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Potential Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Practice and Profession of Speech-Language Pathology: A Working Paper
Get PDFThis paper explores the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the profession of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). AI is widely recognized as a transformative force, presenting opportunities across both service delivery and professional practice in SLP. This paper examines how AI may partially or fully automate and augment key tasks such as screening, assessment, and treatment. It also addresses associated challenges, including data bias and the “black box” problem while advocating for proactive engagement with AI technologies. Finally, the paper posits that AI will reshape the field, serving as a collaborative partner for SLPs, enhancing efficiency, and expanding access to care rather than replacing human professionals. It urges graduate programs and the discipline to act swiftly
A Number Talk Informed by the Socio-Ecological
Get PDFFourth graders used a variety of strategies to identify the total number of objects buried in the soil
Brain Injury (BI) in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): The Importance of Identifying BI Symptoms and the Impact on Daily Occupations
Get PDFIntroduction: 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 and BI.
Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to fill the gap in literature and services through the creation of a resource guide. This resource guide aims to assist the provider in the service delivery process so unmet needs for survivors of IPV and resulting BI are being addressed.
Methodology: This scholarly project included five stages of product development. These stages included a (1) literature review, (2) follow up needs assessment, (3) literary comparison of onsite needs, (4) interprofessional collaboration, and (5) implementation of the product. Dunn et al.’s (1994) ecological model of human performance (EHP), was used to guide all five stages of product development and creation of the product. EHP was used because of its use of interprofessional language and its focus on the interactions between the constructs of person, context, and task (Dunn, 2017).
Results: The result of this scholarly project is a product called the STRC Resource Guide. This guide includes introduction materials, a theoretical framework, a service delivery flowchart, IPV and BI educational handouts, the STRC questionnaire and implementation guide, a tip sheet on referrals, recommendations, and next steps, and IPV and BI resources.
Conclusion: This scholarly project was done to look at the gap in literature and services for survivors of IPV and BI. To address this gap, the STRC Resource Guide was created. Implications to practice include improving provider readiness, awareness, interprofessional collaboration, and education. This will improve the overall service delivery process so survivors of IPV and resulting BI’s occupational needs are being met
ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY’S ROLE IN MANAGING CHRONIC CONDITIONS
No full textIntroduction: 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 to manage the condition, thus taking away time and energy from other important occupations, and other limitations that prevent them from fully engaging in meaningful activities which can make the symptoms and condition worse (Lambdin-Pattavina & Pyatak, 2022).
Methodology: The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) guided this scholarly project. A literature review, needs assessment, clinical experience in outpatient and assisted living facilities, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team took place to determine the needs of population with chronic conditions. The literature review was conducted using CINAHL and PubMed databases.
Results: The resource that was created consisted of resources for understanding chronic conditions, patient resources, caregiver resources, and educational resources on the diagnoses and care team. These resources addressed the unmet needs of patients with chronic conditions. Resources were disseminated through an online platform titled mOTivated: Living with a Chronic Condition. Materials were also provided via hard copy to occupational therapy practitioners at the facility.
Discussion: This resource was intended to address factors influencing occupational identity and occupational competence for individuals who have chronic illnesses. The materials provided can be utilized in various ways to support performance and participation in daily life tasks. It should be noted that these resources can be individualized for each patient’s needs to improve outcomes. With access to these resources, patients will have increased motivation to continue engaging in meaningful occupations
NATURE-BASED PRACTICES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD THROUGH AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LENS
Get PDFBackground: 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\u27s 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 play include fostering creativity, developing imagination, enhancing dexterity, and promoting physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. However, various factors have significantly affected play, including increased technology use, reduced parental time, and an overwhelming number of scheduled activities (Ginsburg et al., 2007). Lee et al. (2021) argued that nature-based play is influenced by individual circumstances, parental involvement, social environments, and ecological factors such as seasonality and rurality. Alarmingly, children average only four to seven minutes of unstructured outdoor play each day while spending approximately seven and a half hours on media (National Recreation and Park Association, n.d). Sugiyama et al. (2023) found a direct correlation between higher screen time at age two and suboptimal development in communication and daily living skills by age four. This study concluded that outdoor play mediates the relationship between screen time and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The decline in playtime can negatively impact a child\u27s ability to store new information and may increase stress and anxiety (Ginsburg et al., 2007). Nature-based practices offer a solution, with established evidence showing they enhance children\u27s physical activity and social, emotional, and cognitive development (Dankiw et al., 2020).
Purpose: This product was designed to give professionals a thorough understanding of the benefits of integrating occupational therapy principles, specifically the Sensory Pyramid of Learning, into nature-based practices (Williams & Schellenberger,1996). Combining these approaches can significantly enhance child development. Professionals who incorporate these methods into their work and provide education to parents can create opportunities to promote development. Supporting children\u27s play in nature enriches their immediate experiences and positively influences other areas of their lives (Dankiw et al., 2020; Ginsburg et al., 2007).
Methodology: A model-driven literature review was completed to explore the therapeutic benefits of nature-based practices, specifically focusing on how these practices can influence early childhood development from an occupational therapy perspective. The literature review was analyzed through the Ecological Model of Human Performance lens, emphasizing the importance of context (EHP; Dunn,2017). This approach aligns with the project\u27s objective of examining how the context of nature impacts health and well-being in early childhood development (Dunn, 2017). During a 14-week doctoral experiential placement at Teton Science School, many collaborative meetings were conducted with the staff and the early intervention program director to understand the need from their perspective based on their expertise and experiences. Teton Science School is a school that utilizes a combination of nature-based, placebased, and Reggio Emilia approaches, making it a good match for the project. A collaborative plan was established to create a guide for professionals to increase their knowledge of the therapeutic benefits and use of Nature-based practices with children by using the Sensory Pyramid of learning as the foundation and instructing parents and providing them with handouts. (Williams, M.S., & Shellenberger, S.,1996).
Conclusion: The product is a resource guide designed for professionals to enhance their knowledge and application of the therapeutic benefits of nature-based practices. The guide contains information on the benefits of these practices, activity ideas, parent handouts, evidence supporting nature-based approaches, and an observation checklist to identify when children may require additional support and referral to occupational therapy. Professionals can use the guide to educate parents about the advantages of nature-based practices for their children and offer examples of ways to engage in nature-based activities together. Professionals and parents will better understand how these practices positively impact child development, with the overall goal of encouraging increased use of nature-based practices
Increasing Occupational Therapy Student Preparedness for Level II Fieldwork Experiences in Hand Therapy
Get PDFBackground: A level II fieldwork experience is essential within occupational therapy programs as it allows occupational therapy students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life practice. Students need to complete level II fieldwork to graduate, become practicing therapists, and grow the field of occupational therapy. However, many practitioners, particularly those specializing in hand therapy, hesitate to accept students for fieldwork placements. Barriers reported by hand therapy practitioners include a lack of student knowledge, preparation, and clinical skills (Short et al., 2017; Valdes et al., 2022). Hand therapy settings\u27 rapid pace and demanding nature require students to be adequately prepared, eager to learn, and willing to engage in additional study beyond what is offered in the standard occupational therapy curriculum (Valdes et al., 2022). Therefore, occupational therapy students doing a level II fieldwork placement need a resource in addition to their entry-level occupational therapy program to assist them in being more prepared.
Purpose: This scholarly project aims to prepare OT students for level II fieldwork in the advanced hand therapy setting. The preparation guide offers essential hand therapy information, education, and learning opportunities to help students build their knowledge and confidence in their clinical skills.
Methods: The development of this scholarly project was guided through the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model (Dunn, 2017). The phases of development included a literature review, skilled observation, and collaboration with hand therapists. The aim was to identify the VIII gaps and opportunities for occupational therapy students in hand therapy level II fieldwork. The process began with an extensive literature review conducted through numerous electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Clinical Key, the American Occupational Therapy Association, and the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Research topics include evidence-based hand therapy practice, fieldwork barriers, practitioner perspectives, and students’ perspectives on fieldwork experience. Additionally, skill observation and collaboration took place on-site with hand therapists and orthopedic healthcare professionals
PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVES TO CLIENT CARE IN ORTHOPEDIC SETTINGS – THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
No full textBackground: 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 and psychosocial aspects of recovery to promote functional engagement in daily life.
Project Description: A contained resource was developed following the completion of a needs assessment through a literature review, informal interactions with practitioners, and observations of the target population. The main portion of the resource consists of four client handouts, each paired with a practitioner reference page, that focus on integrating psychosocial practices into their daily routine. Additional components of the resource include an overview of existing evidence, a letter to practitioners, and a description of the applicability of the product. vi
Discussion: Although psychosocial perspectives are not commonly emphasized in orthopedic care, it is important to recognize the significant influence the mind can have on physical healing. Using the lens of occupational therapy, this product seeks to increase both practitioner and client awareness of psychosocial health when addressing orthopedic injuries and conditions. Future efforts may look to increasing contributions to the growing body of current literature, expand continuing education opportunities for practitioners, and further develop resources that support comprehensive, client-centered care
MOVING BEYOND WHAT PAYS THE BILLS: IMPLEMENTING NEW ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY OUTCOME MEASURES
Get PDFPurpose: 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 was conducted, which included a literature review, skilled observation of assistive technology evaluation and intervention at an outpatient clinic in the Midwest, and informal interviews with practitioners working with assistive technology. The Ecology of Human Performance was used as a theoretical backing to better understand the relationship between the person, the task, and the context for which the specific AT is addressed (Dunn, 2017).
Results: A product containing 14 assistive technology outcome measures, along with descriptions and availability information, was created to support practitioners working in the field of assistive technology in selecting evidence-based tools to enhance their practice. The product will serve as a quick and straightforward resource for practitioners to identify which outcome measure more easily, they would like to use.
Conclusions: This product will serve as a quick and convenient resource for practitioners working in the field of assistive technology to track outcomes. Continued tool updating, discussion regarding the topic, and research are needed to better understand the effectiveness of various assistive technology interventions
Somewhere in Between (Freezing Drizzle) Song Lyrics, undated
No full textSong lyrics for Somewhere in Between (Freezing Drizzle) by Bill Gessner. Two single-sided sheets of printed lyrics total, with one yellow sticky note indicating lyric revisions. No date is mentioned anywhere on the pages. The song is a mournful but resigned description of falling out of love. The lyrics utilize weather metaphors and vivid imagery to relate to listeners with similar experiences. No name is mentioned that may reveal the subject of the song, but the lyrics allude to the ending of the relationship by the end, so it is likely to be a past love in his life.https://commons.und.edu/gessner-lyrics/1012/thumbnail.jp
Design And Fabrication Of TPMS-Based Bone Scaffolds: A Cost-Effective Approach Using PLGA-nHA And 3d-Printed PVA Molds
Get PDFThis thesis introduces a new cost-effective method for fabricating bone scaffolds from triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) geometries—namely Gyroid and Diamond structure—using a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-nanohydroxyapatite (PLGA-nHA) composite and 3D-printed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) molds. Current TPMS scaffold fabrication techniques depend on costly laser-based techniques like selective laser sintering and thus remain inaccessible. Herein, we reveal a cost-effective and repeatable indirect approach via fused deposition modeling (FDM) for printing water-soluble PVA molds, which are then iteratively cast filled with a PLGA-nHA solution. The protocol was optimized through concentration modulation and controlled evaporation of the solvent for optimum infiltration and uniformity in the scaffolds. Two main goals motivated this work: first, automate and optimize scaffolding through bioprinting and second, design and test TPMS scaffolds versus conventional lattice geometries. The automated casting approach decreased variability and material loss and doubled the scaffolding\u27s thickness and decreased processing time by over fivefold as compared to manual casting. Integrity of the structure and composition were confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), light microscopy and compression testing and were found to be superior in Diamond scaffolds (1.0 MPa compressive strength and 0.25 MPa modulus) when compared with lattices. Cell adhesion and viability in vitro assays showed good adhesion and viability of cells through all scaffolds and TPMS scaffolding showing better cell spreading and integration because of their better surface area and interconnected porosity. This study proves TPMS scaffolding fabricated through the presented method possesses better mechanical strength, high porosity and biocompatibility and very low cost of production. This sets the stage for accessibility of advanced scaffolding designs in the application of bone tissue engineering and future directions also could be extended to in vivo and long-duration degradation tests