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Occupational Therapy Supporting The Role & Transition Into Parenthood
No full textThis doctoral capstone project aims to enhance health and wellness for parents who are students, faculty, or staff at Texas Woman’s University- Houston. This project focuses on developing and implementing events that address the unique occupational needs of parents, with emphasis on mothers, including stress management, daily routine and scheduling management, and social participation.
During the postpartum stage, a mother faces many occupational challenges which include healing from physical birth trauma, changes in hormone levels, sleep disruptions, learning to breastfeed, and altered family and partner relationships. These challenges affect a mother’s capacity to perform chosen occupations with satisfaction along with the loss of leisure and productivity post-motherhood while prioritizing the infant/child's needs over their own. These challenges that mothers face are amplified in an academic setting due to the demands of teaching, research, and academic deadlines. The events planned for this capstone involve strategies that implement mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques, organizing daily routines and schedules, and fostering supportive peer networks within the institution. All students are welcome to attend events and share information with friends or loved ones who are mothers. Moreover, integrating health promotion initiatives that address mental health and social participation can enhance the overall well-being and academic success of these parents.
As postpartum wellness is an emerging area of practice in occupational therapy, I intend to bridge the gap of maternal-focused postpartum care to promote occupational balance, enhance overall health and wellness, and strengthen social support for mothers who are students, faculty, and staff in college who are challenged with work-life balance. The insights and outcomes from this project can be used to inform and improve occupational therapy practices and health promotion initiatives, particularly those targeting maternal health and wellness. This contribution can lead to better support systems and interventions that promote the health and productivity of mothers, benefiting both their personal and professional lives.Texas Woman’s University- Housto
Examining the relationship between American Heart Association stroke prevention strategies and the incidence of recurrent stroke in large urban stroke prevention and neurology clinics
No full textStroke remains a leading cause of death and disability, imposing a significant burden on survivors and healthcare systems. Despite established guidelines by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, adherence to secondary stroke prevention strategies remains a challenge. This study examined the relationship between American Heart Association stroke prevention strategies, medication adherence, and recurrent stroke and the differences in implementing stroke prevention strategies based on clinic type, age, sex, gender, and insurance type.
The study found no direct association between the implementation of stroke prevention strategies, medication adherence, and recurrent stroke. Findings showed that specialized stroke prevention clinics (SSC) were more effective in implementing strategies, particularly in dietary education, physical activity counseling, and sleep apnea screening, compared to the Neurology clinics, highlighting the value of specialized care in promoting comprehensive stroke prevention. Furthermore, lack of insurance was associated with lower implementation of prevention strategies, aligning with broader concerns regarding healthcare access for uninsured populations.
Limitations include a small number of participants with recurrent stroke and other unmeasured confounders. Findings emphasize the need for dedicated stroke prevention clinics, improved patient education, greater adherence to guideline-based care, and the establishment of universal health insurance to improve access to care and reduce health disparities. Future research should explore interventions to improve long-term stroke prevention, particularly among high-risk populations
Unlocking Potential: Strategies to Empower Student-Led Learning and Discussion
No full textEffective instructional leadership isn’t just about identifying problems—it’s about taking action, bringing people together, and making real change happen. This project explores how targeted professional learning and a strong collaborative culture can transform teaching and learning. I led a collaborative team in analyzing data, identifying instructional gaps in reading and language, and implementing research-based strategies to strengthen Tier I instruction, focusing on student-led learning, active questioning, and discussions. Our professional development plan provided teachers with practical, high-leverage strategies, while a year-long collaborative learning initiative built a culture of shared growth. Through this process, I experienced firsthand that meaningful growth happens when leadership is intentional, learning is ongoing, and collaboration is prioritized. These findings highlight the power of instructional leadership in shaping school culture and improving student learning outcomes
The effects of a mindfulness meditation intervention on prelicensure nursing students' anxiety, situational awareness, and medication administration competency during a formative simulation evaluation
No full textThis quasi-experimental, cross-sectional correlational study examines the impact of a mindfulness meditation intervention on the anxiety levels, situational awareness (SA), and medication administration competencies (MACs) of prelicensure student nurses (SNs; N = 164) during a simulation evaluation. The study also explores the relationships between these variables. Simulation evaluations are often used to assess SNs’ MACs, but the stress of the environment can increase anxiety and disrupt cognitive functions. High anxiety and low SA are linked to poor academic performance and increased medical errors (Abu Ruz et al., 2018; Brennan et al., 2020). Medication errors are common among SNs, raising their risk for practice mistakes (Asensi-Vicente et al., 2018; Pauly-O’Neal, 2009). Thus, reducing anxiety and enhancing SA could potentially improve MACs.
Data were collected through anonymous surveys and analyzed using inferential statistics to answer the research questions and compare the control group (CG) with the intervention group (IG). A mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant differences between groups for pretest and post-test State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Y-1 scores (Wilks' Lambda = .99, F [1, 136] = .54, p = .463). The main effect comparing mindful breathing to standard procedures also revealed no significant differences (F [1, 136] = 1.52, p = .22). Independent samples t-tests also showed no significant differences between groups for Medication Administration Competency Simulation Rubric (MACSR) scores (t [156] = -.67, p = .252) and Situational Awareness Rating Technique (SART) scores (t [150] = .43, p = .333).
Despite the lack of significant group differences, strong correlations were found among the variables. Higher anxiety levels were associated with lower SA (r = -.197, p = .017), and lower SA correlated with more medication errors (r = -.209, p = .009). Post-test anxiety was significantly linked to pre-test trait anxiety (r = .504, p < .001), pre-test state anxiety (r = .575, p < .001), and medication errors (r = .166, p = .041), and SA (r = -.475, p < .001). These results suggest the need for further investigation into interventions that can reduce SNs' anxiety and improve their SA and MACs during simulation evaluations
Virtual dissection table: A supplemental learning aid for head and neck anatomy in a physical therapy program
No full textAlthough cadaver dissection and prosection are considered essential techniques for studying anatomy, their effectiveness is hindered by the use of flat, 2-D structures in didactic portions of anatomy courses. The limitations of this particular method can greatly hinder students' comprehension and grasp of anatomy, ultimately limiting the overall effectiveness and quality of the teaching and learning experience (TLE). In order to enhance the TLE and improve students' understanding of gross human anatomy, there are a variety of tools that can be utilized, including 3-D virtual anatomy applications and anatomical models. These resources provide a visual and interactive approach to learning, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex structures of the human body. The Anatomage, a virtual anatomy dissection table (VDT), is a highly sophisticated advancement that enables the dissection and prosection of the human body and its segments. The primary objective of this research project is to delve into integrating a VDT into a physical therapy anatomy course for a complex topic like head and neck, with the aim of enhancing the TLE and comprehension of anatomical concepts of said area. The methods encompass the inclusion of the VDT as an extra dissection table within the cadaver lab setting. Each group of scholars was given the responsibility to locate and study the assigned anatomical configurations and dissections on the VDT, specifically for their designated topic. Based on the results of our study, it can be inferred that there have been improvements in knowledge retention among students after the introduction of the VDT in the cadaver dissection segment of the course for head and neck. As a result of our research and analysis, we have come to the conclusion that the VDT is an exceptional tool that should be implemented in anatomy courses to help students understand intricate anatomical structures. The integration of the VDT is an essential and crucial step in the process of assimilating and applying human anatomy knowledge for students pursuing careers in the healthcare field
Improving Quality of Life for Ronald McDonald House Residents Through Mindfulness Based Activities
No full textThis capstone project focused on improving the quality of life for families residing at Ronald McDonald House Dallas (RMHD) by designing and implementing mindfulness-based activities. Recognizing the emotional toll that chronic illness can have on children and their families, the project aimed to introduce structured, accessible, and engaging mindfulness practices into the daily environment of RMHD. Following an informal needs assessment with staff and volunteers, a twice-weekly program of mindfulness activities was launched, supported by tools such as the Smiley Face Scale to measure emotional well-being before and after participation. Results showed a notable improvement in participants’ mood and stress levels. To ensure sustainability, a comprehensive binder detailing all activities and adaptations was created. This initiative demonstrated that mindfulness practices can play a valuable role in supporting the emotional resilience of families navigating pediatric illness.Ronald McDonald House Dalla
Inclusive Museums: Bridging Social Barriers with Sensory-Friendly Programs
No full textThe purpose of this capstone experience is to develop a sensory-friendly pilot program within a local cultural institution (The Health Museum) in order to increase accessibility for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.The Health Museu
Addressing Music and Quality of Life Among Adults with Down Syndrome
No full textThis capstone project aimed to enhance the quality of life (QOL) for adults with Down syndrome through the implementation of a general music program at GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land, an achievement center dedicated to serving individuals with Down syndrome. Research has shown that this population faces unique challenges impacting their overall well-being, while music has been widely recognized for its physiological and psychosocial benefits. A 12-week music program was developed and implemented, incorporating activities such as drumming, movement, rhythm games, and instrument exploration, all designed to promote social interaction, following multi-step directions, and turn-taking. The Youth Quality of Life Instrument – Short Form (YQOL-SF) was used to measure perceived QOL before and after the program. Results indicated that 71.4% of participants showed an increase in their perceived QOL. This project highlighted the importance and effectiveness of community-based occupational therapy initiatives and reinforced the value of creative, inclusive programming. The experience also contributed to the professional growth of the student by strengthening clinical reasoning, program development, and adaptability when working with diverse populations.GiGI's Playhous
Phenolic Compounds and Kojic Acid in Four Varieties of Grape Pomace After Solid-State Fermentation With Aspergillus Oryzae and Tamarii
No full textGrape pomace is the major solid waste product of the wine industry. This thesis aimed to optimize a solid-state fermentation approach to produce valuable substances from grape pomace. Four varieties of grape pomace (two red and two white) were fermented with two Aspergillus strains (NRRL-426 and NRRL-484) while aqueous extract samples were collected over 6 d. The aqueous extracts were characterized by °Brix, pH, titratable acidity, Folin-Ciocâlteu assay (total phenolics), HPLC-UV (4 sugars), and HPLC-PDA (5 organic acids, kojic acid, and 5 phenolics). Fermentation significantly increased individual phenolic concentrations, as gallic acid increased by 76-196% for all varieties, p-coumaric acid increased by 713-963% for Shiraz pomace, and kojic acid was produced from Viognier pomace at 0.041 g/g dry mass. The increased phenolic extraction and novel production of kojic acid from grape pomace demonstrated the potential of grape pomace valorization to produce valuable microbial metabolites
Development and Validation of the Nurse Technostress Questionnaire
No full textTechnostress is a physiological response experienced by nurses when using information and communication technology (ICT), and it is not just a minor inconvenience. It can have a significant impact on the well-being, performance, and job satisfaction of nurses. Understanding and addressing technostress becomes imperative as nurses must continually adapt to evolving technologies. Currently, no published instrument has been found that measures technostress specifically in nurses, highlighting the need for this methodological research. The Nurse Technostress Questionnaire (NTQ) was designed following a review of the literature, development of a concept analysis, content validity, and feasibility testing. Validity was demonstrated by an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with two sets of participants. EFA results explained 45% of the variance with five factors: workflow disruption, adaptability, work-life invasion, job insecurity, and technical support accessibility. The CFA findings supported borderline acceptable goodness-of-fit indices. A total scale reliability analysis revealed excellent internal consistency, with an α of .93, and each subscale measuring above an α of .84. The use of the NTQ serves as a valid and reliable tool for evaluating technostress levels in nurses. Furthermore, it aids in identifying and narrowing down specific technostressors experienced by nurses, supporting preventative and proactive methods of stress reduction