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Occupational Therapy Students’ Service Learning: Rehabilitation Archeology with Military Veterans
Get PDFExisting research evidence pertaining to the occupational therapy (OT) role with adventure-based outdoor activities for military veterans and the authors’ positive experience serving members of a non-profit veteran-run organization that promotes rehabilitation archeology suggest that outdoor rehabilitation for this client population is a promising avenue for the profession. Moreover, students’ exposure to outdoor experiences designed for military veterans as well as other populations presenting with physical and mental health conditions has the potential to significantly augment OT curriculum by impacting both the learning trajectory and personal transformation of the students. This paper describes a unique service-learning experience involving graduate OT students who engaged with and provided services to veterans participating in archeological fieldwork, as well as the impact of this experience on the students
Enhancing Student Perceptions of the Role of Occupational Therapy in the Intensive Care Unit: An Interprofessional Simulation
Get PDFEarly mobility in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can improve a multitude of patient outcomes, and occupational therapists (OTs) play a valuable role as part of the interprofessional team, with the ability to address activities of daily living, functional cognition, psychological and communication needs, and more. In 2022, the first iteration of an ICU interprofessional education simulation (Sim-IPE) yielded poor outcomes for OT students. This study aimed to modify existing pre-learning activities in the Sim-IPE’s second iteration to improve OT students’ perceptions and professional role awareness in interprofessional ICU care. Students from Doctor of OT, Bachelor of Science Nursing, Doctor of Physical Therapy (PT), and Associate Program Respiratory Therapy programs from one university participated in an ICU Early Mobility Sim-IPE with enhanced pre-learning activities and environmental modifications targeting OT student outcomes. Investigators employed a mixed methods approach, including pre/post quantitative analysis through the SPICE-R2 instrument and qualitative analysis of OT students\u27 written reflections. Quantitatively, OT students (n = 12) demonstrated significant improvement in SPICE-R2 scores from pre- to post-Sim-IPE, as well as significant improvements when compared to OT student scores from the first iteration. Qualitatively, OT students reflected improved role awareness when compared to OT students from the first Sim-IPE, however, continue to struggle with role assertion and ambiguity, particularly with PT students. This study improved the OT students’ Sim-IPE experience; specifically, role awareness and perceptions of interprofessional practice. Residual challenges in role assertion and ambiguity offer opportunities for future intervention and research
Occupational Therapy Students\u27 Perceptions of Participation in a Novel Educational Intervention to Learn Hand Anatomy
Get PDFLearning anatomy via cadaver dissection is considered a best practice in anatomical education. However, occupational therapy programs commonly use alternative or adjunct teaching methods when teaching anatomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ perceptions of learning hand anatomy through participation in the Dell Hand Instructional Module (DHIM), a novel educational intervention incorporating an animated video series and a translucent, three-dimensional model of the hand. Participants attended one anatomical instructional session and one assessment session, completed a questionnaire about their experiences, and participated in a focus group. Participants agreed or strongly agreed that the DHIM made learning about hand anatomy more interesting and enjoyable, was an effective learning tool, and helped them to understand spatial relationships between the hand structures. Thematic analysis of focus group responses resulted in five themes: instructor impact, learning environment, learning preferences, interaction with the model, and perceptions of the educational intervention. Findings suggest this novel intervention supported hand anatomy instruction and was helpful to student engagement in the learning process. Future research should assess learning outcomes associated with the DHIM, as well as investigate the use of trained graduate students as DHIM facilitators
Writing \u27Boleyn Ballads\u27: Exploring Constraints on Sexuality within the Henrician Court through a Historical Graphic Narrative
Get PDFThis article outlines my creative process while writing and illustrating the graphic novel Boleyn Ballads for my undergraduate honors thesis. First, this research delves into the medium of graphic novels and its potential for teaching history to young adult readers. Then, this research shifts to focus on the history the graphic novel depicts, that being the fall of Tudor English Queen Anne Boleyn and her brother George. With Boleyn Ballads, the depiction of the fall of Anne Boleyn aligns itself with historian Greg Walker’s theory on her fall. This research then explains the creative decision behind making George Boleyn the protagonist of Boleyn Ballads. Boleyn Ballads, my graphic novel in the historical fiction genre, depicts the fall of Tudor English Queen Anne Boleyn through the perspective of her brother George Boleyn. By making George the protagonist, I could explore the possibilities with his sexuality within the constraints of Tudor English society. Inspired by historian Retha Warnicke’s theory on George Boleyn’s sexuality, Boleyn Ballads showcases George engaging in a same-sex affair with Mark Smeaton. Boleyn Ballads depicts this affair in a realistic manner in alignment with how historian Alan Bray theorizes homosexuality and bisexuality existed within this period
Exploring the Impact of the Coaching Relationship on College Student-Athlete Mental Health
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to determine the factors of the coach-athlete relationship that influence athletes’ mental health and to find ways to improve the quality of this relationship. A total of 8 eligible participants in the qualitative study were asked to complete an individual interview session where they answered questions about their personal experiences with coaches as collegiate athletes. We will be searching for the essential structures of the coach-athlete relationship by studying multiple examples of it and finding what experiences athletes have in common. The results of this qualitative study have shown coaching behaviors that promote fear of failure, favoritism of players, and bad leadership are the main factors that create a negative coach-athlete relationship. Therefore, the anxiety and depression levels of the athletes increase as they experience a harmful coach-athlete relationship
Addressing the Cultural Mistrust of the U.S. Healthcare System: Creating and Illustrating a Bilingual Children\u27s Book
Get PDFThis thesis delves into the healthcare disparities faced by Latino Spanish-speaking populations in the United States and proposes multifaceted approaches to address these inequities. Drawing on empirical research and critical analysis, the paper explores the roots of cultural mistrust, systemic discrimination, and language barriers that may hinder access to quality healthcare for Latinos. Through a review of literature, the thesis underscores the detrimental health outcomes experienced by these communities, particularly concerning chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it examines the role of children\u27s literature in shaping attitudes towards healthcare from an early age, emphasizing the need for accurate representation and cultural sensitivity. Building upon these insights, the paper proposes systemic solutions, including cultural competence training for healthcare providers, the integration of traditional healing practices, the employment of bilingual lay health workers, and dual-role nurse interpreting as advocated by Florindez et al. (2018), Figuereo and Calvo (2018), Gonzalez et al. (2021), and Villanueva (2023) respectively. The culmination of these efforts aims to dismantle cultural barriers, cultivate advocacy for equitable healthcare, and foster a healthcare system that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of Latino Spanish-speaking communities
Environmental Justice: Assessing the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Drinking Water Quality in Kentucky
Get PDFPoor water quality can lead to adverse health effects, and having access to clean water is essential to overall health. There are many possible sources of water contamination, and it is important to properly maintain water to ensure that it is up to standard. Socioeconomic status (SES) may influence drinking water quality, and marginalized populations may be the victims of disparities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and violations can be issued if water standards are not met. Previous research suggests low-income non-white populations may experience higher water violations. Rural Appalachia is another population that may experience poorer water quality due to a lack of proper infrastructure or economic disparities. Appalachian communities may use alternative water sources due to poor perceptions of tap water quality, and these water sources are not regulated by the SDWA. This study looks at SDWA violations in Kentucky, and SES factors to determine if there are correlations between water violations and individual SES factors. Specifically, this study investigated income, employment, rural population, and race. No statistically significant findings were found between SDWA violations and SES factors. Findings suggest individual SES factors do not have a statistically significant relationship with higher SDWA violations
Living Between The Lines: The Multiracial Identity, How it is Shaped, Perceived, and Embodied on College Campuses
Get PDFThis research project aims to investigate the feelings of acceptance experienced by multiracial individuals on predominantly white institution (PWI) campuses. The study explores various factors that may influence these feelings, including participation in organizations, relationships with friends and family, and experiences of discrimination on campus. Surveys will be used to collect data on participants\u27 progress toward graduation, gender, classification, racial/ethnic background, first-generation status, participation in student and racial/ethnic organizations, experiences of discrimination, and feelings of acceptance on campus due to positive peer relationships. The multiracial identity is increasingly relevant in the United States, yet the experiences of multiracial individuals at PWIs have not been extensively studied, particularly regarding feelings of acceptance. The lack of understanding of the multiracial experience makes it challenging to address their unique needs and challenges. Early experiences with social perceptions of race can affect how multiracial individuals identify and express their identities. Understanding these experiences is crucial, as they can impact graduation rates and overall feelings of acceptance. Without addressing these issues, multiracial individuals may struggle to express their true selves and reach their full potential. This study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the multiracial identity and its impact on college campus experiences, with broader implications for societal understanding and acceptance of multiracial individuals
Examining the Implications of a Significant Cyberattack on U.S. Infrastructure
Get PDFIn the modern era, the internet is becoming just as essential to the functioning of our everyday lives as food and water. Virtually everything we do relies on modern technology in some capacity, allowing our world to function efficiently. The technology that we have available has made our world smaller in a sense, because digital interconnectedness has allowed us to communicate with anyone no matter where they are on the globe in a matter of seconds, with the tap of a finger. This idea, once a phenomenon only possible in storybooks, has come to life but is not without its own drawbacks. Vulnerabilities in these systems that allow our modern world to operate have become increasingly apparent. This thesis explores the risks facing our critical infrastructure that serves as the backbone of the world we live in, and the evolving nature of cyber threats that loom over our society daily. A major disruption to our critical infrastructure that impedes the daily life of the citizens of the United States has the potential to cause massive pandemonium- leaving our nation exposed and vulnerable to further attacks of a larger magnitude. In exploring these threats facing our critical infrastructure and understanding the players involved, we can identify key areas for improvement and the limitations of our cybersecurity
Perceptions Regarding Hand Therapy Content in Entry-level Occupational Therapy Programs
Get PDFThere are a substantial number of Certified Hand Therapists reaching retirement age in the next decade, however, there are few newer graduates who are pursuing this specialty. Students’ lack of clinical knowledge has shown to be a barrier to successfully completing a hand therapy fieldwork affiliation. The purpose of the study is to investigate: (1) the perceptions of the clinicians working in hand therapy and students regarding the integration of hand therapy content in entry-level occupational therapy programs, and (2) the perceptions of both groups as to which content is deemed essential for a successful hand therapy fieldwork placement. This study utilized a survey design. Data was collected from 207 clinicians and 25 students via SurveyMonkey. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared analysis, and t-test analysis via R studio statistical software. Participants placed the highest emphasis on foundational knowledge when ranking topic importance, which included muscular anatomy, skeletal anatomy, nervous system anatomy, palpation, and surface anatomy. Greater than 90% of participants (n=186 clinicians; n=23 students) also felt topics including kinesiology, biomechanics, tissue healing principles, fractures, tendinopathies, goniometry, and orthotic fabrication and training were very important to student success in hand therapy. Results also indicated that the greater number of students a clinician supervised, the higher they ranked student knowledge and skill level (p=.02). These clinicians also reported stronger feelings that students would benefit from additional hand therapy curriculum content (p=.053). Further study of the variability among occupational therapy curricula may be warranted, as well as studying the knowledge level needed with certain topics, and the level of independence needed with specific clinical skills to promote success in hand therapy