Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Providing Health Providers Best Practice Strategies When Working With The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Population: A Continuing Education, Noah L. Epperson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Healthcare training has improved over the years. However, many healthcare providers are having a difficult time understanding the culture and the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) community. Continuing Education (CE) programs can be designed to improve cultural awareness to help close the gap by educating healthcare providers on the community’s culture, effective communication strategies, use of assistive technology, American Sign Language (ASL), and accommodations such as interpreters.

Purpose: The project aimed to develop a CE program that helped healthcare providers learn effective communication strategies, assistive devices, and accommodations for the Deaf and HOH community. Additionally, …

Empowering Caregivers Through Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach To Adolescent Mental Health Education, Shannon Grace Ring

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This scholarly project aimed to create an evidence-based toolkit for caregivers of adolescents currently completing partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Adolescents enrolled in PHP have experienced severe disruption in their daily functions. Adolescent mental illness is a public health concern due to its prevalence, early onset, and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities (Ghandour et al., 2019). Mental health disorders during adolescence can affect development by interfering with the ability to function in daily settings and achieve social, emotional, cognitive, and academic milestones (Ghandour et al., 2019). Many adolescents are also exposed to risk factors, including …

Technol-Ot And Creativity: Implementing Occupational Therapy (Ot) And Assistive Technology (At) Into Art And Music For Adults With Disabilities, Camille Alexandra Aquino, Aarti Subramanian, Austin Yee, Joshua Darrin Montano, Angelica-Kjristen Antonio

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: Assistive technology (AT) holds the potential to enhance independence and participation among individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (IDD) and physical disabilities. AT supports for adults with these disabilities remain limited in community settings after they transition out of the K–12 educational system. Addressing this gap requires collaborative, client-centered approaches to implementing effective AT solutions.

Purpose: This project aims to assess and address the AT needs of Marin Ventures (MV), an adult engagement day program, and seeks to develop and implement sustainable AT applications to enhance creative expression and communication for MV clients.

Methods: A needs assessment was conducted …

Exploring The Synergy Of Executive Functions And Sensory Processing In Shaping Occupational Participation, Isabella Aguirre, Kaitlin Mulvaney, Sophia Zertuche

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

This study adds to the available literature on the relationship between executive functions (EF) and sensory processing (SP), and their combined effect on occupational participation (OP) in children aged 5-12 years. Understanding the nature of this relationship holds the key to identifying factors shaping a child's ability to engage effectively in daily life activities. The research team hypothesized that children with stronger EF and more efficient SP will demonstrate higher levels of OP, while those with challenges in either or both domains may experience limitations to effectively engage in daily activities. Participants consisted of parents of 26 children aged 5 …

Impact Of Sensory Diets On Occupational Performance, Kyndra Holloway, Cassandra Howard, Makena Collin, Princess Pillos

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

This study investigates the impact of individualized sensory diets on children’s occupational performance in daily life. Sensory diets are structured, child-specific interventions designed to facilitate improved sensory processing by integrating activities into established routines. They involve a tailored home program plan, consistent application, and interventions aligned with the child’s specific sensory needs (Wilbarger, 1995).Using a multiple single-case study design, this research examined the outcomes of sensory diets prescribed alongside direct occupational therapy (OT) services for four white male children aged 3 years, 11 months to 5 years, and 8 months with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Participants were recruited through Developmental FX (DFX) …

Increasing Awareness Of Occupational Therapy For College Students At Dominican University Of California, Joshua James King Ng, Connor Efstathiu, Audrey Nakashima, Rylee Sarasua, Katie Szoboszlay

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: This project is the third iteration of the Occupational Therapy (OT) college student program at Dominican University of California aiming to promote OT Coaching services for students while enhancing occupational engagement in daily activities, and overall well-being. Occupational therapists play a distinctive role in postsecondary education (AOTA, 2013).The second iteration of the OT college student program (2022–2023) prioritized collaboration with the school’s Student Success Center (SSC) and on-campus Integrative Coaches (ICs) who played a pivotal role in streamlining client referrals and enhancing the program outcomes. During their time with the program, this group was able to flagship a program …

Resilience Programming For Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed-Methods Exploration, Meghan Shellooe, Jalina Madriaga, Valerie Perez, Gabriela Velazquez

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy students and practitioners experience high levels of stress due to classroom and professional demands which can lead to burnout. Resilience is found as a protective factor against stress and burnout. Resilience can be defined as the different ways systems work together to achieve better results than expected, after experiencing adversity. Concepts related to resilience include social connection, self-efficacy, and mindfulness. Research done on resilience programming for students has been shown to support students in navigating the hardships of college. Resilience programming has been found to be effective for occupational therapists in the workplace during high work demands. However, …

Effectiveness Of Immersive Virtual Reality Combined With Task-Specific Training On Hemiplegic Arm Function Following Stroke: A Single Case Series Study, Rahsaan J. Holley

Theses and Dissertations

Motor recovery of the arm following a neurological injury is a common goal of the rehabilitation process for individuals impacted by the condition . Due to the long-term functional implications of impaired arm movement, individuals are often trained to use compensatory strategies to complete functional tasks without incorporating the weakened limb. While compensatory strategies offer stroke survivors the opportunity to regain a level of independence, such approaches fail to directly address the underlying causes of the disability (i.e., limited range of motion, decreased strength, poor coordination, motor planning difficulties) which can unfortunately result in long-term impairment and functional disability.

Motor …

Regulation & Resilience: A Toolkit To Promote Pediatric Mental Health Within An Outpatient Setting, Aysia Crumbie

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this doctoral ALE/Capstone project was to develop a pediatric mental health toolkit for clinicians to utilize at my site, the Georgetown Pediatric Therapy Center in Georgetown, Kentucky. The primary ACOTE areas of focus were education, advocacy, and program development. I collaborated with the two occupational therapists at the site to achieve the goals of 1) developing a pediatric mental health toolkit grounded in evidence, clinical use, and clinician feedback, 2) supporting clinician consistency and confidence when addressing mental health in sessions, and 3) providing accessible caregiver resources to support strategy carryover at home. A needs assessment was …

Improving Dementia Care Practices In The Swing Bed Program, Grace Donahue

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my capstone/ALE, I partnered with the therapy team at CHI St. Joseph Berea’s Swing Bed Program to improve communication and care strategies for patients with dementia or cognitive impairments. My project focused on ACOTE areas of program development, education, and advocacy in an acute care setting. The goal was to implement dementia-friendly communication practices and promote meaningful engagement through activity toolboxes.The Swing Bed Program supports patients recovering from acute hospital stays who are not yet ready to return home. During my time there, I observed a lack of structured, personalized activities for patients, despite regulatory expectations for enrichment. My …

Beyond The Clinic: Developing An Animal-Assisted Therapy Program For School-Based Ot, Shelby R. Frazier

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was created to equip Pineville Independent Schools, located in rural Kentucky, with the tools and strategies needed to implement and sustain an Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program within their occupational therapy services. Although the district uniquely employs both a licensed occupational therapist and a veterinarian who teaches animal care and vocational skills to students, neither professional had experience with AAT or knowledge of its potential integration within the school system. This revealed a significant gap and an opportunity for innovative program development in a rural educational setting. The primary goals were to design a school-based AAT framework that …

Meaningful Participation Matters: Evaluating Resident Engagement In A Senior Living Activity Program, Mary C. Caudill

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project evaluated and improved the life enrichment program at Dominion Senior Living, an assisted living facility serving older adults, including those in memory care. Centered on the ACOTE focus area of program development, the project aimed to promote meaningful, accessible engagement through an occupational therapy lens.

Goals included assessing current activity effectiveness, identifying participation barriers, and developing evidence-based recommendations to improve variety, inclusivity, and therapeutic value. A needs assessment—using resident surveys, staff feedback, and structured observations—revealed low engagement among memory care and male residents, limited activity variety, and insufficient opportunities for meaningful social interaction. A literature review supported …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Health, Safety, & Wellbeing In Farmers And Ranchers With Disabilities: ​ A Systematized Review, Trinity Edwards, Lauren Klone, Madilynn Edwards, Emily Morse, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Objective: This systematized review synthesizes evidence on occupational therapy (OT) interventions that enhance health, safety, and participation of agriculture workers with disabilities, advancing evidence-based, context-specific approaches in OT practice.

Abstract: Background: Farmers and ranchers have higher rates of injury, disability, and chronic conditions than the general population. These challenge their health and lifestyle (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2024; Miller & Aherin, 2018; Desai et al., 2022).

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of OT at improving safety, health, and well-being amongst agricultural workers with disabilities.

Design: We performed a systematized review of peer-reviewed …

Interventions To Improve Community Mobility In Autistic People: A Systematized Review, Sydney Maddox, Jada Ford, Heather Olson, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: Community mobility (CM) enables access to locations outside the home, allowing participation in work, leisure, and social environments. Autistic adults have reported less access to public transportation and driving than the general population (Wilson et al., 2021), impacting their community participation, life satisfaction, and likelihood of employment and further education (Egilson et al., 2016, Song et al., 2022, Wilson et al., 2021). Occupational therapists can support autistic people by providing interventions to increase CM.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve CM in autistic people.

Methods: We collaborated with a medical librarian to conduct a systematic review …

Interventions To Improve Functional Use Of Hemiplegic Upper Extremity Post-Stroke: A Systematized Review, Brieana R. Dean, Sarah N. Wamsley, Halle Clary, Max W. Granstrom, Danielle Westmark, Bridgette Quinn, Stacey Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Purpose: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability with upper limb hemiplegia, significantly limiting participation in daily life (Lee & Howe, 2024; Long et al., 2020). This systematized review was conducted to address interventions within the scope of OT used to improve functional use of hemiplegic UE for adults post-stroke. Design: A systematized review protocol was used with inclusion criteria of full-text, English-language articles addressing rehabilitation interventions for hemiplegic UEs post-stroke containing participants ranging from ages 18-85. A medical librarian at the McGoogan Health Sciences library conducted a search across multiple databases for articles meeting the criteria for the …

Safety Of Healthcare Workers In Acute Care During Patient Mobilization: A Systematized Review, Lina Al Azzawi, Peyton Collier, Delaney Ehlers, Ruby Kulovitz, Danielle M. Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Abstract synopsis

Evidence shows that low-tech aids and lifting equipment promote safe patient handling in acute care, with the most consistent support found for lifting equipment in reducing worker injuries. There was mixed evidence to support ergonomic training.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that enhance safety during patient mobilization for healthcare workers in acute care settings.

This systematized review of safe patient handling interventions included peer-reviewed studies that target healthcare worker safety during patient mobilization in acute care settings.

A medical librarian performed searches in Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus. …

Optimizing Recruitment Strategies, Outcome Measures, And Intervention In Clinical Research With Adults With Multiple Sclerosis: Insights From The Tele-Exercise And Multiple Sclerosis (Teams) Study, Tracy Flemming Tracy

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Recruiting people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) into research can be a significant challenge. This is often due to limited awareness of the research objectives, lack of accessibility, and restrictive inclusion criteria. In addition to a general reluctance to participate, assessing multiple sclerosis (MS) and assigning appropriate interventions can be challenging due to the heterogeneity of symptoms. Identifying outcome measures that accurately reflect a participant’s perception and functional performance, while remaining sensitive to change across different levels of disability, poses a challenge. Methods: Data from the Tele-Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis (TEAMS) trial was analyzed to identify effective recruitment strategies (Study …

Current Practices In Implementing The Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Needs Assessment: A National Survey, Laurie D. Stelter, Kaitlyn Cremer, Lou Rutigliano, Leslye Morris, Lima Ghulmi, Ana Allegretti

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) programs navigate curricular decisions related to designing, implementing, and refining doctoral capstone processes. One of the complex requirements is the doctoral capstone needs assessment (DCNA) which each student completes prior to the implementation of the doctoral capstone project. The researchers aimed to contribute to the specificity of DCNA-related understanding, informing quality decision-making, via a national, cross-sectional survey of current DCNA practices. Purposive sampling resulted in a 24.3% (n=54) response rate of mostly Doctoral Capstone Coordinators (DCCs; 98.1%) representing programs across doctoral capstone experience levels. The timing of DCNA processes trended toward the latter half of …

Warrior Life Transition Program, Joshua Gartner

OT Doctoral Capstones

The problem that exists is that the Willliam Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC), Internal Medicine Clinic (IMC) treats issues amongst active duty and veteran personnel in a reactionary manner. 6 domains of need: Mental health, (including, sub-domains of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress), occupations, pain, family life/connection (Relationships), sleep and alcohol/ substance abuse. Currently there is no one assessment at the WBAMC IMC that looks to assess all of these areas in a reactive way. This project was to develop a reactive assessment to address these domains of need.

Supporting The Parents Of Transition Aged Students With Autism, Miguel Duran

OT Doctoral Capstones

The present capstone project sought to develop and implement an 8-week parent support program for the parents of transition aged youths diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder residing within the Socorro Independent School District. The parent support group included the topics of preparing for the transition process, state and local resources, and identifying caregiver strain for the first half of the program. The latter half of the program consisted of self-care and leisure activities for the parents to address levels of caregiver strain. The goal of the program was to identify potential changes in three areas: caregiver strain, perceived levels of …