Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

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Enhancing Learning Experiences of Neurodiversity and Implementing Sensory Strategies for Children in a Daycare Setting

Taylor Blackwell

The purpose and focus of this capstone project were to identify what tools and strategies were being utilized within Creative Beginnings Child Development Daycare Center that provided support for children with disabilities specifically Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. After completion of observations and evidence-based research the goal of the project was to create, educate and implement sensory tools and strategies into the daycare classrooms to improve inclusivity and increase support and participation throughout the day for the children and staff. Sensory tools and strategies were implemented within several daycare classrooms that provided support for atypical children by resulting in increased participation and focus during classroom activities, improved transitions, and improvements in self-regulatory behaviors as meltdowns occurred. Research evidence supports that there is a need for occupational therapy collaboration within the daycare setting. As occupational therapists play a critical role in addressing sensory challenges in school settings and can provide direct interventions, training, and education to support children’s sensory processing needs.
Occupational Therapy Education: Teaching, Scholarship, and Service

Tyler Bush

The past 14 weeks of this Capstone experience, I have had the pleasure of learning what it is like working in academia in a University setting. During this time, I quickly learned that teaching is just one piece of academia, where service and research are also included in three different components that make up academia. While teaching was the main area of focus I wanted to gain experience in, I was also able to learn more about research and service. At the end of my Capstone experience, I led a service community project by developing an educational learning module to present at the event and a flyer to promote the event. For research, I assisted other educators in finding various peer reviewed articles that were used as part of a Pedigogicon conference study. As I reflect over my Capstone experience I am very grateful and pleased with having the opportunity to work in a part of occupational therapy that I plan to work in someday.
When Worlds Collide: The Intersection of Horses & Rehabilitation

Rachel Carden

One 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.
Literacy and Language Barriers in Healthcare

Kaylee Cloud

My name is Kaylee Cloud and I am an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctoral student at EKU. I completed my Capstone project with a focus on health literacy and language barriers in healthcare. I completed my project at CHI St. Joseph Hospital in Berea, KY. This hospital is a Critical Access Hospital, meaning it is located in a rural area where patients have difficulty accessing healthcare. I began my project by assessing organizational health literacy and personal health literacy of patients, providers, and resources at the hospital to determine the needs of the hospital. I then worked to create resources and update some of their current resources to improve readability and improve patients’ access to resources that are easy to understand. I created resources for both patients and practitioners with the goal to improve both personal health literacy and organizational health literacy. I created an educational PowerPoint presentation with the goal to implement it as a continuing education module for new and current employees at the hospital and other resources that were targeted toward hospital administration’s current concerns regarding patient outcomes. All of the assessment results and resources were left with my mentor for future use and reference in the hospital.
Implementing Nature-Based Occupational Therapy in School-Based Settings

Megan Evans

In school-based settings, Occupational Therapists work with students on various areas related to a student's Individualized Learning Plan (IEP). As technology use increases in academic settings for young students and time spent outdoors decreases, the exploration of a potential solution to this relationship was discovered. Nature-Based Occupational Therapy is an emerging practice area focused on incorporating outdoor play and materials from the outdoors into treatment sessions while still addressing areas of concern to increase a child’s independence in daily occupations.

This capstone project focused on four objectives:
1. Design a nature-based activity guide for students in the school system setting that can be implemented during Occupational Therapy sessions, in the classroom as a group, or at home.
2. Educate students, parents, and teachers about sensory integration and developmental milestones regarding a student’s IEP goals, and how this can be achieved in alternative ways, along with traditional teaching methods.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of a nature-based activity guide for a child’s multi-sensory stimuli responses, while increasing the development of age-appropriate developmental milestones for fine/gross motor skills.
4. Practice sustainability and how to responsibly interact with nature, while also having fun.
When Virtual Reality Meets Occupational Therapy

Danielle Miracle

Virtual reality (VR) has found to be beneficial to occupational therapy clients in the way it creates a safe and enjoyable way to address daily occupations and its ability to increase upper extremity function. The purpose of this ALE was to incorporate VR into interventions for outpatient brain injury patients. Goals for this intervention included successfully implementing VR into intervention plans, creating a handbook for VR use in the use, and adapting equipment to be more accessible. After reaching these goals, implications for practice suggest that VR, along with other technologies can be beneficial for occupational therapists with the proper training and education. As occupational therapists seek out new ways to engage clients, consideration of VR can present opportunities for occupational engagement that clients may have previously determined impossible.
Grow as We Go: Education, Efficacy, and Empowerment for Life Skills Trainers

Shelby Mitchell

In this ALE experience, I sought to bridge the existing gaps in research pertaining to most effective approaches and methodologies for rehabilitation in an adult day treatment setting, specifically in those with a traumatic brain injury. Fragmented and variable care compounded by poor communication are barriers to rehabilitation. However, it was also noted that traumatic brain injury survivors' long-term recovery was positively impacted by joining a peer network such as NeuroRestorative. Following this analysis, a needs assessment was conducted on-site at NeuroRestorative in Lexington, KY to enable more smooth daily programming and cohesive planning with life skills trainers. Goals included observing current operations and daily functions as well as developing a tool kit for existing employees consisting of schedule, group activities, and associated curriculum. This resulted in an innovative, occupation-based 30 day program, consisting of 3 unique groups (cognitive, art and exploration, independent living skills) and their associated activities, organized in an online format. Along with this, an employee in-service program was utilized to educate on the benefits of the program as a whole. Fostering increased organization and consistent planning on behalf of life skills trainers will increase daily client participation and effectively integrate community based rehabilitation services.
Enhancing Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Referral Through Accessible Education for Clinicians and Patients

Madelyn Murphy

Pelvic floor dysfunction has been identified as a significant public health issue and is estimated to affect around 50% of women. Still, less than 25% seek medical help and only 12% receive subspecialty care (Yohay et al., 2022). Studies show a lack of knowledge among women and their providers and that education programs are necessary to fill this gap (Yohay et al., 2022). After surveying both doctors and patients at Med Center Health, this project aimed to fill this educational gap by developing an educational video program. This program targeted both doctors and patients, aiming to increase awareness about pelvic floor rehabilitation and encourage early referral. This involved an in-service session with OB-GYN resident doctors, resulting in an immediate increase in referrals for post-C-section patients. Additionally, the project facilitated the creation of an official website for pelvic floor therapy for Med Center Health as well as podcasts, posters, CBLS, and more. In conclusion, the project successfully addressed the identified gaps in knowledge and practice demonstrating its potential for ongoing impact at Med Center Health.
Aging at Home

Breanna Putnam

This capstone project, "Aging at Home," explores the role of occupational therapy (OT) in facilitating aging-in-place. Motivated by the challenges a 95-year-old family member faces, the project aimed to equip aging adults with OT resources to support their desire to remain in their homes. The project was conducted primarily at the Lexington Senior Center and involved two key phases: Leadership through Inquisition and Program Development and Education. The first phase included meetings, workshops, and experiences with senior living organizations to understand the needs and concerns of aging adults. The second phase focused on developing and delivering the "Aging at Home" workshop, attended by 26 participants who learned about aging-in-place principles and received various resources. Key findings highlighted the importance of holistic care and the need for more services to support aging adults. The capstone underscored that occupational therapy is ideally suited to implement aging-in-place, emphasizing core values like honesty, integrity, and trust. Lastly, this capstone demonstrates that aging adults desire comprehensive, person-focused care, and OT practitioners are well-equipped to meet this need by addressing both physical and psychosocial aspects of aging.
Program Development of Pediatric Therapy Clinic for Rural Hospital

Mauri Rhodes

This capstone project focuses on addressing the critical need for pediatric occupational therapy services in rural western Kentucky. The purpose of this project and experience was to assist in program development of a comprehensive resource for Livingston Hospital to guide the establishment of a pediatric therapy gym including clinic design, equipment suggestions, and various marketing and survey components. The main goals that were completed throughout this experience included: design/develop an outpatient pediatric therapy gym, examine current outpatient pediatric clinics’ practices and procedures, inspect current pediatric therapy clients’ parents and current hospital workers feelings/thoughts/ideas on rural outpatient pediatric therapy, and design a business plan for Livingston Hospital for program development of an outpatient pediatric clinic. To achieve this, I combined hands-on experience, research, and community engagement. Overall, this project highlights the essential role of occupational therapists in designing specialized therapeutic environments, implementing evidence-based practice, and collaborating with healthcare professionals for effective treatment plans.
Workplace Analysis and Body Mechanics Education Program for Radiologic Technologists in Acute Care

Katelyn Richards

My capstone project focused on Workplace Analysis and Body Mechanics Education for Radiologic Technologists in Acute Care. I collaborated with the radiology department at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital to determine current body mechanic practice and education to identify any needs for improvement to address reported injuries within the radiology department. I began my project by completing observations of current x-ray procedures and determining where there was a need for adjustments. This information allowed me to efficiently develop an educational training module and multiple reference guides for safe patient handling and proper body mechanics that can be used to improve the body mechanics of current radiology technologists. My mentor and I sent the training module to HR learning at the hospital for it to be professionally developed into U K’s version of web-based training exercises, which will be used as an educational boarding requirement for current and future employees to review yearly in hopes of reducing workplace injuries. My applied leadership experience allowed me to advocate for the benefit of occupational therapy outside of typical clinical practice by spreading knowledge to individuals who don’t necessarily qualify for OT services, but who can benefit from the skills we possess.
Effects of providing a MoHO-informed education session for college peer-mentor self-efficacy

Sarah Roberts

As an occupational therapy student, I recognized the support our profession can offer to assist with various student and faculty needs across campus, specifically peer mentor programs. A thorough literature review illustrated limited representation for peer mentor roles, expectations, and potential impact on retention. Along with these findings, it was revealed that academic outcomes improve with involvement in evidence-based interventions as well as support for the Model of Human Occupations (MoHO) to understand and support human well-being.With this in mind, this study sought to develop and implement an evidence-based education session to identify and improve resources for peer mentors and demonstrate how to apply MoHO in post-secondary education mentor services. A survey was conducted before and after implementation of the 30 minute MoHO-based education session to better understand the thoughts and feelings associated with the role of being a mentor, skill development, and self-efficacy. Participation in the occupational therapy led activity not only showed an improvement in individual outcomes but also demonstrated the positive effect in use of metacognitive strategies to improve self-efficacy and performance in peer mentor and student-facing workers roles.
Sensory Training for School Based Professionals

Anna Rose

The purpose of this ALE presentation was to develop a sensory-based training for school system professionals in Floyd County Schools regarding the purpose of sensory-based interventions and sensory-based equipment to improve student outcomes and academic performance. Professionals were educated regarding the appropriate use of sensory equipment within their school’s sensory room and sensory supports to utilize within the classroom. All professionals were trained to ensure optimal outcomes for students utilizing the new and finalized sensory rooms in Floyd County. After the finalization of 8 sensory rooms, and over 10 sensory-based trainings, Floyd County professionals were assessed utilizing equipment with students, as I provided modeling and feedback as needed during use of sensory-based interventions/equipment. The collaboration amongst occupational therapists, teachers, paraeducators, and other related-service professionals regarding the use of sensory intervention within the schools aims to mend the gap of interdisciplinary communication and result in improved students’ sensory processing skills, academic participation, and occupational performance.
Prenatal and Postnatal Experience Focusing on Women’s Mental and Physical Health

Ebony Sivils

Women’s mental and physical health concerns prenatally and postnatally is a common concern within the United States. According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), postpartum depression commonly occurs six weeks after childbirth, affecting 6.5 percent to 20 percent of women (2022). Pregnancy related physical concerns are also a common concern with prenatal/postnatal mothers with difficulties such as back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, hip/knee pain, cesarean section (c-section) issues, and several other concerns. Physical concerns have been shown to affect mothers ability to walk, work, sleep, and participate within everyday routine potentially leading to depression (O’Connor, et.al, 2013). It is important for health care providers to evaluate and educate themselves on warning signs regarding women’s mental and physical health prenatally and postnatally, therefore; mothers can get the appropriate care. Incorporating Occupational Therapy and other necessary services can give mothers the necessary treatment that they need. Occupational Therapy could add value to this population with support of self efficacy in breast feeding, education on prenatal and postpartum depression, adaptive strategies for activities of daily living (ADLs), adaptive strategies for instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), performance factors, and role transitions (Sidar et. al,2024).
Occupational Therapy's Role in Work and Industry: Manufacturing

Madeline Spears

This 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.
Prenatal and Postnatal Experience Focusing on Women’s Mental and Physical Health

Karen Stamper

This capstone experience was about creating an activity enrichment program for the hospital's swing bed program. This program can easily be transferred to other areas as need be but for this experience it was directed towards an inpatient rehab swing bed program. For the creation of the program data collection was used, a total of three assessments were utilized, the SLUMS a cognitive assessment, the geriatric depression scale to measure depression levels, and an activity interest checklist was used to gather information on meaningful activities that those participating enjoyed. Once data collection was finished, a continued literature search was conducted combining research and literature to find evidence-based activities that were enriching for patients to participate in. Twelve months of activity calendars were created, and activity analysis was used to break down each activity into instructions and materials lists. A google drive was created for the enrichment program divided by month. An about me sheet was also created to give additional information about meaning activities of the patients to use for the program. A QR code was created for patients to scan when they are ready to discharge home to give the hospital data related to this newly created enrichment program. This QR code will be available once the enrichment program is implemented. An infographic explaining the importance of enriching activities was also created to educate staff and can be easily handed out in a staff meeting or in-service. A physical copy of the program printed in binders and digital copy on a google drive was given to the therapy department upon completion of this capstone experience for the hospital to begin implementing this program on their swing bed unit.
Accessible Shores: Promoting Beach Accessibility in Florida

Sara Swartz

This research experience sought to improve beach accessibility for members of the community facing barriers to occupational participation. Beach accessibility is essential for creating meaningful experiences and improving well-being through exposure to blue spaces. Despite its benefits, numerous environmental and systemic barriers hinder individuals with disabilities from safely accessing spaces. To further research this issue and challenges to participation, survey responses from community members of Jacksonville, Florida were gathered and analyzed for common themes. Conversations with professionals in the area allowed for greater insight on available resources and assistive device technology that could improve beach accessibility. To showcase this information and provide a positive experience, an accessibility event was coordinated to include affected members of the community, hosted by vendors who could provide assistive devices and resources to shed light on what is available to improve their experience in blue areas. A number of vendors, such as SportsAbility, provided all-terrain wheelchairs and resources that event attendees could try in order to see how they may use this equipment in the future. Through this experience, I came to the realization that environmental barriers did not solely represent barriers individuals may face, as man-made barriers posed significant issues regarding funding, adequate staffing, and supportive policies put in place to be inclusive of beach use for all. As occupational therapists, there is a recognized need for advocacy and spreading awareness of existing resources to help others participate in this valuable occupation.
A Conservative Treatment Protocol for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

Adam Waggener

This capstone project sought to construct a written conservative treatment protocol for thumb CMC OA, emphasizing evidence-based practices. As a hopeful hand therapist, clinical observations led me to realize thumb CMC OA was a common condition present in many cases. A written protocol would be beneficial to both client and practitioner to increase knowledge and awareness of best practice while educating clients as they seek treatment. Initial development of the protocol included communication with current hand therapists to better understand needs of both client and practitioner. Following this, a thorough analysis of current literature was completed for best evidence based practices. Evidence and feedback provided was incorporated together to ensure protocol was meeting needs of both practitioner and clients. Within the protocol, supplemental education was provided to include evidence-based exercises and resources such as a patient handout to improve education of condition and adherence to protocol. Conserving function being a key goal to improve overall long-term outcomes and lessen the likelihood of needing surgery in the future. This protocol provides succinct but thorough information that is universally helpful to both new and experienced therapists and students like myself, seeking to pursue hand therapy in the future. To continue fostering success within the community, more thorough protocol documentation is needed to develop plans of care and protocols, contributing to the success of the OT community at-large.