Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

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  Use of Medication Management Strategies to Increase Medication Compliance in Person’s Who Have Suffered a Stroke

  Mason Pace and Rebecca King

  The provided research provides education to increased independence in person with stroke for the occupation of medication adherence. Various exercises and education provided in the research to increase independence in persons with stroke.

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  Exploring the Occupation of Education of Children with Undocumented Immigrant Parents

  Denise Perez, Susan MacDermott, and Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

  This research study highlights the detrimental effects of family separations on children's well-being, academic performance, and long-term outcomes. It emphasizes the urgent need for research on the mental health effects of immigration policies on children at risk of parental deportation. A qualitative research study was used to understand the experiences and challenges of adults with undocumented immigrant parents during various stages of schooling. The research utilizes the Kawa model to explore emotional factors and barriers affecting students' occupational engagement in an educational setting. The study aims to identify supports and barriers to school engagement for students with undocumented immigrant parents, using a qualitative descriptive approach with open-ended survey questions. Participants will be recruited through snowball sampling, and data will be collected through surveys and the drawing of the Kawa model. Data analysis will involve identifying themes using Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis.

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  Classroom Reintegration for Children and Adolescents with Traumatic Brain Injuries

  Alli Perkins, Mary Greer, and Keith McWilliams

  The purpose of the poster presentation is to increase the present knowledge regarding the process of school-based reintegration for children and adolescents who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. As children and young adults spend an average of 32 hours per week in the school environment, parents, educators, and rehabilitation professionals are ideally positioned to collaborate with one another to facilitate the reintegration process and enable students to return to their primary occupations of educational participation, social participation, play, and leisure. The presentation includes information from the development and implementation of a program for parents, families, and educators of those involved with pediatric brain injury clients. The program explored and aimed to remedy the knowledge gap among parents and educators about the process of returning to a school environment following a neurological incident by providing educational modules and resources including general information on brain injuries and school-based reintegration, available school-based supports, school-based interventions, parent and educator guidelines to reintegration, and frequently asked questions for parents and educators. The program and presentation emphasize the unique position of occupational therapists and school-based personnel during the reintegration process and highlight their distinctive roles and contributions to easing the transition and return to a school environment.

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  Play is a Way of Life: Play-Based Program for parents of Young Children (Ages Two to Five Years Old)

  Lauren Purdom, Angela Labrie Blackwell, and Amanda Perdue Owen

  This play-based program was created for parents of young children (ages two to five years old) and is accessible through a website called "Play is a Way of Life". Within this program it includes, educational material on the differences between active and passive play and recommendations for each type of play that children in this age group should participate in each day. It also includes a 6-week program with a variety of active play activities that target specific skills that children (ages two to five years old) should participate in for their overall development.

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  Occupational Impact of Caregivers in Pediatric Palliative Care

  Lezlye Ramos, Karen Park, and Jazminne O. Arteaga

  The purpose of this study is to understand the occupational impact for caregivers who had a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition who had received pediatric palliative care. A lack of understanding of occupational therapy’s role in end-of-life care ultimately underutilizes and under-prepares occupational therapists to work in this practice area. Becoming a medical family caregiver, neglecting personal needs and desires becomes a norm having a in-direct effect on physical and psychological health and well-being. Findings from this study suggest that it is reasonable to infer that occupational participation among caregivers is influenced by finding time for self and others, professional and personal sacrifices, multileveled support types, finding meaning and purpose, and engaging in the transformation and healing stages.

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  The Role of OT in Treating ECMO Patients in the ICU: A Scoping Review

  Sophia C. Roe, Angela Blackwell, and Whitney Hohman

  This scoping review investigated the role of occupational therapists in treating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Databases analyzed included CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest. The primary research question aimed to identify the role of occupational therapists in ECMO patient care. The secondary research question aimed to determine the percentage of ECMO patients who received occupational therapy services in the ICU and were discharged home. The search retrieved a total of 400 records. After the inclusion, exclusion, and selection process, 33 articles were included for review. Results provide an analysis of the portrayal of OT's role in ECMO patient care as presented in the literature. Future research should be conducted to expand on the scope and role of OT in supporting ECMO patients in the ICU.

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  Occupational Therapy's Role in Supporting Individuals with Down Syndrome through an Employment Program

  Jenny Rossopoulos and Susan MacDermott

  This poster presents the implementation of an existing employment program, EmployAble to a new group of individuals with Down syndrome. The presentation outlines the methods, program design, and curriculum. Additionally, this capstone project aims to explore the support mechanisms for individuals with disabilities in the workplace and the education of employers regarding inclusive employment practices.

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  Preparatory Program for Women during Pregnancy/Postpartum and Transitioning back to Work or School

  Bria Runnels and Rebecca King

  Despite the importance of maternal health during the prenatal, postnatal, and parenting stages, there is a lack of research on the role of occupational therapists (OTs) in addressing the occupational challenges faced by women during this transitional phase. This dissertation aims to develop a program that raises awareness of the role of occupational therapy in maternal health and promotes occupational therapists as part of an interdisciplinary team within the scope of maternal health care. By adapting co-occupation for mothers, occupational therapists can play an important role in individualizing occupations for enhanced transitioning and overall quality of life. The study highlights the gap in the existing literature and emphasizes the need for OTs to provide interventions that address occupational performance issues for women during the transitional and adjusting stages of pregnancy. The paper also explores the challenges faced by young mothers and the psychosocial factors that impact their long-term health and well-being. The occupational adaption frame of reference is used to develop a model that integrates the two main domains of occupation and adaptation to improve adaptability. The study concludes that OTs could play a vital role in addressing the occupational challenges faced by women during the maternal role transition and advocates for the development, research, and education of this specialized field.

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  Exploring the Occupation of Adaptive Skateboarding

  Megan Sandwith, Susan MacDermott, and Amy Griswold

  The occupation of adaptive skateboarding strives to bring inclusivity to skateboarding by means of adaptational strategies that support performance for individuals with varied abilities. The purpose of this capstone project is to explore the occupation of adaptive skateboarding to increase the occupational knowledge and to inform occupational therapy’s role. A mixed methods research study was conducted to explore the question: What are the supports and barriers for participation in adaptive skateboarding? Additional community-based capstone experiences occurred to support the comprehensive findings that consider the role of occupational therapy in promoting participation. Conclusions highlight the meaning of the occupation of adaptive skateboarding, the need for further scientific literature, and the need for roles of advocacy that reduce barriers to participation.

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  Exploring Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia’s Self-Efficacy: A Qualitative Study

  Julia Seymour OTD; Kristin Domville DrOT, MOT, OTR/L; and Cody Cox OTD, MEd, OTR/L, PLCC

  A qualitative research study was done by conducting in-person and virtual interviews with past and current caregivers of individuals with dementia. This study was done to get a better understanding of caregiver self-efficacy, and how Occupational Therapy can be a solution and an advocate for caregivers.

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  An OT Needs Assessment for Children and Families Residing in Shelters

  Jessie Siono and Susan MacDermott

  This study created a needs assessment is to determine the unique occupational deficits of children and their families in California experiencing homelessness within a shelter setting via recording their lived experiences. A local family shelter was analyzed via observation and interviews with staff and residents of the shelter. The results were compiled into a facility assessment to identify supports and barriers to occupation. Results were also utilized to complete an occupational needs assessment for families and children living in homeless shelters. The study determined the occupational needs and occurrences of occupational deficits that were experienced by residents of the family shelter. This study discussed how role of occupational therapy can address occupational needs within the shelter setting.

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  The Mental Health and Wellness of Young Adults with Down Syndrome

  Annika Soderfelt, Susan MacDermott, and Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

  A poster presentation regarding the mental health and wellness of young adults with Down syndrome. This poster discusses how the mental health and wellness needs of individuals with Down syndrome are or are not currently being met and how resources and programming could be created, particularly by OTs, to better meet their need.

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  A Program To Help at Home: Social Skill For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

  Naomi Solomon, Mary Jan Greer, and Justine Faghihifar

  The Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically presents in early childhood with delayed or abnormal functioning and according to the CDC (2022), 1 in 44 children have been diagnosed across all demographics. With these high prevalence rates, occupational therapy can be an asset in ASD through a client-centered approach. The problem is the lack of generalization of skills used in the clinic to the home environment to develop and maintain social skills in children with ASD for social participation. This capstone used program development to demonstrate the impact group sessions have on social skills for a child diagnosed with autism by gaining input from their caregivers/families. The purpose was to learn about the needs of the family as it relates to social skills and to develop group activities to address the identified needs through a program in a clinic setting. To address an identified gap in the literature, this capstone provided activities that address social skills in a way that is repeatable in the home setting. Six social skill modules were derived from the data given by the participants: Recognizing Emotions, Self-Regulation, Greetings, Making Conversation, Parallel Play, and Turn-Taking/Sharing. Each topic was designed to introduce social skills to the children in the clinic and established by behavior modeling, prompting, and positive reinforcement. By introducing planned activities for social skills, along with family support at home, children increased their social participation that can benefit them into adulthood.

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  A Program to Address ADL Independence for Young Adults with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder and Their Caregivers

  Benjamin Stovall, OTS; Mary Greer, PhD, OTR; and Elizabeth McBride, OTR

  Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing disorder (SPD) often have difficulty understanding the steps to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and may become overstimulated when performing their ADLs. Difficulties performing their ADLs cause dependence on their caregivers, which in turn causes both the client and caregiver to have increased stress and avoidance of these ADLs. Occupational therapists (OT) work with individuals with ASD and SPD, but there is little literature to support OT intervention with young adults or to reduce caregiver stress. This capstone found resources and techniques to improve young adults independence in ADLs and decrease caregiver stress

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  Occupational Therapy After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Guidebook for Hispanic Women

  Katarina Tauran; Mary Smith PhD, MS, OTR/L; and Lesley Khan-Farooqi PhD, OTD, OTR/L

  This project aims to understand the needs of Hispanic women post-breast cancer treatment and offer a guidebook with educational resources in both English and Spanish.

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  A New Lease on Life: The Occupational Impact of Adaptive Skiing

  Caitlin Tetherow, Amy Lyons-Brown, and Amy Griswold

  This research study focuses on understanding the occupational impact of adaptive skiing on well-being and identity to promote lifelong occupational engagement, representation, and inclusion within current ski culture. A mixed-method research study utilized a 25-question online survey and an optional one-time virtual interview. 50 adaptive skiers and/or snowboarders participating in a winter adaptive program between 18-65 years old completed this study. This study found positive evidence supporting outcomes related to physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being and positive identity formation from adaptive skiing.

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  An Occupational Therapy Approach to Improving ADL/IADL Performance in Diabetic Adults with Stroke and Upper Extremity Pathologies

  Halle Thomas and Cassandra Nelson

  This capstone presentation depicts the impact of diabetic management with an occupational therapy approach on upper extremity motor function for the adult stroke population. This program utilizes dietary management, a home exercise program, and task modification strategies to improve ADL and IADL performance.

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  OT's Perspective on Type 1 Diabetes Management in College Students

  Nimmy Thomas, Cassandra Nelson, and Elizabeth Pyatak

  To create a program guide to provide resources for freshman-year students to seek accommodations or helpful tips for students with type 1 diabetes to have a smooth transition to college enhance overall health management, and participate in leisure activities.

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  Occupational Therapy’s Role in Creating an Educational Employment Program for Individuals with Disabilities.

  Jessica Tully and Cynthia Haynes

  The purpose of this poster was to explain the steps taken to create an educational employment program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

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  Education and Advocacy for Universal design and Accessibility in Housing

  Apisara Vairojanakich, Amy Lyons-Brown, and Molly Wuebker

  In the United States, there is a lack of adequate numbers of universally designed and accessible houses in the housing market for the older population and people with disabilities. Many barriers, such as financial support and lack of knowledge for housing-related professionals, can prevent this population from participating in home occupations. The project developed educational products, including the universal design housing experience booklet, universal design housing checklist, and universal design blueprints. These products were delivered through the blog post on Uncurbed LinkedIn website. The needs assessment was conducted to provide the guidelines for the chapters in the booklet and checklist. The educational products would educate people with disabilities and older populations about financial resources, home environmental barriers, and universal design in housing. The educational products also advocated for universal design in housing and educated housing-related professionals, including architects, interior designers, builders, and realtors, to increase their understanding and knowledge of universal design, universal design features, and the roles of occupational therapists in this field. Therefore, education and advocacy for universal design and accessibility in housing are important to increase universal design housing options.

  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/molly-wuebker_the-universal-design-housing-experience-activity-7184217325208829952-WYO-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

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  Exploring Healthy Occupations for Adolescents at Risk for the Juvenile Justice System

  Megan Vo, Dana Madalon, and Mary Jan Greer

  Many youth who are at risk for the juvenile justice system are likely to have spent some time in the foster care system or child welfare system. This population is often found lacking in social skills and/or life skills that contribute to the difficulties with independent living. Occupational therapy practitioners can provide independent life skills training, such as cooking/meal prepping, budgeting, and job exploration as well as providing healthy leisure outlets to promote a successful transition into adulthood. This program aims to promote the development of skills this population requires for successful independent living as an adult such as basic living skills as well as fostering healthy habits and routines. Many of those in this population have been in foster care long-term and are likely to age out of the foster care system; so, those who do find themselves aging out of this system have been shown to feel unprepared for life and face challenges financially, socially, and psychologically throughout their transition into adulthood. By determining the needs of this population, while factoring in environment, upbringing, and mental health concerns, this project will help facilitate a more seamless transition into adulthood and foster healthy habits.

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  Tattoo Artist Ergonomics: An Educational Video Series

  Adeline Wagner, Steven M. Gerardi, and Rachel Overberg

  Individuals who are tattoo artists experience hazards in their workplace by sitting and using repetitive movements for extended periods of time in poor postures and positions. The improper use of ergonomics impacts their daily occupational performance, work productivity, well-being, and overall quality of life. The hazards in the workplace can reduce one’s motivation, dictate one’s habits, routines, roles, and ability to complete meaningful activities. The problem is that tattoo artists are not trained in injury prevention which predisposes them to develop injuries. The purpose of this capstone project is to address this problem and develop an educational video series for tattoo artists on ergonomic principles that can be facilitated in the tattoo studio. The process of this project consists of three phases: (a) the data gathering phase, (b) the development phase, and (c) the recording and reviewing phase. The video series consists of 10 videos that address different ergonomic principles that provide tattoo artists with evidence-based recommendations. The development of this capstone project will expand occupational therapy (OT) literature and practice by creating a base of education for the tattoo industry.

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  ‘Mama May I?’: A Comprehensive Guide to Inform Occupational Therapy Practitioners for the Wellness of Black Pregnant Women

  Tavia Williams, Angela Blackwell, and Aminee Alexander

  Black women are facing a decline in well-being because health providers do not understand how pregnancy impacts them differently than other race in the United States. This population is dying at a rate 3-4 more times than white, Asian, and Hispanic women. These deaths are preventable as many stem from racism and bias in medicine (Markin & Coleman, 2023). Historically, occupational therapists have not been included in the care of pregnant women due to the exclusive team of obstetric providers, doulas, and midwives (Rost et al., 2023). Because the United States primarily utilizes the medical model for perinatal healthcare, pregnant women traditionally do not seek occupational therapy for wellness services. In relation to pregnant women, occupational therapists are sought to provide services for physical issues and educational deficits (Fernandes, 2018). This project utilized a Pre-Development Phase, Development Phase, Peer Review/Revision Phase, and a Dissemination Phase. The result was a 9 chapter wellness guide that contained applicable information under social, environmental, physical, spiritual, financial, intellectual, emotional, and occupational wellness. The last chapter contains administrative resources. This project is significant because it uniquely addresses a specific population that the profession of occupational therapy has failed to regard in women’s health. This project provides a perspective that recognizes how Black women have contrasting aspects of their lifestyle and genetic makeup that impact pregnancy. This project also offers a sense of belonging when Black women see they are represented in healthcare.