Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Let's Get Connected (Lcg), Delaney J. Boyd

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

The Let’s Get Connected (LGC) doctoral capstone project aimed to improve the social skills of primary school students through program development, education, and clinical intervention in order to encourage a more inclusive environment in the school. Regarding program development, LGC incorporated universal OT services during recess for all second grade students to socialize as a class. During the “All-In Recess” portion of the program, social emotional skills were taught through games that encouraged students to socialize and include all of their peers. The second tier included “Breakfast Bunch and Lunch Bunch”, which consisted of small social participation groups held during …

Promoting Mu, Christina A. Reilley

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Despite the broad scope of occupational therapy and its significant impact on patients' lives, the profession requires a strategic marketing plan to raise awareness. To address the lack of understanding on a micro level, a comprehensive marketing plan was developed for Misericordia University’s Occupational Therapy Department to align with the current wants and needs of prospective students. Designed as a 14-week doctoral capstone project, PromOTing MU aims to advocate for the profession by showcasing the experiences of current MUOT students. The cliff of OT programs expanding while application numbers decline is a prevalent issue addressed in PromOTing MU, which targets …

Explore Your Future, Faith M. Merritt

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Explore Your Future, a doctoral capstone project, was developed to aid the development and learning of low socioeconomic status (SES) children attending the McGlynn Center. This project focused on career readiness, addressing community concerns by providing resources on career possibilities, educational pathways, and skills training. A scoping review revealed gaps in research on interventions improving career readiness in low SES children, with limited studies identified across seven databases. Early intervention is proven to enhance career exploration, social-emotional outcomes, social awareness, academic performance, and vocational identity (Howard & Ferrari, 2022). Improvements in self concept, interpersonal and critical thinking skills, and confidence …

Every Blessing Crafts, Alan Frausto

OT Doctoral Capstones

Depression is highly prevalent among residents in Long-Term Care Settings (LTCS), approximately up to 50% reported in studies (Matos Quieros et al., 2021; Shrestha et al., 2020; Ulbricht et al., 2019). Occupational Injustice (OI) such as occupational deprivation is a risk factor for residents in LTCS developing depression (Janssen & Grabanski, 2023). Additionally, Causey-Upton (2015) identified occupational marginalization, occupational imbalance, and occupational deprivation as specific forms of OI that residents face.

The field of occupational therapy (OT) has utilized arts and crafts as one of the first interventions since the beginning of the profession (Christiansen & Haertl, 2019, p. 129). …

Holistic Support Toolkit: Integrating Occupational Therapy In Trauma-Informed Parenting For Adoptive And Foster Families, Zenyacy Ortega Rojero

OT Doctoral Capstones

Objective: Adoptive families often face challenges related to early childhood trauma, impacting emotional regulation and daily routines.

Methodology: A bilingual, trauma-informed toolkit was created using feedback from foster/adoptive parents and CASA staff. A pre/post questionnaire assessed the impact on staff knowledge and confidence.

Results: The toolkit significantly increased staff understanding of trauma, OT’s role, sensory processing, and caregiver support (p < .05 across all ten indicators).

Discussion: Findings highlight OT’s contribution to trauma-informed care and the importance of interdisciplinary education for those supporting foster and adoptive families.

Conclusion: The toolkit promoted caregiver confidence and trauma-responsive approaches and has potential for long-term sustainability at CASA and beyond

Enhancing Developmental Care In The Nicu: A Program Evaluation And Roadmap For Trauma- Informed Practice, Roberto Conner

OT Doctoral Capstones

This capstone evaluated the current state of trauma-informed developmental care practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at El Paso Children’s Hospital to identify barriers and inform sustainable improvement strategies. The capstone student shadowed across multiple disciplines, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, and lactation consultants. The capstone student surveyed NICU team members and interviewed unit leadership to assess staff knowledge, confidence, and feedback mechanisms. The capstone student found that staff expressed moderate confidence in delivering developmental care but faced barriers, including communication gaps between disciplines, limited leadership prioritization, and knowledge gaps. The capstone student developed a roadmap specific to …

Mind Matters: Addressing Food Insecurities As A Mental Health Barrier, Nicholas Thomas Guerra

OT Doctoral Capstones

Food insecurity (FI)—the limited or uncertain access to adequate food—is a growing concern among college students and is linked to increased stress, poor mental health, and reduced occupational engagement. Nationally, 41% of college students report experiencing FI, with higher rates among marginalized groups (Nickolaus et al., 2020). At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), 61% of students are affected, a figure influenced by financial strain, limited access to aid, and unique border-related barriers such as immigration status and language (El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, 2022; Weigel et al., 2007). This capstone project, grounded in the Person-Environment- Occupation (PEO) model, …

Occupational Therapy Practitioner Perspectives On Leadership In Everyday Practice: A Descriptive Qualitative Study, Mary E. Spores

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Leadership is a topic of interest for rapidly evolving healthcare professions and a cornerstone of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Centennial Vision. The history of leadership in the profession has a robust foundation and yet calls to action for leadership in the profession remain focused on traits, behaviors and transformative processes. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are positioned to be leaders of change with the use of leadership influence however, practitioner views on their enactment of leadership in everyday practice are sparse in the literature.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to capture the perspectives of …

Perceptions Of School-Based Occupational Therapists Regarding The Access To Educator Credential Pathways In Kentucky, Jill Edlin

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: In Kentucky public schools, occupational therapists are employed as classified staff without access to educator credential pathways. This study explores occupational therapist’s perceptions of how those state-level structures impact recognition, collaboration, leadership, and day-to-day practice within the educational system context. Purpose: This qualitative descriptive study examines school-based occupational therapists’ perceptions of how the absence of educator credential pathways influences their professional practice, collaboration, and leadership in Kentucky public schools. Research objectives focus on describing Kentucky school-based occupational therapists’ perceptions of leadership opportunities as shaped by state educator credentialing. Objectives also focus on exploring how credentialing influences interprofessional collaboration with …

Transitioning To Graduate Level Academics: A Preparation Program For An Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program, Sergio Garcia

OT Doctoral Capstones

The objective of the capstone project was to create an online preparation program for The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Department of Occupational Therapy’s-Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program that would ease the transition experience into the program and would help increase their early academic success. The capstone project involved the planning, creation, and implementation of the program. The finalized program consists of four interactive, self-led, and self-paced modules. Interactive elements include activities, questions, opportunities for reflection, and hyperlinks. The finalized program will be implemented with incoming UTEP OTD students on a yearly basis.

Colostomy Care: Ep, Michelle Ramirez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Objective: This capstone project aimed to improve knowledge and self-efficacy in colostomy care through a structured educational booklet.

Methods: Six adult inpatient participants at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus received the booklet and completed pre- and post-surveys.

Results: Participants had a 7.37% increase in scores, with statistically significant improvements in knowledge and confidence (p < .001). Patients reported the material was easy to understand and helpful.

Discussion: The project highlights the OT's role in education and emotional support during post-operative recovery. The booklet is a sustainable, low-cost tool that can be replicated across diverse clinical settings.

Empowering Caregivers Through An Occupation-Based Approach To Physical And Mental Health, Maria Duarte

OT Doctoral Capstones

Problem Statement: The informal caregivers at Fundación Integra A.C., primarily family members providing daily, unpaid care to loved ones with significant physical and cognitive needs, often lack the training and support necessary to safely mange the physical and mental demands of caregiving, increasing their risk of injury, burnout, and reduced quality of life.

Methods: 5-module caregiver education course over 8 weeks in person/via Zoom and all material was delivered in Spanish.

Results: Increased confidence, knowledge, and reduced stress.

Discussion: Small sample size, limited statistical significance however, still showed meaningful gains.

Conclusion: Physical and mental health focused program is effective among …

Exploring Stress Management Spaces Using Sensory Engagement On College Campuses: A Scoping Review, Karen R. Puckett

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: College students experience high levels of stress, with associated negative outcomes such as poor mental and physical health. In response, colleges and universities have explored the use of stress management spaces designed to address and promote improved mental health and wellbeing, but evidence regarding the most effective design and impact of these spaces is limited.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to conduct a scoping review of the available literature related to stress management in higher education settings. The research questions are: What are the characteristics and design features of these spaces, and how do stress management spaces …

Caregiver Perspectives On Sensory Diets, Naomi Sosa, Catharina Smith, Skylar Simpson, Giavanna Stavros

Occupational Therapy | OTD Research Papers

A sensory diet, a targeted sensory intervention designed to address an individual’s sensory needs, requires a child to engage in frequent, brief activities throughout their day that promote an adaptive response and improve occupational performance. While occupational therapists formulate the sensory diet, the role of administering the sensory diet ultimately lies with the child’s caregiver. Several studies have examined the effectiveness of sensory-based interventions and how caregivers support children with sensory processing disorders; however, caregiver perspectives on implementing sensory diets for their children have yet to be studied. Methods: This study used a descriptive, mixed-methods survey approach capturing quantitative data …

Professional Identity Levels Of Occupational Therapists In Different Practice Settings, Megan Maekawa, Alyssa Vessel, Ryan Yambao

Occupational Therapy | OTD Research Papers

Occupational therapists may experience weakened professional identity when their practice settings’ cultures, policies, resources, or interdisciplinary teams do not support occupational therapy’s core philosophies and values. Each practice environment has different workplace cultures and resources that influence an occupational therapist's ability to provide quality service for their clients. For example, when an occupational therapist works in a practice setting that does not support a core philosophy like occupation-based practice, they may experience a blurring of roles and responsibilities with other professionals. Overlap and confusion of responsibilities can lead to unclear expectations about their unique contribution to the client’s care. Additionally, …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Supporting Sustainable Trauma-Informed Wellness Practices In A Surfing Program For Women, Margaret J. O'Hara

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals living with trauma-related mental health conditions are often less participatory in meaningful occupations. Additionally, women are two to three times as likely as men to experience a trauma-related mental health condition or event (Olff, 2017). A local surf therapy organization was founded to provide local women who have experienced trauma an empowering community and meaningful activity to heal. The purpose of this quality improvement capstone experience was to enhance the sustainability of the skills taught within clinics through the creation and dissemination of a user-friendly resource platform. The skills specifically addressed are 1) Mindfulness, 2) Growth Mindset, 3) Comfort …

Developing Staff Training Modules To Enhance Neurodiversity-Affirming Care In An Inpatient Psychiatric Setting, Haley Morris

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are admitted to psychiatric hospitals at higher rates and for longer durations compared to neurotypical individuals (Kuriakose et al., 2018). Externalizing behaviors, such as aggression and self-injury, significantly increase hospitalization risk, yet standard psychiatric interventions (e.g., traditional process groups) are often ineffective for this population. A key barrier is the lack of ASD-specific training among hospital staff (Siegel & Gabriels, 2012). This capstone project aimed to address this gap by developing and implementing an educational training program to improve patient-centered, neurodiversity-affirming care across all inpatient psychiatric units. The primary aims were to: …

Empowering Families In A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Grace A. Avin

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

In the U.S., it is estimated that at least 239,000 children were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the year 2019 (Killeen et al., 2023). Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) describes the adverse impacts that patients suffer from after the ICU, and children are especially vulnerable in the critical period of growing and developing (Smith & Rahman, 2023). The Sleep, Play, Heal (SPH) program is a pediatric ICU liberation movement at a local children’s hospital aimed to decrease PICS and improve outcomes for children and families. Through team interviews, the need for educational resources to maintain a continuum …

Exploring Perceptions Of Accommodations In Ot Fieldwork: A Mixed Methods Study, Courtney A. Gohean, Courtney Gohean

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to explore the perceptions and experiences of occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork educators, academic fieldwork coordinators (AFWCs), and Level II OT students with disabilities regarding accommodations during fieldwork. Quantitative data were collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire completed by 45 fieldwork educators. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with seven AFWCs and seven OT students/new graduates who had used Section 504 accommodations during Level II fieldwork. Thematic analysis revealed key themes among students and AFWCs, including barriers to disclosure, variability in support and communication, the need for proactive planning, and concerns regarding …

Caregiver Perceptions Of Gobabygo Car Usage, Sierra L. Hays, Erin L. Hefner, Richelle Gray, Carrie Smith-Bell

Graduate Student Scholarship

This qualitative study aims to understand caregiver perceptions of their child’s play using a modified ride-on toy car (MROC). Caregivers of children with disabilities participated in a semi-structured interview and a photo-elicitation interview to better understand their beliefs, attitudes, values, and feelings about their children’s play with a MROC. A directed content analysis was used based on constructs of the model for the Process for Establishing Children’s Occupations (PECO; Wiseman et al., 2005). Most constructs of the PECO model, including stages of play and influences on play, were identified within the caregivers’ descriptions of children's play with the MROC. Additional …