Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Survey Of Occupational Therapy Students' Attitudes, Knowledge And Preparedness For Treating Lgbt Clients, Deborah J. Bolding, Vivian Rodriguez, Helen Nguyen, Laurie A. Drabble

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) populations are sexual and gender minorities and are at risk for significant health disparities compared to heterosexual populations. This study examined occupational therapy students’ and recent graduates’ (n=435) basic knowledge, clinical preparedness and attitudinal awareness for working with LGBT clients using the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS; Bidell, 2017). Students in the study generally rated themselves low (between three and four on a seven-point scale) on questions related to clinical preparedness, indicating they felt they did not have adequate training relative to working with LGBT clients. …

The Occupational Therapy Examination And Practice Preparation (Otepp) Program: Development, Implementation And Evaluation Of An Educational Program For Internationally-Educated Occupational Therapists, Susan E. Baptiste, Shaminder Dhillon, Kathryn Decker, Nancy Lidstone, Leah Dix, Colleen E. Mcgrath, Pat Mcmahon, Elizabeth Steggles, Claudia Von Zweck

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This paper provides a chronological overview of the development, implementation, and evaluation of an educational initiative aimed at ensuring internationally-educated occupational therapists are prepared to enter practice in their new country, Canada. The three major phases of the program’s 12-year evolution are described, to distill the key lessons learned at each phase. Data related to the demographics of participants, program content, results of the national examination, registration, and employment outcomes are included. An enhanced understanding of the transition experience of internationally educated occupational therapists provides a strong foundation from which to support internationally-educated colleagues and strengthen the occupational therapy profession.

Mindfulness In The Occupational Therapy Classroom: Infusing Grit, Gratitude Practice, And A Growth Mindset Into Ot Education, Amy Mattila, Elizabeth D. Deiuliis, Retta M. Martin, Jemma Grogan

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

With the rigor of occupational therapy programs increasing to meet the demands of the diverse healthcare system, students are reporting stress and anxiety at an increasing rate. This mixed methods study assessed the outcomes of occupational therapy students who participated in a comprehensive mindfulness program that included interventions on grit, gratitude practice, and growth mindset. Twenty-four occupational therapy students participated in the 10-week mindful-based intervention program prior to a Level I fieldwork experience. Data was collected pre- and post-intervention using the 12-item Grit Scale, the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6), the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ), journal entries, and a satisfaction …

Representation Of Theory In Occupational Therapy Education: An International Systematic Mapping Review, 1940-2015, Rachel Heeb, Barb Hooper, Steven D. Taff

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Previous review research has outlined the state of various aspects of occupational therapy education. No reviews, however, have examined how theory, specifically, is represented in educational scholarship. This systematic mapping review explored the way in which theory, as it relates to both occupational therapy practice and pedagogy, has been discussed throughout occupational therapy education scholarship. In the education scholarship, theory pertaining to occupational therapy practice often overlaps with theory pertaining to pedagogy; therefore, both domains were included in the review. A systematic search for occupational therapy education literature published between 1940 and 2015 resulted in 9765 unique citations, 556 of …

Prevalence And Types Of Incivility In Occupational Therapy Fieldwork, Deborah J. Bolding, Travis Dudley, Adrienne Dahlmeier, Lauren Bland, Aimee Castro, Adrianna Covarrubias

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Civility between health professions students and fieldwork educators enhances positive learning outcomes, while incivility can lead to stress, loss of confidence, mistakes, disengagement, and decreased patient outcomes. A survey of recent graduates of occupational therapy programs (N = 247) explored the prevalence and types of incivility and bullying experienced during their Level II fieldwork experiences. Respondents reported that incivility in fieldwork education was widespread, with more severe experiences of bullying reported by 16% of respondents. Occupational therapy programs and fieldwork educators must take an active role in prevention and management of uncivil behaviors, and promote positive academic and patient …

What Does The Evidence Say About Student, Fieldwork Educator, And New Occupational Therapy Practitioner Perceptions Of Successful Level Ii Fieldwork And Transition To Practice? A Scoping Review, Blakeney Patterson, Mariana D'Amico

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study explored occupational therapy (OT) student, fieldwork educator, and new practitioner perceptions of successful Level II fieldwork experiences and how those experiences related to transitioning into practice. A scoping review was conducted where articles related to OT fieldwork experiences were analyzed using key terms and databases. A total of 14 articles related to OT fieldwork experiences and transitions into practice were critically analyzed. Three studies explored student perceptions of fieldwork experiences and perceived self-efficacy, two studies investigated student perspectives of fieldwork educators, four studies explored transition to practice of recently graduated OT students, two studies investigated student perceptions of …

A Pilot Study Exploring The Impact Of Interprofessional Simulation On Role Clarity And Student Readiness For Collaborative Clinical Practice, Shira Schecter Weiner, Laura Hagan, Julie F. Kardachi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional collaboration is recognized as a healthcare practice paradigm that may decrease overall costs and minimize errors. Yet it remains common for practitioners to provide care within silos, inadequately considering the impact of their decisions on other providers and overall costs, which ultimately may negatively impact the patient. Integrating interprofessional collaboration in school curricula can establish the importance of this approach to healthcare. For optimal efficacy, every professional in the healthcare team must recognize their unique role and the roles of others, to allow for seamless interprofessional collaboration. Simulation is a teaching tool that provides students with the opportunity …

Development Of A Financial Literacy Component For A Comprehensive Secondary Transition Program For Diploma-Bound Students With Learning Differences, Rose Marie Borillo

Student Capstone Papers

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are required to provide transition planning for students with disabilities and mental illness by age 16 (Eismann et al, 2017). Occupational therapists have been underutilized in secondary transition planning, despite their expertise in targeting functional abilities, comprehension, and health using activity analysis to promote skill attainment and achieve independence (Mankey 2012; Eismann et al, 2017).

At the Winston School, there was no formal transition program aside from the individual college counseling provided by a staff member. A coordinated transition program was indicated to prepare students for life after high school to …

Developing Financial Literacy Skills For A Secondary Transition Program For Students With Learning Differences, Rose Marie Borillo, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

San Marcos, Fall 2019

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are required to provide transition planning for students with disabilities and mental illness by age 16 (Eismann et al, 2017). Occupational therapists have been underutilized in secondary transition planning, despite their expertise in targeting functional abilities, comprehension, and health using activity analysis to promote skill attainment and achieve independence (Mankey 2012; Eismann et al, 2017).

At the Winston School, there was no formal transition program aside from the individual college counseling provided by a staff member. A coordinated transition program was indicated to prepare students for life after high school to …

Exploring Wheelchair Service Delivery In A Dedicated Seating Department, Cara E. Masselink

Dissertations

This study is a series of three studies aimed at exploring wheelchair service delivery in a department of physical and occupational therapists dedicated to wheelchair seating. The three studies utilized a retrospective analysis to investigate the clinical documentation written by the practicing clinicians between 2007 and 2017. The first study aimed to describe the wheelchair and accessory recommendations made in the 11-year period, in relationship to age and gender. The majority of recommendations in the dedicated seating department were for complex wheelchairs. The results indicated the ratio between standard and complex power mobility devices and four complexities of cushions changed, …

Developing An Ignatian Pedagogy For Occupational Therapy Education In China: The Lived Experience Of The First Two Entry Level Otd, Jesuit Trained Clinicians, Angela Patterson, Alfred G. Bracciano

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

This paper explores the lived experience of the initial two Chinese professionals, competitively selected by a Traditional Chinese Medicine University, to attend and graduate from the Creighton University entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. The process and challenges facing implementation of an international collaborative relationship between a Jesuit university and a public higher education institution in China is considered along with the challenges facing international students immersed in Jesuit health care education. Highlights of differences between Eastern and Western higher education are suggested in the discussion. A review of Jesuit education in China provides the historical background and context …

Third-Wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, And Behavioral Activation, Sonny Misa, Mary Muhlenhaupt, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Learning Objectives

• Restate Active Participation, Just-right Challenge, Motivating and Rewarding, and Therapist as Coach in their own words
• Differentiate between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Illustrate the difference between meditation and mindfulness
• Discuss the implication of extended Behavioral Activation for occupational therapy practice

Facilitating The Creative Process Through Collaboration, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Miles Parker Scharfenberg, an artist based in Richland, Michigan, provided the cover art for the Fall 2019 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Late Night Fireworks” is a 30” x 40” painting made from acrylic on canvas. Born 15 weeks premature, Miles’ multiple health impairments have made it difficult to engage in meaningful occupations, such as painting. With support from his mother, Carol; occupational therapy students; and members of the community; Miles creates colorful abstract expressionist paintings. Collaboration is part of his creative process. In this fifth anniversary issue of OJOT, Occupation and the Artist is following …

Occupational Therapy’S Work And Industry Area Of Practice: Content In Entry-Level Professional Occupational Therapy Curricula: A Survey, Thomas F. Fisher

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process identifies work as an area of occupation that has long been recognized by the profession as an area of practice. This study identified how entry-level professional occupational therapy programs meet educational standards required by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education for educational programs. Standards identified were those that relate to the area of work and industry practice. One hundred and sixty-seven program directors were invited to participate in a survey directed at work and industry occupational therapy practice. Items on the survey related to content taught in their entry-level occupational therapy …

Use Of Standardized Assessments And Online Resources In Stroke Rehabilitation, Susan H. Lin, Pamela R. Bosch, Veronica T. Rowe, Susan E. Fasoli, Jeanne Langan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The extent to which movement-related standardized assessments and online resources are used in stroke rehabilitation is unclear in the United States.

Method: The researchers used a cross-sectional descriptive survey that examined (a) therapists use of movement-related standardized assessments, (b) factors influencing learning of new assessments, and (c) use of frequency of online resources by occupational therapists and physical therapists in the United States.

Results: Of 151 respondents (46.4% occupational therapists, 53.6% physical therapists), the most frequently used movement-related assessments by occupational and physical therapists were the Berg and Fugl-Meyer Assessment, respectively. More physical therapists use motor-related …

Health Management: Occupational Therapy’S Key Role In Educating Clients About Reliable Online Health Information, Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth, Melissa L. Johnson, Meredith Carpenter, Tincey Thomas, Ashley Sinnappan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Only 12% of Americans possess proficient health literacy skills. Among those with the lowest health literacy are individuals with chronic health conditions. Occupational therapists are well prepared to assist these clients with health literacy, given our roles in teaching new health management skills and health promotion.

Methods: An educational course was designed and taught to over 100 individuals and caregivers with chronic health conditions to assist in finding and determining trustworthy health information online. An author designed pre postsurvey was used to evaluate effectiveness.

Results: There was a significant pre-post change in four categories: finding quality …

Going Beyond Accessibility By Advocating For Inclusive Playgrounds, Alexander Herrera, Otas, Amanda Shoffner, Otas, Kiondrah Wilson, Otas, Sara Loesche, Ms, Otr/L, Cht

School of Continuing and Professional Studies Posters

Play is the primary occupation of all children and is vital for the development of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills. Children of all abilities benefit from play and should all have equal opportunity to use and explore playground equipment. Many community playgrounds are limiting and create barriers which do not allow all children to use them. It is important that occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) step up and utilize their skills and knowledge to bring about a change.

Occupational therapy practitioners, with their knowledge of environmental barriers, understanding of disability and specific knowledge of activities, are in an ideal position to …

Parenting With Down Syndrome: The Role Occupational Therapy Plays, Kalhie M. Mayer, Bs, Otas, Aubrey Rubin, Otas, Jessica Schatzan, Otas, Sara Loesche, Ms, Otr/L, Cht

School of Continuing and Professional Studies Posters

• OTPs can help individuals with Down Syndrome complete their activities of daily living so they can be independent and start a family
• Sex education is an very important area for OTPs to work on with individuals who have Down Syndrome or other intellectual disabilities
• OTPs play a huge role in helping people with Down Syndrome parent efficiently and effectively through various strategies such as recommending adaptations to support the occupations of a parent
• OTPs can be instrumental in advocating for individuals with Down Syndrome who have children through linking them with agencies, completing performance assessments, and testifying in legal proceedings …

Inclusive Community: Exploring The Benefits Of Sensory Friendly Environments, Corinne Hanna, Otas, Shoshana Weisberg, Otas, Sara Loesche, Ms, Otr/L, Cht

School of Continuing and Professional Studies Posters

Sensory friendly environments support inclusivity for children with autism and their families. Environmental barriers often cause an unpleasant experience for children who experience sensory processing disorders. Occupational therapy practitioners have a role in collaborating with teachers for modifications in the classroom and advocating for sensory friendly events within the community to promote engagement in childhood occupations.

Fighting A Battle Against The Opioid Epidemic With Occupational Therapy, Emily Best, Otas, Douglas Milke, Otas, Teresa Vega, Otas, Sara Loesche, Ms, Otr/L, Cht

School of Continuing and Professional Studies Posters

• The opioid epidemic is an opportunity for occupational therapy practitioners to help promote health and wellness within communities, populations, and individuals.
• Occupational therapy practitioners are trained to understand unique learning styles by looking at a person’s habits, roles, routines, environments, performance skills, client factors, etc.
• Occupational therapy’s client-centered and holistic values provide an advantage in adapting intervention strategies to what works best for a particular client or population

Impact Of Spinal Cord Injuries On Occupational Performance And Successful Role Acquisition During Motherhood, Caitlin Defrehn, Bs, Otas, Marie Quainoo, Ba, Otas, Sara Loesche, Ms, Otr/L, Cht

School of Continuing and Professional Studies Posters

OT services can be utilized to optimize a mother’s function, mobility and engagement during and after pregnancy

OTPs can help women with SCIs fulfill the role of mother by providing

• “training, adaptations, and resources” (para. 14)
• “evaluating and recommending wheelchair seating and positioning” (para. 6)
• Evaluating [mental], physical and environmental barriers in the home and community and recommending modifications (para. 8) (AOTA, 2015)

Current literature indicates that there are limited resources for mothers living with SCIs, especially regarding care of infants

Additional research is necessary to “examine the most effective strategies and adaptations” (p.2)

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Oncology: Returning To Work During And After Treatment, Annamarie Scheidell, Otas, Stephanie Sloane, Bs, Ms, Otas, Sara Loesche, Ms, Otr/L, Cht

School of Continuing and Professional Studies Posters

Medical advances have improved the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with cancer and some late-stage cancers that once were terminal have now become manageable, chronic conditions. Because of this, more individuals with cancer as well as survivors of cancer are re-entering the workforce. Resuming the role of worker is considered an important step in recovery for many. Occupational therapy (OT) can play an important role in facilitating a successful transition back to work for both cancer patients and survivors.

The Meaning And Motivation Of Children Participating In Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Pilot Study, Beth Laskowski, Melissa Y. Winkle, Whitney Lucas Molitor

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Background: Despite claims that animal-assisted therapy is beneficial, there is limited empirical evidence supporting this. Current literature supports the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits an animal can provide, but few studies have explored the outcomes of incorporating an animal into skilled treatment facilitated by a healthcare professional. This study seeks to explore the effects of animal-assisted therapy in outpatient pediatric occupational therapy practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore the meaningfulness and motivation animal-assisted therapy interventions provide for pediatric clients when compared with traditional occupational therapy treatment.

Methods: Researchers utilized a within-participants repeated-measures design for this study. …

Promoting Healing With Therapeutic Use Of Clay, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Alice McCall Smith, occupational therapist and artist based in North Carolina, provided the cover art for the Summer 2019 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece, titled “Mother and Child,” is an 8-1/4” tall sculpture made from clay. Alice grew up on a hill sheep farm in the Scottish Highlands. She has used many of the skills learned on the farm in everyday life and in occupational therapy practice. After being diagnosed and treated for depression, Alice turned to sculpting to cope with challenging emotions. The therapeutic use of clay was a meaningful part of her …

Community-Working Occupational Therapists Serving As Fieldwork Supervisors: Characteristics And Associated Factors, Tore Bonsaksen, Anne-Stine Dolva, Sissel Horghagen, Unni Sveen, Cathrine Hagby, Cathrine Arntzen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

As enrollment numbers grow in occupational therapy academic programs in Norway, the need for more fieldwork placements and supervisors increases. More knowledge about factors of importance for occupational therapists’ decisions to take on the role of fieldwork supervisor may promote easier access to supervisors who are ready for the task, and it may assist in addressing the barriers for those who are not. We recruited a sample of 561 community-working occupational therapists for an electronic survey conducted in 2017. Quantitative survey responses were obtained and used in the current study. The differences between supervisors and non-supervisors were examined with independent …

A Preliminary Historical Report On Embracing Online Education In Occupational Therapy, Janel Anne Belarmino, Angela Bahle-Lampe

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The relevance and popularity of online occupational therapy education have been increasingly recognized. This paper describes the historical development of online occupational therapy education. Findings revealed three shifts in occupational therapy education, namely shifts in perception, in mode of instruction, and in the roles of teachers and students. The inception of online education in occupational therapy was a product of technological advancement and the demand for improved access to occupational therapy online education. The early phase of occupational therapy online education was confronted with challenges related to hesitance in the development and implementation of online programs and to negative perceptions …

Challenging The Status Quo: Infusing Non-Western Ideas Into Occupational Therapy Education And Practice, Wanda J. Mahoney, Anne F. Kiraly-Alvarez

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The authors of this Topics in Education article, who are both occupational therapy educators, reflect on challenging concepts related to decolonizing occupational therapy education, an idea they first encountered at the 2018 World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress. They acknowledge that Western views heavily influence the occupational therapy concepts they teach to their students. The downside of approaching occupational therapy education and practice primarily from a Western worldview is that occupational therapy students and practitioners may perpetuate societal inequities through their practices and are not well-prepared to address the occupational needs of individuals and communities around the world. This article …

The Impact Of Cognitive Functioning On Daily Occupations For People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study, Aoife Mc Auliffe, Sinéad M. Hynes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Cognitive rehabilitation research in multiple sclerosis is ever-developing, but the impact of cognitive difficulties, seen in 40% to 80% of people, on daily occupations is not well known. The aim of this study is to explore the needs of people with MS who have self-reported cognitive deficits.

Methods: An exploratory qualitative descriptive research design was used. Data was collected through semi-structured telephone interviews with the participants. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed thematically.

Results: Seven participants were recruited (mean age 47). Three themes were developed through associations found in the data. “Neglected symptom” reported the participants’ frustrations …

Life After Losing An Adult Child To A Drug Overdose: A Kawa Perspective, Aaron Weis, Julie D. Kugel, Heather Javaherian-Dysinger, Jessica Nicole De Brun

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Limited research is available to occupational therapy practitioners focusing on parents’ abilities to cope with the loss of an adult child to a drug overdose. We examined the unique experiences of grieving parents from a Kawa model perspective to identify potential implications for occupational therapy.

Methods: We used a qualitative approach in which 11 participants completed Kawa drawings and participated in semi-structured interviews.

Results: Following a Kawa model analysis themes emerged: volatile nature of flow, support from inner circle and connection with outer circle, lonely islands, personal attributes of positivity and economics, and enhancing my river’s flow.

Conclusion: The …

The Use Of Music As A Therapeutic Tool To Increase Positive Outcomes In Individuals With Neurological Disorders, Kelly Swaringen

MOT Student Capstones

The overall concept of this study is to explore and gather evidence to support the positive impact that music can have on individuals with neurological impairments or disorders in areas including communication, cognition/memory, psychosocial skills, and motor skills. The goal is to examine how music can be a powerful tool in increasing patient outcomes and how occupational therapy (OT) practitioners can utilize music as a tool in their own practice setting. As OT practitioners, our overarching goal is to facilitate functional and effective participation in occupation while promoting emotional well-being and high quality of life. We have the unique privilege …