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A Program to Empower Neurodivergent Individuals and Their Caregivers to Advocate for Individualized Sensory Needs and Prepare for Medical Appointments
Get PDFNeurodivergent individuals frequently experience sensory processing challenges that can limit participation in healthcare. This project aimed to develop a program that equips neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers with the tools to understand sensory processing, advocate for individualized needs, and effectively prepare for medical appointments. Guided by occupational therapy theory and frameworks, the program includes caregiver education, interactive activities, and accessible resources focused on sensory regulation and advocacy. This project emphasizes the role of occupational therapy in promoting equitable and person-centered healthcare experiences.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1073/thumbnail.jp
Food Literacy Program Among Adults in a Primary Care Setting
No full textPractice problem: The increase in preventable chronic diseases is associated with food illiteracy, which arises from a lack of understanding of nutritional value and dietary guidelines (Silva et al., 2023).
PICOT: (P) In adult primary care patients aged 30-75 years, (I) does the implementation of evidence-based food literacy program (C) compared to standard practice (O) improve food literacy (T) in eight weeks?
Evidence: Using a validated food literacy questionnaire effectively measures improvements in food literacy. Customized programs that fill knowledge gaps are essential for enhancing overall food literacy. Intervention: Customized educational tools were provided to participants based on their knowledge gaps on food literacy encompassing ultra-processed food consumption, portion sizes, nutritional labels and general nutrition understanding. A validated food literacy questionnaire was used to compare improvement in scores pre and post intervention over the course of eight weeks.
Outcome: The intervention did not yield statistically significant results; however, it demonstrated clinical significance, with 50% of participants improved their food literacy scores post-intervention. Additionally, 75% reported better food choices, increased intake of nutrient dense foods, reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods, and greater awareness of nutrition labels.
Conclusion: Food literacy is increasingly recognized as crucial for improving health outcomes in primary care, particularly in the management of chronic conditions. Customized educational tools are crucial for bridging knowledge gaps and enhancing overall food literacy
Impact of Occupational Therapy Based Enrichment Program on Children in Transitional Housing
No full textDevelopment, implement and evaluation of occupational therapy based enrichment program for children in transitional housing who have previously experienced homelessness.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2025/1009/thumbnail.jp
Caregiver Training Program for Optimal Recovery of Neuro Accidents: An Occupational Therapy Approach
No full textCaregivers of individuals recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or experiencing onset of dementia often are provided limited education and support after discharge, negatively impacting confidence and recovery outcomes. The Caremaster program was designed to bridge the educational gap between occupational therapists in the clinical setting and caregivers in the home settings through accessible online modules, support groups, and in-person demonstrations. Module topics included understanding neuro accidents and role of the caregiver, returning home (transition and adaptation), ADLs and Mobility, returning to roles, and social reintegration. This program aims to guide future development of scalable, community-based caregiver education that enhances caregiver preparedness, self-efficacy, and advocacy, and ultimately improves outcomes for both caregivers and the individuals they are caring for.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2025/1013/thumbnail.jp
Effects of a Wellness Program on Perceived Stress and Occupational Balance with Occupational Therapy Students
No full textAbstract
Occupational therapy (OT) students often experience elevated stress and burnout due to the demanding nature of their academic programs, which can negatively affect their occupational balance and overall well-being. Promoting student wellness is essential to supporting both academic success and mental health. This quantitative pilot study examined the effects of a wellness program on perceived stress and occupational balance among graduate OT students in Southern Florida. Participants attended one of four structured sessions—Prioritization, Organization Strategies, Mindfulness Training, or Yoga—and completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ) before and after each session. Data was collected from April to July 2023, with session participation ranging from 5 to 14 students. Pre- and post-session differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results indicated slight, non-significant improvements in both perceived stress and occupational balance. While not statistically significant, the positive trends suggest that brief, targeted wellness interventions may offer meaningful support for OT students. Additional research with larger samples and extended program duration is recommended to better understand long-term outcomes
Perceptions of Respect Among Dental Hygiene Students: A Qualitative Study
No full textIntroduction: Respect for others is an attribute that honors the dignity of individuals. As such, it is a key component in the creation of a positive teacher–student environment that leads to academic success. Because of the subjective nature of the term respect, it is important to determine how specific students perceive it. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore dental hygiene student perceptions of respect and inquire into their related academic success and care of their own patients. The insights gained from this study could be used to help guide teacher awareness of the needs of students related to respect.
Methods: Using a convenience sample, participants in this qualitative study were dental hygiene students currently enrolled in the dental hygiene program at a Midwestern university. IRB approval and verbal consent were obtained prior to administration of the questionnaire. A total of 23 students participated in the study.
Results: Key implications from this study included respect defined as: being caring and kind, understanding someone else’s perspective, treating others as you want to be treated, listening, and paying attention. Students placed high value on being respected by their teachers and felt it resulted in higher academic achievement. Respect modeled by teachers can teach students how to treat their patients with respect.
Discussion: Respect is crucial for a positive learning environment. Since students’ understanding of respect varies, teachers should actively seek their perspectives on what respect means to them and how it can be demonstrated in the classroom
Enhancing Quality of Life in Adults in Long-Term Care Through Work-Related Peer-Led Learning
No full textYounger adults residing in long-term care (LTC) institutions face numerous challenges related to identity, engagement, social interactions, mental health, and overall quality of life. This doctoral capstone project developed and implemented a peer-led, work-related intervention program designed to promote mental health, enhance occupational engagement, and improve the quality of life for younger adults residing in long-term care facilities. A 14-week program, comprising an occupational profile, needs assessment, role selection, and two trials of peer-led meaningful work activities, was completed by five participants, aged 29 to 63. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) served as the foundation for a qualitative program evaluation methodology. Results indicated an improvement with PHQ-9 scores decreasing across all participants and WHOQOL-BREF scores increasing. Participants demonstrated greater confidence, social interaction, purpose, and self-identity through engagement in work-related leadership roles. Significant improvements were noted between the first and second trials in observations and feedback, including increased independence, smoother sessions, improved peer communication, and stronger group dynamics. The program demonstrated that peer-led occupational engagement can transform the LTC environment into a meaningful community for younger residents, despite obstacles such as varying health conditions, staffing limitations, pain levels, and limited access to materials, which can influence implementation. This program highlights the vital role of occupational therapy in alleviating occupational deprivation and increasing engagement, identity, and well-being in younger LTC populations. Moving forward, this program can benefit residents in LTC across all ages, and the integration of peer-led work programs offers possible future directions for continued development and an increased sense of community and belonging.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2025/1001/thumbnail.jp
The Application of Smart Technology to Reduce Caregiver Burden
No full textCaregiver burden often increases during hospital-to-home transitions, limiting patient independence and placing strain on caregivers. Smart home and wearable technologies offer promising solutions; however, limited awareness, confidence, and training hinder their adoption. This capstone project developed an educational program to improve familiarity and practical use of smart technology among patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. A needs assessment involving surveys, interviews, and clinical observations identified key barriers, including cost concerns, limited technological literacy, and low clinician confidence. An educational presentation and smart technology catalog were then implemented, with pre- and post-surveys used to measure changes in knowledge and confidence. Findings showed substantial improvements in clinician familiarity and readiness to recommend smart devices, as well as increased interest in integrating technology into discharge planning. These results highlight the value of education in promoting technology-enabled care and reducing caregiver burden. Future efforts should focus on long-term adoption, cost-accessibility, and sustaining program materials as new technologies emerge.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2025/1022/thumbnail.jp
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Adults With Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: An Educational Video-Series for Caregivers
Get PDFCaregivers of care-recipients with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) do not have sufficient resources to assist their care-recipients with the adult developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. This capstone considers the occupational and developmental impacts that growing individuals with IDD face, namely the developmental stages including healthy relationships, sexual safety, and intimacy. The literature review covers the scientific, statistical, and historical importance of this developmental milestone. Varied opinions and needs that surround the subject of intimacy and healthy relationships for adults with IDD were considered. Sexual abuse statistics were highlighted. A multitude of feedback from organizations, personal caregivers, scientists, psychologists, clinicians, social advocates, and people with an IDD have been evaluated in order to answer the call for increased resources in this area of expertise. Problem: Caregivers of people with IDD do not have sufficient resources to assist in preparing their care-recipients to deal with the adult developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create an educational video-series for caregivers of people with IDD on how to help their care-recipients successfully achieve the psychosocial developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. This paper presents a video-series to advocate for, educate around, and increase support during the developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation for adults with IDD in hopes to increase safety, well-being, and quality of life. This paper presents a needs assessment, a literature review, the methods used, a project description, and a discussion. Links to the created video series and video scripts are included as appendices
Occupational Therapy Assistant Preparatory Course to Improve Mock Certification Exam Scores: An Evidenced-Based Intervention
Get PDFAbstract
Introduction: The overall goal of educators of occupational therapy is to produce graduates capable of meeting entry-level employment status, which becomes evident when they pass the national certification exam. This evidence-based pilot project investigated an occupational therapy assistant certification exam preparatory course designed to improve mock certification test scores of graduates from an occupational therapy assistant program.
Methods: The project was implemented as a pilot study in the fall of 2017 with six participants. The course was delivered using a face-to-face teaching model and designed based on the most recent evidence from the literature. The course content included several key areas of focus, such as a review of testing content, the development of individualized study plans, and completion of sample exam questions with instructions to use content knowledge to improve critical reasoning skills.
Results: The results of the preparatory course were examined based on a comparison between participants’ mock certification pretest and posttest scores. Following the implementation of the project, five of the six participants had improved scores on the mock certification test.
Discussion: Participants reported feeling less overwhelmed and more prepared by increased knowledge of the test’s contents following the review course. The course design used within this project can be used for future curriculum development