Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy With Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Jane Case-Smith, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective. Although the prevalence of children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) has increased, empirical data about the role and practices of occupational therapists have not been reported in the literature. This descriptive study investigated the practice of occupational therapists with children with PDD.

Method. A survey was mailed to 500 occupational therapists in the Sensory Integration Special Interest Section or School System Special Interest Section of the American Occupational Therapy Association in eastern and midwestern United States. The valid return rate was 58% (292 respondents). The survey used Likert scale items to measure frequency of performance problems observed in children …

1999 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1999 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

The Life Experiences Of Male Occupational Therapists As It Relates To Career Choice: A Qualitative Study, Jason R. Bomia

Masters Theses

This study examined the life experiences of male occupational therapists and how various life experiences influenced their choice of career. Research in occupational therapy has not addressed this topic, focusing instead on external influences, such as salary, advancement and prestige on career choice for male therapists. In order to study more intrinsic influences of male occupational therapists, this study interviewed male therapists using semi-structured interviews and hermeneutic data collection and analysis techniques. The results indicate a dynamic relationship between personal history, selfexpression and professional issues that contribute to how meaningful occupational therapy is to the males in this study. This …

The Effects Of Animal-Assisted Therapy At A Long Term Care Facility, Sarah Kendziorski, Carol Treacy

Masters Theses

This thesis is a qualitative study on how resident pets impacted the lives of residents in a nursing home. Through the hermeneutic process, ten participants were interviewed to determine their relationships with the animals. Five common themes emerged from this study; (a) the participants enjoyed the companionship of pets, (b) the participants found pleasure in feeding the pets, (c) the participants enjoyed petting the animals, (d) most of the participants were unable to care for the animals, and (e) a resident animal would be an important factor in choosing a new nursing home for these participants. This thesis supports the …

The Identification Of Domains And Competencies For Community Practice Occupational Therapy, Lisa Anne Werner

Masters Theses

Literature shows evidence of a shift in occupational therapy from traditional institutional settings to community-based settings. As increasing numbers of new and expert occupational therapists enter community-based practice, the need for competency identification for practice, education, and reimbursement becomes paramount. This qualitative research study sought to identify domains and competencies of community-based occupational therapy practice by interviewing three expert occupational therapists using the critical incident method in which each therapist described one therapeutic intervention with a client. This method, as seen in nursing studies (Benner, 1982, 1984), serves to elicit competencies embedded in expert practice. Thirty-nine competencies were described in …

Clinical Interpretation Of "Health And The Human Spirit For Occupation"., Janice P. Burke

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

In reading and contemplating Yenca's (1998) article, I was immediately struck by the utility of the ideas she offers on a number of clinical fronts. We are presented with occupation-based strategies that are directly applicable to our work with patients and program development; we can make use of the language and ideas that are offered as a way to begin talking to one another (therapist to therapist) in clinical settings about occupation; and we are given the opportunity to think about the contribution, value, and efficacy of occupation and how we might convert those ideas into clinically based research actions. …

Defining The Roles Of Physical And Occupational Therapists In The Health-Care Environment Today, Sandi Jo Haile

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

No abstract provided.

How Occupational Therapists Teach Older Patients To Use Bathing And Dressing Devices In Rehabilitation., Ruth Levine Schemm, Laura N. Gitlin

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: This article describes the methods occupational therapists use to teach bathing and dressing device use to older patients in rehabilitation programs. The relationship of three patient characteristics to five aspects of assistive device instruction was examined.

METHOD: The study sample included 86 patients and 19 occupational therapists who provided the assistive device training. Patients were 55 years of age or older and in rehabilitation for an orthopedic deficit, cerebrovascular accident, or lower limb amputation. Therapists recorded information on teaching methods, perceptions of patient knowledge, and expectations for future device use after each treatment session.

RESULTS: Patients received an average …

Student Level Ii Fieldwork Failure: Strategies For Intervention., Sharon A. Gutman, Paula Mccreedy, Prudence Heisler

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: This report describes how common student communicative and behavioral characteristics that appear to predict the existence of potential problems during Level II fieldwork were identified in order to develop and implement preventative interventions during the academic curriculum at New York University (NYU). RECORD REVIEW: A record review of NYU professional-level occupational therapy students from 1986 to 1995 was completed to identify common factors among students who performed well academically but failed clinical fieldwork. Eight communicative and behavioral characteristics were identified: (a) rigidity of thinking, (b) discomfort with the ambiguity that accompanies clinical reasoning, (c) lack of psychological insight, (d) …

1998 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1998 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

Development Of The Preschool Occupational Therapy Assessment, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Initial reliability and validity studies were completed for a newly created assessment tool called the Preschool Occupational Therapy Assessment (POTA). The POTA was designed to examine fine motor and sensory motor skills relevant to preschool academic function. Forty-five children, both typically developing and developmentally delayed, participated in the initial research. Results of data analysis support further development of this tool.

Locus Of Control, Activity Level, And Living Situation Among The Elderly, Jennifer L. Birchenough

Masters Theses

The focus of this study was to investigate the relationships among locus of control, activity level, and living situation in the elderly. The participants in this study consisted of 62 elderly individuals who resided in one of three living situations: (1) independent living, (2) assisted living, and (3) comprehensive care centers. All participants were screened for cognitive status using the Mini-Mental State Assessment (Folstein, M., Folstein, S., & McHugh, 1975). Individuals who scored in the normal range then completed a Locus of Control Scale (Rotter, 1966) and the Index of Occupational Behavior (Gregory, 1983) to address the meaningfulness of, and …

Cultural Considerations In Clinical Reasoning: An Occupational Therapy Case Study, Sandra M. Winter

Masters Theses

This study looked at an occupational therapist's work with clients from varied cultural backgrounds. Qualitative research strategies and a phenomenological approach were used to gather data through interviews with a single respondent and observation of treatment. This methodology was used to examine the process utilized to acquire cultural knowledge and integrate that knowledge into treatment planning. Research focused on: (a) how the cultural background of a client influenced an occupational therapist as she planned and implemented treatment, (b) how the treatment process was influenced by cultural differences between the therapist and the client, and (c) how training or education helped …

The Effects Of Animal Assisted Therapy When Used As An Adjunct To Occupational Therapy In The Rehabilitation Of Persons Who Have Had Cerebral Vascular Accidents, Alice Arlene Briggs

Masters Theses

Occupational therapists can use animals to assist their clients in achieving goals in treatment. Most often dogs are used as they are more easily trained. The dog may fetch a ball thrown by the client or stand still and allow the client to brush it. These activities with the animal increase the client's range of motion, endurance and strength. Dogs as well as other animals are used in various ways to elicit the desired response from the client. No studies were found in the literature that examined the use of animals as adjuncts to, or as modalities in occupational therapy …

Perceived Differences Between Male And Female Occupational Therapists’ Treatment And Other Related Gender Issues, Dennis Robert Jones

Masters Theses

This study explored how occupational therapy clients perceive the treatment they receive from male and female occupational therapists. The study was conducted in a qualitative manner. Occupational therapy supervisors who have supervised both female and male occupational therapists were interviewed to gain an initial understanding of the relevant issues. More structured interviews were then conducted with clients who have been treated by both a female and a male occupational therapist. Therapists and clients were also observed during four treatment sessions.

Analysis of the data collected through interviews revealed that supervisors and clients do notice some behavioral differences in male and …

Occupational Therapy's Link To Vocational Reeducation, 1910-1925., Sharon A. Gutman

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

The development of occupational therapy is rooted in early 20th century medical reform. During the early 1910s, several members of the medical profession, human service workers, and the larger American society were increasingly disturbed by medical practices that did not consider the individual's personal experience of disability. Occupational therapy was developed, in part, out of this desire to provide persons with treatment that helped them to function in their communities despite their disability. Early occupational therapy leaders envisioned the fledgling profession as a societal service capable of assisting persons with disabilities to return to both work and community life. Vocational …

Musicians' Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Problems: Medical Care From The Patients' Perspective, Susan Gail Stephenson

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to add to the body of knowledge concerning musicians' musculoskeletal problems and to investigate whether an occupational therapy specialty is warranted for this field of medicine. An original questionnaire was constructed and administered to the members of three symphony orchestras. Three primary sections of the questionnaire address participants' demographic and occupational characteristics, symptom and treatment experiences, and opinions on medical care. Descriptive data are reported for all sections of the questionnaire. Particular attention is given to the effectiveness of traditional occupational and physical· therapy treatments. Data are provided regarding the relationships between variables: (a) certain personal …

Prenatal Cocaine Exposure And Mother–Infant Interaction: Implications For Occupational Therapy Intervention, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

The literature from multiple disciplines on in utero cocaine exposure and mother–infant interaction and attachment was examined for possible relationships and implications for occupational therapists. Maternal cocaine use and neurobehavioral deficits in neonates prenatally exposed to cocaine may result in interactional difficulties between mother and infant. Knowledge of child development, sensory regulation, and infant cues will enable therapists to assist the mother in creating positive interactive experiences between herself and her child.

1997 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1997 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

The Recovery Of Matthew, A Success Story, Kathryn M. Loukas

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

In the fall of 1994, 11-year-old Matthew experienced a traumatic brain injury. Two years later, he is a consistent honor roll student. This is the story of how occupational therapy helped Matt heal and move on to life as a regular kid.

Occupation As Spiritual Activity, Brenda S. Howard, Jay R. Howard

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

Although spirituality is rarely explicitly mentioned in the occupational therapy literature, it is implied as an interwoven part of the human system. This article explores the meaning of occupation in the context of sociological and Judeo-Christian theological frameworks and the meaning of spirituality in the occupational therapy clinic. A case is made for acknowledging spirituality in clinical reasoning as a centralizing component of the patients' motivation and assignment of meaning to life.

Repetitive Strain Injury: A New Definition And Treatment Strategy Based On The Client-Centered Practice, Lenore Frost, Robyn Stricoff

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

RSI is defined by the authors as a biopsychosocial disorder, under the umbrella of cumulative trauma disorder, involving a non-specific, potentially chronic pain syndrome of the upper exrtremity. Evaluation and treatment will focus on the client-centered practice. Patients are enrolled in an 8-week course of treatment, which focuses on patient involvement, education, relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, exercise, postural modification, as well as assessing vocational and psychosocial issues.

Addressing Spirituality In Occupational Therapy Treatment, Barbara R. Howe

Masters Theses

Literature review identified confusion in the definitions of spirituality with religion. However, there have been attempts to separate the two definitions by professionals who consider holism an important concept of clinical practice. This · study was designed to identify occupational therapists' definitions of spirituality in clinical practice. Also under investigation was the therapist's assessment and use of spirituality for treatment purposes.

A survey was sent to a random sample of occupational therapists in order to gather data about their spiritual activities, their personal definitions of spirituality and their use of spirituality in evaluation and treatment of clients.

Occupational therapists who …

Moving Occupation Into Treatment: Clinical Interpretation Of "Legitimizing Occupational Therapy's Knowledge"., Janice P. Burke

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

An Inquiry: The Concept And Application Of Empowerment, Pamela Kay Wheelock

Masters Theses

While empowerment is a dominant concern in mental health care, services often reflect the inadequate use of an empowerment-based frame of reference. This study seeks to enlarge the understanding of empowerment so that more effective services can be established.

Using naturalistic inquiry methodology, this study explores the lived experience of empowerment through direct dialogue with both mental health consumer advocates and mental health occupational therapists. Data were collected and evaluated using a hermeneutic dialectic process. A series of three interviews were done with six respondents.

Analysis of the interviews revealed striking contrasts between the therapists' and advocates' perspectives in relation …

Is The Use Of Life History And Narrative In Clinical Practice Reimbursable? Is It Occupational Therapy?, Janice P. Burke, Stephen B. Kern

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

1996 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1996 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

Rural Elderly People's Attitudes And Perceptions About Home Modifications And Assistive Devices, Christine M. Abbott

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Occupational therapists frequently recommend home modifications and assistive devices to help elderly people remain as safe and independent as possible. Elderly people, however, do not always follow through with such recommendations resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes of occupational therapy. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine elderly people's attitudes towards home modifications and assistive devices and to determine what they perceived as the barriers and facilitators to using home modifications and assistive devices. Two focus groups were conducted with elderly people in rural Missouri. The main attitudes were (a) determination; (b) positivism, such as feeling fortunate and encouraged; and …

Induction Into Academia: The Experiences Of New Occupational Therapy Faculty, Catherine R. Acre

Theses and Dissertations

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) estimates the number of therapists in the nation's occupational therapy workforce at 46,357. Silvergate (1994) estimates a 71% shortage based on the actual vacancies for occupational therapy personnel currently exists. In response to the growing demand for occupational therapists, the number of academic programs in occupational therapy has increased. Currently there are 85 accredited occupational therapy programs and 30 developing programs in the United States. In addition, for every newly available student space in professional-level programs, there were a reported 3.4 applicants. With only five doctoral programs in occupational therapy in the United States, …

Effects Of Rote Exercise, Imagery, And A Material-Based Occupation On Postural Control In Children Ages 3-9, Robin Lengel

Masters Theses

Occupational therapy is based on the concept of enhancing motor, cognitive, sensory, and psycho-social performance through the utilization of purposeful activities. Purposeful activities are doing processes directed toward a planned or hypothesized end result, and can be naturalistic, simulated, or imagery-based (Nelson & Peterson, · 1989). This study compared the effects of a material-based occupation, imagery-based occupation, and rote exercise on the quality and duration of maintaining prone extension in children aged three to nine.· The quality of maintaining the posture was analyzed using the prone extension postural test (Gregory-Flock & Yerxa, 1984). Duration of prone extension for each child …