RICHES Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Not a member yet
152 research outputs found
Sort by
Occupational Therapy\u27s Role in Supporting Mothers with Breastfeeding
Get PDFBreastfeeding and post-partum mental health can impact the bond and quality of life for mothers, especially first-time mothers and their infants. As mothers try to juggle the occupation of breastfeeding, it can become very overwhelming with the role of parenting. Transitioning from hospital to home reduces the amount of direct support and direct access to instruction on breastfeeding and maternal well postpartum. This creates a need for an occupational therapy based breastfeeding wellness program. An occupational therapy based breastfeeding wellness program will be beneficial as it will be client-centered with a focus on quality of life. To combat the issue with longevity and mental health concerns among breastfeeding mothers, a virtual presentation was created and presented to women and mothers in the local area. Objectives of the presentation included a focus on mothers and maternal medical providers gaining an understanding of the positive impacts breastfeeding support can have on mothers, learning how an OT-based breastfeeding wellness program can support the mother infant dyad and increase longevity, provide breastfeeding education, increasing knowledge and awareness about mental health support, nutrition education and the importance of self-care. A total of 19 participants attended the virtual presentation and were given pre- and post-surveys to complete before and after the presentation. The surveys included ten questions based on a five-point Likert scale to allow for a faster interpretation of the quantitative data. The pre-survey contained an additional four questions to collect the participants\u27 demographic information. Overall, the data gathered demonstrated a 45% increase in knowledge from participants regarding the overall knowledge about OT, an OT-based breastfeeding wellness program, the four pillars of support, negative impacts without support, and the impact of longevity and mental health on the mother. In addition, the virtual presentation was successful in increasing the knowledge and understanding regarding the OT-based breastfeeding wellness program and the role of OT with a focus on wellness
Occupational Therapy\u27s Role for Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) in Acute Care
Get PDFWhat is occupational therapy\u27s (OT\u27s) role for patients with LVADs in the acute care setting? OT addresses activities of daily living (, endurance. fine motor coordination. preparation for discharge. and evaluations for patients both pre- and post-LVAD implantation. Expectations of OT for this population are not clear to OT practitioners and members of the multidisciplinary LVAD team due to a current gap in literature. The purpose of this project is to develop an evidence-based practice guideline on OT\u27s role for patients with LVADs in the acute care setting. The practice guideline is intended to be used by OTs working with the LVAD population to increase awareness, help guide evaluations and treatment sessions. The practice guideline was presented at UNC Hospital during a 30-minute lunch and learn session to acute care OTs currently treating patients with LVADs. An online pre- and post-presentation survey was completed by participants to measure the effectiveness of the practice guideline. Survey results indicate that use of a practice guideline provides clear expectations on OT\u27 s role for this population and can result in increased OT service referrals. Future implications of this research would consist of a similar presentation to the multidisciplinary LVAD team
Sensory Food Aversions: Therapeutic Feeding Strategies for Children
Get PDFRaising a child with selective eating habits is a common concern among many parents. By the age of two years old, 50% of children will develop selective eating habits which is a typical stage of development in young childhood. However, if a child is avoiding certain kinds of food due to sensory characteristics than skilled sensory intervention by an occupational therapy practitioner may be warranted. Research shows that children with sensory aversions to food between the ages of0-8 years old are more likely to develop long term selective eating patterns. Long term food aversion impacts nutritional intake which may affect overall development. A presentation was developed to educate occupational therapy practitioners about evidence based interventions, applying the coaching model for parents, and implementing sensory integrated strategies when treating children with sensory aversions to food. This presentation was conducted in front of five occupational therapists that worked in a pediatric outpatient clinic. Quantitative data was collected through a pre-survey that consisted of eight questions that were sent via email to the five pediatric occupational therapists that worked at the outpatient clinic and nine occupational therapy practitioners that worked in a pediatric home health setting. A short post questionnaire was conducted following the in-service presentation at the pediatric outpatient clinic. The results indicated that the pediatric occupational therapists demonstrated increased knowledge of sensory integrated interventions to prevent children with sensory aversions from developing long-term selective food habits
Benefits of Universal Sensory Integration Interventions on Behavior in the Traditional Classroom Setting
Get PDFTraditional Classroom settings can have a negative impact on the behavior of students. In this project the student researcher compared traditional classroom behavioral strategies to integrated universal sensory intervention programs on school performance and behavior. As occupational therapy practitioners, it is important to provide education to teachers on universal sensory integration interventions to help adapt the classroom environment. These interventions can help students self-regulate in an overstimulating classroom setting. In this project, an in-service was created and presented to five primary grade level teachers and one occupational therapist. They were presented with a pre- and post-survey to be completed before and after the presentation. 2 The surveys included eight questions based on a five-point Likert Scale. This allowed the student researcher to interpret the quantitative data. The pre-survey included four additional questions to gather teacher\u27s demographic information. The objectives of the in-service included providing what occupational therapy (OT) is, how OT can be utilized in the classroom, what sensory integration is, and what sensory dysregulation is with different behaviors. In addition, it provided education on sensory integrations strategies to help students self-regulate in the classroom to decrease negative behaviors, and how to provide a classroom environment that isn\u27t overstimulating. This aims for teachers to gain insight into the concept of universal sensory interventions and increase their knowledge about their benefits compared to the traditional classroom setting. The in-service was successful in improving education and understanding regarding the benefits of universal sensory strategies on student behavior in the traditional classroom setting
Navigating Child-rearing with a Physical Disability: An Occupational Therapy Approach with Lived Experience
Get PDFParenting is a difficult occupation for anyone, but parenting with a physical disability presents additional challenges. Despite there being a similar rate of pregnancy for women with disabilities as non-disabled mothers, there is limited information available for parenting with a physical disability. The author theorized that by providing the needed educational resources on adaptive parenting, including the use of activity and environmental modifications and assistive technology, to parents with physical disabilities, knowledge of adaptive parenting would increase. This capstone incorporates a thorough literature review and is guided by the Model of Human Occupation and Human Activity Assistive Technology Model to provide education on parenting with a physical disability. Evidence-based methods along with the author\u27s personal navigation of parenting with a congenital limb deficiency served to create an educational presentation for parents with physical disabilities on adaptive parenting~ focusing on activity modifications, environmental modifications. and assistive technology. A mixed methods study with 10 participants with physical disabilities was implemented, and a Likert scale was utilized to measure agreement rating to identify outcomes of the educational presentation. Growth was shown in all statements as evidenced by a post-survey increase, exhibiting increased knowledge and effectiveness of the capstone project. The study highlighted the need for adaptive parenting resources and education, for not only patients, but also providers, and provided education on adaptations for the child-rearing tasks identified most difficult by parents with physical disabilities: Bathing, night-care, carrying the baby, and additional parenting tasks
Rebuilding Lives: Exploring the Advantages of Occupational Therapy in a Community-Based Resource Center for Homeless Veterans
Get PDFCurrent research demonstrates that homeless veterans continue to face unmet needs through ineffective government programs. Although community-based veterans resource centers have been established to address these gaps, they are often overwhelmed by the number of homeless veterans seeking assistance. The occupational therapy (OT) profession is uniquely positioned to address these challenges by utilizing interventions that enhance occupational performance and participation, 3 improving homeless veterans\u27 overall quality of life. However, these programs are frequently overlooked due to a need for more awareness among resource center staff and community stakeholders regarding the benefits of OT. An extensive review of scholarly articles was conducted to address this issue, focusing on the needs of homeless veterans, the effectiveness of peer support workers in community centers, and the role of OT interventions and collaboration in addressing these needs. Subsequently, an educational in·service was organized for community-based veterans resource center staff, volunteers, and stakeholders. This session aimed to provide insight into OT, evidence·based mental and physical health interventions employed by occupational therapy practitioners (OTP), and the advantages of implementing OT programs in community centers to address the needs of homeless veterans. To assess the effectiveness of the educational in-service, pre- and post-surveys were administered to participants, and the quantitative data obtained was analyzed. The results indicated a significant increase in knowledge and understanding of the role of OT in community-based veterans resource centers and its potential to enhance the overall health and well-being of homeless veterans
Positive Communication Strategies and Approaches to Improve Quality of Care for Those Living with Dementia
Get PDFThe number of people living with dementia (PL WD) is growing exponentially each year. As the number increases, skilled nursing facilities (SNF) will be faced with the challenge of caring for more residents living with dementia. This project investigates the benefits of providing education to healthcare professionals in SNF who care for PL WD to improve the quality of care provided. Historically, pharmacological interventions have been overused in SNF. This project investigates the most effective evidence-based approaches to providing high-quality dementia care to manage behaviors and improve active participation in occupations. To address this topic, a literature review was conducted, and an educational in-service was provided to memory care staff at a SNF. Pre- and post-surveys assessed the effectiveness of the education provided. The results of the surveys revealed an increase in knowledge and confidence in caring for PL WD among participants. This project suggests that providing healthcare professionals in SNF with education, strategies, and resources will improve the quality-of-care PL WD receives
Occupational Therapy\u27s Role in Improving Self-Regulation in Classrooms
Get PDFSelf-regulation is essential to elementary students\u27 academic success. Students\u27 ability to manage their behaviors and develop a sense of self-awareness can positively impact their school engagement and performance. School-based occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) can collaborate with teachers and relevant staff to improve classroom behaviors by implementing self-regulation strategies and modifications through the multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). An educational presentation was developed and presented to teachers and support staff to increase their understanding and knowledge of applying self-regulation strategies in the classroom. The objectives of the presentation were to educate on the role of occupational therapy (OT) in the school system and Tier 1 of MTSS, the development of student self-regulation skills, and specific classroom strategies, like social-emotional learning, sensorimotor activities, and environmental modifications. Twenty-three participants attended the presentation and 17 completed the pre-and post-surveys. The surveys were based on a five-point Likert scale to gather quantitative data to assess participants\u27 knowledge of OT\u27s role in MTSS and confidence in implementing strategies for student self-regulation in the classroom. The results of the surveys concluded that participants demonstrated increased knowledge of OT and their role in the MTSS process. Also, there was an overall increase in the teachers\u27 confidence in understanding self-regulation strategies and modifications that could be implemented in the classroom
Stroke-Related Mental Health Challenges and Interventions: Strategies for Holistic Recovery
Get PDFThis capstone project examines the relationship between post-stroke and mental health. It presents the necessity for a holistic and client-centered approach in the recovery process. Through a mixed-methods approach combining a literature review and empirical research, including surveys of stroke survivors, caregivers, and practitioners, the study shows the prevalence of depression and anxiety post-stroke and the potential benefit of comprehensive mental health support. The findings emphasize the importance of community, spirituality, and proactive education in enhancing mental well-being. The effectiveness of specific interventions for this population was found to be variable, which warrants the use of personalized assessments and intervention plans that focus on the individual. The current literature and survey data gathered throughout the research process support the use of an integrated care model where occupational therapy can play a central role in delivering comprehensive care. Additionally, the research highlights existing gaps in current healthcare practices, particularly in early education and the integration of spirituality. Due to these gaps, this capstone project suggests potential avenues for innovative support systems and outreach methods. It also encourages further investigation into evidence-based holistic interventions. Moreover, the research emphasizes the potential to enhance healthcare delivery for stroke recovery by intensively focusing on mental health through a holistic approach, thereby significantly improving support for the well-being of both stroke survivors and their caregivers
Riding for Recovery: The Impact of Hippotherapy for Adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
Get PDFThis capstone project focuses on the underutilization of hippotherapy in occupational therapy (OT) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In OT, the horse\u27s movement enhances motor skills, coordination, balance, focus, sensory integration, and functional performance in everyday tasks. This approach simultaneously addresses sensory processing, including the vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual, and auditory systems. The objective of the capstone project is to emphasize the importance of utilizing hippotherapy as an evidence-based therapeutic intervention for adults with IDD. Increasing awareness about integrating hippotherapy into occupational therapy environments, particularly outpatient clinics, is the second objective of this capstone project. The goal of this integration is to improve the quality of life and functional abilities of adults with IDD by utilizing the benefits of hippotherapy. Surveys conducted before and after the event showed a significant improvement in participants\u27 knowledge and attitudes towards hippotherapy. The project confirms that hippotherapy can enhance motor, sensory, cognitive, and psychological functions in adults with IDD. The presentation successfully bridged the knowledge gap among healthcare professionals. It emphasized the need for ongoing research and education in integrating hippotherapy into interventions for adults with IDD, opening the door for increased utilization of hippotherapy with OTs and other disciplines and enhancing their quality of life