Occupational Therapy Commons^™

The Experience Of People Living With Dementia (Pwd) In Participating In Virtual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (Vcst)—A Qualitative Systematic Review, Hau Ying Chan, Heather Bullen

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This systematic review aims to explore the experiences of people living with dementia (PwD) participating in virtual cognitive stimulation therapy (vCST). With the global shift of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) online during the COVID-19 pandemic, little research has explored how PwD experience telehealth interventions. This is the first qualitative systematic review on the experience of PwD participating in vCST.

Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for qualitative systematic reviews, a comprehensive search was conducted across six databases and the grey literature from January 1, 2013, to August 31, 2023.

Conclusion: Two synthesized findings were identified from two …

Following Painting's Quiet Call To Adventure, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Yael Goverover, OTR/L, Ph.D., professor and post-professional program director of occupational therapy at New York University at Steinhardt (NYU), provided the cover art for the summer issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. This oil painting on canvas, titled, Still Life, 2024, features an arrangement of everyday objects with vibrant tones of gold, yellow, orange, and green found in the vase, and a coffeepot, fruits, and botanicals set against a backdrop of scarlet and striped patterned fabrics. She created this piece while on sabbatical in Israel as she studied under the tutelage of a seasoned oil …

Letter To The Editor: Embedding Indigenous Knowledges In Occupational Therapy: ‘Nothing About Us Without Us.’, Chontel Gibson, Isla Emery-Whittington, Lavonne Fox, Tirritpa Ritchie, Kaarina Valavaara, Angela Phenix, Tara Pride

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

As a collective of Indigenous occupational therapists, we write this letter not only in response to McColl et al.'s (2024) Letter to the Editor, but as a call to action for the profession, to enhance its ability to apply decoloniality and Indigenous human rights via strengths-based approaches.

Occupation-Based Practice Needs Occupation-Based Assessments: The Loss Of The Amps Family Assessments And How We Move Forward From Here, Leon Kirschner

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Domain and Process identifies participation in life activities as a key aspect of occupational therapy’s domain. It also identifies assessment as a key process in our practice. Still, few commonly used assessments use real, meaningful activities in real context to identify what factors are affecting performance. The AMPS family of assessments were among the only assessments used for these purposes. Because of a series of factors, these assessments recently became unavailable for new users and are no longer supported by a central organization. This paper explores the strengths and needs for these types of assessments, the factors …

The Urgent Need For Global Nuclear Disarmament: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Ryan Thomure, Leon Kirschner, Robert Croonquist

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The risk of nuclear war, exacerbated by recent global conflict, poses an existential threat to humanity and undermines the ability of individuals and communities to engage in meaningful occupation. This article argues that occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants have a role to play in supporting global nuclear disarmament and that such efforts align with both our ethical responsibilities and scope of practice. It explores the profound impact of nuclear weapons on health and well-being, emphasizing the relevance of this issue to occupational therapy. The article outlines practical strategies for occupational therapists to engage in advocacy, including public education campaigns, …

Environmental Advocacy As An Occupation: Perceived Self-Efficacy And Occupational Justice In Community Programming, Emma Sims, Laura H. Vanpuymbrouck

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Current occupational therapy literature demonstrates a gap in knowledge of environmental advocacy as an occupation, which directly impacts occupational justice in those experiencing environmental racism or discrimination. This study’s purpose was to provide foundational information on the importance of advocacy work in the sphere of environmental and occupational justice through the lived experiences of those directly involved in community environmental advocacy.

Method: Qualitative data was collected via three focus groups using semi-structured interviews focused on perceptions of participant experiences in environmental advocacy occupations. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes relating to research questions.

Results: When …

Benefits Of Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (Smart) In Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Asha K. Vas, Lori G. Cook, Wanyi Wang, Alisha Schaefer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists engage in critical thinking to integrate knowledge into clinical application. Academic curricula offer critical thinking strategies to facilitate flexible thinking and innovation to optimize clinical outcomes. Prior research has demonstrated that a gist-based reasoning program called Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) is beneficial in improving critical thinking skills in both healthy and clinical populations. The current study examined the benefits of the SMART program in masters-level occupational therapy (OT) students. Fourteen students between the ages of 22 and 45 (M = 25.71, SD = 6.34) completed the research study. The SMART program teaches strategies of strategic attention, …

Best Practices For Managing Cultural Taxation, Elizabeth Ching

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The majority of faculty in higher education in the US identify racially as White. Cultural Taxation is a term from 1994 that refers to a common practice in which minoritized racial groups have more responsibilities expected from them than their White counterparts. Since occupational therapy (OT) education is a microcosm of higher education in the US, this affects Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) faculty in occupational therapy as well. Recent Supreme Court rulings allow some states like Florida and Texas to eliminate their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Departments in higher education institutions. With DEI efforts being cut or …

Prevalence Of Incivility And Bullying In Occupational Therapy Fieldwork, Edwin Myers, Kaitlyn Cremer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The prevalence of incivility and bullying in the domain of occupational therapy warrants attention. The long-term effects of incivility and bullying can be profound and multifaceted. These may include job dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, heightened hostility, and an increased likelihood of malpractice. Despite the implications of such behavior, there remains a noticeable gap in existing literature. This study investigated the prevalence of incivility and bullying occurring during occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork. The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) was completed by 702 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students regarding their fieldwork experiences. Over 80% of participants reported being exposed to bullying or …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions Of Using Chatgpt For An Academic Course Assignment, Diane Tom, Robyn Wu, Chi-Kwan Shea

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), a natural language based artificial intelligence (AI), has been either welcomed or maligned by academia. This project aimed to: (a) provide a structured opportunity for students to use ChatGPT and critique its responses and (b) investigate student perceptions before and after using ChatGPT for a class assignment. Forty graduate occupational therapy students used ChatGPT to complete two written assignments. Pre- and post-ChatGPT assignment surveys completed by students were analyzed. After using ChatGPT to complete course assignments, students were significantly more likely to agree that: (a) ChatGPT is helpful for completing assignments, (b) ChatGPT provides accurate …

Becoming A Skater: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Supports And Barriers To Participation In Adaptive Skateboarding, Megan Sandwith, Susan Macdermott, Amy Griswold

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The occupation of adaptive skateboarding expands concepts of skateboarding through modifications that support performance for individuals with disabilities. There is a gap in the literature representing the experience of individuals with disabilities who desire to participate in adaptive skateboarding. The intent of the research study was to provide a foundational understanding of the occupation of adaptive skateboarding by exploring the question: What are the supports and barriers to participation in adaptive skateboarding?

Methods:This mixed-methods study was comprised of a 14-question virtual survey, a semi-structured interview, and an optional video submission.

Results: A total of 41 participants participated …

Paving A Path From Occupational Therapy Clinician To Researcher: A Grounded Theory, Marissa J. Wuennemann, Barbara Nadeau

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Research is vital for continued development and support of practice for occupational therapy, yet little is known about occupational therapists currently in research roles. Occupational therapists who primarily conduct research see themselves as a unique minority in the profession. This study aimed to understand the process of occupational therapists who shift their professional identity from being a clinician to a researcher.

Method: Purposive and snowballing sampling was used to recruit occupational therapy clinicians who transitioned into roles where they spend the majority of their time conducting research. Data was collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and analyzed following …

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Practice Through A Mentorship Program: A Qualitative Study, Natalie S. King, Bryan M. Gee, Sarah A. Schoen, Mim Ochsenbein

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapy entry-level education is filled with opportunities for experiential learning. Post-professionally, few opportunities exist for participation in structured mentored experiences. Mentoring in health care professions is not new; it has resurged over the past 15 years, documenting the nature of mentorship for practicing clinicians, the design of programs to promote advancement, and the effectiveness of these programs. Level I Mentorship by the STAR Institute uses a small group format and entails a blend of live and online instruction, fostering discussion and reflection rooted in on-site learning experiences. This qualitative study aims to understand participants' perceptions of STAR …

Breastfeeding Interventions For Dyads With Medical Complexity: A Mixed Methods Study, Jairrah L. Godsil, Julia R. Farrell, Julia Shin, Cary C. Moore, Yongyue Qi, Vanessa D. Jewell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Breastfeeding dyads with medical complexity have lower success with direct breastfeeding. Evidence to support occupational therapists working with this population is limited. This study explored occupational therapists' experiences, training, and interventions for breastfeeding dyads with medical complexity.

Method: Occupational therapists providing clinical breastfeeding services for parents and or children with medically complex conditions participated in this study. The study employed an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods design, consisting of an online survey (N = 102) followed by two 75-min semi-structured focus groups (N = 7).

Results: Occupational therapists with more clinical breastfeeding experience (p = .003) and …

Use Of Podcasts As Emerging Technology In Occupational Therapy Education, Abbigail Kubiak, Karen Jacobs, Varsha S. Kulkarni, Maruška Vizek

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Podcasts are an emerging modality with a developing evidence base to reinforce their use in educational settings; in particular, to support knowledge retention and introduce topics. This research demonstrates the potential of podcasting in an educational context. Podcasts were used to educate occupational therapy (OT) students about emerging and innovative OT career opportunities. A series of 13 standardized 20- to 30-min podcasts featuring occupational therapists in emerging and innovative practice areas (E/IPA) globally were developed. In each podcast, the occupational therapist described implicit and explicit aspects of their career experiences. The podcasts were piloted in an entry-level OT doctoral course …

A Qualitative Study Of Disabled Performance Art In Occupational Identity Formation And Empowerment, Lisa Mahaffey, Kristin Chrissos, Kate Wettergren

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Disabled performance artists use their occupation of performance art to challenge the attitudes of their audience toward disability, leading to a greater sense of empowerment and a strong identity as disabled people.

Method: This project used a narrative approach to qualitative inquiry to explore how engagement in performance art influences occupational identity and empowers disabled artists. Personal connections and snowball sampling resulted in six self-identified disabled performance artists participating in 60- to 90-min interviews. A thematic analysis resulted in three overarching themes.

Results: (a) Belonging to a community of disability activists promotes feelings of empowerment for disabled performance …

Globally Inclusive Occupational Therapy Scholarship, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a global profession and OJOT supports global scholarship through its open-access, online format. OJOT is read in over 200 countries and global/international authorship is encouraged. This article describes the global reach of OJOT and suggests how OJOT authors can embrace the opportunity and responsibility of producing scholarship that has the potential for global impact.

The State Of School-Based Ot Practice Regarding Concussion-Related Vision Disorders, Kimberly Meany, Emily Behnke, Ariks Lanctot, Audrey Maynard, Samuel Szarowicz

Masters Projects

Purpose: More than 830,000 pediatric patients yearly are affected by a concussion (Rosenbaum, 2020). Occupational therapists can support a child's performance in the classroom. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the current practice of occupational therapists treating those with a concussion in the school setting. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand school-based occupational therapy practice regarding concussion-related vision disorders.

Design: Cross-sectional survey. Participants were licensed OTs practicing in the US, working in a school-based or related pediatric setting, with more than two years of pediatric experience, holding at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited …

The Impact Of High-Fidelity Urinary Catheterization Simulation On Occupational Therapy Students In A Graduate Curriculum: A Pilot Study, Haley Blaney, Reagan Schonhard, Maddie Spring, Rachael Eads, Claire Donahue

Masters Projects

The most recent estimate of the annual incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States is approximately 54 cases per one million people. Occupational therapy (OT) students may not feel adequately prepared to treat and educate clients with SCIs about bladder management if they are not exposed to real-life scenarios during their graduate curriculum. Using high-fidelity simulations (HFS) offers a high level of interactivity and realism for the learner, often using human patient simulators and taking place in realistic, mock clinical settings. This study aims to examine the effects of a HFS on OT student's confidence with urinary …

Development Of An Occupational Therapy-Specific Clinical Guide For Use Of Electrical Stimulation With Spinal Cord Injury: A Modified Delphi Approach Protocol, Timothy P. Dionne, James Allen Lenker, Sue Ann Sisto

Translational Science in Occupation

Objective: To establish a method for the development and validation of a clinical guide for the use of electrical stimulation (ES) in occupational therapy for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI).

Design: A modified Delphi Approach

Participants: 5 geographically dispersed occupational therapists with advanced expertise in use of ES with SCI.

Outcome Measures: Participants rated sections of a draft guide across three rounds, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and clinical relevance. Additionally, p Participants provided suggestions regarding specific revisions to content that were incorporated in subsequent iterations of the guide across all three rounds. Additionally, post-Delphi process participants completed a survey …

Evaluating The Impact Of The Occupation-Centered Intervention Assessment On Client-Centered Care In Inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study, Vanessa D. Jewell, Katherine Lally, Melinda Schultze, Yongyue Qi, Kendra Schnack, Madeline Mcgill, Rachel Vaughn

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) recognize the value of evidence-based practice, however, incorporation of client-centered practice as a component of evidence-based practice is challenging, despite the known advantages. This pilot study evaluated the use of the Occupation Centered Intervention Assessment (OCIA) in increasing practitioner ability to provide client-centered care in inpatient rehabilitation facilities with adults with an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Method: A mixed methods design was employed, using four forms of data collection (OCIA, The Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers [MPOC], MPOC- Service Providers [MPOC-SP], and interviews) to determine changes in observed and perceived …

Developing A Curriculum Audit Tool For Justice, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion In Occupational Therapy Education, Whitney M. Cranna, Sarah Mckinnon

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: The OT profession is calling for intentional pedagogy that builds future practitioners’ capacity for embodying justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI) values; however, the interpretation and application of this mission remain subjective and nebulous. Developing a theory-driven audit tool may help standardize and clarify JEDI pedagogy needs to enhance OT preparation and practice.

Objective: Using a culturally responsive, justice-based theoretical lens, this paper describes the development of a JEDI Curriculum Audit Tool for a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) program.

Design: Quantitative systematic evaluation of curricular alignment with JEDI principles, including a 3-prong retroactive self-evaluation approach.

Setting: Curriculum …

Enhancing Diversity In Occupational Therapy Through A High School Internship Program, Alexis M. F. Morin, Brittany Adams, Vianni Gomez

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

The United States (US) is projected to become an increasingly diverse nation over the decades ahead, but there is a lack of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in occupational therapy (OT). While the job outlook for occupational therapy practitioners continues to be strong and is expected to rise, OT education programs are facing enrollment crises nationally. It is crucial for academic programs to develop and implement innovative and methodical strategies to recruit and retain a diverse student body to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within the profession. To promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in occupational therapy, a university partnership …

The Effectiveness Of The Addition Of Slow Deep Breathing To Brain Gym Exercise On Cognitive Impairment Of The Elderly, Dhia Maharani Ms, Mohammad Ali Mr, Zahra Sativani Mrs

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: According to WHO, 65.5 million elderly people worldwide have impaired cognitive function. Cognitive impairment can be caused by impaired oxygen supply to the brain, stress, and lack of physical activity. Physiotherapy has a role in elderly cognition through interventions to improve cognition, namely in the form of Brain Gym Exercise with the addition of Slow Deep Breathing. Objective: Knowing the effectiveness of the addition of Slow Deep Breathing to Brain Gym Exercise on cognitive impairment of the elderly at Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha Budi Mulia 4. Methods: This study used quasi experimental with two group pre-post …

Efektivitas Senam Hamil Dalam Mengurangi Tingkat Stres Dan Kecemasan Ibu Hamil Trimester Iii: Literature Review, Suyati Suwito, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

According to WHO (2020), around 10% of pregnant women experience depression and this condition is higher in developing countries, reaching 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after giving birth. Anxiety experienced during pregnancy can have negative effects on both the mother and the fetus. These negative impacts are not only during pregnancy but can also affect the labor process and lactation period. There are various types of sports to reduce anxiety, one of which is gymnastics. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of pregnancy gymnastics in reducing stress and anxiety before childbirth. Literature review research was conducted using PICO search …

Efektivitas Massage Endorphin Untuk Mengurangi Kecemasan Pada Ibu Hamil Menjelang Persalinan, Widiya Saryani, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Pregnancy is a biological process involving complex physiological and psychological transitions that demand high adaptability from women, especially approaching childbirth. Anxiety during the third trimester is frequently reported and is associated with increased cortisol secretion, which may negatively impact labor effectiveness. This literature review aimed to synthesize scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of endorphin massage in reducing anxiety among pregnant women in the third trimester. The review used a systematic approach based on the PICO framework, covering studies published between 2021 and 2025. Databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and SINTA were used to identify quasi-experimental studies comparing endorphin massage …

Peningkatan Keterampilan Makan Pada Anak Down Syndrome Melalui Terapi Okupasi Berbasis Sensory Integration: Studi Kasus, Reza Nur Arsyi, Tambunan Seselia Thresagloria, Muhammad Luthfi, Ayleen Alicia K, Hermito Gideon

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Children with Down Syndrome (DS) frequently experience feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, sensory processing disorder, and oromotor impairments. This case study aimed to describe the clinical reasoning and effectiveness of a sensory integration (SI)-based occupational therapy intervention in improving feeding skills in a 10-year-old child with DS. The intervention consisted of 12 structured sessions focusing on postural stability, proprioceptive awareness, fine motor control, and oromotor coordination. Evaluation tools included Sensory Profile 2 and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Post-intervention outcomes indicated significant improvement in spoon use, posture during mealtime, texture tolerance, and self-feeding independence. FIM scores improved from total assistance …

Efektivitas Latihan Aerobik Dalam Mengurangi Gejala Depresi: Literature Review, Putra Adytio Giriyoga, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide and can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. Various treatment approaches have been implemented, with one of the most noteworthy being non-pharmacological interventions in the form of aerobic exercise. This study aims to review the effectiveness of aerobic exercise in reducing depressive symptoms. This research is a narrative literature review, in which 3,610 articles were initially identified and then filtered based on inclusion-exclusion criteria, resulting in 8 articles. After eliminating duplicates, further screening was conducted through critical appraisal. The final selection of 8 articles was reviewed. The findings …

A Cascading Effects Model Of Early Sensory Development In Autism, Natalie Russo, Carissa J. Cascio, Grace T. Baranek, Tiffany G. Woynaroski, Zachary J. Williams, Shulamite A. Green, Roseann Schaaf

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Autism has historically been defined by the presence of differences in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (RRBs). Since 2013 when the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was published, sensory features were added as one of the polythetic restricted and repetitive behavior diagnostic criteria of autism, though it has remained understudied. Here, we summarize theory and research to provide support for the perspective that early sensory functions and experiences play a primary role in autism and have downstream effects on social communication and repetitive behavioral features of autism. The …

Foundations Of Interprofessional Practice: The Development Of A Keystone Course For An Interprofessional Collaborative Slp, Pt, And Ot Curricular Sequence, Kathleen M. Youse, Jill D. Black, Wendy L. Wachter-Schutz

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this paper is to describe one university’s experience in designing a foundational course that introduces the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies (IPEC, 2016) and applies those competencies to interprofessional education and interprofessional practice experiences specific to the accreditation needs of three related graduate health science programs in Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. Four years of student evaluation data demonstrate that the foundational course effectively meets course objectives from the student perspective and provides valued opportunities to get to know student colleagues, begin to focus on effective collaboration, and gain insights into professions other than …