American Journal of Occupational Therapy

The American Occupational Therapy Association publishes an annual online supplement to the American Journal of Occupational Therapy consisting of the peer-reviewed “research track” abstracts of presentations at the AOTA Annual Conference & Expo. The current supplement consists of the abstracts that were accepted for presentation at the 2020 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo in Boston, Massachusetts.

Date Presented 03/26/20

Concussion can cause changes in emotion and functioning. Symptoms, whether resolving in a few days or persisting for months, can disrupt academic life, causing disengagement or poor performance. Lingering symptoms, impact on quality of life and academics, and coping strategies utilized by students in the management of concussion will be identified. The potential role of OT faculty as consultants to the Office of Disabilities for environmental adaptations to optimize engagement is discussed.

Primary Author and Speaker: Elizabeth Wescott

Additional Authors and Speakers: Salvador Bondoc

Contributing Authors: Barbara Nadeau, Emily Czaja, Anna DeSimone, Alexandra Goldstein, Brittney Gravel, Megan Hayward, Noelle Johnson, Melissa Ricciuto, Katelyn Santos

Date Presented 03/26/20

The Australian OT academic workforce has been impacted by an increased number of education programs and student enrollment. Only half have a PhD or professional doctorate, and there is only a small number in academic leadership. Most academics were motivated to become academics to teach students. Job satisfaction was influenced negatively by the number of years in current position, particularly dissatisfaction with pay, operating conditions, and promotion opportunities.

Primary Author and Speaker: Carol McKinstry

Contributing Authors: Louise Gustafsson, Ted Brown

Date Presented 03/26/20

Transition Age Youth with Epilepsy (TAYWE) struggle to gain the skills necessary to effectively manage self-care routines. A mobile health system may be an effective means of providing remote support and increasing self-management skills, while providing caregivers with the ability to monitor health status and activities. This presentation shares the qualitative results gathered via focus groups from both TAYWE and their caregivers to help design an innovative mHealth system to support their needs.

Primary Author and Speaker: Andrea Fairman

Additional Authors and Speakers: Alyssa Ojeda, Lindsey Morris, Rachel Goodwin

Contributing Authors: Mary Thompson

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study presents a qualitative study examining the common treatment interventions used in the treatment of pediatric feeding therapy disorders. The study uses a phenomenological tradition to identify four themes that emerged in defining treatment interventions and evaluating success of interventions from the perspective of the therapist.

Primary Author and Speaker: Aimee Piller

Additional Authors and Speakers: Leslie Lamb

Date Presented 03/26/20

Due to societal changes in the paternal role affecting family dynamic, it is imperative for OTs to explore and understand the role fathers have in relations with their child, especially in joint play. OTs are involved in supporting children’s development and can incorporate fathers in promoting joint play by assessing the type and quality of the support they provide to their child as well as its effect on the child’s behavior.

Primary Author and Speaker: Amiya Waldman-Levi

Additional Authors and Speakers: Laurette Olson

Contributing Authors: Shaindy Kohan, Maya Aronova, Rachel Ytshakov, Merav Stroh, Leora Rychik, Tzvi Malks, Hindy Katz, Samantha Apesa

Date Presented 03/26/20

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of intervention at improving dietary intake in children with autism. Overall, limited to moderate evidence supported behavior modification and desensitization practices within interdisciplinary feeding teams to increase food variety directed at improving dietary status. The impact of intervention on a child’s dietary status in addition to feeding behaviors should be considered when working with children with autism and feeding challenges.

Primary Author and Speaker: Amanda Malzacher

Additional Authors and Speakers: Sophia Slocum

Contributing Authors: Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 03/26/20

Culture plays an important role in daily life and is expressed in family and educational values and practices. This study examined the impact of culture and gender on children’s participation in preschool activities. One hundred twenty children from two subcultural groups were observed. A significant gender and culture interaction effect was found in play and social areas. These findings suggest that cultural values may influence gender expectations, as well as children’s participation in daily activities.

Primary Author and Speaker: Anat Golos

Additional Authors and Speakers: Naomi Weintraub

Date Presented 03/26/20

This research studied a developmental and relationship-based intervention that provided parents with the capacity to co-regulate their toddlers and support their development of empathy. This intervention was provided to mothers who have adopted toddlers with a history of substance exposure or neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). As rates of children with substance exposure and NAS increase, OTs will find interventions such as this one useful and effective in helping these children and their families.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sara Clancey

Date Presented 03/26/20

The OT project used a mixed design to determine the impact of consultation OT services in a faith-based preschool. Teachers were educated on motor-skill development and methods to create motor opportunities within classroom routines. Postproject, teachers indicated improved confidence to incorporate motor activities into preschool routines. The project identified that community-based preschools should be an area of focus for OT practitioners.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sherry Stancliff

Date Presented 03/26/20

This is a case study of a seven year old attending sessions once a week for six weeks with play in a nonpreferred wet food item followed by the presentation of the same wet food for eating using the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach. Data was collected by coding the SOS hierarchy steps, and results showed the child increased the variety of novel foods in the diet, decreased negative behaviors at mealtime, and accepted the nonpreferred wet food at home closer to the times of direct intervention.

Primary Author and Speaker: Julia Hawkins

Contributing Authors: Bridget Burnett, Julia Corello, Kaitlyn Heath, Abigail Schmidt, Chelsea Scott, David Prier, Alexis Ishman

Date Presented 03/26/20

Observations were completed in six kindergarten classrooms on two separate days to determine the time kindergarten children spend on fine motor and handwriting activities. The results found that children spent 29.67% of the time engaged in fine motor activities (academic and nonacademic), of which 30.75% of the time was spent in handwriting activities. The kindergarteners spent 12.29% of the total observed time engaging in handwriting activities.

Primary Author and Speaker: Jennifer Fogo

Additional Authors and Speakers: Shannon Spangler, Melody White, Jeffrey Moore

Contributing Authors: Hanna Rose, Colleen Yeldell, Rachael Struewing

Date Presented 03/26/20

Infants who sustain brachial plexus injury are at risk for neuromuscular and sensibility deficits contributing to prehensile dysfunction. OTs practicing in early intervention often have limited resources available to improve muscle activation. Yet our experimental program offers a solution, since infant-initiated muscle activation or arm movement will trigger a toy to move, reinforcing them to move again. If done repeatedly, this program could contribute to their recovery.

Primary Author and Speaker: Susan Duff

Contributing Authors: Milan Stevanovic, Jamie Berggren, Barbara Sargent, Andrew Kimbel, Cyril Rakovski, Ehsan Yaghmaei, Peter Pidcoe, Benjamin Leiby, Mitchel Seruya, Eric Wade

Date Presented 03/26/20

Interactive technology is becoming increasingly relevant and more widely used in elementary schools and various treatment settings as 21st-century learning continues to evolve. This session will demonstrate how OTs can use their expertise in fine-motor development to develop Tier 1 supports that utilize a combination of interactive technology and traditional fine-motor activities to help children develop fine-motor skills while keeping up with the 21st-century learning model.

Primary Author and Speaker: Chelsey Lyons

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of nature-based interventions on physiological and emotional responses in at-risk preadolescent youth. Preliminary results indicate a decrease in resting heart rate and an increase in positive emotional states following the interventions. Inclusion of nature-based activities in OT interventions for at-risk youth can contribute to advancements in occupational justice and engagement for this population.

Primary Author and Speaker: Christine McQuay

Additional Authors and Speakers: Charlea Olmstead, Taylor Reamy

Contributing Authors: Elizabeth Richardson, Robert Koslow

Date Presented 03/26/20

College students with disabilities have poorer retention and graduation rates than their peers without disabilities. The academic success of college students with disabilities can be enhanced by the provision of specialized academic supports. A coaching intervention provided by OTs allowed college students with disabilities to meet 66% of their self-identified academic goals. The students clearly articulated the benefits of this intervention to their success.

Primary Author and Speaker: Marie-Christine Potvin

Additional Authors and Speakers: Monique Chabot

Contributing Authors: Margaret Ryan, Caitlin Beach, Janette Boney, Ashley Seaver, Michael Barrett, Kathleen Carr

Date Presented 03/26/20

This quantitative research explored the impact of an occupation-based transition to college program for young adults with autism (n = 13). It consisted of seven 45-minute sessions held once per week. Eight out of 13 participants demonstrated improved confidence as a future college student. Participants showed similarities in making the decision to apply to and attend college. Practitioners are encouraged to research the impact of programming to support individuals during the transition process.

Primary Author and Speaker: Colleen Schreier

Additional Authors and Speakers: Manveen Singh, Jennifer Gardner, Mariann Moran

Contributing Authors: Juana Guglielmino, John Rosalie, Joseph Vitullo

Date Presented 03/26/20

Adults with DCD only or DCD with co-occurrence reported significantly lower success in past (late adolescent) social relationships, compared to typically developing adults. Yet in adulthood, the DCD-only group did not differ significantly from the typically developing group in social relationships. Adults with DCD appear to have more positive social experiences than they did in adolescence. The results suggest a unique contribution of different patterns of neurodevelopmental co-occurrence with DCD in adulthood.

Primary Author and Speaker: Miri Tal-Saban

Contributing Authors: Amanda Kirby

Date Presented 03/26/20

Community participation promotes quality of life and transition to adulthood for adolescents with ASD. This study describes community participation and environmental barriers to and supports of adolescents with ASD compared to typically developing peers using the Participation and Environment Measure—Children and Youth. Results can inform intervention, resource allocation, and policy decisions to best meet the needs of adolescents with ASD.

Primary Author and Speaker: Liron Lamash

Additional Authors and Speakers: Gary Bedell

Contributing Authors: Naomi Josman

Date Presented 03/26/20

The ParentShip protocol is a multidimensional intervention for parents of adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Results from a pilot study display a significant improvement in adolescents’ participation and heightened parental resilience. Preliminary feasibility supports ParentShip as a strength-based family-centered intervention program. OT practitioners can benefit from this structured protocol, which enables parents to achieve their prioritized goals.

Primary Author and Speaker: Batel Wachspress

Additional Authors and Speakers: Tal Mazor-Karsenty

Contributing Authors: Adina Maeir

Date Presented 03/26/20

Despite the increasing number of adults aging with intellectual disabilities and dementia, there is limited research that examines this group’s lived experience, specifically considering participation in meaningful activities and tasks across various environments. This study aims to improve understandings of the impact of the environment on participation for this population and inform development of effective supports and services.

Primary Author and Speaker: Alisa Sheth

Date Presented 03/26/20

This mixed-methods study utilized quantitative and qualitative data, with a constant comparative and simple thematic analysis, to describe current sexual-health-education practices for individuals with IDD, as well as to identify the gaps, barriers, and recommendations for sexual-health education. The results of this study indicate the need for a collaborative approach to providing sexual-health information and describe OT’s role.

Primary Author and Speaker: Elizabeth Schmidt

Additional Authors and Speakers: Natalie Robek, Megan Dougherty

Contributing Authors: April Horstman, Amy Darragh

Date Presented 03/26/20

OTs often struggle to target toilet training in interventions, as there is currently no verifiable means to measure progress of the tasks associated with mastering the activities of daily living of toileting and toilet hygiene. This makes the pragmatics of reimbursement and goal writing difficult for many therapists. The purpose of this study is to validate an instrument that measures the developmental progression of toilet-training skills among children with autism spectrum disorder ages two to six years old.

Primary Author and Speaker: Samantha Souza

Additional Authors and Speakers: Lauren Little

Date Presented 03/26/20

Sleep is a vital occupation supporting health and well-being for all persons across the life span. This study examined the experience of sleep for families of young adult children with ASD through a qualitative phenomenological approach. Results revealed that family life revolves around the needs of the young adult child with autism. While the pervasive influence of autism on everyday family life has been established, this study was the first to unveil persistence during the occupation of sleep.

Primary Author and Speaker: Nicole Halliwell

Additional Authors and Speakers: Beth DeGrace

Contributing Authors: Mara Podvey, Lorraine Sylvester, Julie Smith, Katelyn Harris

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose of this study was to explore caregivers’ experiences and current practices while transporting children with ASD. Statistically significant findings suggest a correlation between caregivers limiting travel distance or participation in activities when transporting a child with ASD who displays behavioral safety concerns. This suggests that caregivers of children with ASD are more likely to experience decreased occupational participation.

Primary Author and Speaker: Missy Bryan

Additional Authors and Speakers: Katherine Dullaghan, Abigail Harris, Michaela Isenberg, Jacqueline Marquez, Autumn Triggs

Contributing Authors: Teresa Plummer, Lacy Roling

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study examined the impact of AT paired with individualized support on occupational engagement in higher education (HE). Findings indicate that individualized support paired with AT use increases self-efficacy and continued engagement with AT. This data shows that individualized support by an OT paired with AT may decrease AT abandonment and enhance academic occupational engagement in HE, specifically in self-reported academic performance and satisfaction.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sara Delucchi

Additional Authors and Speakers: Cayla Chapman, Michelle Morello, Bethany Young, Laura Hess

Date Presented 03/26/20

This project identifies the importance of having advanced training for administration of assessments to have accurate and reliable results. With the identified gap in training for the ARAT assessment, a training program was created and tested pre- and posttraining with 15 participants. The interrater reliability results indicated that posttraining scores had greater accuracy in scoring. These results indicate a positive effect on accuracy of assessments with the application of training.

Primary Author and Speaker: Allison Drobish

Additional Authors and Speakers: Mary Hildebrand

Date Presented 03/26/20

The positive impact of occupation and well-being has been documented throughout the literature, however, the direct link of using OBP and improvement of client outcomes has not been well established. This research study considered what OBP is, what the constructs are that comprise it, and how facilitators and barriers impact its use. Four main constructs of OBP were discovered, as well as the theory of OT’s dynamic use of OBP.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sarah Psillas

Additional Authors and Speakers: Wendy Stav

Date Presented 03/26/20

The objective of this study was to develop and test the acceptability and usability of a mobile application directory of OTs who provide home modifications in the United States. Preliminary results show the mobile application demonstrates good preliminary acceptability and usability to OTs. The mobile application shows promise as a new tool to help increase access to home modification interventions provided by OTs.

Primary Author and Speaker: An Nguyen

Contributing Authors: Emily Somerville, Sandra Martina Esp ín-Tello, Marian Keglovits, Susan Stark

Date Presented 03/26/20

The area of OT has been extended to preventive approaches from rehab. With regard to the increasing aging population, health professionals are trying to find effective approaches to maintaining and enhancing the health of healthy older adults. Although the concept of OB has a potential for preventive intervention, little is known about the scientific relationship between OB and health-related variables in older adults.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sangmi Park

Contributing Authors: Ji-Hyuk Park, Hae Jong Lee, Byoung-Jin Jeon, Eun Young Yoo, Jong Bae Kim

Date Presented 03/26/20

Prison-reform initiatives are expected to increase the number of released inmates. There are few OTs working in this setting, and the number of practitioners considering employment in this setting is unknown. Two research studies will be presented related to this issue. Both are first steps toward understanding the attitudes of those in our profession about rehabilitation of inmates as well as factors associated with willingness to work in the prison system.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sarah Tucker

Date Presented 03/26/20

Falling is the second leading cause of unintentional injury leading to death or reduced mobility and independence in older adults. Age, gender, and cognitive decline are established risk factors for falls in older adults. This study examined risk factors specific to older adults with neurocognitive disorders and found complex medication regime, type of living situation, mobility impairments, use of gait devices, and type of leisure activities were associated with an increase in falls.

Primary Author and Speaker: Patricia Schaber

Contributing Authors: Julia Barbian, Cassondra Burklund, Kelcy Pollock, Jing Ries

Date Presented 03/26/20

The study examined Medicare quality-measure data to determine the amount of rehabilitation services needed (e.g., therapy intensity and the length of stay) to maximize the improvement in self-care skills for older adults with an orthopedic hip condition in skilled-nursing facilities. Findings of the study can serve as a reference for OTs to plan intervention and justify the resources necessary to increase clients’ independence.

Primary Author and Speaker: Chiung-ju (CJ) Liu

Additional Authors and Speakers: Christine Kroll

Contributing Authors: Courtney Hayden, Craig Wright, Erin Ingram, Lauren Barr, Niki Pierson, Ashley Suda

Date Presented 03/26/20

Due to an anticipated increase in the older adult population, a survey research design was used to compare quality of life of older adults who live at home and are active in the community versus those who live in a long-term care facility. Data indicates that older adults who age in place and are active in the community report a higher quality of life. Additionally, socioeconomic status is a predictor of quality of life. The results of this study provide insight in gearing direction to care for older adults.

Primary Author and Speaker: Dahlia Castillo

Additional Authors and Speakers: Liana Trevino, Raul Suarez, Genesis Arreola-Castaneda

Contributing Authors: Cecilia Fierro, Mei-Ling Lin

Date Presented 03/26/20

Using big data visual analytics and a total of 86,887 readmitted Medicare beneficiaries living with stroke, a number of biclusters consisting of patient subgroups and their co-occurring multiple chronic comorbidities were determined. This technique informed a multimorbidity self-management program to support patients managing their health after stroke.

Primary Author and Speaker: Ickpyo Hong

Additional Authors and Speakers: Kimberly Hreha, Monique Pappadis, Hashem Shaltoni, Yu-Li Lin, Emmanuel Santillana Fayett, Julianna Dean, Chih-Ying Li, Annalisa Na, Suresh Bhavnani, Timothy Reistetter

Date Presented 03/26/20

In PD, cognitive impairments are seen in 40 to 80% of people, which affects their occupational performance. Studies indicate that dance has effects on cognition, thus this review was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of dance on cognition in PD. Seven studies were identified for review. Several dance forms were used, with tango the most common. Results suggest that dance can improve aspects of cognition, including memory, attention, and executive functions.

Primary Author and Speaker: Amruta Ulman

Additional Authors and Speakers: Nancy Baker, Jinali Thakker, Harshada Agawane, Saloni Solanki

Contributing Authors: Linda Tickle-Degnen

Date Presented 03/26/20

Weakness of the affected UE is common poststroke. However, it is important to be aware that the less-affected UE is also mildly affected poststroke. In this longitudinal study, we revealed that the motor and functional ability of the less-affected UE improved significantly during the first six months poststroke. The impact of this UE on bilateral functioning needs to be further investigated.

Primary Author and Speaker: Samar Hmaied Assadi

Additional Authors and Speakers: Debbie Rand

Contributing Authors: Noa Doron, Shelly Peri, Haim Barel, Israel Dudkiewicz, Gabi Zeilig, Revital Gross-Nevo

Date Presented 03/26/20

The goal of the study was to evaluate the long-term implications of breast cancer on upper-extremity function, participation, and perceived quality of life among Israeli women and to examine the utilization of OT services in the rehabilitation process. The study included two steps: (1) an online survey and (2) face-to-face in-depth evaluation. Women with breast cancer reported a wide range of impairments that are within the domain of OT, but only a small minority received OT services.

Primary Author and Speaker: Danit Langer

Additional Authors and Speakers: Asnat Bar-Haim Erez

Contributing Authors: Hagit Magen, Shlomit Tendler

Date Presented 03/26/20

People with poststroke aphasia typically experience poorer outcomes than those with stroke without aphasia. OT students in an SRSC complete training designed to minimize communication barriers and improve care for persons with aphasia. Outcomes in the SRSC were compared between clients with (n = 6) and without poststroke aphasia (n = 13). Data analyses indicated that the two groups made similar progress, suggesting that comparable care was delivered.

Primary Author and Speaker: Anna Neff

Additional Authors and Speakers: Meghan Doherty

Contributing Authors: Monica Perlmutter

Date Presented 03/26/20

Through qualitative synthesis of findings from 10 grounded-theory studies on perceptions of QOL of engaged patients with chronic conditions, the authors propose the theory of occupational autonomy, which defines QOL as one’s ability to participate in one’s valued, desired, or chosen occupations, providing powerful support for AOTA’s Vision 2025, which stresses OT’s role in maximizing “health, well-being, and QOL for all people, populations, and communities. ”

Primary Author and Speaker: Barbara Kornblau

Contributing Authors: Debora Oliveira, Sarah Mbiza

Date Presented 03/26/20

OTs are uniquely qualified to address mental-health needs and functional implications. A pilot wellness program co-led by integrative health and therapists utilized breath management, visualization, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral methods to promote healthy coping mechanisms. It was developed as an adjunct therapy and a nonpharmacological modality to enhance quality of life and promote a safe transition to community for adult patients on an acute rehabilitation unit.

Primary Author and Speaker: Amanda Romano

Additional Authors and Speakers: Charlene Wong, Jeanina Miller

Contributing Authors: Miriam Ringel, Marci Resnicoff, Kara Nizolek

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain insight into the caregiver stress experience when assisting with activities of daily living (ADL) for a person with a stroke. Caregivers reported physical and emotional or psychological stressors related to providing ADL assistance during the occupation of caregiving and requested more support at home. OT practitioners are uniquely suited to address the support needs of caregivers and have the potential to make a positive impact on their lives.

Primary Author and Speaker: Mary Thomas

Additional Authors and Speakers: Julie Watson

Date Presented 03/26/20

In this study, fMRI was evaluated as a predictor of individual response to a rehabilitation program. Initial functional connectivity (FC) and acute change in FC after the first therapy session were associated with change in upper-extremity motor function from baseline to one-month follow-up after six-weeks of therapy. This result encourages a large study to examine if fMRI FC is predictive of patients’ responsiveness to an intervention, thus promoting individualized treatment.

Primary Author and Speaker: Amanda Vatinno

Contributing Authors: Andria Farrens, Na Jin Seo, Fabrizio Sergi

Date Presented 03/26/20

Ninety percent of OTs use sensory-based interventions to manage sensory-processing disorder (SPD) in school settings (Ahn et al., 2004). Although sensory diets, a sensory-based intervention, are widely used in school-based settings to manage SPD, the current evidence on sensory diets is sparse (Case-Smith et al., 2015). This topic discusses the results of this study, which investigated the effectiveness of sensory diets on children’s classroom behaviors.

Primary Author and Speaker: Vidya Pingale

Contributing Authors: Tina Fletcher, Catherine Candler

Date Presented 03/26/20

The BRIDGE program is presented to “bridge” the social needs of children with sensory-processing and integration challenges by providing services in dyads, triads, or quartets. This 12-session program focused on six themes: whole body listening, personal space, turn-taking, trading objects or toys, listening and communicating personal ideas, and sportsmanship. Data suggest an improvement in social skills as well as a reduction in the impact of the child’s behavior on the activities of the family.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sarah Schoen

Additional Authors and Speakers: Mim Ochsenbein, Virginia Spielmann

Contributing Authors: Andrea Valdez

Date Presented 03/26/20

The 2011 Survey of Pathways to Diagnosis and Services includes 15 sensory items that could inform tailored therapeutic interventions established by OTs. However, these items have not been validated as a measure. Based on psychometric analyses, this study concluded that all 15 items were adequately explained by the general sensory factor and one of four sensory factors: (1) sensory seeking; (2) sensory avoidant; (3) disorganized/overreactive; and (4) repetitive behaviors.

Primary Author and Speaker: Mi Jung Lee

Additional Authors and Speakers: Ickpyo Hong

Contributing Authors: Karen Ratcliff, Claudia Hilton

Date Presented 03/26/20

This single group pre- and posttest study explored the impact of OT intervention on sedentary behavior among office workers. Statistically significant improvement was noted for energy and fatigue, emotional well-being, subjective sleep, and calories burned (p < 0.05). OT practitioners can utilize holistic ergonomic interventions and client-centered goals to reduce sedentary behavior and improve occupational performance among office workers.

Primary Author and Speaker: Allison Naber

Additional Authors and Speakers: Whitney Lucas Molitor

Contributing Authors: Logan Willhite

Date Presented 03/26/20

RTW is an essential target for many stroke survivors. As yet, the prevalence of RTW poststroke in developing countries such as Jordan is unknown. Additionally, more research is required to identify factors that contribute to RTW poststroke. This study aims to: (1) determine the prevalence of RTW among stroke survivors in Jordan, and (2) determine the predictors of RTW from a holistic perspective using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF), 3rd edition.

Primary Author and Speaker: Mohammad Nazzal

Additional Authors and Speakers: Huda Yousef, Hanan Khalil

Contributing Authors: Khalid El-Salem, Ziad Hawamdeh, Patrícia Almeida

Date Presented 03/26/20

This project explores the impact of a service-learning pilot program, LEGO club, on OT and speech-language pathology graduate students’ self-efficacy in clinical and interpersonal collaboration skills. Students facilitated weekly LEGO club sessions with pediatric clients with and without social-skills deficits and reflected on their professional growth throughout the program.

Primary Author and Speaker: Aubrey Matthews

Additional Authors and Speakers: Amanda Worek, Andrea Fairman

Contributing Authors: Sarah Friel, Anthony Sindelar

Date Presented 03/26/20

Effective education is situated in the local culture and context; however, it is not known how OT educators create a curriculum that is responsive to the local culture and context. This ethnographic case study demonstrated that educators responded to local cultural and contextual factors and student-learning needs specific to the Caribbean by using localizing strategies. Localizing strategies were processes and approaches that made the curriculum relevant to the local community.

Primary Author and Speaker: Bill Roberts

Contributing Authors: Barb Hooper

Date Presented 03/26/20

Identifying children’s conduct problems is helpful for clinicians planning further intervention. We have developed the comprehensive COPS and established its expert validity. This study aimed to establish its construct validity and Rasch reliability. After analysis, the remaining 23 items were unidimensional and had high Rasch reliability. Thus, clinicians can administer the COPS to accurately and precisely assess children’s conduct problems.

Primary Author and Speaker: Chien-Yu Huang

Contributing Authors: Po-Yu Chen, Ching-Lin Hsieh, Kuan-Lin Chen

Date Presented 03/26/20

Peer-mediated interventions are effective for children with ASD. We investigated the difference in play performance of 68 children with ASD playing with a sibling versus a nonsibling peer. Test of Playfulness scores were significantly higher with a nonsibling play partner. Two social items explained much of the difference: "support of playmate" and "response to play cues," indicating these need to be a focus of intervention for sibling dyads.

Primary Author and Speaker: Cally Kent

Contributing Authors: Reinie Cordier, Annette Joosten, Sarah Wilkes-Gillan, Anita Bundy

Date Presented 03/26/20

Maternal supportive behavior and self-reflection are essential for healthy and sustained relationships with a child. It is imperative for OTs to be able to identify differences in how mothers support their children in joint play, as well as how they perceive these experiences. This study describes three case studies that illustrate differences and a possible relationship between how mothers support their children during joint play and each mother’s reflective capacity.

Primary Author and Speaker: Ariana D’Urso

Additional Authors and Speakers: Brittany Cho, Sara Zargarova, Laurette Olson, Amiya Waldman-Levi

Date Presented 03/26/20

Individuals with ASD frequently have difficulty with executive function (EF) and fitness. EF contributes to success in school and work and allows people to manage the stresses of and barriers to daily life activities. Participation in a daily physical exercise program significantly improved executive function and fitness among adolescents with ASD, suggesting the importance of developing, enabling, and supporting daily physical activity programs in school practice.

Primary Author and Speaker: Claudia Hilton

Additional Authors and Speakers: Karen Ratcliff

Contributing Authors: Diane Collins, Julie Jones

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose of this study was to determine the average change score on the VMI that would represent a clinically important change in functional skills. Anchor-based methods were used to compare VMI change scores to Likert scale ratings of children’s performance in fine-motor tasks, handwriting, and activities of daily living. Results indicated that children with improvements in functional skills had VMI scores that declined. These findings question the utility of VMI scores as indicators of progress in children.

Primary Author and Speaker: Alisha Ohl

Additional Authors and Speakers: David Schelly

Contributing Authors: Shari Sharpe

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study presents the relationships between different types of feeding challenges for children with ASD to specific sensory patterns, parenting stress, and overall adaptive behaviors. The findings of this study suggest children with ASD demonstrate unique patterns of feeding challenges and sensory responses that are significantly connected to parenting stress and adaptive behavior and can inform the development of targeted family-centered feeding interventions.

Primary Author and Speaker: Brittany St. John

Additional Authors and Speakers: Molly Hamre, Karla Ausderau

Contributing Authors: Muhammad Al-Heizan, Kate Dorrance, Colleen Althoff

Date Presented 03/26/20

The requirements for handwriting continue to increase for children entering kindergarten. There is a general lack of consensus on a quantitative measure of handwriting, specifically in the preschool age group. Just Write! is a tool written by the researchers to measure functional handwriting and is showing promising results in the initial standardization phase. Participants will gain an understanding of the need for this tool as well as the current actions being taken to standardize the tool.

Primary Author and Speaker: Tiffany Bolton

Additional Authors and Speakers: Brittney Stevenson, William Janes, Haleigh Fancher, Olivia Bartolacci, Molly Anderson

Date Presented 03/26/20

This qualitative research study sought to understand the knowledge of school personnel concerning adolescent drug use and the role of OT in school-based drug prevention. Understanding of the role of OT was gathered, and facilitators of and barriers to school-based prevention were identified. Results of this study can be used to increase knowledge of OT among school personnel and articulate OT’s distinct value in school systems, particularly regarding drug-prevention programs.

Primary Author and Speaker: Laura Aust

Date Presented 03/26/20

Children with FASD experience self-regulation deficits. This study identified the effects of the Alert Program on children with FASD. All participants had sensory, emotional, and behavioral regulation deficits identified by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2 (BRIEF 2) and Sensory Profile 2. Results on the BRIEF 2 were both clinically and statistically significant with a specific increase in behavioral and emotional regulation skills.

Primary Author and Speaker: Lindsay Layer

Contributing Authors: Jeryl Benson

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose of this study was to investigate both teacher and parent perspectives on services provided to and needs of children with ADHD. Through this research, we explored perceived needs, current services implemented, the effectiveness of current strategies, and resource and educational needs of teachers and parents. The research identified gaps in services and education from both the teacher and parent perspectives that align with the services that can be readily provided by an OT.

Primary Author and Speaker: Donna Wooster

Contributing Authors: Ryan Appleton, S. Katelyn McGee, Lauren Naquin, Sarah Whittle, Kayln Worsham

Date Presented 03/26/20

AOTA’s position statement, Vision 2025, promotes OT practitioners working within family systems (AOTA, 2017; Somers, 2016). OT practitioners can minimize the adverse effects of sibling aggression to prevent injuries and promote healthy child development (AOTA, 2017). Education about sibling aggression in OT programs and continuing education, the level of education, and years of experience predicted OT practitioners’ confidence to address sibling aggression with the families that they serve.

Primary Author and Speaker: Lisa Shooman

Contributing Authors: Mary Fowler

Date Presented 03/26/20

Inclusive community programs can have effects on the children who participate in them, their parents, and the community. This qualitative study analyzed the characteristics of an inclusive musical theater program, DreamCatchers, and the evolving of the behaviors and mind-sets of the children and their parents. This program had an overall positive effect on the children’s behaviors and creation of friendships, parents’ perceptions of their children’s abilities, and community perspective on disability.

Primary Author and Speaker: Jordan Goodwin

Additional Authors and Speakers: Kendall Byrge, Evalyn Estep, Tyler Smith

Contributing Authors: Amy Kurowski-Burt, Grace Lauzon

Date Presented 03/26/20

Successful occupational and role performance for students with LD or ADHD can be fostered through the incorporation or strengthening of a broad range of skills and attributes. Seventeen skills and attributes used by undergraduates with LD or ADHD across six contexts and environments of young adulthood are delineated. Findings provide anticipatory guidance for OTs working with adolescents and inform the creation or improvement of interventions.

Primary Author and Speaker: Consuelo Kreider

Additional Authors and Speakers: Sharon Medina

Contributing Authors: Haley Benner, Kelly Dillon

Date Presented 03/26/20

The study’s findings highlight common themes that emerged from pediatric OTs’ experiences using mobile apps for promoting children’s developmental skills. The findings are important to the science of mobile technology development and aid in understanding the ways in which mobile technology can be designed and used to support OTs to better enhance children’s development.

Primary Author and Speaker: Supawadee Lee

Contributing Authors: Zhan Zhang

Date Presented 03/26/20

Transmission of Zika virus from a mother to an infant results in a spectrum of mild to severe deficits. Using a rhesus macaque model, the impact of Zika on gait development was examined using the Noldus Catwalk XT. Infants exposed to the Zika virus in utero, compared to control animals, used a less mature gait over the first month of life, specifically related to their use of diagonal walking patterns.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sabrina Kabakov

Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarah Navin, Natalie Dulaney, Kathryn Bach, Karla Ausderau

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose is to begin to address the lack of consistent guidelines for when and how families should begin to introduce complementary foods for children with Down syndrome. Semistructured interviews with 22 parents and 8 primary-care physicians were conducted and analyzed. Results indicated no formal guidelines exist for this realm, and yet, 17 of 22 children with Down syndrome have experienced some level of feeding difficulty. Guidelines for feeding progression for this population are needed to improve feeding outcomes.

Primary Author and Speaker: Erin Cochran

Additional Authors and Speakers: Katherine Breithaupt

Contributing Authors: Lauren Williams, Tess Sorensen

Date Presented 03/26/20

OT can support adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, yet VM is under-utilized and under-researched by OT. This mixed-methods research revealed (1) quantitative results: with VM intervention, client performance increased while staff assistance decreased; and (2) qualitative themes from the client-lived experience: what worked, what could be changed, and where else VM could be used. Implications for OT include broadening the use of VM for ASD intervention.

Primary Author and Speaker: Brittany Yung

Additional Authors and Speakers: Hannah Gibeson, Molly Smith, Kelly Yerby, Laura Hess

Date Presented 03/26/20

Transition-age youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience key educational disparities when compared to peers without disabilities due to stigma regarding their abilities, a lack of opportunities, and a lack of adequate accommodations in higher education. This session presents survey data gathered to inform development of a postsecondary IHE program on a university campus and to define the role of OT in IHE.

Primary Author and Speaker: Meghan Blaskowitz

Additional Authors and Speakers: Alia Pustorino-Clevenger, Rachel Carretta, Morgan Cargiulo, Jayme Kraft

Date Presented 03/26/20

This presentation will explore the meaning and importance of spirituality, as well as provide insight into the current landscape of spirituality in practice through the perspectives of OT practitioners across diverse settings.

Primary Author and Speaker: Loree Pham

Date Presented 03/26/20

A survey of OTs found participants used EBP less than once in the previous eight weeks. The most supportive factors of EBP use were doctoral-level education and high self-reflection behavior. Organizational factors of time, access to articles, and organizational support were marginally supportive. Future research should focus on exploring how self-reflection behavior acts as a support to EBP and the construction of models that integrate reflective practice with EBP in practice.

Primary Author and Speaker: Robert Krueger

Additional Authors and Speakers: Melissa Sweetman

Contributing Authors: Malissa Martin, Thomas Cappaert

Date Presented 03/26/20

IS aims to bridge the research–practice gap and 17-year odyssey by utilizing IS theories, models, and frameworks. IS facilitates the identification of implementation-based strategies to promote rapidity and scalability of evidence-based practice. We mapped the IS theories, models, and frameworks included in OT published research.

Primary Author and Speaker: Jennifer Weaver

Additional Authors and Speakers: Halley Read, Emily Balog, Nicole Martino, Monika Sinha, Mary Corcoran

Date Presented 03/26/20

This scoping review analyzed OT practice in justice-based systems as depicted in 140 sources appearing in publications between 1943 and early 2019. This analysis may inform students, practitioners, and researchers and support efforts defining a distinct role for OTs in justice-based systems. Results may help define competencies or practice guidelines or inform the development of practices and programs addressing the needs of individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

Primary Author and Speaker: Jaime Muñoz

Additional Authors and Speakers: Abigail Catalano, Yinao Wang

Contributing Authors: Gesina Phillips

Date Presented 03/26/20

Racial bias is defined as the negative evaluation of a group and its members relative to another and can exist on explicit and implicit levels. This is an exploratory study to examine the presence of implicit and explicit racial bias among OT professionals across the United States. The results (n = 201) highlight the presence of implicit and explicit racial biases among OT professionals in the United States and the need for further education on racial bias.

Primary Author and Speaker: Alaa Abou-Arab

Additional Authors and Speakers: Rochelle Mendonca

Date Presented 03/26/20

DRF is one of the most common fractures. Distal radius fracture complications frequently occur and hinder effective hand use. A wide range of complications are often experienced, including pain, impaired range of motion (ROM), and reduced grip and pinch strength. This study intended to evaluate the functional recovery outcomes beyond six months post-DRF. Furthermore, it intended to investigate the possible associated factors that affect the functional recovery of the hand.

Primary Author and Speaker: Mohammad Nazzal

Additional Authors and Speakers: Sabreen Obeid

Contributing Authors: Cigdem Oksuz, Maria Rosado, Ziad Hawamdeh

Date Presented 03/26/20

This scoping review identified that people with disabilities require capability-focused knowledge networks, actions, and advocacy to enable emergency preparedness. OTs are uniquely positioned to collaboratively address unmet emergency-preparedness support needs.

Primary Author and Speaker: Julia Sterman

Additional Authors and Speakers: Michelle Villeneuve

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study conducted a program evaluation survey of an equine-assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) program to gain a deeper understanding of participants’ experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and judgments about progress with occupational performance goals and overall satisfaction. Evidence obtained through this study can be used by stakeholders including OT practitioners to better understand possible benefits from participating in an EAAT program and inform future programming.

Primary Author and Speaker: David LeVan

Additional Authors and Speakers: Katherine Kiss, Jessica Gaffney, Alexandra LaDuke, Lauren Flint

Contributing Authors: Anna Lacy

Date Presented 03/26/20

A community adaptive sports and recreation program promotes social, physical, and emotional health and well-being for people with disabilities. Since the program’s inception, many participants have voluntarily submitted letters and stories describing the program’s impact on their daily lives. This research qualitatively examined the significance of engagement in this program on participants’ health and well-being by analyzing their true lived experiences, expressed in their own words.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sandra Brown

Additional Authors and Speakers: Megan Bewernitz

Contributing Authors: LaTonya Summers

Date Presented 03/26/20

This phenomenological study examined the lived healthcare experiences of individuals with mental-health diagnoses. Study results describe the many challenges and barriers experienced by clients when navigating the system, impeding their health outcomes. Participants discussed the successful strategies they employ to improve their experiences. The unique role of OT when partnering with this population to enhance their health navigation and literacy skills will be discussed.

Primary Author and Speaker: Elise Bloch

Additional Authors and Speakers: Queeny Chung, Nadia Mohan, Angela White, Alicia Varone, Erin Moseley, Kiera Linton, Sanela Ombasic, Ashley Lon, Anna Kreger

Date Presented 03/26/20

Functional literacy is the ability to interpret written words to carry out instrumental activities of daily living, including money and health management, public transportation use, and meal preparation. This study demonstrated that a functional literacy program, embedded in community-based daily activities, could enhance the occupational participation of a group of sheltered homeless adults. OT practitioners can address functional literacy in similar clients with poor literacy skills resulting from disability.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sharon Gutman

Additional Authors and Speakers: Lenin Grajo, Hannah Gelb, Katie Langan, Karen Marx, Devon Paciello, Christie Santana, Ashley Sgandurra, Krysti Teng

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study examined the impact of smartphone addiction on freshman college student grade point averages (GPAs). A correlational analysis examined the GPAs of 65 college students and compared it to their self-reported Smartphone Addiction Inventory scores. While there appears to be an association between increased addiction and decreased GPA, these were not statistically significant. These findings can help explore smartphone addiction and its impact on academic performance.

Primary Author and Speaker: Tara Lisewski

Additional Authors and Speakers: Dallas Sweeney, Courtney Miele-Moran

Contributing Authors: Fatema Osman, Catherine Cavaliere, John Damiao

Date Presented 03/26/20

The prevalence of opioid abuse has increased dramatically in recent years. This is especially the case in rural segments of the United States. This study examined the depth of opioid abuse among clients of OTs in West Virginia. Results suggest a significant percentage come into contact with clients known to be or suspected of abusing opioids, but lack sufficient training in both recognizing the signs of substance abuse and providing clinical support or assistance.

Primary Author and Speaker: Evan Pivont

Additional Authors and Speakers: Randy McCombie

Date Presented 03/26/20

Through an online survey of open-ended questions, this qualitative study explored coping strategies used by people with chronic pain who are gainfully employed. Participants were recruited via social media. Qualitative data was analyzed using grounded theory until saturation was reached. Multiple researchers and data collection from multiple sources ensured triangulation, rigor, and trustworthiness of data. This study informs OTs of coping strategies to help their pain patients remain employed.

Primary Author and Speaker: Debora Oliveira

Additional Authors and Speakers: Barbara Kornblau, Sarah Mbiza, Irane Collins

Contributing Authors: Tiara Stroman, Ruth Rivers, Mikaila Jones

Date Presented 03/26/20

Frailty can increase the likelihood of hospital readmission and the transition from home to assisted care, decrease life satisfaction, and reduce lifespan. This small study examined how perceptions of frailty of older adults changed when they participated in a six-part OT-led community education program. The repeated-measures analysis revealed a reduction in frailty-risk identification, improvement in walking speed, and increased grip strength for occupational engagement.

Primary Author and Speaker: Susan Blair

Date Presented 03/26/20

The study aimed to identify how past life experiences affect social participation among older adults residing in an assisted-living facility. Ten older adults residing in an assisted-living facility participated in semistructured interviews to share information on their experiences. The topic will advance the field of OT by providing practitioners with the ability to intertwine meaningful activities and life experiences of older adults to promote social participation.

Primary Author and Speaker: Ashley Stroud

Additional Authors and Speakers: Kayla King

Contributing Authors: Amanda Mohler

Date Presented 03/26/20

As the need for education of caregivers for people with dementia increases, OT is well suited to fill the demand using an understanding of the whole person, need for meaningful occupation, and interaction with the environment. At this time, the contribution of OT is not well understood or sought after by families, physicians, and other practitioners. With evidence gained from validated research, the role of OT in dementia care is strengthened.

Primary Author and Speaker: Lisa Hong

Contributing Authors: Dana Howell, Elizabeth David Bowman, Jared Ricks, Theodore Peterson

Date Presented 03/26/20

The Tile Tray is a new assessment of functional cognition for people with reduced hand function, based on the Recessed Tile Box of the Allen Diagnostic Module–2. This study compared the Tile Tray and the LACLS-5 in community-dwelling US elders. A moderate positive correlation between the two assessments was found overall and was strongest for participants who scored 5.0 or less on the Allen Cognitive Scale. Participants found the Tile Tray easier to manipulate by a three-to-one margin.

Primary Author and Speaker: Nancy Dooley

Additional Authors and Speakers: Beth Keltz

Date Presented 03/26/20

This Participatory Action Research aimed to increase the quality of life among community-dwelling adults through participation in a reflection-based problem-solving intervention. It explored the effects of group activity on functional mobility, social interactions, and emotional health in community-dwelling adults residing in subsidized housing. In a nine-week intervention, participants showed an 87% increase in functional movement scores on the TUG and social interactions.

Primary Author and Speaker: Jalisa Johnson

Additional Authors and Speakers: Amy Rollins, Jeanne Wenos

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose of this study was to quantify active ROM required for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis using built-up spoons with electrogoniometry. Statistical analysis provided quantitative evidence supporting our hypothesis that using a built-up handle requires less active ROM for grasp. Clinical implications suggest that built-up handles may be used for other conditions with limited hand and wrist ROM, not just RA, increasing participation and independence in daily activities.

Primary Author and Speaker: Susan McDonald

Additional Authors and Speakers: David Levine, Hensley Barnes, Anna Cornett, Kathleen Craig, Sally Langager

Contributing Authors: Lauren Yeager, Michael Britt

Date Presented 03/26/20

Lifestyle Redesign is a manualized OT intervention that has shown significant clinical benefits for people with chronic pain. This occupation-based intervention has been translated, adapted in French, and tested with French-Canadian patients in the context of the Canadian healthcare system.

Primary Author and Speaker: Émilie Lagueux

Additional Authors and Speakers: Julie Masse

Contributing Authors: Mélanie Levasseur, Yannick Tousignant-Laflamme, Andréa Dépelteau, Raphaël Pagé, Anne-Marie Pinard, Marie-Hélène Lévesque

Date Presented 03/26/20

Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation theory was used to examine the extent to which practitioners have adopted the use of constraint-induced or modified constraint-induced movement therapy, both well supported by research, into neurorehabilitation practice. Though perceived to be effective, few use either, even with eligible clients. Findings of this study provide insight into strategies that may increase consumer access to evidence-based practice to improve occupational performance and participation after stroke.

Primary Author and Speaker: Shannon Scott

Additional Authors and Speakers: Hannah Shade, Margaret Crowell, Mollie Lynch

Contributing Authors: Leah Arpadi, Alexis Levine, Alexandra Muro, Taylor Van Meter, Dana Ware, Sebastian Harenberg

Date Presented 03/26/20

The decision-making processes of five long-standing caregivers of stroke survivors, when choosing to use community resources to manage their roles, were studied using qualitative methods supported by quantitative data. Prioritizing self-help, negotiating relationships, assessing the “fit ” of resources and supports, and navigating uncertainty were themes that influenced the decisions made by the caregivers. Strategic decisions made by caregivers can ease the burdens associated with this role.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sonia Lawson

Additional Authors and Speakers: Elizabeth Malott

Date Presented 03/26/20

Cancer is a chronic disease that impacts function, and OT can help these individuals re-engage in meaningful occupations. This exploratory study evaluated occupational performance challenges identified by women impacted by cancer and their relationship to demographics. Results showed that challenges were identified in all areas of occupation and that age, race, and medications did not impact occupational challenges, highlighting a need for OT to intervene in this population across demographics.

Primary Author and Speaker: Hannah Goldberg-O’Neil

Additional Authors and Speakers: Colleen Maher, Rochelle Mendonca

Date Presented 03/26/20

We completed a pilot study of an eight-week Merging Yoga and OT for Parkinson’s Disease program (MY-OT for PD). MY-OT for PD was a fall-risk self-management program that merged community-based yoga and group OT. Participants served as their own controls during the pilot study. During the intervention period (as compared to the control period), participants experienced reduced self-reported falls, improved fall management and prevention, and improved balance.

Primary Author and Speaker: Karen Atler

Additional Authors and Speakers: Arlene Schmid

Contributing Authors: Brett Fling, Julia Sharp, Christine Fruhauf

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study explored the feasibility of using wearable activity monitors in people with mild cognitive impairment and correlations between the activity monitor data and self-reported physical activity and functional measures.

Primary Author and Speaker: John Rider

Contributing Authors: Haehyun Lee, Jason Longhurst, Merrill Landers

Date Presented 03/26/20

The vaping epidemic continues to grow in the United States, reaching 2,000 cases, and is poorly understood. This poster will describe in a case-study format the efficacy of OT intervention for an adult patient with vaping-induced ARDS.

Primary Author and Speaker: Malachy Clancy

Additional Authors and Speakers: Sara Steinagel, Fiona Egan

Date Presented 03/26/20

Neglect is a common impairment following stroke. Currently, there is a lack of evidence regarding the impact of neglect on performance of instrumental activities of daily living, participation, safety, perceived quality of life, and caregiver burden. This study examined the experience of living with poststroke neglect. These findings can help clinicians better understand the long-term needs of stroke survivors with neglect and the daily challenges they face.

Primary Author and Speaker: Emily Grattan

Additional Authors and Speakers: Emerson Hart

Contributing Authors: Nicholas Dean, Brianna Eberl, Hannah Hooks, Lindsay Manning, Katie Schafer, Stacie McLamb

Date Presented 03/26/20

Imperceptible vibratory stimulation of the wrist was evaluated as an adjunct to poststroke upper-extremity rehabilitation. Using stimulation during six-week task-practice therapy was feasible and safe. Promising improvement in function was retained at one-month follow-up. The improvement was greater than those reported in literature with similar therapy. This result encourages a large randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of using the stimulation during therapy in improving outcomes.

Primary Author and Speaker: Amanda Vatinno

Contributing Authors: Lucion Hall, Hannah Cox, Alison Fluharty, Catilyn Taylor, Alexandra Wease, Allison Davis, Shannon Cain, Michelle Woodbury, Na Jin Seo

Date Presented 03/26/20

Although there are beneficial effects of person-centered goal-setting interventions for adults with chronic health conditions and disabilities, it has not been fully implemented in clinical practice. This study provides insights into current person-centered goal-setting interventions and future directions. A future person-centered goal-setting intervention should incorporate diverse intervention components that address all goal-setting phases and encourage clients’ engagement in goal-setting phases.

Primary Author and Speaker: Eunyoung Kang

Additional Authors and Speakers: Moon Young Kim, Erin Foster

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study is exploring the functional outcomes of OT interventions that are used within an interdisciplinary team to rehabilitate clients who underwent elective joint-replacement surgeries. This systematic review supports the inclusion of OT services within an interdisciplinary team for elective joint-replacement surgery and shows evidence that OT can improve functional outcomes, well-being, and rate of recovery.

Primary Author and Speaker: Manisha Sheth

Additional Authors and Speakers: Rose Simone, Bethany Shimoda, Dana Dalusung, Joeyann Peralta

Date Presented 03/26/20

OTPs in four countries completed an online survey related to their perceptions, practices, and decision-making processes when using evidence to inform sensory-based interventions. This study examined OTPs’ awareness of sensory-based literature, knowledge base of existing evidence, and how evidence-based practice intervention skills were obtained. This session will discuss survey outcomes and the implications for future practice, as well as provide a current list of sensory-based evidence for participants.

Primary Author and Speaker: Elizabeth Mirasola

Additional Authors and Speakers: Madison Sutton, Micah Cutler

Contributing Authors: Tara Glennon

Date Presented 03/26/20

OTs are obliged to adhere to evidence-based principles. This qualitative study investigated OTs’ choices to implement sensory-based therapies in the face of conflicting evidence related to these approaches. Primary motivations related to the sensory processing difficulties not being adequately addressed by other interventions. Passionate beliefs in the effectiveness of sensory-based therapies, grounded in a nontraditional hierarchy of evidence, were identified.

Primary Author and Speaker: Tanya Rihtman

Contributing Authors: Diane Bird

Date Presented 03/26/20

Healthcare professionals are vulnerable to stress overload and its manifestations. This study investigated the impact of MSC training on people working in healthcare. Overall self-compassion and subscale scores showed significant improvement. Participants indicated that self-compassion and positive mind states were integrated into their lives. OTs should integrate MSC as an intervention for their clients and themselves.

Primary Author and Speaker: Susan Knier

Additional Authors and Speakers: Julie Watson, Jennifer Duffy

Date Presented 03/26/20

In today’s technology-based world, prolonged device use is common among college students. This quantitative study explores the effect of two weeks of mindfulness meditation on body awareness in college students. Based on preliminary data analysis, there is an increase in both mindfulness and body awareness in the target population. These current findings support the advancement of the profession, in that mindfulness meditation can maximize health, well-being, and quality of life for all people.

Primary Author and Speaker: Kimberly Szucs

Additional Authors and Speakers: Jennie Dyer, Melissa Lees

Date Presented 03/26/20

This project identified the leadership characteristics that master’s-level OT students demonstrate during their Level II fieldwork. Fieldwork educators reported that their students are effective communicators, show respect for employees, and respond to constructive criticism. Areas of improvement for the students include seeking out resources to drive action for change, taking risks by sharing new approaches, and taking on leadership roles by implementing new protocols.

Primary Author and Speaker: Breanna Chycinski

Additional Authors and Speakers: Kristin Willey

Contributing Authors: Amy Maurer, Summer Besteman, Jessica Mooney, Katelyn Campbell

Date Presented 03/26/20

A grounded theory study explored reflective practice experiences of OTs from a national survey. Findings indicated reflection was triggered by challenges to knowledge, communication, safety, and ethics. Depth of reflection was associated with critical analysis, engagement in EBP activities, and actions taken to change practice. Future research needs to investigate integration of reflective practice with EBP and to examine curricular and philosophical barriers to integration.

Primary Author and Speaker: Robert Krueger

Additional Authors and Speakers: Melissa Sweetman

Contributing Authors: Malissa Martin, Thomas Cappaert

Date Presented 03/26/20

This grounded theory naturalistic study explores and analyzes the experiences of eight expert clinicians as they transitioned to academia during the first three years. Three themes (self, person, and place) and one meta-theme (cultural fit) emerged from over 13 hours of semistructured interviews. Using the information presented and the proposed model, new faculty experiences may assist educational institutions to successfully recruit and retain new full-time faculty members.

Primary Author and Speaker: Beth Chiariello

Additional Authors and Speakers: Sharon Shaulov

Contributing Authors: Kaela Chambers, Akiva Ratner

Date Presented 03/26/20

At the same time as technology advances, it is important to apply ICT-based intervention to the elderly before they enter a post-aged society. Most domestic studies on ICT are case studies or single-group pretest experiments, and few randomized controlled trials exist. Therefore, this study aims to identify the trend and effect of ICT-based interventions by systematically reviewing randomized controlled trials among studies published in foreign journals on ICT-based interventions for the elderly.

Primary Author and Speaker: HeySig Lee

Contributing Authors: YeShin Woo, DaSol Park, Ga-In Shin, Hae Yean Park

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study is to evaluate the effectiveness of digital learning environments as an approach to teach client-centered care and professional behaviors as measured by learning outcomes and influenced by learner satisfaction using a quasi-experimental quantitative research design. The information presented will encourage discussion and further exploration of the use of digital platforms to enhance critical professional skills as well as provide opportunities for remediation.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sheri Montgomery

Date Presented 03/26/20

The NOMAS is a clinical tool commonly used to evaluate the oral-motor skills of neonates. This study is to examine its predictability in feeding performance using newly organized items. The results showed that in addition to the adjusted age and weight at observed feed, jaw depression and jaw initiation were the significant predictors for successful bottle feed. Participants will discuss implications of findings and the need for standardized assessment in neonate feeding.

Primary Author and Speaker: Tsu-Hsin Howe

Contributing Authors: Ching-Fan Sheu

Date Presented 03/26/20

The influence of infant equipment (walkers, jumpers, exersaucers, high chairs, etc.) use on early motor development is unclear. The results of this study suggest that greater use of equipment during infancy is related to fewer motor behaviors that represent developmentally important milestones. OT is well positioned to provide caregivers and their infants with resources to help establish habits and routines that support motor development through occupational engagement.

Primary Author and Speaker: Bryan Gee

Contributing Authors: Hillary Swann, Nicki Aubuchon-Endsley, Michele Brumley

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose of this poster is to review two case reports highlighting the use of evidence-based practice, an interdisciplinary approach, and standardized assessments in maximizing motor recovery and measuring outcomes for pediatric patients with AFM.

Primary Author and Speaker: Erin Currier

Additional Authors and Speakers: Michelle Penso, Kristen Olwell

Date Presented 03/26/20

This preliminary data analysis identifies a parent-empowerment strategy that may be important for encouraging children to try new foods. Parents who reported having clear rules and routines for their family demonstrated approximately nine times greater odds that their child would willingly try new foods. Educating parents to emphasize clear rules and routines, specifically during mealtimes, may create a predictable mealtime experience and allow children to feel comfortable exploring novel foods.

Primary Author and Speaker: Victoria Merritt

Additional Authors and Speakers: Angela Caldwell

Date Presented 03/26/20

OTs can create systemic change and improve transition stakeholders’ understanding of OT’s role in postsecondary transition planning. Continuing education (CE) courses, seminars, and evidence-based modules can be strategically conducted to inform transition stakeholders about OT’s role in transition. The results of this research demonstrate that if CE opportunities are conducted in a systematic fashion, therapists and transition providers will embrace OT’s role in transition.

Primary Author and Speaker: Christopher Trujillo

Additional Authors and Speakers: Dianna Bosak

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of PEM+, a web-based care-planning application that was designed with and for caregivers to help OTs enact family-centered and participation-focused care with children and families. Results indicate that PEM+ has potential as an innovative option for improving caregiver confidence when creating participation-focused care plans in OT.

Primary Author and Speaker: Vivian Villegas

Contributing Authors: Vera Kaelin, Jessica Jarvis, Dana Anaby, Rachel Teplicky, Mary Khetani

Date Presented 03/26/20

This scoping review found 27 articles relating health literacy to EI. Analysis resulted in multiple themes, including a need for training to improve communication skills of EI providers, revision of written EI materials needed to increase effectiveness, and recommendations for making the EI system more accessible. Use of health-literacy principles by OT practitioners working in EI programs could improve access, utilization, and child outcomes for families.

Primary Author and Speaker: Catherine Leslie

Additional Authors and Speakers: Jillian Crehan

Date Presented 03/26/20

College students with LD or ADHD face challenges related to managing evolving everyday life demands and LD- or ADHD-related symptomatology. This analysis delineates topics discussed in psychoeducational groups and the ways in which participants personalized the knowledge gained. Findings elucidate ways that personalized knowledge potentiates occupational performance for young people with LD or ADHD transitioning to adult roles.

Primary Author and Speaker: Consuelo Kreider

Additional Authors and Speakers: Sharon Medina, Mackenzi Slamka, Jianne Apostol

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study investigated the impact of the Wolf School’s Immersion Model on school-age children with complex learning profiles in a special education program. We hypothesized that scores on the Social–Emotional Questionnaire (SEQ) and clinical measures will show significant improvement after attending the program. Significant gains were measured in multiple areas of social–emotional skill development using the Wolf School Immersion Model.

Primary Author and Speaker: Lise Gerard Faulise

Additional Authors and Speakers: Kelly McDonald

Contributing Authors: Rosaline Granoff, Amanda Dair

Date Presented 03/26/20

The relationships between COPM outcome scores and severity levels on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS)/Mini-Manual Ability Classification System (Mini-MACS) were examined. The findings may have meaningful impact in providing evidence for future research studies as well as best practices in OT services for individuals with cerebral palsy.

Primary Author and Speaker: Lora Woo

Contributing Authors: Elizabeth Russel, Caleb Lyu

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose of this research study was to investigate home-program compliance of parents and caregivers of children receiving occupational, physical, and speech therapy in outpatient pediatric clinics following an educational program on Kleim’s tenets of neuroplasticity and the health belief model. Overall, parents and caregivers showed an increased understanding of neuroplasticity and its impact on home programming.

Primary Author and Speaker: Debbie Hines

Additional Authors and Speakers: Kelsey York, Elizabeth Kaul

Date Presented 03/26/20

This phenomenological study sought to understand the perspectives of adolescents ages 16 to 21 with IDD who are transitioning out of an educational setting, as well as the perspectives of their parents. Results indicate that parents of adolescents with IDD do not feel adequately supported by the transition team. Themes related to team interaction, emotions, and communication will be discussed. Implications for the role of OT in successful transition will be shared.

Primary Author and Speaker: Rachel Tokarski

Additional Authors and Speakers: Jeryl Benson

Contributing Authors: Ashlyn Geubtner

Date Presented 03/26/20

We will share methods and lessons learned from engaging stakeholders in three US regions and connecting them nationally to build research capacity and partnerships. Research-capacity building is aimed at identifying stakeholder-driven priorities and outcomes in relation to organization-level OT interventions, how these interventions facilitate community participation, and ultimately impact health and well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Primary Author and Speaker: Tracy Jirikowic

Additional Authors and Speakers: Roger Ideishi, Roxanna Bendixen, Teal Benevides

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study examines sensory functions in children with ITW and establishes a framework to detect sensory differences underlying ITW. Our results showed that ITW is related to sensory-processing differences, particularly in the area of vestibular processing. A small number of participants also showed differences in tactile and proprioceptive processing. Identifying sensory functions that underpin toe walking will contribute to targeted treatments for ITW.

Primary Author and Speaker: Virginia Chu

Contributing Authors: Laura Anderson

Date Presented 03/26/20

People with IDD and their caregivers have lacked the opportunity for meaningful research participation and the chance to be engaged partners in the research process. This capacity-building study collaborated with Special Olympics to develop a skilled community of stakeholders to participate in the development and evaluation of health outcomes for research.

Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau

Additional Authors and Speakers: Libby Hladik, Megan Gray

Date Presented 03/26/20

Understanding the relationship between sensory and emotion processing is a vital concern for evidence-based practice in therapy for ASD. In an ASD sample, we observed a correlation between alexithymia, a hypo-responsive sensory profile, and reduced brain activity in an empathy-processing region during emotional face processing. This work offers insights for OTs to identify individuals who may benefit from sensory-based therapy for social-emotional processing.

Primary Author and Speaker: Christiana Butera

Additional Authors and Speakers: Emily Kilroy

Contributing Authors: Laura Harrison, Aditya Jayashankar, Anusha Hossain, Alexis Nalbach, Lisa Aziz-Zadeh

Date Presented 03/26/20

Better awareness of peers with disabilities in the school system allows for a positive classroom environment and learning experience for all children. Increased awareness provides the possibility that school systems could modify their curricula to better suit individuals with disabilities. In the school system, OTs help children participate in their school activities, including socialization with peers.

Primary Author and Speaker: Cathy Shanholtz

Additional Authors and Speakers: MIchelle Gamber

Contributing Authors: VanSickler Constance

Date Presented 03/26/20

Systems of support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are moving from institutional, congregate-based settings to the community. Understanding a person’s unique strengths, hopes, and dreams for the future can help guide provision of community-based supports that align with their choices. Person-centered planning (PCP) is embraced by many state agencies across the United States. OTs have unique skill sets and can play a vital role in the PCP process.

Primary Author and Speaker: Meghan Blaskowitz

Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarah Howard, Taylor Martin

Date Presented 03/26/20

A qualitative, phenomenological approach explored OTs’ perceptions of interprofessional collaboration in schools in the United States. Semistructured interviews with 11 participants from all US regions yielded five themes: collaboration is elusive, time is a barrier, administrative support is key, trust yields success, and collaboration is a personal choice. Implications include finding consistent language to define collaboration and the need for continuing education to adopt a collaborative model.

Primary Author and Speaker: Erin Rose

Additional Authors and Speakers: Francine Seruya

Date Presented 03/26/20

In our poster, we describe the experiences and meanings of international pro bono service work for OTs and OTAs, of which no published research exists. Semistructured interviews were done with eight people who had been on at least two trips. The EPP method of data analysis was done and summaries and themes across participants were generated. As OT expands globally, the results of our study can help increase understanding of how OTs practice as global citizens.

Primary Author and Speaker: Joseph Cipriani

Additional Authors and Speakers: Danielle Cawley, Rebecca Irwin, Paige Pachuilo, Kaitlin Wheeler

Date Presented 03/26/20

The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess if a four-month-long training and coaching program could improve interprofessional collaboration in a sample of 27 pairs of teachers and OTs. A paired-sample t-test found statistical significance between pre- and posttest scores, indicating improvement in communication, role perception, and conflict resolution. This study provides an effective training and coaching sequence to improve collaboration in school-based settings.

Primary Author and Speaker: Kurt Hubbard

Additional Authors and Speakers: Zahava Friedman

Date Presented 03/26/20

This research examined workplace factors that influence the delivery of OT services. Change, challenges, productivity, performance expectations, absenteeism, stress, quality, and service delivery were examined. The purpose of this research was to determine if and how the identified work-related factors help or hinder the optimal delivery of OT services. Managers could foster discussions about these factors with OT practitioners to enhance service delivery and quality.

Primary Author and Speaker: Robert Mullaney

Date Presented 03/26/20

We investigated whether using ADLs as a means of treatment in the home environment for six weeks could improve cognition and visual perception in patients with stroke. Twenty-four patients were randomized to receive home-based ADL and hospital-based traditional rehabilitation. Our findings showed that there was a statistically significant improvement and small effect size in visual perception. No significant improvement was found in cognition, but small effect size was noticed.

Primary Author and Speaker: En-Chi Chiu

Contributing Authors: Fang-Chi Chi

Date Presented 03/26/20

This is a randomized controlled trial (N = 37) in which individualized OT interventions were provided for three months to support caregiving challenges faced by caregivers of people with dementia. The interventions included illness education, training for safe transfers, medication and appointment organization, exercise methods, and more. These were effective in decreasing depression and mental fatigue and increasing confidence to provide for the next six months, despite the worsening cognitive status of their care recipients.

Primary Author and Speaker: Turquessa Francis

Additional Authors and Speakers: Leanna Grandolph

Contributing Authors: Machiko Tomita, Kristen Binkewicz, Kelly Dinatale, Victoria Anderson, Leanna Grandolph, Deborah Tse, Sara Vasisko

Date Presented 03/26/20

The aim of this broad qualitative study was to determine the utility and validity of the OCIA in mental-health settings. Thematic analysis of interviews reported themes of usefulness in clinical practice, suitable environments for tool use, educational use for students and healthcare professionals, training module revisions, and continual modifications.

Primary Author and Speaker: Taylor Wienkes

Additional Authors and Speakers: Inna Kathreen Chang, Sydney Dickerson, Carina Watson, Vanessa Jewell

Date Presented 03/26/20

This presentation introduces the concept of occupational resilience in occupational science. Drawing from study outcomes revealing enduring performance of music by refugees in challenging circumstances, authors posit that focusing on the talents, skills, and aspirations of individuals enables researchers to recognize successful performance of occupation amid challenges. To advance the debate regarding performance of occupations in problematic situations, occupational resilience is a vital new concept.

Primary Author and Speaker: Bernard Muriithi

Additional Authors and Speakers: Jennifer Muriithi

Date Presented 03/26/20

OT and spiritual-care staff supported a weekly group at accessible nature spaces over 12 weeks for forensic mental-health clients (n = 9) in Ontario, Canada. Outcomes were measured qualitatively consistent with interpretative phenomenological analysis. Themes highlighted freedom, connection to nature, unguarded reflection and relaxation, and strengthened human connections. Analysis of eco inputs in supporting mental-illness recovery has been limited; this study supports that conversation.

Primary Author and Speaker: Clark Heard

Contributing Authors: Jared Scott, Stephen Yeo

Date Presented 03/26/20

The Traditional Chinese version of the Revised Self-Efficacy Scale showed adequate goodness of fit when applied to schizophrenic patients in Taiwan. That means this scale can measure the subjective feelings of self-efficacy in schizophrenic people, specifically relating to their positive and negative symptoms and interpersonal deficits. Future studies would be suggested to apply the same validation method for this disease-specific self-efficacy scale in other cultures.

Primary Author and Speaker: Lin-Jye Huang

Additional Authors and Speakers: Fu-Chang Hu, Chien-Te Wu, Yi-Hong Yang, Shu-Chun Lee, Powen Lin, Shih-Jui Hu

Date Presented 03/26/20

This qualitative study explored the self-efficacy of OTs who may treat students exposed to a school shooting as well as which perceived treatment strategies the practitioners may utilize that potentially affect the clients’ mental-health outcomes. The results indicate a need for future research exploring entry-level OT curriculum and the need to further explore different factors, such as years of experience in relation to self-efficacy and trauma.

Primary Author and Speaker: Bridget Scheidler

Additional Authors and Speakers: Karen Snyder, Nancy Carson

Date Presented 03/26/20

This presentation reports outcomes of a program designed for adults with substance-abuse disorder living in supported housing. Interventions stressed practical competencies and building functional habits and routines, including self-directed goal setting, to support participants’ recovery and capacity to transition to independent community housing. Collaboration with case managers and housing specialists enhanced outcomes and simultaneously built evidence for the distinct value of OT interventions.

Primary Author and Speaker: YiNao Wang

Additional Authors and Speakers: Jaime Muñoz

Contributing Authors: Rev. Kellie Wild, John McCartin

Date Presented 03/26/20

Three national surveys in the United States, China, and Korea were used to examine the social, contextual, and behavioral factors that influence health status across three Asian populations.

Primary Author and Speaker: Ickpyo Hong

Additional Authors and Speakers: Loree Pryor, Riqiea Kitchens

Date Presented 03/26/20

AVs may provide numerous societal benefits, including reducing road fatalities, improving participation, and providing equity of services to the medically at-risk and economically disadvantaged. However, societal benefits will not occur if individuals do not accept and adopt this technology. Therefore, the aim was to design a survey that would assess users’ perceptions of AVs. Although further validation is required, this survey may provide insight into users’ perceptions of AVs.

Primary Author and Speaker: Sherrilene Classen

Additional Authors and Speakers: James Wersal

Contributing Authors: Justin Mason, Virginia Sisiopiku

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study suggests that older adults in assisted living face a decline in meaningful leisure participation. OT practitioners can play a vital role in easing the transition into assisted living by ensuring that residents are still able to partake in their meaningful occupations, despite changes to their environment, social supports, or physical abilities. OT practitioners can also provide consultation to ensure that the activities offered meet the needs of the individuals and the community.

Primary Author and Speaker: Lisa Knecht-Sabres

Contributing Authors: Erica Del Rosario, Amanda Erb, Malgorzata Rozko

Date Presented 03/26/20

This study examined the differences between two groups of caregivers following a novel intervention. Caregivers who reported clinically significant change scores on the COPM satisfaction scale engaged in more social activities and made comments indicating they had moved beyond the burdens of caregiving than caregivers who did not. These findings suggest the importance of addressing caregivers’ social participation to possibly increase caregiver satisfaction and decrease burden.

Primary Author and Speaker: Patricia Watford

Contributing Authors: Karen Atler

Date Presented 03/26/20

An exploratory cross-sectional research design investigated group differences between family caregivers (FCGs) and people with dementia (PWD) in measures of fitness and cognition. Findings showed at least 40% of PWD performed below the threshold of functional mobility in every measure tested. At least 6.7% of FCGs performed below the threshold for functional mobility in five of the six measures. Despite being younger than 60 years old, FCGs still showed a risk for loss of functional mobility.

Primary Author and Speaker: Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller

Additional Authors and Speakers: Fredrick Pociask, Diane Adamo

Date Presented 03/26/20

Falls are a costly, often preventable problem that increases with age. Community fall-prevention events provide an excellent route for community, student, and professional education. Community members reported high levels of satisfaction with the event (means 3.6 to 3.8 out of 4). Knowledge and awareness of community resources and the STEADI toolkit improved for both students and volunteer professionals. OT practitioners are ideally situated to help implement these events.

Primary Author and Speaker: Kay Graham

Date Presented 03/26/20

This ongoing interpretive descriptive study explores hand therapists’ perspectives and practice patterns relative to upper-extremity pain. As per preliminary findings, participants emphasized biological contributions to pain but also acknowledged psychological influences and articulated a functional approach. The findings highlight the need for additional discussion of the value and role of biopsychosocial approaches to pain that extend beyond chronic low-back pain to the upper extremity.

Primary Author and Speaker: Brocha Stern

Additional Authors and Speakers: Jillian Yoo

Contributing Authors: Christina Couto, Hannah Jacobson, Samantha Hou, Allison Brekke, Karén Hinojosa, Armando Flores, Izabella Shimanova