Occupational Therapy Commons^™

From Play To Pressure: Understanding Early Sports Specialization Through An Occupational Lens, Kiley Jade Washnieski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Youth sport participation plays a significant role in the daily lives of children ages 6-12 (Lee et al., 2018). Participation in organized sports can offer numerous benefits; however, the expectations surrounding youth sports have evolved over time. Increased emphasis on early specialization has intensified training demands and performance pressures placed on youth athletes during critical developmental years (Brenner et al., 2019). Although occupational therapy is well positioned to address both the physical and psychosocial demands of youth sport participation, the profession’s role within this context remains underexplored (Bulan et al., 2025).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was …

Empowering Caregivers: An Occupational Therapy-Informed Educational Program For Dementia Care In Rural Communities, Maria Lynn Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Hospitalization presents significant risks for individuals with dementia, including increased behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), delirium, functional decline, and reduced occupational engagement (Boltz et al., 2023; Teichmann et al., 2019; Zwingmann et al., 2020). Acute care environments are often overstimulating, unfamiliar, and task-oriented, which can exacerbate cognitive impairment and contribute to caregiver distress. Despite strong evidence supporting nonpharmacological, occupation-based interventions, structured engagement opportunities are rarely integrated into acute care workflows (Burgdorf et al., 2023; Faeder et al., 2023). This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop occupation-based dementia activities for use during hospitalization while equipping formal and informal caregivers with …

Quality Of Life Of Individuals Residing In Senior Living Facilities, Meagan R. Danda

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Formal caregivers play an essential role in supporting residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs which contribute to overall health and well-being (Spilsbury et al., 2024). Due to these responsibilities, caregivers need to be properly equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform clinical duties with confidence. The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a product that increases caregiver confidence by providing caregivers with occupational therapy informed education. By enhancing caregivers’ knowledge and skill set, this product may contribute to a supportive environment that fosters resident engagement in meaningful occupations and promotes improved quality of life (QoL) …

Cultivating Connections: Empowering Agricultural Community Members Through Collaborative Care, Kearyn E. Nelsen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Agriculture and mental health – two words not typically used in the same sentence; however, considering the rate of suicide among those working in the agriculture profession is significantly higher than the general population, the need for both awareness and action is critically important. Despite a lack of research specific to occupational therapy and the agricultural population, occupational therapists on an interprofessional healthcare team are uniquely positioned to serve this population. Interprofessional collaboration is essential when serving agricultural community members, whose needs involve a complexity of physical, mental, social, and environmental factors, each impacting the overall health and well-being …

Pathways To Participation: Enhancing Inclusion For Individuals With Idd, Katie Koxlien

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) continue to experience barriers to meaningful community participation despite policies promoting inclusive community-based services (Friedman, 2017). Sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions, and overstimulating environments frequently limit engagement and increase anxiety or behavioral responses when appropriate supports are not present (Bagatell et al., 2022; Dean et al., 2018; Tint et al., 2017). Research indicates that inclusion requires intentional programming that incorporates structured supports, consistent routines, and opportunities for meaningful engagement (Edwards et al., 2021; Hall, 2016).

Methods: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a week long sensory exploration camp for …

Determining Driving Ability Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Shauna M. Corrigan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a severe injury that causes lasting effects such as visual changes, challenges with concentration and memory, and problems with coordination and balance (Centers for Disease Control, 2024). This can impact an individual’s ability to safely return to the valued occupation of driving. Occupational therapists will commonly assess an individual’s ability to return to drive following a TBI, but they experience challenges in doing so due to a lack of standard method in assessing one’s safety while operating a motor vehicle (Baker et al., 2015; Tamietto et al., 2006; Classen et al., 2009; …

Optimizing Healthy Aging: A Preventative Approach To Support Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Jada Welke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Healthy aging is a complex and multidimensional process influenced by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, environmental, and lifestyle factors across the lifespan. Increasing evidence from researchers suggests that many health care systems continue to rely on reactive models that address decline only after functional limitations emerge. Preventive interventions initiated in midlife have the potential to significantly influence long-term health outcomes, independence, well-being, and quality of life. As a result, there is growing recognition that multidimensional, proactive screening and intervention should begin earlier, before age-related conditions become clinically significant.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to address this need through …

Introduction Of Occupational Therapy Into A Suburban Supportive Housing Organization, Madeline Kuntz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Abstract: Unhoused individuals experience compounded barriers beyond housing access and are often underserved within occupational therapy practice. This doctoral capstone project partnered with a nonprofit residential program to develop a research-informed onboarding manual grounded in the holistic occupational therapy framework, Model of Human Occupation (MOHO, O’Brien, 2017). The manual was designed to clarify expectations of the supportive housing program, address diverse resident needs, and promote independence as the organization expands. Development was informed by a comprehensive literature review and informal needs assessment of the organization, identifying anticipatory barriers and supports commonly experienced prior to program entry. Key areas of need …

Expanding Access To Hand Therapy In Rural Wyoming Through Telehealth, Cheyenne Rose Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals living in rural Wyoming experience significant barriers to accessing specialized hand therapy services, including geographic isolation, limited availability of certified hand therapists, and inconsistent healthcare infrastructure, resulting in delayed rehabilitation and reduced functional outcomes (Hirth et al., 2022; Rural Health Information Hub, 2025). Although telehealth has emerged as a potential solution to improve access, challenges related to clinician training, safety, and adaptation of interventions to virtual environments persist (Feldhacker et al., 2022; Morris, 2024). The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an evidence-based telehealth hand therapy program to improve access to upper extremity rehabilitation services in rural …

Occupation-Based Transition Planning Guide For High School Students With Disabilites., Kelsey Milleson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The transition from high school to adulthood is a critical period influencing independence, employment, and community participation for students with disabilities (Carroll et al., 2025; Rosner et al., 2020). Despite mandates under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), many students experience poor postsecondary outcomes, including limited employment and increased reliance on caregivers (Benson et al., 2021; U.S. Department of Education, 2020). Effective transition planning should begin early, be individualized, and emphasize real-world skill development such as daily living, vocational skills, and self-advocacy (Cleary & Persch, 2020). However, school-based programs often lack consistency, structure, and performance-based outcome measures, reducing …

The Lens Of Farmers: Understanding Culture To Improve Occupational Therapy Care, Allison Marie Stephani

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Accessible healthcare is essential for farmers due to their limited available time and hazardous job duties (Hildebrand et al., 2019; Hopkins et al., 2023; Salmon et al., 2025; U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2023). Due to the high incidence of injuries that occur within the profession, it is crucial that farmers seek appropriate healthcare services to address these concerns. However, a significant barrier for seeking healthcare assistance is the limited cultural competence among healthcare professionals in understanding the unique needs within farming communities (Gordon et al., 2024; Hildebrand et al., 2019; Hopkins et al., 2023; Purc-Stephenson et al., 2024). The …

First Steps: Supporting Infant Development And Family Bonding, Katana M. Evans

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

First Steps: Supporting Infant Development and Family Bonding is a capstone project that was developed to bring awareness to the importance of development within the first few months of life, as well as exploring occupational therapy’s role with this population. The project focused on areas of program development, education, and clinical skill development, which were all developed following the completion of a scoping review. Educational materials, including a video library, were created for families to continue to access materials following the completion of the experience. These videos covered topics including safe sleep, milestones, tummy time, and more. Additionally, two sessions …

Rheumatic Resilience: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Shannon N. O'Donnell

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Rheumatic conditions affect nearly one in four adults in the United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.) and are characterized by chronic, often progressive symptoms, requiring long-term self-management. Despite this need, accessible and non-pharmacological resources remain limited. The capstone project, Rheumatic Resilience: An Occupational Therapy Approach, was developed to address this gap by promoting sustainable symptom management strategies through programming and education, while increasing awareness of occupational therapy (OT)’s role in chronic pain management. This project focused on areas of program development, education, clinical practice, and advocacy. A 10-week, in-person program based on Lifestyle Redesign principles was …

Holistic Healing Through Horses: An Evaluation Of Interdisciplinary Collaboration In Equine-Assisted Services And Associated Pilot Program, Catherine M. Balestrini, Kathleen Hughes-Butcher

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Holistic Healing through Horses: An Evaluation of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Equine-Assisted Services and Associated Pilot Program was an occupational therapy doctoral capstone project conducted through Misericordia University. This project involved the implementation of equine-assisted services to improve occupational capabilities of physically disabled community-dwelling adults and research related to interdisciplinary collaboration in the equine-assisted service industry. The education component of this capstone disseminated information regarding safe techniques and procedures for volunteers involved in the Holistic Healing through Horses program. The program component of Holistic Healing through Horses involved 12 weekly sessions designed to target goal areas of the respective participants. Progress …

Let's Go Play: Creating Adaptive Play Opportunities For Children, Haleigh J. Merriman

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Children experiencing chronic conditions or life-threatening diseases are at a significantly greater risk of having poor mental health, with symptoms including anxiety, depression, aggression, physical impairment, and problems with academics and socialization (Nijhof et al., 2018). The Let’s Go Play project focuses on program development and education to provide children with disabilities opportunities to play. Play is an important occupation that children engage in. Play is a way that children learn new things, including developing resiliency, overcoming challenges, cooperating, and negotiating with others in a social sense. This program includes weekly video modules on hospital play and switch-adapted toys. This …

Harmony In Health: Supporting College Students Through Multidimensional Wellness, Hannah Strong

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Young adults entering college face a critical developmental transition in which they assume greater responsibility for managing their health and wellness, often without adequate guidance or supportive structures. National data indicate rising rates of mental health concerns, sleep deprivation, and food insecurity among college students, highlighting the need for holistic, context-specific wellness initiatives. The Harmony in Health doctoral capstone project was developed to address this gap by applying occupational therapy’s holistic, occupation-based perspective to promote balance across the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Eight Dimensions of Wellness within the Misericordia University community. The purpose of this capstone …

Emerging Through The College Experience: Supporting The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Higher Education Institutions, Kaitlyn Dixon

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Emerging Through the College Experience was a doctoral capstone project designed to support students during the pivotal transitions of college while substantiating the role of occupational therapy (OT) in higher education. Inspired by the Emerging statues by Dugan located on Misericordia University’s campus, this project focused on developing institutional resources to support college students as they adjust to the college lifestyle. A scoping review was conducted to explore the role of OT in supporting college students with emphasis on adult life skill training. Results from the scoping review identified life skills development as foundational for increasing confidence, academic success, and …

Aging With Mercy, Thriving In Place, Emma Layne Katzman, Karen Weis, Jennifer Rugletic Washko

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Occupational engagement, spirituality, and quality of life are recognized as important dimensions of aging, however, these factors remain underexplored among older adults residing within faith-based communal living environments. This doctoral capstone experience, Aging with Mercy, Thriving in Place, consisted of two distinct but complementary components: an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved mixed methods research study and a quality improvement initiative. The purpose of the research study was to explore occupational engagement, occupational role transitions, spirituality, identity, and perceived quality of life among older adults residing within a faith-based communal living environment. Quantitative data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality …

Transformative Paths: Advancing Inclusive Healthcare Education, Morgan Young

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Transgender individuals continue to experience significant healthcare disparities, provider bias, discrimination, and barriers to accessing affirming healthcare services (White Hughto et al., 2015; World Professional Association for Transgender Health [WPATH], 2022). Despite increasing awareness of these disparities, healthcare education often lacks comprehensive training related to gender-affirming care (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2021; Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion [ODPHP], n.d.; White Hughto et al., 2015). A concurrent scoping review was conducted to answer the research question: Among healthcare providers, how do educational strategies grounded in transgender perspectives and lived experiences affect provider competence in transgender healthcare? The review …

Strategic Transition Planning And Post-Graduation Preparedness For Students In Secondary School, Kelsey Renae Armentrout

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The transition period between high school and post-graduation life can be a challenging time for many students. Young adults may follow different paths, including going into the workforce or attending post-secondary education, as well as learning how to navigate life skills such as paying bills, buying a house or a car, applying for jobs, obtaining insurance, and occupations within the adult life stage. While young adults may learn about these things throughout their high school career, it is likely that the feelings of unpreparedness are continuously relevant. The purpose of this DCE is to develop and implement learning modules for …

Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy-Inspired Educational Sessions For Mothers Accessing Women, Infants, And Children (Wic) Services, Samantha Annette Merew

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This doctoral capstone project examined the effectiveness of occupational therapy (OT)-inspired group and one-on-one educational sessions designed to support the emotional, mental, and social well-being of pregnant and postpartum mothers accessing Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services in Onslow County, North Carolina. Grounded in the Model of Human Occupation and Cognitive Behavioral Frame of Reference, the program aimed to address gaps in holistic maternal health support, particularly among low-income and at-risk populations. Eight structured group sessions and five one-on-one sessions were developed, implemented, and evaluated, focusing on topics such as stress management, emotional regulation, self-care, role transition, and self-advocacy. A …

Impact Of Occupational Therapy Within The Rosenbaum Family House: How Program Development Supports Health And Well-Being For Caregivers And Care Recipients, Zaccardi P. Muniz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Healthcare hospitality houses (HHH) are designed to accommodate patients and caregivers receiving medical treatment far from home. The Rosenbaum Family House (RFH) acts as the HHH adjacent to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. The RFH offers amenities that meet the basic needs of guests; However, there is an opportunity for occupational therapy-based program development to help further assist caregivers and care recipients both inside and outside the RFH. During the doctoral capstone experience (DCE), a three-phase project was developed to support the health and well-being of guests and WVUMedicine clients through group programming, resource guide development, and …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Pediatric Specialty Care Office, Sierra Leigh Hays

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: The role of OT in primary and specialty care clinics is a rising area of interest in the field. There are also many multidisciplinary clinics that OTs can be or are apart of. This study aims to evaluate the consulting role of OT in primary and specialty care clinics, as well as to evaluate data collected by an OT in a pediatric brachial plexus and peripheral nerve clinic. Methods: The first objective was focused on analyzing functional outcomes, using the Active Movement Scale (AMS), of children following neurosurgery or onabotulinum toxin A injections. This was a retrospective study with …

Regulation Creations: A Trauma-Informed Resource Addressing Sensory And Socio-Emotional Childhood Challenges, Meagan Noel Barnes Pearson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Trauma is ubiquitous and can negatively impact many life outcomes. Though trauma can occur across the lifespan, particular emphasis has been placed on the outcomes of experiences that occur in childhood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as coined by Felitti et al. (1998), pertain to traumatic events that occur before the age of 18, and the correlation between the number of ACEs and poor health outcomes is significant. Children can begin demonstrating unfavorable symptoms upon becoming exposed to trauma. Current literature has illustrated particular differences in sensory systems and social skills for young children. These challenges can lead to hardship …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals In The Workplace, M'Kenna J. Henson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone was completed in partnership with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and focused on the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) areas of education and program development. The project involved developing a nationally-accessible asynchronous continuing education e-course, The Role of Occupational Therapy in Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals in the Workplace, to increase occupational therapy (OT) practitioners' and students' knowledge of neurodiversity, workplace inclusion, and evidence-based employment supports.

Current literature highlights significant barriers to employment for neurodivergent individuals. Approximately 20% of people are neurodivergent, yet nearly 80% of neurodiverse adults are unemployed, demonstrating the need for greater …

Comparing Pre-Occupational Therapy Student Intercultural Competence Through Local And Global Service Learning, Leah S. Dunn, Diane Ceo-Difrancesco

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study examined undergraduate pre-occupational therapy student intercultural competence (ICC) development through a local or global service-learning experience. Using a mixed-method approach, responses to the Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competence among Healthcare Professions-Student Version (IAPCC-SV) were compared as well as a content analysis of student essays before and after the service-learning experience to determine ICC growth. Both groups demonstrated ICC growth, but global participants continued their development past the experience. Student essays revealed themes of dissonance, reflection, transformation, and advocacy, with local students focusing on clients and global students adopting broader advocacy goals. Immersive experiences in occupational …

How Do Students Come Across Occupational Therapy And What Makes Them Want To Study Occupational Therapy? Implications For Recruitment, Mette Eg Bruun, Mette Krohn, Sofie Balle Riis, Lene Tanggaard, Tina Helle

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Recruitment challenges in occupational therapy education vary globally. To address workforce needs, it is necessary to examine the factors influencing students’ decisions to pursue occupational therapy. This study investigated how students discovered occupational therapy, what they found appealing about the profession, the influence of study location, and demographic differences between students enrolled in an urban university city and a rural district. Three focus group interviews with 15 occupational therapy students were conducted, supplemented by descriptive statistics comparing student characteristics across urban and rural programs. Qualitative analysis identified five categories: (1) discovering occupational therapy by chance, (2) the power of occupational …

Balancing Acts: Exploring Chronic Illness’ Impact On Achievement In Graduate Health Education, Olivia J. Fulton, Lizeth S. Iboy, Bonnie Decker

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Graduate students with chronic illness encounter barriers as they navigate graduate programs to achieve their personal goals. Chronic illnesses are often invisible, which makes it more challenging to navigate the educational system. This study aimed to understand participants’ ability to engage in their academic environment and how the severity of their symptoms related to their diagnosis impacted participation in lectures, laboratory activities, exams, and competencies. Nineteen participants completed the online survey with questions regarding demographics and perception of how their condition impacted their academic performance on their best days versus worst days. Three assessment tools were incorporated into the survey: …

A Rasch Analysis Of The Self-Assessment Scale Of Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy (Sa-Crot) For Continuing Professional Development, Sho Maruyama, Reiko Miyamoto, Takuya Hirose, Takao Kaneko, Peter Bontje

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The purpose of this study was to establish structural validity, internal reliability, and concurrent validity of the Self-Assessment scale of Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy (SA-CROT) when used in continuing professional development. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 513 occupational therapists with ≤5 years of experience. Rasch analysis was applied to assess structural validity (rating scale functioning, monotonicity, dimensionality, item/person fit) and reliability (item/person reliability, strata). Additionally, concurrent validity was examined by Spearman’s correlation with clinical experience. The Rasch rating scale analysis supported the structural validity of the SA-CROT. Categories showed ordered thresholds with outfit mean-square (MnSq) values ranging from …

From Classroom To Care: A Pilot Level I Fieldwork Experience Building Acute Care Self-Efficacy, Hannah Y. Oldenburg, Jennifer Bergstrom, Traci Kruse, Tamra Trenary, Corey Mcgee

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Level I fieldwork provides an opportunity for occupational therapy students to be exposed to the occupational therapy framework and process across various practice settings. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding introductory fieldwork experiences for occupational therapy students in complex medical settings, specifically acute care. Researchers implemented a seven-week Level I fieldwork experience at two Midwest trauma centers, utilizing a mixed-methods, two-cohort design with 12 students and 16 practitioners. The program featured a blended Level I fieldwork supervision model, combining faculty-led and traditional on-site supervision. Over the seven-week period, students showed significant improvement in their perceived self-efficacy regarding …