Mental and Social Health Commons^™

A Quality Improvement Project To Initiate The Confusion Assessment Method (Cam) Delirium Screening Tool At A Skilled Nursing Facility And Rehabilitation Center In East Tennessee., S Joseph Jadav

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

A Quality Improvement project to initiate the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) delirium screening tool at a Skilled Nursing Facility and Rehabilitation Center in East Tennessee -- by S. Joseph Jadav, Doctor of Nursing Practice Candidate at East Tennessee State University.

Purpose/Aims: The aim of this project is to implement a delirium screening protocol in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility which will aid in early detection of signs and symptoms of delirium in older adults. This early detection followed by an early intervention can help reduce costs and decrease mortality rates with better outcomes.

Processes: A CAM screening is conducted …

The Treatment Of Post-Pandemic Mental Health In Pediatric Patients, Morgan Holland

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Introduction

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic including stay at home restrictions, school closures, economic decline, and societal distress has affected pediatric mental health in ways studies have yet to discover. There are more children presenting with mental health issues compared to pre-pandemic times. Multiple factors have shown to contribute to the lack of quality care for children experiencing mental health crises in this ongoing pandemic.

Purpose Statement

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the frequency of mental health related presentations to the pediatric emergency department, subsequently resulting in increased delay in transition to inpatient psychiatric treatment

Literature Review

The data …

Boarding Barriers For Psychiatric Patients In Emergency Departments, Emmeline B. Martin Bsn, Rn, Alison Rossano Bsn, Rn, Diana Dedmon Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Objective To identify past or current literature about emergency department holds and psychiatric patients consisting of the evaluation of patient outcomes, satisfaction and equity of care. It is already known that shorter boarding times from the emergency department to a psychiatric unit have positive patient outcomes such as a decrease in readmissions, increase in patient satisfaction and efficiency in appropriate treatment.

Method A scoping review to analyze data by grouping articles into themes which included authors, date of publication, aims/purpose, methodology, sample, interventional details, and the key findings in each article. Excluded articles included those discussing COVID-19 and case management. …

The Role Of Occupation Therapy In Homeless Transition-Aged Youth Programs, Cortney Kirby Yap, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to evaluate current programming with staff at Urban Street Angels (USA) and explore the role of occupational therapy (OT) with youth experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in San Diego, California. The project informed the development of proposals aimed to enhance programming and OT services already in place at the USA La Mesa site for the staff and the youth enrolled in services through the USA organization and the Housing Our Youth (HOY) collaborative program.

Translating Neurobiological Knowledge Into Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy, Kimberley Pierce, Jessica De Brun, Karen Park

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

There is a growing need for an expanded understanding of the experience of trauma in light of many socio-political and cultural events of the previous years. Occupational therapy literature mentions a growing understanding of neuroscience that is leading to trauma-informed protocol reform, however, consistently concludes with the acknowledgment that more information is needed. The purpose of this project was to advocate for occupation as a significant tool in addressing traumatic stress. This project included a scoping review of non-peer-reviewed and peer-reviewed literature and manuscripts as well as a phenomenological qualitative research study interviewing occupational therapy practitioners who work with individuals …

Impact Of Ante- And Postnatal Depression Screening In Women With Hiv: A Scoping Review, Kimberly M. Grider Bsn, Rn, Pmh-Bc, Bao Chau Le Bsn, Rn, Blessing Okon Bsn, Rn, Diana Dedmon Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Maternal depression has been identified as a strong predictor of poor prenatal care. Among pregnant women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), mental health-related factors such as depression could potentially undermine effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, increase mortality, and cause poor HIV viral suppression consequently impacting vertical transmission of HIV. This scoping review aims to identify existing knowledge regarding the impact of ante- and postnatal depression screening in women with HIV and to adduce the necessity for effective screening.

Methods A literature search was performed for studies with primary outcomes of depression screening within the context of ante- or …

Improving Belonging Through Occupation In Individuals Within The Substance Use Disorder Population, Michelle Perkins, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on improving belonging through occupation in individuals within the substance use disorder population. Based on site-based needs assessment findings and informed by the Recovery Model and the Doing, Being, Belonging, and Becoming framework, the Elevate 4-week pilot program was created. The Elevate program successfully demonstrated the feasibility of improving belonging through occupations, as evidenced by changes in pre and post-program client questionnaire scores. The client’s self-report scores in sense of belonging, satisfaction of belonging, and connection to housemates and staff demonstrated noticeable improvement. While the Elevate program demonstrated noticeable improvement in participants’ sense of belonging, satisfaction …

Promoting Socio-Emotional Skills Through A Strength-Based Dance Program For Children Who Have Experienced Trauma, Lillian Tami Endow

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Negative outcomes as a result of trauma are multifaceted and can impact an individual throughout the lifespan. Younger children exposed to trauma are at higher risk for experiencing negative outcomes due to underdeveloped neurobiological capacities impacting their ability to appropriately respond to stressful stimuli (Price et al., 2013). Adversities including poor socio-emotional skills, mental and physical health challenges, and behavioral problems were identified among children exposed to trauma (Hovens et al., 2015). Occupational therapists are equipped to provide services for this vulnerable population by promoting socio-emotional skills necessary to cope with traumatic stressors through engagement in meaningful occupations. The occupation …

Exploring A Role For Occupational Therapists In Adult Eating Disorder Treatment, Felicia Titus, Karen Park

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Occupational therapists working in eating disorder (ED) treatment in the United States is an emerging practice area. The main objective of this study was to seek an understanding of the perceived gaps in current adult ED treatment in the United States, from both the perspectives of ED treatment providers and individuals with an ED to discover if there is a role for occupational therapists.

Methods: The design of this study was a convergent mixed methods in which the data was collected through online surveys and recorded semi-structured interviews of ED treatment providers (N = 15) and individuals diagnosed …

An Ot-Led Suicide Prevention Program For Middle School-Aged Youth, Kimberly Everett-Eaton, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Suicide is the fastest-growing cause of death for adolescents ages 10-14 (Horowitz et al., 2020). In the United States, the youth suicide rate tripled from 2007 to 2017, making suicide the second leading cause of death for those ages 10-24 (Curtis, 2019). This prevention program, Brighter Days Collective, utilizes occupational therapy (OT) practitioners to support middle school-aged adolescents by applying OT interventions based on theory and evidence-based practices. Brighter Days Collective aims to utilize OT practitioner expertise to support adolescents through educating students about mental health and employing occupations that enhance connection, coping skills, and living a purposeful life.

This …

Qualitative Evaluation Of Occupational Therapy Assessments In Treating Veterans With Ptsd Who Are Transitioning Into Civilian Life, Natalia Marquez-Sterling, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this qualitative research type capstone project was to explore the strengths and limitations of an occupational therapist assessment toolkit for use with the population of veterans with PTSD who are transitioning into civilian life. OTs lack consistent assessment tools for use with this population, resulting in a lack of inclusion of occupational therapy as a consistent member of the multidisciplinary team (Kerr et al., 2020). Kerr et al. (2020) found that while OT assessments may be mentioned in research regarding veterans with PTSD who are transitioning into civilian life, there was limited or no discussion of the …

A Photography-Based, Social Media Walking Intervention Targeting Autonomous Motivations For Physical Activity: Semistructured Interviews With Older Women, Michael C Robertson, Maria Chang Swartz, Ursela Christopherson, Jason R Bentley, Karen M Basen-Engquist, Debbe Thompson, Elena Volpi, Elizabeth J Lyons

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Older adult women are at risk for negative health outcomes that engaging in sustained physical activity can help prevent. However, promoting long-term maintenance of physical activity in this population has proven to be a challenge. Increasing autonomous motivations (ie, intrinsic, integrated, and identified regulations) for physical activity may facilitate enduring behavior change. Digitally delivered games for health that take a celebratory technology approach, that is, using technology to create new ways to experience valued behaviors and express valued beliefs, may be a useful way to target autonomous motivations for physical activity. Formative research with the target population is needed …

Analysis Of Quality Of Life In Parkinson's Disease Caregivers: A Quantitative Research Study, Peyton Dooley, Claribell Bayona, Krisitin Domville

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Parkinson’s disease is a commonly known movement and neurodegenerative disorder affecting a large portion of the male population. This disease is gruesome and progressive; it often interferes with a person’s daily routines and activities due to deficits in postural stability, tremors, slowed movement, and rigidity (Tysnes et al., 2017). Most persons with Parkinson’s have informal caregivers, often female spouses, or significant others of the individual. Caregivers of Parkinson’s disease prioritize their loved ones needs over their own, neglecting their own daily activities and routines including self-care, social participation, leisure, and physical activity. Occupational therapists and other health care professionals often …

Qualitative Evaluation Of Occupational Therapy Assessments In Treating Veterans With Ptsd Who Are Transitioning Into Civilian Life, Natalia Marquez-Sterling

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Presentation on the capstone paper Qualitative Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Assessments in Treating Veterans with PTSD Who are Transitioning into Civilian Life. Explores the strengths and limitations of an OT assessment toolkit as well as the role of OTs in treating veterans with PTSD transitioning into civilian life.

Habituation In Occupational Therapy For People With Alcohol Use Disorder, Sarah Garces, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is an ongoing chronic health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Habituation is a construct used by the occupational therapy (OT) practice model, the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). Habituation relates to a persons’ roles, habits, and routines, and how these interact to shape occupational participation and performance. Since the habitual use of alcohol is a key component of AUD, an understanding of how habituation is addressed in OT intervention is essential. The OT literature has not been systematically reviewed to determine how habituation is addressed in OT practice in clients with AUD, leaving it difficult …

Happy And Healthy: A Positive Mental Health Program For Early Elementary School-Aged Children, Haleigh Freeman, Angela L. Blackwell, Erik Pérez

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Approximately 17% of children from the ages six to 17 in the U.S. have a treatable mental health disorder, however, of those children, 70% have not received appropriate mental health care to address their mental health problems (MHP) (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2019; Mental Health Foundation, 2016). The severity of MHP identified within the literature points to a distinct need for mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention to address those needs (Albuquerque et al., 2020). Specifically, the need for school-based and after-school based mental health services continues growing at alarming rates (Map, 2013). However, school systems often lack provisions …

Fostering Community Participation For Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: An Occupation-Based Program For Caregivers, Mindy Goltiao, Kristin Domville, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Caregiver expectations influence outcomes of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they seek more independence transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. The purpose of this program development capstone project is to promote realistic expectations of caregivers of youth by improving caregiver youth relationships and facilitating activities. Strategies of current and evidence-based programs that support caregivers of youth with IDD, such as Maximizing Adolescent Post-Secondary Success and TrASDition training. The American Occupational Therapy Association Vision 2025 aligns with the program as it aims to provide caregivers equal opportunity, access to care, and expands an individual’s capacity to advocate for caregivers. …

Program To Increase Occupational Therapy Inclusion In Community Mental Health Practice, Leeanne A. Bugter-Vanloon, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists are qualified mental health providers, however, inadequate numbers of practitioners work in the community to treat individuals with mental health conditions. A program to advocate for the profession of occupational therapy in community-based mental health was created to increase capacity for occupational therapy practitioners in this setting. A two-hour virtual workshop was implemented to educate participants on occupational therapy's role, the barriers that limit occupational therapy inclusion, and methods to increase occupational therapy inclusion. Results indicate the virtual workshop was effective at increasing an individuals knowledge on the roles, limitations, and opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners in community …

Adaptive Coping For Covid-Related Stress, Sandra Maloy

Undergraduate Research Conference

The restrictions placed on society by the COVID- 19 pandemic for the purpose of limiting spread of the disease appear to have produced a different set of potential chronic health issues. Through lockdown and social distancing measures the general public lost access to key elements of daily life. The literature and qualitative interview data primarily support a negative association between participation in spiritual and physical activity and COVID-19 related stress. These findings are not surprising based on previous research investigating coping and other chronic stressors.

Returning What Was Lost: Reengaging And Reconnecting Students Through Community Engagement, Mackenzie Pendarvis, Danyelle Richardson

Undergraduate Research Conference

Humanistic geographers have referred to the theory of sense of place as a personal connection with place, built up over both years of residence and involvement in the community (Hay, 1988). Community engagement activities such as the SFA Stone Fort Museum’s “Esperanza’s Night Out” provided a venue for the students to belong to a place after the pandemic. Students were able to reconnect and reengage through a collaborative event with the university and the local community.