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Full-Text Articles in Occupational Therapy

Supporting Caregivers Of Children With Complex Health Needs, Anne Louise Domanus Jan 2023

Supporting Caregivers Of Children With Complex Health Needs, Anne Louise Domanus

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop and implement programming that provides support and meets the needs of caregivers of children with complex health needs. This was done by providing a resource guide of local community resources to caregivers to increase engagement in leisure occupations.


Educating The Educator: Articulating Ot’S Role In School-Based Collaboration, Bryce Shaun Graves Jan 2023

Educating The Educator: Articulating Ot’S Role In School-Based Collaboration, Bryce Shaun Graves

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many teachers in the educational field are unaware of the role of occupational therapists (OTs) and how OTs can support teachers and students (Kennedy et al., 2018; Truong & Hodgetts, 2017). Educators who are aware of the OT role often desire further collaboration including realistic recommendations for their classroom (Truong & Hodgetts, 2017). This presents a need for increased education about the role of occupational therapy (OT) in school-based practice and additional instruction for increased effectiveness of OT-teacher collaboration.


Acting On The Need Of A Client, Caregiver, And Practitioner Seating And Mobility Guide, Aleksander Robert Kohn Jan 2023

Acting On The Need Of A Client, Caregiver, And Practitioner Seating And Mobility Guide, Aleksander Robert Kohn

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is a significant need for individuals with a disability and specific mobility limitations to require a wheeled mobility device. Wheeled mobility devices allow individuals to gain and/or maintain independence and engagement in occupations. The evaluation, prescription, and fitment of wheeled mobility devices are complex, requiring clients and caregivers to use and maintain these devices in specific ways. Barriers caregivers face can include not positioning the client properly in the wheeled mobility device, damaged or missing wheelchair parts, or improper positioning of the straps and belts, affecting posture, which could lead to secondary complications.


An Occupation-Based Approach To Chronic Pain In Rural Alaska, Emma Elizabeth Lehman Jan 2023

An Occupation-Based Approach To Chronic Pain In Rural Alaska, Emma Elizabeth Lehman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Adults with chronic pain living in rural communities experience occupational deprivation due to a lack of access to healthcare resources. While chronic pain is multifaceted and treated by multiple professions, occupational therapy (OT) can have a significant role in treating adults experiencing chronic pain with occupation-based interventions to improve their daily complications (Lagueux et al., 2018). The role of OT with chronic pain management is reflected in the evidence-based program entitled Lifestyle Redesign®, which offers effective strategies to improve quality of life, selfefficacy, and daily functioning for those who experience chronic pain (Uyeshiro Simon & Collins, 2017). However, there are …


An Occupational Therapy Perspective On Health And Wellness: A Step Toward Prevention, Olivia Grace Myers Jan 2023

An Occupational Therapy Perspective On Health And Wellness: A Step Toward Prevention, Olivia Grace Myers

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to develop a group protocol that addresses the primary prevention of obesity through an occupational therapy lens within a community setting.


Living A Trustful Life: A Trauma-Focused Mentorship Program For Foster Youth, Michelle Ann Mcnamee Jan 2023

Living A Trustful Life: A Trauma-Focused Mentorship Program For Foster Youth, Michelle Ann Mcnamee

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Foster youth can experience many challenges as they transition into adulthood which can threaten their success in achieving whom they wish to become. Often, foster youth are exposed to physical, mental, and sexual trauma leading to their removal from their biological home (Engler et al., 2020). Adverse experiences at a young age can be multi-dimensional and long-lasting, leading to negative consequences in occupational performance including self-isolation and hesitation to trust others (Häggman-Laitila et al., 2019; Paul-Ward & Lambdin-Pattavina, 2016).


Program Structure For Children And Adolescents With Disabilities To Increase Participation In Physical Activity, Abbigail Mackenzie Smith Jan 2023

Program Structure For Children And Adolescents With Disabilities To Increase Participation In Physical Activity, Abbigail Mackenzie Smith

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents with disabilities face barriers and are often excluded from engaging in daily activities such as physical activity and social participation (Bundy & Du Toit, 2019; Hocking, 2019). Activities such as physical activity and social participation not only increase children's and adolescents' sense of belonging, mental health, and quality of life but also impact the development of skills needed to fully engage in society (Bundy & Du Toit, 2019). Opportunities for children and adolescents with disabilities to engage in physical activity and social participation are commonly seen in the form of programs supported by nonprofit organizations. These programs …


A Guide For Occupational Therapists: Utilizing Equine-Assisted Therapy For Children In The Foster Care System Dealing With Trauma, Alexis Skogen Jan 2023

A Guide For Occupational Therapists: Utilizing Equine-Assisted Therapy For Children In The Foster Care System Dealing With Trauma, Alexis Skogen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In 2015, over three million children who were affected by trauma or abuse were reported to Child Protective Services (Papovich, 2019). “Children in the foster care system have often been exposed to traumatic experiences such as violence, illicit substances, and neglect” (Crabill & Hanson, 2018, p.8). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be similar to experiencing trauma; children, prior to entering the foster care system, often experience ACEs (Craig, 2020). Children in the foster care system face hardships such as being taken out of their homes, passing through multiple homes, in addition to other childhood traumas they experience prior to their …


Disability Awareness To Promote Inclusivity For Children In The Educational Setting, Abby Bauman Jan 2023

Disability Awareness To Promote Inclusivity For Children In The Educational Setting, Abby Bauman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A large barrier to an effective and successful educational experience is the stigma and perceived judgment surrounding a child’s disability (Fontil et al., 2020). Implementing disability awareness materials into young classrooms is a way to prevent the development of stigma towards disability. Children who received disability awareness programming in the past have shown improved attitudes towards disabilities as opposed to those who have not (Chae et al., 2019). The purpose of this scholarly project is to assist teachers with implementing disability awareness materials to increase encouragement for young peers to accept, include, and support young individuals with disabilities.


Development Of Wellness And Nutrition Through The Use Of Gardening, Josie Anhorn Jan 2023

Development Of Wellness And Nutrition Through The Use Of Gardening, Josie Anhorn

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The population of older adults has been rising exponentially in recent years (Duffin, 2022), leading to an influx in people moving into retirement or independent living communities. This transition may cause many changes in the new residents’ occupational participation and overall well-being. Research has shown specific areas of concern in socialization, nutrition, self-esteem, physical abilities, and continued participation in meaningful occupations (Holland et al., 2017; Knecht-Sabres et al., 2020; Smith, 2015; Sommerfeld et al., 2018; Swann, 2006; Swann, 2010). Gardening has been shown to positively impact these areas of health and well-being and ease some of the negative symptoms (Thompson, …


Transitioning A Hand Therapy Clinic From Traditional Paper Home Programs To An Electronic Platform: A Quality Improvement Project, Megan Raissa Fuka Jan 2023

Transitioning A Hand Therapy Clinic From Traditional Paper Home Programs To An Electronic Platform: A Quality Improvement Project, Megan Raissa Fuka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with upper extremity conditions who receive occupational therapy within the hand therapy context are often provided with paper or electronic home programs (HPs) as part of their rehabilitation protocol. Electronic HPs may promote greater adherence and functional improvements than paper handouts, as they can accommodate various learning styles and address patient barriers (Chung et al., 2020; Harte & Law, 2019; Lambert et al., 2017; Nussbaum et al., 2019; Toci et al., 2021; Valdes et al., in press). Despite evidence showing positive patient satisfaction and outcomes as a result of using electronic HPs, some occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) may be …


Life Skills Training Resource For Individuals Aging Out Of The Foster System, Stephanie Coauette Jan 2023

Life Skills Training Resource For Individuals Aging Out Of The Foster System, Stephanie Coauette

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to create a training resource for foster families regarding life skills for the population of individuals aging out of the foster care system. There is an identified need for resources for individuals who age out of the foster system for life skills training and basic activities of daily living (ADL) training (Paul-Ward & Lambdin- Pattavina, 2016). Aging out of the foster system means that an individual has turned 18 years old without a legal adoptive family taking responsibility for them (Scannapieco et al., 2007). There is a need for the individuals who are preparing …


A Successful Start With New Start: Transitional Community-Based Services For Student Veterans, Sheena Kay Miller Jan 2023

A Successful Start With New Start: Transitional Community-Based Services For Student Veterans, Sheena Kay Miller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

For veterans, integration into the community post-service poses a variety of unique challenges as they pursue many different opportunities. One of those opportunities sought out by this population according to the literature is higher education. It is estimated that approximately 900,000 veterans and their families had utilized the post-9/11 GI Bill as of 2018, with that number expected to only increase over time (Ulrich & Freer, 2020). Some of the unique challenges faced by this population include higher rates of mental health diagnoses, suicidal thoughts, and service-related injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) than their civilian peers (Eakman et …


The Newly Arrived Client: Applying Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Approaches To The Refugee Population To Promote Occupational Justice, Dominique Menard Jan 2023

The Newly Arrived Client: Applying Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Approaches To The Refugee Population To Promote Occupational Justice, Dominique Menard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

At the end of 2021, there were 836,300 Somali refugees and asylum seekers worldwide; in Minnesota alone, there are more than 70,000 Somali refugees, which is the largest concentration in the United States (Culture Care Connection, 2022; The UN Refugee Agency, n.d.). As with many refugee populations, Somali refugees experience many healthcare inequities including limited understanding of the resettled nation's healthcare system, poor functional health literacy, provider and/or interpreter gender preferences, discrimination, and limited cultural competence of providers (Eklöf et al., 2019; Fang et al., 2015; Gele et al., 2016; Houston et al., 2021; Njenga, 2022; Wångdahl et al., 2018). …


Water Based Therapy Educational Resource And Program Development For Children With Neurological Disorders, Alicia Young Jan 2023

Water Based Therapy Educational Resource And Program Development For Children With Neurological Disorders, Alicia Young

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children with neurological disorders require more social, behavioral, and physical support to be successful in everyday life (Ogundele, 2018). The impairments these children face can often lead to isolation, decreased overall functioning, and impact engagement in occupations such as play, social participation, and leisure (Kwan and Collet, 2020). Access to water-based group lessons can be limited due to one- on-one instruction required. Occupational therapy has the skill set to be able to incorporate play, social participation, and leisure-based activities for children with neurological disorders.


Increasing Parent Confidence And Involvement In The Nicu: An Occupational Therapy Educational Guide, Megan D. Berginski Jan 2023

Increasing Parent Confidence And Involvement In The Nicu: An Occupational Therapy Educational Guide, Megan D. Berginski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Research shows that 40% of mothers with preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) reported feelings of depression, and 23% reported experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms, with that number increasing to 40% after discharge (Harris et al., 2018). Factors that contributed to this included a lack of social support, a lack of empowerment, perceived less capability in their new roles, and the stressful experiences that can happen in this setting (Matricardi et al., 2013; Sabnis et al., 2019). A similar study found that at discharge, 69.8% of parents reported that they were not confident in providing the necessary care …


Let’S Groove: A Dance Program Designed For Children With Disabilities, Michayla Burckhard Jan 2023

Let’S Groove: A Dance Program Designed For Children With Disabilities, Michayla Burckhard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children with disabilities face limited opportunities to participate in the occupation of dance when compared to opportunities available for their non-disabled peers. Barriers to their participation include lack of class opportunities, cost, and knowledge about programs (Carrion et al., 2018). Many dance studios offer integrated or non-specialized classes, but participation by a child with a disability in this type of class is sometimes limited by parental or child fears, or other barriers such as lack of accommodations (Lucas, 2017).


The Effects Of Sensory Exposures On Pre-Term Infants Within The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Isabell Grace Fetsch Jan 2023

The Effects Of Sensory Exposures On Pre-Term Infants Within The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Isabell Grace Fetsch

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting is a very dynamic, complex environment that can greatly affect the well-being and physical development of pre-term infants. Pre-term infants are defined as infants born earlier than 37 weeks’ gestation (CDC, 2021). AOTA (2018) researchers stated that a pre-term infant does not have the self-regulatory tools to adapt to the complex and highly stressful NICU environment. Pineda et al. (2017) explained that the environment within the NICU presents many adverse sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, and stressful human touches. When infants are unable to manage environmental sensory exposures appropriately due …


The Mind Matters: Interprofessional Mental And Emotional Health Guide For Cancer Survivors, Jaecy Giegerich Jan 2023

The Mind Matters: Interprofessional Mental And Emotional Health Guide For Cancer Survivors, Jaecy Giegerich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Cancer is the second-highest leading cause of death in the United States with approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases and over 600,000 deaths in 2022 alone (Department of Health and Human Services et al., 2022). Cancer-related mental health is a primary barrier for engagement in treatment-related care; negatively impacting survivors’ perceived quality of life (Islam et al., 2022). Comprised mental health is one of the contributing factors to suicide. Patients undergoing a cancer diagnosis are at an ever-high suicide risk with incidences higher than other diagnoses (Saad et al., 2019).


Caring For All In The Nicu, Zachary Daniel Gascho Jan 2023

Caring For All In The Nicu, Zachary Daniel Gascho

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the infants who are being examined, evaluated, and treated are not the only people that need to be thought of when providing care. The parents/guardians in the NICU are just as important to consider in providing support. Research has shown that parents who have a child in the NICU experience a great deal of stress and guidelines recommend emotional support intervention in the NICU (Bigsby, 2021; Dudek-Shriber, 2004, Hynan & Hall, 2015). Emotional support is needed for these parents as they are experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that are often left untreated …


Becoming An Occupational Therapy Advocate: A Toolkit For Practitioners, Tiana Jo Griffith Jan 2023

Becoming An Occupational Therapy Advocate: A Toolkit For Practitioners, Tiana Jo Griffith

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Advocacy is an important component of the occupational therapy profession. Advocacy helps advance the profession, promote client well-being, and ensures access to services. Although practitioners are aware of the importance of advocacy, there is still a lack of involvement in advocacy efforts. There are several reasons for the lack of involvement, including insufficient knowledge and preparedness, limited discussion of advocacy, and lack of time to interact with the policy process (Dhillon et al., 2010; Marfeo, 2020; Osman et al., 2020). A toolkit was developed to address the identified barriers by providing occupational therapy practitioners in Wyoming with information and resources …


The Missing Piece: A Sensory Toolkit For Parents, Educators, Healthcare Professionals, And Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Sensory Processing Disorder (Spd)., Jennavive Holm Jan 2023

The Missing Piece: A Sensory Toolkit For Parents, Educators, Healthcare Professionals, And Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Sensory Processing Disorder (Spd)., Jennavive Holm

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project is to create educational material pertaining to sensory processing. The intended audience includes families, caregivers, teachers, and other healthcare professional who treat and/or care for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This sensory toolkit was developed to enhance parents and caregiver education on ASD and SPD diagnoses to increase both the child’s and the caregiver’s quality of life. It is hoped that this sensory toolkit will provide caregivers with invaluable resources and tools to use outside of the clinic. This product will incorporate the expertise of occupational therapy (OT) …


The Impact Of Trauma On Occupational Performance For People Experiencing Homelessness, Isabella Jeanette Johannes Jan 2023

The Impact Of Trauma On Occupational Performance For People Experiencing Homelessness, Isabella Jeanette Johannes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

People transitioning from homelessness experience trauma at three times the risk than the general population (McCurry, 2021). Occupational therapy can provide trauma-informed services that helps people that have experienced homelessness transition to supported housing by addressing occupational competence and identity formation through meaningful activity (McCurry, 2021). Occupational therapy can address this area by educating staff and students that work with this population to be more trauma- informed. It is important to utilize a trauma-informed approach to avoid retraumatization to people that have experienced homelessness (AOTA, 2021). There were two purposes of this project: a) develop advanced knowledge in trauma-informed care, …


Improving Occupational Engagement For Children With Executive Dysfunction, Autumn Hopkin Jan 2023

Improving Occupational Engagement For Children With Executive Dysfunction, Autumn Hopkin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A person's ability to successfully perform complex tasks requires a higher level of thinking made possible through the successful use of executive functions. Executive functions develop over time, but typical development begins in early childhood. When children experience interruptions to development, executive dysfunction can inhibit their ability to reach their full occupational potential with play, academics, and social skill development. This scholarly project aims to promote executive function using an evidence-based approach to support occupational therapy practitioners and the children they serve with executive dysfunction.


Best Practice Occupational Therapy Interventions For Addressing Trauma And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Practitioner Guide, Madison Kay Ertelt Jan 2023

Best Practice Occupational Therapy Interventions For Addressing Trauma And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Practitioner Guide, Madison Kay Ertelt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts approximately 3.6% of adults and 5% of adolescents in the United States and has pervasive impacts on occupational performance (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) likely encounter clients with PTSD frequently due to this widespread prevalence in addition to trauma being comorbid with a variety of mental and physical health conditions. Despite the widespread prevalence of trauma, many OTPs find that trauma-informed care is not adequately implemented in practice (Holman et al., 2022). There is a gap in the literature regarding occupational performance deficits experienced among clients with trauma, knowledge of …


A Holistic Approach To Promoting Sleep For People Emerging From Homelessness: A Good Night’S Rest In Your Nest Sleep Toolkit, Anna Frances Burggraf Jan 2023

A Holistic Approach To Promoting Sleep For People Emerging From Homelessness: A Good Night’S Rest In Your Nest Sleep Toolkit, Anna Frances Burggraf

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Sleep deprivation has been directly linked to chronic health issues, decreased physical and cognitive functioning, and overall decreased quality of life, which limits the ability to engage in desired tasks and occupations (Gonzalez & Tyminski, 2020). Individuals who have experienced homelessness consistently demonstrate higher rates of sleep inadequacies compared to the general public, which highlights the need for service providers to address the quality of sleep participation for this population (Gonzalez & Tyminski, 2020).


Assisting Mothers In The Transition Into Motherhood, Abbey Mckenna Marinucci Jan 2023

Assisting Mothers In The Transition Into Motherhood, Abbey Mckenna Marinucci

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The perinatal period ranges from 22 weeks gestation to 2 years postpartum (Hoekzema et al., 2017; Seth et al., 2016; World Health Organization, n.d.). During the perinatal period, intervention is primarily provided by an obstetrician and gynecologist (OBGYN) during pregnancy. Typically, mothers are discharged on average 2.1 days after a natural birth (Podulka et al., 2011). Women are seen at 6 weeks postpartum where mothers’ physical health is the focus of the visit, leaving mothers' mental health concerns unaddressed and questions typically unanswered (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012 & American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2012 as cited in Corrigan …


Serving The Needs Of The Autism Spectrum Disorder Population, Taylor White Jan 2023

Serving The Needs Of The Autism Spectrum Disorder Population, Taylor White

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is marked by challenges in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior which results in difficulties in many occupations (American Psychological Association [APA], 2013; Crabtree & Demchick, 2018). Occupational therapy is part of the multidisciplinary team providing services to children with ASD. The purpose of this doctoral experiential placement was to gain advanced clinical practice knowledge for serving children with ASD. Additionally, a product focused on enhancing interprofessional collaboration was developed.


Occupational Therpay’S Role When Treating Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Callie Vold Jan 2023

Occupational Therpay’S Role When Treating Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Callie Vold

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Feeding and eating are required occupations that all humans must engage in to meet one of their most basic needs (AOTA, 2020; Maslow, 1943). While feeding and eating allows humans to meet their most basic physiological needs it also allows them to meet other needs of Maslow's Hierarchy along with engaging in valued occupations (AOTA, 2020; Maslow, 1943. Children with Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD) have difficulty with one or more areas of feeding which are medical, nutritional, feeding skill and/or psychosocial dysfunction (Fleet et al., 2022; Goday et al., 2019; Howe & Wang, 2013; Marshall et al., 2015; Sharp et …


Improving Transitions For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: A Dual-Component Resource, Benjamin Frederick Stagg Jan 2023

Improving Transitions For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: A Dual-Component Resource, Benjamin Frederick Stagg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Returning to societal functions after a spinal cord injury is often the primary goal of most individuals (Kennedy et al., 2010). The transition out of rehabilitation is often inhibited by many difficulties ranging from a lack of quality peer supports, a gap in post-discharge care, an absence of psychological support, and experiences of unaddressed chronic pain, worries about bowel and bladder accidents, altered body image, concerns about autonomic dysreflexia, and spasms (Dickson et al., 2011; Kennedy et al., 2010). Transitions for individuals with spinal cord injuries presents a clear area of need for this scholarly project.