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Intentional Uses of Music in Occupational Therapy Practice: The Effectiveness of a Workshop
Get PDFOccupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) do not receive additional training on the physiological, emotional, mental, and physical effects of music on the body or how to improve and increase its use in occupational therapy (OT) practice. Additionally, the specific effects of the use of music within OT practice have not been fully explored. This workshop was created to develop skills related to appropriately using music as supported by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Occupational Therapy Practice Framework-IV, and to address gaps in knowledge regarding how to use music intentionally, effectively, and safely in OT practice. This study\u27s purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a continuing education workshop on increasing OTPs’ confidence of facilitating intentional uses of music in OT practice. The free four-hour workshop was implemented as a continuing education course for currently practicing OTPs. Participants (N=13) completed Pre- and Post-Course Surveys and results indicated an increase in confidence levels for all twelve survey items. The One-Month Follow-Up Survey (N=6) measured the carryover of learned material and gathered additional information to inform revisions of workshop content for future implementation. Qualitative themes emerged indicating the workshop was effective for increasing understanding of how music impacts the brain and body and confidence in clinical application of music in OT practice. Results indicate the need to increase educational opportunities for OTPs regarding using music in practice
When Worlds Collide: The Intersection of Horses & Rehabilitation
No full textOne niche practice area in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology practice is hippotherapy. This practice area involves equine movement as part of the therapeutic process. My capstone experience was completed at Transitions Physical Therapy, with Lisa Harris as my mentor. I completed 14 weeks of hands-on, patient directed learning with direct, supervised patient handling, equine handling, and observing how the therapeutic process can involve equine movement to benefit patient goals. In this experience, I created a 46-page resource guide to include five parent handouts, describing the nature of hippotherapy and OT/PT. This resource guide also included twelve intervention guides for therapists use, including a mock intervention session with intervention ideas and considerations for 12 diagnosis/difficulty foci. This resource also considered what equine movement may, and may not, benefit every condition, as well as specific patient handling techniques. Overall, this resource guide can be used as a supportive and inspiring tool to form intervention plans in this niche practice area. As more therapists become involved in this practice area, it is the hope of this author that through hands-on clinical skills and interprofessional collaboration a better relationship will form between the worlds of occupational and physical therapy.https://encompass.eku.edu/otd-capstone-posters/1064/thumbnail.jp
Occupational Therapy Using PIPJ Block Orthosis for Conservative Treatment of Trigger Finger: A Retrospective Study
Get PDFBackground: Trigger finger (TF) is a common hand condition with a prevalence rate of 2.6% in the general population (Merry et al., 2020). With clinical symptoms of pain, swelling, and clicking or locking of a digit, TF can cause functional limitations in using the involved hand during daily activities, affecting quality of life and activity participation.
Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of occupational therapy with the use of PIPJ block orthosis in reducing pain and triggering symptoms and improving function for individuals with trigger fingers in the setting of outpatient OT therapy clinics.
Theoretical Framework: The foundational concept of this quantitative study was drawn from the postpositivist worldview, also called the scientific method, which reflects the need to identify and assess the causes that influence outcomes using variables that comprise research questions. The occupational therapy treatment of this research study is based on the biomechanical rehabilitation model.
Methods: The capstone project was a quantitative retrospective study using a pre/posttest, one-group design to examine the benefits of the PIPJ block orthosis for the conservative treatment of TF in an outpatient OT setting. Paired t-tests were used to determine changes in outcome measures for pain and Quick DASH, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the trigger finger grade changes before and after OT treatment.
Results: Thirty-eight subjects and 45 involved digits were included in the final data analysis, with an average age of 64.2 years, and 66% of participants were female. The alpha value of p ≤ 0.05 was used to test for statistical significance of the outcome measures. Pain and severity of trigger finger grade showed statistically significant reduction post-OT. Although the average pre- and post-intervention impairment score assessed by QuickDASH decreased, the change was not statistically significant due to the small size of available data (n=18).
Conclusions: This study concludes that PIPJ block orthosis effectively reduces pain and the severity of trigger symptoms in a grading system that is statistically and clinically significant for individuals with isolated TF, multiple TF, or trigger thumb. For maximum benefits of using PIPJ block orthosis in reducing trigger finger symptoms, wearing time of 6 to 10 weeks is recommended. Orthotic management is a viable option for conservative OT treatment for TF in an outpatient OT setting
Independent Mediation: A Restorative Justice Approach to Conflict Resolution Among College Roommates
Get PDFCollege roommates significantly impact students\u27 college experience. Universities have traditionally aimed to improve roommate satisfaction through pairing strategies, but evolving technology trends regarding students independently selecting roommates via social media have limited this application. This research proposes an alternative: equipping students with informal restorative justice training to independently manage roommate conflicts. Drawing on restorative justice principles, the training focuses on developing skills in active listening, framing dialogue, and crafting effective, non-transactional apologies. These methods foster accountability and empower students to collaboratively resolve conflicts without university intervention. This informal approach minimizes logistical burdens compared to formal restorative justice programs. The training is particularly suited for first-year students, whose vulnerability to peer influence heightens the potential impact. Implementing the program in existing freshman orientation or foundational courses ensures engagement and relevance while fostering self-efficacy among students. For ease, this training can additionally be adapted to an online medium. By addressing roommate conflicts proactively, this training not only enhances students\u27 interpersonal skills but also supports universities\u27 broader goals of retention and student satisfaction. This cost-effective model offers a framework for improving the quality of student life while preparing students for conflict resolution in broader contexts
Impact of IADL Interventions on Discharge Readiness: Musculoskeletal Conditions in Inpatient Rehabilitation
Get PDFBackground: Musculoskeletal conditions are the highest contributing cause of the need for rehabilitation globally, and are common conditions treated by occupational therapy in inpatient rehabilitation. Basic activities of daily living (BADLs) are the main focus of rehabilitation in these settings, which may leave clients unprepared to complete important higher level instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) at home.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact that instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) intervention and training has on individuals’ perceived discharge readiness and quality indicator scoring for those admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility with a musculoskeletal condition.
Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework used to guide this study was the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP), in which the central focus of the capstone was on occupational participation and performance of valued occupations.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study compared functional outcomes and readiness for discharge for clients with musculoskeletal conditions who received the standard of care focus on BADLs in inpatient rehabilitation, as compared to clients who received the addition of (IADL) intervention and training. Outcomes measures included quality indicator scoring via Section GG Self-Care and Mobility items and discharge readiness via the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS).
Results: There were 8 participants total, including 4 in the intervention group and 4 in the control group, who completed some or all of the study outcomes measures pre and post-test. Participants in both groups realized gains in functional performance and readiness for discharge, although those in the intervention group had greater improvements in the study outcomes as compared to the control group.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated that incorporation of IADLs into inpatient occupational therapy sessions for clients with musculoskeletal conditions increases quality indicator scoring and patients’ perceived discharge readiness. Future research should include a larger sample size and explore other diagnoses
The Impact of Certified Pool Operator Training on Swimming Pool Inspection Outcomes
Get PDFBackground: At the time of this study, the Commonwealth of Kentucky had over 3,800 active public bathing or swimming pool facilities. In compliance with 902 KRS 10:010 Kentucky Swimming and Bathing Facility regulation, all bathing and swimming pools for public access are subject to inspection and monitoring by local and state health agencies. The regulation requires the facilities to be inspected for code violations on the protection and safety of swimming patrons. It mandates inspections on: water supply and wastewater disposal; bathhouses and attendant structures; safety; and general facility operations. However, the regulations do not require the pool operators or inspectors to be certified. There are 120 counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and 20 or 16.6% of them require certified swimming pool operators (CPOs) by county ordinance. There are approximately 11% of the local health department environmental health specialists certified as CPOs. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether certification of swimming pool operators positively influences the outcome of swimming pool inspection scores and critical violations, which ultimately impacts the safety and protection of bathers and swimmers in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Method: Data sets consisting of all routine swimming pool inspections were requested and received from Kentucky’s Department of Environmental Health, Protection, and Safety. The data sets included all regular inspections conducted from January 2007 through December 2022. Statistical analysis was used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in inspection outcomes based on required certification for pool operators (CPOs). Both parametric and non-parametric tests were used to test the hypothesis. The differential correlation between disinfectant and pH was also tested between CPO and non-CPO. The STATA 11.2 computer program was used for all statistical analyses. Results: Counties that require CPO staff had significantly higher inspection scores (96.8%) than non-CPO counties (94.6%). Facilities that require CPOs also had significantly fewer critical items debited on their inspection reports (0.21) in comparison with non-CPOs (0.35). The overall model results were significant. Conclusion: Overall, the study demonstrated that requiring swimming pool operators to be trained and certified had a statistically significant effect on the outcomes of inspection of the swimming pools
Compelled To Care? Exploring College Instructors’ Conceptualizations And Expressions Of Care Toward Students
Get PDFThis dissertation research explores how college instructors perceive and demonstrate care toward students. This research also seeks to consider how the Covid-19 pandemic influenced instructors’ caring behaviors. Although instructor care has been linked to several positive student outcomes, including persistence, little research has examined caring behaviors from the instructor’s perspective. In addition, how the pandemic’s aftermath continues to transform college teaching and learning is an area ripe for further scholarly investigation. Findings from semi-structured interviews and interpretive phenomenological analysis revealed that faculty conceptualize caring behaviors as a negotiated relationship between instructor and student. This negotiated relationship was characterized by responding to students as unique individuals, balancing care with expectations for the student, and investing significant emotional labor into the relationship. Furthermore, the findings indicated that faculty experienced significant challenges during and after the pandemic. Such challenges included addressing the exceptional needs of today’s college student, adjusting to online learning environments, and navigating an often-demoralizing climate in higher education. Keywords: instructor caring, Covid-19, ethic of care, college faculty, phenomenolog
Up Pops The Sun
No full textIn the wake of her mother’s death, Ellie Adams finds herself without a job or family, searching for a way to deal with the loneliness and depression. When fate leads her to a therapy group, Elysium, the ‘life beyond the afterlife’ app, is born. Ellie partners with the high stakes investment entrepreneur to give herself and others a second chance with the departed. But the app isn’t as beneficial as it appears, and her benefactor isn’t as philanthropic as he seems. As new issues emerge, Ellie must balance complex social impacts and her own conscience. When the app takes on a life of its own, Ellie must make a choice. Quit and run or risk everything including her last link to her mother to bring Elysium down
How Grading Systems, Classroom Management, and External Factors Affect a Students Intrinsic Motivation in the Classroom
Get PDFThe idea of motivation in the classroom is one that often ends up with the students who are often motivated by external factors rather than internal ones. Research increasingly demonstrates how this idea of extrinsic motivation has affected students, but intrinsic motivation is more effective for students in a long-term setting. This study will examine the influence of grading contracts and traditional grading on undergraduate students’ sense of motivation in their college ENG 102/102R classes by understanding how students define success, and their level of likeness to being motivated with a grading system. The researcher created and distributed an original survey to 6 ENG102/102R classes (3 with grading contracts and 3 with traditional grading) at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), collecting a total of 59 responses. The study found that while students are equally motivated by traditional grading and grading contracts, grading contracts are on the rise to being just as motivating or more motivating with time
Occupational Therapy\u27s Role in Work and Industry: Manufacturing
Get PDFThis capstone project focuses on the role of occupational therapy in a work and industry setting. I completed this capstone in collaboration with the manufacturing engineering program at EKU and leaders from Toyota Powertrain with the overarching goal being to increase accessibility and advocate for expansion of the manufacturing workforce to include workers with disabilities. Toyota provided assembly parts for their cam housing process with the objective to adapt the process to be accessible for wheelchair users. I completed a thorough task analysis followed by collaboration with engineering professionals to design and build a new manufacturing workstation that is wheelchair accessible and applies principles of universal design to optimize accessibility and ergonomics. This workstation is a proof of concept that was provided to Toyota to demonstrate how someone who requires wheeled mobility can complete the same job tasks. Additionally, I developed and provided learning modules for manufacturing engineering students to educate them about physical disabilities and inclusivity. Occupational therapists are well-suited to take on an active role in work and industry and possess unique value in manufacturing as a consultant for injury prevention and health maintenance.https://encompass.eku.edu/otd-capstone-posters/1000/thumbnail.jp