Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Improving Residents' Access To Occupational Therapy Services In Long-Term Care Facilities: A Screen For Declining Performance In Activities Of Daily Living, Amy N. Scheidecker

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this study was to develop a tool for long-term care (LTC) nursing staff and occupational therapy (OT) practitioners to use as a method for tracking LTC residents’ decline in activities of daily living (ADL) performance and overall function. LTC residents with intact cognition were recommended by OT practitioners and verbally recruited to participate in the background interview process. LTC nursing staff interviews were distributed at nursing stations on the LTC units for voluntary participation from nursing staff. OT/OTA interviews were manually distributed to OT practitioners. The interviews used for each population varied slightly to accommodate their role …

Welcoming Wellness: A Health Promotion And Chronic Condition Prevention Program Rooted In The Foundations Of Occupational Therapy, Karlee G. Duncan

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background: Despite the national $3.8 billion spent annually on chronic condition management, they are still the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Chronic conditions have a variety of global implications. The development of chronic conditions can be managed through education and lifestyle behavior modifications, which lies within the scope of occupational therapy. Method: Simultaneous experiences at Logan Health and Logan Health Medical Fitness Center informed the development and implementation of a health promotion and prevention program, Welcoming Wellness. Results: Treating clients in acute care improved my understanding of chronic condition presentation and population needs, and connecting …

An Occupational Therapy Program For Improving Caregiving Performance And Satisfaction With Performance Among Caregivers For Individuals With Neurological Conditions, Andrea Marie Molus

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project was to develop a program that would decrease the symptoms of caregiver burnout to increase the performance and satisfaction with performance among caregivers of individuals with neurological conditions. Caregivers can develop burnout when the burden of caregiving increases to the extent that the experience is not a healthy option for the caregiver or care recipient (Kasuya et al., 2000). Three occupational therapy theories were used to support this project: Model of Human Occupation, Tolgia’s Dynamic Interactional Approach, and Andragogy Learning Theory for Adult Learners. An online resource website was developed to help disseminate the information used in …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Helping Individuals In The Us Justice System Transition From Incarceration To The Community, Kathryn E. Foster

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals with cognitive disabilities face unique challenges in their transition and integration from prison settings. Occupational therapy offers tailored, client-centered reentry services to address their needs and the evidence on impact is limited. The purpose of this project was to examine the efficacy of strengths-based, occupational therapy-led reentry services on the reentry of individuals on probation and parole with a cognitive challenge into society following incarceration. I used a retrospective, mixed methods design to complete this project. Community-based reentry services were provided post-release in the local St. Louis community. Participants included both occupational therapy practitioners tracking process and impact measures, …

Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis [Ipa]: Examining The Impact Of Sleep Disturbances On Lived Experiences Of Persons With Parkinson’S Disease (Pwpd), Adriana Ornelas, Angela Blackwell, Karen Aranha

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Introduction: This investigation aimed to examine the lived experiences of PwPD who suffer from insomnia. Sleep disturbance affects up to 96% of individuals with PD. The non-motor symptom (NMS) significantly reduces HR-QOL, positively correlates with disease severity and duration, and increases the disease burden of care. Due to the nature of the disease, typical sleep hygiene protocols may not be the most effective intervention for this population. Understanding their challenges is vital to developing a sleep hygiene protocol tailored to their needs.

Methodology: A pilot qualitative study using an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) with PwPD (N=12). The study received IRB …

Mobile Munchies: An Occupation-Based Transitional Skills Program For Adolescents, Reilly S. Dujmovic

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project is focused on program development in the area of life/work skills for adolescents in a special education setting. The specific interest was in transition skills for adolescents, or skills that promote independence in ADLs, IADLs, and leisure, and work activities following formal education. The goal of this project was to develop work programming as an intervention to teach transition skills to adolescents in a special education classroom setting. The programming developed was based on programming the special education classroom has used in the past. Programming was modified to take an occupational therapy lens to reach the goal …

Promoting Social-Emotional Development In Preschool Children Using A Trauma Informed, Sensory Integrative Approach, Sarah M. Mcgoldrick

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The incidence of sensory processing difficulties and related behaviors is increasing in young children, which supports the need for early intervention and support. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of TBRI® Nurture Group© in improving social emotional and sensory processing skills in preschool aged children while reducing the number of negative behaviors observed. The project was conducted in a four- and five-year-old preschool classroom at the Early Learning Center in Edina, Minnesota. Nurture Group© sessions occurred over the span of ten weeks in small groups of about three to four students. Students worked on identifying calming …

Exploring The Occupational Impact Of Experiencing An Unexpected Death In Adulthood, Amanda Reann O'Donnell, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Experiencing the unexpected death of a close family member or friend may cause occupational disruptions in social participation, work and school performance, home management, and personal care maintenance (Simpson & Elberty, 2018; Forhan, 2010; Hoppes, 2005; Weis et al., 2019). Little research highlights the unique occupational impacts of unexpected loss, distinguished from other types of loss, and from a direct occupational perspective. Therefore little is known about how to provide aid, resources, and programming to this population. The purpose of this research project was to understand how occupations are uniquely impacted by experiencing the unexpected death of a loved one. …

An Occupational Therapy Guide To Regulation And Resilience In The Classroom, Catherine Newton, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An occupational therapy educational program that focuses on increasing teachers' knowledge surrounding childhood trauma as well as promoting regulation and resilience in the classroom.

Sexual Activity And Intimacy Within Occupational Therapy Practice, Anya Levanduski, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sexual activity is often the forgotten ADL, that is underdressed in practice, and not spoken about in academia. This presentation aims to explore the role of occupational therapy addressing sexuality and intimacy following the onset of long term physical or neurological disabilities. This project outlines the role of OT in emerging practice in advocating for the development of a referral pathway specific for sexual activity and intimacy, and OT within an emerging setting.

Occupational Therapy In Family Education: Fourth Trimester Wellness To Kindergarten Readiness, Gabrielle Madeline Hagen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Early intervention programs provide unique opportunities for children to develop cognitive, socioemotional, behavioral, and executive functioning skills which are necessary for success in the school environment. The purpose of this 14-week capstone experience was to integrate trauma-informed occupational therapy principles into an early childhood family education course and to advocate for the role of occupational therapy in postpartum and postnatal wellness. Methods included facilitating play-based interactions between caregivers and children, preparing and presenting educational materials, completing an annotated bibliography, and developing a freely accessible webpage with information about fourth trimester support. The outcomes of this project demonstrate that implementation of …

Promoting Successful Discharges From Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Units Among Older Adults, Melissa A. Tweet

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Older adults may face occupational limitations that serve as a barrier to maintaining independence in their homes for various reasons, including the onset of illness, injury, or age-related generalized weakness. When individuals are admitted to the hospital and require ongoing rehabilitation to improve their functional abilities, they require effective and client-centered discharge planning to promote a successful transition from the rehabilitation unit. There is a continued need to explore how occupational therapists can provide quality discharge planning throughout the patient’s therapeutic process and methods to facilitate the carryover of skilled interventions after discharge. This capstone project aimed to obtain in-depth …

Occupation-Based Sexual Health Education For Adolescents With Disabilities, Elizabeth J. Klocke

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience barriers to learning about sexual health education even though there is documented interest in this subject. Additionally, caregivers of children with disabilities lack experience and knowledge of their children’s sexual developmental needs. My capstone project aimed to provide comprehensive sexual education to adolescents with disabilities and education on childhood sexual development to healthcare professionals, educators, and parents. The literature and needs assessment indicated a need for sexual health education for both students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and caregivers. Due to viewing clients in a holistic manner, occupational therapy is uniquely qualified to …

Relaxation As An Intervention For Military Service Members Experiencing Ans Dysregulation Following Mtbi, Tori Julianne Vanvelzen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Current evidence indicates that a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) can negatively impact autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation, leading to decreased occupational performance (Belchamber, 2022; Frueh et al., 2020). This project aimed to support military service members in ANS regulation following an mTBI to enhance the quality of life (QoL) and occupational performance. The Person Environment Occupation (PEO) Model, Psychological Model of Stress, and Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) provided a theoretical foundation for the capstone project. Clinical practice, the development of a standardized pilot manual with a relaxation-based curriculum, and education for the interdisciplinary healthcare team were implemented to achieve …

Examining The Utility Of The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Copm) Vs. Cognitive Mapping And Motivational Interviewing (Cm/Mi) To Provide Person-Centered Care (Pcc) For People With Parkinson’S Disease (Pwpd), Mary Lagasca, Karen Aranha

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) limits occupational engagement and quality of life. Clinicians need tools to help understand the lived experiences of people with PD to provide more person-centered care (PCC). The Canadian Occupational Performance Model (COPM) is one tool used with this population, but its predetermined categories may be limiting. In contrast, Cognitive Mapping and Motivational Interviewing (CM/MI) is a non-standardized method that may provide more insight. Objective: To identify the benefits of the COPM to CM/MI in delivering more person-centered care (PCC). Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological self-study was used. Data collection compared the assessments and reflected on determining if …

The Lotus Project: A Resilience Program For Dominican University Of California Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Melissa Morini, Naema Dahdoul, Ashley Moffett, Regine Erika Saldivar, Viviana Vazquez

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy graduate students and occupational therapy practitioners experience chronic stress, adversity, and are at risk for burnout (de Witt, Monareng, Abraham, Koor, & Saber, 2019). Building a resilience practice early in the OT career has the potential to assist students in overcoming adversity from chronic stressors that could lead to burnout. We developed the L(OT)US project, a resilience program for occupational therapy students at Dominican University of California that consisted of three components: indoor resilience rest and recovery space, outdoor resilience resources box, and social media resources. e gathered feedback from current occupational therapy students who participated in our …

Life After Brain Injury - Family Perspectives, Shaina Snyder, Everlee Anderson, Allison Wyek, Elijah Tolentino-Medios, Cathyisabella Kintanar

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: Children who are Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivors experience changes to their occupational engagement and participation in family life. Families and children who are TBI survivors may experience long-term, chronic disabilities, yet these complex experiences are under researched and underserved.

Objective: This research focused on the following questions: What are the lived experiences of children who have survived brain injury and their families upon returning to their homes, schools and communities? What are the helpful and necessary supports and what are the barriers to engaging in meaningful occupations? How can in depth examination of these phenomena better …

Efficacy Of Coping Strategies On Emotional Regulation For Individuals With Childhood Trauma, Alyssa Szatmary

MOT Student Capstones

In childhood, individuals may be exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and carry the weight of the trauma throughout the lifespan. Childhood trauma can have a negative impact on mental health, causing emotional dysregulation, and influencing perspective, actions, and social patterns. Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma may improve their quality of life by creating resilience, advocating a healthy lifestyle, and developing adaptive, coping strategies to cope with adverse, or major life events. In the Upper Cumberland of Tennessee, there are limited resources within the community that targets this population. This capstone project aims to assess the differences in emotional …

Will Increasing The Knowledge About Community Transition Programs For Adolescents And Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Enable Ot Practitioners To Integrate Transition Services Into Practice?, Emily Draughon

MOT Student Capstones

The transition from adolescence to adulthood for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) can be especially challenging due to intellectual and adaptive deficits. Without adequate support and guidance throughout this transition, these individuals are not able to maximize their independence and participation with essential occupations including post-secondary education, employment, and community participation. Occupational therapists (OT) use a holistic and client-centered approach and specialize in adapting the environment and/or the task to meet the specific needs of the person to promote independence and full participation in desired occupations. The current trend in transition programming displays an underutilization of OT support. Increasing OT …

Training Program For Occupational Therapists Working With Skilled Caregivers In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Lovegifty Dudero, Mai Huynh, Ridhee Patel

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Dementia impairs one’s ability to live independently and participate in everyday activities (CDC, 2019). Individuals with dementia (IwD) are often referred to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for around-the-clock care to receive support for their everyday challenges brought on by dementia symptoms. Although certified nursing assistants (CNAs) help IwD with everyday self-care tasks, they frequently lack specialized dementia care training. Consequently, CNAs experience low self-efficacy when providing care and managing challenging behaviors IwD may have. OTs have expertise and understanding regarding the stages of dementia and how the symptoms of dementia impact participation in daily occupations. OTs working in SNFs are …