Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Understanding The Doctoral Capstone Coordinator Position: A Unique Faculty Role In Occupational Therapy Education, Hannah L.W. Harris, Anne F. Kiraly-Alvarez, Paula J. Costello, Bernadette Schmeltz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The doctoral capstone coordinator (DCC) position is a required faculty position in U.S. entry-level OTD programs, but there is limited information about this role. This descriptive study aimed to explore the demographics of DCCs; their required workload, tasks, and responsibilities; and the supports available to DCCs. The researchers administered an online survey and analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results revealed much variability in DCCs’ experiences, workloads, and responsibilities across OTD programs. Of the DCCs survey, 74.0% previously held leadership positions in academia or clinical practice before taking the role, and 60.5% of the DCCs worked …

Perceptions Of The Delivery Of Group And Individual Writing Telehealth Interventions For Students 7 To 12 Years Of Age Using Two Virtual Platforms: A Pilot Study, Denise K. Donica, Lauren Turbeville, Taylor Whaley, Sarah Woodlief

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Existing evidence supports occupational therapy’s (OT) role in improving handwriting skills; however, evidence is limited regarding the delivery of virtual intervention.

Method: This pilot study reviewed the use of a virtual interprofessional writing program for five children 7 to 12 years of age that addressed both handwriting (OT) and spelling (speech-language pathology) skills. The program included eight weekly sessions using Microsoft Teams (first four sessions) and Cisco WebEx (last four sessions). A parent survey consisting of 14 questions was conducted to gauge overall satisfaction with the program as well as learn about platform preferences. In addition, the …

The Effect Of Alternative Seating On School Function And Task Behavior In A Second-Grade Classroom, Julie H. Hunley, Stephanie Beisbier, Cynthia Clough

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of alternative seating (KidsErgo chairs) on second-grade students’ attention and task behavior/completion skills during academic instruction and work time.

Method: The quasi-experimental two-group pretest/posttest study included 24 students in one urban parochial school classroom. A subset of students was identified for close momentary time sampling of classroom behaviors while all students were assessed with the behavior/task completion subtest of the School Function Assessment (SFA).

Results: SFA scores improved in the students with low baseline SFA scores (LSFA), but not in the students with high baseline SFA …

Novice And Expert Observer Accuracy Of The Threshold Wheelchair Skill: A Pilot Eye-Tracking Study, Diane E. Mackenzie, R. Lee Kirby, Cher Smith, Zainab Al Lawati, Eric Lee, Sorayya Askari

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Moving a wheelchair over a low threshold is an entry-level mobility skill. Observation is critical to the assessment and training of this skill. The primary objective of this exploratory pilot study was to determine if a difference between novice and expert visual attention allocation pattern was linked to the accuracy of rating skill performance and decision confidence.

Methods: Twelve expert occupational therapists and nine non-expert occupational therapy students observed 30 first-attempt recordings of able-bodied persons learning the low threshold skill. Randomized recordings included 10 recordings from each rating group of “pass,” “pass with difficulty" (pwd), and “fail.” …

Identifying Grasp And Pinch Patterns In Ceramic Interventions: Video Analysis Of Adults Completing Ceramic Activities, Jeanine Beasley, Amber Chapman, Brianne Halliwill, Allison M. Mann, Kaitlyn S. Spalding, Jennifer K. Fortuna, Dianna Lunsford, Madeline Kaczmarczyk

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupation-based interventions are effective in hand rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to identify the grasp and pinch patterns used during specific ceramic activities for rehabilitative interventions.

Method: A convenience sample of 59 videos with 38 subjects were taken of adults without hand dysfunction completing various ceramic activities. Elementary Grasp Actions (EGA’s) were analyzed to identify the different grasps and pinch patterns.

Results: The EGA’s occurred 279 times across 12 ceramics activities. The EGA’s with the highest frequencies include nonprehensile, pinch, and lateral pinch. Nonprehensile was the most frequently used grasp used by the left …

Satisfaction With Customizable 3d-Printed Finger Orthoses Compared To Commercial Silverring™ Splints, Natasha Irani, Rebecca Ozelie

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Emerging research primarily supports 3D-printing as a customizable, replicable orthosis option. However, more research emphasizing orthotic users’ viewpoints is necessary to address challenges with orthotic wear adherence and satisfaction.

Method: Forty persons were recruited at an academic medical center. After wearing each orthosis for 8 hr (or as long as tolerated), the participants completed post-satisfaction surveys to measure satisfaction with different aspects of both orthoses worn.

Results: Forty participants (21 females, 19 males, mean age = 24.98 years) were enrolled in the study. Satisfaction scores (N = 40) were not statistically significant for 3D-printed orthoses compared …

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation For Infants With Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Pilot Study, Denise Justice, Kate Wan-Chu Chang, Lynnette T. Rasmussen, Lynda J-S Yang

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Biceps recovery is a critical determinant for treatment decision-making in patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). One treatment intervention used by therapists is neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), but its use remains controversial. This study’s aim was to determine the effect and safety of NMES on biceps function in infants with NBPP compared to standard therapy.

Methods: In this pilot, randomized controlled study, patients were randomized to the NMES treatment or control/sham group. Inclusion criteria were infants 3 to 9 months of age with a confirmed diagnosis of NBPP and biceps weakness, without other comorbidities. The parents …

A Program To Improve The Quality Of Life Of Caregivers Of Older Adults With Chronic Conditions: A Pilot Study, Lori Reynolds, Brandi Buchanan, Shannon Crabtree, Elton Bordanave

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Among the nearly 41.8 million family caregivers of older adults 50 years of age and older in the United States, only 30% of caregivers report receiving the education, resources, and support they need to feel competent in their role. Many existing programs focus on dementia-related caregiving, and programs are needed to address the caregiving needs of individuals with chronic conditions.

Method: A pilot study using a mixed methods design was conducted with eight participants. The pre and post. measure, Adult Carer Quality of Life (AC-QoL), and post program individual interviews were conducted.

Results: Six of the …

Education And Perceptions Of Post-Therapy Maintenance Programs In Long-Term Care: A Mixed Methods Exploratory Study, Laura S. Novak, Vanessa D. Jewell, Michael Gerg, Andrea Thinnes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapists develop maintenance programs (MPs) for long-term care (LTC) residents to optimize participation in everyday activities. The purpose of this study was to examine nursing professional attitudes and knowledge of MPs and to evaluate the effectiveness of an occupational therapist-led in-service.

Method: Nursing staff (n = 20) attended the in-service, completed a pre and posttest, and completed interviews (n = 5). We used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design with a one-group quasi-experimental design for the quantitative portion and a descriptive qualitative approach for the interviews.

Results: The results indicated significantly increased knowledge regarding MPs, …

Occupational Therapists' Perspectives On Nursing Home Culture And Addressing The Psychosocial Needs Of Residents: Mixed Methods Design, Nayeli Mendoza, Mikayla C. Wandersee, Divya Sood

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore occupational therapists’ perspectives on the culture change movement to address the psychosocial components of care among nursing home residents and identify supports and barriers to implementing the culture change movement.

Methods: We used a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. Electronic surveys were completed by 102 occupational therapists who work in nursing home facilities. Three focus groups were conducted via conference call with occupational therapists (n = 9). The survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Seventy-four of survey …

Imposter Phenomenon: The Occupational Experiences Of First-Generation College Students, Karen Mccarthy, Kevin Chavez, Krysta Gastelum, Javier Gomez, Jacqueline Salas, Yashi Severson, Jamie Zabat

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: First-generation college students (FGCS) represent an underserved population navigating higher education. There is a current gap in the literature regarding the interaction of occupational experiences, imposter phenomenon (IP), and FGCS. The purpose of this study is to use grounded theory to explore the occupational experience of IP among FGCS enrolled in a four-year university in California.

Method: This research is a qualitative study using grounded theory. Data was collected through a screening survey and interview with 11 participants who identified as FGCS.

Results: Thematic analysis generated five themes: (a) emotional aspects of IP, (b) collectivism, (c) balance, (d) communities …

Shared Concepts Guiding The Practice Of A Community Occupational Therapy Program Serving Youth With Psychosocial Challenges, Chi-Kwan Shea, Nancy Jackson, Marianna Ayers Sordille

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapy services to youth with trauma experiences and mental health challenges may follow unique practice concepts that deserve to be explored and illuminated. The study aimed to explore and identify shared concepts that have been guiding the occupational therapy practice of a community-based program serving the youth population.

Method: The qualitative study analyzed data from transcripts of one-on-one interviews with occupational therapists who serve youth clients in the community-based program. Using a grounded theory qualitative approach, the analysis aimed to highlight unique concepts that the occupational therapists employed in their day-to-day practice with youth who experience …

Initial Validity And User Experience Of A Dynamic Assessment Of Occupational Performance For Transitional Age Youth, Christine Haworth, Genevieve Cyrs, Chi-Kwan Shea

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Double OT (DOT) assessment is occupation-based and dynamic, designed with a client-centered format requiring skill demonstration. It was developed to support youth transitioning into the workplace. This research intended to analyze initial validity and users’ experience.

Method: This study includes qualitative and quantitative analyses of data collected from surveys from 169 client participants (APs) and 30 recipient participants (ARRs) from eight sites in the USA and Europe. AP were 14­ to 25 years of age and engaged in residential, educational, and vocational settings. The ARRs comprised partners who had received DOT assessment summaries about APs with …

Promoting Equity For Women In Medical Journal Editing, Allison Chamberlain Miller, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Student Athlete’S Transition From High School To College, Justus Basinger, Keisa Boykin, Mary Shotwell

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of the project is to identify the issues facing student-athletes as they transition from high school to college and to determine occupational therapists’ role in the transition for student-athletes. To allow for specialized help in the transition process from high school to college, this research project will provide greater detail about the areas in which student-athletes experience stressors.

Work Skills Programming Within Davidson County Residential Drug Court, Sarah Dinnes

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed through partnership with Davidson County Residential Drug Court (DC4). DC4 is a long-term residential facility that provides on-site treatment and recovery resources for non-violent offenders. The focus of this project was the development of intervention materials that provides resources and tools to help build work readiness skills to better prepare these individuals for long-term employment and becoming productive members of society upon graduation of the program. The handbook includes education and opportunities to apply learned skills in the areas of employment, communication, financial management, and community transportation. To be sustainable for the agency, counselors will …

Calm Sr: Classroom Activities For Learning And Managing Self-Regulation, Corina Arroyo, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Mallorie Garcia

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

CALM SR is a program developed for 3-4-year-olds to increase successful participation in desired occupations due to improved self-regulation skills. This program is designed for implementation in a preschool setting over the course of 9 weeks. This program incorporates activities that target sill acquisition across multiple domains. Activities are supplemented by literature, visual displays, modeling, and facilitation of the self-regulation process.

Post Covid-19 Condition: Understanding Implications For Ot Practice, Malachy Clancy, Phd, Otr/L, Bcpr

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Learning Objectives

• Define and describe Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC)
• Apply recommended treatment interventions for individuals with PCC
• Understand models of care for individuals with PCC

The Lived Experience Of Older Adults Desiring To Age In Place, Sarah K. Dean

OTD Capstone Projects

The Lived Experience of Older Adults Desiring to Age in Place is a study conducted by Sarah Dean, a student in Belmont University's Doctorate Program in Occupational Therapy. Purpose: This project was created to determine the lived experience and perspective of older adults desiring to age in place. This project was intended to benefit all older adults attending FiftyForward in Middle TN and their families. Methodology: The student assisted second-year Belmont OTD students in distributing an initial survey to the FiftyForward participants. The student went back to FiftyForward centers, and conducted in-depth interviews with the older adult participants in …

Seltec Model Level I Fieldwork Shift In An Ota Program, Paige Henson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nashville State Community College’s (NSCC) Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. To address clinician burnout from supervising students during level I fieldworks, NSCC is in the early stages of researching, planning, and implementing the SELTEC: Service and Experiential Learning Through Engagement in the Community Model for their Level I Fieldwork placements. The SELTEC model’s main objective is to provide quality and consistent level I fieldwork by using a faculty-led approach in partnership with community based organizations to decrease the burden on fieldwork sites and educators. This project aimed to create a manual …