Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Face And Content Validity Of The Corbett-Targeted Coin Test: A Survey Of Users And Experts, Carla Floyd-Slabaugh, Jeanine Beasley, Kaitlyn Anstey, Kasey Bowman, Kaitlyn Hesse, Lauren Mannes, Samantha Vansumeren, Kirk Anderson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Corbett-Targeted Coin Test (CTCT) is unique in that it measures dexterity with in-hand manipulation and proprioceptive target placement, but it lacks established face and content validity (CV).

Methods: Two mixed methods surveys were created and piloted, one for face validity (for users of the tool) and another for CV (for content experts), each using a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended comments. Quantitative data analysis included frequencies, means, and ranges. The content validity index (CVI) was calculated for CV. Qualitative data analysis used thematic analysis.

Results: The CTCT demonstrated 97.1% endorsement among users of the tool. Each item was …

The Development Of The Retire Well Program For First Responders, Boguslawa T. Syrotiak, Noralyn Davel Pickens, Cynthia Evetts

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: First responders experience challenges during retirement transition because of exposure to stress and trauma on the job and a high level of identification with their work. Our objective was to develop a client-centered retirement transition program for first responders and their families.

Method: Using a participatory research approach, data were collected from two focus groups of health care providers and retired first responders and analyzed using a content analysis approach.

Results: Data yielded themes and subthemes leading to the development of an outline of a retirement transition program: The Retire Well program, an occupation-based program that …

The Relationship Between Burnout, Resilience, And Locus Of Control In Occupational Therapy, Tabitha Gibbs, Miguel Garcia, Karen Menard, William O'Bannon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Burnout in occupational therapists is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished accomplishment.

Method: This non-experimental correlational study, guided by Rotter’s Locus of Control Theory and the attribution theory of motivation, analyzed the relationship between resilience, locus of control, and burnout among occupational therapists using the Brief Resilience Scale, the Internal-External Locus of Control Short Scale -4, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. The sample of 83 participants was obtained via questionnaires sent to a convenience sample of occupational therapists with at least 6 months of work experience in any practice setting.

Results: The results of this study …

Exploring Quality Of Life After Traumatic Brain Injury: Insights From The Peo Model, Natalie S. King, Bryan M. Gee, Mary Shotwell, Mark A. Campbell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health concern, affecting millions of people each year. TBI often results in long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that can drastically reduce survivors' quality of life (QOL). These impairments influence daily activities, emotional well-being, social participation, and overall life satisfaction, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. This study seeks to provide deeper insights into the factors that influence the QOL for TBI survivors.

Methods: This research employed a phenomenological qualitative approach to understand how survivors navigate their post injury lives. Fourteen TBI survivors, aged 18 to …

Notes From Wfot: The Shared Experiences Of The Network Of Occupational Therapy Journal Editors, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Promoting Mental Wellness And A Calm Learning Environment In A 2nd Grade Classroom, Grace Tone

Capstone Projects

Promoting mental wellness and implementing cognitive behavioral strategies brings awareness to staff and students and helps to promote a calm learning environment. School-based occupational therapists support students to participate in school occupations that they may be struggling with and provide them with cognitive behavioral strategies to regulate their emotions. The ACOTE concentration area for this capstone included education to staff members on the impact of mental wellness on student participation in school occupations and education on the Calm Moment Cards program from Every Moment Counts. The second ACOTE concentration area for this capstone was program development for sustainability of the …

An Education Project To Address Pain Management Solutions For Adult Clients With Ue Involvement To Reduce Dependence On Pharmacological Options To Increase Comfort And Performance With Life Activities, Alexander J. Birdsall

Student Capstone Papers

Upper extremity (UE) pain affects approximately 30.7% of adults in the United States and is associated with decreased function and participation. Despite evidence supporting non-pharmacological approaches, pharmacological interventions remain commonly used. This capstone project implemented and evaluated an occupation-based educational program to promote non-pharmacological pain management among adults receiving outpatient occupational therapy for UE conditions. This 14-week project included 10 participants and utilized a mixed-methods design with pre-, mid-, and post-surveys. The program consisted of an introduction and three modules addressing therapeutic movement, physical agent modalities, and sensory regulation. Outcome measures included pain, activity engagement, medication use, confidence, and program …

Advancing Hand Therapy Practice Through Specialized Clinical Reasoning And Patient Education, Candace Heinlein

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was completed at Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Hand Therapy Clinic and focused on two ACOTE concentration areas including advanced clinical practice skills and education. The experience combined hands-on clinical practice in a specialized outpatient hand therapy setting with the development of high-quality client education materials and home exercise programs (HEPs). Objectives were created to address identified needs through the creation of client education handouts, development of diagnosis-specific Medbridge HEP templates, and creation of training resources to improve therapist efficiency with Medbridge use. Outcomes of the project included improved access to evidence-based educational materials, reduced …

Pediatric Sleep: The Priority We Cannot Keep Snoozing On, Jennifer Q. Tuazon, Lee Ann Hoffman, Amanda M. Buono

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone poster presents the development of online learning modules designed to support pediatric occupational therapists in addressing sleep as a foundational occupation. The project provides practical, evidence-based resources to help clinicians recognize sleep-related concerns, implement targeted strategies, and determine when referrals may be appropriate. The goal is to enhance clinical confidence while supporting participation, occupational performance, and quality of life for children and their families.

Life Skills For Individuals In A Juvenile Detention Center, Carrington Brown

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone project involved the development, implementation, and evaluation of a life skills program for justice-involved youth in a juvenile detention setting. Guided by a needs assessment, the program targeted financial literacy, job readiness, professionalism, and soft skills through structured sessions incorporating education, interactive activities, and group discussion. Findings from pre- and post-surveys and qualitative feedback indicated improved knowledge, confidence, and readiness for community reintegration, supporting the value of rehabilitative, occupation-based programming.

Bridging The Gap: Addressing Educational And Psychosocial Needs In Cancer Care At Gilda’S Club Middle Tennessee, Hayden Goode

OTD Capstone Projects

Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee is a nonprofit organization that provides psychosocial support to individuals and families impacted by cancer. This project aimed to address educational and psychosocial needs through two targeted initiatives grounded in health promotion, client-centered care, and community engagement. The first initiative focused on improving awareness of pelvic floor health in men affected by cancer. An accessible educational handout was developed to increase understanding of pelvic floor anatomy, common symptoms, toileting norms, and available resources, including pelvic floor therapy. The second initiative involved facilitating an expressive arts workshop for Gilda’s Club members to explore the lived experience of …

Investigating Best Practices In Diagnostic Reasoning And Differential Diagnosis: Implications For Occupational Therapy, Frank Czuba Drot, Otr/L, Laila Atra-Yassin Ots, Cassidy Green Ots, Shaylynn Krause Ots, Stephanie Petersen Ots, Alisa Robinson

Research Days

Diagnostic Reasoning and Differential Diagnosis (DD) are increasingly vital in occupational therapy (OT) practice as direct access legislation expands evaluative responsibilities for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs). Despite this need, little research has explored how OTPs understand and apply diagnostic reasoning in clinical contexts. This study examined processes, strategies, and perceived barriers and facilitators influencing OTPs’ engagement in diagnostic reasoning and DD across diverse settings. A national online survey of licensed OTPs collected quantitative and qualitative data on knowledge, confidence, training, interprofessional collaboration, and clinical behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, weighted analyses, z-scores, and thematic analysis. Results …

Expert Insights: Identifying Knowledge Gaps In Driver Rehabilitation And Community Mobility Beyond Acote Standards, Luther King, Madysen Gaus, Arthur Katzmann, Lia Shomaly, Keniya Smith, Tina Tindall

Research Days

Driver rehabilitation is an underrepresented specialization within occupational therapy despite its critical role in supporting individuals with physical, cognitive, or visual impairments to drive safely and maintain community mobility. The literature reveals limited inclusion of driver rehabilitation in OT curricula, minimal fieldwork exposure, and scarce driver rehabilitation programs, resulting in fewer certified specialists. Barriers to program development include insufficient funding, lack of institutional support, and limited equipment access. Consequently, new graduates lack knowledge, confidence, and competence in this specialty area, reducing service availability for clients who rely on driving for independence and participation. Addressing these gaps through enhanced education, fieldwork …

Occupational Justice In The Classroom For Children With Developmental Disabilities: A Program For Child-Led Play Interactions, Rayah Kassis, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Play and education are important occupations in students’ lives; however, there is a lack of resources in schools to enhance social and communication skills that impact occupational engagement for children with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this capstone project is to develop and provide resources to registered behavioral technicians (RBTs) that will inform them about how to use child-led principles to enhance the social and communication skills of students with developmental disabilities so that the students can meet their occupational roles in school and play participation.

Building The Foundations For School Success: Regulation, Social-Emotional Learning, And Pre-Handwriting Supports In A Reggio Inspired-Preschool, Allyson San Roman

OTD Capstone Projects

The goal of this capstone project was to develop evidence-based activities and resources to support student regulation, social-emotional learning, and pre-handwriting skills within a Reggio-inspired preschool setting. A needs assessment conducted through classroom observations, informal data collection, and collaboration with educators identified a need for developmentally appropriate strategies to support regulation and social-emotional learning, with an emphasis on proactive approaches to promote foundational skills and prevent the emergence of challenging behaviors. Additional observations revealed a need for increased opportunities to support fine motor and pre-handwriting development. Capstone deliverables  included social-emotional learning lessons, regulation strategies for students, and supports for early …

The Power Of Play: Enhancing Caregiver Engagement In Play-Based Development Through Educational Gym Signage At We Rock The Spectrum - Franklin, Elise Yeager

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with We Rock the Spectrum - Franklin. We Rock the Spectrum is a network of indoor sensory play gyms that provide children of all abilities with the opportunity to play, develop sensory and motor skills, and engage in social interaction in a supportive environment. The purpose of this project was to develop guided play experiences that educate caregivers on the benefits of play and offer practical play ideas. Evidence-based gym signage was developed for various equipment and areas of the gym, providing key information, suggestions, and QR codes for further resources. Additional …

Building Foundations Together: Occupational Therapy In A Private School Setting, Avery Tidwell

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the Battle Ground Academy Early Learning Center in Franklin, Tennessee, and focused on educating preschool teachers and parents on child development and the value of occupational therapy in supporting early childhood outcomes. This project highlighted the benefits of integrating therapy services within a private school setting while emphasizing collaboration between stakeholders in order to promote carryover between classroom and home environments. Key components included the development of a teacher handbook and staff education program, implementation of a monthly parent education series, and delivery of a presentation to high school students to …

Stars Program: Where Every Mind Shines With Hope And Purpose, Haleigh R. Robinette

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Dr. Sue Iliff at Belmont University to support the development and promotion of the Succeeding, Thriving, and Resilient Students (STARS) program, a new and upcoming initiative on Belmont’s campus. STARS is an evidence-informed initiative designed to support neurodiverse, degree-seeking undergraduate students experiencing challenges in executive functioning, academic skills, social communication, or independent life management. STARS will offer support through individualized academic coaching, structured peer mentoring, and targeted skill-building workshops. The focus of this project was to create a comprehensive program proposal based on evidence derived from similar programming, current research literature, …

Growing Sensory Education And Resources At Gbe Alliance, Kelsey Gardner

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Global Behavior Education Alliance (GBE Alliance) to bring together occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This project was designed with the GBE Alliance mission at the forefront, providing research-based, comprehensive care to meet individual needs. The goal of this project was to educate staff and families on sensory systems, regulation, and supporting children through play. Key outcomes included a motor station with guided activities to target each aspect of the sensory system, break time spaces with tools to increase regulation, sensory room designed …

Through The Gills: Translating Neurorehabilitation Principles Into An Adaptive Aquatic Game And Caregiver Toolkit For Children And Adolescents With Acquired Brain Injuries, Elizabeth J. Blincoe

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Background: An acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in motor, cognitive, and emotional impairments that limit participation and quality of life in children and adolescents (Pappadis et al., 2023). Caregivers often report difficulty supporting recovery and promoting functional carryover following discharge (Pappadis et al., 2023). Aquatic therapy is an evidence-based intervention shown to improve mobility, balance, and activities of daily living following brain injury (Curcio et al., 2020). Access to pediatric aquatic occupational therapy remains limited in communities.

Purpose: This doctoral capstone project was completed in a community-based wellness setting. The purpose was to develop and implement a caregiver-guided adaptive …