Understanding Parent Beliefs And Attitudes Regarding Healthy Relationships And Sexuality Education: Bridging The Inclusivity Gap, Marie C. Zarrilli

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Children, adolescents, and young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are often excluded from receiving Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), even though they are at increased vulnerability for sexual abuse and exploitation. Although some curricula are emerging that are adapted for individuals with IDD, rigorous effectiveness studies are sparse. The purpose of this capstone project was to empirically explore the beliefs, attitudes, and comfort level of parents with sexuality education program types and content regarding their own parent/child communication and the need for training and resources. This capstone project used a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive survey design. The survey consisted of …

Therapists’ Perceptions Of Student Preparedness Regarding Hand Therapy And The Use Of Occupation-Based Interventions, Stephanie Ye

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Current literature suggests OT Level II students may not be sufficiently prepared to begin a Level II fieldwork hand therapy placement. ACOTE standards are generalized for the orthopedic content in curriculum for occupational therapy programs. OT students, faculty, and practitioners recognize there may be additional specific demands for upper extremity rehabilitation practice not included in the ACOTE standards. Biomechanical assessments are more likely to be used rather than occupation-based assessments in hand therapy clinics. In addition, previous research found that occupation-based interventions within hand therapy practice have declined due to a primarily biomechanical approach.

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Two Handwriting Programs On Legibility In First Grade Students, Whitney Cook

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Handwriting is one of the most utilized forms of written communication and there is a lack of research comparing the effectiveness of two different handwriting programs in elementary aged students.

Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone project was to compare the efficacy of two handwriting programs implemented in first grade classes at one elementary school in Kentucky. The research question that guided this Capstone Project was: Which of the following handwriting programs were more effective in achieving handwriting legibility in first grade students: Handwriting Without Tears or Write Start?

Theoretical Framework: …

Occupational Therapists’ Consideration Of Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity When Working With Adolescents: An Exploratory Study, Kristin Willey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Executive Summary

Background: A review of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (AOTA, 2020) and scholarly literature within healthcare fields, including occupational therapy, discuss the contextual issues of occupational justice and health disparities in situations when sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) are not considered as part of the occupational therapy process.

Purpose: This study explored if occupational therapists (OTs) considered a client’s SOGI when providing services to an adolescent. Subsequent research questions were: do OTs perceive that SOGI influences adolescents’ occupations, and do OTs perceive gaps in their knowledge related to SOGI?

Theoretical Framework: This research project was based on …

Elementary Teachers' Perceptions Of The Value Of Collaboration With School-Based Occupational Therapists, Jennifer Edick

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Literature review coupled with needs assessment data indicated that collaborative practices between teachers and occupational therapists might not be happening consistently and may be in need of improvement. Further research is needed to determine elementary teachers’ perceptions of the value of collaboration with occupational therapists in order to ensure maximum benefit for the students.

Purpose: This Capstone Project focused on identifying elementary teachers’ perceptions of the value of collaboration with occupational therapists and validating the need for improved occupational therapy supports in the school environment.

Theoretical Framework: This Capstone Project was guided by the National Interprofessional Competency Framework (NICF), …

Get The Wiggles Out: Sensory Paths A Motor-Based Intervention To Decrease Out-Of-Seat Events In Preschool Children With Special Needs., Teresa Ludwig

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Sensory Paths are sensory motor-based interventions that will provide opportunities for teachers to incorporate structured movement into the natural classroom routine, such as before circle time, to help the children in their classes be ready for learning by increasing attention and decreasing out of seat events.

This single subject A-B-A design project, rooted in the Ecology of Human Performance framework, explored providing structured sensory motor-based opportunities prior to circle time throughout the classroom day to decrease interfering behaviors in the classroom, such as out of seat behaviors and improve attention during circle time.

The results indicate that the Sensory Paths …

How Does Intraprofessional And Interprofessional Collaboration Impact The Use Of Occupation-Based Practice In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Stedmon D. Hopkins

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Research shows that there are many barriers to the implementation of occupation-based practice amongst occupational therapy practitioners. One barrier that requires a more in-depth review is the process of interprofessional and intraprofessional collaboration amongst staff in skilled nursing facilities.

Purpose: The purpose of this research project was to examine how interprofessional and intraprofessional collaboration influence occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistant’s ability to provide occupation-based practice in skilled nursing facilities.

Theoretical Framework: The frameworks utilized throughout this study included the National Interprofessional Competency Framework and the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model (OTIPM).

Methods: This study utilized a …

Parental Educational And Engagement Through Positioning And Play, Gaile E. Seay

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: This project is to increase the confidence of parents/caregivers via education about their infants that may not otherwise be provided by other health care professionals. This project also provides early intervention to the infants in efforts to facilitate their maximum development through proper positioning for sleeping and play. Purpose: The purpose of this project was a parental education class for parents/primary caregivers of babies ages 0-6 months. They were educated about their child’s development, and how to engage their baby through play and positioning for optimal cognitive, communication, and social-emotional development. This class and project sought to enhance parents’ …

An Interprofessional Learning Experience With Occupational Therapy Assistant And Physical Therapist Assistant Students Through A Simulated Educational Environment, Brooke Gentry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study is to explore if occupational therapy assistant students demonstrate increased perceived confidence and communication skills. This was completed through interprofessional interactions during a simulated lab-based case with physical therapist assistant students. The perceived confidence and communication are measured through a pre and post survey using the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS). Each student completed the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) pretest prior to the event. The students underwent an educational lecture, lab demonstrations, and training for the performance of the practical application. The students participated in a simulated patient experience of …

Assistive Technology In Transition Programming For Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities, Jennifer L. Veenendall

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are employed at lower rates than those without disabilities and evidence supports the use of assistive technology (AT) to improve vocational outcomes for this population. This preliminary study investigated the impact of AT training among special educators in secondary transition programming. The results provide useful information that can be used to guide decisions regarding additional training and interventions to build capacity in quality AT service delivery for young adults transitioning into work roles within this program. Successful implementation of person-centered AT problem-solving and decision-making could positively impact the integrated employment options and opportunities for young adults …

Examining Cognitive, Social And Teaching Presence In A Virtual Professional Continuing Education Workshop, Christina Bretz

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Due to COVID 19, there has been an increase in opportunities for online learning due to the reduction of in-person trainings. As occupational therapist practitioners, we have a responsibility to complete our professional continuing education and maintain our skills proficiently, whether those trainings are in-person or virtually. Therefore, the effectiveness and quality of professional training should not decrease when the delivery system is switched from in person to online.

Purpose: This study addressed professional continuing education for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and Pre-K thru 5th grade teachers in a virtual environment. The primary purpose of this study was …

The Role Of Rehabilitation Services In Managing Delirium In The Icu: A Retrospective Chart Review, Veronique Munier

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Executive Summary

Background: The onset of delirium during a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) is considered a sign of complication and is associated with increased risk of mortality and longer stays. Monitoring for delirium and incorporating early rehabilitation services (occupational therapy and physical therapy) are considered promising, evidence-based strategies to manage delirium.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess current practices for 1) delirium monitoring and 2) rehabilitation intervention as part of delirium management. The study verified the rate of delirium monitoring using standardized assessments, prevalence of delirium, the interval between admission to the ICU and …

Interdisciplinary Collaboration In The Homecare Setting, Erica J. Arndt

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Communication among interdisciplinary team members is a key component in providing quality care to patients. In the homecare setting, there are unique challenges to ensure effective communication occurs.

Purpose: To compare perceived interdisciplinary collaboration and work engagement between a team of homecare clinicians who were involved with identifying why critical clinical and social information is not communicated with a team of homecare clinicians who were not involved

Theoretical Framework. The Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) model provided the theoretical framework for this project.

Methods. A quasi-experimental interrupted time series design with an intervention and control group was used. The …

Feeding Into Complicit Bias Or Promoting Agents For Change: A Reflection On Pedagogy-Where’S The Justice?, Michele Mills, May Tom

Publications and Research

In the authors' careers, as an invisible method for survival and climbing the ladder, they learned of the importance of adopting and understanding White American culture to work successfully in the United States healthcare system. In this reflection, they discuss the necessity of teaching cultural diversity and cultural competence in occupational therapy assistant and physical therapist assistant programs.

The L.E.G.A.C.Y.® Appreciative Life Review Model: A Framework And Process To Develop Psychosocial Resources In Emerging And Young Adulthood, Nicole Onori Hansen

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This project introduces the L.E.G.A.C.Y. appreciative life review model (L.E.G.A.C.Y.) and provides preliminary evidence for its feasibility with emerging adults in a higher education context. L.E.G.A.C.Y. is the first model to integrate appreciative inquiry as well as a retrospective-prospective framework and experiential elements into the life review process. Increased rates of mental health disorders, underdeveloped psychosocial resources, and limited independent living skills have resulted in significant role impairments and poor adjustment to college. Conceptual development of the L.E.G.A.C.Y. model and the results of a quasi-experimental pilot study that investigated its effectiveness with agroup of college students (N = 17) are …

Developmental Stepping Stones, Couri S. Taylor

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Healthy child development is imperative for future success, parents/caregivers are at the helm of guiding children down a path that supports health and wellbeing for future success. When there is a lack of education, information, and resources readily available to families there is a risk for delayed development and lack of engagement. For many of our clients, health literacy is low, vulnerability is high, and they often feel cornered with no other available choices. Making it easier not to engage in certain activities, due to lack of opportunities, resources, and/or education. This lack of participation has a significant impact …

Shaping The Lives Of Little Ones Developmental Equipment Project, Marilyn Tyre

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may experience extensive hospitalizations due to prematurity and medical complications requiring interventions to sustain life and support physiological development. NICU staff are often focused on immediate medical concerns for these infants and may not consider the development and play needs for these long term hospitalized infants. Occupational therapists are aware of the importance of play and supporting the parental role and co-occupations between the infant and parents. This capstone paper discusses the Shaping the Lives of Little Ones Developmental Equipment Project for infants, nurses, and parents designed to provide opportunities for …

Accessing The Potential Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Primary Care Setting, Trudy Bazzy

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background. This capstone method focuses on the limitations and barriers of type diabetic education provided in the primary care setting and calls to attention the potential role that occupational can play in the primary care setting. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise in the United States which can be managed by providing diabetic education to patients. Primary care physicians are at the forefront to provide education or avenues to which patients obtain diabetic education to manage the disorder. Although, primary care physicians are providing diabetic education patients the current amount of education has not led to increased …

What Is The Lived Experience Of Mothers Of Premature Infants In A Level-Iv Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Jennifer Lorraine Nelson

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain knowledge of the lived experience of mothers of premature infants in a Level-IVneonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Additionally, the purpose of the dissertation study was to have a more in-depth understanding ofmothers’ experience of mothering in a Level-IV NICU. The eight participants were mothers of premature infants in a Level-IV NICU who had been admitted for a least one month. Data sources for the dissertation study were a demographic form, the primary investigator’s journal, two individual semi-structured interviews, and fieldnotes. The person-environment-occupation model and an occupational theory of human nature were …

Profile Of Pediatric Assessments Selected In Occupational Therapy Practice And The Influence Of Occupation-Based Assessments On Clinical Practice, Alysha Skuthan

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Occupational therapy practice is intended to reflect the core construct of occupation throughout all aspects of service delivery. In pediatricoccupational therapy, there is insufficient evidence examining regularly selected assessment tools and the occupational constructs ofselected assessment tools. A mixed methods research study was conducted to examine the most regularly selected assessment tools by pediatric occupational therapists and the resultant effects on service delivery specific to goal writing, intervention planning, length oftreatment, materials used in practice, and the context of service delivery among other practice outcomes generated by therapist participants. The primary assessment tools utilized by pediatric occupational therapists reflected a …

Childhood Play As A Predictor For Development Of Creative Potential In Adulthood: A Mixed Methods Study, Brittany Nicole Saviers

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Previous research has demonstrated the benefits of childhood play and creativity in childhood from either a qualitative or quantitative perspective; yet, questions remain regarding the predictive power of childhood play, specifically what types of toys facilitate competencies such as creative potential in adulthood. Utilizing a mixed methods convergent parallel design, the aim of this research was to explore the relationship between the types of toys frequently used during childhood and adult creative potential. Additionally, utilizing adults’ retrospective play stories, the study sought to understand the contribution of play to human development by identifying how qualitative themes ofchildhood play experiences aligned …

Evaluating An Interprofessional Ergonomic Intervention For Dental Hygiene Students, Lashonna M. Knight

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Ergonomics plays an important role in identifying and reducing biomechanical stress and preventing musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries by creating a better fit between physical requirements and work environments. This study examined the benefits of implementing an interprofessional education (IPE) module in a dental hygiene curriculum with a dental hygienist (DH) and occupational therapist (OT) teaching and assessing students’ ergonomics.

Methods: Students participated in an IPE intervention to incorporate preventive techniques into their daily routine, to model these protective strategies for use as practicing DHs throughout their careers. Prior to the module and at the end of the six-week study, students …

Interprofessional Education Between Dental Hygiene And Occupational Therapy Students In Relation To Stroke Care, Morgan Umlauf

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: To determine if interprofessional education (IPE) program with dental hygiene and occupational therapy students help determine roles and responsibilities in patients post-stroke.

Methods: A virtual 90-minute educational module was presented to occupational therapy and dental hygiene students, hosted over zoom with a 30-minute presentation followed by an open discussion over two case studies. A pretest was administered before the event and followed by an immediate posttest. Both tests included the Modified Readiness for Interprofessional Learning (mRIPLS) items that are on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: The virtual IPE showed that there were positive changes in pretest to posttest scores. …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Test/Re-Test Reliability Of The Readiness For Interprofessional Education Learning Scale And Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale, Leah Shea Simpkins, Aaron D. Sciascia, Casey E. Humphrey

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The purpose of this study was to establish the test/re-test reliability of two interprofessional education (IPE) instruments, the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) among occupational therapy (OT) graduate students. The intent was to compare results based on previous IPE experience and year in the program. The RIPLS and IEPS were distributed to 111 OT students at one university. Both instruments were distributed a second time 10-14 days later. Cronbach’s alpha, weighted Kappas, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change were calculated for each instrument. Assessments occurred for …

A Nationwide Descriptive Study: Understanding Roles, Expectations, And Supports Of Academic Fieldwork Coordinators In Occupational Therapy Programs, Elizabeth D. Deiuliis, Kimberley Persons, Patricia Laverdure, Elizabeth D. Lequieu

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Fieldwork education is considered a central component to the formative development of occupational therapy professionals and the responsibility for the quality of fieldwork educational experiences falls to the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC). The roles and responsibilities of the AFWC vary considerably between institutions and are not clearly understood. Using a convergent mixed methods research design, the study aimed to describe the roles and responsibilities of the AFWC in occupational therapy programs in the United States and to identify the structural supports and barriers that influence success in meeting the unique expectations and challenges in fieldwork education. A 64-item online survey …

Les Lésions Professionnelles De La Coiffe Des Rotateurs De L'Épaule : Optimiser La Prise En Charge Des Travailleurs Et Favoriser Le Retour Au Travail, François Desmeules, Jean-Sébastien Roy, Joseph-Omer Dyer, Pierre Frémont, Clermont Dionne, Joy C. Macdermid, Michel Tousignant, Annie Rochette

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Les atteintes musculosquelettiques de l’épaule sont fréquentes chez les travailleurs. En plus d’affecter leur qualité de vie, elles entraînent une augmentation de l’absentéisme et une diminution de la productivité, et peuvent conduire à une retraite anticipée. Pour l’année 2017, la province de Québec a enregistré 2,1 milliards de dollars en prestations en lien avec des lésions professionnelles. Environ 8 % de ces réclamations étaient dues à une lésion touchant l’articulation de l’épaule (CNESST, 2018).

Les lésions de la coiffe des rotateurs (CR) sont les affections les plus rencontrées chez les travailleurs présentant une atteinte à l’épaule. Présentement, les cliniciens ne …

Les Lésions Professionnelles De La Coiffe Des Rotateurs De L'Épaule : Optimiser La Prise En Charge Des Travailleurs Et Favoriser Le Retour Au Travail : Matériel Supplémentaire, François Desmeules, Jean-Sébastien Roy, Joseph-Omer Dyer, Pierre Frémont, Clermont Dionne, Joy C. Macdermid, Michel Tousignant, Annie Rochette

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Voir également :

• Les lésions professionnelles de la coiffe des rotateurs de l'épaule : optimiser la prise en charge et en favoriser le retour au travail, RA-1119-fr

• Les lésions professionnelles de la coiffe des rotateurs de l’épaule : optimiser la prise charge et en favoriser le retour au travail : guide de pratique clinique, RG-1119-fr

Designing An Educational Program To Promote Diversity And Student Engagement In Professional Advocacy (Sepa), Jessica Alden, Lynda Hill, Felecia Moore Banks, Ronan Connolly, Julius Ngwa

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Little is understood about best educational strategies to engage diverse occupational therapy students in professional advocacy. The purpose of this research was to use design-based research (DBR) methods to design a novel educational intervention to promote professional engagement of diverse students over three subsequent years. This study used a pre/post design to design, implement, evaluate, and revise an educational program entitled “Student Engagement in Professional Advocacy” (SEPA). This manuscript reports on the first year of that study. The participants (N=27) were entry-level Master of Science occupational therapy students. The outcome measure was a survey measuring student knowledge, attitude, and participation …

Cardiovascular Effects Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation And Bimanual Training In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Manda L. Keller-Ross, Daniel P. Chantigian, Samuel Nemanich, Bernadette T. Gillick

Occupational Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose:

To determine the influence of combined transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the motor cortex (M1) and bimanual training on cardiovascular function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods:

Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and HR variability (HRV) were measured immediately before and after 20 minutes of cathodal tDCS to contralesional M1 and bimanual training on days 1, 6, and 10 of a 10-day trial in 8 participants (5 females, 7-19 years).

Results:

Baseline MAP and HR were similar across days (93 ± 10 mm Hg and 90 ± 10 bpm, P > .05). MAP was similar from …

Ot Is The Missing Link In Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction, Hope Schuster, Michaela Mayhood

Occupational Therapy Capstones

PURPOSE: The purpose of this scholarly project was to examine research regarding postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). As there is no current literature regarding POCD and occupational therapy, this project serves to be the first of its kind to address the role. Within this scholarly project, the literature reviewed served to generate an article for OT Practice, highlighting the role of occupational therapy and education about POCD.