Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Literacy And Language Barriers In Healthcare, Kaylee Cloud

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My name is Kaylee Cloud and I am an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctoral student at EKU. I completed my Capstone project with a focus on health literacy and language barriers in healthcare. I completed my project at CHI St. Joseph Hospital in Berea, KY. This hospital is a Critical Access Hospital, meaning it is located in a rural area where patients have difficulty accessing healthcare. I began my project by assessing organizational health literacy and personal health literacy of patients, providers, and resources at the hospital to determine the needs of the hospital. I then worked to create resources and …

Enhancing Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Referral Through Accessible Education For Clinicians And Patients, Madelyn Murphy

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Pelvic floor dysfunction has been identified as a significant public health issue and is estimated to affect around 50% of women. Still, less than 25% seek medical help and only 12% receive subspecialty care (Yohay et al., 2022). Studies show a lack of knowledge among women and their providers and that education programs are necessary to fill this gap (Yohay et al., 2022). After surveying both doctors and patients at Med Center Health, this project aimed to fill this educational gap by developing an educational video program. This program targeted both doctors and patients, aiming to increase awareness about pelvic …

Program Development Of Pediatric Therapy Clinic For Rural Hospital, Mauri Rhodes

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project focuses on addressing the critical need for pediatric occupational therapy services in rural western Kentucky. The purpose of this project and experience was to assist in program development of a comprehensive resource for Livingston Hospital to guide the establishment of a pediatric therapy gym including clinic design, equipment suggestions, and various marketing and survey components. The main goals that were completed throughout this experience included: design/develop an outpatient pediatric therapy gym, examine current outpatient pediatric clinics’ practices and procedures, inspect current pediatric therapy clients’ parents and current hospital workers feelings/thoughts/ideas on rural outpatient pediatric therapy, and design …

Implementing Nature-Based Occupational Therapy In School-Based Settings, Megan Evans

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

In school-based settings, Occupational Therapists work with students on various areas related to a student's Individualized Learning Plan (IEP). As technology use increases in academic settings for young students and time spent outdoors decreases, the exploration of a potential solution to this relationship was discovered. Nature-Based Occupational Therapy is an emerging practice area focused on incorporating outdoor play and materials from the outdoors into treatment sessions while still addressing areas of concern to increase a child’s independence in daily occupations.

This capstone project focused on four objectives:

1. Design a nature-based activity guide for students in the school system setting that …

Effects Of Providing A Moho-Informed Education Session For College Peer-Mentor Self-Efficacy, Sarah Roberts

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

As an occupational therapy student, I recognized the support our profession can offer to assist with various student and faculty needs across campus, specifically peer mentor programs. A thorough literature review illustrated limited representation for peer mentor roles, expectations, and potential impact on retention. Along with these findings, it was revealed that academic outcomes improve with involvement in evidence-based interventions as well as support for the Model of Human Occupations (MoHO) to understand and support human well-being.With this in mind, this study sought to develop and implement an evidence-based education session to identify and improve resources for peer mentors and …

Grow As We Go: Education, Efficacy, And Empowerment For Life Skills Trainers, Shelby Mitchell

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

In this ALE experience, I sought to bridge the existing gaps in research pertaining to most effective approaches and methodologies for rehabilitation in an adult day treatment setting, specifically in those with a traumatic brain injury. Fragmented and variable care compounded by poor communication are barriers to rehabilitation. However, it was also noted that traumatic brain injury survivors' long-term recovery was positively impacted by joining a peer network such as NeuroRestorative. Following this analysis, a needs assessment was conducted on-site at NeuroRestorative in Lexington, KY to enable more smooth daily programming and cohesive planning with life skills trainers. Goals included …

Accessible Shores: Promoting Beach Accessibility In Florida, Sara Swartz

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This research experience sought to improve beach accessibility for members of the community facing barriers to occupational participation. Beach accessibility is essential for creating meaningful experiences and improving well-being through exposure to blue spaces. Despite its benefits, numerous environmental and systemic barriers hinder individuals with disabilities from safely accessing spaces. To further research this issue and challenges to participation, survey responses from community members of Jacksonville, Florida were gathered and analyzed for common themes. Conversations with professionals in the area allowed for greater insight on available resources and assistive device technology that could improve beach accessibility. To showcase this information …

Exploring The Usefulness Of Pre-Visit Materials For Children With Autism At A Public Museum, Jennifer K. Fortuna, Elaine Chamberlain, Libby Filice, Madeline Kurt, Taylor Porter, Shannon Twichell, Stephanie Ogren

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participate in community-based settings at lower rates than typically developing children. Museums provide a structured, predictable, and supportive place for children with ASD to learn. Visiting a museum may create unique challenges for children with ASD and their families. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common barrier to participation that makes it difficult to process information coming in through the senses. For children who are easily overstimulated, crowds, noise, and long lines can be a source of anxiety and stress. Providing pre-visit materials such as social stories, accessibility maps, and communication books can …

Routines And Attitudes Of Smartphone And Tablet Use For Social Connection Among Rural Older Adults, Amanda U. Davis, Chelsea Conrad, Maya Dupree, Deja Myers, Monica Le

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Loneliness is associated with negative health outcomes for older adults. Social connection may occur using information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as smartphones and tablets and interventions to increase ICT use have shown positive results. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the routines and attitudes of smartphone and tablet use for social connection and secondarily, determine if there is an association between the routines and attitudes and connection. Methods: Participants completed a survey with questions that included demographics, 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, Brief Sense of Community Scale, and open-ended questions. Results: Participants (N=21, median age of 76-80) report …

The Role Of An Occupational Therapy Practitioner In Professional Advocacy: A Scoping Review, Sarah Mckinnon, Natalie Petrone, Amanda Tarbet

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Participation in professional advocacy amongst occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) is necessary for strengthening the profession. Although advocacy remains essential for practice, specific activities of OTPs in professional advocacy remain inconsistent and unclear.

Purpose: To examine the activities occupational therapy practitioners are engaging in related to professional advocacy. To identify key strategies and future opportunities to strengthen OT practitioner participation in professional advocacy.

Methods: We systematically searched 4 databases and 1 search engine for relevant articles- MEDLINE via PubMed, The Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete via Ebscohost, ERIC via Ebscohost, APA PsycInfo …

Sensory Home Programming Handouts, Taylor Ann Koopmeiners

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sensory processing is the way the brain and nervous system receive sensory information (Star Institute, 2023). When there are difficulties with processing sensory information, it is called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Consequently, the inability to process sensory input results in affected motor and behavioral responses (Star Institute, 2023. This creates difficulty in participating in necessary tasks such as activities of daily living (ADLs), social participation, and school (Lane et al., 2019; Star Institute, 2023). Occupational therapists address these challenges by providing sensory activities in therapeutic sessions and as part of home programming (Gabriele, 2020). The goal of this scholarly …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To The Cumulative Trauma Disorder Of Trigger Finger: A Case Report, Makenzie Lynn Kroupa

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The purpose of this product is to focus on furthering exposure to cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) of the upper extremity (UE) through the development of a case report. This will further explore treatment methods, therapy progression, and management for diagnoses that are associated with repetition and the overuse of the UE. The client of focus possesses the UE CTD of trigger finger as the primary diagnosis but has several concurrent conditions. This increases the complexity of the case since the client must navigate the symptomatology of UE CTDs to engage in occupational performance.

Case Presentation: The client was selected …

The Distinct Role: A Toolkit To Promote Occupational Therapy Services For Palliative Care Patients In Acute Care Hospitals, Kailey Ann Squier

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Each year, 56.8 million people receive palliative care services and experience significant impacts overall quality of life. Occupational therapy is well-equipped to maximize engagement in meaningful activities and improve overall quality of life for this population. Despite evidence supporting the unique value of OT, it has had many barriers limiting the ability to expand into palliative care effectively. There is a need to provide education and increase resources to occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in palliative care. The purpose of this scholarly project was to increase the understanding of OTs’ role in palliative care and promote increased OT services within …

Breaking The Barrier To Leisure Engagement In Long-Term Care Facilities To Enhance Residents’ Health, Well-Being, And Quality Of Life, Callie M. Kleindl

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Breaking the Barrier to Leisure Engagement in Long-Term Care Facilities to Enhance Residents’ Health, Well-being, and Quality of Life

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to promote leisure engagement for residents with dementia in long-term care (LTC) facilities to enhance their overall health, well-being, and quality of life (QOL).

Methodology: A thorough literature review supported the need for increased leisure engagement in LTC facilities for residents with dementia. Chronic conditions, such as dementia, impact a resident’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations which leads to occupational deprivation. In addition, a decline in leisure engagement has been found …

An Intergenerational Program Approach To Support Successful Aging And Decrease Social Isolation In Nursing Home Residents, Mariah Herring

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose As older adults transition to nursing facilities, their involvement in community activities diminishes, impacting their physical health, cognitive abilities, and social engagement (Lowry et al., 2012; Serrat-Graboleda et al., 2010). Evidence suggests that utilizing intergenerational programs in nursing facilities can effectively reduce social isolation, enhance quality of life for residents, and support academics and social skills in preschool students (Gustavsson, 2015; Lowry et al., 2012; Mondaca et al., 2018; Pillemer et al., 2022; Tak et al., 2015). This scholarly project aims to support successful aging and decrease social isolation in nursing facilities through the development of occupation-based psychomotor activities …

Primary Reflex Testing And Integration Guide For Parents And Providers, Abby Jessen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Parents are often unaware of the signs and characteristics of retained reflexes making it difficult to identify if there is a problem (Grigg et al., 2018). Once a problem is identified parents are frequently uninformed of the effects primary reflexes can have on a child’s development and how to foster integration (Grigg et al., 2018). Therefore, demonstrating a need for parent and provider education to support reflex integration amongst the pediatric population. The purpose of this project was to educate parents and providers on retained primary reflexes in children ages four to 11.

Methods: Prior to the start of …

Sensory Toolkit For Childcare Providers And Parents Of Children In The Daycare Setting, Cierra Marie Jacobson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Sensory Toolkit for Childcare Providers and Parents of Children in the Daycare Setting

Purpose: Around 62% of children in the United States receive care from care-based centers (U.S Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistic [NCES], (2021). Of the children in daycare, about 41% attend for 35 or more hours a week (Capizzano & Adams, 2000). The children’s environment within a daycare provides several sensory experiences that can both support and hinder their success in their daily occupations. When sensory needs are unmet, undesired behaviors can occur and impact their performance in daily occupations (Bodison & Parham, 2017). …

A Resource Guide For Improving Participation In The Pediatric Casper Community, Rylie Garner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: A Resource Guide for Improving Participation in the Pediatric Casper

Community Background and Problem: Regardless of ability level, all children should have the same rights, access, and opportunities to participate in leisure, social, physical, and recreational activities. Research shows that typically developing children participate more in social, physical, and recreational activities than children with disabilities (Solish et al., 2010). Identified barriers that can decrease participation for children with disabilities include the child’s functional limitations, high costs, accessibility, and lack of known nearby facilities, programs, and sports (Murphy & Carbone, 2018; Aytur et al., 2018). Participation in leisure, social, physical, …

Addressing Occupational Deprivation And Alienation In Rural Skilled Nursing Facilities Through An Activities Resource Guide, Stephanie Dullum

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this product was to collaborate with residents and the activities department in a rural skilled nursing facility (SNF) to create leisure activities to address common chronic conditions and the needs or wants of the residents. With aging comes more chronic conditions and less physical activity, socialization, and time engaged in activities, affecting quality of life (QOL) and well-being (Causey-Upton,2015; Cudjoe et al., 2020; Nedjeljeko et al., 2021; Portillo et al., 2023; Sen et al., 2022; Smallfield & Molitor, 2018; World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Providing residents with more meaningful leisure activities will assist the SNF staff …

Peer To Peer: Implementing An Inclusive Program At A Midwestern School, Kaitlyn Rose Ekre

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Transitioning to and between school settings (i.e., home to elementary, elementary to middle school, middle school to high school) can be a challenging experience for everyone. In middle school, there is an increase in academic, behavioral, and social demands (Chen et al., 2020; Fontil et al., 2020). While most students are able to navigate the different demands of middle school, students with disabilities struggle with building relationships and interacting with their peers along with academics leading to low involvement in extracurricular activities, inconsistent access to the general education classroom, and an absence of peer interactions throughout the day (Biggs …