Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Promoting Occupational Therapy In Virtual Environments: Project-Based Learning In Second Life®, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Veronica Souter, Ots, Elizabeth Vanderlaan, Ots, Kaitlin Rodriguez, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Description of project

Occupational therapy students from Jefferson School of Health Professions in Philadelphia planned and implemented interactive exhibits within the virtual world of Second Life®. The educational exhibits were provided through an ongoing project designed to promote occupational therapy, provide immersive experiences on health and wellness for persons in Second Life® and promote collaboration between project personnel and others with an interest in health and wellness. Exhibits focused on home and playground adaptations, mental health and productive aging and were based on current research evidence and best practices. Students also participated in events in which they promoted occupational therapy …

Development Of A Fidelity Measure For Research On The Effectiveness Of The Ayres Sensory Integration Intervention., L Diane Parham, Susanne Smith Roley, Teresa A. May-Benson, Jane Koomar, Barbara Brett-Green, Janice P Burke, Ellen S. Cohn, Zoe Mailloux, Lucy J. Miller, Roseann C. Schaaf

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: We developed a reliable and valid fidelity measure for use in research on Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) intervention.

METHOD: We designed a fidelity instrument to measure structural and process aspects of ASI intervention. Because scoring of process involves subjectivity, we conducted a series of reliability and validity studies on the process section. Raters were trained to score therapist strategies observed in video recordings of adult-child dyads. We examined content validity through expert ratings.

RESULTS: Reliability of the process section was strong for total fidelity score (ICC = .99, Cronbach's alpha = .99) and acceptable for most items. Total score …

Adolescents’ Lived Experiences During Treatment Of Cancer And Impact On Social Participation, Gary Grimaldi

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This phenomenological study was designed to understand the lived experience of adolescents being treating for cancer and the impact of their lived experience on engagement in occupations and social participation. Participants in this study included four young adolescents 17-19 years of ages attending school on a part-time basis. They were on active treatment protocols for cancer and enjoyed participating in sports or other activities with friends. In-depth structured interviews with questions to illuminate the impact of cancer treatment on social participation were completed and audio recorded. Data analysis was completed utilizing a phenomenological reduction method to determine emerging themes and …

Applying The Icf Framework To Study Changes In Quality-Of-Life For Youth With Chronic Conditions, Janette Mcdougall, Virginia Wright, Jonathan Schmidt, Linda Miller, Karen Lowry

Occupational Therapy Publications

Objective: The objective of this paper is to describe how the ICF framework was applied as the foundation for a longitudinal study of changes in quality-of-life (QoL) for youth with chronic conditions.

Method: This article will describe the study’s aims, methods, measures and data analysis techniques. It will point out how the ICF framework was used—and expanded upon—to provide a model for studying the impact of factors on changes in QoL for youth with chronic conditions. Further, it will describe the instruments that were chosen to measure the components of the ICF framework and the data analysis techniques that will …

Fact Sheet: Role Of Occupational Therapy, Shelia Longpre

Occupational Therapy Faculty Books and Book Chapters

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Driving As A Valued Instrumental Activity Of Daily Living, Anne E. Dickerson, Timothy Reistetter, Elin Schold Davis, Miriam Monahan

Collected Faculty Scholarship

The purpose of this translational research article is to illustrate how general practice occupational therapists have the skills and knowledge to address driving as a valued occupation using an algorithm based on the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (2nd ed.; American Occupational Therapy Association, 2008b). Evidence to support the model is offered by a research study. Participants were compared on their performance of complex instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and a behind-thewheel driving assessment. A significant relationship was found between the process skills from the performance assessment and whether the driver passed, failed, or needed restrictions as …

Art As Occupation: A Phenomenological Study Of Art As A Means Of Self-Expression For An Individual Recovering From Severe Physical, Sexual, And Ritual Abuse, Raina Kay Remole

Online Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study presents an in-depth exploration of one individual's retrospective account of using art over approximately ten years in Occupational Therapy (OT) intervention while recovering from severe abuse with a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). After an extensive literature review, the qualitative data was gathered during thorough semi-structured interviews using conference calls and correspondence through e-mail with the participant. Data analysis involved horizontalization of narrative data resulting in the dissemination of meaning units. From these a textual and structural description of the participant's individual experience emerged through self-reflection and discussion of meaning units with the participant and outside …

Occupations And Quality Of Life Of Families With Children With Asd: A Survey, Rebecca Vaughn

Online Theses and Dissertations

In recent literature, it has been suggested that families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have diminished Quality of Life particularly in the areas of social interaction and family outings (Lee et al., 2008). The purpose of this study is to describe quality of life and occupations engaged in along with demographic features of families with children with an ASD. Data was collected utilizing a survey methods, a convenience sample received a questionnaire packet containing: Flanagan Quality of Life Scale, demographic survey and Occupational Checklist. Twenty-two families participated in the study. Descriptive statistics suggested that families with children …

A Parent Consultation Group For Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed Methodological Study, Cassandra Catherine Clark

Online Theses and Dissertations

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are known have higher levels of negative stress than parents of children without a chronic illness. These parents' roles and routines are also impacted since the many demands made by their children put them at greater risk of occupational injustice as they are less likely to participate in occupations of their choice. Despite multiple studies examining stress in parents of children with ASD, there is little to no recent published research on the effects of a parent consultation group on parents of children with ASD and their sense of competency and attitudes …

The Culture Of A Public School's Approach To Children With Asd: An Ethnographical Study, Lisa Mccarthy

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this ethnographic study is to understand the culture of Westridge Elementary School (WRE), and its approach to the increasing numbers of mainstreamed students with special needs; in particular students identified with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The researcher examined the language, norms, and rituals of WRE, and how children with ASD are involved. Data from this research was collected through five face-to-face interviews, as well as participant observations, which were collected over a 2-3 week period in the spring and fall of 2010. Photographs of the school environment, along with the collection of artifacts, were also used to …

A Study On The Effects Of Therapeutic Listening On The Social And Functional Behavior Of Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Robin Abbott

Theses and Dissertations

Auditory sensory differences and sensitivities are often mentioned by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and in research involving children with ASD. Addressing these auditory processing differences is the goal of various auditory treatment techniques, but current research does not yield a body of evidence in support of auditory therapy as a treatment for children with ASD. This study is a single-subject study, repeated across two subjects, to investigate the effect of the Therapeutic Listening program on the social engagement and self-care skills of preschool-aged children with ASD. Both social engagement and self-care skills increased with for both …

School To Post-School Transition Programs For Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review, And; The Meaning Of Well-Being From The Perspective Of Young Adults With Down Syndrome, Melissa Scott

Theses : Honours

OBJECTIVE: To review the effectiveness of school to post-school transition programs for young adults with intellectual disability and their impact on community participation, friendships and quality of life. METHODS: Electronic searches of six databases and manual searches of reference lists were conducted to obtain evidence of programs supporting the transition of young adults with intellectual disability from school to post-school. Transition programs or services and postsecondary education programs targeted at increasing participation and peer interaction were included. Two reviewers undertook data extraction and quality assessment. A systematic review was possible. RESULTS: All eight articles reviewed, with a total of 573 …

Vocational Training Programs, Transition Programs And Work Experience Placements For Employment Of Young Adults With Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review & A Description Of Employment Patterns And Day Occupations Of Young Adults With Intellectual Disability Residing In Queensland, Sophia Davidson

Theses : Honours

OBJECTIVE: To review the research examining the effectiveness of vocational training programs, transition programs and work experience placements and describe their impact on work and employment attainment and maintenance for young adults with intellectual disability. METHOD: Electronic searches of six data bases and manual searches of references lists locating all available evidence of programs and interventions to assist young adults with intellectual disability to find paid employment. Interventions described as vocational training, work placements and experience and transition programs aimed at securing employment were included. Two reviewers undertook data extraction and quality assessment and a systematic review was possible. RESULTS: …

The Impact Of Online Social Participation On Social Capital And Mental Health Outcomes Of Young Adults: A Systematic Review & Participation And Quality Of Life Of Young Adults Living In Western Australia: Research Report, Robyn Earl

Theses : Honours

Introduction: The widespread acceptance and availability of the Internet and subsequent advent of social networking sites, is believed, in part, to be responsible for the reduction of face-to-face interaction, particularly among young adults. This has lead to suggestions that while virtual participation may enhance our ability to communicate with others; it may in fact come at the detriment of wellbeing. Depression is one of the leading causes of mental illness for young people, with social isolation and exclusion being identified as key risk factors for depression among this group. The aim of this review was to systematically review available research …

Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Guide To Therapeutic And Pharmacological Treatments, Rebecca Mcomie

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is becoming a more common diagnosis with young children and babies (PAGER, 2010). GERD is often misdiagnosed and there is no single test available to determine its presence (Eisen, 2001). The term reflux can be confusing and used to mean different things to different people. Often reflux is linked to colic in babies or may be considered a "normal" part of being a baby. But when a sequalae of symptoms arise in an infant, gastroesophageal reflux becomes a serious issue that needs to be addressed through a variety of interventions and sources (Sondheimer, 2006 ).

In …

Enabling Personal Occupation Through Sensory Interventions, Caroline Mattson, Gretchen Prohofsky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness are predisposed to having a co-occurring sensory processing disorder. Many adults and children with sensory processing disorder have never been assessed or treated. Consequences of untreated sensory processing disorder include decreased ability to engage in meaningful occupations or healthy relationships, leading to lowered self-esteem and perception regarding quality of life. A literature review defines sensory processing, sensory processing disorders, consequences of sensory processing disorder dysfunction, sensory processing disorder co-morbidity, sensory processing disorders in individuals with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, interventions for sensory processing disorders, the role of occupational therapy, deficiencies in knowledge, …

The Occupational Therapy Handbook For Parents (Othp), Kristen Rosenbeck

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children spend 60% of their day completing fine motor activities (Feder, 2007; Mackay, 2010). Therefore, it is essential that young children be exposed to a variety of fine motor activities in school and home settings to promote fine motor development. Often times parents are willing to help their children develop these skills, however, they do not feel they have the resources to do this.

The Occupational Therapy Handbook for Parents (OTHP) was designed by an occupational therapist to provide consistent parent education regarding children's fine motor skills. A literature review was completed to define typical fine motor development, best practices …

Psychosocial Assessment In Orthopedic Evaluations: A Clinical Tool For Occupational Therapists, Sara M. Sipple

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"When 1 touch a human hand, 1 touch heaven. " - Malebranche

Holistic, occupation-based treatment in a hand therapy setting is associated with enhanced patient outcomes (Chan & Spencer, 2004), yet it is easy for occupational therapists working in hand and upper extremity orthopedic settings to become fixated on the pathology and anatomy of medical diagnoses and inadvertently ignore psychosocial and contextual influences on rehabilitation. Although there is research that identifies how physical disease may lead to psychosocial role changes, there is a paucity of literature that addresses how hand and upper extremity injuries affect these roles (Schier & Chan, …

Promoting Fine Motor And Visual-Motor Skill Development In Preschool Age Children, Patty Soldner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Fine motor skills are important in childhood development (Beilei, Lui, Qu & vonHofsten, 2002; Rosenblum, Weiss & Parush, 2003 as cited in Jackman & Stagnitti, 2007). These skills become critical when a child reaches school age when the child is expected to perform fine motor tasks such as cutting, coloring, and writing as part of his or her daily routine. Research has shown that there is a high rate of fine motor difficulties in school-age children in the United States (Hammerschmidt & Sudsawad, 2004 as cited in Jackman & Stagnitti, 2007). Caregivers of preschool age children often seek the assistance …

Living With A Spinal Cord Injury: A Workshop For Parenting And Play, Ana Sobolik, Laura Gunderson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injuries (SCI) may experience fears of inadequacy with their ability to be parents. This is a problem due to the fact that the average age of individuals who acquire SCIs is between 16 and 30, the prime child bearing years (Martin, Hamilton, Sutton, Ventura, Mathews, & Osterman, 2010; Mathews & Hamilton, 2009). There is a lack of literature to address these fears by supporting and developing parenting skills for individuals with SCIs. The purpose of this scholarly project is to address the fears of individuals with SCIs and their abilities with parenting occupations, as …