Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy's Role In Matching Handlers And Assistance Dogs With Occupational Needs, Jyoti K. Tatla

Student Capstone Papers

In the past two decades, there has been an increase in the use of assistance dogs to improve health, function, and companionship (Walther et al., 2017). Although assistance dogs offer a variety of benefits for individuals with different needs, matching a person with a suitable dog is not always successful the first time. Optimal matches can be achieved by adding occupational therapy to strengthen the evaluation process.

The two major purposes of this project were: 1) to observe and assess the current matching process of assistance dog programs and 2) identifying occupational therapy’s role in aiding the evaluation process. This …

Improving Awareness And Access To Adaptive Sports, Alison S. Takagaki

Student Capstone Papers

Adaptive sports can be defined as a recreational activity that allows individuals to improve their overall quality of life through an occupation they enjoy (Aytur et al., 2018). Barriers to participation in adaptive sports programs include a lack of resources, limited programs identified, and difficulty in finding the best program to fit the athletes’ needs (Lape et al., 2018). Adaptive sports have been seen as a holistic rehabilitative care plan that helps to improve self-esteem, build self-identity, increase confidence, and provide higher life satisfaction (DiVincenzo, 2013). Occupational therapists can play a role in helping enhance participation in adaptive sports by …

Perceived Impact Of Non-Contact Boxing On Daily Life And Occupational Participation At Home Among Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Kristen E. Bignal

Student Capstone Papers

The aim of this project was to determine whether individuals with Parkinson's disease perceive an impact on their daily life and occupational participation at home secondary to participation in non-contact boxing.

Semi-structured open-ended interview questions were conducted with 17 participants (3 female) who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for(i.e., self-care, home and health maintenance, sleep, intimacy, social and leisure interests, etc.) in the home environment. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed utilizing thematic analysis.

Data analysis derived three overarching themes including psychological benefits, sense of community, and framework to develop routines. Subsequent research exploring how non-contact boxing directly impacts specific …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Pain Management Using Virtual Reality, Johnathan Quach

Student Capstone Papers

Pain is a complex phenomenon that affects millions every day and is frequently associated with activity restriction and decreases in psycho-social health. Studies have shown that opioids alone cannot eliminate all the difficulties that are associated with chronic pain, demonstrating a dire need to consider safer and more effective alternatives. Furthermore, given the impact of chronic pain on an individual’s ability to perform valued activities, and therefore overall well-being and quality of life, occupational therapy must be considered an essential member of any pain management team. Thus, there may be potential benefits to reviewing the use of virtual reality (VR) …

Exploring Occupational Disruption In Newly Diagnosed Individuals With Cancer With Minor (Dependent) Children, Riley S. Harrold

Student Capstone Papers

Background: According to the American Cancer Society (2019), there were more than 1.7 million new cases of cancer in 2019 alone. Individuals are being diagnosed at a young age with 22.4% of cases occurring in individuals 22-55 years old and whom are childrearing age (Shah et al., 2017). There are an estimated 2.85 million children under the age of 18 who are living with a parent who has cancer (Shah et al., 2017). Newly diagnosed individuals face changes in daily life, the threat of possible death, and fear of dying (Compas et al., 1994). Changes in shared family roles …

Animal-Assisted Therapy And Quality Of Life In Patients With Dementia, Karissa D. Thomson

Student Capstone Papers

The aim of this quantitative study was to examine the effects animal-assisted therapy (AAT) had on people diagnosed with dementia living in a nursing home. The study aimed to examine the effects AAT had on depression, blood pressure, social interaction, and how these factors impact quality of life (QOL). The study was conducted once a week for one hour on Thursdays for 6 weeks. 7 participants were included in the study and further broken down into two groups based upon their level of cognition as measured by the Mini-Mental Status Examination. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the World Health Organization …

Supporting The Role And Transition To Motherhood Through The Occupation Of Feeding, Bethanne N. Vidmar

Student Capstone Papers

The purpose of this capstone was to assess and explore the occupational needs of mothers who are feeding their infants in a variety of ways to then identify psychosocial and occupational barriers effecting women’s choices in feeding options for their infant through survey and interviews and opportunities for occupational therapists to become more involved in the occupation of breastfeeding.

Data analysis for this capstone project consisted of running a needs assessment in Santa Barbara County. The needs assessment consisted of written or online surveys and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Of the 95 women who filled out the hard-copy or online survey, …

Non-Pharmaceutical Methods For Pain Management: An Occupational Therapist’S Perspective On Chronic Pain, Alison L. Brown

Student Capstone Papers

Typically pharmaceuticals are the first intervention for chronic pain but in a world where there is an opioid crisis, and chronic pain rates rising, is there more to be done? A non-pharmaceutical approach to chronic pain management can be addressed through occupational therapy. Occupational therapists are specialized to handle these types of interventions. This capstone provides evidence to support the use of aquatic therapy, adaptive equipment, adaptive strategies, fitness-based programs, and ergonomics for a non-pharmaceutical approach in occupational therapy.

Occupational Therapy's Role In The Transition To Employment For Youth And Young Adults, Jeanne M. Ventura

Student Capstone Papers

Employment rates for persons with disabilities are shockingly low at 30%, while 70% remain unemployed. Some of the reasons for this disparity found in the research include a lack of preparation during high school, a lack of occupational therapy involvement in the transition to work process, and limited transition resources in rural communities resulting in students with disabilities graduating from high school without the skills necessary to secure employment. The goal of this project was to create a pre-employment course at a local YMCA in Warsaw, IN with occupational therapy-based curriculum for youth and young adults with disabilities to help …

Leadership Roles In The Field Of Occupational Therapy, Christina Pitts

Student Capstone Papers

The idea of this capstone project was to learn about leadership through expertise and experience. The first portion of the project consisted of reviewing the literature and interviewing four occupational therapists that currently have a leadership role within the healthcare industry to gain insight into leadership qualities. The second potion included being at a facility (Advent Therapy in Richmond Hill, G.A.) for 14 weeks to observe and learn about current programs, and with the guidance of the therapists and management of the facility, develop and implement a program that was deemed to be beneficial to the client population.

Occupational Therapy Student Pro Bono Clinic: Creating A Sustainable Model, Shane Tong

Student Capstone Papers

The purpose of this project was to create a model for a sustainable student pro bono clinic with a clear mission and vision that aligned with that of the occupational therapy (OT) profession. This project consisted of interviewing founding members of similar programs, conducting an indirect needs assessment, and performing a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of current pro bono clinic operations at the University of St. Augustine College for Health Sciences (USAHS). These results, combined with input from key stakeholders, were used to develop a strategic plan to support the development of future pro bono clinics by …

Exploring The Concurrent Validity Of The Indoor Mobility Pre-Driving Screen (Imps): A Comparison Of The Imps And Ef-Car Motion Driving Simulator., Nicholas T. Bolen

Student Capstone Papers

This paper details the results of a non-experimental assessment comparison study of concurrent validity in which the Indoor Mobility Pre-driving Screen (IMPS) is compared to an EF-Car Motion Driving Simulator. 36 participants completed both assessments concurrently. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's r correlations. Results show low to moderate correlations between the compared assessments.

Inclusion In Religion And Spirituality For Children With Special Needs, Mackinzie C. Weiss

Student Capstone Papers

The proposed vision of this capstone project will focus on using occupational therapy interventions to help a local church be more inclusive to children and families with special needs. This capstone project will partner with a pre-existing special needs program to develop evidence based volunteer training, implement a parent respite program, and introduce a movement based program.

Enhancing Engagement In Older Adults With Alzheimer's Disease At A Reminiscencce Therapy Adult Day Center, Kendra C. Gillio

Student Capstone Papers

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative form of dementia, which can impair an individual’s executive functioning, orientation, and memory; ultimately leading to mood and behavior changes (Alzate, 2018). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting approximately 60% to 70% of the older adult population aged 65 and older (Santos da Silva, de Oliveira Alves, Barros Leite Slagueiro & Bezerra Barbosa, 2018). Currently, the number of individuals with dementia is estimated at approximately 50 million people worldwide and is expected to climb to 152 million people by the year 2050 (Rathbone, et. al, 2019). Damage to the brain develops …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Homeless Women And Women At-Risk Of Homelessness, Kelcey Storkersen

Student Capstone Papers

This paper seeks to identify the occupational barriers and needs of homeless women and women at risk of homelessness. A qualitative research study was performed to learn more about the lived experience of two women at-risk of homelessness. Themes uncovered in this study are described in order to provide more understanding and advocacy for this population. A program proposal was delivered for future fieldwork students to provide occupational therapy students at this resource center.

Development Of A Financial Literacy Component For A Comprehensive Secondary Transition Program For Diploma-Bound Students With Learning Differences, Rose Marie Borillo

Student Capstone Papers

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are required to provide transition planning for students with disabilities and mental illness by age 16 (Eismann et al, 2017). Occupational therapists have been underutilized in secondary transition planning, despite their expertise in targeting functional abilities, comprehension, and health using activity analysis to promote skill attainment and achieve independence (Mankey 2012; Eismann et al, 2017).

At the Winston School, there was no formal transition program aside from the individual college counseling provided by a staff member. A coordinated transition program was indicated to prepare students for life after high school to …

Caregiver Perspectives On Telehealth: A Service Delivery For Occupational Therapy, Rebecca Johnston

Student Capstone Papers

Telehealth; also known as telerehabilitation, telecare, telemedicine, teletherapy, and telepractice; is an emerging healthcare service that is utilized in various healthcare facilities with a span of ages, conditions, and locations (World Federation of Occupational Therapy [WFOT], 2014). Telehealth utilizes information and communication technologies to deliver services to a patient when the healthcare provider is not in the same location (WFOT, 2014). Telehealth can provide an online platform for evaluations, consultations, monitoring, supervision, and intervention with patients and other professionals (WFOT, 2014).

Telehealth is an emerging method of delivering occupational therapy (OT) services to various populations, including: children and youth; productive …

Lifestyle Management For Vestibular Disorders, Michelle Pock

Student Capstone Papers

Individuals with vestibular disorders have concerns that impact lifestyle including limiting activities of daily living, limiting participation in social events, difficulty driving, and difficulty working (Cohen, 2014). Occupational therapists are able to help individuals with vestibular disorders by task analyzing symptom provoking activities, assessing the impact of symptoms on occupations, providing adaptations, and providing ways to modify environments (Gronski, Neville, Kannenberg, & Cohen, 2017). While occupational therapists are qualified to provide services to sustain and improve the occupational performance of individuals with vestibular disorders, occupational therapy is not well represented in this area particularly in addressing lifestyle components for vestibular …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Survivors Of Human Trafficking, Margaux Mariano

Student Capstone Papers

Human trafficking involves sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and trafficking of children. The needs of survivors of human trafficking are widespread due to the traumatic experiences they face. Concerns that may arise include decreased participation in meaningful activities in an individual's life, possibly due to anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, memory loss, posttraumatic stress disorder, and social isolation. Individuals who have been subjected to human trafficking often experience occupational deprivation and occupational therapy has yet to establish its role in the recovery process for survivors. This capstone project consists of the process towards the development of an occupation-based, trauma-informed, evidence-based, and survivor-centered …

Perspectives Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners On Benefits And Barriers On Providing Occupational Therapy Services Via Telehealth, Taylor Corey

Student Capstone Papers

The purpose of this project is to gain a better understanding of the provider’s perspectives about the strengths and barriers of occupational therapy (OT) services provided via telehealth. Based on the evidence that will be collected through surveys and interviews, this research can help determine specific factors on whether or not therapist choose to provide services through telehealth. Centered around those perspectives of telehealth, the results can help explore more in depth on the issues and concerns therapists have regarding telehealth as a service delivery model.

Occupational Therapy's Role In Maternal Mental Health Within Transition From Nicu To Home, Victoria Briltz

Student Capstone Papers

The purpose of this capstone project is to identify OT’s role in maternal mental health following the transition home from a NICU setting. This capstone project focused on mothers’ roles, routines, and environment during the transition from the NICU to home. Mothers may feel unprepared for the discharge home when their babies are ready to leave the NICU (Boykova, 2016). Occupational therapists address occupational performance through skilled interventions for women during the perinatal period; however, there is a lack of evidence guiding occupational therapy for providing services for maternal wellness (Slootjes, 2016).

Data analysis for this capstone project consisted of …

Identifying Opportunities For The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Correctional Setting, Maxwell Sand

Student Capstone Papers

This study provides insight into the experiences of 7 individuals who had previous first-hand experience working in a correctional setting. Workplace culture related to health and wellness are discussed where participants disclose negative effects the environment posed to their well-being which in turn impacted their job satisfaction. Correctional settings prove not only to be restrictive to inmates, but also to staff members as they limit access to meaningful occupations, roles, and routines. Job demands linked to poor work policies and interaction with inmates are also found to take a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally which further exacerbates symptoms of stress, …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Primary Care, Tina Rosselli

Student Capstone Papers

Background: With an increase in adult chronic conditions (Holstein, 2018), as well as a growing number of older adults aging in place (Dickson & Toto, 2018), primary care will continue to see the greatest number of patients as it is the first point of contact for a person to enter the health-care system. Most primary care clinics are reimbursed based on quality outcome measures, which means insurance payers are looking at the value of care instead of the quantity of services (Halle et al., 2018). There is value in as well as an absence of assessment of occupational participation …

Assessing Workplace Wellness For The Occupation Of Hairdressing, Alex Kim

Student Capstone Papers

There is presently a lack of occupational therapy interventions that holistically treat work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) commonly found in the hairdressing population. Current studies found in the literature solely focus on the hairdressers’ symptoms, which leads to a more limited understanding of their situation. Furthermore, this focus on symptoms could lead to the possibility of overlooking confounding variables that could play a role in impacting these workers. This capstone project aims to examine the hairdressing occupation as a whole, assessing the health-related needs of hairdressers and create a holistic program that would address current needs and future preventative treatments for …

Increasing Social Participation In Senior Center Through Program Development, Diana Dinh

Student Capstone Papers

With the rise of an aging population, it is important to identify effective practices that fosters social participation in community-dwelling older adults. This aim of this project was to evaluate the need for adapting or enhancing current social programming in order to provide more opportunities for engagement at the San Marcos Senior Activity Center. 22 seniors and staff members, including volunteers, were interviewed on a continuous basis and responses were recorded on audiotapes. Current classes and social behavior at the senior center were also observed using field notes. All audiotapes and observation field notes were then transcribed verbatim and analyzed …

Identifying Occupational Therapy Role For Individuals In Substance Abuse And Addiction Recovery Programs, Tyler Cruz

Student Capstone Papers

The main purpose of this capstone project was to identify a potential occupational therapy role for the substance abuse and addiction population in residential treatment settings and advocate that role to various residential recovery programs.

A qualitative methods approach was used for this project that included direct observation and participant interviews. An observation chart tool was used to collect data and was later analyzed via thematic coding.

Occupational areas of leisure exploration and participation and social participation were found to be the two most common themes after data analysis. Other areas of occupation that were less prominent however still important …

Promoting Productive Aging Among Low-Income Older Adults, Sarah Matsuoka

Student Capstone Papers

Productive aging is a topic of great significance due to the increasing older adult population. Interfaith provides services to older adults in low-income housing to help support their abilities to remain more independent as they age. The purpose of the capstone was to gain understanding of marginalized older adults instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) performance issues. The preliminary objectives were to (1) establish an understanding of the needs of the older adults; (2) perform in-depth interviews for the needs assessment; (3) assess current resources available in North County San Diego; and (4) develop a program incorporating recommendations to increase …

Tic Adapted Child Occupational Self-Assessment (Cosa-T): Modified Tool Based On Clinician Feedback, Heather S. Martin Ppotd, Otr/L, Jan Rowe Dr.Ot, Mph, Otr/L, Faota

Student Capstone Papers

Tic disorders and Tourette syndrome include motor and vocal tics, affecting as much as 1% of the population (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2016). In addition, Tourette syndrome is often associated with comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions that have been linked to poorer quality of life (QoL) in youth compared to peers (Conelea et al., 2011). To manage this lessened QoL, mental health providers have historically treated these youth (Woods et al., 2008). More recently, occupational therapists have noted success in treating these children (Rowe, Yuen & Dure, 2013). In general, occupational therapists address QoL by assessing and treating occupations, roles, and …