Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Evidence Considerations For Mobile Devices In The Occupational Therapy Process, Kelly Erickson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Mobile app-based device utilization, including smartphones and handheld tablets, suggests a need to evaluate evidence to guide selection and implementation of these devices in the occupational therapy process. The purpose of the research was to explore the current body of evidence in relation to mobile app-based devices and to identify factors in the use of these devices throughout the occupational therapy process. Following review of available occupational therapy profession guidelines, assistive technology literature, and available mobile device research, practitioners using mobile app-based devices in occupational therapy should consider three areas: client needs, practitioner competence, and device factors. The purpose of …

A Study Of Engagement In Active And Passive Roles In Casual Leisure Occupations, Anne M. Fenech

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This article explores whether engagement with listening occupations varies depending on the occupational role or the level of sensory stimulation presented to participants with neuropalliative conditions.

Method: The study used a multiple case quasi-experimental study involving marginal-participant time-sampled observations of engagement of individuals with neuropalliative conditions, with casual leisure occupations using the Individual Child Engagement Record. Data was collected using the Individual Child Engagement Record with 14 participants (who had Barthel scores averaging 7/100). The participants represented a particular sub-group of individuals with profound levels of neurological disability.

Results: The time-sampled observations of engagement showed a significant difference between …

The Challenge Of Cultural Competency In The Multicultural 21st Century: A Conceptual Model To Guide Occupational Therapy Practice, Wesam Darawsheh, Gill Chard, Mona Eklund

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapists increasingly encounter clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and need to meet their professional obligation of delivering culturally competent practice. Yet the process of cultural competency is poorly understood in occupational therapy practice. There is a need for a clear understanding of the meaning and process of cultural competency as it is enacted in practice with a wide range of individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Aim: To investigate the process, stages, characteristics, and requirements of cultural competency as practiced by experienced occupational therapists.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 community occupational therapists experienced …

Field-Testing Reusable Learning Objects Related To Sensory Over-Responsiveness, Bryan M. Gee, Kiersten Moholy, Kimberly Lloyd, Anthony Seikel

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. There is an increased need for dynamic, mobile, and relevant parent and caregiver education related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Sensory Processing (SP). This need may be due to the increased incidence of the conditions’ co-morbidity and the revision of the diagnostic criteria of ASD. Reusable learning objects (RLOs) have been implemented as instructional tools as a part of, or adjunct to, formal health care education programs. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the appropriateness of RLOs as a part of routine patient and caregiver instruction of children with ASD.

Method. A semi-structured interview/rating scale was …

A Novel Cognitive Cueing Approach To Gait Retraining In Parkinson’S Disease: A Pilot Study, Stephanie Morrison, Sandi Spaulding, Jeff Holmes, Mary Jenkins

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) impairs gait performance, which can lead to falls and decreased quality of life. This study examined the feasibility of implementing a novel home-based intervention designed to elicit gait improvement in individuals with PD.

Methods: Five participants with PD completed a two-week home-based gait retraining intervention designed around guided video feedback. Semi-structured interviews were conducted postintervention and two months postintervention to acquire feedback from the participants about their experience with the intervention. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait and functional mobility were assessed pre and postintervention and at two months postintervention.

Results: Participants reported high levels of usability …

Time And Space Use Of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, Terry K. Crowe, Jessica Salazar Sedillo, Emily F. Kertcher, Joy H. Lasalle

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Purpose: This study analyzed the time and space use of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in order to better understand the occupational patterns of this population.

Methods: Time and space use data were collected through observation of 15 adults with ID during 4-hour periods on typical weekdays and weekend days. Data were coded into 12 time and 10 space use descriptive categories.

Results: The participants used a greater variety of locations during weekdays that contributed to greater amounts of weekday time spent in a wider variety of activity categories. In contrast, the participants spent a majority of …

How To Make An Editor Happy, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Embracing Creativity In Occupational Therapy, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Jen Gash, an occupational therapist and creativity coach living in the UK, provided the cover art for the winter 2015 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. The picture is titled “Over the Exe.” Jen uses her inspiration of the Kawa River model in this painting. The painting is of her husband and daughter standing where the river meets the sea. This is a metaphoric representation of rejoining the greater collective. In addition, Jen has a passion for occupational therapists to encompass creativity. A core aspect of occupational therapy is the multi-dimensional concept of occupations; it allows for …

Spinal Cord Injury Induced By Gun Shot Wounds: Implications For Occupational Therapy, Rosanne Dizazzo-Miller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

People with spinal cord injuries secondary to gunshot wounds present with many unique occupational challenges in terms of their overall health and well-being, and often live in violent cultures that limit occupational performance. Further awareness and understanding of this subgroup can enable occupational therapists to develop appropriate strategies needed to address the many challenges faced by this population. An in-depth understanding of cultural competence is necessary in the identification, planning, and delivery of appropriate and effective treatment. Further, a case example demonstrates the significant influence occupational therapy can achieve in this area of practice.

Addressing The Needs Of Families Of Wounded Warriors: Enhancing The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Ann E. Mcdonald, Greg Leskin

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Correlation Between Confidence And Knowledge Of Evidence-Based Practice Among Occupational Therapy Students, Kate E. Decleene Huber, Alison Nichols, Kaila Bowman, Jessica Hershberger, Jessica Marquis, Taylor Murphy, Chanlar Pierce, Chelsea Sanders

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is used throughout multiple health-care professions and includes the use of best research available, client preferences, and the practitioner’s experience. Occupational therapy educational programs are required to incorporate EBP into their curriculum. A convenience sample of occupational therapy students from a private university completed a survey designed to measure students’ knowledge and confidence in EBP. The survey consisted of the Knowledge of Research Evidence Competencies (K-REC) and the Evidence-Based Practice Confidence (EPIC) scale, as well as demographic questions. Of the respondents (n = 47), third-year students indicated higher confidence in the ability to utilize EBP and higher …

How Patient Educators Teach Students: “Giving A Face To A Story”, Natalie Hedge, Marsha A. Neville, Noralyn Davel Pickens

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Patient Educators are persons with specific pathologies that have participated in an education program in which they learn how to instruct students on physical examinations. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of graduate student experiences with Patient Educators during coursework on occupational therapy clinical internships. A phenomenological design was used to explore the lived experiences of students through a qualitative interview. As participants described their experiences with the Patient Educators, three primary themes emerged: (a) self-awareness, (b) confidence, and (c) empathy. The quotes from the transcriptions were organized into four sequential plot categories: (a) Before the …

An Exploration Of Volition: Caregiver Perceptions Of Persons With Dementia, Christine Raber, Mikel Stone

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to understand what formal caregivers know about the volition of older adults with moderate dementia. A qualitative approach was used at one assisted living facility. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with formal caregivers to gain their perceptions of residents’ volition or motivation for occupation. Volition of resident participants was assessed using the Volitional Questionnaire (VQ). Caregiver interviews and resident VQ’s were analyzed using van Manen’s phenomenological approach to examine their congruence with regard to the volitional abilities of residents. Thematic analysis yielded two broad themes: (a) Caregivers possess varying layers of insight regarding the volitional …

The Experience Of Transition To College For Students Diagnosed With Asperger’S Disorder, Victoria Schindler, Abigail Cajiga, Rae Aaronson, Lorena Salas

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Obtaining a college degree is a positive and often necessary step to adulthood, independence, and knowledge. Students diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder (AD) typically experience difficulty in college, especially in the transition to college. To assist students with AD in the transition to college, an occupational therapy mentoring program was developed in a college setting. This article describes this program, provides quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the program, and uses the outcomes to determine factors to facilitate a successful transition.

Method: A mixed methods design with quantitative and qualitative components was used. The quantitative measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance …

State Of The Journal Year 2: Making Progress, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Sculpting The Illness Experience, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Otto Kamensek provided the cover art for the Fall 2014 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. “Glimmer of Hope” is part of Otto’s collection “Shard’s, Bone Deep,” which includes hand-built ceramic sculptures that portray his experiences with a lifelong chronic illness. Engaging in ceramic sculpture helps him process the experiences associated with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and provides a means to support others experiencing chronic illness.

The Significance Of Somatosensory Stimulation To The Hand: Implications For Occupational Therapy Practice, Guy L. Mccormack

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The hands contain numerous nerve endings that are intimately connected to the brain. Mounting evidence supports the concept that willful manipulation of objects contributes to expansion or reorganization of the somatosensory cortex and can produce therapeutic outcomes. In the past decade, research has demonstrated that cortical plasticity can continue throughout adulthood. Brain plasticity is a core principle that demonstrates the ability of the central nervous system to respond to stimuli and modify its structural organization and function as an adaptive response. Occupation-based interventions, which engage the use of the hands, are conceived in this article as a “mindbody” experience because …

The Role Of Reusable Learning Objects In Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Education, Bryan M. Gee, Jane Strickland, Lisa Salazar

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Out of early research, Cisco Systems (1999) have built an impressive foundation that advocates for reusable learning objects (RLOs). As the need for online methods for delivering both formal and informal educational content has increased, the prospect of greater influence through carefully constructed RLOs has grown. RLOs are any digital resource that can be used and reused to enhance online learning. RLOs typically are small, discrete, self-contained digital objects that may be sequenced, combined, and used within a variety of instructional activities. RLOs have been implemented in nursing, pharmacy, and physician assistant programs. However, there is a lack of literature …

Relationships Among Occupation/Activity Patterns, Health And Stress Perceptions, And Life Orientation In Well Adults, Barbara Prudhomme White, Amy Ma, Deborah Whitney

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study examined the relationships among activity choices, perceived health, stress, and life orientation (optimism-pessimism) in a general population of 675 healthy adults ranging in age from 18-91 years. The objective was to examine assumptions that occupational scientists and practitioners hold regarding the relationships among health factors and engagement in activities/occupations.

Method: The study used four self-report measures, including a customized activity card sort that asked participants about both healthy and unhealthy activity patterns. Responses were then compared with the participants’ perceptions of overall health, stress levels, and degrees of optimism and pessimism (life orientation).

Results: Major findings confirmed …

“Putting The Occupation Back In Occupational Therapy:” A Survey Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Use Of Gardening As An Intervention, Amy Wagenfeld, Ben Atchison

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. This study examines how and why occupational therapy practitioners across practice areas use gardening as an intervention. Respondents’ interpretation of the best and least desirable aspects of their facility’s garden and whether they contributed to its design was also examined.

Method. A description and link to a 15-question online survey about gardening as an occupational therapy intervention was emailed to Western Michigan University Occupational Therapy alumni and posted on four OT Connections groups and the AOTA LinkedIn site.

Results. Gardening as an occupational therapy intervention is meaningful and purposeful (93.66%, n = 56), motivating (80%, n = 48), fun …

Home-Based Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Poststroke, Stephen Isbel, Christine Chapparo, David Mcconnell, Judy Ranka

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study examined the efficacy of a home-based Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CI Therapy) protocol with eight poststroke survivors.

Method: Eight ABA, single case experiments were conducted in the homes of poststroke survivors. The intervention comprised restraint of the intact upper limb in a mitt for 21 days combined with a home-based and self-directed daily activity regime. Motor changes were measured using The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and the Motor Activity Log (MAL).

Results: Grouped results showed statistically and clinically significant differences on the WMFT (WMFT [timed items]): Mean 7.28 seconds, SEM 1.41, 95% CI 4.40 – 10.18, …

“I Think Relax, Relax And It Flows A Lot Easier”: Exploring Client-Generated Relax Strategies, Dianne Cirone, Sara E. Mcewen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. Some adult stroke survivors participating in Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) treatment programs self-generated relax strategies that have not been explored in previous CO-OP publications. The objective of this study was to describe the process by which adults with stroke used relax strategies and to explore the outcomes associated with their use.

Methods. Secondary analysis of transcripts of intervention sessions from five participants was conducted.

Results. All five participants applied relax strategies after initially observing a breakdown in performance that was attributed to increased fatigue or tension. The relax strategies used by the participants during their occupations …

Introducing Breakouts, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

A Mosaic Of Creativity In Occupational Therapy, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Martha Branson-Banks, OT, provided the cover art for the summer 2014 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. The piece is titled “Garden with thanks to Klimt” and is one of several mosaic art pieces in her collection of works. She created the piece with art glass and resin on an abandoned door. Her use of a repurposed door represents her belief in the capacity for transformation and beauty within each individual she has treated and taught throughout her career. Martha’s work as an occupational therapist, educator, and artist reminds us of the foundational beliefs of the occupational …

Impact Of International Collaborative Project On Cultural Competence Among Occupational Therapy Students, Divya Sood, Danila Cepa, Sebestina Anita Dsouza, Shovan Saha, Ruby Aikat, Alicia Tuuk

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) educators recognize a need to ensure that OT students are culturally competent. The researchers developed the International Collaborative Project on Cultural Competence (ICPCC) to help students understand the impact of cultural context on client care. Entry-level MOT students from a university in the US (N = 18) collaborated with BOT students (N = 4) and advanced MOT students (N = 9) from two universities in India using an online course management system WebCT. The study explored the impact of the ICPCC on OT students’ cultural competence and discusses students’ perceptions of culture on the OT process. The …

The Relationship Between Admission Criteria And Fieldwork Performance In A Masters-Level Ot Program: Implications For Admissions, Molly Bathje, Rebecca Ozelie, Elisabeth Deavila

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) graduate programs strive to produce an effective OT workforce with competent and engaged OT practitioners. Admission into OT graduate programs is an increasingly competitive process, with most programs having more applicants than spaces available. Programs need to select applicants that will be the most successful in meeting graduation requirements, including both academic and clinical components. This pilot study was designed to examine the relationship between admission criteria and fieldwork (FW) performance. The study utilized a retrospective analysis with a convenience sample of 108 students with complete data from a private university in the Midwest. Independent variables of …

Developing Bilateral And Spatial Concepts In Primary School-Aged Children: An Empirical Evaluation Of The Anker Bilateral Spatial System, Janet E. Richmond, Myra Taylor, Sarah Evans

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Visual-spatial and visual-motor perceptual difficulties contribute to school-aged learning problems. Hence, a need exists to address children’s visual-spatial and visual-motor perceptual difficulties as early as possible in the child’s school career. Thus, this study reports on the evaluation of the Anker Bilateral Spatial System’s (ABSS) effectiveness in remediating primary school children’s perceptual difficulties.

Method: Thirty-one children (17 boys and 14 girls) aged 6 to 12 years who had been identified by their classroom teacher as having observable visual-spatial and visual-motor perceptual difficulties participated in a 10-week pre/posttest intervention study. The study’s pre/posttest assessments included the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor …

The Impact Of Fear Of Falling On Functional Independence Among Older Adults Receiving Home Health Services, Katherine A. Lawson, Eugenia Catalina Gonzalez

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Falls are the fifth leading cause of death for adults aged 65 years and older. Several intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors have been identified, butthere is less understanding of the impact of a fear of falling on falls. Seventy percent of recent fallers and 40% percent of non-fallers report a fear of falling. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between a fear of falling and a history of falls, as well as the impact on the functional independence of community-dwelling older adults receiving home health services.

Methods: The participants completed the …

Occupational Therapy After Myocardial Or Cerebrovascular Infarction: Which Factors Influence Referrals?, Julia Drosselmeyer, Achim Jockwig, Karel Kostev, Christina Heilmaier

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Cardiovascular diseases remain the number one cause of death worldwide, and many survivors suffer lasting disabilities. Occupational therapy can help such patients regain as much function as possible. However, little is known about the factors influencing referrals to occupational therapy after stroke or myocardial infarction (MI).

Method: Data from the IMS Disease Analyzer^® database were observed for a three-year period. The study population included 7,440 patients who were examined by a cardiologist due to stroke or MI. In addition to baseline characteristics, the presence of certain cardiovascular risk factors or comorbidities was recorded. Cox regression analyses were performed …

Influence Of Home Environment On Participation In Home Activities Of Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Divya Sood, Patti Lavesser, Caren Schranz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study explored the key physical and social factors within the home environment that influence the participation of children with an ASD in home activities.

Method: Step 1 used a correlational research design to identify relationships between the home environment and participation patterns of children with ASD. Twenty-two children, ages 3 to 6 years, with a diagnosis of ASD participated. Data were collected using the Preschool Activity Card Sort (PACS), Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment Inventory (HOME), Parenting Stress Index (PSI), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Hollingshead Four Factor Index of Social Status (ISS). In Step 2, …