Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Effects Of Il-10 On Local Cell Populations And Functional Recovery Following Vml Injury, Zain Blackwell

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) injuries are prevalent in both military personnel suffering from battlefield related incidents, and civilians following severe motor accidents. Despite its prevalence, VML has no pro-regenerative clinical treatments in place to recover some of the functional capabilities of the damaged muscle. Free flap grafting, debridement of damaged tissue, and physical therapy are the only clinical standards available that offer little functional recovery benefits, even after years of consistent treatment. In this study, anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in conjunction with autologous minced muscle was assessed as a possible treatment for VML injuries and its influences on cellular behavior within …

Brain Fitness Program For Aging Individuals: Prevention Focused Program For Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias, Mary M. Eisele

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The culminating project for my capstone experience was the introduction of a Brain Fitness course. This literature review assessed the public’s knowledge regarding the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) as well as the need for a program focused on prevention and intervention for cognitive related diseases, such as ADRD. Studies have shown an association between modifiable lifestyle factors and the development of ADRD, however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding available interventions and preventions. The number of individuals in the community with a diagnosis of ADRD has risen exponentially and so has the need for family …

Unmasking Experiences Of Occupational Therapists Providing Assistive Technology Services (Ats), Selby Mcdowell, Karen Aranha

Occupational Therapy Collection

This phenomenological study examines occupational therapists' (N=8) press for mastery in providing assistive technology services. Their occupational challenges, role demands, and responses are all highlighted, as they strive to become successful in their area of expertise.

Motivations, Experiences, And Aspirations In Patient Engagement Of People Living With Metastatic Cancer, Patricia L. Stoop, Leslie Duran

Patient Experience Journal

The objective of this patient-led study was to explore the motivations, experiences, and aspirations of people living with metastatic cancer who volunteer in patient engagement. This qualitative study filled a gap in lived experience research about patient engagement by focusing on an oft ignored population – those living with metastatic cancer. We used a patient-oriented research approach throughout the research cycle from proposal development to data analysis. A Patient Partner helped develop the project proposal. We selected a qualitative descriptive design to best align with our patient-oriented research goals. The first author, a peer researcher with metastatic cancer, conducted semi-structured …

Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy And Applied Behavior Analysis Forming An Interdisciplinary Bridge For Positive Patient Outcomes, Rachel Ann Vaughn

Honors College Theses

Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis work within the pediatric population and are used to help children reach milestones throughout their development. This survey is meant to assess the amount of interdisciplinary collaboration that is occurring within these disciplines. The research team believes that this interdisciplinary collaboration could be beneficial to the pediatric population, but understands that this survey is a baseline and needs further research. Through a survey, there were 29 total participants, 22 PT/OT and 7 ABA therapists. The survey showed evidence of ABA techniques being used within PT and OT sessions for betterment of the …

Choosing Performance-Based Outcome Measures Of Daily Living Skills And Socialization For Clinical Trials In Autistic Children, Roseann C Schaaf, Amy Carroll, Elizabeth Conte Waskie, Rachel L Dumont, Elizabeth Ridgway

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: Robust and psychometrically sound performance-based outcome measures are needed for clinical trials of occupational therapy interventions for children with autism.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a systematic approach for choosing psychometrically sound performance-based outcome measures of daily living skills and socialization for use in clinical trials of occupational therapy interventions for children with autism.

DESIGN: Rapid literature review to identify appropriate measures for studies with this population followed by quality indicator ratings and a nominal group process.

SETTING: University.

PARTICIPANTS: Four experts in autism and pediatric outcome measurement. Outcomes and Measures: Twenty-one outcome measures of daily living skills and socialization were …

Development, Preliminary Validation, And Reliability Of The Notetaking Abilities And Strategies Of University Students (Nasus) Questionnaire, Monique Chabot, Marie-Christine Potvin, Richard Hass, Abigail Garrity, Anne Bower

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

With the increased use of technology in the classroom, notetaking methods have expanded. Current notetaking assessments for university students no longer reflect the options available or do not provide a comprehensive measurement of student preferences, skills, and perceptions of usefulness of notes. The Notetaking Abilities and Strategies of University Students (NASUS) questionnaire was created to address this gap in notetaking assessments while also examining university student preferences, perception of skills, desire to improve notetaking skills and methods of taking notes in class. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the NASUS questionnaire, specifically, content validity, …

The Ot/Ota Student Response To Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Occupational Therapy Student Roles During Crisis Management, Frances Calingo, Msot, Olivia Biller, Tina Deangelis, Edd, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

This exploratory cross-sectional survey study sought to understand OT/OTA student use of time and/or volunteerism efforts as a result of immediate and unexpected role changes brought on by COVID-19 as students were required to abruptly transition from in-person to virtual learning in every program in the United States (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020a).

Effects Of The Tailored Activity Program (Tap) On Dementia-Related Symptoms, Health Events And Caregiver Wellbeing: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Laura N Gitlin, Katherine Marx, Catherine V. Piersol, Nancy A Hodgson, Jin Huang, David L Roth, Constantine Lyketsos

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: People living with dementia (PLWD) and caregivers are adversely impacted by lack of meaningful activity leading to worse symptoms and impaired quality-of-life. There is a critical need to develop effective and well-tolerated treatments that mitigate clinical symptoms, engage PLWD and support caregiver wellbeing. We tested whether, compared to attention control, the Tailored Activity Program (TAP) reduced clinical symptoms and health-related events, and improved caregiver wellbeing, and if TAP activities were well-tolerated.

METHODS: We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial among 250 dyads recruited from Baltimore-Washington DC (2012-2016) with a dementia diagnosis and clinically significant agitation/aggression. Dyads were randomized to …

Adapting The Ceramics Process With Creative Problem-Solving, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Madeline Kaczmarczyk, a ceramics sculptor based in Rockford, MI, provided the cover art for the Fall 2021 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece is a wall vase made from clay, luster glaze, and glass beads. Madeline has been creating decorative ceramics for over four decades. In recent years, Madeline has found creative ways to adapt the ceramics process so she can continue creating beautiful works of art. For Madeline, ceramics is more than a means to make a living. This meaningful activity brings focus to her life.

Interpretation Of Illness And Covid-19, Stephanie Campbell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Both during and following the global pandemic of Covid-19, there appears to be an increased need to rediscover purpose and promote physical and emotional well-being. The philosophy of social constructionism presents the opportunity to explore the socially inherited interpretations of illness and increase awareness of their often unconscious influence on our attitudes and choices. This article explores how application of this philosophy in occupational therapy might assist in improving outcomes for well-being.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Supporting The Needs Of Older Adults Who Identify As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And/Or Transgender (Lgbt), Phyllis Simon, Lenin Grajo, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

There are growing numbers of older individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) who are in need of health care services provided by culturally and clinically competent providers, including occupational therapists. The LGBT community presents with unique needs and circumstances that impact occupational therapy (OT) practice. This Opinions in the Profession article presents an overview of the unique narratives of and special considerations for LGBT older adults that the OT profession needs to address to meet the needs of this population and improve our service delivery. We assert essential implications for OT practice and education to better …

Exploring Simulation Design For Mental Health Practice Preparation: A Pilot Study With Learners And Preceptors, Diane E. Mackenzie, Niki Kiepek, Leanne Picketts, Stephanie Zubriski, Karen Landry, Jonathan Harris

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this exploratory pilot study was to determine the feasibility of delivering mental health practice simulations for occupational therapy learners, and whether different debriefing approaches yielded performance differences over successive simulations. Five clinical preceptors and nine first year MScOT students participated in this mixed-method study. In week one simulations, one student group received preceptor facilitated debriefing while the other group used self-debriefing. Both groups used the same scripted questions informed by an advocacy-inquiry approach. In the second week, both groups received the preceptor-led debriefing. Preceptors rated student performances while students self-rated their confidence, competence screen, and satisfaction using …

Primary Care: A Service-Learning Environment For Occupational Therapy Students, Brandi Andreae, Wen-Pin Chang, Thomas F. Fisher, Priya Bakshi

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This research provides evidence on occupational therapy (OT) students in primary care (PC). OT demonstrates the skills and knowledge to address chronic medical conditions in PC with entry-level education. Limited evidence of occupational therapists in PC demonstrates a need to examine OT services in this setting. In this emerging area of practice and ever-changing reimbursement models, additional evidence is needed to define the value and continuation of OT services in PC. A mixed-methods study aimed to answer the primary research question: How are OT students used in the PC setting in fieldwork or capstone experiences? A two-phase process was involved. …

Promoting Social Participation For Adolescents With Burn Injury: A Guideline For Occupational Therapy Practice, Amanda M. Lange, Lenin Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Adolescents with burn injury are vulnerable to psychosocial dysfunction because of the complex nature of their neurobiological, cognitive, and interpersonal changes that occur during this developmental stage. Physical differences in appearance also make these adolescents prone to peer bullying and at further risk for social functioning challenges. These social functioning challenges may involve underlying difficulties with cognitive functions needed to support adaptive social functioning and can present as social isolation, inappropriate social behaviors, or social anxiety. Promoting social participation is a recognized intervention to support positive mental health and is necessary for identity formation during transition into adulthood. This guideline …

Bridge To The Future: A Career Exploration Frame Of Reference For Students With Disabilities, Chia-Yang Chiang, Tsu-Hsin Howe

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Exploring and facilitating the transition process from school to employment for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), especially those still in the school system, has now become an important concern for researchers, educators, and service providers working in this area. The Bridge to the Future (BTTF) Frame of Reference offers a new approach to facilitate the school-to-work transition for secondary school students with IDD in a self-contained classroom setting by adopting the Social Cognitive Career Theory and Self-Determination Theory as its main theoretical foundation. The BTTF Frame of Reference was developed for use by the team of transdisciplinary …

Development Of The Dynamic Model Of Occupation-Based Practice, Sarah M. Psillas, Wendy B. Stav

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupation-based practice is unique to occupational therapy, supported as effective in the literature, and promotes health and well-being for clients. There is no framework describing what occupation-based practice looks like, making the goal of infusing occupation into practice difficult. This research study aimed to develop a model of occupation-based practice, providing a framework with constructs, facilitators, and barriers for using occupation in practice.

Method: A grounded theory study was completed with interviews and a focus group. Charmaz’s approach to grounded theory was used to analyze data and allow a model to emerge.

Results: The dynamic model …

Occupational Therapy And Allied Health Interventions To Promote And Support Client Self-Advocacy: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Theresa Guzaldo, Abraham Kim, Kimberly Lieberman, Erin Thrasher, Laura H. Vanpuymbrouck

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Despite occupational therapy’s focus on optimizing participation in society for individuals with disability, self-advocacy has only recently (2008) become an official client factor in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF).

Method: This study examined the current evidence in allied health professions addressing self-advocacy skills through exploring the quality, characteristics, and effectiveness of interventions designed to promote client self-advocacy. Multiple electronic databases were used for the literature search, including: PubMed, Ebscohost, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Sagepub. Select professional journals were also searched. Key words used in literature review were: self-advocacy, self-determination, occupational therapy, advocacy, empowerment, interventions, allied health, …

Enriched Tai Chi (Etc) Program Enhances Quality Of Life For Older Adults In Assisted Living Facility: Feasibility Study, Pooja Ghai, Amanda J. Mohler, Mary Tracy Morrison

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Older adults living in assisted living facilities (ALFs) are at risk for physical and mental health decline that precipitates nursing home placement. There is a need for an exercise program that improves the quality of life (QOL) for older adults living in the ALFs. This study’s primary purpose was to investigate the feasibility of an Enriched tai chi (ETC) intervention program on improving the QOL of older adults living in an ALF.

Method: A convenience sample of six older adults living in the same ALF attended the ETC program for 16 consecutive sessions two times per …

Determining The Initial Content Validity Of The Clinical Competency Assessment Tool (Cat) For Occupational Therapists Treating Patients With Neurodegenerative Disease, Scott G. Rushanan, Dawn M. Nilsen, Lenin Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The provision of occupational therapy (OT) interventions for people with neurodegenerative disorder (NDD) requires advanced clinical competency; therefore, a means to evaluate that competency is needed. The Clinical Competency Assessment Tool for Occupational Therapists Treating Patients with Neurodegenerative Disease (CAT) was recently developed as a self-report assessment that aims to identify gaps in clinical competence and measure outcomes of professional development programs specific to occupational therapists treating patients with NDD. The purpose of this study is to explore preliminary content validity of the CAT. Classical test theory was used to test for content validity. A panel of 10 expert occupational …