Occupational Therapy Commons^™

She Said, She Said: A Conversation About Growing Education Research In Occupational Therapy, Barbara Hooper, Sylvia Rodger

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Achieving Teaching, Scholarship, And Service Through Community Engagement, Carole K. Ivey, Jodi L. Teitelman, Kelli W. Gary, Dianne F. Simons, Jayne T. Shepherd, Albert E. Copolillo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy faculty currently face enormous challenges in meeting teaching load expectations, while also under pressure to participate in scholarly projects and to make administrative and service contributions. Community engagement projects may provide opportunities for faculty to effectively and efficiently meet the goals in each of these areas while imparting benefits to students and community partners as well. Faculty at the Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) embraced this idea as consistent with the university’s mission and strategic plan, and recognized its benefits in assisting faculty to meet workload demands. Four community partnerships reflecting the range …

Eportfolio: The Scholarly Capstone For The Practice Doctoral Degree In Occupational Therapy, Jim Hinojosa, Tsu-Hsin Howe

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

A critical decision doctoral faculty must make is deciding what is the most appropriate capstone or terminal requirement for the practice doctorate degree that is consistent with the program’s curriculum. EPortfolios are a viable option for documenting doctoral students’ advanced knowledge and competence. After creating a professional development plan, the students record individual experiences and reflections framed by a self-selected metaphor, provide objective documentation of achievements, and verify advanced competence in a specific area in their ePortfolios. As the students construct their ePortfolios, they must engage in self-directed learning that is grounded in evidence-based and reflective practice, with a focus …

Peer Observation And Evaluation Tool (Poet): A Formative Peer Review Supporting Scholarly Teaching, Jeffrey L. Crabtree, Patricia J. Scott, Fengyi Kuo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Peer Observation and Evaluation Tool (POET) is a valid and reliable measure developed for formative peer evaluation of pharmacy faculty. The authors replicated a study conducted on the POET in pharmacy in order to report the instrument’s validity and reliability in occupational therapy and to explore its potential as a formative teaching evaluation for occupational therapy educators. To verify item importance, seven participants from the faculty in an occupational therapy department rated each item. To establish inter-rater reliability, the participants evaluated one videotaped 55 min lecture. The POET was reliable with ICC at 0.93. There were high levels of …

Student Perceptions Of Scholarly Writing, Shirley Peganoff O'Brien, Dory Marken, Kelsey Bennett Petrey

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Learning the process of scholarly writing, including the significance of peer review, is an essential element in the preparation of students for professional practice. This descriptive research study, using Scholarship of Teaching and Learning methodology, explores one approach to teaching scholarly writing in an occupational science/occupational therapy curriculum. The writing assignment was designed to offer multiple points for feedback and revision and instructional features to reinforce learning. A survey of students [n = 169] participating in this scholarly writing project was conducted yearly to gather their perceptions of learning. The results revealed four key elements: instructional strategies are needed …

Development Of A Clinical Performance Assessment Tool For An Occupational Therapy Teaching Clinic, Whitney Henderson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Health professional education is experiencing increased accountability from higher education and professional accrediting bodies to produce professionals who are prepared to meet the demands of the complex, fast-paced, ever changing health-care environment. Using competency-based assessment methods to evaluate a student’s performance can assist to decrease the gap between education and practice and ease the critical transition from the classroom to the clinic. A variety of assessment methods that use a Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) framework to assess student performance and competency can be found throughout the health professions literature. Because of the lack of literature about the assessment of student …

Development And Psychometric Properties Of The Emotional Intelligence Admission Essay Scale, Sharon A. Gutman, Janet P. Falk-Kessler

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose was to describe the development and psychometric properties of the Emotional Intelligence Admission Essay scale. The authors developed an admission essay question and rating scale designed to provide information about applicants’ emotional intelligence (EI). Content validity, convergent validity, interrater reliability, and internal consistency were established. The scale was also examined to determine if it could discriminate between students with and without professional behavior problems in the academic and fieldwork settings. Content validity was found to be high by a panel of three experts in EI (content validity index = 1.0). Convergent validity with the Assessing Emotions Scale was …

Digital Storytelling As Poetic Reflection In Occupational Therapy Education: An Empirical Study, Lisebet S. Skarpaas, Grete Jamissen, Cecilie Krüger, Vigdis Holmberg, Pip Hardy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Stories are powerful aids to reflection. Thus, the use of stories may be a pathway to enhanced reflective practice and clinical reasoning skills. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether and how digital storytelling can contribute to occupational therapy (OT) students’ learning through reflections on experiences from placement education. A cohort of OT students (n = 57) participated in a 2-day workshop to create digital stories. Data were generated through a questionnaire with a response rate of 100% of students who completed the workshop (n = 34). Quantitative analysis methods were used to reveal a level of agreement …

Professional Portfolios Used By Canadian Occupational Therapists: How Can They Be Improved?, Brigitte Vachon, Annie Rochette, Aliki Thomas, Welove Foucar Desormeaux, Ai-Thuy Huynh

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Professional portfolios are widely used in continuing professional development (CPD), despite limited evidence of their effectiveness for improving practice and professional competence. Occupational therapy regulatory organizations in Canada have implemented professional portfolios as tools that support engagement in CPD. To advance research and practice on the use of portfolios, we conducted a critical analysis of their format, content, and embedded learning process. This paper aims to describe and compare the portfolios’ characteristics when they are used as a tool to facilitate engagement in CPD. A document review approach was used to analyze documents describing continuing competence programs and portfolios and …

Student Rating Of Skill Performance Opportunities In Faculty-Directed Research, Carrie A. Ciro, Mary Isaacson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose was to examine the feasibility of creating a faculty-driven research-based fieldwork (FW) I experience and to examine whether students engaged in a research-based FW I would report equivalent skill performance opportunities as students engaged in traditional FW I experiences. Twenty-four first-year occupational therapy students were given the option of choosing either a research-based FW I experience with a faculty member (n = 5) or a traditional FW I site (n = 19). The students self-reported their opportunities to perform ACOTE standards of practice related to professionalism, professional reasoning, use of sciences, and experiential learning using a Likert scale. …

Developing An Indigenous, Entry-Level Master’S Degree Program In A Country With An Emerging Ot Profession, Lesley A. Garcia, Julie D. Kugel, Heather Javaherian-Dysinger, Esther Huecker

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago the full range of physical, mental, psychological, and socially derived problems of occupational engagement exist. Occupational therapy is often a part of the health care team to address these challenges; however, the profession is at an emergent stage in the country. This paper describes a process used for the development of an indigenous entry-level master’s degree program in occupational therapy. The process was also supported and enhanced by the collaborative relationships among key stakeholders, including global partners. A qualitative design process was used to analyze the health care needs, barriers, and strategies that …

Broadening The Scope And Impact Of Occupational Therapy Education Research By Merging Two Research Agendas: A New Research Agenda Matrix, Barbara Hooper

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Arts Of Life: A Place For Artists To Participate And Engage, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Arts of Life is an innovative, Chicago-based day program where artists with and without disabilities have the opportunity to participate in artwork. It was created out of an identified need for individuals with a developmental disability to foster community engagement in artistic endeavors. Arts of Life has its foundation in four core values: inspiring artistic expression, building community, promoting self-respect, and developing independence. It bases its programming on these values, which help to maintain a collective environment that promotes artistic freedom for all individuals.

Assessing Functional Impairment In Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment, Patricia Da Cunha Belchior, Taranpreet Bains, Jennifer Hargadon, Sofia Tran, Courtney Uphoff, Jade Chiu W. Kwok, Navaldeep Kaur, Isabelle Gelinas

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

To date, there is no consensus on how to assess functional impairment in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and this lack of consensus is reflected in the clinical practice. Since the criterion used in the literature is very vague, clinicians are still left without much guidance in this area. Thus, the main goal of this study was to examine how functional impairment in individuals with MCI has been assessed in the literature.

An electronic database search strategy was developed in consultation with an experienced librarian. Four databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and MEDLINE) were searched from 2000 to May 2014 …

The Care For The Dying: A Critical Historical Analysis Of Occupational Therapy In Hospice., Marion Russell, Angela Bahle-Lampe

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper presents an historical analysis of occupational therapy’s role in hospice care with relation to past and current hospice practices, as well as cultural forces that impact that role. Since the beginning of the movement, hospice has developed into a strong component of end-of-life care, and occupational therapy practice models and interventions are unique in addressing the occupational needs of clients during this stage of life. Despite compelling evidence of the positive impact of employing occupational therapists, there continue to be significant barriers to implementation of services. The author proposes that the concept of occupation, as experienced at the …

Interprofessional Education In Occupational Therapy: The Idaho State University Model, Bryan M. Gee, Jennifer Holst, Kathleen Baron, Eydie Kendall, Sarah Knudson, Laura Mcknight, Karren Streagle

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Interprofessional education (IPE) is becoming a common practice among most allied health professions as a part of entry level training. IPE is intended to promote greater professional collaboration in routine clinical practice. The prerequisites for this type of educational process include gaining an understanding of one’s own and other professions while developing mutual respect, trust, and communication skills. The Idaho State University (ISU) Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team (IET) course delivery model is one such vehicle which fosters IPE across numerous disciplines while providing significant clinical support to the local community. This study presents the ISU IET course process, which combines clinical …

Knowledge Translation Activities In Occupational Therapy Organizations: The Canadian Landscape, Catherine A. Donnelly, Heidi Cramm, Amanda Mofina, Marie-Eve Lamontagne, Shalini Lal, Heather Colquhoun

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Despite acknowledging the importance of knowledge translation (KT), the occupational therapy profession has demonstrated only emerging KT activity. Organizations are seen as playing an important role in supporting KT. To date, there have been no known attempts to explore KT activities conducted by occupational therapy organizations in Canada. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe KT activities occurring in Canadian occupational therapy organizations. An environmental scan was used to identify KT activities. The websites of occupational therapy national and provincial associations and/or regulatory bodies and the educational programs were searched. A Knowledge Mobilization Matrix (KMM) website was …

Exploring The Relationship Between Entry-Level Master’S Program Class Size And The Number Of Graduate Credits Offered And Aggregate Nbcot Pass Rates, Scott Truskowski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The AOTA and ACOTE have discussed a transition to a mandated entry-level clinical doctorate degree (Harvison, 2013). Following the move to the entry-level master’s degree in 2007, the overall national pass rate on the national certification examination fell from 88% in 2006 to 77% by 2009 (Harvison, 2011; Harvison, 2012). This study sought to determine if the number of graduate credits offered or the class size of an entry-level master’s program impacts student outcomes on the national certification examination. Publicly available data was mined from all accredited entry-level master’s programs. Data were imported into the SPSS for statistical analysis. The …

An Open-Access Review To Determine Best Evidence-Based Practice For Copd, Beth Ann Walker, Heidi Breckner, Morgan Carrier, Wendy Pullen, Erin Reagan, Lisa Telfer, Taryn Zimmerman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The manifestation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can have an enormous impact on individuals’ areas of occupation, specifically activities of daily living. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have the ability to efficiently treat these clients using evidence-based interventions to achieve optimal functioning and quality of life. The purpose of this research study was to identify specific interventions supported by evidence for consumers with COPD using an open-access database for OT.

Method: A thematic synthesis of 102 articles available on COPD via the open-access database OTseeker was used in this study. A constant comparison approach revealed seven descriptive themes for …

Use Of Occupational Performance Coaching For Stroke Survivors (Opc-Stroke) In Late Rehabilitation: A Descriptive Case Study, Danika Belliveau, Isabelle Belliveau, Aniane Camire-Raymond, Dorothy Kessler, Mary Egan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults. Following stroke, 60% of people report needing help with everyday activities, and 80% report having very few meaningful activities. These restrictions often continue for years. This study explored the efficacy of Occupational Performance Coaching for stroke survivors (OPC-Stroke) on the participation level of adults in the later stage of stroke rehabilitation.

Method: A descriptive case study design was used. One participant in the later stages of rehabilitation was recruited. Outcome measures for participation, goal performance and satisfaction, and emotional well-being were administered pre and postintervention to observe for direction of …

Feasibility Of A Research Protocol To Investigate The Effect Of The Therapressuretm Program Using Salivary Cortisol, Scott Weeks, Kobie Boshoff, Hugh Stewart, Shona Kelly, Chris B. Della Vedova

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: There is an absence of high quality research to support the use of the Therapressure Program^TM. This pilot study aimed at developing appropriate research protocols to investigate the effectiveness of the Therapressure Program^TM on the stress response in children with sensory overresponsivity.

Method: A one-group pre-test/post-test repeated measures design was conducted using a convenience sample. Six children (6-8 years of age) with sensory overresponsivity received 14 consecutive days of the Therapressure Program^TM by their parents at home. Parents concurrently collected salivary cortisol samples from their children.

Results: Children with sensory overresponsivity displayed …

What Do Adolescents With Developmental Disabilities Learn About Sexuality And Dating? A Potential Role For Occupational Therapy, Grace Krantz, Veronica Tolan, Kimmi Pontarelli, Susan M. Cahill

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The objective of the qualitative study was to describe the perspectives of high school educators regarding how adolescents with developmental disabilities are taught about sexuality and dating. In addition, the investigators sought to examine how occupational therapy practitioners could be better integrated into the educational team to address this need.

Method: Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results: Three major themes emerged: (a) sexuality is unique to each student, (b) teachers and parents do not know what to do, and (c) a potential role for OT.

Conclusions: Occupational therapy …

The Significance Of Comforting Touch To Children With Autism: Sensory Processing Implications For Occupational Therapy, Guy L. Mccormack, Lisa Holsinger

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Children with autism have unusual sensory processing issues. The aim of this study was to examine how mothers comforted their children. Clinical observation has shown that mothers of children with autism often have difficulty calming their children. This study describes the differences in the response to comforting touch among children diagnosed with autism and normally developing children.

Method: The study was a self-report survey using a questionnaire to compare the responses of mothers of children with autism (N = 25) to mothers of typically developing children (N = 26).

Results: The results showed that the methods …

A Comparison Of Print And Cursive Handwriting In Fifth And Sixth Grade Students: A Pilot Study, Anne H. Zachry, Allison P. Doan, Stephanie B. Lancaster, Brittany Simmons, Cary Smith, Jaclyn N. Wicker

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Handwriting is an important skill to master because handwriting demands take up a significant portion of the school day. Pediatric occupational therapists evaluate and treat children who are experiencing challenges with handwriting; therefore, it is important for practitioners to understand the performance of children using both of these writing styles.

Method: A convenience sample of 36 fifth and sixth grade students participated in the study. Print and cursive handwriting samples were collected on two separate occasions, and a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to examine speed and legibility differences in these writing styles.

Results: Speed in print writing did not …

Sensory Processing As A Predictor Of Feeding/Eating Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jerilyn A. Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have feeding and eating difficulties as well as unusual responses to sensory stimuli. This can lead to significantly compromised occupational performance.

Method: A secondary data analysis study design was used to investigate sensory processing characteristics as predictors of feeding and eating disturbances. Study subjects were children aged 2 to 14 years (N = 171) with ASD. The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) was used to determine the child’s sensory processing abilities. Correlational and multiple regression methods were employed to analyze the relationship between sensory processing and feeding and eating behaviors.

Results …

Personalized Medicine And Evidence-Based Practice: Merging The Art And Science Of Ot, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Portrait Of An Ot Artist: Using Mindfulness To Find Life Balance, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Lynn Davies, a Canadian-based occupational therapist, understands the skill set and practice required to employ a balanced work/play/leisure routine, even for an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists can easily foster this balanced routine for clients; however, they may fall short of adopting this balanced routine in their own lives. Lynn uses art and mindfulness strategies to strive for a meaningful routine. Balancing her work as a therapist and her engagement in art is an ever-evolving orchestra, as she has a passion for both.

Assistive Technology Accessibility And Abandonment: Challenges For Occupational Therapists, Daniel Mc Cruz, Maria Luisa G. Emmel, Mariana G. Manzini, Paulo V. Braga Mendes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Outcomes Associated With A Leisure-Time Activity Program For Disadvantaged Youth, Juanita Bester, Maatje Kloppers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The SLEAK (Skills, Learning and Educational Activities for Kids) program was established in 2008 as a joint partnership between a community leader and the Division of Occupational Therapy Stellenbosch University. The vision of the SLEAK program is to create a sustainable, non-profit, leisure-time activity program for the youth (10-13 years of age) of the community in order to curb drug and gangster-related activities and to foster healthy work-related skills in the youth to make them responsible and productive members of their community.

The SLEAK program was evaluated in its entirety and this article will focus on the results for the …

An Elective Course Exploring Occupational Justice Through Occupational Storytelling And Story Making, Julie A. Bednarski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to examine whether second-year Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) students who enroll in the elective course “Occupation in Long-Term Care (LTC)” would be able to apply concepts of occupational justice in the nursing home environment through engaging residents in occupational storytelling and story making in order to facilitate resident self-advocacy for participation in a valued occupation. The occupational therapy elective course was developed and implemented with students alternating between the classroom and the nursing home environments. Outcome evaluation measurements included analysis of student reflective journaling to obtain qualitative data. The researcher found that students …