Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Managing Dual Relationships In Rural Healthcare Settings: An Education Module For Occupational Therapists, Jennifer Maus, Caroline Olson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Dual relationships are a common challenge for health care providers serving a rural community. A dual relationship is when a therapist has a professional and a personal relationship with a client. Occupational therapists may be at greater risk for dual relationships because of the personal nature of their interventions. These relationships create ethical dilemmas between the patient and the therapist and impact the effectiveness ofthe delivery of therapy services. A literature review includes information on the following topics: issues of rural healthcare, occupational therapy in rural healthcare, dual/multiple relationships, and continuing education.

The project is a continuing educational course on …

Falls Prevention Program For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Brittanie Field, Krista Radi

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a multidisciplinary falls prevention program manual intended to be implemented in Senior Citizen Centers (SCC) for the community-dwelling older adult population. Falls have a major impact on the independence of the older adult population aged 65 years and older (Stevens & Sogolow, 2008). Therefore, the goal of this project is to promote healthy aging in place through the use of meaningful occupations in order to potentially reduce the number of falls among the older adults.

A literature review was conducted to obtain scientific reading and research to find what has and …

A Clinical Guide To The Psychosocial Issues Related To Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injuries, Mandy Christen, Becky Hansmeier

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents who sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) demonstrate changes in personality, such as mood swings, irritability, impulsivity, argumentative behaviors, decreased frustration tolerance, and difficulty cooperating (Prigatano & Gray, 2007; Prigatano & Gray, 2008; Souza, Braga, Filho, & Dellatolas, 2007). These clients also have an increased susceptibility to psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, later in the lifespan as physical and cognitive demands increase (Koponen et al., 2002; Luis & Mittenberg, 2002; Viguier, Dellatolas, Gasquet, Martin, & Choquet, 2001). Despite these substantial risk factors, a significant number of children and adolescents continue to have unrecognized or unmet …

Guidelines For Environmental Considerations In Occupational Therapy Home Programs For Arthritis, Lori Pachl

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Occupational therapists frequently provide service to patients with arthritis within a variety of settings. The symptoms of arthritis can be detrimental to a patient's ability to participate in their daily functional activities. Pain, limitation in motion and decreased strength frequently disrupt the individual's ability to complete daily activities which can have a depressing affect. Historically through today, patients report that these symptoms increase with changes in weather conditions.

Changes in barometric pressure, humidity, cold temperatures and levels of precipitation have been reported by patients to affect their arthritic symptoms and pain levels (Aikman, 1996; Guedj, 1990; McAlindon, 2007; & …

A Handwriting Manual For Early Elementary School Teachers, Jennifer Frueh, Nicole Kieffer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children in elementary school classrooms are expected to participate in fine motor activities up to 60% of the day. These fine motor activities include writing, cutting, gluing, coloring, and self care tasks such as buttoning and tying shoes (McHale & Cermak, 1992). In a literature review conducted by Feder and Majnemer (2007) it was found that poor handwriting has a negative impact on academic and social performance into adolescence. Consequences of poor handwriting may be avoidance of fine motor activities (Jackman & Stagnitti, 2007) and decreased academic performance which may lead to poor self esteem (McHale & Cermak, 1992).

Jackman …

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An In-Service And Guide On Education And Prevention, Derek Foss

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is common among supermarket employees with a high prevalence among supermarket cashiers. In a study by Davis et. aI., (2001) it was found that supermarkets had the highest number of workman's compensation claims regarding CTS in Massachusetts. Of 247 reported cases of CTS in supermarkets 80 involved cashiers. Supermarket cashiers show a 19-60% CTS prevalence rate (Bonfiglioli et aI. , 2007). No prevention guide designed for supermarket employees was found in the literature; this scholarly project addresses the need for prevention of CTS among supermarket employees.

An extensive literature review was conducted to understand the need …

Vision Therapy Promotional Packet: Through The Eyes Of Traumatic Brain Injury/Acquired Brain Injury: An Informational Resource On The Role Of Ot, Sarah A. Cooper, Whitney Schilling

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"Very few in the health care professions, including head trauma rehabilitation centers, are adequately aware of visual problems resulting from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)/ Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and the visual-perception consequences. These visual deficits may lead to impaired functioning in the person's daily activities and roles because vision affects all other functions" (braininjuries.org, ~ 1). A few examples of activities of daily living (ADL's) and instrumental activities of daily living (lADL's) that may be impacted by visual deficits include but are not limited to: driving, eating, dressing, leisure participation (movies, reading, sports), and employment. "Unfortunately, this creates a gap …

An Occupational Therapist's Guide For Rehabilitative Driving With Traumatic Brain Injured Clients, Josiah Hadsall

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Traumatic brain injuries are devastating occurrence accounting for nearly 10 million injuries occurring each year, with 2 million of those occurring in the United States. As these individuals progress through rehabilitation and begin to acquire independence once again, they look for opportunities to reintegrate within the communities which they live. Driving has been identified as a monumental stage of rehabilitation and is a key way to experience the community for individuals after a traumatic brain injury. This scholarly project was conducted to help occupational therapists addressing driving rehabilitation with traumatic brain injured clients and help ease some of the problems …

An Occupational Therapy Guide For Teaching Handwriting Skills To Adults, Kyla Miller, Nichole Schroeder

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Handwriting is a skill utilized widely by adults; however, there is a lack of guidelines, information, or literature on the subject as it relates to adults. The purpose of this project was to develop guidelines for occupational therapists to use when providing handwriting interventions with adults. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, DynaMed, and professional journals to further understand the topic of handwriting with adults and its relation to occupational therapy. Currently, there is limited research and information regarding handwriting with adults and no programs or guidelines were found to assist occupational therapists in developing treatment interventions …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Pre And Post Liver Transplant Patients, Tina M. Sauber

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Liver transplantation is the only treatment of choice for chronic liver disease. The illness distress associated with liver disease and transplantation involves every aspect of the individual's life (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) and impacts the individual's quality of life, an important outcome measure of life satisfaction and well-being (Belle, Hoofnagle, Lake, Porayko & Zatlerman, 1997). Patients on the liver transplant waiting list experience a decline in functional performance or may expire while waiting.

The occupational therapist has the challenge of motivating the patient to independently mange his or her life and will complete a comprehensive evaluation with emphasis on …

A Wellness Program For Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Kristina Bouley, Lynsey Schirado

Occupational Therapy Capstones

When researching wellness programs for adults with developmental disabilities, the authors found there to be several barriers to wellness for this population, with one of these barriers being physical activity. Many adults with developmental disabilities do not engage in adequate amounts of physical activity (Havercamp, Scandlin, and Roth, 2004). This may be impart to inadequate access to transportation to get to and from the fitness facility (Heller, Hsieh, & Rimmer, 2004; U.S. Public Health Service, 2001), the cost of joining a fitness facility program (Heller, Hsieh, & Rimmer, 2004; Temple & Walkley, 2007), or challenges in accessing fitness equipment (Heller, …

A Quick Guide To The Management Of Traumatic Upper Extremity Injuries: For Entry Level Occupational Therapists, Marty Melland

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to Kasch, Greenberg, and Muenzen (2003), occupational therapists who are initiating their entry into hand therapy or upper extremity or1hopaedic specialization do not have the knowledge and skills of an experienced therapist. This is especially true for occupational and physical therapists who enter the workforce with a general overview of many treatments but have not trained or worked in a specialized upper extremity or1hopaedic practice. Upper extremity orthopaedics is a specialty area of the occupational therapy (OT) profession which requires not only a wide range of generalized knowledge and experience, but also an extended knowledge of specific diagnostic categories …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To A Wellness Program For Adolescents With Mental Illness, Holly Silewski, Christina Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to identify wellness needs of adolescents with mental illness (MI) and to provide a structured program that incorporates occupational activities into wellness programming within a mental health setting.

A literature review was conducted using PubMed, EBSCOhost, PsychInfo, SCOPUS, OT search, and CINAHL to determine the need for wellness programs for this population. Resources included journals, books, websites, government agencies, and government reports.

After an extensive literature review it was found that there are a limited number of wellness programs, as well as a need among adolescents with MI, as evidenced by increasing rates of …

Promoting Children's Health In The Home Environment: A Parent/Guardian Handbook, Shannon Troje, Stacie Voth

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The World Health Organization (2003) stated that "obesity is a global epidemic". The United States (U.S.) in particular has a statistically significant higher rate of obesity in children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2003), 15.3% of children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old are obese as a result of unhealthy habits and routines. Because these habits and routines often begin in the home environment, health promotion activities should involve parents/guardians (Manios, Kafatos, & Mamalakis, 1998).

At this time there are few resources available for parents/guardians and their children to promote wellness in the home environment. …

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. …