart disease, obesity, depression, hypertension, and other chronic conditions (Bhushan, 2021; Centers for Disease …

Addressing Health Care Needs Of Farmers In Rural Areas Through The Lens Of Occupational Therapy, Josie Lynn Huot

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Addressing Health Care Needs of Farmers in Rural Areas through the Lens of Occupational Therapy

Background: Over three million farmers and farm laborers across the United States (U.S.) perform one of the most essential careers to support human life (Hildebrand et al., 2019; USDA, 2020). Farming is considered a highly dangerous job, putting farmers at risk for numerous health concerns, with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries (Fethke et al., 2015; Hildebrand et al., 2019). Low back pain is a leading source of musculoskeletal pain, closely followed by neck pain, both of which are associated with the spine (Davis …

Sensory Toolkit For Childcare Providers And Parents Of Children In The Daycare Setting, Cierra Marie Jacobson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Sensory Toolkit for Childcare Providers and Parents of Children in the Daycare Setting

Purpose: Around 62% of children in the United States receive care from care-based centers (U.S Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistic [NCES], (2021). Of the children in daycare, about 41% attend for 35 or more hours a week (Capizzano & Adams, 2000). The children’s environment within a daycare provides several sensory experiences that can both support and hinder their success in their daily occupations. When sensory needs are unmet, undesired behaviors can occur and impact their performance in daily occupations (Bodison & Parham, 2017). …

An Intergenerational Program Approach To Support Successful Aging And Decrease Social Isolation In Nursing Home Residents, Mariah Herring

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose As older adults transition to nursing facilities, their involvement in community activities diminishes, impacting their physical health, cognitive abilities, and social engagement (Lowry et al., 2012; Serrat-Graboleda et al., 2010). Evidence suggests that utilizing intergenerational programs in nursing facilities can effectively reduce social isolation, enhance quality of life for residents, and support academics and social skills in preschool students (Gustavsson, 2015; Lowry et al., 2012; Mondaca et al., 2018; Pillemer et al., 2022; Tak et al., 2015). This scholarly project aims to support successful aging and decrease social isolation in nursing facilities through the development of occupation-based psychomotor activities …

Primary Reflex Testing And Integration Guide For Parents And Providers, Abby Jessen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Parents are often unaware of the signs and characteristics of retained reflexes making it difficult to identify if there is a problem (Grigg et al., 2018). Once a problem is identified parents are frequently uninformed of the effects primary reflexes can have on a child’s development and how to foster integration (Grigg et al., 2018). Therefore, demonstrating a need for parent and provider education to support reflex integration amongst the pediatric population. The purpose of this project was to educate parents and providers on retained primary reflexes in children ages four to 11.

Methods: Prior to the start of …