Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Gazing In The Mirror: Reflecting On Student Perspectives In Work-Integrated Learning In Healthcare Education, Cassidy P. Johnson, Simone C. Regnier, Leah M. Stade Otd, Mhptt, Otr/L

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract: Student engagement is typically woven into the curriculum of healthcare education through hands-on experiences, lectures, discussions, active learning, and lab components. This engagement is critical to developing student confidence, efficacy, and esteem in important skills that will serve them as they enter their profession. In our doctoral program, we are allowed additional engagement opportunities, including belonging to a research project with professionals. Upon reflection, our experience on an interprofessional research team has helped to translate our classroom knowledge to research and professional practice skills.

Plain-Language Summary: This paper is a reflection on the value of adding work skills beyond …

Retrospective Chart Review Of The Acute Care Psychosocial Evaluation Process For Females Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, Kimberly Conrad, Lou Jensen, Shelley Ashcroft, Antoine Bailliard, Vanessa D. Jewell

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: A breast cancer diagnosis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. This retrospective chart review explored the occupational therapy evaluation process with female patients in an inpatient acute care hospital with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods: This descriptive retrospective chart review analyzed 134 occupational therapy evaluations of female patients with breast cancer admitted to a southeastern US academic medical center. Data were extracted and categorized using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework.

Results: The most frequently administered assessments were non-standardized and the AM-PAC "6-Clicks." Documented short-term goals primarily focused on self-care (56.6%), gross motor skills (24.7%), and instrumental activities …

Exploration Of Learning Preferences For Parents Of Children With Sensory Over-Responsivity: A Mixed-Methods Study, Lisa M. Porter, Shelly J. Lane, Barbara B. Demchick, Jane K. Sweeney, Breanne Kearney

Translational Science in Occupation

Importance: Parent education is essential to pediatric occupational therapy (OT), yet there is a paucity of research regarding how to best support parents as adult learners.

Objective: To explore the learning experiences of parents of children with sensory over-responsivity (SOR).

Methods: An embedded mixed-methods design was used. Sixteen parents of children with SOR, aged 3–8 years, were recruited using purposive sampling. All parents participated in group trainings; of these, nine participated in one-on-one interviews. Quantitative data included pre-intervention parenting self-efficacy (PSE) scores and post-intervention learner satisfaction measures. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore parents’ learning experiences during …

Perceptions And Barriers Of Vestibular Rehabilitation Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Rebecca Callais

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Vestibular dysfunction affects 15-20% of adults annually, often impacting daily activities and quality of life (Neuhauser, 2016). While occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (OTs/OTAs) can address functional limitations caused by vestibular disorders, their role in vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is under-studied.

Objective: This study explored the competence and confidence of occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) in VR and identified barriers to implementation.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 532 OTP in the Gulf South region, with 79 responses received. The survey included questions on VR training, techniques used, barriers of implementation in practice, and educational supports. Quantitative data were …

Integration Of The Science Of Team Science (Scits) With Applied Healthcare Frameworks: Interprofessional Education Through A University-Based Head Injury Clinic, Part I: Theory, Emily Balog, Susan Paparella, Natalia Noce, Stephanie Hubbell, Kelly Pena

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Wicked problems in healthcare, such as the complex health condition of head injury, demand interprofessional collaboration that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. These complex clinical challenges call for theoretical frameworks that integrate both disciplinary expertise and interdisciplinary processes.

Definitions and Concepts: Grounded in Repko and Szostak’s (2017) framework of interdisciplinary studies, this paper integrates the Science of Team Science (SciTS), the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies, and TeamSTEPPS® to construct a novel heuristic that informs the design of an interprofessional education (IPE) and practice model.

Relationships Between Concepts: We align SciTS’ four phases with IPEC and TeamSTEPPS® to enhance team-based …

Addressing Delirium In The Intensive Care Unit: An Interprofessional Approach, Olivia Grace O'Neill

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Successful recovery from an intensive care stay is influenced by many factors, including length of stay, medical ventilation requirements, and the extent of surgical interventions such as cardiac, intracranial surgery, neurosurgery, and vascular neurosurgery. A major barrier to achieving a full recovery can be delirium, which is seen in 80% of critical care patients. Delirium is described as a severe change in mental abilities and a short-term cause of cerebral impairment that can present as distortion or psychosis and is associated with numerous conditions. While critical care-related delirium typically lasts less than a week, those affected by longer periods …

Brain Injury (Bi) In Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv): The Importance Of Identifying Bi Symptoms And The Impact On Daily Occupations, Alexis Walther

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and resulting brain injury (BI) often experience unmet occupational needs. Specifically, there are barriers to occupations like health management, social participation, work, and education. These barriers occur due to lasting IPV and BI related trauma and symptoms, negative societal views, underreported nature of the injury, and lack of awareness on the topic. This poses a problem, as many service providers may not be educated or aware of the link between IPV and BI, since it is an emerging area of practice. This results in a gap in literature and services related to IPV …

Acquired Brain Injury And The Impact On Functional Cognition, Jocelyn Rae Kirk

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Occupational therapy practitioners often work with individuals with deficits in cognition due to an acquired brain injury (ABI). Individuals who experience an ABI may have deficits in functional cognition, making it difficult to complete everyday complex tasks, resulting in decreased independence, safety, engagement, health, and wellness (Engel et al., 2019; Erez & Katz, 2018; Klepo et al., 2022; O’Donoghue et al., 2022; Scharaga & Holtzer, 2015). Implementing current evidence-based functional cognition evaluations is difficult for occupational therapy practitioners due to the 17-year lag between evidence and implementation into clinical practice; therefore, practitioners need support in these efforts (Rubin, 2023). …

The Impact Of The Provision Of Occupational Therapy Services For Oncology Care Patients Within The Interprofessional Team, Natasha M. Minar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: There is growing evidence to suggest that occupational and other therapy interventions can play a role in positively affecting the outcomes of individuals with cancer and cancer survivors. Occupational therapists can address peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema, pain, fatigue, cognitive deficits, and psychosocial issues (Baxter et al., 2017; Stout et al., 2021; Vining Radomski et al., 2021). Through appropriate assessment, intervention, education, and discharge planning, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation specialties can attempt to collaboratively change the outcome of an individual’s cancer course (Munoz et al., 2015). Individuals with cancer and cancer survivors have difficulty engaging in their own life in …

Pain Neuroscience Education With A Veteran Population, Kate Westphal

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: In 2021, upper extremity (UE) injuries accounted for 21.3% of injuries by U.S. active duty service members (Mahlmann et al., 2024). Right or left shoulder pain were the top two diagnoses in active-duty service members between fiscal years 2016 and 2021, with overuse/non-specific injury being the most common UE injury (Isaacson et al., 2024). Pain often follows service members after discharge. It is estimated 66% of the 20 million Veterans in the United States experience musculoskeletal pain, and chronic pain is more intense in a Veteran population, limiting their ability to engage in preferred activities of daily living (Areias …

Enhancing Quality Of Life: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Managing Chronic Conditions, Aubrey Rude

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Chronic conditions are among the most common health concerns, and often cause disruption to daily routines, roles, self-identity, and quality of life (Fields & Smallfield, 2022). In fact, they are the leading cause of disability in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). It is estimated that 129 million adults are living with at least one chronic condition as defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Trying to manage a chronic condition is extremely time consuming, with people spending at least two hours every day on health-related activities …

Nature-Based Practices In Early Childhood Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Angela Mossman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Early childhood experiences are the building blocks for all future behavior and health (Warmbold,2015). These experiences, whether positive or negative, build the foundation of the brain's architecture (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2016). The developing brain comprises neural connections that develop through an ongoing process that begins before birth and continues into adulthood (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2016). This capstone project aims to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of naturebased practices through the lens of occupational therapy. Ginsburg et al. (2007) stated that play is essential for optimal child development. The benefits of …

Rehabilitation Not Punishment: Adults In Custody Learning Skills Needed To Survive In Society, Kaitlyn J. Wanner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The U.S has one of the highest populations of incarcerated individuals in the world and must shift from the use of punishment to rehabilitation for these individuals (Huynh et al., 2015; Muñoz, 2019; Phelps & Aldrich, 2022). While in prison, these individuals are limited in their ability to participate in meaningful activities and lose skills needed to function in society (Lares & Montgomery, 2020). Occupational therapy assists individuals of a variety of populations engage in activities that are meaningful to them. The set of skills that occupational therapy has to offer results in a broad area of settings that …

Addressing Sleep Within The Hand Therapy Practice Context, Grant Edwin Tolkkinen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sleep is an essential pillar for health and well-being, yet this is not well understood by the general public. Many clients seen within the occupational therapy advanced practice context of hand therapy are at risk of sleep disturbances which will impact the sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial components of the client. Sleep disturbances also negatively affect many aspects which are required for successful recovery and return to occupational engagement for those with conditions of the upper extremity. Addressing sleep within practice allows occupational therapy practitioners within the advanced practice context of hand therapy to promote occupational performance across all waking …

Addressing Occupational Challenges Through Multimodal Educational And Training Intervention Approaches To Improve Health Outcomes For Caregivers And Care Recipients, Skye Gross

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Family caregivers represent approximately 20% of the U.S. population (American Association for Retired Persons [AARP], 2020), with a prevalence linked to the rise of conditions and critical care needs among the baby boomer population. Family members are often relied upon to ensure the basic health needs of their loved ones as the complexity of care increases. On average, family caregivers dedicated 24 or more hours a week to caregiving tasks while fulfilling work and other essential functions. Nearly 50% provided high-intensity care to recipients with complex medical conditions with limited formal training (Reinhardt et al., 2019). These extreme levels …

Moving Beyond What Pays The Bills: Implementing New Assistive Technology Outcome Measures, Connor Nathan Fuchs

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The World Health Organization states that measuring outcomes is paramount to understanding the efficacy of assistive technology (AT) intervention (World Health Organization, 2022). Over 1 billion people across the globe use assistive technology, which is expected to double over the next 50 years. Outcome measures such as the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA) or Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) provide practitioners with information regarding the efficacy of AT interventions. This product aims to provide practitioners with a comprehensive, quick, and straightforward resource that outlines 14 assistive technology outcome measures for frequent use in practice.

Methods: A needs assessment …

Chronic Pain Management In Adults In Rural Areas And Its Effect On Health And Well-Being: An Occupational Therapist’S Guide For Clients, Kinley Jo Nordin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Chronic pain is a common problem among individuals in the United States (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). It can affect any area of occupation including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), health management, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). It can also negatively influence an individual’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to address the need for additional resources for individuals living in rural areas who experience chronic pain to help manage their health and …

Enhancing Engagement: Integrating Sensory-Based Strategies For Students With Emotional Behavior Disorders In Genereal Education Classrooms, Hailey Boline

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This scholarly project aims to develop and implement a toolkit designed to support teachers and paraprofessionals in managing the sensory, behavioral, and educational needs of students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and those who have experienced childhood trauma in general education classrooms. By integrating occupational therapy techniques and sensory-based interventions into classroom settings, this project seeks to enhance students' ability to self-regulate, ultimately improving academic engagement and social participation.

Methods: A multi-phase approach guided by the Ecology of Human Performance Model (EHP), beginning with a comprehensive literature review to identify best practices in sensory-based interventions for students with EBD …

Psychosocial Perspectives To Client Care In Orthopedic Settings – The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Ainsley E. Ahrndt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase practitioner and client knowledge regarding the interconnectedness of the mind and body, specifically when it comes to physical healing. Currently, in orthopedic care, there is a large focus on the biomechanical aspects of healing. While this approach is appropriate, it can fail to acknowledge non-physical factors that influence physical healing. Orthopedic injuries and conditions are very common which emphasizes the need for comprehensive care to support individuals as they heal from an injury or manage a condition. Occupational therapists have a unique skillset in that they can address both physical …

Milestones In Motion: Supporting Student Growth Through Developmental Understanding, Olivia Anne Dobrinz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Developmental milestone expectations increase in school-aged children, accompanied by growing demands in motor skills, cognition, social and emotional development, academic performance, and self-care skills. Routine screenings through a physician's annual well-child visits can help identify if a child is not meeting specific developmental expectations; however, caregivers and teachers play a critical role in early detection. Early detection and intervention of a developmental delay helps aid in their ability to catch up.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase teacher and parent awareness of developmental milestone expectations and to provide them with developmentally supportive activities that can …