Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Social And Environmental Determinants Of Occupation And The Need For An Intersectional Approach To Culturally Meaningful Practice, Diane Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

To provide culturally-centered care to clients and develop interventions that meet the client’s holistic needs, occupational therapists need to consider social and physical environments affecting participation in culturally meaningful occupations. Using a case study, this paper describes the use of the concept of social and environmental determinants of occupation (SEDO) as a necessary strategy to incorporate in clinical practice to determine how SEDO intersect, resulting in occupational justices/injustices that influence access to participation. SEDO are defined as broad (and intersecting) social and environmental factors that increase or limit an individual, community, or population’s ability to participate in culturally meaningful occupations …

Moving Toward Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy For Autistic People: Key Questions And Next Steps, Aaron Dallman, Kathryn Williams, Jacklyn Boheler, Greg Boheler

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

With the rise in popularity of neurodiversity-affirming practices in occupational therapy, specifically with the autistic population, there is a need to establish a more robust theoretical underpinning for this work. A neurodiversity framework is different from the prevailing medical model that informs current practice in much of Westernized health care, and interested occupational therapists are now asking questions about how to apply it to their work. Occupational science is well-suited to generate research outside the medical model that can serve as a basic science foundation to inform practice. The purpose of this Opinions in the Profession paper is to suggest …

Teaching Occupational Adaptation Using Constructs Of The Model, Linda R. Struckmeyer, Anna B. Galloway

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. Quality, evidence-based health care practice and research is guided by theory; therefore, theory should be one of the first courses in health care professional curriculums. Signature andragogical methods of case-based learning, small and large group discussion, active learning, and self-reflection developed the teaching and learning activities to teach the occupational adaptation (OA) model in this study.

Methods. A mixed-methods design of qualitative open-ended questions and quantitative survey were used to measure student understanding and application of theoretical concepts. The lab assignment integrated andragogical methods, the use of the Relative Mastery Measurement Scale (RMMS) for individual and social adaptation, and …

Mapping The Way Forward: Prioritizing Education For Global Occupational Therapy Practice In Addressing Sexuality And Intimacy - A Delphi Approach, Beth Ann Walker, Jenn Soros, Abbie Alter, Bridget Downs, Courtney Cummings, Ireland G. Greenwell, Kayla Elstien, Kyli Luna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The World Health Organization identifies sexual functions and intimate relationships as a functioning domain in the Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation (WHO, 2023). Addressing sexual functions and intimate relationships is a key area of practice for occupational therapists (Walker et al., 2020), and it is important to ensure that occupational therapists are prepared to address this important domain. With the worldwide call to ensure the sexuality and intimacy needs of individuals receiving rehabilitation services are addressed, it is time to establish a new direction for education, practice, and research. This study used a Delphi approach to gather and analyze evidence, …

Incorporating Real-Time Simulated Patient And Instructor Feedback To Enhance Simulation Learning Experience For Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed Methods Study, Lauren Woods, Pamela Lewis-Kipkulei, Kuan Xing

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Health care simulation experiences should provide clear feedback that students can understand and incorporate into future practice. Based on the literature, more research is needed regarding how health professional students use various types of feedback to establish rapport with clients, increase critical thinking skills, and work collaboratively. Various types of feedback may be useful in regular simulation-based education, but there is limited research on how students integrate various feedback to enhance skill development. This study aimed to examine how occupational therapy (OT) students incorporate real-time Simulated Patient (SP) feedback, numerical feedback, and instructor-written feedback to enhance their learning from the …

Choosing Wisely® In Academia, Strategies For Clinical And Classroom Curricula, Jennifer Tokash, Glen Gillen, Virginia Koenig

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Incorporating evidence-based practice (EBP) into occupational therapy (OT) program curricula is best practice and mandated by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The Choosing Wisely® campaign, founded by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and adopted by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), provides 10 recommendations for evidence-based OT. This project focused on the Choosing Wisely® campaign's incorporation into OT program curricula. A 40-min educational program focusing on the history of Choosing Wisely®, its adoption by the AOTA as a specialty society partner, and strategies to bridge the campaign's evidence-based recommendations from classroom to clinical experience were …

Material Matters: A Comparative Analysis Of Hand Immobilization Orthoses Using 3d-Printed, Thermoplastic, And Fiberglass Cast, Shiori Domenighetti, Rebecca Ozelie

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Orthosis fabrication is a widely used technique in occupational therapy, and there is growing evidence supporting the use of 3D printing in the fabrication of cost-effective orthotics. Nevertheless, further research is needed to enable informed decision-making when selecting appropriate orthotic materials.

Method: A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the fabrication processes and final products of thumb immobilization orthosis made with three different materials from the fabricator’s perspective. Factors examined included the required equipment and materials, assessment of time and skills involved in the fabrication process, evaluation of ease of adjustment during fabrication, and objective measurements of …

"I Have A Story To Tell Them": Qualitative Analsysis Of Interviews With Formerly Homeless Adults, Rachel Lee, Laura H. Vanpuymbrouck

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Adults experiencing homelessness (AEH) make up an underserved community, especially in receipt of occupational therapy (OT) services. While there is growing knowledge on the occupational needs of this community, little is known of the occupational needs of AEH to successfully sustain housing long-term. The primary objective of this study is to describe the lived experiences of adults who have successfully transitioned to stable housing after a long period of homelessness. The secondary objective is to use findings to identify key areas for OT intervention with adults immediately following homelessness.

Method: The participants included five adults 25 years …

Continuing Professional Development Preferences Of Occupational Therapy Providers In Kenya, Rwanda, And Tanzania, Angela M. Cecil, Godrey S. Kimathy, Margie N. Koech, Epiphanie Murebwayire, Pierre Damien Turikumana

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study was conducted to explore the continuing professional development (CPD) preferences of occupational therapists in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania for identifying and developing CPD opportunities to meet professional licensure requirements that are new to these countries.

Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study design was conducted using a 28-item electronic survey that targeted occupational therapists in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were studied through content and thematic analysis.

Results: Seventy-eight (78) participants completed the study, and the majority were male (60.5%). Most of the participants were from Tanzania, and most participants …

The Experience Of Burnout Of Rehabilitation Therapists In Long-Term Care Settings: A Qualitative Exploration, Christine Hughes, Lisa Borrero, Laura Santurri, Heidi Ewen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Burnout among health care workers is growing among long-term care staff, with various repercussions. Research about how rehabilitation therapists (occupational, physical, and speech) perceive and experience burnout in such settings is limited. Understanding these experiences with burnout in long-term care is necessary to address burnout. This study investigated rehabilitation therapists' perceptions of and experiences with burnout while working in long-term care.

Method: The researcher used a qualitative interpretive approach to guide audio-recorded and transcribed interviews. The data were analyzed through coding and then themes were developed.

Results: Six themes emerged: causes of stress and burnout, individual …

The Development, Content Validation, And Clinical Utility Of Mealtime Screening For Schools (Mealss), Karen B. Howarth, Julia M. Guzman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study aimed to determine the initial content validity and clinical utility of Mealtime Screening for School (MEALSS), a new screening tool that measures mealtime participation in students with intellectual and developmental disabilities 5 to 10 years of age.

Methods: To determine the content validity of MEALSS, the researchers recruited five participants identified as pediatric occupational therapists and/or feeding experts to review the MEALSS. Item level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale level validity (S-CVI) were calculated, as well as modified kappa indices to reduce the probability of chance agreement. MEALSS was then revised based on feedback from the …

Occupational Therapist-Led Remedial Vision Program After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Pre/Post Pilot Study, Suzanne Briggs, Mitchell Scheiman, Yuki Asakura

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Vision disorders are common after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and can affect occupational performance. The study was designed to support occupational therapy’s role in providing remedial vision rehabilitation (RVR) by demonstrating changes in vision efficiency and patient reports of vision-related occupational performance in adult patients with a mTBI after occupational therapy-led RVR.

Method: In this retrospective study, data was collected pre/post-RVR treatment at an outpatient clinic using a convenience sample of adults 18 years of age and older with vision disorder diagnosis and mTBI diagnosis. Vertical/horizontal saccades, vergence jumps, near-point convergence, Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS), and Canadian …

Guidelines For Conducting Survey Research: Part 1 – Development And Recruitment, Diane Powers Dirette, Rob Lyerla

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

55-Word Stories: Insight Into Healthcare, Nancy E. Krusen

Translational Science in Occupation

Narrative medicine and health humanities focus on arts, ethics, and clinical practice. Many health education programs incorporate creative activities to facilitate learner self-awareness and insight. We include them to address programmatic themes of professional growth and translational science.

The Lymphedema Treatment Act: Past, Present, And Future, Candace Alexander, Leigh Ann Foster, Susan Gordon, Runzun Shetye

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Rewiring Our Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy Interventions: Triple Network Model, Immunology, Sex, And Pain Perception, Roberto Sandoval, Mary Lou A. Galantino

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Cancer Rehabilitation In Chemotherapy-Induced Sarcopenia, Tracy L. Moore, Jessica Bertram

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Considerations For Chemotherapy-Induced Vestibulotoxicity: A Clinical Perspective, Tabitha Galindo

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Cover, Table Of Contents, President's Message, Editorial Board's Message, Academy Of Oncologic Physical Therapy

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Beyond The Checklist: Pilot Education, Aviation Resources, And Health Management Skills, Nancy Smith

Pacific Journal of Health

The research study investigates if pilots find aviation health-related materials provided from training or aviation associations to support their own health needs. A mixed methods convergent parallel design was conducted by sampling 27 pilots within general aviation to assess their utilization of aviation health-related materials, health management skills including self-efficacy and prioritization, as well as their views of implementing particular health topics into aviation training. Results of the study indicate that it is unclear if pilots find aviation health materials useful in managing their health, pilots have a relatively high level of self-efficacy and ability to prioritize one’s health and …

How Have Occupational Therapy Services Been Delivered During The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Hulya Yucel, Selen Aydoner

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The provision of traditional healthcare services has encountered obstacles due to the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The inability of healthcare professionals and clients to survive the pandemic and the inadequacy of personal protective equipment have created uncertainties regarding the appropriate practices for addressing individuals' health conditions. Furthermore, the field of rehabilitation, including occupational therapy, has experienced changes in the delivery of traditional practices. Therefore, this review aimed to examine occupational therapy services delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the literature review, the most commonly provided services by occupational therapists during COVID-19 were discussed and a total of …

The Impact Of Client Education Videos On Stroke Rehabilitation: An Educational Video Series, Sydney Ellis, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Stroke is one of the leading causes of severe disability and death in the United States. During the initial stage of recovery, clients receive stroke education to learn about what their new reality looks like after discharge; however, many clients feel that the education provided, although appreciated, was not inclusive to all individuals and only occurred one time. This led to difficulties in knowledge retention and acquisition. Although there is a plethora of educational resources available there seems to be a lack of carryover and understanding of information obtained from these resources, this leaves the client wondering how they can …

Interventions To Improve Or Maintain Activity Of Daily Living Performance In Adults With Dementia: A Systematized Review, Abbey J. Seevers, Tristen F. Toelle, Tate M. Pfeifer, Jake D. Cera, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: Dementia is a progressive cognitive disorder that leads to the degradation of one’s abilities until they are dependent for all activities of daily living (ADLs) (Andersen et al., 2004). There’s an increasing importance to search for effective ways to preserve independence in ADLs and quality of life for adults with dementia (Weng et al., 2019).

Objective: To identify effective occupational therapy (OT) interventions for maintaining or improving ADL performance among adults with dementia.

Data Sources: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO. This search was conducted by a medical librarian.

Design: Inclusion criteria encompassed interventions within the scope of OT, at least one …

Effectiveness Of Interventions In The Scope Of Occupational Therapy For Mental Health In Children And Adolescents: A Systematized Review, Shawn Macdonald, Jaden Siegle, Cheyney Loper, Simone Regnier, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: 1 in 5 children in the US have a mental health disorder (Larson et al., 2017) which affects health across the lifespan, including engagement in school and play (Rizvi et al., 2024).

Objective: This systemized review explored literature about the effectiveness of mental health interventions for children and adolescents within the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice.

Data Sources: A medical librarian searched articles from 2019-2024 that were retrieved from PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO.

Study Selection and Data Collection: Studies were included if the outcome measures addressed mental health, interventions were within the scope of OT, participants were children …

The Effectiveness Of Massage Gun Treatment Combined With Passive Stretching In Reducing Non-Specific Lower Back Pain, Yudik Prasetyo, Sabda Husain As Shafi, Fatkhurahman Arjuna, Atikah Rahayu, Mohd Izwan Bin Shahril, Mohad Anizu Mohd Nor, Edwin Onyango Otieno

Jurnal Keolahragaan

Non-specific lower back pain is a common condition characterized by strain, muscle spasms, or weakness of the paraspinal muscles, particularly the multifidus muscle, which affects adjacent musculature such as the gluteus, hamstrings, and quadriceps. This study aimed to investigate whether massage gun treatment combined with passive stretching could reduce non-specific low back pain in patients experiencing subacute and chronic phases of this condition. This pseudo-experimental research employed a one-group pretest-posttest design with three treatments. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria: suffering from non-specific low back pain, willingness to participate, and age between 20 and 65 years. …

Belonging Through Meaningful Activity In The Transition From Unhoused To Housed, Patricia Y. Plett, Rebecca Gewurtz, Abe Oudshoorn, Cheryl Forchuk, Carrie Marshall

Occupational Therapy Publications

Background

Belonging is closely associated with well-being, yet individuals with experiences of being unhoused are likely to experience social exclusion and challenges with developing a sense of belonging. Engagement in meaningful activity has been linked to belonging; however, there are no focused studies exploring experiences of how engaging in meaningful activities influences belonging. Meaningful activities are things we do that bring value to our lives.

Purpose

To explore how engaging in meaningful activities may influence experiences of belonging following homelessness through a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews.

Method

Using interviews conducted in a community-based participatory action study exploring the transition …

Factors Influencing Graduate Students Of Diverse Backgrounds In Their Selection Of Occupational Therapy As A Career, Jeffrey T. Lucas, Scotillia Fogg, Mandie Lynch

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

The population of the United States is becoming more culturally diverse; however, the profession of occupational therapy does not reflect this change, whether examining educators, practitioners, or students. This study was designed to identify factors influencing graduate students of diverse backgrounds, and how a career in occupational therapy was determined. Participants for this study comprised first- and second-year occupational therapy students enrolled at Lenior-Rhyne University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Winston-Salem State University. A convenience sample was used to obtain the population. These universities were the only graduate-level occupational therapy programs willing to participate in the …

The Experience Of Pet Ownership During Transitional Housing Process, Kathryn Holden

Student Capstone Papers

Twenty-five percent of people experiencing homelessness have pets, but few transitional housing programs allow pets (Rhoades et al., 2015); therefore, there is a gap in the literature about the experience of pet ownership during the transitional housing process. This study aimed to explore pet owners' experiences at a transitional housing site in San Diego County. The student interviewed two current dog owners and four recent dog owners. All participants prioritized their pets because of the strong bond they shared with their pet. They described their relationship between themselves and their dog to be stronger than their relationships with family members …

Outdoor Recreation For People With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series, Siarra Walker

Student Capstone Papers

More than 15 million people globally are living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Only half of people with SCI engage in leisure activities and approximately 71% of the population reports dissatisfaction in their leisure participation. There are numerous intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that lead to these significant declines in leisure exploration and participation, including lack of knowledge and inaccurate accessible online information. In correlation with these barriers, occupational therapy practitioners underutilize leisure participation during the rehabilitation process for people with SCI and this is an underreported topic in the literature. Occupational therapy practitioners and people with SCI lack knowledge of …

Exploring Sexual Satisfaction And Intimacy After T6 And Above Spinal Cord Injury: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Aron Williams, Karen Aranha, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: With T6 and above SCIs, there is a greater chance of sexual function and satisfaction being impacted; however, individuals lack the clinical support and resources needed for rehabilitation in this area. From an occupational science and occupational adaptation (OA) perspective, examining the multifactorial needs and the lived experiences of individuals with SCI T6 and above who have attained sexual satisfaction post-injury would aid in better serving the rehabilitation needs of this population. Methodology: This study explored the process that individuals with SCIs underwent to achieve sexual satisfaction and intimacy post-injury. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodology was used to …