Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Social Media Skills And Safety Education Program For Adolescents With Idds: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Janelle A. Rodriguez, Monica Watford, Nooreen Khalid, Kate Lundgren

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities are interested in using the internet and social media to maintain friendships. There is a gap in the literature exploring social media skills training programs to educate this population to safely use social media and the internet.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners In The Care Of Pets And Animals: A Guide To Aging In Place With Pets And Animals, Blake Randell, Mary Jan Greer, Sherry Pidgeon

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy practitioners in the care of pets and animals among older adults which has been referred to as the forgotten instrumental activity of daily living (or IADL) for this population. A needs assessment was conducted to determine how to provide facilitators and remove barriers or hindrances to occupational performance in the care of pets and animals among a group of older adults (with a variety of disability- and non-disability-related needs) in independent living communities. This needs assessment identified compounding health disparities of physical and/or cognitive impairments and lack of financial and necessary …

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Prenatal Approach Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Gaby Hogg, Monica Watford Phd, Otr, Jessica Snow Pt, Dpt

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This is a poster presentation on the workshop development, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Prenatal Approach Through an Occupational Therapy Lens. Women who experience pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) often do not understand that what they are experiencing can be managed through rehabilitation (Chen et al., 2019). This capstone project aimed to educate women about the pelvic floor and pelvic floor dysfunction as a proactive approach to rehabilitation. Additionally, the project provides educational information on pregnancy and birthing positions.

Health Literacy Barriers And Occupation Based Education For Healthcare Providers Serving Hispanic Americans, Serina Subedi, Rocio Alvarenga, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of the program was to shed light on addressing health literacy barriers and provide occupation-based education for healthcare providers serving Hispanic Americans, specifically in rural areas. Additionally, the purpose of the program was to close the gap by providing healthcare practitioners with tools and resources to assist in combating the barriers faced to include the lack of occupational therapy services. The pre-and post-survey during the needs assessment helped determine the participant's baseline understanding of various aspects related to health literacy and guided the development of the educational modules and informative resources. Based on the outcomes of the survey, …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Cognition In The Pediatric Population, Mia Ramirez, Hope Mccarroll, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Coronavirus disease or COVID-19, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can affect adults and children by causing long-term symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, long-term breathing problems, and even heart complications. Children represent about 19% of all reported COVID-19 cases since the pandemic first began. Children also can have trouble concentrating, which can impact their ability to attend school and do their daily activities that require concentration, such as dressing, showering, and social participation. Cognitive deficits due to COVID-19 can impact the pediatric population as they may have decreased occupational performance in desired occupations, such …

Program Development In Pediatric Prosthetic Training For Occupational Therapists, Paulina Alas, Monica Watford, Grace Evasco

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project delves into the necessity for professional tools designed to assist occupational therapists (OTs) in readying themselves for the treatment of pediatric patients requiring upper limb prosthetics. The endeavor encompasses an examination of various diagnoses that warrant prosthetic intervention, an exploration of diverse prosthetic variants, and a comprehensive manual detailing pre-prosthetic and prosthetic functional training.

The Effects On Occupations And Quality Of Life After A Sports Injury In Adolescents: Emphasis On Psychosocial Factors, Mikaela Hajjar, Lindsey Williams, Monica Watford

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone project was designed to develop educational handouts for adolescents who experience psychosocial factors after an injury, using the PEOP and Biopsychosocial models. The project addressed the need for more resources to target this population's psychosocial aspects of injuries. The handouts supported existing literature on recommended coping strategies, techniques, leisure exploration activities, and additional resources for OT treatment. The project aimed to provide accessible education to OTs, coaches, parents, and athletes on the role of OT in treatment and the importance of addressing psychosocial factors. The project successfully provided background information, analyzed methodology, summarized handout development, and highlighted the …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Mina Salinas, Mary Greer, Rudy Seward

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive inherited type of muscular dystrophy that results in progressive muscle weakness and requires a multidisciplinary approach for disease management. Occupational Therapy (OT) services are extremely valuable to this population as individuals diagnosed with this condition face significant difficulty in areas of occupational performance. Research shows occupational therapy services are not being received consistently and there are disparities in services received leaving a gap in the literature about the referral process and the understanding of OT's role.

Educating On The Impact Of Gravitational Insecurity In Children With Sensory Processing Disorder, Amber Pierce, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Elizabeth Mcbride

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Gravitational insecurity impacts 15-21% of children with sensory processing disorder, yet little to no research is available on the topic. Therefore, a program was created to provide education to therapists and therapy students in order to better provide education on the topic to others.

Employment And Mental Matters Amongst Formerly Incarcerated Women, Convalecia Johnson, Monica Watford, Stephanie Riedmueller

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to implement a program for formerly incarcerated women to provide employment preparation and mental health resources to address recidivism. An occupational therapy lens was used to develop and execute this program. One on one Zoom sessions were held for participants to work on resumes and mock interviews for employment preparation. Participants were also provided with a resource guide for future reference. A mixed methods approach was utilized to analyze the data from the pre and post program surveys administered to the participants. Based on the results, the participants found the program to be beneficial …

An Occupation Based Program: Supporting Mothers Through Pregnancy And Postpartum, Precious Barnett, Monica Watford, La'shandra Russell

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to discover the effects of occupational therapy services with women who may experience or who are at risk for postpartum depression. Supporting Mothers Through Pregnancy and Postpartum is the developed capstone program. This program included occupation-based activities and resources to encourage occupational participation and engagement. This program used an integrative approach to support the participants of this project. This poster presentation includes background information regarding this population, the methods used to develop the program, program topic themes and goals, and links to view the program’s deliverables.

The Importance Of Occupational Therapy During The Transition From The Nicu To Home For Parents’ Confidence In Co-Occupations, Randa Sloan, Mary Jan Greer, Faith Saunders

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Parents often transition home from the NICU with decreased confidence in their abilities to care for their infant after having extensive specialized care (Craig et al., 2015). Boykova (2016) explained that parents experienced low self-confidence and fear of making mistakes in their infants’ care upon arriving home. The problem is the lack of support and education about resources for parents during the transition from the NICU to home. Parents lack knowledge about the vital role OT plays in improving confidence in co-occupations which will play a role in improved parental mental health. Furthermore, parents and caregivers lack knowledge on how …

Implementation Of Tai Chi Among Individuals With Dementia In Long-Term Memory Care, Patricia I. Cordova, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Kim Broussard

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focused on a dementia population within long-term care, where increased disablement occurs. A Tai Chi program was implemented into the daily routine of individuals in a long-term memory care facility to improve dynamic sitting balance for the performance of daily occupations.

Wellness And The Occupational Impact Of Being A Police Officer, Daisy Nunez, Karen Park

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The occupational impact of being a police officer was researched. Along with the barriers and supports to wellness services. The study aimed to answer both those questions to analyze the impact of wellness on the population.

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis: Exploring Key Constructs That Facilitate The Transition Of Homeless Individuals To Sheltered Living Conditions, Natasha Hinson, Karen Aranha, Mary Ann Smith

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

PURPOSE: to understand the processes that homeless individuals experience when taking action to seek shelter and move into sheltered living conditions.

DESIGN: This Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) utilized a purposive homogeneous sample (n=9) of formerly homeless individuals. Inclusion criteria: experience of homelessness, >30 yrs. old, 2.5 yrs. living in supportive housing, English-speaking, and > 23 on the MMSE.

METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were analyzed through open-line coding, memo-ing, and data categorization to form themes.

RESULTS: The following superordinate themes emerged: path to homelessness, life on the streets, tipping point to sheltered lifestyle, connecting with lifelines, and life with Faith-based organization (FBO).

CONCLUSION: …

The Sandwich Generation Of Aging Parents With Dementia: An Occupation-Based Caregiver Program, Gabrielle Amaya, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Kylee Hall

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Despite the high prevalence of caregiver burnout, caregivers’ needs are unrecognized because the focus is on caregiver quality of life, experience, or service utilization (Frankenstein & Jahn, 2020). This program aims to identify ways to provide specific support to promote caregiver ADL participation through the use of a web-based training and education program.

Supporting Motor, Cognitive, And Psychosocial Functions For Children And Youth With Acquired Brain Injury: A Scoping Review, Quandra Shanks, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma (Brain Injury Association [BIA], 2023). ABI is an umbrella term for all brain injuries, typically classified as traumatic (e.g., sports injury, fall) or non-traumatic (e.g., stroke, infection) (Wales et al., 2021). It is considered one of the leading causes of death and disability for individuals of all ages (Riccardi & Lundine, 2022). The BIA (2023) reports that ages 0-4 and 15-19 are at greater risk for brain injury. The severity of ABI among pediatrics is more severe than …

Development Of An Occupation-Based Program For Hispanic Women With Breast Cancer, Tara Licon, Leslie Khan-Farooqi, Mary Ann Smith

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Currently, available programs for breast cancer patients do not consider the specific needs of Hispanic women or their preferred occupations. The goal of the capstone project was to develop an occupational therapy (OT) program that is personalized to Hispanic women with breast cancer at every stage of their recovery. The program was informed by lifestyle redesign. After reviewing the literature and conducting a needs assessment the capstone student created a program titled ‘Beautiful, Bold, Breast Cancer’ which contains five detailed treatment sessions.

Designing A Conceptual Framework To Align Learning Objectives To The Interprofessional Education Collaborative Core Competencies: A Narrative Review, Norman C. Belleza, Maureen E. Johnson

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Early placement of interprofessional education (IPE) in academic curricula may foster foundational learning to shape student attitudes, knowledge, and skills and better prepare practice-ready clinicians for future team-based collaboration. The purpose of this narrative review was to investigate and analyze the current use of IPE in OT and PT higher education.

Methods: Three databases, Academic Search Complete, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ERIC, were searched from 2017 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were articles with full text availability, published within the 5 year search time range from the time of the narrative review process, peer reviewed studies, …

Posture Care Management In School Based Settings For Children With Complex Physical Disabilities, Sabrina Rodriguez, Mary Jan Greer, Lee Ann Hoffman

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Posture care management (PCM) is an intervention that helps protect a person’s body through different positions within different contexts. PCM is not a singular direct intervention as each person is different and has different needs. This process is especially important for those who cannot reposition themselves such as children with complex physical disabilities. These children rely mainly for caregivers and school staff this process since home and school are the main places they spend the beginning years of their lives. Therefore, it is important to educate caregivers and school staff on the guidelines of proper PCM to promote health, well-being, …

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions Of Sensory Processing Evaluation Methods, Grace Hong, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, Karen Park

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: This study aimed to obtain occupational therapists’ (OTs) experiences and perspectives on current evaluation tools who work with clients with sensory processing challenges in their clinical settings. Method: This research was a mixed-method study. Data was collected from surveys (n = 11) which had a mix of nominal, interval, close-ended, and open-ended questions. Following survey completion, participants were given the option to complete a semi-structured interview (n = 2) consisting of open-ended questions to clarify survey responses and gather additional information about their experiences. Results: The results indicated a high number of various barriers and limitations …

Plan For Retirement Versus The Occupational Impact Throughout Retirement: The Significance Of Identity And Role Transitions, Priscilla Guardado, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a mixed methods research study on retired individuals and identifying their occupational identity throughout their retired experience.

METHODS: Using survey methods, a demographic questionnaire was sent out to individuals who signed up to participate in the study. To participate, individuals had to be in the age range of 50-80 years with a minimum of 2 years post retirement. A total of 15 participants initially signed up with a 93% survey response rate (n=14) and 86% (n=13) response rate for completion of the study with an interview.

RESULTS: Most participants reported dealing …

The Occupational Impacts That Sexual Assault Has On Female College Students, Breannah Scheiderman, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This mixed methods study outlines some of the occupational impacts that sexual assault has on female college students. Data was collected by both a survey and personal testimonies from readily available experiences. This paper introduces the problem and some things that can be done from an occupational therapy perspective.

Occupation Based Program Enhancement: Promoting Social And Leisure Participation Post-Stroke, Emma Welch, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation describes the importance of social and leisure participation for individuals who have had a stroke and explores the role of occupational therapy in promoting this area of occupation for the population.

Functional Literacy In Early Education, Katelyn Welch, Lakeisa Boykin, Thais Petrcelli

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The significance of this project is to promote, adapt, and incorporate occupational functional literacy components in the current reading program in second grade. By educating professionals inside the school system to establish a mindset that literacy is not just reading books it will also develop skills to improve functional activities and instrumental activities of daily living in the classroom with second-grade students.

Past, Present, And Projected Occupational Impacts Of Adults Who Experienced Parentification In Childhood, Olivia Vanni, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parentification is a functional and/or emotional role reversal where the child sacrifices their own needs for attention, comfort, and guidance in order to accommodate and care for the needs of a parent and/or sibling. OTs need an understanding of how to recognize and support the impact of parentification during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Methods: Mixed methods were used to explore the experience of adults (18-65) that served as caregivers for their sibling(s), and/or their parent(s) during their childhood/adolescence. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires (N=20) and interviews (n=6), allowing for a deeper understanding of the …

Guidebook For Occupational Therapy For End-Of-Life Care, Shannon Sudrla, Mary Smith, Alexandria Cannata, Anna Norene Carlson

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Patients at the end-of-life (EoL) experience functional decline in response to terminal illness and the active dying process, inhibiting participation and engagement in meaningful daily activities. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) are equipped to address patients’ occupational needs and desires despite their declining capacities; however, the absence of occupational therapy (OT) services in EoL care leaves patients’ occupational needs unmet, directly affecting their quality of life. The literature demonstrates the need for enhanced education and training among occupational therapy students (OTS) and practitioners to better prepare them to work with terminally ill patients who face progressive functional decline and imminent death. …

Is College Liberating For All Students? The Impact Of Sensory Challenges On Participation Of Students On The Autism Spectrum And With Other Neurodivergent Diagnoses, Sophia Starvaggi, Mary Smith Otr/L, Phd

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurodiversity describes unique ways in which an individual's brain works, impacting skills such as executive function, social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. Sensory processing describes the system which receives, processes, organizes, and responds to sensory information received in several environments throughout the day. Sensory sensitivity involves both over- and under-responsiveness to sensory information received, both causing an impact on one’s participation. An occupational area that seems to lack support for sensory challenges is that of postsecondary, or college, settings.

Several policies exist to protect the right to equal education for students with disabilities, however, these protections only last until students …

Occupation-Based Social Skills Training Program With Animal-Assisted Therapy For Individuals With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/Dd), Jason Sebastian, Karen Park

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation describes the development and implementation of an occupation-based social skills training program with Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and the implications for occupational therapy after program implementation.

Expanding Accessibility For Guests With Autism-Spectrum Disorder (Asd) Who Visit The Jacksonville Zoo And Gardens In Jacksonville, Fl, Lauren Schermerhorn, Thais Petrocelli

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: Due to public events being commonly characterized by crowded spaces, loud volumes, and unpredictable changes, attractions such as the Jacksonville Zoo can be challenging for those with ASD without proper accommodations (Kimura et al., 2020)

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project was to advocate for updated evidence-based sensory accommodations at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for those with an ASD diagnosis with the intention of creating a more inclusive zoo experience.