Increasing Parent Confidence And Involvement In The Nicu: An Occupational Therapy Educational Guide,
2023
University of North Dakota
Increasing Parent Confidence And Involvement In The Nicu: An Occupational Therapy Educational Guide, Megan D. Berginski
Occupational Therapy Capstones
Research shows that 40% of mothers with preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) reported feelings of depression, and 23% reported experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms, with that number increasing to 40% after discharge (Harris et al., 2018). Factors that contributed to this included a lack of social support, a lack of empowerment, perceived less capability in their new roles, and the stressful experiences that can happen in this setting (Matricardi et al., 2013; Sabnis et al., 2019). A similar study found that at discharge, 69.8% of parents reported that they were not confident in providing the necessary care …
Transitioning A Hand Therapy Clinic From Traditional Paper Home Programs To An Electronic Platform: A Quality Improvement Project,
2023
University of North Dakota
Transitioning A Hand Therapy Clinic From Traditional Paper Home Programs To An Electronic Platform: A Quality Improvement Project, Megan Raissa Fuka
Occupational Therapy Capstones
Individuals with upper extremity conditions who receive occupational therapy within the hand therapy context are often provided with paper or electronic home programs (HPs) as part of their rehabilitation protocol. Electronic HPs may promote greater adherence and functional improvements than paper handouts, as they can accommodate various learning styles and address patient barriers (Chung et al., 2020; Harte & Law, 2019; Lambert et al., 2017; Nussbaum et al., 2019; Toci et al., 2021; Valdes et al., in press). Despite evidence showing positive patient satisfaction and outcomes as a result of using electronic HPs, some occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) may be …
The Effects Of Sensory Exposures On Pre-Term Infants Within The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,
2023
University of North Dakota
The Effects Of Sensory Exposures On Pre-Term Infants Within The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Isabell Grace Fetsch
Occupational Therapy Capstones
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting is a very dynamic, complex environment that can greatly affect the well-being and physical development of pre-term infants. Pre-term infants are defined as infants born earlier than 37 weeks’ gestation (CDC, 2021). AOTA (2018) researchers stated that a pre-term infant does not have the self-regulatory tools to adapt to the complex and highly stressful NICU environment. Pineda et al. (2017) explained that the environment within the NICU presents many adverse sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, and stressful human touches. When infants are unable to manage environmental sensory exposures appropriately due …
Social Skills Development: A Program For Pediatric Occupational Therapy Group Sessions,
2023
University of North Dakota
Social Skills Development: A Program For Pediatric Occupational Therapy Group Sessions, Kenadee Eyre
Occupational Therapy Capstones
Children with a neurological disorder often demonstrate delays in social skills development (Glenn et al., 2020; Goldingay et al. 2020; & Tanta & Kuhaneck, 2020). This delay in development impacts their participation in meaningful occupations as optimal performance range includes an element of social interaction. The purpose of this product is to provide pediatric occupational therapists with the resources necessary to build social skills groups following a hierarchy of social skills development.
Addressing Adherence To Home Exercise Programs In A Hand Therapy Setting,
2023
University of North Dakota
Addressing Adherence To Home Exercise Programs In A Hand Therapy Setting, Austin B. Ellis
Occupational Therapy Capstones
Roughly 1,100 per 100,000 persons experience an upper-extremity injury per year including burns, fractures, or amputations (Ootes et al., 2012). These upper-extremity injuries can impact a person’s physical function, activities of daily living (ADL), social, psychological, and financial aspects in life (Che Daud et al., 2016b). These statistics warrant the need for occupational therapy practitioners specializing in hand therapy, and other hand therapists to address these areas of client’s lives that have been affected by their upper extremity injury.
Supporting Caregivers Of Children With Complex Health Needs,
2023
University of North Dakota
Supporting Caregivers Of Children With Complex Health Needs, Anne Louise Domanus
Occupational Therapy Capstones
The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop and implement programming that provides support and meets the needs of caregivers of children with complex health needs. This was done by providing a resource guide of local community resources to caregivers to increase engagement in leisure occupations.
Life Skills Training Resource For Individuals Aging Out Of The Foster System,
2023
University of North Dakota
Life Skills Training Resource For Individuals Aging Out Of The Foster System, Stephanie Coauette
Occupational Therapy Capstones
The purpose of this project was to create a training resource for foster families regarding life skills for the population of individuals aging out of the foster care system. There is an identified need for resources for individuals who age out of the foster system for life skills training and basic activities of daily living (ADL) training (Paul-Ward & Lambdin- Pattavina, 2016). Aging out of the foster system means that an individual has turned 18 years old without a legal adoptive family taking responsibility for them (Scannapieco et al., 2007). There is a need for the individuals who are preparing …
Becoming An Occupational Therapy Advocate: A Toolkit For Practitioners,
2023
University of North Dakota
Becoming An Occupational Therapy Advocate: A Toolkit For Practitioners, Tiana Jo Griffith
Occupational Therapy Capstones
Advocacy is an important component of the occupational therapy profession. Advocacy helps advance the profession, promote client well-being, and ensures access to services. Although practitioners are aware of the importance of advocacy, there is still a lack of involvement in advocacy efforts. There are several reasons for the lack of involvement, including insufficient knowledge and preparedness, limited discussion of advocacy, and lack of time to interact with the policy process (Dhillon et al., 2010; Marfeo, 2020; Osman et al., 2020). A toolkit was developed to address the identified barriers by providing occupational therapy practitioners in Wyoming with information and resources …
Educating The Educator: Articulating Ot’S Role In School-Based Collaboration,
2023
University of North Dakota
Educating The Educator: Articulating Ot’S Role In School-Based Collaboration, Bryce Shaun Graves
Occupational Therapy Capstones
Many teachers in the educational field are unaware of the role of occupational therapists (OTs) and how OTs can support teachers and students (Kennedy et al., 2018; Truong & Hodgetts, 2017). Educators who are aware of the OT role often desire further collaboration including realistic recommendations for their classroom (Truong & Hodgetts, 2017). This presents a need for increased education about the role of occupational therapy (OT) in school-based practice and additional instruction for increased effectiveness of OT-teacher collaboration.
Exploring Nature-Based And Animal-Assisted Therapies As A Therapeutic Modality,
2023
University of North Dakota
Exploring Nature-Based And Animal-Assisted Therapies As A Therapeutic Modality, Rachel Cheatley
Occupational Therapy Capstones
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is characterized by integrating animals into the therapy process as a therapeutic partner and modality (Laskowski et. al., 2019). AAT shows positive outcomes for those who take part in the practice (Ein et. al., 2018; Feng et. al., 2021; Mapes & Rosén, 2016; Nieforth et. al., 2021). Common goals that are targeted via AAT include anxiety and related symptoms, depression and related symptoms, coordination, fine motor skills, reaching, hand-eye coordination, body balance, body awareness, communication, and relationship building (Ein et. al., 2018; Feng et. al., 2021; Mapes & Rosén, 2016; Nieforth et. al., 2021). Even with the …
Caring For All In The Nicu,
2023
University of North Dakota
Caring For All In The Nicu, Zachary Daniel Gascho
Occupational Therapy Capstones
In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the infants who are being examined, evaluated, and treated are not the only people that need to be thought of when providing care. The parents/guardians in the NICU are just as important to consider in providing support. Research has shown that parents who have a child in the NICU experience a great deal of stress and guidelines recommend emotional support intervention in the NICU (Bigsby, 2021; Dudek-Shriber, 2004, Hynan & Hall, 2015). Emotional support is needed for these parents as they are experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that are often left untreated …
Acting On The Need Of A Client, Caregiver, And Practitioner Seating And Mobility Guide,
2023
University of North Dakota
Acting On The Need Of A Client, Caregiver, And Practitioner Seating And Mobility Guide, Aleksander Robert Kohn
Occupational Therapy Capstones
There is a significant need for individuals with a disability and specific mobility limitations to require a wheeled mobility device. Wheeled mobility devices allow individuals to gain and/or maintain independence and engagement in occupations. The evaluation, prescription, and fitment of wheeled mobility devices are complex, requiring clients and caregivers to use and maintain these devices in specific ways. Barriers caregivers face can include not positioning the client properly in the wheeled mobility device, damaged or missing wheelchair parts, or improper positioning of the straps and belts, affecting posture, which could lead to secondary complications.
Improving Occupational Engagement For Children With Executive Dysfunction,
2023
University of North Dakota
Improving Occupational Engagement For Children With Executive Dysfunction, Autumn Hopkin
Occupational Therapy Capstones
A person's ability to successfully perform complex tasks requires a higher level of thinking made possible through the successful use of executive functions. Executive functions develop over time, but typical development begins in early childhood. When children experience interruptions to development, executive dysfunction can inhibit their ability to reach their full occupational potential with play, academics, and social skill development. This scholarly project aims to promote executive function using an evidence-based approach to support occupational therapy practitioners and the children they serve with executive dysfunction.
The Missing Piece: A Sensory Toolkit For Parents, Educators, Healthcare Professionals, And Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Sensory Processing Disorder (Spd).,
2023
University of North Dakota
The Missing Piece: A Sensory Toolkit For Parents, Educators, Healthcare Professionals, And Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Sensory Processing Disorder (Spd)., Jennavive Holm
Occupational Therapy Capstones
The purpose of this project is to create educational material pertaining to sensory processing. The intended audience includes families, caregivers, teachers, and other healthcare professional who treat and/or care for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This sensory toolkit was developed to enhance parents and caregiver education on ASD and SPD diagnoses to increase both the child’s and the caregiver’s quality of life. It is hoped that this sensory toolkit will provide caregivers with invaluable resources and tools to use outside of the clinic. This product will incorporate the expertise of occupational therapy (OT) …
How Adaptive Sports Promote Occupational Engagement And Quality Of Life For Individuals With Disabilities In A Rural Community,
2023
University of North Dakota
How Adaptive Sports Promote Occupational Engagement And Quality Of Life For Individuals With Disabilities In A Rural Community, Michael Helgeson
Occupational Therapy Capstones
Health management, play, leisure, and social participation are all valued occupations related to sports. However, individuals with physical disabilities face many barriers that inhibit them from engaging in sports, depriving them of these occupations. Some of these barriers include a lack of adaptive sports resources, adaptive equipment, adaptive sports programs in rural communities, and knowledge of how to include individuals with disabilities (Obradovic et al., 2021). The purpose of this scholarly project was to address these barriers through the development of adaptive sports programs; hereby, increasing occupational engagement, quality of life (QOL), and life satisfaction for individuals with disabilities. To …
Development Of A School Based Program: Implementing Occupational Therapy Into General Education Classrooms,
2023
University of North Dakota
Development Of A School Based Program: Implementing Occupational Therapy Into General Education Classrooms, Samantha Jo Larson
Occupational Therapy Capstones
The purpose of this scholarly project (SP) was to build a program containing activities for kindergarten and first grade general education classrooms that promote childrens’ skills that are necessary for development in handwriting, reading, writing, spelling, and clothing management.
The People Left Behind: Older Adults In Custody,
2023
University of North Dakota
The People Left Behind: Older Adults In Custody, Therese Pettersen
Occupational Therapy Capstones
The number of older adults in custody has significantly increased over the past few decades, now accounting for 10% of the total prison population (Carson & Sabol, 2016). It has been documented that older adults in custody have been subjected to bullying, lack of understanding and knowledge among prison staff, harassment, isolation, lack of age-appropriate occupations and more (Du Toit & McGrath, 2018). Increased staff training on older adult care (Brooke & Ryback, 2020; Williams et al. 2012), environmental modifications (Bierie, 2018; Brooke et al., 2020; Du Toit et al., 2019; Du Toit & McGrath, 2018; Maschi et al., 2012), …
An Occupational Therapy Perspective On Health And Wellness: A Step Toward Prevention,
2023
University of North Dakota
An Occupational Therapy Perspective On Health And Wellness: A Step Toward Prevention, Olivia Grace Myers
Occupational Therapy Capstones
The purpose of this project was to develop a group protocol that addresses the primary prevention of obesity through an occupational therapy lens within a community setting.
A Successful Start With New Start: Transitional Community-Based Services For Student Veterans,
2023
University of North Dakota
A Successful Start With New Start: Transitional Community-Based Services For Student Veterans, Sheena Kay Miller
Occupational Therapy Capstones
For veterans, integration into the community post-service poses a variety of unique challenges as they pursue many different opportunities. One of those opportunities sought out by this population according to the literature is higher education. It is estimated that approximately 900,000 veterans and their families had utilized the post-9/11 GI Bill as of 2018, with that number expected to only increase over time (Ulrich & Freer, 2020). Some of the unique challenges faced by this population include higher rates of mental health diagnoses, suicidal thoughts, and service-related injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) than their civilian peers (Eakman et …
The Newly Arrived Client: Applying Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Approaches To The Refugee Population To Promote Occupational Justice,
2023
University of North Dakota
The Newly Arrived Client: Applying Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Approaches To The Refugee Population To Promote Occupational Justice, Dominique Menard
Occupational Therapy Capstones
At the end of 2021, there were 836,300 Somali refugees and asylum seekers worldwide; in Minnesota alone, there are more than 70,000 Somali refugees, which is the largest concentration in the United States (Culture Care Connection, 2022; The UN Refugee Agency, n.d.). As with many refugee populations, Somali refugees experience many healthcare inequities including limited understanding of the resettled nation's healthcare system, poor functional health literacy, provider and/or interpreter gender preferences, discrimination, and limited cultural competence of providers (Eklöf et al., 2019; Fang et al., 2015; Gele et al., 2016; Houston et al., 2021; Njenga, 2022; Wångdahl et al., 2018). …
