OJOT

The Use of Occupational Therapy Interventions in a Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
By: Lucy Weathers, OTR/L; Sarah Schwartzberg, OTR/L, CLT; Kenneth L. Pettit Jr., RN, BSN; Fang Wang, MS; Shilpa Gorantla, MS, MHA; Saad Ghafoor, MD

The purpose of this study was to describe the role of occupational therapy (OT), including types of interventions that can be provided in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) setting, and to evaluate the use and safety of OT services in an early mobility program.

See what the researchers found: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss3/2/

The latest Letter from the Editor was written by Assistant Editor Shirley O'Brien: "Finding Harmony in Academic Life: Blending the Teacher-Scholar Model"

Occupational therapy affords many role options. Academic faculty is one example of a role. Faculty are expected to participate in teaching, service, and research/scholarship activities within their roles, as shaped by institutional type. This article highlights the academic journey and considerations for embracing leadership as teacher-scholars in occupational therapy.

Read the full-text here: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss3/1/

Curious about the latest cover of OJOT? David Wagenfeld, an artist and resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, provided the cover art for the Summer 2024 issue. “Word Fusion” is a piece made from ink on paper that uses words to depict an image of a person walking through an environment. The image is rooted to the ground in love, joy, calmness, and peace. The person is one with themselves and their spirituality with arms portraying presence, joy, and serenity. David shares his experience of self-discovery and understanding of the beautiful dance between art and spirituality.

Read the full story and see more of David's work: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss3/17/

Many thanks to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan for sponsoring the Summer 2024 issue, now the second time they have done so! https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1048&context=sponsorprofiles

We are pleased to announce the Summer 2024 issue of OJOT!

We owe much gratitude to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan for sponsoring the Summer 2024 issue, now the second time they have done so. The Letter from the Editor discusses finding harmony in academic life and recommends blending the teacher-scholar model. The Occupation and the Artist profile features artist David Wagenfeld from Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Visit www.ojot.org to read Volume 12, Issue 3!

Thank you for your continued support of OJOT!

Sibling Involvement: Highlighting the Influential Role of Siblings in Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

By: Gracie Krueger, OTD, OTR/L & Robyn Otty, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, FAOTA

Social impairments experienced by children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can limit participation in meaningful occupations. Incorporating typically developing siblings of children with ASD in occupational therapy-based community settings is an emerging practice approach that aims to support children with ASD during social challenges to enhance their participation in daily activities. The purpose of this paper is to describe sibling-mediated interventions and the distinct role of occupational therapists in facilitating positive sibling interactions and relationships through a coaching approach to promote the achievement of positive social and emotional outcomes.

Download the full-text for free: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/15/

Promoting Equity and Inclusion for Mothers of Young Children in Academia

By: Sabina Khan, PhD, OTD, MS, OTR/L

Equity and inclusion are critical factors in ensuring that mothers of young children are able to participate fully in occupational therapy academia. Mothers of young children often face significant barriers that prevent them from fully engaging in academic pursuits, including lack of access to childcare, limited support structures, and societal expectations regarding gender roles and caregiving responsibilities. This opinion paper reviews strategies for academics at various levels within academia to promote equity and inclusion for these individuals.

Download the full-text for free: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/14/

The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment of Presbyvestibulopathy

By: Jennifer Hill, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS, CNS; Ellen Hudgins, OTD, OTR/L, ITOT; Sharon Leonard, OTD, OTR/L, CLA

Presbyvestibulopathy (PVP), a diagnosis established in 2019, is a vestibular dysfunction or loss related to the aging process characterized by mild bilateral vestibular deficits, chronic dizziness, unsteadiness, gait disturbance, and/or recurrent falls. Given the potential impact of vestibular dysfunction on occupational performance and participation in meaningful activities, occupational therapy’s (OT) role in PVP is evident; however, limited literature exists specific to OT and vestibular dysfunction. This manuscript intends to use evidence relevant to OT to contribute to an understanding of PVP and the potential role of OT in recognizing, assessing, and treating clients with age-related vestibular loss.

Download the full-text for free: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/13/

Improving Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students’ Social Awareness for Making Equitable Policy Decisions: A Quantitative Quasi-Experimental Study

By: Alysson Goodwin, PhD, MBA, OTR/L & Denise Crowley, OTD, OTR/L

Occupational therapy has set a strategic vision to increase equity and health access through leadership in all practice areas. To this end, educators in occupational therapy doctorate programs must increase the students’ ability to lead with an awareness of the social impacts of policy decisions. The purpose of this study was to explore educational opportunities to support occupational therapy doctorate students in developing social awareness for decision-making. The study aimed to use an e-learning module to increase social awareness surrounding a departmental decision about a white coat ceremony.

Read the full text here: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/12/

Associations Between Learning Environment and Study Satisfaction Across Time: Two Cross-Sectional Analyses of Occupational Therapy Students

By: Mørk, Gry: MSc, OT; Johnson, Susanne G.: MSc, OT; Gramstad, Astrid: PhD, OT; Stigen, Linda: PhD, OT; Carstensen, Tove: MSc, OT; Bonsaksen, Tore: MSc, OT

There is increasing attention toward students’ satisfaction and how they perceive the quality of the program they attend. This study examined stability and change across time with regard to the relationships between learning environment factors and occupational therapy students’ satisfaction with the program.

Download the full-text for free: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/11/

The Relationship Between Holistic Admissions Criteria and Program Ranking Among Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Programs

By: Kristian Taylor, MHS, OTR/L; Cat-Tien Nguyen, MHS, OTR/L; Jenny Grant, MHS, OTR/L; Mary B. Brewster, MHS, OTR/L; Mary A. Barrett, MHS, OTR/L; Teal Benevides, PhD, MS, OTR/L; Sharon M. Cosper, EdD, MHS, OTR/L

Holistic admissions criteria are one strategy to be more inclusive of students with a variety of experiences, cultures, and beliefs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between holistic admissions criteria and occupational therapy program ranking.

See what they found: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/10/

Barriers that Affect Equity in the Occupational Therapy Admissions Process: Student and Faculty Perspectives

By: Quinn P. Tyminski, OTD, OTR/L, BCMH & Lenin C. Grajo, PhD, EdM, OTR/L

The use of holistic admissions in higher education has been demonstrated to increase the diversity of incoming student classes; yet, in occupational therapy (OT) research, admissions processes remain under-explored. This phenomenological study aimed to explore the process of OT admissions from the perspective of students, faculty, and staff at a single OT program with the goal to create a more inclusive, equitable, and holistic process.

Download the full-text for free: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/9/

Perspectives of Occupational Therapy Graduates on Sentinel Events During Transitions to Practice: A Phenomenographic Study

By: Achini De Silva, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.); Eleanor Furtado, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.); Anne W. Hunt, PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Research suggests new occupational therapists face many positive and negative experiences during their transition from student to therapist. Current research lacks information regarding sentinel events that occur during this shift. An exploration of sentinel events as interpreted through the life course perspective may inform how to support the transition to occupational therapist. The purpose of this study is to (a) determine sentinel events that occur during the transition to practice for new occupational therapists and (b) the impact of these events.

See what the study found: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/8/

"The Effects of Cervical Cancer Diagnosis on Occupational Performance"

By: Wynnet Sinclair, OTD, OTR/L; Christine McConnell, DC, OTD, OTR/L; Emily Clark, Katie McEntire, Caty Miller, Lyndsi Pound, and Rose Wuertz

In the United States, it was predicted that approximately 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer would be diagnosed in 2023 (American Cancer Society, 2023). The research question focused on identifying changes in occupational performance for patients with cervical cancer. The areas of occupational performance considered were activities of daily living, leisure, work, education, social participation, and mental health.

Learn more: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/7/

"Adolescent Perceptions of Weighted Blankets and Quality of Sleep: A Mixed Method Design"

By: Tara D. S. Summers, MS, OTD, OTR/L

The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to describe the perceived sleep quality experience of an adolescent, without a pre-identified sleep need, when they used a weighted blanket during sleep.

Find out more here: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/6/

"Occupational Therapists' Perceptions on Addressing Spirituality: A Cross Sectional Survey"

By: Shannon Metzger, BS Psychology, BS Clinical Exercise Science; Jeanine Beasley, EdD, OTRL, CHT, FAOTA; Christine Byam, BS Recreational Therapy; Jordan Marheineke, BS Recreational Therapy; Amy Riley, BA Communication Studies; Amy Stites, BS Pre-Physical Therapy; Diane Maodush-Pitzer, DHA, MPA, CTRS; Dawn DeVries, B.S., M. Div, M.A., PhD

Occupational Therapy (OT) was founded as a holistic profession that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Research indicates that occupational therapists feel uncomfortable incorporating spirituality into practice. This study aimed to identify perceptions of occupational therapists in addressing the spiritual needs of their clients.

Download the full-text for free! https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/5/

"A ‘Friendly Visitor’ Volunteer Intervention for Hoarding Disorder: Participants’ Perceptions"

By: Susan Noyes, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Sarah van Houten, MOT, OTR/L; Elizabeth Wilkins, MOT, OTR/L

This qualitative research study explored participants’ perceptions in a volunteer program that addresses hoarding behaviors. The study was conducted through an interpretivist, constructivist lens, examining the Friendly Visitor hoarding intervention program through individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine participants, including three clients with hoarding disorder and six volunteers.

Download the full-text for free! https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/4/

"Factors Influencing Driving Confidence in Older Adults"

By: Jill Linder, DHSc.,OTR/L; Beth Ann Walker, PhD, MS, OTR, FAOTA; Elizabeth S. Moore, PhD; Anne Hegberg MS, OTR/L, CDRS

It has been determined that both confidence and cognition impact driving performance and self-regulation. While it is known that cognitive decline impacts driving safety and that decreases in driving confidence can lead to self-driving regulation, further research is needed to determine whether cognition, demographics, and driving routines are associated with driving confidence.

Read more for free! https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/3/

"Informing Modifications to Social Participation and Navigation (SPAN) for Adolescents with Social Anxiety Incorporating Pet Dogs"

By: Nicole Porter, OTD, MS, OTR/L; Gary Bedell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Jason Getzler, BS; Megan Mueller, PhD

Social anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health challenges of adolescence and profoundly impacts social participation. This study obtained adolescent and parent feedback to inform a future modification of Social Navigation and Participation (SPAN) for use with adolescents with social anxiety incorporating pet dogs.

Download the full-text for free: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/2/

Karen Sames was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. From an early age, she was surrounded by art. An experience with occupational therapy during the third grade jumpstarted her journey connecting art to occupation. Karen believes that art is a necessary part of life and credits much of her own personal success with art to her friends and family for their inspiration and to the instructors at the Eagan Art House in Minnesota. Her piece “Cherry Blossoms,” a pastel on paper, is based on a photograph taken by her son, who is currently living in Japan, and graces the cover of the Spring 2024 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT).

Visit the Occupation and the Artist Gallery to read the full article and see more of the artist's work: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot_occupationandartist/

Want to learn more about AI and scholarly writing? Check out the Letter from the Editor from the latest issue of OJOT.

"Artificial Intelligence: Analysis and Guidelines for Scholarly Writing" by Diane Powers Dirette

https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss2/1/

Thank you to corporate sponsor the Hanger Clinic for sponsoring the Spring 2024 issue of OJOT! We appreciate your support.

Do you know a company who might be interested in sponsoring an issue? Learn more. https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/sponsorship_opportunity.html

We are pleased to announce the Spring 2024 issue of OJOT!

Many thanks to the Hanger Clinic for sponsoring the Spring 2024 issue and its ongoing support of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Western Michigan University. The Letter from the Editor analyzes and provides guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in scholarly writing. The Occupation and the Artist profile features Karen Sames from Milwaukee, WI.

Visit www.ojot.org to read Volume 12, Issue 1!

Thank you for your continued support of OJOT!

Exploring the Spiritual Alliance of Maintaining a 5-Acre Tropical Farm Through the Lens of Occupational Engagement

Jose Rafols, EdD, OTD, MHSA, OTR/L & Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, EDAC, FAOTA

Large-scale commercial farmers and small scale “hobby” farmers engage in growing crops for subsistence and survival for themselves, their families, communities, and beyond. Their reverence and passion for farming make them good stewards of both community and world population nourishment. We suggest there may be a collective physical, emotional, and spiritual draw to farming that is interwoven with occupational engagement. Through a personal narrative approach, we reflect on the meaning and the work-focused occupation of farming and specifically how spirituality may be a guiding force that supports engagement despite seemingly insurmountable environmental and personal hardships. With an increasing interest in community practice as well as environmental and social sustainability, occupational therapy’s role in supporting the farming community is important to consider.

Read the full-text: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss1/15/

Excited to announce our new Human Occupation textbook edited by a group of international editors with global perspectives!

https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.routledge.com%2FHuman-Occupation-Contemporary-Concepts-and-Lifespan-Perspectives%2FBrown-Isbel-Gustafsson-Gutman-PowersDirette-Collins-Barlott%2Fp%2Fbook%2F9781032214566&data=05%7C02%7Cdiane.dirette%40wmich.edu%7C63811e69277a4999b65808dc5771d06b%7C257622517aa94c72905f39bf026a8a84%7C0%7C0%7C638481393561070892%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yyRq%2B%2FFI5SM5dIWTBro0mgIZzXwojB29dgTJmpRVdqM%3D&reserved=0

Occupational Therapists' Role in Sexual Education for Teens and Young Adults Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder

By: Taylor Urban, OTD, OTR/L & Reeti R. Douglas, OTD, OTR/L

Teens and young adults living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do not have equal access to sexual education, thus having lower sexual awareness, little knowledge of preventative sexual health care, and having a more difficult time reading sexual body language (Hannah & Stagg, 2016; Holmes et al., 2019; Mogavero & Hsu, 2020). Deficits in these and many other skills may make it more challenging for teens and young adults living with ASD to engage in an intimate or sexual relationship with a consenting partner. Skilled intervention on the occupation of sexual activity and its related dimensions, such as communication and sensory input, is well within an occupational therapist's scope of practice, yet there is little to no evidence supporting the role of occupational therapists serving clients living with ASD to address such topics. This manuscript will highlight the lack of sexual education supports for teens and young adults living with ASD and how occupational therapists can fill this important role as a trusted sexuality educator.

Download the full-text for FREE: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss1/14/

COVID-19 Pandemic’s Effect on Occupational Therapy Students’ Time-Use and Occupational Engagement On Returning to In-Person Learning

By: Jhannell Hannah Dioquito Ocampo, OTD; Susan MacDermott, OTD, OTR/L; Karen McCarthy, OTD, OTR/L

This study uses a mixed method descriptive research design to understand how the pandemic affected occupational therapy students' time-use and occupational engagement during the transition to in-person learning.

Download the full-text for free: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss1/11/

We had a wonderful AOTA conference! Thank you to everyone who joined the OJOT board meeting and to those who helped promote OJOT at the booth!

We’re ready! Stop by booth 122!

OSCEs’ Impact on Occupational Therapy Student Learning: Insights from Second- and Third-Year Focus Groups

By: Craig St. Jean, MA; Karin Werther, MSc; Mary Roduta Roberts, PhD

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are widely used in health programs to assess clinical skills. We present results of a qualitative study investigating occupational therapy students’ perceptions of OSCEs’ impact on their learning and readiness for clinical practice.

Download the full-text for free: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol12/iss1/10/