Occupational Therapy Commons^™

A Descriptive Study Of Menopausal Woman's Life Experiences, Stressors And Their Occupational Meanings, Melanie Ford Dr.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

This study describes some of the major physical and emotional occupational needs of menopausal women, and the direct impact this has on their relationships and overall well-being. The primary objective of this research project was to describe the life experiences of menopausal women and how various stressors affected their emotional, physical, and relational occupations. A descriptive grounded theory method was used to explore the stressors, their meanings, and the women’s unique perspectives of their menopausal experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then coded and analyzed into key categories. From this information, specific themes were formulated, resulting in an …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Primary Care, Priti Patel

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

The Capstone Project is focused on communicating, influencing and educating other health care professionals regarding the role of occupational therapy in the future model of primary care delivery initiated by the adoption of the Affordable Care Act and the Triple Aim Initiative. Currently, primary care, the largest health care platform in United States, is not inclusive of occupational therapy services. Occupational therapists have the scope, knowledge and understanding to be part of the redesigned team model of primary care. Educating those currently working in primary care about adding occupational therapy services can have a significant impact on the profession of …

Enriching Occupational Therapy In Early Intervention: Using And Documenting The Evidence, Shelli Dry, Christine Myers

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Occupational therapists working in Kentucky’s Early Intervention System (First Steps) are required to use evidence-based practice within their treatment sessions. Evidence-based practice incorporates information from scientific research, the clinician’s expertise and the family’s values in an all-encompassing treatment approach. Implementing evidence-based practice into treatment sessions promotes efficiency in treatment by improving clinical outcomes in a shorter period of time. This capstone project was developed as a first step in identifying methods to promote the implementation and documentation of evidence-based practice into early intervention services. This project included developing an online continuing education course and exploring changes in occupational therapists perceptions …

Participatory Action Research To Improve Caregiver Education Based On Cognitive Performance Test Results For Persons With Alzheimer's Disease Or Mild Cognitive Impairments, Terrianne Jones

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aim of this study was to make changes to how occupational therapists in a transitional care unit setting provide education about Cognitive Performance Test (CPT) scores to caregivers of those patients with dementia or suspected dementia. Caregiver education for this population is important, as the incidence of persons living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is expected to grow dramatically in the coming two decades. This study used a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to gather input from occupational therapists and caregivers of patients evaluated with the CPT. Interviews of caregivers indicated that they were unhappy with the education …

The Experiences Of Occupational Therapists Working On Interprofessional Primary Health Care Teams: A Case Study., Emma Blake Mcclellan

Online Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this research was to provide evidence on the integration of occupational therapy (OT) intervention in primary care from the perspective of OTs. Typical services provided, experience with team members, and the identified value of OT in primary health care was explored. OT possesses the expertise and skill set to address the most common chronic conditions that primary care providers treat by entry level educational preparation. OT services are based upon a holistic view of individuals creating an affective skill set to participate in and coordinate health care delivery for the client. Currently limited evidence is available to …

Individuals Who Self Identify As Artists But Work In A Different Career: A Cross Case Analysis, Kelly Lee Price

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine, from their individual perspective, the identity of individuals who self-identify as an artist but work in other careers. The research objectives of this study included: exploring the possible sense of occupational imbalance in an individual’s self-identity, exploring the personal identity of individuals who perceive themselves as artists but work at a different career, and explaining the relationships between art and self-identity including life balance, work ethic, and education. This research was based in an occupational science viewpoint, in that it looked at how occupations help to define life meaning, purpose, and identity. …

The Clinical Utility Of Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation In Individuals With Huntington’S Disease, Travis Miles Cruickshank

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterised by a progressive loss of cognitive function, motor control and psychiatric features. Individuals also display a variety of systemic features. Progressive neuronal dysfunction and neuronal cell death are thought to underlie the onset and progression of many clinical features of HD.

Despite scientific progress, there is still no cure or disease modifying therapy for HD, and available pharmaceutical agents only provide partial relief of motor and psychiatric features. An emerging body of evidence indicates that lifestyle enrichment may delay the onset and progression of clinical features, and exert favourable effects …

Workplace Discrimination And Visual Impairment: An Analysis Of Eeoc Charges And Resolutions, Jane Mcneil

Theses and Dissertations

Workplace discrimination for individuals with visual impairments in the U.S. is an ongoing issue dating before the founding of the EEOC and the enactment of the ADA. Despite laws enacted to protect against unequal treatment in the workplace, the EEOC continues to receive submissions of formal discrimination charges from individuals with visual impairments.

The workplace is experiencing changes with increasing amounts of older adults, women, minorities, and the use of technology and the Internet. By examining characteristics of the discrimination charges and the resulting outcomes, the knowledge gained can describe the current situation and the historical progression of workplace discrimination …

Relieving Post-Stroke Fatigue Using A Group-Based Educational Training Approach, Catherine E. Emery

Theses and Dissertations

Post-stroke fatigue is a common problem that may limit participation in everyday activities. Emerging evidence suggests that group-based training in fatigue management may be an efficient means of reducing the effects of post-stroke fatigue. This mixed methods, quasi-experimental study proposed to determine whether a group-based educational program could be successful in relieving post-stroke fatigue and improving participation in daily activities. A convenience sample of stroke survivors (n=20) from retirement communities in southeastern PA were invited to participate in the research. Participants were screened for depression, motor and cognitive recovery, and sleep quality. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale …

Jane Case-Smith, Edd, Otr/L, Faota

OJOT Sponsor Profiles

No abstract provided.

Gaming: Occupation-Based Nbcot Exam Preparation, Ilse Coleman, Jamie Kauffman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a novel, unique, and effective preparation tool for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination.

A literature review of 40 evidence-based journal articles addressed adult learning principles; guidelines for facilitating learning; types of, advantages, and disadvantages of using gaming in higher education; and preparation methods for high-stakes examinations. Information reviewed also included current preparation tools; exam blueprint; and domain, task, and knowledge statements ofthe NBCOT certification examination.

An Open Book: NBCOT Exam Prep Game is a board game that can be used as a supplementary preparation tool …

Current Knowledge Of Occupational Therapists In Wyoming Regarding The Affordable Care Act: A Quantitative Pilot Study, Christopher J. Greenman, Lauren C. Harvey

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is little information and research addressing occupational therapists’ knowledge level and ability to implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This leads to the following problem statements: occupational therapists’ knowledge level of and ability to implement changes to practice is unknown; furthermore, it is unknown if there is a difference in knowledge level based on professional membership, years of practice, and area of practice; and it is also unknown which aspects or areas of the ACA occupational therapists would like to know more about, and if there is a difference based upon professional membership, years of practice or area of …

Occupational Therapy's Role: A Foundational Occupational Therapy Education Resource For Ghana, Shalyn K. Hample, Maria J. Sundsted

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the developing country of Ghana, West Africa, there is a population of over 1 million individuals with disabilities (Timney, 2007). Ninety-five percent of these people have no rehabilitation service access (Timney, 2007). Due to the presence of social, political, and economic factors including negative societal stigma towards people with disabilities, political corruption and poverty, Ghana's population is vulnerable for occupational deprivation. Occupational deprivation places this population at risk for preventing engagement in or forceful discontinuation of meaningful daily occupations such as farming, education, and employment opportunities (Whiteford, 2000; Yeoman, 1998).

The U.S. has helped offer some assistance to Ghana, …

Infusing An Occupational Perspective Into Chronic Disease Management: A Manual For Occupational Therapists, Katelyn Mari, Abby Wicklund

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: In 2014, the National Council on Aging reported that almost 92% of older adults were affected by a chronic condition and 77% of these individuals had at least two chronic conditions. In addition, chronic disease is responsible for 75% of United States health care spending. Ironically, only 1% of health care dollars are spent on public education and other efforts to reduce the incidence of chronic disease.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to provide a framework for occupational therapists to deliver effective treatment for individuals with chronic disease. Due to the longevity of chronic disease, encouraging …

A Manual For Caregivers Of Infants With Brachial Plexus Injuries, Maranda Myrold, Taryn Wagner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a holistic manual for occupational therapists to provide to caregivers of infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). A literature review was conducted on the impact of NBPP on both the infant’s and their caregiver’s quality of life. The literature review revealed that NBPP can lead to functional deficits for infants, increasing the amount of care, attention, and resources they require. Due to these challenges, a caregiver may experience high levels of stress, which could result in depression, anger, and frustration (Matlow, Stevens, Harrison, & Laxer, 2006). Also, current research is …

Facilitating The Role Of An Occupational Therapist As A Primary Care Provider For Clients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alexis Nims, Kayli Schumacher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Chronic disease management is an ever-growing need within the current population. One of those chronic diseases, arthritis, is the present leader in cause for disability among adults (Helmick et al., 2008). This incidence is expected to increase by 40% over the next 25 years. Among this population are those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is anticipated to affect over 1.2 million Americans each year alone (Helmick et al., 2008). Incurable, RA is a debilitating condition that results in the loss of function within various occupations of daily life. The needs of this population are great, yet are often left …

The Experience Of Occupational Therapists' Approaches And Interventions For School-Aged Children And Adolescents With Anxiety, Meg O'Brien, Emily Terhaar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the realm of occupational therapy there is not a clear or cohesive evidencebased approach that OT's use to guide intervention planning with school-aged children or adolescent who have anxiety or anxiety secondary to another medical condition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experience of 6 pediatric occupational therapists in an outpatient setting in developing and implementing interventions for this population. Researchers utilized a phenomenological qualitative research method completing six interviews to understand the experience of the participants. Findings suggest that occupational therapists who participated in this study feel that they have skills …

The Benefits Of Aquatic Therapy For Older Adults, Erin Erickson

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Exploration Of Factors Associated With Patient Adherence In Upper Extremity Rehabilitation: A Mixed-Methods Embedded Design, Enrique V. Smith-Forbes

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Adherence is considered a prerequisite for the success of exercise programs for musculoskeletal disorders. The negative effects of non-adherence to exercise recommendations impact the cost of care, and also treatment effectiveness, treatment duration, the therapeutic relationship, waiting times, the efficiency of personnel and use of equipment. Adherence to therapeutic exercise intervention is a multifaceted problem.

The World Health Organization (WHO) established the multidimensional adherence model (MAM). The MAM describes five interactive dimensions (socioeconomic, healthcare team and system, condition-related, therapy-related, and patient-related factors) that have an effect on patient adherence.

The first purpose of this dissertation was to explore the MAM …

"Bent But Not Broken": A Mixed Methods Study Of Mothering During Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer, Julie A. Baltisberger

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis of women, with an estimated 232,670 new cases in 2014. With 89.2% of breast cancer patients surviving five years or longer, studies are needed to investigate the long-term impact of breast cancer on women and families (National Cancer Institute, 2014).

The purpose of this study was to examine, using a mixed methods approach, the impact of chemotherapy on mothering occupations for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Thirty-one women (mean age=39.6, SD=5.79), with breast cancer of any stage, who were currently undergoing chemotherapy and had at least one child under the age of …