Occupational Therapy Commons^™

An Innovative Interprofessional Team To Enhance Refugee Resettlement Into U.S. Daily Life, Stephen Kern, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Christina Kubica, Msw

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

The world continues to see dramatic increases in the numbers of refugees as new humanitarian crises emerge. Once approved by a host nation, the resettlement process begins. To facilitate successful resettlement, a collaborative partnership between a refugee resettlement agency and a university occupational therapy program has continued to successfully serve the needs of the partnership’s three key stakeholders; the organization; the individual refugee or family; and the clinical training of occupational therapy students. Through ongoing program development and enhancements, an innovative interprofessional team approach to resettlement has emerged.

Together, with the individuals and families served, a clientcentered, interprofessional approach was …

Client Centered Simulation: Practicing Interprofessional Teamwork With Standardized Patients, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota, Sarah Libros, Ba, Courtney Newsome, Ba, Richard Hass, Phd, Caitlin Cadematori, Ots, Abegale Nelson, Bs, Neal Geosits, Ba

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

Interprofessional education (IPE) prepares students to work in collaborative teams (Burin et al., 2009). Educators use a variety of methods to develop and enhance teamwork skills (Fox et al., 2018).

Standardized patient (SP) simulations allow students to practice skills in safe environments (Herge et al., 2013) and respond to situations as they would under natural conditions (McGaghie, 1999). As an active learning experience, SP simulations help students break through the “illusion of understanding” (Syinicki & McKeachie, 2001 p. 190).

Kirkpatrick posits a hierarchy of changes as a result of training/education (Kirkpatric, 1979). At the highest level is transfer of …

Implementing School-Based Education Programs To Combat Lack Of Access To Psychiatric Facilities In The United States, Marisa L. Sparbanie

Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

One in five Americans are diagnosed with a mental illness, yet only 41% of adults received healthcare services in the past year. Due to barriers in accessing care, services are costly, wait times are long, and appointment times are inconvenient. Lack of access to quality, affordable care disproportionately affects those in rural areas and individuals with low socioeconomic status. School-based mental health education programs should be developed as a beginning step to combat increasing mental health conditions and limited access to healthcare facilities. Lack of access to care may lead to occupational injustices such as: occupational alienation, deprivation, and imbalance. …

Efficacy Of Alternative Seating On Attention, In-Seat Behavior, And Occupational Performance In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, A. Chacko, K. Kosztyo, N. Long, Z. Mullan, J. Norkitis, L. Wratcher, M.-C. Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Currently, there is one systematic review conducted by Gochenour and Poskey7 that synthesize current research evidence regarding alternative seating for students with attention difficulties. A limitation of this review, as noted by the authors, is a lack of a consistent definition of attention difficulty in the studies they included. A systematic review focused on a specific, well-defined diagnosis will better contribute to practice recommendations since these recommendations will be tailored to a clear and comprehensive understanding of the child’s attentional and occupational challenges. The review also included studies of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).7 While those with ASD may …

A Systematic Review Of The Efficacy Of Motivational Interviewing On Occupational Performance, J. Binder, Ots, C. Hannum, Ots, C. Mccarthy, Ots, E. Mcleod, Ots, J. Overpeck, Ots, L. Kaiser, Otd, Ms, Otr/L, M.-C. Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

This systematic review aims to review the efficacy of MI to address such performance goals falling within the occupational therapy scope of practice.

Effect Of Motor Imagery On Children With Developmental Disabilities, J. Bonner, Ots, L. Finnegan, Ots, V. Leonard, Ots, M. Scuderi, Ots, A. Shacklett, Ots, J. Thiel, Ots, M.-C. Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

This systematic review provides a comprehensive summary of current research evidence with the intent to help OTs working in pediatric settings understand the potential outcomes of using MI with children with DD.

A Systematic Review: Light Therapy For Individuals With Dementia And Implications For Practice, E. Goodman, Ots, A. Milione, Ots, C. Mikus, Ots, E. Jacobs, Ms, Ots, A. Torres, Ots, V. Vu, Ots, L. Kaiser, Otd, Otr/L, M.-C. Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

This systematic review seeks to answer the question: is light therapy an effective intervention for sundowning symptoms experienced by individuals who have dementia?

The Effect Of Mirror Therapy On Upper Extremity Functioning For Patients Poststroke: A Systematic Review, Caitlin Beach, Halie Finke, Abby Garrity, Amanda Norcini, Lily Postus, Kristen Tekel, Lyn Kaiser, Otd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Due to the high incidence of stroke and the detrimental impact it can have on a patient’s independence, several systematic reviews examining the effect of MT on post-stroke rehabilitation for upper extremity functioning have been conducted. However, it is necessary to provide an update to existing systematic reviews to include new clinical studies that have recently been published. Since stroke is a leading cause of disability, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of MT in post-stroke rehabilitation for upper extremity function as compared to conventional therapy.

An Innovative Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Placement: Using The Occupational Justice Framework To Enhance Refugee Resettlement In U.S. Daily Life, Stephen Kern, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Christina Kubica, Msw

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Learning Objectives

1. Describe and discuss the occupational justice framework
2. Describe and discuss the application of the framework to the refugee resettlement process
3. Discuss how this non-traditional fieldwork training setting & model creates a model for development of professional habits

Watering Black Roots: Exploring Black Ecological Identity Development Within Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy, Stormy Saint-Val

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Nature-based expressive arts therapy promotes the holistic healing and recovery of individuals by interweaving the practices of ecopsychology, ecotherapy, and expressive arts therapy. These interventions have been proven to mediate ranges of symptomologies, such as anxiety disorders and PTSD. Research conducted by the U.S. National Park Services indicates that African- Americans are less likely to have a positive relationship to nature than all other racial groups. The amplification of this report without introspection of its context perpetuates racialized generalizations. This can limit a black individual’s ability to embrace their ecological identity and be receptive of nature-based expressive arts therapy interventions. …

The Importance Of Cultural Humility In Occupational Therapy, Jessika Reberg

Honors Theses

The demographics of the US have changed over the years due to a rise in the number of immigrants in the United States. Despite the rise of immigrants, and the cultural diversity they bring, healthcare disparities remain in the United States for various culture groups. The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of how increased cultural humility can mitigate healthcare disparities. Health care disparities effect minority groups regarding access to care and quality of care. The development of cultural humility can help mitigate disparities because it promotes self-awareness, reflection, and engagement in an on-going learning process. Implicit …

Analysis Of Injuries And Costs Of Public Safety Occupations: A Systematic Review, Jade Witmer

Graduate Theses

Public safety occupations, such as firefighters and law enforcement, perform physically demanding tasks in unpredictable environments with additional external loads putting them at risk for sustaining a musculoskeletal injury while on duty. The goal of this systematic review was to address the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries and costs related to those in the public safety occupations of firefighting and law enforcement.

A Bilingual Approach To Pediatric Occupational Therapy: The Importance Of Communication Between Providers & Spanish-Speaking Families In Northwest Arkansas, Emily Ann Davidson

World Languages, Literatures and Cultures Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to the demographic demands of Northwest Arkansas and the prevalence of disparities in health care, this study aims to assess the current practices, perceived need, and willingness to provide bilingual Spanish-English outpatient pediatric occupational therapy options in Northwest Arkansas. The hope of this study is to better inform pediatric occupational therapy providers of the growing need for bilingual services so that they may respond appropriately in order to better serve Latino and Spanish-speaking patients and their families or caregivers.

Transition In Occupations Of Refugees During Resettlement, Jacqueline-Elizabeth Cantrell, Kimberley K. Banuelos, Adam Chan, Jennifer H. Daine

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Purpose: In 2016, there were 22.5 million refugees worldwide (UNHCR, 2017). California resettled just over 5,000 of those 85,000 (Igielnik & Krogstad, 2017). Limited research has been conducted in the United States (U.S.) focusing on the refugee experience; furthermore, there is a significant gap in research regarding the impact of the refugee experience on the occupations of refugees as they transition to living in the U.S. Smith (2012) explored the adaptation of cultural weaving among Karen refugees to maintain their previous occupations and the impact of daily weaving on their lives within Western culture; however, the study focused only …

Assistive Technology And The Impact Of Occupations, Chelsea Golding, Chantelle Bond, Vhernna Fernandez, Eizelle Barrientos

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Objective: The purpose of this research was to empirically examine the occupational impact of assistive technology - AT (with a specific focus on word prediction, text to speech and speech recognition) from the perspectives of the end user, family and school personnel (e.g. teachers, therapists & specialists) across various contexts (e.g. home, school, community).

Method: Qualitative data included semi-structured interviews, audio and video recordings, and records reviews. The data was coded and analyzed using a constant comparison method to identify themes pertaining to the occupational use of AT and thusly the impact to overall occupational performance.

Findings: Six themes were …

Experience And Awareness Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Etsu Student And Faculty Visual Artists, Chelsea Getchell

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Musculoskeletal disorders are a chronic and debilitating issue; these injuries can result in pain and disability that affect daily life and the ability to work in certain careers. Visual artists are no exception to this reality. However, reliable research is scarce regarding this population. The purpose of this study is to examine the level of experience and awareness of visual artists regarding the subject of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomics within their chosen career field. The methods employed for this paper involved a survey where participants answered questions about workplace ergonomics, movements, and experience of muscle pains. Further indications of research …

The Sensoryfun! Toolkit: A Bilingual Resource For Parents & Caregivers, Nicolette D'Esposito, Yvette Lozano, Natalie Carrillo, Sarah Pashby

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

A sensory diet is an occupational therapy (OT) intervention strategy. Sensory diets are specifically designed to meet a child's sensory integration needs. Sensory diets are not standardized among practitioners and there are a limited number of resources available for individuals that do not have a clinical background. The lack of easy to understand resources for parents and caregivers creates several barriers for occupational therapists working with families with children experiencing sensory processing difficulties. One barrier is that there are few resources available in Spanish. The purpose of this project was to develop a resource for parents and caregivers using educational …

Physiological Responses Of Adults With Sensory Over-Responsiveness, Catherine Anne Datu, Nicholas Wing Or, Megan Melody Valentine, Megan Jeanne Velcich

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research study is to identify if there are physiological response patterns associated with self-reported sensory over-responsiveness (SOR) in typical adults. SOR is the most common sensory modulation disorder and negatively affects the daily experiences of those that report SOR. The first phase of the study consisted of phone interviews where participants were screened for any potential characteristics that could affect physiological function. Then, the SRQ and AASP were used in conjunction to identify low and high SOR, typical adults. The last phase utilized the Sensory Challenge Protocol, which is both standardized and randomized, to expose participants …

Effects Of Sertraline Treatment For Young Children With Fragile X Syndrome: Family Perspectives Via Case Studies, Tracy P. Ye, Decerie A. Mendoza, Elena A. Javier, Martina C. Dualan

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Current research on children with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) lacks inclusion of qualitative outcomes on the child’s daily occupational performance. Standardized measurements are frequently utilized and provide useful information, however, can be less sensitive to change (Berry Kravis et al., 2013) and miss capturing family perspectives and improvements within meaningful occupations. This research incorporates family perspectives via semi-structured interviews to promote an in-depth understanding about FXS and its impact on child and family occupations in addition to standardized assessment scores through in-depth case study analysis. This study used a mixed method research design examining four male participants who were given …

A Sensory-Based Program To Enhance Occupational Performance For Dementia, Ivy Annahi Torres-Flores, Jacob Gantan, Heather Anne August, Naomi Grace Wong

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Dementia is a neurological disease, causing behavioral and cognitive symptoms, that progressively impairs an individual’s ability to engage in meaningful activities. Progressive deterioration associated with dementia impacts occupational performance and independence and quality of life. Sensory based interventions, such as drumming groups, have been hypothesized to be a non-pharmacological intervention for individuals with dementia. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a sensory based intervention program, in this case participation in a drumming group, on functional engagement during self-feeding for individuals with dementia. Researchers gathered data over the course of two days using the Functional Behavior …