Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Transitioning & Community Integration, Payton Baumann, Madison Thomas, Anna Voegel

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper will concentrate on the most effective formatting of transition programs necessary to improve a sense of community belonging and overall quality of life (QOL). The main factors to consider in the scenario are accessibility to programs, funding for programs, social stigmas and attitudes, and mental health of individuals who are experiencing a transition. Populations experiencing a transition may include those transitioning from incarceration, experiencing homelessness, educational programs, employment opportunities, hospital care settings, active-duty status, and migration. To develop a sense of community belonging, social participation will be an important aspect to integrate into interventions, which …

Rural First-Time Mothers And Their Emotional Engagement With Newborns: Occupational Therapy, Hannah Ibach, Elise Ramberg, Ashley Schindele

Critically Appraised Topics

This paper focuses on resources affecting occupational therapy (OT) mental health services that are provided to first-time moms within a rural-dwelling population in the U.S. The main factors to consider in this scenario are the population of first-time moms in rural areas, mental health services provided in rural areas, and best OT practices for mental health services. Quality of life is an important factor when considering maternal mental health. Quality of life is defined as a person’s life satisfaction, hope, sense of self, health, function, and socioeconomic status (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). The main focus for this critically appraised …

Understanding The Role Of Occupational Therapists In Managing Type 1 Diabetes In Adolescents: A Critically Appraised Topic, Jatin Cranmore, Morgan Harshman, Kelsey Milleson

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic focuses on occupational therapy's role in working with adolescents (10-18 years of age) to manage Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Managing T1D can be challenging and overwhelming, especially for younger individuals because of the added responsibility and transitions that occur during puberty. There is a lack of literature that supports occupational therapy's role when working with clients who have T1D, especially when it comes to the younger populations.

Identifying Occupational Therapy’S Role In Rural Areas For Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence, Meagan R. Danda, Maria L. Johnson, Hannah L. Street

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the effectiveness of occupational therapy utilized via telehealth within adult women (18-64 years old) who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence in rural areas. Domestic violence is a common type of violence/abuse that can occur toward any gender or sexual orientation (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). Domestic violence encompasses physical, social, and/or emotional abuse (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). It is a form of repetitive behaviors of abuse that occurs within a relationship. (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). Common behaviors of domestic violence may include preventing social contact, preventing access …

Increasing Autonomy In The Homeless Veteran Population Through Education-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention: A Critically Appraised Topic, Madeline Kuntz, Karli March, Cheyenne Thompson

Critically Appraised Topics

The focus for this critically appraised topic (CAT) is increasing the autonomy of homeless veterans through life-skills-based education programs. A review of existing literature found a gap of published research on this topic within occupational therapy and interdisciplinary research communities. There is a lack of experimentally designed research studies focusing on autonomy and community assistance programs utilizing life skills education training for or including the homeless veteran population. The level of evidence presented in the literature relating to this topic has been predominantly found to include non-experimental descriptive quantitative studies (Jones et al., 2021; Kline et al., 2021; Laan et …

Role Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions In Occupational Therapy With Young Adults With Mental Health Conditions Evoked By Social Media, Allison Haiby, Kennedy Reimann, Katie Quinley

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in occupational therapy within a young adult college-aged population, specifically from the ages 18 to 29. The main factors considered in this paper are mental health in young adults, the role of mindfulness-based interventions and occupational therapy, and the implication of social media on occupation.

The Use Of Evidence-Based Practice To Strengthen Professional Identity Among Occupational Therapists., Allison M. Stephani, Kaelyn J. Talley, Ariel K. Tix

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic focuses on occupational therapy practitioners’ use of evidence-based practice in their practice regarding how it connects to their professional identity. The population studied was occupational therapy practitioners in their work settings. The main factors that were considered were level of connection to the profession, informal and formal education, and current use of evidence-based practice. Professional identity is defined as how a person sees themselves based on values, motives, experiences and beliefs related to their profession (Poole & Patterson, 2021). According to the Tornebohm Model, professional identity is broken down into four categories, which includes competence, conceptual …

Highlighting The Importance Of Advocacy, Policy, And Legislation In Occupational Therapy, Victoria Maichel

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Barriers To Adult Play In Graduate Students, Rosalind Nolde, Sabrina Solis, Catherine Salomon, T Monelli

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge of barriers to play for graduate students. The research question asked, what are the barriers to play experienced by graduate students? Play is a complex term that is unique to the individual. Although subjective, existing literature gives suggestions as to what play can mean or feel like to the individual participating. Brown (2009), notes that the definition of play should be experienced rather than defined as it is distinctive to each individual. Van Vleet and Feeney (2015) describe play as being the purpose of amusement, fun or to have energetic, …

Mentorship Treasure Chest (Mtc): A Toolbox For Successful Mentoring, Lluvia Angel Gonzalez-Castro, Bridget Elizabeth Mccarron, Sarah Christine Donaldson, Austin Michel Muniz-Bottomley

Occupational Therapy | Graduate Student Research Posters

This poster delves into the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping the professional trajectory of occupational therapists, with a specific focus on the Dominican Occupational Therapy Alumni Mentoring Program (DOTAMP). Aligned with the mentorship definition posited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, this project aims to outline challenges encountered by recent graduates in transitioning to professional practice. This project aimed to enhance the effectiveness of DOTAMP by incorporating research-informed principles and refining its guidance approach.

The project development team proposed a solution that introduces the 'Mentorship Treasure Chest' (MTC) — a comprehensive toolbox shaped by validated sources that underscore the …

Addressing The Occupational Needs Of College Students, Amanda Lam, Ashley Keates, Marissa Heirich, Noreen Pervaiz, Albert Andrew Mendoza

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The Dominican Occupational Therapy (OT) Coaching project was led by a team of five master's level OT students in collaboration with the Integrative Coaching (IC) team at Dominican University of California. Aligned with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework 4th edition (2020), the project supported various aspects of student wellness, such as academics, healthy lifestyles, stress management, sleep hygiene, and time management. In the fall of 2022, the team conducted a comprehensive literature review and needs assessment of Dominican's Student Success Center (SSC), actively engaged in SSC and IC meetings, and delivered an educational presentation on OT to SSC staff. The …

Addressing The Occupational Needs Of College Students, Amanda Lam, Ashley Keates, Marissa Heirich, Noreen Pervaiz

Occupational Therapy | Graduate Student Research Posters

The Dominican Occupational Therapy (OT) Coaching project was led by a team of five master's level OT students in collaboration with the Integrative Coaching (IC) team at Dominican University of California. Aligned with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework 4th edition (2020), the project supported various aspects of student wellness, such as academics, healthy lifestyles, stress management, sleep hygiene, and time management. In the fall of 2022, the team conducted a comprehensive literature review and needs assessment of Dominican's Student Success Center (SSC), actively engaged in SSC and IC meetings, and delivered an educational presentation on OT to SSC staff. The …

Variables Impacting First Time Pass Rates Of Msot Students, Amy L. Brzuz, Julia M. Hawkins-Pokabla, David Prier

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

To enter practice as an occupational therapist, one must complete an occupational therapy program at an accredited institution and then pass a national certification exam. This exam is called the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam. Individuals can take the exam more than once to achieve a passing score but must pay a fee each time. Not passing the first time can lead to stress, increased costs, and delayed entrance into the profession. Thus, being a first-time passer is ideal. The purpose of this retrospective quantitative study was to identify variables impacting first time pass rates of …

Supporting Those Who Support Us: An Exploration Of Strategies To Address Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educators' Concerns And Needs, Karthik Mani, Diane M. Collins, Lima Ghulmi, Amy Boyd, Anita C. Zaricor

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Fieldwork (FW) education is integral to occupational therapy (OT) education and enables the transition of a student to an entry-level practitioner. Clinicians who serve as FW educators play a significant role in this process. To deliver OT education, universities must support FW educators and address their needs and concerns. This study surveyed OT FW educators who supervised entry-level OT doctoral students from a public university for Level I and/or Level II FW regarding strategies to address their concerns and needs. An anonymous survey was distributed to the FW educators (n=349) who supervised the students for FW between Spring 2021-2023. By …

Significant Student Debt Of Occupational Therapists Post- Graduation One To Five Years: Their Debt Context And Impact On Personal And Professional Lives, Brenda M. Coppard, Angie Lampe, Yongyue Qi, Samantha Torre, Stefany Shaibi, Gianluca Del Rossi

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

A growing amount of research examines the personal and financial burden of students in healthcare programs who graduate with large amounts of student loan debt. However, a paucity of literature addresses occupational therapists’ student loan debt burden. This study was conducted to describe the context of occupational therapists who have significant debt and the impact on their personal and professional lives. This study employed an exploratory sequential design in which quantitative data from a survey was collected first, followed by the collection of qualitative data from participant interviews to study occupational therapy graduates who accrued more than $100,000 in student …

Outcomes From An Intercollegiate Client-Centered Interprofessional Occupation-Based Assistive Technology Hackathon: A Pilot Program Evaluation, Kevin Berner, Jennifer C. Buxton, Loren F. Mcmahon

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Assistive technology (AT) supports engagement for individuals with disabilities by improving independence in daily living tasks, work and productive activities, learning activities, and societal participation. However, for many individuals, access to AT is limited due to high costs, device availability, and inability to be customized. The Maker Movement and hackathons provide an opportunity to educate health profession students, design students, and community members about AT while engaging these stakeholders in addressing unmet AT needs for individuals with disabilities. The current study examines outcomes from an Intercollegiate Assistive Technology Hackathon. Nine co-designers (community members with disabilities) and 36 students from three …

The Influence Of Case-Based Learning On Clinical Reasoning Of New Graduate Occupational Therapists, Sho Maruyama, Takuya Hirose, Reiko Miyamoto, Yuriko Mashida, Hiroki Fukahori, Peter Bontje

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study aimed to explore the influence of case-based learning (CBL) on the clinical reasoning of new graduate occupational therapists. A quasi-experimental single-arm study with a convergent mixed methods approach was conducted. The intervention was the 10-week CBL program, which included (1) guidance and mentorship in clinical practice and (2) case reports and presentations. Quantitative data collection consisted of the self-assessment of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy (SA-CROT) and the professional identity scale (PI scale); paired t-tests were conducted (p p = .001, effect size r = .65), and all four of the SA-CROT's subfactors indicated improvement with moderate …

Visualize Whole-Self Model - An Instructional Design For Occupational Therapy Education, Mark White, Mary Smith, Adebimpe Obembe, Kristin Haas

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Innovative teaching approaches are changing traditional approaches by using a variety of teaching and learning methods to allow learners to succeed. This paper describes a new instructional model for healthcare education based on the science of learning, educational theories, and best practices in lesson design. The Visualize Whole-Self (VW) Model was designed to provide a learning structure for faculty as they guide the instruction of students in health professions. From the beginning of the program, students visualize themselves as professionals while working with faculty to learn content. The Visualize Whole-Self Model requires students to continually assess their strengths and weaknesses …

The Development Of An Interactive Multimedia E-Learning Module For Functional Cognition, Mckenzie R. Behrendt, Stacy Smallfield

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The rise in technology, social media, and video has led to the desire for short, interactive, and visually appealing instructional materials. Modern learners want flexibility, repeatability, accessibility, and low-stakes knowledge checks. A multimedia e-learning module may meet the learner’s desires. This article describes the conception, development, and implementation of a free, interactive, multimedia e-learning module designed to enhance understanding and application of occupational therapy (OT) theoretical approaches to address functional cognition. We discuss the considerations for choosing a multimedia e-learning module as an instructional tool, drawing from existing research demonstrating its effectiveness. Particularly, a multimedia e-learning module potentially benefits addressing …

Intentional Uses Of Music In Occupational Therapy Practice: The Effectiveness Of A Workshop, Anna B. Galloway, Alexandra K. Rodriguez

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) do not receive additional training on the physiological, emotional, mental, and physical effects of music on the body or how to improve and increase its use in occupational therapy (OT) practice. Additionally, the specific effects of the use of music within OT practice have not been fully explored. This workshop was created to develop skills related to appropriately using music as supported by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Occupational Therapy Practice Framework-IV, and to address gaps in knowledge regarding how to use music intentionally, effectively, and safely in OT practice. This study's purpose was to evaluate …

What Are The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of Canadian Injured Workers About The Provision Of Physiotherapy Services Using Telerehabilitation?, Anne Hudon, Maxi Miciak, Teri Slade, Stacey Lovo, Jackie L. Whittaker, Daniel Côté, Debbie E. Feldman, Dahlia Kairy, Marie Laberge, Beverley Mckeen, Lynn Cooper, Douglas P. Gross

Études primaires

Purpose

Despite evidence of efficacy, the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in real-world clinical settings is still largely unknown. Telerehabilitation requires a substantial transformation of the organization and delivery of traditional services. Considering that a virtual setting can create unique challenges for providing physiotherapy services and given the physical and potential hands-on nature of evidence-based assessments and interventions, it is important to investigate what injured workers think of receiving physiotherapy care via telerehabilitation and to examine if rehabilitation needs are adequately met.

Methods

A qualitative interpretive description study was conducted to explore the perspectives and experiences of 17 injured workers receiving physiotherapy …

Qualitative Evaluation Of Interprofessional Education Experiential Learning (Ipeel) For Health Professional Students, Kelle Deboth Foust, Madalynn Wendland, John Schaefer, Suzanne Giuffre, Donald Allensworth-Davies

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Interprofessional education (IPE) is critical for health professional students to form professional identities and develop collaborative skills. Although accrediting bodies mandate incorporating IPE, the effects of IPE programming on health professional students and the best pedagogical approach for achieving desirable outcomes are still unclear. In addition, specific effects of IPE within the context of experiential learning are not fully understood. That is, the literature has not presented a clear framework for structuring IPE programs, nor have outcome measures for IPE utilizing experiential learning (IPEEL) been established. The purpose of this study was to complete a grounded theory qualitative analysis of …

Defining Reasoning, Reflective Practice, And Evidence-Based Practice In Occupational Therapy Education: A Delphi Study, Hannah K. Burke, Pat L. Sample, Anita C. Bundy, Shelly J. Lane

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice are essential skills for occupational therapy practitioners, but it is unclear how these skills are defined in occupational therapy education. We used Delphi methodology to explore educator conceptualizations of clinical reasoning, professional reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice. Eligible participants on the Delphi expert panel were required to have been an educator in an occupational therapy program for at least three years at the master’s level or higher, to be a current occupational therapy educator, based in the United States, and available across multiple survey rounds. Nine participants completed all three survey rounds. Among …

The Use Of Virtual Reality For Student Training On Bias And Microaggressions, Razan Hamed, Elizabeth Gdanski, Jooeun Kim, Julianne Le, Amy Lopez, Azmina Panjwani, Allyson Tong, Gloriana Wilson

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive innovative technology that can be used with occupational therapy students for bias training in preparation for fieldwork and clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of VR as a complementary educational tool in bias and microaggressions (MA) training for entry-level occupational therapy students. We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected in an 8-week course on diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional skills with a total of 48 first-year entry-level occupational therapy students. We used eight simulated VR cases for all students. Data was collected using a mixed-method survey to …

Survey Of Pain Curriculum Among Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Programs In The United States, John V. Rider, Vicki Khau, Kristin A. Valdes

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy practitioners address pain management across settings, populations, and the lifespan. Occupational therapy practitioners offer unique contributions to pain management through biopsychosocial approaches, targeting supported self-management and occupational engagement. Comprehensive pain education is necessary to prepare entry-level occupational therapy practitioners to address pain in practice, yet no standards exist in entry-level occupational therapy education. This survey describes the status of pain-related education in entry-level occupational therapy programs across the United States. A total of 41 entry-level occupational therapy programs completed the survey. Total instructional time for pain content was reported to be an average of 9.68 hours, ranging from …

Enhancing Simulation Fidelity In Occupational Therapy Education: Considerations For Standardized Patient Training And Implementation, John V. Rider, Linda Frasier, Jessica Parkin

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The use of high-fidelity simulation and standardized patients (SPs) in occupational therapy (OT) education is expanding. However, the implementation of simulation varies across programs, leading to inconsistent outcomes and research limitations. Furthermore, details on SP use and training are lacking in OT literature. This article aims to provide OT educators with considerations for improving simulation fidelity by effectively using highly trained SPs. For example, recruiting SPs from diverse backgrounds is necessary to improve sociological fidelity, and proper training of SPs is required to ensure psychological fidelity. This article also emphasizes the need for standardized training for SPs and recommends following …

Mentored Practice In Aota Fellowship Programs: An Exploratory Phenomenological Study, Jennifer L. Bergstrom

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

American Occupational Therapy Association fellowship programs are an emerging post-professional educational opportunity aimed at developing practitioners in specialized areas of occupational therapy practice. Mentored practice is a critical and substantial component of fellowship programs; however, the experiences of mentors and fellows have not been well described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to describe the mentored practice experience from the perspectives of the fellow and mentor. This study sought to understand the perceived influence mentored practice may have on the advancement of skills and knowledge in specialty practice areas of occupational therapy. A qualitative exploratory phenomenological design …

Feasibility Of Mindfulness At Work: A Continuing Education Program For Occupational Therapy Practitioners Experiencing Burnout, Susan M. Persia, Amy P. Carroll

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Healthcare professionals, including occupational therapy practitioners, are experiencing epidemic levels of burnout. Professional organizations have prioritized research and programming to address burnout. This study evaluated the feasibility of an evidence-based virtual mindfulness continuing education program, Mindfulness at Work, and the mindfulness strategies participants learned and embedded into their workday. This program was developed and facilitated by an occupational therapist who is also a registered advanced yoga teacher. A total of 11 occupational therapy practitioners experiencing burnout met with the facilitator for once-weekly synchronous sessions over three weeks. OT practitioners were taught mindfulness strategies to use throughout their workday. Participants practiced …

A Pilot Sexual Device Adaptation Project For Occupational Therapy Students: A Skills-Based Approach To Teaching Sexual Activity As An Adl Through Assistive Technology, Benjamin E. Canter, Zoe M. Loitz, Victoria E. Richardson, Tatiana B. Pontes, Leanna Katz, Kevin Berner, Pedro Htq Almeida

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Despite being categorized as an activity of daily living since the first edition of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, no Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards exist to provide guidance on teaching occupational therapy students about sexual activity as an activity of daily living (ADL). When discussed, sexual activity is usually taught via didactic lecture, but is a subject that would benefit from a skills-based approach to teaching. This pilot pedagogical exercise in a two-credit assistive technology class taught occupational therapy students to address the ADL of sexual activity with clients by having students adapt a sexual toy …

Perceptions Regarding Hand Therapy Content In Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Programs, Lauren Fiori, Karen Majeski

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

There are a substantial number of Certified Hand Therapists reaching retirement age in the next decade, however, there are few newer graduates who are pursuing this specialty. Students’ lack of clinical knowledge has shown to be a barrier to successfully completing a hand therapy fieldwork affiliation. The purpose of the study is to investigate: (1) the perceptions of the clinicians working in hand therapy and students regarding the integration of hand therapy content in entry-level occupational therapy programs, and (2) the perceptions of both groups as to which content is deemed essential for a successful hand therapy fieldwork placement. This …