Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Exploration Of Occupational Problems And Concerns In Individuals With Long-Covid (Post-Acute Sequelae Of Sars-Cov-2), Velinda Utile, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Long-Covid is a complex illness causing disruption in the lives of millions of individuals suffering from its symptoms resulting from Covid-19 infection. With over 65 million confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 10% of individuals expected to experience Long-Covid, knowledge in this area is important to support occupational therapy practice. The purpose of this qualitative research project is to provide knowledge on the reported occupational performance problems and concerns being experienced by individuals with Long-Covid to help fill this gap in research and provide some guidance for OT evaluation and intervention.

Individuals With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities And Meaningful Employment, Bethanie Hernandez, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Evan Edward Dean

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals with disabilities tend to face poverty at a higher rate compared to those without disabilities (Kelley, 2016). Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) benefit from a variety of supports to work in their communities. Not providing services to address these needs can cause increased unemployment rates and dependence on others. Currently, there is a lack of attention by OTP on supporting individuals with IDD (14-26 years) when acquiring meaningful employment. Increasing OTP’s awareness about the relationship between self-determination and employment can promote more services. Self-Determination is about acting or causing things to happen in your life as you …

Coaching Critical Moments: An Occupation-Based Coaching Education And Training Program, Katherine Eglin, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This is a poster presentation on an education and training program, created for a capstone project. The program, Coaching Critical Moments (CCM), is designed to provide occupation-based coaching education through learning modules and training through simulation. The poster highlights the background literature about occupation-based coaching in occupational therapy, the problem and purpose statements for the capstone project, the methodology for creating the program, the theoretical foundation for the project, the contents of the program, and a discussion.

Exploration Of The Transference Of Cognitive Skills Gained From A Movement-Based Program Incorporating Modified Dance To Occupational Performance For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Alyssa Kronstadt-Trapasso

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A movement-based program incorporating modified dance was used with individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to assess changes in cognition as it relates to occupational performance. This qualitative research study provided 1-hour dance sessions 3 days per week over the course of 16 weeks with 6 participants who have mild-moderate PD. Various dance styles were used including salsa, tango, waltz, line dancing, and others. Cognition and occupational performance were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and surveys. Findings indicated improvements in perceived occupational performance via the COPM and surveys, while MoCA results indicated improvements …

Qualitative Evaluation Of Occupational Therapy Assessments In Treating Veterans With Ptsd Who Are Transitioning Into Civilian Life, Natalia Marquez-Sterling

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Presentation on the capstone paper Qualitative Evaluation of Occupational Therapy Assessments in Treating Veterans with PTSD Who are Transitioning into Civilian Life. Explores the strengths and limitations of an OT assessment toolkit as well as the role of OTs in treating veterans with PTSD transitioning into civilian life.

Qualitative Exploration Of The Perception And Satisfaction Of Occupational Engagement And Level Of Awareness Of Treatment Options For Parous Women With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction., Sterling Donald, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster looks to provide an overview of the results of the capstone project looking to fill a gap in the literature regarding the impact that pelvic floor dysfunction has on the occupational engagement of parous women, and their knowledge of occupational therapy treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunction (Burkhart et al, 2021). Data collection occurred over 2 weeks and the inclusion criteria for this study consisted of parous (having beard children) women, ages 18 to 65, and having at least 1 symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction (i.e., urinary problem, bowel problem, or pelvic organ prolapse). The research questions were, …

Analysis Of Role Changes For Women With Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema To Return To Work, Soraya Martinez, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Breast Cancer survivors diagnosed with secondary lymphedema have decreased quality of life and experience greater challenges when attempting to return to work compared to survivors who do not have secondary lymphedema. Limited research is available in understanding the impact breast cancer-related lymphedema has on survivors transitioning from traditional medical care to return to work. Occupational therapists specializing in Lymphedema therapy have the unique training skills and knowledge to address the challenges this population faces, as well as the tools needed to educate patients and their family members on how to manage returning to work, and make any adaptations to their …

Teen Driving And Community Mobility Educational Module For Ot Students, Celeste Johns, Angela Blackwell, Melissa "Missy" Bell

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Teens with disabilities require increased support in driving and community mobility (D&CM) due to increased complexity resulting from the combination of typical teen characteristics (physiological changes and developing cognitive skills), and limitations posed by physical, cognitive, or visual impairments (Interactive Autism Network, 2011; Monahan, 2012). Due to lack of training, decreased awareness, low confidence, decreased competence, billing, and productivity concerns OT practice is limited in addressing D&CM (Dickerson et al., 2011). There is a need for more targeted information regarding teen driving and community mobility within OT education to increase competence (knowledge, skills, attitudes), and prepare them to be generalists …

Habituation In Occupational Therapy For People With Alcohol Use Disorder, Sarah Garces, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is an ongoing chronic health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Habituation is a construct used by the occupational therapy (OT) practice model, the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). Habituation relates to a persons’ roles, habits, and routines, and how these interact to shape occupational participation and performance. Since the habitual use of alcohol is a key component of AUD, an understanding of how habituation is addressed in OT intervention is essential. The OT literature has not been systematically reviewed to determine how habituation is addressed in OT practice in clients with AUD, leaving it difficult …

Driving With Low Vision: Development Of Evidence Based Practice Manual For Bioptic Drivers, Emily Rose Sonni

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was centered around the creation of a pre-driver training manual for novice drivers with Bioptic Telescope Systems (BTS) in preparation for behind-the-wheel training. The BTS pre-driver training manual was created with OTs at Vanderbilt Eye Institute as well as various OTS/CDRS from additional universities around the country. The manual consists of several parts including: bioptic care/hygiene, steps to become a bioptic driver in TN, how to use the bioptic, pre-driver training activities, time log form and helpful resources page. We also distributed a survey to current novice drivers (without the training manual) to get an impression of …

Wellness Promotion Through Leisure Activity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Gabriela Morrell-Zucker

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project is to analyze the outcomes of an occupation-based wellness program which aims to address the problem of a lack of wellness promotion programs for community-dwelling older adults. Through structured programming older-adults demonstrated increased participation in leisure activities contributing to positive health and wellness. As the older adult population continues to grow, there is a need to engage community-dwelling older adult populations in wellness promotion through leisure activities. For this purpose, a quantitative approach examines the outcomes of program development from older adults' perspectives through a the CHAMPS Older Adult Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Happy And Healthy: A Positive Mental Health Program For Early Elementary School-Aged Children, Haleigh Freeman, Angela L. Blackwell, Erik Pérez

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Approximately 17% of children from the ages six to 17 in the U.S. have a treatable mental health disorder, however, of those children, 70% have not received appropriate mental health care to address their mental health problems (MHP) (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2019; Mental Health Foundation, 2016). The severity of MHP identified within the literature points to a distinct need for mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention to address those needs (Albuquerque et al., 2020). Specifically, the need for school-based and after-school based mental health services continues growing at alarming rates (Map, 2013). However, school systems often lack provisions …

Fostering Community Participation For Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: An Occupation-Based Program For Caregivers, Mindy Goltiao, Kristin Domville, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Caregiver expectations influence outcomes of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they seek more independence transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. The purpose of this program development capstone project is to promote realistic expectations of caregivers of youth by improving caregiver youth relationships and facilitating activities. Strategies of current and evidence-based programs that support caregivers of youth with IDD, such as Maximizing Adolescent Post-Secondary Success and TrASDition training. The American Occupational Therapy Association Vision 2025 aligns with the program as it aims to provide caregivers equal opportunity, access to care, and expands an individual’s capacity to advocate for caregivers. …

Program To Increase Occupational Therapy Inclusion In Community Mental Health Practice, Leeanne A. Bugter-Vanloon, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Lisa Schubert

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists are qualified mental health providers, however, inadequate numbers of practitioners work in the community to treat individuals with mental health conditions. A program to advocate for the profession of occupational therapy in community-based mental health was created to increase capacity for occupational therapy practitioners in this setting. A two-hour virtual workshop was implemented to educate participants on occupational therapy's role, the barriers that limit occupational therapy inclusion, and methods to increase occupational therapy inclusion. Results indicate the virtual workshop was effective at increasing an individuals knowledge on the roles, limitations, and opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners in community …

Sexuality Based Content In An Entry- Level Occupational Therapy Curriculum: A Content Analysis, Victoria E. Ontiberos, Steven M. Gerardi, Elizabeth Deluca

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sexuality is multifaceted and is developed across the lifespan. Researchers report little advancement, consistency, and knowledge regarding incorporation of sexuality into occupational therapy (OT) curricula, which supports the need for research. The purpose of this capstone project was two-fold: a) to conduct a content analysis of an entry-level OT curriculum to identify content gaps regarding addressing sexuality in practice; and b) to develop sexuality-based educational materials as a resource for the faculty for potential inclusion in future courses. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) is an evidenced-based model that was used in this project, in conjunction with notional sexuality educational …

Robotic Table And Serious Games For Integrative Rehabilitation In The Early Poststroke Phase: Two Case Reports, Grigore Burdea, Nam Kim, Kevin Polistico, Ashwin Kadaru, Namrata Grampurohit, Jasdeep Hundal, Simcha Pollack

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Background: BrightArm Compact is a new rehabilitation system for the upper extremities. It provides bimanual training with gradated gravity loading and mediates interactions with cognitively challenging serious games.

Objective: The aim of this study is to design and test a robotic rehabilitation table-based virtual rehabilitation system for functional impact of the integrative training in the early poststroke phase.

Methods: A new robotic rehabilitation table, controllers, and adaptive games were developed. The 2 participants underwent 12 experimental sessions in addition to the standard of care. Standardized measures of upper extremity function (primary outcome), depression, and cognition were administered before and after …

Improving Mental Health After Sci: An Occupation-Based Program, Kerston Ring

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to assess the effectiveness of occupational therapy in promoting positive mental health in those with SCI. Formal conversations related to mental health as well as various leisure activities took place throughout the program. The leisure activities were determined prior to initiating the program during the needs assessment. These were activities that the participants were either familiar with or novel. The activities were client-centered and modified as necessary to meet the client’s needs for full participation. The objectives of this capstone were to conduct a needs assessment to understand what factors could be changed to …

Integrating Best Practice In Belmont’S Otd Curriculum Through Research, Dissemination, And Development Of Supplemental Course Materials, Alyson Graham

OTD Capstone Projects

This project was focused on researching best practice for teaching to large class sizes in preparation for the increasing cohort sizes within Belmont University's OTD program. Research included best practice for large class sizes as well as best practice within occupational therapy programs. This research was consolidated into a paper which included recommendations that could potentially be implemented into the OTD program. Additional materials were created based on that research for potential use within the mental health curriculum of the OTD program and were included in a Blackboard Sandbox course which faculty can access and utilize in the future.

Enhancing Otd Clinical Pathophysiology Course Curriculum, Ashley N. Rabuck

OTD Capstone Projects

To build upon the foundation of the OTD Clinical Pathophysiology course as to promote student-centered teaching and learning as well as course application to future occupational therapy clinical practice

The Knowledge, Skills, And Attitudes Needed For Entry Level Wheelchair Service Providers: A Collaboration With Iswp And Ctf, Taylor Bumbalough

OTD Capstone Projects

The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) and Clinician Task Force (CTF) are two organizations dedicated to supporting the wheeled seating and mobility sector. ISWP’s mission is to advocate for education, evidence-based practice, scholarship, consistent standards, and innovation to further wheelchair service provision access internationally, while CTF advocates for those in need of assistive technology to have access of appropriate wheeled seating and mobility by sharing knowledge and experiences of competent clinicians in the field. During this capstone experience, I partnered with ISWP contributing to their Wheelchair Educator’s Package (WEP) by developing an engagement survey to gage the Participatory Action …