Educating Occupational Therapy Students On The Role, Scope, And Delivery Of Occupational Therapy Services In End-Of-Life Care,
2025
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Educating Occupational Therapy Students On The Role, Scope, And Delivery Of Occupational Therapy Services In End-Of-Life Care, Zaria Favorite, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Shannon Kauppila
Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium
Patients at the end-of-life (EoL) experience a decline in body functions and performance skills along with challenges in maintaining occupational roles, routines, habits, and performance patterns (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). Despite their decline, patient want to continue to participate in their chosen occupations, which are unfulfilled due to the role, scope, and delivery of OT services in EoL care being misunderstood by OT students and practitioners, healthcare professionals, patients, families, and caregivers (Hammill et al., 2019; Knecht-Sabres et al., 2019; Mueller et al., 2021). There is a need for increased education and training so OT students can better …
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Bladder And Bowel Management For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series,
2025
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Bladder And Bowel Management For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series, Julia Ryan
Student Capstone Papers
Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned to support individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in developing effective bowel and bladder management (BBM) routines. However, most existing literature approaches BBM from a medical perspective, offering limited guidance on how to translate occupation-based strategies into OT practice. This lack of discipline-specific resources contributes to reduced confidence among generalist practitioners and hinders the consistent implementation of BBM interventions across inpatient and community settings. To address this gap, a nine-part educational video series was developed to enhance OT practitioners’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and confidence in delivering BBM interventions for clients with SCI. The …
Developing Independent Living Skills In People With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities: A Guide For Direct Support Professionals,
2025
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Developing Independent Living Skills In People With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities: A Guide For Direct Support Professionals, Nigel Yeo Mr.
Student Capstone Papers
Over one percent of the world has intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Many of these people lack the living skills needed to live independently. Direct support professionals (DSPs) are people who provide daily assistance, care, and support to improve the wellbeing and quality of life among people with IDD. DSPs often have minimal training to perform their role, especially in support of the development of independent living skills. Independent living skills are adaptive behavioral competencies related to self-sufficiency, with focus on conceptual skills such as language abilities, social skills including interpersonal and social problem-solving, and practical skills that relate to …
Exploring Occupational Identity And Cultural Belongingness Of Chinese Transracial Intercountry Adoptees: A Qualitative Study,
2025
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Exploring Occupational Identity And Cultural Belongingness Of Chinese Transracial Intercountry Adoptees: A Qualitative Study, Kenzie Butts, Karen Park
Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium
Chinese transracial intercountry adoptees may experience discrimination, microaggressions, and stereotyping by not feeling like they fit in with White American or traditional Chinese cultures due to an upbringing of a different race and ethnicity. These barriers may result in a lack of engagement in cultural experiences further impacting their sense of identity and cultural belongingness. A qualitative phenomenological research approach was used to understand how seven Chinese transracial adoptees identity development and sense of cultural belongingness relate to their occupational participation during their early adulthood years. Data was collected through a 45-minute, audio-recorded virtual semi-structured interview via Microsoft Teams and …
Sensory Strategies For Trainees At Autism Career Training (Act),
2025
Belmont University
Sensory Strategies For Trainees At Autism Career Training (Act), Emily A. Kay
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Autism Career Training (ACT) who’s mission is to provide vocational training for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to bridge the gap between completion of high school level education and entering the workforce. The purpose of this project is to introduce sensory regulation activities to ACT students using Ayer’s Sensory Integration Theory. Additionally, it is to provide education for ACT staff on sensory regulation techniques, and introduction of resources for the ASD population in Middle Tennessee. The primary goal of this project is to increase participation in daily vocational tasks and …
Sleep Hygiene Programs In Adults With Parkinson’S Disease,
2025
Belmont University
Sleep Hygiene Programs In Adults With Parkinson’S Disease, Alexia R. Scott
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Bridges for Parkinson’s (B4PD), an associate of Rock Steady Boxing. B4PD is a wellness organization that offers fitness classes tailored to the needs of adults with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Sleep disturbance is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of PD and was an identified need of the population at B4PD. This project aimed to address sleep needs through comprehensive individualized sleep hygiene programs based on a series of consultations. A sleep diary, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a semi structured interview were used to assess sleep disturbances. The …
Improving Accessibility And Inclusion At Belmont University,
2025
Belmont University
Improving Accessibility And Inclusion At Belmont University, Grace Apigian
OTD Capstone Projects
This capstone project utilized the collaboration with various departments and schools at Belmont University to improve the accessibility and inclusion in physical, social and academic contexts. The focus of this project was to pinpoint areas of campus that are inaccessible through student-reported survey data and measure these areas with use of the ADA checklist for existing facilities and hands on observation. This project also sought to develop educational resources and inclusive aids for various departments across campus to improve their inclusion and accessibility efforts. The findings of this project were summarized into a narrative needs assessment to distribute to all …
Expanding Therapy Services For The Infant & Pediatric Population In An Acute Setting,
2025
Belmont University
Expanding Therapy Services For The Infant & Pediatric Population In An Acute Setting, Hallie A. Long
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Med Center Health, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Med Center Health is a non-profit health system with a mission to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities they serve. Med Center Health – Bowling Green (MCBG) provides a broad range of services for the Southcentral Kentucky community including a level III NICU and acute pediatric unit. The purpose of this project was to enhance current therapy services and resources provided in the NICU as well as initiate development of a rehabilitation program on the pediatric …
Program Development For Veterans With Disabilities In Conjunction With The Metro Parks Disabilities Program,
2025
Belmont University
Program Development For Veterans With Disabilities In Conjunction With The Metro Parks Disabilities Program, Rylee E. Rohler
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the Metro Parks disABILITIES Program. This agency provides day programming and inclusive sports leagues with a goal to create equal opportunity for safe recreational and cultural activities for as many Nashville citizens with intellectual and developmental disABILITIES as possible. Metro Parks offers a variety of age and ability-appropriate activities that highlight the ABILIITIES of all members. The primary objective of this capstone project was to create a manual for a branch program that would fill a notable gap in services available in middle Tennessee for veterans with disabilities. Roughly 24,500 working-age …
Program Development & Implementation Of Mindfulness Practices For Adults With Down Syndrome At Gigi’S Playhouse,
2025
Belmont University
Program Development & Implementation Of Mindfulness Practices For Adults With Down Syndrome At Gigi’S Playhouse, Kelly Nydahl
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, a non-profit that offers free educational and therapeutic programming to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. The focus of this project was to create and implement an entire semester worth of curriculum for two adult education classes, GiGi Prep and U. The goal of GiGi Prep was to enhance various career readiness skills, while GiGi U builds upon these skills to prepare an individual for real-world settings like independent living, college, and/or working a job. Topics such as communication skills, emotional regulation, money management, coping strategies, self-advocacy, …
Daily Living Curriculum For Adults With Disabilities,
2025
Belmont University
Daily Living Curriculum For Adults With Disabilities, Paige E. Meyers
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with BrightStone, with the shared objective of increasing independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In alignment with BrightStone’s values to empower the quality of life for adults with IDD where their choices and their voices matter, this project addressed the growing need to support their adults at all stages of life. Key outcomes included a daily living curriculum, adaptations to involve students in meal preparation and cleanup, staff training on fall prevention and recovery, and a functional skills progress tracker for residential home use.
Flip For Function Event Development For Increased Effectiveness And Promotion Of Community Engagement,
2025
Belmont University
Flip For Function Event Development For Increased Effectiveness And Promotion Of Community Engagement, Chloe D. Nedds
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Flip for Function, a therapeutic gymnastics program that promotes self-confidence through adaptive athletics and child-led activities. The aim of this project was to enhance the efficiency of events to promote visibility and awareness of Flip for Function within the community. To reach these goals, research-based sensory activities, graphics, programming, and effective timelines were established to ensure seamless execution of events and promote awareness within the community. Alongside this, a choice board was created and implemented within the gym to promote access to communication resources for all individuals. As a result, events …
Lecture Series Supporting Maternal-Infant Health Population: Educating Parents And Training Occupational Therapy Students,
2025
Belmont University
Lecture Series Supporting Maternal-Infant Health Population: Educating Parents And Training Occupational Therapy Students, Katherine Henry
OTD Capstone Projects
This capstone project was completed in collaboration with both the Belmont University School of Occupational Therapy and Ella’s House, a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant and parenting college students finishing their education. A needs assessment was completed to identify what type of project would be most beneficial to both organizations, with a final decision to create a series of courses that support infant and maternal health and well-being. Course topics included basic newborn childcare skills; perinatal mental health; and caregiver roles, routines, and supports. With each presentation of a course, students reviewed the course to compare knowledge prior to and …
Empowering Teen Mothers,
2025
Belmont University
Empowering Teen Mothers, Sarah G. Waddell
OTD Capstone Projects
This project was developed in partnership with YoungLives, a Christian ministry dedicated to supporting and discipling teen mothers. The project had a goal of equipping these mothers with accessible tools to foster their children’s development. The final product is a comprehensive, user-friendly document that outlines cost-effective and developmentally appropriate activities designed to target developmental milestones. In addition, a document was created that lists free resources and events available in the Nashville area, aimed at promoting engagement and learning. This project seeks to empower teen moms with the confidence and knowledge to actively support their children's growth, while also building …
Evolving Move Inclusive Dance's Evaluation System,
2025
Belmont University
Evolving Move Inclusive Dance's Evaluation System, Taylor L. Nock
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with MOVE Inclusive Dance in Nashville, Tennessee. MOVE Inclusive Dance is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals of all ability levels to learn life skills through dance. The aim of this project was to promote goal setting for each dancer, and to develop manageable systems for evaluation data and progress monitoring. Goals promoted occupational therapy-based skills such as independent sensory regulation, social participation, memory, and sustained attention. The project involved creating a web-accessible platform to easily input dancer progress and implementing suggestions from staff as they utilized the platform. Efficient data …
Elopement: Developing An Improved Plan Of Care For Vanderbilt Pediatric Seating And Mobility Clinic,
2025
Belmont University
Elopement: Developing An Improved Plan Of Care For Vanderbilt Pediatric Seating And Mobility Clinic, Chloe Nease
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt within the Pediatric Seating and Mobility clinic. There has been an increased number of referrals to the clinic for equipment aimed at preventing elopement behaviors, primarily for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The goal of this capstone project was to improve the current plan of care regarding elopement evaluations to decrease strain on therapists and families. The objectives for this project were based on information from various stakeholders, including therapist and caregiver feedback, equipment vendors, and insurance providers. Outcomes included the creation of …
Road To Recovery: Reboot Recovery,
2025
Belmont University
Road To Recovery: Reboot Recovery, Brooke Gephart
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with REBOOT Recovery, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing trauma healing through faith-based, peer-led courses. The purpose of this project was to create content to aid the participants and the leaders of REBOOT to overcome trauma and improve their well-being. Life guides were created to address feelings of anxiety and depression, substance use disorder, and provided education on implementing coping skills to help improve their daily functioning. Educational content was developed for leaders regarding the complexities of overcoming trauma for autistic people and highly sensitive people, to best equip leaders to assist …
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Care Of Informal Caregivers Of People With Dementia: A Concept Analysis,
2025
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Care Of Informal Caregivers Of People With Dementia: A Concept Analysis, Ashley M. Taylor
Student Capstone Papers
Informal caregivers (care partners) are people, such as family members, who provide care to those who cannot care for themselves, including people with dementia (PwD). Care partners assist PwD in their daily occupations, often without training. Caring for PwD can lead to emotional, physical, financial, and occupational challenges for care partners. Occupational therapy (OT) has a role to play in the care of PwD. However, if clinicians do not operate from a dyadic model, care partners’ needs may be overlooked. Problem: Although addressing the care partner dyad is important to the delivery of OT, the role of OT in the …
Air Travel Experiences Of Families With Autistic Children,
2025
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Air Travel Experiences Of Families With Autistic Children, Tiffany Pham, Karen Park
Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium
This mixed-methods research design aimed to understand families' experiences traveling by plane with autistic children to identify supports, needs, challenges, and barriers that influence participation and well-being. Although air travel offers significant benefits for families and their children, including promoting personal growth, strengthening communication and bonding, reducing stress, and improving the overall quality of life and life satisfaction across many domains, families with autistic children face significant challenges due to sensory and environmental barriers that make the experience stressful and unpredictable. Findings highlight a need for autism-informed policies, training among airport and airline staff, sensory-friendly spaces, and extended support to …
Nourishing Movement: Nutrition For Parkinson's Wellness,
2025
Belmont University
Nourishing Movement: Nutrition For Parkinson's Wellness, Alexa E. Shever
OTD Capstone Projects
This doctoral capstone project was conducted in collaboration with Bridges for Parkinson's, an organization designed to connect people living with Parkinson's Disease to a community that engages them in a specialized fitness program that helps them rediscover hope and joy and connect them to other resources to improve overall quality of life. The primary objective was to understand the lived experience of individuals with PD and develop PD specific nutrition education and programming for PD fighters and their care partners to use in fighting back against PD. The specific nutrition topics in the education and programming include Whole Foods, Hydration, …
