Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Clinical Effectiveness Of Motor Imagery Post-Stroke: An Evidence Based Review, Azadeh Narimanian, Amanda Reese, Karina Ryabo, Rachel Shepp, Annalisa Synnestvedt

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Following a stroke, many individuals experience participation limitations secondary to upper extremity hemiparesis (Shenn & Leishear, 2011). Motor imagery, the mental representation of movement without any body movement, is an evidenced-based intervention to optimize upper extremity function for patients following stroke (Dickstein & Deutsch, 2007). Motor imagery is a readily applicable, safe, and cost-effective intervention that can help clients achieve a variety of occupational goals within diverse environments (Guttman, Burstin, Brown, Bril, & Dickstein, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to present the results of an evidence-based review examining the use of motor imagery to increase functional outcomes for …

Paws With A Purpose: Evidence Supporting The Use Of Animal Assisted Therapy To Improve Quality Of Life In Adults With Psychiatric Diagnoses, Julia Andraka, Lacey Brinser, Kelly D'Ambrosio, Jordan Justice, Elizabeth Rugen

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Approximately 62.7 million Americans have a psychiatric diagnosis, including Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders^1,6. Adults who are diagnosed with these conditions experience a variety of limitations, including decreased quality of life⁴. Occupational Therapy (OT) has been shown to be an effective treatment to increase quality of life in adults with psychiatric diagnoses³. Occupational therapists working within the mental health field often need to use creative and innovative approaches to motivate their clients, including Animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a unique intervention approach that has the potential to improve a person’s emotional, physical, cognitive and …

Transitions For Tomorrow: An Evidence-Based Review Of Post-Secondary Transition Planning For Individuals With Autism, Julie Bardenwerper, James Gillette, Elizabeth Luk, Hilary Moser, Alanna Raffel

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disability in the US other than ADHD (IACC, 2012). Currently, the prevalence of individuals with ASD is estimated to be 1 in 88 in the US (CDC, 2012). Therefore, increasing numbers of children with ASD will age out of high school and transition to postsecondary settings. Individuals with ASD have demonstrated less successful postsecondary outcomes than individuals with other disabilities (Shattuck et al., 2011). Currently, there is limited research supporting the methods of successful transition planning for students with ASD (IACC, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the …

Introduction To Ipe: A School-Wide Orientation Initiative, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Susan Wainwright, Phd, Pt, Frances Gilman, Dhsc, Rt, R, Ct, Cv, Mr

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Session Objectives:

Present an innovative approach to orienting new students from various healthcare disciplines on Interprofessional Educa(on (IPE).

Discuss strategies to shape incoming students’ attitudes toward working in teams.

Discuss challenges and opportunities in coordinating a large-­‐scale IPE event.

Synopsis

Interprofessional experiences are a vital part of healthcare education, and early introduction can positively impact students’ attitudes and knowledge about their team members’ roles. While students at academic health centers (AHC’s) have opportunites to engage in IPE, such opportunites can be overwhelming given significant challenges to coordination and implementation. Addressing these challenges, an interprofessional team at Jefferson School of Health …

Promoting Health Literacy Through Leading Edge Occupational Therapy Education, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Annalisa Synnestvedt, Ba, Ots, Alyssa Frey Peachey, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Synopsis:

Health literacy has become a vital focus of U.S. healthcare. By incorporating health literacy knowledge, attitudes, and skills into entry-­‐level education, occupational therapy professionals can enact a leading role in health and human services teams to address our national healthcare goals.

Poster presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, San Diego, CA, April 2013.

Exploring The Depths Of Health Literacy Are We Teaching This And Why Does It Matter?, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Tracey Vause-Earland, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background: Why does Health Literacy Matter?

• Healthcare practitioners often work with older persons with low health literacy without realizing that this issues limiting the success of their interventions. They may also lack awareness of the serious impact that low health literacy can have, since it is associated with lower reported health status, increased hospitalizations, and increased morbidity (Levasseur & Carrier, 2011).
• The current US healthcare system places increase demands on consumers to manage their own health (Smith & Gutman, 2011).
• Educators in the health professions must instill a sense of responsibility in future practitioners to understand the important role they …

Promoting Occupational Therapy In Virtual Environments: Project-Based Learning In Second Life®, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Veronica Souter, Ots, Elizabeth Vanderlaan, Ots, Kaitlin Rodriguez, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Description of project

Occupational therapy students from Jefferson School of Health Professions in Philadelphia planned and implemented interactive exhibits within the virtual world of Second Life®. The educational exhibits were provided through an ongoing project designed to promote occupational therapy, provide immersive experiences on health and wellness for persons in Second Life® and promote collaboration between project personnel and others with an interest in health and wellness. Exhibits focused on home and playground adaptations, mental health and productive aging and were based on current research evidence and best practices. Students also participated in events in which they promoted occupational therapy …