Occupational Therapy Commons^™

The Power To Transform Development: Benefits Of Power Mobility Devices For Children 0-3 Years, Madeleine Clements, Ots, Chalia Bellis, Ots, Audrey Zapletal, Otd, Otr/L, Cla

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

The purpose of this poster is to describe the benefits of PMD for children 0-3 years old and to provide evidence-based recommendations for prescription and usage.

Cultural Arts Access For Children With Disabilities Via Sensory Friendly Theater, Caroline Umeda

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Conference Presentations

This qualitative study investigated parent and organization experiences of a sensory friendly theater program. I will report key findings including meaningful and capacity building experiences of parents of children with disabilities and theater staff. This research illustrated the potential of sensory friendly theater and organization-level occupational therapy consultation to promote community participation at population levels and build organizational capacity in the access realm.

Addressing Chronic Homelessness & Mental/Behavioral Health Needs In The Community: Collaborative Level Ii Fieldwork And Doctoral Experiential Programming, Tina M. Deangelis, Edd, Otr/L, Josephine Beker, Ots, Eliza Brooks, Ots, Rebecca Brown, Ots, Jonette Ishmael, Ots, Alex Manwaring, Ots, Jennifer Merz, Ots, Erin Schifferdecker, Ots, Cerissa Zenor Clark, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

OT students worked with a diverse population in a variety of living environments including permanent supportive housing, and safe havens.

The Art And Process Of Wood Carving As A Meaningful Occupation, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Leonard G. Trujillo, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, occupational therapy professor and chair emeritus based in North Carolina, provided the cover art for The Spring 2019 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece, titled “Life’s Struggles,” is a relief carving made from butternut wood. Dr. Trujillo enjoys carving lifelike images that depict previous travels and his love of nature. His carvings are sculpted from a solid plank of wood, yet they provide the illusion of a three-dimensional form. Dr. Trujillo’s body of work reflects a lifetime of learning and engagement in the art and process of wood carving …

Low Income And Stroke Rehabilitation: A Tale Of Two Clients, Sarah Bernard, Katrine Sauvé-Schenk, Mary Egan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy Practice With Adults With Intellectual Disability: What More Can We Do?, Khalilah R. Johnson, Meghan Blaskowitz, Wanda J. Mahoney

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

An Occupation-Based Approach To Management Of Concussion: Guidelines For Practice, Christina Finn

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Concussion and the cumulative effects of repetitive head trauma have become a growing health concern both in the mainstream media and in the health care community. Although symptoms of concussion are not always outwardly visible, evidence suggests that post-concussion symptoms may interfere with an individual’s ability to work, play, and participate in school. In the past, the recommendations following concussion emphasized a complete rest approach, whereas current approaches focus on a gradual engagement in functional activities shortly after the injury. Since current recommendations are focused on a gradual engagement in occupation and activity, occupational therapy may be a valuable service …

Role-Play As An Effective Way To Teach Relationship Building With Telehealth, Lynn Mcivor, Michele Karnes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Telehealth has been described in the literature as an emerging niche for occupational therapists. The profession needs to move toward cost-effective and efficient ways to provide services while not adding to the increasing cost of health care, and one way of doing this is through telehealth. The research supports the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and that telehealth changes how we develop this bond; however, the literature does not provide educators with information on how to teach this to students. The purpose of this article is to highlight the potential of using role-play to educate students on how to develop …

Age Of First Drink, First Alcohol Intoxication, And Alcohol Abuse Behaviors Among Occupational Therapy Students, Randy P. Mccombie

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of the present study was to examine alcohol use behaviors among a national sample of occupational therapy students. Survey instruments, including the AUDIT and a checklist of risky and unprofessional behaviors related to alcohol abuse, were mailed to 1,000 occupational therapy students randomly selected from membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association. Surveys were returned by 309 student members; however, 24 indicated they were not currently occupational therapy students. Of the 285 participants, 97% reported drinking alcohol at some point over the previous year, with 1 in 5 drinking two or more times a week, often consuming four …

Occupational Therapy Assistant Students’ Perspectives About The Development Of Clinical Reasoning, Jeanne M. Coviello, Marie Christine Potvin, Laronda Lockhart-Keene

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

A mandatory component of the training of occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students is the development of their clinical reasoning skills. As the demand for OTAs continues to increase in response to the growing need for occupational therapy services, the number of academic programs to prepare these future therapists has expanded. Unfortunately, there is no empirical literature addressing the preparation of OTA students, specifically the development of their clinical reasoning skills. Artifact analysis, focus groups, and questionnaires were used to explore OTA students’ perceptions of what Level II fieldwork learning experiences facilitated the development of their clinical reasoning skills. The results …

The Perceptions Of Pediatric Occupational Therapists Regarding Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, Sapna Chakraborty, Kelsey Dulin, Rachel Murphy, Haley Richardson, Makaila Schieber, Abby Taube, Ashlea Cardin

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Research has shown constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) to be of benefit in pediatric occupational therapy practice to treat children with hemiplegia. The perceptions of adult clients, pediatric clients, child caregivers, and occupational therapists working with the adult population has been explored in the past. However, little is known about the perceptions of occupational therapists working with the pediatric population regarding CIMT. This qualitative study explored the perceptions of pediatric occupational therapists who had awareness of CIMT as an intervention method.

Methods: Eight pediatric occupational therapists from the Midwest United States participated in the study. Structured interviews were …

Retrospective Analysis: Most Common Diagnoses Seen In A Primary Care Clinic And Corresponding Occupational Therapy Interventions, Felicia Trembath, Sue Dahl-Popolizio, Makenzie Vanwinkle, Laura Milligan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The literature supports occupational therapy (OT) on primary care (PC) interprofessional teams; however, due to uncertainty regarding the role of, and reimbursement for, OT in PC, few occupational therapists practice in PC. This study addressed the first barrier by identifying the 15 most common diagnoses in a specific PC practice and determining how many of them have evidence-based OT interventions appropriate for their treatments.

Method: A retrospective analysis of the ICD-10 codes used by one physician during a 12-month period was completed. These codes were reviewed and categorized using a functional classification system to determine the 15 …

Measuring Emotional Response To A Planting Activity For Staff At An Urban Office Setting: A Pilot Study, Amy E. Wagenfeld, Sandra Schefkind, Nancy Hock

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Interaction with occupation-centered activities, such as gardening, is associated with improved mental health. With limited evidence supporting the effects of short-term nature-based interventions on employees’ emotional states, the purpose of this research was to understand the impact of a one-time, short-term nature-based intervention on the emotional state of employees at an urban office building.

Method: This pretest/posttest design study used a visual analogue emoticon assessment tool, the Interaction with Nature scale, to measure differences in the participants’ emotional states before and after participating in a planting activity. Twenty-two participants engaged in the study. Each participant potted a …

Related Service Providers’ Perspectives On Everyday Life Participation Of Children And Youth With Disabilities, Kathleen Flecky, Alyssa Bornman, Danielle Boyer, Andrea Huckabee

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perspectives of related service providers on everyday life participation of children and youth with disabilities that they serve.

Method: A qualitative design was used to guide interviews that elicited the participants’ perspectives working with children and youth with disabilities.

Results: Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (a) each child’s individual experiences and quality of life; (b) linked to home, school, and community life; (c) child or youth driven; (d) provider collaboration and carryover; and (e) distinct professional provider views.

Conclusion: Insights into related service …

A Scoping Review Of Self-Awareness Instruments For Acquired Brain Injury, Danielle Mahoney, Sharon A. Gutman, Glen Gillen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Self-awareness and insight are critical functions required to maintain safe and optimal participation in all daily life activities in a variety of environmental contexts. In the past two decades, occupational therapists have developed several psychometrically sound assessments designed to identify self-awareness and insight deficits in patients with neurological disorders. This scoping review identifies and evaluates key properties of such assessments to inform clinical practice.

Method: Multiple electronic databases were searched using the key search terms of “self-awareness” and “self-awareness assessment,” and “insight” and “insight assessment.” Included studies were original primary sources from the peer-reviewed journals.

Results: …

An Occupational Therapy-Based Supported Education Program For University Students With Various Dsm-5 Diagnoses: Program Description And Academic Outcomes, Victoria Schindler

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This article describes and provides academic outcomes for an occupational therapy-based supported education program developed to assist undergraduate students with various DSM-5 diagnoses with the academic, social, and psychological skills important for college.

Method: A detailed program description and illustrative example of the intervention is provided. Quantitative designs were used to report retention, graduation, and GPA and to calculate changes in mean cumulative GPA.

Results: Of 83 students who started the program, 80 completed at least one semester (96%). Of these 80, 62 (77.5%) continued at the university for a retention rate of 77.5%, and 43 …

Disability Services For Students In Postsecondary Education: Opportunities For Occupational Therapy, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Does Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (Iastm) Benefit Adults With Physical Dysfunction?, Kayla Chamberlin, Deanna Richards

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

This project began in partnership with the Inland Hospital occupational therapy department in Waterville, Maine. The therapists were interested in evidence on the effectiveness of instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) as a therapeutic intervention for their patients. This technique is an alternative form of therapeutic massage, which uses metal instruments to treat soft-tissue adhesions. This project looked into therapeutic outcomes of IASTM for use on adults with physical dysfunction, specifically those experiencing pain or loss of range of motion. The project reviewed numerous studies on the topic of IASTM. Eleven articles were selected to be included in the final project …

Program Proposal For Occupational Therapy In Post-Bariatric Surgery Aftercare Program, Deborah Ruediger

Occupational Therapy Collection

The focus of the poster presentation is to create a program proposal to include occupational therapy intervention after bariatric surgery to incorporate what the clients value in their occupations into a program that builds new and healthy habits. Most healthcare systems focus solely on the medical and nutritional aspects of weight loss after bariatric surgery. This focus limits the client as it does not address the modification of their occupations and maladaptive behaviors to ensure long-term success. Through the introduction of this program, the goal is to integrate occupational therapy as a standard of care post-bariatric surgery to ensure the …

Facilitating Return To Work Among Individuals With Mental Illness Through Occupational Therapy Interventions, Cleo Miller, Blakelee Jordan

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The side effects of mental illness can affect areas of occupation, including: play, leisure, work, social participation, activities of daily living, etc. (Brown & Stoffel, 2011). Through collaboration with Riverview Psychiatric Center (RPC) in Augusta, Maine, as well as Maureen Martin OTR/L, an evaluation of relevant research was conducted to determine occupational therapy’s (OT) roll in the process of returning to work (RTW) for clients newly discharged from an inpatient psychiatric facility. This evaluation devised three themes: personal factors related to RTW; assessment tools & frameworks used to guide intervention; and OT interventions that can facilitate RTW. Research suggests that …