Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Exploring The Teaching Methods And Approaches Used By Australian Educators To Teach Occupation, Melanie J. Roberts, Barb Hooper, Bernadette Sebar, Jim Woodburn

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy education standards for teaching occupation are inconsistently applied and there is a lack of evidence to inform teaching practice in Australia. This qualitative study explored what teaching methods and approaches Australian occupational therapy educators used in their classroom, and why those methods were used. The research was completed in two phases: narrative inquiry guided Phase I where educators were interviewed about the methods and approaches used to teach occupation. In Phase II video-reflexive ethnography was implemented, where a video recording of teaching was used as a prompt for a reflexive discussion about the educator’s teaching approaches. The interviews …

Enhancing Intraprofessional Collaboration In Occupational Therapy: Evaluation Of An Online Course For Canadian Ot And Ota Students, Teresa R. Avvampato, Dianna Fong-Lee, Mark Hall, Marcia Finlayson

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

An environmental scan conducted in 2022 highlighted a need for enhanced preparation for collaboration between occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) in Ontario, Canada. In response, an online course was developed to disseminate knowledge needed for effective OT-OTA intraprofessional collaboration (IntraPC) in the Canadian context. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the online course to improve perceived preparedness among Canadian OT and OTA students for OT-OTA IntraPC. Participants were Master’s-level OT students and diploma-level OTA students studying in Canada (N = 136), who were invited to complete the course by their program instructors. …

Temporal Occupational Patterns Amidst Covid-19: A Comparative Analysis Of Occupational Therapy Graduate Students’ Self-Reports, Amanda C. Jozkowski, Julie M. Werner, Meagan Downey

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study employed a qualitatively-driven mixed method approach to exploring temporal occupational patterns among occupational therapy graduate students in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collected from cohorts in 2021 and 2022 were contrasted with those previously reported for 2019 and 2020, highlighting how these patterns evolved over time. Notable changes in time use were identified between the 2021 and 2022 cohorts. In 2022, students reported increased time spent in class and in driving/community mobility, while their time dedicated to physical activity, health maintenance, and family interactions declined. The analysis revealed the complexity of students' time use due …

Vision Rehabilitation In Ot And Ota Curricula: A Survey To Academic Programs, Angela Butler, Beth A. Barstow

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapists are trained to evaluate and treat occupational performance problems. Client factors, such as vision, greatly impact an individuals’ ability to participate in meaningful occupations. New accreditation standards do not include language related to vision. Therapists must be prepared to evaluate and treat the increasing prevalence of visual challenges from children with cerebral visual impairment to older adults with age related conditions. This survey explored how vision rehabilitation is covered in accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs and the expertise of faculty teaching vision content. A thirteen-question survey was sent to accredited programs. Questions included multiple response, …

How Identities Shape Belonging In Occupational Therapy Education: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Student Belonging, Quinn P. Tyminski, Rowhea Elmesky

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Belonging is defined in a variety of ways but most often refers to an individual’s feelings of acceptance, inclusion, support, and respect within a certain environment. Belonging is an innate human need and contributes to success in academic and professional settings. Within occupational therapy (OT) education, minimal attention has been paid to the specific concept of belonging with no research focused on long-term qualitative explorations of student belonging for students with historically minoritized identities (HMIs). Thus, the goal of the present study was to better understand how students with multiple HMIs experienced the phenomenon of belonging in OT education. Utilizing …

Why Occupational Therapy?: A Qualitative Analysis Of Incoming Students’ Reasons For Entering The Profession, Laura H. Vanpuymbrouck, Carli Friedman

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Insight into students’ views and understandings of what occupational therapy (OT) practitioners do and what a career will be like can shed light into how the profession is socially perceived. Additionally, this knowledge can be useful for recruitment, retention, and curriculum design, especially for addressing misunderstandings and inaccurate perceptions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the narratives of incoming OT students when asked why they chose to enter the profession of OT. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic data, and then thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data about why participants wanted to become occupational …

To-Do List: A Chore Program For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mariah Gad, Mary Jan Greer, Danielle Howerton

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Many children with autism spectrum disorder do not have the exposure to age-appropriate chore tasks because their parents may be unaware of how to actively get their child involved with household tasks. The overarching goal of this project was to develop a chore program for children with autism to gain responsibilities and learn functional living skills through the use of household chores to aid in the transition process to adulthood.

Social Participation Approach In Brain Injury Survivors, Lexie Graham, Cassandra Nelson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This program will consist of educating brain injury survivors and their peers on social participation following a brain injury. With the cognitive and physical deficits that come with brain injuries, a decrease in socialization occurs due to those barriers faced. With the lack of resources aimed towards brain injuries and social participation this program is essential to ensuring everyone has access to an education platform. Providing brain injury survivors and their peers with evidence-based information and tips for socializing is vital to helping families, friends, significant others, and peers keep strong relationships and increase their quality of life.

Older Adult's Fall Prevention Program, Myles Butler, Rebecca King

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The decline in bodily functions with aging increases older adults' vulnerability to falls, which is a leading cause of death within this population. The poster presents an educational based fall prevention program focused on safety awareness and risk management for older adults. In conclusion, implementing a fall prevention program leads to increased awareness regarding risk factors that are detrimental to the safety and well-being of the older adult community

Occupational Therapy Role In Aiding Health Management For Caregivers Of Children With Neurological Conditions, Peyton Mcgee, Mary Jan Greer, Caitlin Boyd

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurological disorders are identified as a dysfunction on any part of the nervous system that cause disability (Kumar et al., 2022). In order to enhance the outcome of children with neurological conditions, there should be an emphasis on the role and well-being of their caregivers. Common symptoms of neurological disorders among children include delayed developmental milestones, seizures and epilepsy, regression of skills, abnormal movements and behaviors, headaches, sensory processing issues, and communication difficulties. Adjusting to a new normal can be overwhelming for caregivers, especially when children transition out of rehab. The aim of the proposed capstone project is to aid …

Occupational Therapy Education And Advocacy For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Francis Green, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that profoundly affects individuals' daily lives. While occupational therapy (OT) has been shown to enhance independence, motor function, cognitive health, and emotional well-being for individuals with PD, awareness and understanding of these services remain limited among patients and caregivers. This capstone project sought to address this gap by developing and distributing tailored educational materials. Weekly handouts, supported by in-person discussions, were designed to raise awareness of OT’s role and provide actionable strategies for managing PD symptoms. Surveys conducted throughout the project provided valuable feedback on the educational materials created, ensuring the materials' …

Increasing Teacher-Ot Collaboration In A School-Based Setting, Shayla Ransome, L. Brook Sawyer, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Pre-service PreK-4 teachers receive little to no education about SBOT practice, which hinders not only collaboration opportunities but also potentially impacts student performance and participation outcomes negatively. This capstone seeks to develop an interprofessional educational unit to increase collaboration between pre-service PreK-4 teachers and pre-OT practitioners, which will promote positive student performance and participation outcomes.

A Glance Into The Roles Of Higher-Level Academia, Camye White

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This Capstone Project looks at the multiple roles of a full-time faculty member in higher-level academia while looking at implications for best practices to pass the NBCOT certification exam.

Development Of A Sensory-Based Intervention Manual For Educators, Bralie Dent, Zeida Gutierrez

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focused on the development of an educational manual on sensory processing disorder (SPD) for educators. The manual was created as a resource to enhance teachers' understanding of SPD and confidence in implementing sensory-based interventions and accommodations in the classroom for students who have sensory processing difficulties.

Service Dog Knowledge And Utilization In Occupational Therapy Practice, Lauren E. Garcia, Sierra P. Mcnicol

Graduate Student Scholarship

The assumed efficacy behind service dog intervention is based on the well-known potential for the development of a strong, emotional bond between humans and dogs. Occupational therapists can use knowledge of their specific scope of practice to aid in the referral process, and the assessment process, and to help assist clients with training and comfortability throughout the service dog placement process. Existing literature on service dog use and implementation within occupational therapy (OT) practice is limited and lacking in rigor, internal and external validity, and reliability. The aims of the current study include evaluating the level of education occupational therapy …

Increasing Reading Comprehension And Accuracy By Enhancing Reading Mechanics In Preadolescence: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Academia, Shireena Behel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Reading comprehension and accuracy are critical components of academic success in preadolescence. Research suggests that traditional school systems utilize a unisensory approach to learning, however, recent studies have emphasized the successful impact a multisensory approach can have on academic performance. This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop a multisensory, occupation-based reading program for the Huntsville Learning Center (HLC) Christian Summer Camp under the guidance of Mariana D’Amico, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, and Susan Callaway, HLC Family Development Coordinator. This required conducting pretest and post-test measurements, implementing occupation-based reading activities, and administering a post-program evaluation survey to determine the effectiveness of a …

Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy In Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Marisa Lamb

OT Student Capstones

This capstone aims to measure entrepreneurial self-efficacy in students enrolled in occupational therapy (OT) programs across the nation by sending an online survey. Occupational therapy’s profession has expressed a need for more entrepreneurs within its field. Further research into the factors that contribute to the lack of entrepreneurship in OT was performed and are described. The factor in which this capstone focuses is the first of its kind as there were no studies that have directly targeted OT graduate students as a population to measure entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE). By reporting on data representative of national demographics, this capstone seeks to …

S.M.A.R.T. Program Implementation To Promote Engagement And Participation In A School Setting, Emily Mickelson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone project is to educate educational professionals on multi-sensory approaches and to implement the Stimulating Maturity Through Accelerated Readiness Training (S.M.A.R.T.) program to increase students’ engagement in academic learning. This project used pre- and post-tests to determine baseline knowledge. The occupational therapy student participated in S.M.A.R.T. training, and the junior kindergarten students participated in eight-weeks of S.M.A.R.T. program implementation. The students’ pre- and post-test assessments were completed by the students one-week pre-intervention and following eight weeks of program implementation. The educational professionals’ pre- and post-test assessments were completed by the kindergarten teachers before and after receiving …

Implementing The Copm To Create Occupation-Based Interventions In Outpatient Adult Rehabilitation, Kelcee A. Bacon

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Worldwide, people continue to live longer, with the number of people over the age of 60 predicted to double by 2050; many of those people also have chronic diseases that could benefit from rehabilitation services. Outpatient rehabilitative services, including occupational therapy, have increased occupational performance, strength, mobility, and coordination for those diagnosed with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions. This capstone focused on three components: 1) in-depth clinical practice using occupation-based assessments and interventions with the adult population, 2) understanding the administrative roles of private practice therapists, and 3) creating educational materials to increase knowledge and skills surrounding outpatient occupational therapy for …

Increasing Self-Efficacy With Menstrual Management For Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness Using The Inclusive “U N Me” Education Program, Edellene Ignacio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of the study was to increase self-efficacy with the occupation of menstrual management in young adults experiencing homelessness using the "Understanding and Navigating Menstrual Experience" or "U N ME" program. The objectives of this study were a reported increase in self-efficacy with menstrual management, the development of the U N ME program, and to promote the spread of accurate information to other menstruators in the community.

This study was a convergent parallel mixed-method study rooted in a phenomenological approach. The intervention featured four weekly workshops featuring education, group discussion, and an activity to tie the topic of the …

Increasing Swim Instructors' Perceived Knowledge Of Sensory-Based Strategies When Coaching Children Who May Have Sensory Differences, Gabrielle Palmer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Although swim instructors are solely taught water safety regulations and correct swimming techniques, they are nonetheless viewed as mentors by the kids they work with. They are required to finish both their basic swim instructor (BSI) course and their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, which primarily covers the fundamentals (American Red Cross Training Services, 2023; Kraft & Leblanc, 2018). However, neither provides a method of teaching swimming to children who might have sensory processing differences. This lack of education may affect both the child's participation and the swim instructor's capacity to impart knowledge. Research revealed that swim instructors are not very …

Yoga Program For Children At Risk For Trauma: Promoting Self-Regulation And Educational Participation, Sydney Gonzales, Rebecca King

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation describes implementing a yoga-based program within an early childhood education setting. Occupational therapists can utilize yoga-based activities and advocate for their use in classrooms to promote the positive development of self-regulation and educational participation for at-risk populations.

Ot's Role With Survivors Of Sexual Assault, Myracle N. Carter, Cassandra M. Nelson

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sexual assault can lead to a multitude of symptoms that can negatively impact an individual’s occupational participation and quality of life. However, the literature and programming surrounding the use of occupational therapy (OT) with survivors of sexual assault is limited or outdated. Therefore, this program was created to be a resource and guide to increase the use of OT with survivors. This program included a total of five modules, which provided education and occupation-based activities to the participants to increase their occupational participation, specifically in work and education, and their overall quality of life. Following the conclusion of the implementation …

A Guide For Supplemental Education On Seating And Positioning For Parents And Caregivers Of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy, Grace Johnson, Mary Jan Greer, Franchesca Cox

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An educational program that educates caregivers and families on the importance of proper seating and positioning during play, feeding, bone development and growth, speech, reaching, toy manipulation, handwriting and interacting with peers.

The Relationship Between Holistic Admissions Criteria And Program Ranking Among Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Programs, Kristian Taylor, Cat-Tien Nguyen, Jenny Grant, Mary B. Brewster, Mary A. Barrett, Teal Benevides, Sharon M. Cosper

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Holistic admissions criteria are one strategy to be more inclusive of students with a variety of experiences, cultures, and beliefs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between holistic admissions criteria and occupational therapy program ranking. We used a retrospective cross-sectional cohort descriptive study design of occupational therapy programs in the United States to understand whether top performing programs employ holistic admissions criteria. Secondary descriptive analysis from the top and bottom 50 ranked occupational therapy programs in 2020 U.S. News & World Report (Morse et al., 2020) was completed. We used a nominal scale to classify programs …

Barriers That Affect Equity In The Occupational Therapy Admissions Process: Student And Faculty Perspectives, Quinn P. Tyminski, Lenin Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The use of holistic admissions in higher education has been demonstrated to increase the diversity of incoming student classes; yet, in occupational therapy (OT) research, admissions processes remain under-explored. This phenomenological study aimed to explore the process of OT admissions from the perspective of students, faculty, and staff at a single OT program with the goal to create a more inclusive, equitable, and holistic process. Focus groups were conducted with first-year students, and an online survey was sent to faculty to explore perspectives on the admissions process, necessary qualities for an OT graduate student, and suggestions for increasing inclusion and …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Addressing Health Disparities In Transgender/ Gender Diverse Youth, Samantha Ryan

MOT Student Capstones

This study investigated the effectiveness of an educational module in improving occupational therapists' knowledge and skills regarding transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth. The research builds upon existing literature demonstrating positive outcomes when integrating TGD population needs into healthcare education programs. The study employs a pre-test/post-test design to assess participants' understanding of critical areas, including culturally affirming care, legal and ethical considerations, social determinants of health and health disparities, developmental stages related to gender identity, and safety considerations for TGD youth. Participant< ; who completed the module demonstrated significant improvements in several key areas. They displayed a firmer grasp of culturally affirming care principles and how to 4 implement them in practice. Additionally, their understanding of legal and ethical considerations surrounding TGD healthcare provision deepened. The study also revealed increased knowledge of social determinants of health and the impact of TGD identities on access to equitable healthcare. Participants better understood how developmental stages relate to gender identity and its influence on occupational engagement. Finally, they demonstrated increased knowledge of safety considerations and protective factors for TGD youth in occupational therapy settings. Findings reveal measurable improvements in participants' knowledge and ability to deliver affirming occupational therapy for TGD youth. The results suggest that the educational module promotes culturally competent and ethical care. Furthermore, these findings suggest that integrating TOD-specific education into occupational therapy curricula can significantly enhance practitioners' ability to provide affirming and effective care for TGD youth.

Education And Advocacy For Universal Design And Accessibility In Housing, Apisara Vairojanakich, Amy Lyons-Brown, Molly Wuebker

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

In the United States, there is a lack of adequate numbers of universally designed and accessible houses in the housing market for the older population and people with disabilities. Many barriers, such as financial support and lack of knowledge for housing-related professionals, can prevent this population from participating in home occupations. The project developed educational products, including the universal design housing experience booklet, universal design housing checklist, and universal design blueprints. These products were delivered through the blog post on Uncurbed LinkedIn website. The needs assessment was conducted to provide the guidelines for the chapters in the booklet and checklist. …

The Truth To Transitioning: Development Of A Trans* Specific Occupational Therapy Practice Framework Involving An Integrative Care Model, Amanda Gale

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) clients are underserved by occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) throughout their transition journey. This research based capstone involved completing stakeholder interviews with OTPs and TGD individuals to inform and update an existing occupational therapy model and improve best-practice standards within OT practice when providing services to TGD individuals.

Increasing Occupational Therapists' Knowledge And Awareness Of Service Dogs, Emily Freyberg

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone involved the development and dissemination of a resource manual on service dogs for children based on collaboration with the 4 Paws for Ability organization. This manual provides occupational therapists with education on the purpose and scope of service dogs to increase recognition and understanding in the profession.