Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy Resource Guide For The Utilization Of Three-Dimensional Printing, Andrew Ostrander, Jacy Whaley

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many practitioners in the field of occupational therapy are unaware of the benefits and importance of implementing a three-dimensional (3D) printer in practice indicating that there is a need for occupational therapy involving the fitting, environmental modifications, and training on how to properly use a 3D printed prosthetic within the upper extremity. 3D printing is when a digital design is converted into a designed material that has a functional purpose and different materials can be used including metal, plastics, and composite materials (Thomas & Claypole, 2016). 3D printing has many unique and effective uses like creating adaptive devices, feeding devices, …

Using Evidence To Address Psychosocial Impairments Post-Stroke: A Guide For Occupational Therapy, Michael Thurn, Emilee Rath

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Following a stroke, individuals experience a wide variety of physical and psychosocial impairments. While physical impairments are commonly given attention by medical practitioners, psychosocial impairments are often overlooked or undiagnosed. (Hildebrand, 2015). Unfortunately, the same is true in occupational therapy, where physical and psychosocial issues have not been receiving the same amount of attention, physical issues being addressed far more than psychosocial issues (Gillen, 2014). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide occupational therapists a guide to use of current evidence-based assessments and interventions to address psychosocial impairments following stroke. The guide focuses on evidence-based assessments, and …

Postsecondary Transition Services For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Luke Van Havermaet, Lynn Bielski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder comprise a rapidly growing population with approximately 1168 children being diagnosed annually (CDC, 2016). Individuals with ASD often have difficulties with social interaction, sensory processing, emotional regulation and adapting to environmental changes (Rogers, 2010). Individuals who are diagnosed early in life are provided a wide variety of services to minimize these symptoms to maximize independence later in life, and in an academic setting. As individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder come to the end of their K-12 education journey, the transition planning completed throughout the student's final year of high school are not carried out …

Successful Transition To Home Following A Spinal Cord Injury: A Resource Guide For Home Modifications, Alison Ikeogu, Kelsey Kanwischer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose

Home modification is a unique area of practice that aims to increase independence of desired tasks by decreasing the physical limitations in and around the home (Aplin, Jonge, & Gustafsson, 2014). The process of modifying the home can be difficult, decreasing emotional well-being and satisfaction (Aplin, Jonge, & Gustafsson, 2014). Studies have identified the need for home modification services for individuals post Spinal Cord Injury. Silver, Ljungberg, Libin, & Groah (2012) found that injured persons were reintegrated into the community with limited knowledge regarding housing and accessibility options. The purpose of the product was to provide a tool for …

Expanding The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Oncology: An Introduction To The Oncology Occupational Therapy Screening Tool And Occupational Therapy & Cancer Education Guide, Courtney Funk, Jessika Lackie

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Cancer survivorship is growing as time progresses. The National Cancer Institute (2016) found the rate of survivorship after a cancer diagnosis was almost 14.5 million in 2014 and projected it to increase further by 2024 to nearly 19 million. This rise in cancer survivors indicates increased needs for rehabilitation services to cope with the multi-dimensional side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Occupational therapy will be a key member of the oncology care team to improve physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and quality of life outcomes of this population. There are few resources currently available for practitioners to assist with referrals …

Assisting Clients With Psychosocial Adjustment After Sustainment Of A Traumatic Hand Injury: A Therapist's Guide, Rachel Kos, Jessica Nordmeyer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Adaptation to psychosocial aspects of hand injury is often undervalued, yet a critical issue to address in traumatic hand injuries (Schier & Chan, 2007). The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a guide to address such factors in a hand therapy setting.

Methodology: A review of the literature was conducted to demonstrate the importance of hands, psychosocial implications related to hand trauma, and current strategies used by practitioners to address these problem. Findings of the literature review concluded that the most prevalent psychological factors related to hand injuries include mood and trauma disorder symptomatology, problems related to …

The Experience Of Peer Mentors Within A Peer Mentor Postsecondary Transition Program, Carissa Birchem, Mikayla Greely, Suzanna Morrison

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Peer mentorship programs are one approach to assist students with disabilities to be more successful within a college community. One such program is the Student Organization for Accessibility and Resources (SOAR) which focuses on the occupations of education, social participation, and leisure activities in conjunction with assisting students in identifying available resources. However, there is limited understanding regarding these types of programs. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the student peer mentor’s overall experience, how the environment affected their experience, and the occupation of peer mentorship. Researchers utilized a phenomenological qualitative research method completing six …

Sexuality And Healthcare: The Perceptions Of Providers Regarding Role Delineation: Are Occupational Therapists Overlooked?, Brooke Friederichs, Olivia Isaacson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

INTRODUCTION: The responsibility to address sexual activity is not clearly delineated to one certain healthcare profession, and therefore it often goes unaddressed (Rimmer et al., 2010). In addition, there is an overall lack of literature regarding the extent to which healthcare providers understand the role of occupational therapy in addressing sexual activity.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to explore 1) how healthcare providers (physical therapists, occupational therapists, and registered nurses) perceive role delineation when addressing patient concerns about sexual activity 2) the level to which physical therapists and registered nurses believe sexual activity is outlined in the scope …

A Home Away From Home: An Occupational Manual For Working With Refugee Populations, Katherine Erickson, Kari Kjergaard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: As of October 2016, over 65.3 million people have been displaced from their home due to civil wars and civil unrest; 21.3 million of this population are refugees and this number continues to grow (UNHCR, 2016). Due to the nature in which people become refugees and experience trauma, both physically and mentally, there is a rising need for health professionals to be culturally competent and well equipped to work with this population. The vast majority of refugee populations face barriers some of which include being forced to adapt to a new home environment, social isolation, language barriers, and ultimately …

Educating Caregivers In Assisted Living Facilities (Alfs) Who Care For People With Dementia, Rodney Palmer, Ashley Palmer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

It is estimated that approximately 40-71% of residents living within assisted living facilities (ALFs) have a form of dementia or other cognitive impairment (Harris- Kojetin et al., 2016; Zimmerman, Sloana, & Reed, 2014). There is also evidence that suggests that caregivers working within ALFs have inadequate knowledge on how to care for a resident diagnosed with dementia (Hughes, Bagley, Reilly, Burns, & Challis, 2008; McKenzie, Teri, Pike, LaFazia, & Van Leynseele, 2012; Sharpp, Kayser-Jones, & Young, 2012; Zimmerman et al., 2014). The authors of this scholarly project created an instructional manual that can be used to train caregivers within ALFs …

Life History Of Dr. Sheri Montgomery, Ort/L, Otd, Mikaela Karpen, Stacy Sigmond

Oral History Posters

This life history one of 29 life history interviews that are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individual who have been influential in developing OT in these two state. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. This study is intended to provide current and …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Sarah Nielsen, Phd, Otr/L, Sarah Schwartz, Ashley Ystaas

Oral History Student Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the life of Dr. Sarah Nielsen through the use of a life history approach. The focus of this life history approach was Sarah's involvement in the evolution of OT practice in North Dakota. She is an active and influential individual in the OT profession as she has served various positions in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and North Dakota Occupational Therapy Association (NDOTA), as well as a variety of committees at the University of North Dakota (UND). Sarah is currently an associate professor in the Department of OT at the UND. …

A Piece Of Evolution Of Occupational Therapy In North Dakota: Life History Of Rhoda Erhardt, Ms, Otr/L, Faota, Sidney Carlson, Alexis Tyce

Oral History Student Papers

This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evolution of OT practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. By using a life history approach, this study focused on …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Art (Arthur) Heinze, Ashley Heinze, Katie Hautman

Oral History Student Papers

Objective. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through the life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states.

Method. An in-depth interview was completed with Art, his wife, and the two occupational therapy students who were conducting the research. Themes regarding his career path were synthesized from the interview data and compared with the history of the OT profession.

Results. There were 14 codes developed and placed into three categories. Ten themes emerged from the …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Kathy Bangsund, Jenna Nelson, Rachel Trieff

Oral History Student Papers

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate the life history of Kathy Bangsund, OTR/L. This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Joyce Wicklund, Kara Moore, Kasey Moore

Oral History Student Papers

The purpose of this qualitative life history study was to explore the evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice through the life history of Joyce Wicklund, a retired occupational therapist who practiced in multiple settings in North Dakota and other states from 1970-2010. The researchers conducted one 1-hour semi-structured interview with Joyce Wicklund. Themes regarding her involvement in continuing education and her perspectives on the profession were synthesized from the interview data and compared with literature about continuing education and specialization in the field of OT. The predominant categories representing the major elements of her career were Maintaining Competence, Changing Demands …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: The Life History Of Ron Meier, Kylie Browen, Olivia Mayasich

Oral History Student Papers

Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the life history of Ron Meier and his experiences as an occupational therapist. More specifically, researchers explored his roles as a supervisor, manager, and director in the mental health setting in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota.

Method: A semi-structured interview via phone was conducted. Ron was assigned to the researchers from a list developed by the Project Directors through purposive sampling.

Results: the major themes that were prevalent throughout Ron's career included: the many close relationships he formed, the programs he established and administered, the positions he held …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Carol Olson, Laurel Busch, Emily Bachmeier

Oral History Student Papers

This paper is a summary of the process and outcomes of a study that examined the life and accomplishments of Dr. Carol Olson. This study was designed as a life history to describe and understand the experiences of Dr. Olson throughout her occupational therapy (OT) career. This study is part of a larger research project that aims to gather information about OT practice in North Dakota and Wyoming throughout history. The researchers conducted a semi-structured interview with Dr. Olson to find several key outcomes that will give future insight into OT practice within North Dakota. The findings of the study …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Charlie Baumer, Cota, Bailey Fruit, Hannah Williams

Oral History Student Papers

Charlie Baumer is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who was interviewed by two year II occupational therapy students at the University of North Dakota at Casper College as part of a life history qualitative study. The interview was a semi-structured interview that lasted two hours with questions that were geared toward the history and evolution of occupational therapy in Wyoming. This single interview is a part of a larger life history qualitative study to gather information in regards to the history and evolution of occupational therapy practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through the life histories of occupational therapy …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Ladonna Bannach, Kelsey Raymond, Shelby Wassink

Oral History Student Papers

The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. This study is intended to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from its inception to current practice. A life history approach was utilized to allow the focus to be on the participant’s involvement in the evolution of occupational therapy practice. The Kawa model was used as …