Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Effectiveness Of A Multimodal Mindfulness Program For Student Health Care Professionals: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sharon A. Gutman, Martha Sliwinski, Justin Laird, Jennifer Nguyen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The effectiveness of a multimodal mindfulness program incorporating traditional and nontraditional forms of active and nonactive meditation practices with a sample of occupational and physical therapy students was assessed in this study.

Method: Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The 8-week mindfulness program consisted of one weekly 40-min in-person group session and four weekly 10-min online guided meditations. Pre and postintervention measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Student Stress Management Scale (SSMS), mindfulness activity log, open-ended qualitative questionnaire, GPA, and counseling visit frequency.

Results: Statistically significant differences, with large effect …

How To Be A Good Peer Reviewer, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Pediatric Feeding Therapy At It's Finest: A Comprehensive Approach, Shelby Anderson

OTD Capstone Projects

The focus of this Experiential Component Project was to improve the processes and outcomes of a pediatric feeding therapy program at Sprocket Therapy Solutions, an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic located in Nashville, TN.

Advancing The Scientific Understanding Of Spiritual Care For Trauma In Combat Veterans And First Responders, Megan Broecker

OTD Capstone Projects

REBOOT Recovery is an organization that serves military service members, first responders, and their families through a 12-week faith-based trauma healing course. REBOOT is data driven and is continuously researching the short term and long term effects of the program on its participants. The purpose of this capstone project was to support REBOOT's past and current research studies and to develop content for all types of trauma incurred by the general population.

Increasing Employment Success: Helping Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At Friends Life Improve Job Readiness Skills, Madeleine Ruff

OTD Capstone Projects

This poster discusses a class developed for adults with developmental disabilities that focuses on job readiness skills and successful employment within the community. The class focuses on three different sections including job exploration, preparing to get a job and maintaining employment. Each section includes resources such as worksheets, visuals & activities that are appropriate for varying cognitive levels of the friends to facilitate participation in each section. At the end of the class, the adults at Friends Life will have identified job interests, developed personal resume/vision statements and learned about appropriate behaviors to display at both interviews and employment site.

Implementation Of The Pediatric Evaluation Of Disability Inventory (Pedi-Cat) With Equine Assisted Activity And Therapy Participants, Tori Hendricks

OTD Capstone Projects

This pilot study aimed to determine whether the implementation of the PEDI-CAT assessment could be used to measure functional outcomes in equine assisted activities and therapies. 92 parents/caregivers of riders completed the assessment for the first time, while 12 parents/caregivers of riders completed it for the second time. When comparing pre and post assessments of riders, the 11/12 riders had a raw score increase. This change suggests that the PEDI-CAT assessment can in fact measure factors that affect overall quality of life, such as improvement in communication, motor skills, ADLs, and socialization in equine assisted activities and therapies.

Development And Implementation Of Employment And Housing Power Week Curriculum For Next Steps, Kelli Mcclintock

OTD Capstone Projects

Room In the Inn is a homeless resource center located in downtown Nashville, TN. There is a need for additional programming to the existing Employment and Housing Power Week curriculums in order to facilitate more participants towards employment and permanent housing. There is also a need for a universal, intake questionnaire that can be used by all staff members with their respective groups in order to identify the needs and wants of participants.

Efficacy And Caregiver Perceptions Of Child Passenger Safety Device Interventions For Behavioral And Postural Deficits, Michaela Isenberg

OTD Capstone Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop a research design for the Special Needs Mobility Program at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Services One Hundred Oaks (MCJCHV).

Outcomes: A research design was developed that could be carried out by the Special Needs Mobility Program, concerning the transportation of children with special healthcare needs. After a written review of the related literature was completed and the research design was developed, all paperwork associated with submission to the International Review Board for Vanderbilt was completed, which included surveys that were designed as outcome measures for the …

"Mommy & Me" Constraint Therapy At Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital At Vanderbilt, Logan Herndon

OTD Capstone Projects

Goals Of Experiential Component

• Develop advanced skills in clinical excellence, program development, leadership, and advocacy

• Provide resources for Vanderbilt to implement a CIMT program in the future

• Enact change in the Nashville community that benefits others through care, service, and social responsibilit

Promoting Physical Activity & Social Participation In Young Adults With Idd With Best Buddies, Belmont Chapter, Courtney Janusz

OTD Capstone Projects

Best Buddies is the largest international organization dedicated to end social, physical, and economic isolation among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alongside of the Belmont Best Buddies president, we assessed the club’s specific needs and developed a sustainable field-day like event to promote engagement in physical activity and social participation. Much of the research found revolved around a lack of ability to engage and participate in these kinds of activities, which resulted in poor overall physical health. Also, research stated that participation in activities (similar to the one we want to create) is the context in which we form …

Aota Continuing Education: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Sexuality And Intimacy, Tiffany E. Lee, Jacqueline M. Marquez

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to create a continuing education course for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) on the topic of OT’s role in addressing sexuality and intimacy. The topic of sexuality and intimacy is often under-addressed by healthcare professionals, despite its importance to clients. According to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, engagement in sexual activity is not only an ADL, but can be a key aspect of social participation in the context of familial and peer/ friend roles. Therefore, it is well within OT’s scope of practice to address sexuality and intimacy with clients. However, there …

Let's Talk About The Birds And The Bees: A Framework For Providing Sexual Education In Special Education, Heather Cowden

MOT Student Capstones

Background: Studies have shown that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are anywhere from three to seven times more likely to be sexual abused. These individuals are also more likely to be victims of bullying and may display maladaptive sexual behaviors due to their lack of sexual health knowledge. While provision of sexual health education has been shown to have many benefits including helping to decrease bullying and increase academic success, many students in special education, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, receiving little to no sexual education. This capstone project is aimed to raise awareness for the need …

An Ergonomic Assessment Of Healthcare Rehabilitation Workers, William Shepherd, Laramie Locke, Katherine Archibong

Scholars Week

Patient handling is a common task within the healthcare industry. Rehabilitation Therapists (RTs) and Rehabilitation Therapist Assistants (RTAs) report a significantly high incidence rate of low-back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The purpose of this study was to characterize the ergonomic risks associated with patient transfers and assisted gait therapy. Exposure to ergonomic risk factors were assessed using the Strain Index (SI), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and 3-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP). Subjects included three RTs and one RTA at a local assisted living and rehabilitation healthcare facility. Preliminary results indicate a high risk of developing MSDs …

Occupational Therapy: Breaking The Barriers With Survivors Of Human Trafficking, Leanne Bahn, Ots, Sierra Wells, Ots, Stacey Wisniewski, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

• What occupational therapy interventions enhance the occupational engagement for survivors of human trafficking?

Objectives

• Recognize the occupational injustices experienced by survivors of human trafficking and the effect on occupational participation
• Describe the role of the occupational therapy practitioner in enhancing occupational participation of survivors of human trafficking
• Discuss evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice for survivors of human trafficking

Trauma-Informed Care In A School Setting: Occupational Therapy Interventions To Promote Emotional Regulation, Sarah Blaise, Ots, Sara Cohen, Ots, Maria Marcum, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

• What trauma-informed occupational therapy interventions improve emotional regulation and participation in school-based tasks for students?

Objectives

• Define trauma and note its prevalence among school-aged children
• Describe principles of Trauma-Informed Care and its importance in a school setting.
• Describe current research to determine best practice using a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approach in schools for OT practitioners

The Splashing Effects Of Aquatic Therapy For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Eric Bradway, Ots, Mikaela Mcgraw, Ots, Katie Boshoven, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

• What are the effects of aquatic therapy on participation in childhood occupations for children with developmental disabilities?

Objectives

• Define aquatic therapy within the scope of occupational therapy practice for children with developmental disabilities
• Discuss the current evidence on effective aquatic based interventions to facilitate participation in childhood occupations in children with developmental disabilities
• Discuss ways to apply this information to practitioners’ own clinical setting

Promoting Sensory Environments And Strategies For Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes, Emma Mace

OTD Capstone Projects

This project served to promote sensory strategies among youth residents and their caregivers of a children's home in Brentwood, Tennessee as well as use the lens of occupational therapy to design an on-campus multi-sensory room.

Champ's Triathlon Training Program, Rachael Sollman

OTD Capstone Projects

Champ's Triathlon Training Program was created to provide an adaptive fitness opportunity to the community of Nashville, TN. This program was specifically targeting children 8 to 15 years old diagnosed with Down's Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale levels I, II, and III. Champ's Triathlon Training Program was an extension of the Champ's Tri My Best Triathlon hosted by a team of therapists and Vanderbilt's Pediatric Clinic, including Kelley Newman. The program aimed to increase the participants' strength, flexibility, and endurance through triathlon related activities such as running/walking, swimming, and biking. Outcomes of the program were to …

Identifying Indicators Of Compassion Fatigue: Bridging The Gap From Professional To Familial Caregivers, Adam Luther

MOT Student Capstones

Compassion fatigue has been defined as feelings of anger, inefficacy, apathy, and depression, resulting from a caregiver's inability to cope with devastating stress (Day, 2015). Historically this topic has been explored in the realm of professions such as nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, and doctors but little research has been performed on the prevalence and effects of compassion fatigue within familial caregivers. As aging in place and deinstitutionalizing elderly adults becomes more common, the risk for compassion fatigue within familial caregivers increases. Unfortunately, the lack of research is indicative of a lack of action to address this potential health risk. …

Reducing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Nursing Staff Within A Skilled Nursing Facility, Beth M. Brady

MOT Student Capstones

Among health care workers, nurses have one of the highest rates of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2018). Studies have identified patient handling in the form of routine bedside care, lifting, repositioning, bedside procedures, and manual transfers to be high-risk tasks associated with this increased incidence (Facility Guidelines Institute, 2010). Evidence supports occupational therapy's role in promoting health through the implementation of programs that support safe engagement in work occupations including injury prevention, ergonomics, and work rehabilitation (Bade & Eckert, 2008). As the population of the U.S. healthcare workforce ages, occupational therapy's distinct role in helping health …

Promoting Independence Through Effective Interventions For Adults With Als, Renee Gluchowski, Ots, Hannah Harris, Ots, Jaclyn Heineman, Ots, Kimberly Kendro, Ots, Heather Malosky, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

What are effective occupational therapy interventions for adults with ALS to improve participation in ADLs/IADLs?

Objectives

• Define amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and recognize the prevalence
• Identify and describe evidence-based interventions to promote independence for individuals with ALS in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
• Discuss how the current literature on the effective interventions impacts occupational performance and treatment of adults with ALS

Curriculum Development For Group Programming At Gigi's Playhouse Nashville, Shelby Ward

OTD Capstone Projects

Creating and implementing group programming curriculum for a variety of age groups at an organization for individuals with Down syndrome.

The Effects Of Virtual Rehabilitation Therapy On Multiple Sclerosis, Mary Price

Honors Projects

In this review article, the effect of virtual rehabilitation therapy on multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disorder, is explored. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by damaged nerves that result in incomplete signal processing between the brain and the spinal cord. The symptoms of this condition can include vision loss, decreased coordination, pain, fatigue, and deteriorating motor output. The severity of the symptoms and the rate of progression of multiple sclerosis can vary from person to person; some individuals live the majority of their lives with mild symptoms while others become bedridden and immobile. There is no cure for this disease, however implementation …

The Applicability Of Occupational Therapy To Correctional Programming, Jordan Lanning

Honors Projects

Correctional facilities are a controversial topic in the United States. Whether it is prison reform policy or overcrowding issues that are being debated in a political setting or at the dinner table, it is a hot topic of conversation. The discussion goes around and around to no avail, and seemingly no one is satisfied. A detailed look at current issues facing corrections, what has been done, and then, potentially what could be done may provide some clarity for a situation that is seemingly spinning out of control. Furthermore, occupational therapy and its application to correctional programming is explored as a …

Assessment Of Working Relationships Between Athletic Training Program Faculty And Clinical Preceptors, Kathleen Williams

All Theses And Dissertations

Athletic training degree programs require both clinical and classroom educational content. The educational content of the 2020 Standards, adopted in 2018 by athletic training’s accrediting body, included a requirement for additional skills and a minimum level degree. However, clinical preceptors educated prior to 2018 working in athletic training programs are often not proficient or trained in the new techniques. The change in athletic training educational knowledge has led to a theory–practice gap between athletic training faculty and clinical preceptors working in the field. Athletic training faculty and clinical preceptors need good communication and interpersonal working relationships to bridge the gap …

Review Of Cerebral Palsy: The Various Intervention Techniques, Taylor Jo Schultz

Honors Thesis

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from a disruption in the development in the infantile or fetal brain. It affects over 17 million people worldwide. The goal of this review paper is to provide an in-depth literature review behind the causes, diagnosis, associated disorders of CP as well as the treatment interventions that would lead to a comprehensive treatment plan for CP patients. There are many possible causes of CP, contrary to the popular belief that CP is only caused by hypoxia or ischemia at birth. Diagnosis requires determining the motor function, part(s) of the body affected, …

Use Of Virtual Communication During Level Ii Fieldwork: A Personal Experience, Laronda Lockhart-Keene, Otd, Otr/L, Cla, Emily Spinelli, Cota/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

In fieldwork sites where no full time OTP is employed, a fieldwork student requires 8 hours a week of onsite supervision from an OTP. An onsite supervisor of another profession must be available while the OTP is offsite. The other professional is unable to answer questions related directly to occupational therapy (OT) practice. This poster describes virtual communication methods used during a level II fieldwork at a community based wellness program for older adults and how these methods translate to OT/OTA supervision in practice.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing College Campus Well-Being, Gina Stephenson, Kelsey Gorman, Paige Tademaru, Heather Haley, Amy Mattila Phd, Otr/L, Kimberly Szucs Phd, Otr/L

Graduate Student Research Symposium

The purpose of this study is to (1) explore occupational therapy’s role in mental health and (2) investigate the effects of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation and mindfulness in reducing symptoms of depression, stress or insomnia among college students. This study utilized a pre/posttest design with participants randomized into 2 groups: CES alone (Group A) and mindfulness meditation and CES (Group B). A purposeful sample of college students were recruited, all with a previous diagnosis or self-report of stress/anxiety. This study measured sleep, anxiety, trait mindfulness, and daily function using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, Functional Status Questionnaire, and …

Graduate Occupational Therapy Students & Information Literacy: Does A Research Consultation Increase Information Literacy Skills While Lowering Library Anxiety?, Mary C. Rickelman, Christine Moghimi

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

In today’s academic environment, students equipped with self-regulated learning and information literacy skills have an excellent opportunity for professional success, given our current information-based practices in health care. Information literacy instruction provided to students early in their coursework will aide them in acquiring competency for the remainder of their studies, especially scholarly projects. Along with information literacy issues, library anxiety has been identified in the literature as a contributing factor to poor academic performance in students. The purpose of this study was to explore components of library anxiety, if present, as well as to help students become more comfortable and …

Comparison Of Pre- And Post-Operative Shoulder Muscle Emg Profiles In Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Patients, Emily Lau, Sreten Franovic, Noah Kuhlmann, Eric C. Makhni Md, Stephanie Muh Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Deltoid muscle function is central in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) function; however, there is limited information available regarding changes in deltoid activity before and after surgery. Few tests exist to evaluate specific muscle metrics pre and post operatively. Surface Electromyographic (EMG) is non-invasive and allows for observation of motions with multifaceted analysis of movement with minimal patient demand. Understanding the changes in shoulder muscle activation, namely in the deltoid, in patients pre and post-RTSA can further advance understanding of the procedure and rehabilitation efforts.

Methods: Nine individuals were recruited for this study: all patients underwent RTSA by a …