Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Utilizing Animal-Assisted Therapy To Address Pyschosocial Implications Of The Geriatric Population In A Residential Facility, Blaire Kennon Bassham

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Older adults in residential care frequently experience psychosocial challenges such as isolation, depression, and reduced engagement in meaningful activity. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), when integrated into occupational therapy, offers a powerful, evidence-based means to address these concerns by promoting emotional well-being, social connection, and purposeful interaction. This capstone project leveraged AAT as a therapeutic intervention specifically designed to meet psychosocial needs.

Identifying Predictors Of Student Success During Occupational Therapy Level Ii Fieldwork, Melissa R. Foster

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The training paradigm for new occupational therapy (OT) practitioners includes both didactic classroom learning and clinical fieldwork experiences in order for them to establish clinical competency. However, many students struggle with the theory-to-practice gap of translating classroom knowledge to clinical experiences. When students struggle in this manner, it causes stress for all stakeholders involved, including the fieldwork educator, clinic managers, OT program faculty, as well as the student.

This study aims to avoid this stress by identifying predictors of student success by analyzing data from recent graduates of the University of Arkansas/University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences OT program through …

The Feasibility Of A Telerehabilitation Screening Protocol For Wheelchair Follow-Up In A Rural Clinic: A Pilot Exploration, Rachel G. Taylor

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Objective: This capstone project aimed to determine the feasibility of a telerehabilitation approach to wheelchair follow-up care coordination within the East Carolina University Student Run Clinic (SRC). Methods: A Wheelchair Follow-Up Protocol was developed and piloted with a student clinician. Guided by the AHRQ Care Coordination Measurement Framework, this 9-week feasibility project was completed in 3 steps: (1) resource and process development, (2) student training, (3) implementation and data collection. Quantitative and qualitative pilot data were collected from the student clinician who completed the Wheelchair Follow-Up Protocol to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol. Questions included …

Aquatic Based Exercise For Adults With Lymphedema To Improve Quality Of Life, Abigail Bancroft, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals diagnosed with lymphedema can face physical, emotional, and psychosocial complications. Since lymphedema is a lifelong condition, symptom management is crucial to an individual’s daily routine and well-being. Aquatic therapy is an approach where individuals perform exercises in the water, and the characteristics of the water provide many benefits for lymphedema. The purpose of this capstone was to develop an aquatic-based exercise program for individuals with lymphedema to increase social participation and improve overall quality of life. Increasing the awareness of aquatic therapy for lymphedema can educate individuals and occupational therapists on another treatment option to help manage lymphedema symptoms.

Educational Program For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries Over Bowel And Bladder Management, Hannah H. Bacino, Rebecca King, Leah Holderbaum

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event that impacts many domains of an individual's life. Individuals may experience a decreased ability to participate in meaningful activities and a loss of voluntary body functions. The most common symptom following an SCI is loss of voluntary bowel and bladder control. Literature highlights the importance of education on bowel and bladder management following a SCI. However, there is a lack of accessible and comprehensive education on this topic for individuals affected by an SCI. To address this problem, an educational resource was created. The purpose of the educational resource was to …

The Inner Blueprint: Unlocking Your 24/7 Potential, Mackenzie Zurcher, Becky King

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Inner Blueprint is a trauma-informed, occupation-based intervention designed to address the complex needs of adolescent girls with histories of trauma, substance use, and mental health conditions. Grounded in occupational science, the program emphasizes the integration of brain function, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and hormonal influence to promote self-awareness, resilience, identity development, self-worth, and functional independence. The intervention incorporates manualized content delivered through interactive group activities, reflective exercises, and routine-based skill building to support gains in emotional regulation, self-concept development, and daily life performance. A central therapeutic emphasis is placed on enhancing interoceptive awareness and empowering participants to recognize that their …

Program For Caregivers Caring For Children With Juvenile Arthritis, Elizabeth M. Lette-Fortune, Mary Jan Greer, Lee Ann Hoffman

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone program aims to educate and support children with juvenile rheumatic diseases (JRDs) and their caregivers, addressing the lack of educational resources available for families. The program conducted a needs assessment, developed targeted educational content, and covered topics such as flare management, treatment options, and caregiver support. The initiative was evaluated for its effectiveness in improving caregiver knowledge, reducing stress, and enhancing the quality of life for children with JRDs.

An Ot Web-Based Program For Assessing And Treating Vision Deficits In Tbis, Brooklynn Bycott, Rebecca King, Jaimee Fielder

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project supported occupational therapists in addressing vision deficits associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) through a web-based educational program. The program focused on assessment strategies, intervention techniques and strategies, and caregiver education. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance model and the Occupational Adaptation frame of reference, the project promoted occupational engagement and improved quality of life for individuals with vision deficits associated with TBIs and their caregivers by increasing clinicians’ confidence and knowledge.

Nourishing Skills: Online Education Materials For The General Pediatric Feeding Therapist, Hannah Cox

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Introduction: There has been a rise in pediatric feeding difficulties, with up to 50% of typically developing children and 89% of children with developmental disabilities having a variation of feeding difficulties (Benjasuwantep et al., 2013). With occupational therapy (OT) being a field of practice that addresses activities of daily living and developmental milestones, it is imperative that providers are prepared to treat this population. Methods: Four REDcap surveys were completed by stakeholder groups to determine knowledge gaps and training methodology amongst pediatric therapy providers (Harris et al 2009, 2019). With 233 survey responses, results were gathered nationwide (123 clinicians, 39 …

Occupational Therapy Assessment & Intervention In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit At Shawn Jenkins Children’S Hospital, Lauren G. Murphy

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

BACKGROUND: There is a current lack of literature and evidence to supply neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) occupational therapists with appropriate standardized assessments and interventions. This project aims to explore at which age occupational therapy services will be most beneficial and widely accepted by NICU team members. Goals of this project include understanding current best occupational therapy practices, providing the NICU with the most up to date research and outcomes of interventions and assessments on the high risk neonatal and pediatric populations, improving communication and collaboration skills to engage with all NICU team members, and leading educational sessions about evidence …

The Empowerment Through Assistive Devices: A Program For Older Adults Post-Stroke And Their Caregivers, Gillian L. Cole, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to develop a holistic and sustainable educational program for post-stroke adults using mobility devices in long-term care at CC Young. The program was to empower stroke survivors to regain independence, enhance their quality of life, and reduce caregiver burden by focusing on functional mobility, safety, caregiver support, device adherence, and multiple other factors that increase functional independence and safety. The program achieved significant outcomes through in-depth training, consistent education, feedback incorporation, and ongoing follow-up. Device usage rates were notably increased, helping participants continue using mobility aids effectively and consistently. Additionally, the program played a critical role …

Increasing Access To Adequate Care For Low-Resource Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Breanna A. Culver, Rebecca King

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Exploring and understanding the barriers to accessing adequate neurodivergent affirming care for autistic children and their families. Taking steps to decrease financial barriers, poor health literacy, and lack of available resources by developing a non-profit organization that will increase access to adequate care for these families. Participating in community outreach to raise awareness of and education about autism spectrum disorder in the local community of Corsicana, Texas on the needs of the autistic community.

An Ot Program Manual For Ipv Survivors Living In Transitional Housing, Mccall Cowart, Rebecca King

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to address the financial instability and employment challenges experienced by female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) residing in transitional housing. Grounded in the Occupational Adaptation model, the project involved the development and implementation of a client-centered job readiness and money management program tailored to the unique needs of this population. A comprehensive literature review identified critical barriers to economic independence among IPV survivors, including economic abuse, lack of education, and limited access to resources. Through collaboration with the YWCA of Palm Beach County’s Harmony House, a six-week program was delivered, incorporating lessons on budgeting, financial …

Interprofessional Education Program For Parkinson's Disease Care Considerations, Jennifer Nunez, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Research suggests that having interprofessional education for disease-specific care can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. This program focused on providing a basic IPE program to rural hospital staff of various disciplines on the care considerations for individuals with Parkinson's Disease when they are hospitalized. Using an occupational therapy vantage point, the program was created to address increasing occupational performance for healthcare workers and individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Topics included in the program were motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, medication management, mobility and ADLs, cognition, mental health, sleep, dietary patterns, dysphagia, and voice.

Utilization Of Digital Platforms To Enhance Usability And Knowledge For Fieldwork Educators; Increasing Access To The Intentional Fieldwork Education Model (Ifwem), Patrick C. Lewis

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Fieldwork education plays a pivotal role in shaping student outcomes in occupational therapy programs. The effectiveness of fieldwork education is significantly influenced by the fieldwork educator's communication style, teaching approach, learning preferences, competency, self-efficacy, and level of preparedness. The Intentional Fieldwork Education Model (IFWEM) and its associated IFWEM course provide an evidence-based framework designed to enhance fieldwork educators’ competency, self-efficacy, and preparedness prior to student fieldwork. In collaboration with the creators of the IFWEM, efforts were made throughout this capstone project to increase the usability, availability, and accessibility of the current IFWEM course. This project aimed to create a more …

Supporting Families And Providers Of Children With Low Vision/ Cvi Through Comprehensive Resource And Website Development, Alexandria D. Mcdonald

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is the most prevalent cause of visual impairment in children. Children with CVI face unique challenges that significantly affect their development and participation in daily life. This capstone project aimed to support both therapists and families of children with CVI by fostering a deeper understanding of the condition and enhancing access to evidence-based resources. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the project focused on identifying existing gaps in available materials, then addressing them through the creation of tailored resources and the development of a comprehensive, user-friendly website.

Deliverables included a digital resource library/website with over 40 …

Empowering Future Practitioners: Using Constructivist Learning Strategies To Teach Occupational Therapy’S Role In Oncology Rehabilitation, Erin L. Latimer

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project developed educational materials on occupational therapy’s role in oncology rehabilitation for first-year OT students at an accredited program. The deliverables included a lecture and lab session, guided by the constructivism theory and 5 Es educational model, to integrate foundational oncology content into early curricula. By addressing this gap, the project aims to better prepare future OTs to serve cancer survivors. Goals included enhancing students’ knowledge of oncology’s continuum of care and improving clinical reasoning during evaluations. Students completed a Pre-Quiz (testing general oncology/pathophysiology knowledge), Post-Quiz (lecture-specific questions), and Post-Survey (34 respondents). Results showed strong comprehension, with one …

Social Program For Adults Living In Group Homes, Kailee Oram, Mary Jan Greer

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) living in group homes have lower quality of life outcomes, particularly for the domain of social inclusion, compared to adults with IDDs who live alone or with family. This capstone experience aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a social program for this population to promote community engagement and interpersonal relationships. The 8-week social program was planned for participants living in group homes led by Trinity Services in suburban IL. A needs assessment included interviews with clients and staff about supports and barriers to social participation and ideas for community activities. The program was …

Early Intervention Pediatric Adaptive Sports Program, Emily Horsley, Cassandra M. Nelson

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone focused on developing a community-based program to improve access to pediatric adaptive sports for children with physical disabilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. A needs assessment of families, occupational therapists, and recreational therapists revealed significant gaps in awareness and accessibility of entry-level adaptive sports programs. In response, a multi-component program was developed, including a centralized resource website (DFWAdaptiveSports.com), an educational outreach initiative for families and providers, and a six-week introductory adaptive sports curriculum. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the program aims to increase participation, promote social and motor development, and reduce barriers to community-based recreation …

Daily Routine Redesign To Optimize Occupational Performance For Individuals With Cancer During And Post-Treatment, Summer M. Mazade, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Cancer and cancer treatment impacts individual's ability to participate in daily activities due to the symptoms or side effects that they experience. With advancements in cancer screenings and treatments, there is a growing population of those living with long term side effects that lower their quality of life. A program was developed to redesign cancer survivors' daily routine based on their symptoms and priorities to increase occupational performance in activities of daily living. The program showed a positive impact on the lives of cancer survivors' daily lives.