Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Scoping Review Of Eating Disorders And Occupational Therapy Interventions, Jessica Goethals, Olivia Keeley, Justyna Leja, Anna Riccius

Systematic Reviews

A scoping review was conducted to determine which occupational therapy interventions are used with individuals with eating disorders and what effect they have, if any. Four databases were searched to identify sources of evidence, initially resulting in 527 sources. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to further review and determine the eligibility of each source. A total of 48 studies were included in the final scoping review. Data extraction of eligible articles resulted in 11 categories of eating disorder based interventions. The research showed the significant role occupational therapy has in the treatment of individuals with eating disorders, although there …

Evaluating Current Outcome Measures For Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome, Alayna Dakers, Rachel Dickerson, Clare Visscher

Systematic Reviews

This systematic review examines the current literature of reliable and/or valid outcome measures for adults who have persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) and their ability to engage in occupations.

Occupational Therapy In Outpatient Behavioral Health, Kailee Moran, Jaclyn Oldenburg, Mallory Vanregenmorter, Kate Williams

Mental Health

Mental illness and substance use disorders are common in the United States and can significantly inhibit occupational participation. The aim of this study was to evaluate existing outpatient behavioral health services and determine if occupational therapists can make a distinct contribution to this population’s needs. An electronic survey created via Qualtrics was provided to licensed outpatient behavioral health providers in the United States utilizing a convenience sampling method. Results revealed provider concerns related to their clients' areas of daily life and barriers to function, which are within the scope of occupational therapy practice. Results highlight gaps in current outpatient behavioral …

Needs Of Direct Support Professionals To Support People With Intellectual Disabilities In Leading A Healthy Lifestyle, Annelies Overwijk, Thessa I.M. Hilgenkamp, Cees P. Van Der Schans, Annette A.J. Van Der Putten, Aly Waninge

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background: For a healthy lifestyle, people with moderate, severe, and profound intellectual disabilities living in residential facilities and/or participating in day activity centers are dependent on their direct support professionals. However, it is unclear what knowledge and skills these direct support professionals require to support these individuals in living a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the needs of direct support professionals for supporting these people with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Method: Direct support professionals (n = 28) were interviewed with the use of a semi-structured protocol …

An Investigation Of Occupational Therapy Utilizing Sensory Modulation To Manage Co-Morbid Chronic Pain And Substance Use In Order To Promote Occupational Performance And Recovery, Claire Ruth

Student Capstone Papers

Background: Those with chronic pain have worse drug and alcohol treatment outcomes and higher rates of relapse compared to those without pain or with reduced pain (Ilgen et al., 2020).

Methods: A descriptive study was employed with the aim of determining what are the sensory processing pattens of those with co-morbid chronic pain and in recovery for substance use. All participants completed the Adolescent and Adult Sensory Profile, the Brief Pain Inventory, and the Personal Recovery Outcome Measure (PROM).

Results: From the preliminary findings, individuals with co-morbid chronic pain and substance use may have atypical sensory processing …

Life Skill Development And Its Impact On Perceived Stress, Employment And Education Pursuits: A Study Of Young Adults With A History Of Homelessness And Trauma, Josephine Beker, Tina M. Deangelis

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapy educational training group for young adults in permanent supported housing was developed, implemented and evaluated with pre-post outcome measures including Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). The study explored stress levels and employment-related goals of individuals who have aged out of the foster care system and may also have had a history of chronic homelessness and trauma. Results demonstrated a trend towards significance in perceived stress 9Z=1.689, p=0.91) with 7 of 8 participants surpassing the expected outcome according to GAS. Limitations included a small convenience sample (n=8), inconsistent attendance and use of self-report …

Interprofessional Education And Practice: Perspectives From Students In Speech-Language Pathology And Recreational Therapy, David Hajjar, Jan Elich-Monroe, Susan Durnford

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Interprofessional education and practice (IPE/IPP) are important components for undergraduate and graduate students to experience during their programs of study in speech-language pathology and related health professions. The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) is a member organization of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) which promotes four core competencies required for effective practice: values/ethics, roles/responsibilities, interprofessional communication, and teams and teamwork. The purpose of this study was to gather the lived experiences from eight pre-professional students, four from speech-language pathology (SLP) and four from recreational therapy(RT), during focus groups and discussion forums conducted before, during, and after a 14-week IPE/IPP clinical …

Effects Of Social Technology On Older Adults In A Residential Living Facility, Katherine Bennett, Mia L. Gonzalez, Sydney L. Harper, Madison N. Logan, Kaeli M. Jeffers, Alexandrea C. Springer, Jeanne Sowers

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Personal connection and social interaction are vital components of health throughout the lifespan. Loneliness and social isolation among the older adult population impacts both physical and mental health negatively. Analysis of published research demonstrates the importance of considering the use of different social technology platforms to foster opportunities for social support among family and friends. Researchers noted an increased relevance of the need for social technology in residential living facilities with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing. The study aims to investigate the impact of social technology, via Sherish℠ Connect on older adults’ reported levels of loneliness …

Qualitative Exploration Of Mealtime Routines And Parental Stress Of Children With Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Analysis Of Occupational Performance, Andrea Patino

Student Capstone Papers

Pediatric feeding disorders (PFD) affect approximately 25-35% of children with typical development, 40-80% of children with developmental disabilities, and 90% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Feeding disorders affect families by disrupting mealtime routines, changing family dynamics, and increasing parental stress. Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on client-centered care that facilitates independence in meaningful occupations, including feeding and eating. OTs also play an essential role in assisting, training, and educating parents on effective mealtime strategies that can be implemented and carried over into the home environment. Few research studies show how parents manage behaviors and stress during mealtime routines, and …

Analysis Of Occupational Therapy’S Role To Promote Healthy Sleep Participation To Support Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sophia N. Roman

Student Capstone Papers

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face sleep disturbances. Healthy sleep habits are essential for children with ASD and their caregivers to properly engage in their everyday lives. Occupational therapists are trained to evaluate clients in areas that contribute to sleep dysfunction and to focus on promoting optimal sleep performance. There is limited research on caregivers’ perceptions of their child’s sleep disturbances, these disturbances’ influence on occupational engagement, and whether occupational therapists have collaborated with caregivers of children with ASD to treat this area of occupation. Collecting data from caregivers by using a questionnaire can provide occupational therapy (OT) practitioners …

An Occupation-Based Program To Promote Mental Health Of At-Risk Youth In An After-Care Setting, Alexa Smith

Student Capstone Papers

The disproportionate tendency for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to shift from schools to the juvenile justice system is referred to as the “school to prison pipeline”. Treating and preventing mental health difficulties is within the scope of occupational therapy, and while the school system assists in mental health treatment, there is a lack of mental health supporting services in after-care settings. The purpose of the program development project is to increase the supportive mental health services provided to at-risk youth in the after-care setting. The project ran mental health group sessions using Cole’s Seven Step Model with participant groups …

Producing Precarity: The Individualization Of Later Life Unemployment Within Employment Support Provision, Debbie Rudman, Rebecca Aldrich

Occupational Therapy Publications

There have been marked policy shifts within many nations towards ‘extended work lives’, with such shifts often underpinned by an assumption that individual aging citizens can make the responsible choice to prolong work and thereby avoid dependency on the state. However, possibilities for extended work lives are inequitably distributed, and older workers who become unemployed often face prolonged unemployment and barriers to obtaining sustainable employment. Drawing on findings from an ethnographic study addressing the negotiation of long-term unemployment in two North American cities, this article attends to how jobseekers aged 50 and older, employment support service providers, and organizational stakeholders …

Examining Complementary Health Approaches And Integrative Health (Chaih) Practices Among Occupational Therapists In The United States: A Mixed Methods Approach, Sarah M. Renner

Dissertations

The use of complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) is increasing among adults and children in the United States and continues to grow within various health care settings. With Health and Wellness identified as a key practice area for occupational therapists and the American Occupational Therapy Association supporting the use of CHAIH in occupational therapy (OT) practice, practitioners must offer safe, research-driven treatments supporting this movement. Research around CHAIH continues to grow; yet the gaps in the literature make it difficult to determine how CHAIH is being used in OT practice as well as the practitioner’s perspectives on the …

Insights From An Inaugural Eight-Month Interprofessional Collaborative Co-Design Educational Experience Between Occupational Therapy And Industrial Design, Rebecca Brown, Kimberly S. Mollo, Madalyn Peterson, Mikael Avery, Eric Schneider, Tod Corlett

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

The design of the built environment greatly impacts how all types of individuals and populations actively participate in their daily lives. Lack of access in the built environment for disabled populations remains a daily reality, negatively impacting engagement and life satisfaction, leading to isolation, loneliness, and depression. A university in the Northeastern United States sought to expand current constructs of the end-user and environment within a universal design (UD) perspective. On an eight-month inaugural interprofessional collaborative co-design experience, third-year occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students were embedded in a first-year masters of industrial design (MSID) curriculum, which ran the course of …

Preventing Pneumonia Through Early Mobilization Of Critically Ill Adults, Elizabeth G. Barton, Tedrin N. Elion, Caleb J. Harbor, Alexandria M. Keathley, Madison R. Payne, Hailey N. Warrington

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) is to investigate early mobilization and its effect on preventing pneumonia in adults in the intensive care unit (ICU). The final portfolio contains four research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs included two meta-analyses, one case series, and one retrospective study. All four of the articles specifically described the effects of early mobilization on individuals in the hospital and ICU and showed positive results in reducing the likelihood of developing pneumonia. This CAT will be used to draft new practice guidelines for mentoring new managers in both occupational therapy …

Reducing Stress, Anxiety, And Depression For Nicu Parents, Amy Patton, Kylie Dunavan, Kyla Key, Steffani Takahashi, Kathryn Tenner, Megan Wilson

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

This project aims to appraise evidence of the effectiveness of various practices on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The project contains six research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs include one meta-analysis, one randomized controlled trial, one small scale randomized controlled trial, one prospective phase lag cohort study, on pretest-posttest study, and one mixed-methods pretest-posttest study. Recommendations for effective interventions were based on best evidence discovered through quality appraisal and study outcomes. All interventions, except for educational programs and Kangaroo Care, resulted in a statistically significant …

Long-Term Outcomes In Children With Acute Flaccid Myelitis, Megan D. Henley, Lindie Hill, Sydney Inman, Molly Grace King, Sam Lopez, Carley Mahaffey

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to combine the best evidence regarding the long-term outcomes in children with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) regarding posture and movement, gross and fine motor control, and activities of daily living (ADL) performance. The final portfolio contains eight articles. The study designs of these articles include a retrospective cohort study, two retrospective non-randomized studies without a control group, a retrospective review, a nationwide follow-up questionnaire analysis study, a case report, a case series, and a multiple quantitative case study. All studies related directly to our evidence-based PICO question and were used to determine …

Reducing Delirium In Patients With Covid-19, Allison E. Brewer Mot/S, Amy Carver Mot/S, Allison Nance Mph, Mot/S, Mallori Rodrigue Mot/S, Olivia Smith Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the best current evidence regarding interventions that would be effective in reducing delirium in patients with COVID-19 in the acute care setting. The final portfolio contains a total of five research articles. Study designs include three randomized controlled trials, one non randomized controlled trial, and one quasi-experimental quantitative design. All studies relate directly to interventions within the OT scope of practice and were implemented in the acute care setting. Due to limited research on the novel coronavirus, these findings apply to critically ill patients but are not specific to patients …

Exercise Interventions For Adults With Burn Injuries, Liz Burton, Carolyn Knight, Brittney Malone, Lexie Rivers, Rachel Walker, James Wright

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) is to provide the highest quality of evidence available on the implementation of exercise interventions in the early burn rehabilitation phase in adult burn victims. This portfolio contains four peer-reviewed research articles from national and international journals. The study designs include one systematic review and meta analyses, one retrospective cohort study and two randomized control trials. These articles covered three types of exercise interventions including resistance training, mobility training, and physiotherapy. Overall, the clinical bottom line of this CAT is that exercise interventions in early burn rehabilitation may be effective in improving …

Increasing Confidence And Mental Health In Caregivers, Lucy D. Diangelo, Libby Lowry, Kayla Mcdaniel, Clare Sauser, Shelby Terry, Erin Williams

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the highest-level evidence available regarding interventions for increasing confidence and mental health outcomes in caregivers taking loved ones home from inpatient rehabilitation. The final portfolio contains six research articles from peer-reviewed journals. Study designs include randomized control trials, a systematic review, and a pretest-posttest without a control group. All studies relate directly to the components of the PICO question. Four of the articles discussed both caregiver confidence and mental health while two articles discussed only mental health. There is strong evidence to support that in-person hands on training, in person …

Space Retrieval Training For Memory Enhancement In Adults With Dementia, Lauren Camenzind, Molly Kafader, Rachel Schwam, Mikayla Taylor, Zoie Wilkes, Madison Williams

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The final portfolio contains 8 research articles from national and international journals. Study designs include one systematic review, one randomized control trial with pretest-posttest design, three small-scale randomized control trials, one quasi-experimental study with no control, one time-series study, and one case study. All studies relate directly to components of the evidence-based practice question and will be used to draft new recommendations for implementation regarding spaced retrieval training for memory enhancement in adults with dementia. Seven out of the eight articles looked at the effects of SR techniques on functional tasks. Articles looked at eating difficulty (1), independent use of …

The Relationship Between Alternative Fieldwork Approaches And Student Competence And Confidence For Occupational Therapy In Behavioral Health, Kathryn Beckstein, Elizabeth Britton, Codee Colby, Kathleen Melei, Emily Rehmel, Sara Best

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Purpose: The purpose of this case-series study was to assess the relationship between three instructional methods that fall within the parameters of the revised Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education fieldwork objective C.1.9 and perceived student competence and confidence in providing therapy services in a behavioral health setting.

Methods: The study included a convenience sample of (n=49) graduate students enrolled in an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the Midwest. The participants attended a presentation on bipolar disorder and were randomly assigned to engage in one of three instructional methods: …

Zero Balancing And Occupational Therapy: Removing Restrictions To Life Flow, Deanna Waggy Otr, Loren Waggy Otr

Journal of Transformative Touch

Zero Balancing is an effective complementary and integrative health treatment tool for Occupational Therapy practitioners. It helps remove restrictions and restore balance to a patient’s life flow, improving overall occupational performance.

Occupational Therapist Role In Post-Secondary Education Transition Program: Emphasis On Self-Advocacy Skills, Nikki K. Voorhees

Student Capstone Papers

It is becoming increasingly important for individuals to obtain post-secondary education in order to gain employment (Alverson et al., 2019; Chandroo et al., 2018). This increased importance to attend post-secondary education makes it imperative for students who are graduating from high school to be fully prepared for the transition to post-secondary education (Rothman et al., 2008). The transition from high school to post-secondary education is difficult for any individual. However, it is even more difficult for students with learning differences, as they tend to have problems in the areas of social skills, communication, problem solving, self-advocacy, and executive functioning (Alverson …

Governor Gains: A Remote Program Connecting Home And School, Madison L. Michels

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone project was to create and implement the Governor Gains remote home program aimed at increasing parent involvement in home-based activities to promote academic performance among children with disabilities. This capstone experience was completed within the Pierre, SD Public School System, specifically with elementary-aged students. An occupational therapy student worked with a faculty mentor (OTD), site mentor(OTR/L), and interprofessional team (physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and general and special education teachers) to complete this project. The capstone project began with advanced clinical practice then transitioned into program development. Governor Gains provided a focus on fine motor …

Occupational Therapy Services For Sheltered Individuals Experiencing Homelessness, Ariana Oorlog

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

There is a need for interventions to help people experiencing homelessness learn home management, transportation, and health maintenance skills. The purpose of this capstone experience was to administer an occupational therapy program to support sheltered adults experiencing homelessness to improve their preparedness in obtaining and maintaining housing, community reintegration, and long-term success in life. I completed the capstone experience at Hope Street of Siouxland, a sober living home for adult males who are recovering from homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. I completed a Needs Assessment and developed the program based on the identified needs of Hope Street guests. The program …

Caregiver Perceptions Of Environmental Modifications For Sensory Processing, Jaimie Lynn Smith

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project explored in-depth clinical practice skills in sensory based therapy along with caregiver perceptions of sensory environmental modifications. In person and telehealth treatment sessions focused on the achievement of sensory based goals. A three-part continuing education course was also completed to expand knowledge and understanding of sensory environmental modifications and strategies that were family friendly. The main project was to gain an understanding of caregiver perceptions of sensory environmental modifications. This was accomplished through interviews with families that focused on sensory aspects of the environmental, completion of Participation and Sensory Environmental Questionnaire, and feel-good menus. After environmental recommendations …

Complex Conditions Of The Hand: A Resource For Rural Therapists, Jay D. Cooper

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this project was to address multiple disparities in the complex treatment of upper extremity conditions and injuries in the rural therapy setting with an accessible educational resource. These disparities include the lack of continuing education specifically targeted at the rural healthcare setting, the barriers to unique occupation-based treatment which occupational therapists are obligated to administer, and the need to provide information regarding hand therapy protocols to bridge the communication gap between hand specialists and rural therapists. The project was completed at the Monument Health Orthopedic and Specialty Hospital in Rapid City, SD, in an outpatient hand therapy …

Advanced Practice In Aquatic Therapy: Exploring Occupational Therapy In An Aquatic Environment, Brenna K. Barash

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Properties of water have been utilized as a therapeutic treatment method for the past 100 years (Becker, 2009). Aquatic-based occupational therapy services are used as an adjunct to traditional land-based occupational therapy intervention (Franken et al., 2013). The OTS developed a 14-week capstone project with assistance provided by faculty and site mentors. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop aquatic-based intervention skills and explore the use and benefits of aquatic-based occupational therapy in patient care. To facilitate appropriate outcomes, three learning objectives with numerous project deliverables were developed. In order to demonstrate competence and understanding of aquatic-based occupational …

Exploring Occupational Therapy With Athletes Using Principles Of Lifestyle Redesign® To Support Academic Success And Life Balance., Michaela M. Dendinger

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Occupational therapists have a range of skills that can benefit a variety of populations. Despite these skills, occupational therapy has limited exploration within the field of athletics. The capstone project gave insight to the services occupational therapy can provide to the student-athlete population. Through the lens of Lifestyle Redesign®, the Student-Athlete Wellness Program was created to support student-athlete academic success and life balance. Following a needs assessment an online program was developed. The program was provided to students and athletes a University in the Midwest U.S. The program attracted 21 student-athletes and five students. Limited participation in surveys provided difficulties …