Scholarship and Open Access Repository
Not a member yet
1330 research outputs found
Sort by
The Role of OT in Treating ECMO Patients in the ICU: A Scoping Review
Get PDFThis scoping review investigated the role of occupational therapists in treating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Databases analyzed included CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest. The primary research question aimed to identify the role of occupational therapists in ECMO patient care. The secondary research question aimed to determine the percentage of ECMO patients who received occupational therapy services in the ICU and were discharged home. The search retrieved a total of 400 records. After the inclusion, exclusion, and selection process, 33 articles were included for review. Results provide an analysis of the portrayal of OT\u27s role in ECMO patient care as presented in the literature. Future research should be conducted to expand on the scope and role of OT in supporting ECMO patients in the ICU.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2024/1019/thumbnail.jp
Exploring the Occupation of Education of Children with Undocumented Immigrant Parents
Get PDFThis research study highlights the detrimental effects of family separations on children\u27s well-being, academic performance, and long-term outcomes. It emphasizes the urgent need for research on the mental health effects of immigration policies on children at risk of parental deportation. A qualitative research study was used to understand the experiences and challenges of adults with undocumented immigrant parents during various stages of schooling. The research utilizes the Kawa model to explore emotional factors and barriers affecting students\u27 occupational engagement in an educational setting. The study aims to identify supports and barriers to school engagement for students with undocumented immigrant parents, using a qualitative descriptive approach with open-ended survey questions. Participants will be recruited through snowball sampling, and data will be collected through surveys and the drawing of the Kawa model. Data analysis will involve identifying themes using Braun and Clarke\u27s six-step thematic analysis.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2024/1031/thumbnail.jp
An Adapted Yoga Program for Adults with Neuromuscular Impairments Designed to Improve Balance, Mood, Quality of Life, and Engagement in Daily Occupations
Get PDFNeuromuscular impairments such as Parkinson\u27s disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affect an individual\u27s balance, mood, and ability to engage in daily occupations, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Yoga is a practice that is adaptable to any level of function and is holistic in its goal of mind-body unity. However, there has been minimal research regarding yoga\u27s efficacy as a modality for populations with neuromuscular impairments. This study aimed to improve these factors as well as proprioception and interoceptive awareness through the delivery of a 6-week community-based yoga program. The program involved 5 participants, 4 with PD and 1 with MS participating in 6 in-person group yoga sessions. In addition to these sessions, 7 individual telehealth sessions were delivered to reinforce the use of yoga in their everyday environment and to implement an individualized plan. Adaptations allowing for greater accessibility and engagement were utilized. Qualities and aspects of the study with greater impact as reported by the participants were themed and associated with different aspects of the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model with quotes from the participants. Themes highlighted the participants’ value of the use of hands-on assistance ensuring proper alignment and positioning during poses; the comradery that was fostered through which participants shared effective strategies to mitigate various barriers; and the appreciation for the atmosphere’s calming effect.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2024/1060/thumbnail.jp
Exploring Healthy Occupations for Adolescents at Risk for the Juvenile Justice System
Get PDFMany youth who are at risk for the juvenile justice system are likely to have spent some time in the foster care system or child welfare system. This population is often found lacking in social skills and/or life skills that contribute to the difficulties with independent living. Occupational therapy practitioners can provide independent life skills training, such as cooking/meal prepping, budgeting, and job exploration as well as providing healthy leisure outlets to promote a successful transition into adulthood. This program aims to promote the development of skills this population requires for successful independent living as an adult such as basic living skills as well as fostering healthy habits and routines. Many of those in this population have been in foster care long-term and are likely to age out of the foster care system; so, those who do find themselves aging out of this system have been shown to feel unprepared for life and face challenges financially, socially, and psychologically throughout their transition into adulthood. By determining the needs of this population, while factoring in environment, upbringing, and mental health concerns, this project will help facilitate a more seamless transition into adulthood and foster healthy habits.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2024/1064/thumbnail.jp
Policy Review and Recommendation: Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners in the Southwestern United States
Get PDFThis policy analysis investigates the benefits of full practice authority (FPA) for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the Southwestern United States, using Arizona as an FPA model and California and Tennessee as comparison states. The PICO question that directed the project is: for NPs practicing as advanced practice nurse practitioners within the Southwestern United States region (P), does a comprehensive policy recommendation for FPA for NP-led clinics in the secondary education space (I) compared to existing variable approaches within the region (C) improve access to care and direct or indirect patient outcomes as endorsed by the literature (O)? A comprehensive literature review revealed that the United States is experiencing a significant primary care provider shortage. Although NPs are educationally prepared, tested, certified, and licensed to provide comprehensive patient care, California and Texas continue regulatory restrictions on NP scope of practice. These practice restrictions exacerbate the care shortage, especially in rural and primary health professional shortage areas. Furthermore, the literature search revealed consistent support of FPA by critical stakeholders, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Nurses Association, and the Consensus Model. Policy briefs advocating for evidence-based recommendations for FPA are presented for dissemination to the legislative bodies, professional organizations, and the state boards of nursing. Eliminating practice barriers allows NPs to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training. This results in greater access to care, reduced healthcare costs, increased quality of care, and works to lessen health disparities
Awakening the Senses: Family-Centered Education on Sensory Stimulation for Children in the ICU
Get PDFAwakening the Senses: Family-Centered Education on Sensory Stimulation for Children in the ICU. This project was designed to educate family members and healthcare providers on the sensory stimulation for children in the ICU, mainly focusing on patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. Educational handouts were created along with sensory bins highlighting all 5 senses.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2024/1027/thumbnail.jp
Occupational Therapy Education and Advocacy for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Get PDFParkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that profoundly affects individuals\u27 daily lives. While occupational therapy (OT) has been shown to enhance independence, motor function, cognitive health, and emotional well-being for individuals with PD, awareness and understanding of these services remain limited among patients and caregivers. This capstone project sought to address this gap by developing and distributing tailored educational materials. Weekly handouts, supported by in-person discussions, were designed to raise awareness of OT’s role and provide actionable strategies for managing PD symptoms. Surveys conducted throughout the project provided valuable feedback on the educational materials created, ensuring the materials\u27 relevance and effectiveness.
This project highlights the importance of occupational therapy in addressing health literacy by delivering accessible, client-centered education that empowers individuals with PD and their caregivers. It also emphasizes OT\u27s vital role in advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating replicable frameworks to bridge gaps in understanding and access to services. By enhancing awareness and engagement with OT, this initiative contributes to improved health outcomes and establishes a model for addressing similar challenges in other underserved populations.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2024/1034/thumbnail.jp
Understanding the Lived Experience of Outdoor Camping
Get PDFCamping is an outdoor recreational activity that allows individuals to connect with nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and engage in physical activity. For aging adults, camping can be a way to improve their quality of life, fulfill their roles as grandparents and parents, and maintain independence. However, there was a lack of awareness and education about the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor camping, limiting the recreational exposure and experiences for the aging population. Additionally, campgrounds are typically in unpredictable environments that may require additional resources for aging adults to confidently engage in an enjoyable camping experience.
This qualitative research study gathered perspectives about campers\u27 lived experiences through surveys, informal interviews, structured observations, and first-hand experiences at National Park campgrounds. After collecting a plethora of data, I created a camping website that educates and provides resources to the aging population to participate in accessible, safe, and comfortable outdoor camping adventures.
Please visit my camping website for more information: explorecamping.orghttps://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2024/1045/thumbnail.jp
Occupation-Based Programming for an Addiction Recovery Program
Get PDFAddiction can impact engagement in many different occupations and occupational therapists can assist in returning to engagement in meaningful occupations. This capstone project focused on creating occupation-based programming for an addiction recovery program. This program aims to enhance engagement, skills, and confidence in daily occupations to promote overall well-being during recovery.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2024/1048/thumbnail.jp
Pre-Sleep Routines Affecting Sleep in Adults
Get PDFThis capstone project examines the impact of pre-sleep routines on adult sleep quality, emphasizing the role of consistent habits, reduced technology use, and stress management. A six-week intervention incorporating evidence-based strategies such as sleep hygiene education, environmental adjustments, and relaxation techniques was conducted. Results revealed significant improvements in sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and enhanced physical and emotional well-being among participants. These findings highlight the importance of tailored pre-sleep routines in addressing sleep disorders and provide a foundation for broader implementation and future research.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2024/1055/thumbnail.jp