Saturday, September 14, 2024
Short Courses
8:00-8:50:
Short Course 1: Best Practices for Pediatric Telehealth. Speaker: Lora Casasfranco, MOTR/L
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, telehealth has been a hot topic within many medical fields. Occupational therapy is no different, with many companies starting to offer or expand existing offerings for telehealth services. As demand increases for virtual OT services, clinicians are in need of best practices to guide service delivery. Pediatric telehealth, specifically for the birth to five population, can feel daunting. However, with a few considerations and techniques in place, virtual services can provide exceptional care for many families, including those unable to access in-clinic or home based services. This course will prepare clinicians to facilitate meaningful and effective virtual sessions for clients.
9:00-9:50:
Short Course 2: The State of TN Licensure, CE Broker, & Audits. Speakers: Noranda French, Mary Bennett, Sabrina Craig-Boyd, and Anahi Juarez
10:00-10:50:
Short Course 3: "To Be or Not to Be... a Hand Therapist". Speakers: Evelyn Daniel, OT/L, CHT and Drew Hamrick, OT/L
Do you have any preconceived notions of becoming an occupational therapy practitioners who works in hands? Do you think a career in hands is unattainable? If any of this is you, this program is for you! My goal is to expand occupational therapy practitioners knowledge of what hand therapy is, decrease fears, snuff out common misconceptions, and become an asset for this speciality I have devoted my career to. Our workshop will include discussion groups with common misconceptions, questions, and concerns, demonstrations of some of the specialized practices we do on a regular basis, including dry needling, and discuss the need and importance of splint making (I will bring some as examples of what we can do).
11:00-11:50:
Short Course 4: Comprehensive Automotive Mobility Solutions. Speaker: Paul L Erway
Delve into a captivating educational journey brimming with insights on personal automotive mobility solutions. This course empowers allied health care practitioners, equipping them to comprehend and champion the needs of individuals seeking automotive vehicle modification solutions. From unraveling the intricacies of assessment to the art of selecting and procuring suitable automotive options, practitioners will gain a profound understanding of this specialized domain, enhancing their ability to serve and support those with unique mobility requirements. Helping patients or care givers the opportunity of getting back on the road to life.
1:30-2:20:
Short Course 5: Promoting Family Centered Practice in the Pediatric Oncology Setting Through Program Development. Speaker: Jessica M McNatt, OTR/L
In the pediatric oncology setting, family-centered practice is vital to a patient’s developmental growth. Children enduring catastrophic diseases are limited in their occupational engagement by their environmental and contextual barriers. Occupational therapy contributes to holistic care of young children with cancer through family-centered services. With consideration to the unique occupational challenges guided by the Developmental Frame of Reference and the Play Model, “Therapy to Go” was developed. The family-centered program provides patients with developmentally appropriate items that facilitate developmental skill attainment. The contents of each “Therapy to Go” kit are individualized to the needs of each patient and family. The bags are also influenced by the recommendations from rehabilitation staff involved in the patient’s care. Contents include developmentally stimulating play items and associated educational handouts to provide caregivers with recommendations. This course will describe the “Therapy to Go” program development and provide a case example of the program in action.
1:30-2:20:
Short Course 6: Finding Relevance in Life and Occupation. Speaker: Dr. Robert J. Mullaney, OTD, DBA, MBA-HSA, OTR/L
This course explores the concepts of "relevance" and personal sense of "relevance" within clients and OT practitioners. A brief overview of the current related literature on the topic, followed by a discussion of the connections between research on sense of self-relevance, essentialness, and occupational performance. Practice examples will be shared for further exploring sense of relevance in clients and self, as well as knowledge of creating an effective 1-paragraph/page strategic plan for enhancing sense of relevance, impacting motivation and overall occupational performance. Future research and concepts will summarize the presentation.
2:30-3:20
Short Course 7: A Rehabilitative Guidebook to Treating Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Throughout Adolescence: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology. Speakers: Anna Fung, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, Alice Shaver, OTS, Megan Turner, OTS, and Mackenzie Gay, OTS
The purpose of this poster presentation is to introduce and equip therapists from various disciplines with a tool to aid in treatment of children diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome throughout adolescence. The focus of this guidebook includes assessments, interventions, and ways to navigate common challenges faced in treatment of this diagnosis at different ages.
2:30-3:20
Short Course 8: Supporting Holistic Recovery: Experiences with Trauma-Informed Sensory and Emotional Regulation Program Development in an Emerging Practice Setting. Speaker: Kaitlyn H Springer, OTD
This session will provide education on the neurological and occupational impacts of childhood trauma. A practical example will be described based upon the presenter's OTD Capstone experience with Blue Monarch, a long-term, faith-based residential recovery non-profit program for mothers and their children. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in guided discussion regarding implementation of trauma-informed care, advocacy strategies, and opportunities for occupational therapy in psychosocial and other emerging practice settings.
3:30-4:20
Short Course 9: Pathways to Success: Cultivating Excellence through Workplace Mentorship. Speakers: Abigail P. Hamilton, MS, OTR/L, Courtney Cowden, MS, OTR/L, and Amanda Trent, MS, CCC-SLP
Mentorship is a tool that can be used to catapult the trajectory of your career. Clinicians with mentors tend to have more positive career outcomes and professional attitudes. Yet, it is a tool that not a lot of clinicians have access to. A workplace mentorship program combats that and aims to promote the development of clinical and leadership skills. Within the program, clinicians come together to engage in meaningful conversations and learning activities. The goals of the program are to create strong leaders within the profession and to equip clinicians to perform at the top of their license. Clinicians find themselves placed on a pathway to success as they participate - finding fulfillment from the vast opportunities to engage in clinical learning and in the pursuit of leadership opportunities. Creating a workplace mentorship program is possible, and more employers should consider the vast benefits that come along when you use mentorship to cultivate success for your team of clinicians.
3:30-4:20
Short Course 10: Empowering You: Self-Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Speaker: Caitlin Murphy, OTD
In this course, you will be introduced to principles of self-management for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Caitlin will share her self-management program created during her capstone experience which includes 9 modules and 3 single-page handouts covering topics related to self-management of rheumatoid arthritis. Topics include disease process, joint protection, energy conservation, adaptive equipment, pain, exercise, diet, sleep and rest, mental health, and habit formation. In this program, Caitlin includes personal reflections and guided reflection questions which guide the reader through behavior modification. In the course, Caitlin will cover her program, general information on rheumatoid arthritis, and OT’s role in chronic disease management for this population.
3:30-4:20 (Students only)
NBCOT® National Certification Exam: Speaker: Elise Foust, COTA/L, CFPS
During this session, an NBCOT Ambassador will share valuable information about preparing and applying for the national OTR and COTA certification exams. Specific topics include exclusive details about the exams, study tool resources, test day information, data regarding exam questions, and advice from other students and recent certificants. This presentation will allow you to be better informed about the various aspects of the national certification exam experience.Connect with NBCOT and hear about the best approaches to achieve your goal for Occupational Therapy Certification.
Workshops
8:00-9:45:
Workshop 1: Tips and Tools: New and Updated Pediatric Assessments. Speaker: Morgan Webb, MOT, OTR/L
Assessments continue to be created and updated, with practitioners needing to stay abreast of changes and best practices. Recent updates and availability of new pediatric assessments for motor skills and sensory processing abilities have allowed for more holistic and strength-based approaches. Presented in this session will be an overview of such assessments and a discussion of how these tools can be used to inform evidence-based interventions.
8:00-9:45:
Workshop 2: How Every OT Practitioner Can Address Substance Use Disorder: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment. Speaker: Katy Schmidt, OTD, OTR/L
Every occupational therapy practitioner in any setting can play a vital role in addressing substance use disorder in their clients. Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is a highly impactful, versatile, and evidence-based approach. In this workshop, we will share resources and practice strategies so you feel comfortable to immediately implement SBIRT in your work setting.
10:00-11:45
Workshop 3: The Journey Through Critical Illness and Recovery: Survivors’ Stories. Speakers: Brittany Work, OTD, OTR/L, Spencer Freeman, ICU Survivor, Angela Gilliam, ICU Survivor, and Barbara VanMeter-Nivens, ICU Survivor.
Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is new or worsening physical, cognitive, or mental health impairments occurring after critical illness that persist beyond the acute care hospitalization. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) evaluate and treat survivors of critical illness, regardless of practice setting, across the continuum of care. The ability of OTPs to recognize critical illness as a risk factor associated with PICS is vital for optimal care management. This recognition has profound implications for the rehabilitation process, aiming to minimize impairments and prevent or mitigate additional complications while promoting purpose and meaning in life.The voice of the ICU survivor is the best way to personalize the journey through critical illness and recovery. Three survivors share their stories of how critical illness impacted every facet of their lives, and how they learned to thrive, not merely survive, despite PICS.
1:30-3:15
Workshop 4: The Occupation of Sleep: Addressing Sleep in Adults Across Practice Settings. Speaker: Rosemary Lewis, OTR/L, CTP, CBIS
This course will review the vital role of sleep as a primary occupation and its foundational impact on all other areas of function. Topics will include a review of sleep mechanics and physiology, the impact of sleep dysfunction on mental and physical wellbeing, and common factors influencing sleep preparation and participation. During this course, strategies for evaluation and treatment of sleep in adults across various settings will be explored.
2:30-3:45
Workshop 5: Bringing Joy to Therapy: Creative Strategies for Addressing Behavioral Concerns in Occupational Therapy. Speakers: Deana Kendall, OTA student, Barbara Meussner, OTR/L, Sandra Dicks, OTR/L, and Nicole Ayers, OTA student
This presentation will focus on the challenges and strategies for managing severe behavioral challenges in occupational therapy. It will address the impact of severe behavioral concerns on a client's participation in meaningful activities and the role of occupational therapy in addressing these challenges. The session will cover assessment tools and techniques for identifying behavioral concerns, along with evidence-based interventions and strategies for managing these concerns within the scope of occupational therapy practice. Additionally, the importance of collaboration with other healthcare professionals and caregivers in developing comprehensive plans to support children with severe behavioral concerns will be discussed. The goal of this presentation is to provide practical insights and strategies for occupational therapists to effectively address severe behavioral issues and promote positive outcomes for their clients. The session will also include a parent's perspective on living with children who have severe behavioral challenges due to their diagnosis. Attendees should expect to gain valuable information to add to their professional toolbox.
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Short Courses
7:50-8:40
Short Course 11: Neurodiversity Affirming Care: Practices and Trends in OT. Speakers: Abigail P. Hamilton, MS, OTR/L, Janet Capell, OTR/L, Brittany Rauch, MSOT, OTR/L, and Stephanie Lancaster, EdD, OTR/L, ATP
With the prevalence of diagnoses like autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder on the rise in children, occupational therapy practitioners need to be aware of the unique needs of neurodivergent children. Join us for an introduction to neurodiversity. We will journey through time and review a history of disability models to assess how we arrived at the neurodiversity movement. We will dive into the guiding documents of occupational therapy to determine why this conversation matters for occupational therapy practitioners. And then we will review what practical shifts we can make in our clinical practice to create a space where neurodivergent kiddos feel safe to show up as their authentic selves while learning and growing in occupational therapy!
7:50-8:40
Short Course 12: Encountering Excessive Clutter & Hoarding Disorder with your OT Clients: Speakers: Tim Sullivan, MS, OTR/L, RAC-CT and Cindy Sullivan, CPO
Have you encountered extreme clutter during a Home Assessment or during your Home Health treatments? This course will equip you with tools to assess the level of severity with clutter or hoarding as well as discuss considerations working with these patients. Gain an understanding of resources available for your client via establishing a working relationship with a Professional Organizer. You will learn to distinguish the "fine-line" between clutter & hoarding disorder.
7:50-8:40
Short Course 13: Getting to Know PRC-Saltillo: Speakers: Amanda Rains, MS, CCC-SLP
8:50-9:40
Short Course 14: From Fatigue to Function: Occupational Therapy's Role in Long Covid Rehabilitation. Speakers: Lisa H Hamilton, OTS and Yu Hsiang Liang-Paultre, OTD, OTR/L
This course provides an overview of occupational therapy (OT) interventions tailored for practitioners to better understand how to serve clients with Long COVID. Participants will explore evidence-based strategies to address persistent symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairments, and respiratory difficulties. This short course includes practical techniques for activity/environmental modification, pacing, energy conservation, and cognitive rehabilitation, based on current research. Attendees will gain insights into interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care approaches to enhance the quality of life and functional independence of clients with Long COVID. This introductory course is ideal for OT practitioners seeking to expand their expertise and improve outcomes for this unique patient population.
8:50-9:40
Short Course 15: Pediatric Sleep Assessment & Intervention: Supports for Children and Families. Speakers: Cindy W Poole, OTD, M.Ed., OTR/L, Amanda M Buono, OTD, OTR, BCP, CCAP, and Jennifer Allison, OTD, OTR/L, BCMH, CCAP, FAOTA
The CDC (2020) reported sleep disturbance as a public health crisis and that poor sleep was attributed to increased rates of disease and disability across the lifespan. Children appear to be at risk for the effects of sleep deficits, as 25-50% of typical children experiencing some form of sleep deficits, and up to 80% of children with disabilities experiencing sleep deficits (Galli et al., 2022). This course aims to empower occupational therapists to address sleep deficits in children, equipping them with evidence-based interventions and evaluation options to support sleep health. Discussions will explore current literature that identify key diagnosis/client factors that put children at risk for sleep deficits (Chang et al., 2018; Foitzik & Brown, 2018; Galli et al., 2022), environmental and occupational performance factors that affect sleep in families, and the comparative analysis of different models/approaches, evaluations, and interventions that can be used to guide pediatric sleep practice.
9:50-10:40
Short Course 16: Breaking OT Barriers: Disability Mentorship. Speaker: Caroline P Hillyard, OTD, OTR/L
Individuals with disabilities (IWD) comprise the largest minority group in the United States, yet they don’t always have a clear part to play in advocacy efforts. Breaking OT Barriers is a disability mentorship program that aims to create connections amongst IWDs, empower participants through knowledge and experiences, and advocate for disability rights and diversity within occupational therapy. Disability mentorship not only helps one gain knowledge in professional development, but improves coping strategies and disability identity. Breaking OT Barriers challenges traditional views of disability and provides a roadmap for success for IWDs leading to a larger representation in healthcare and ultimately stronger advocacy efforts for disability rights.
9:50-10:40
Short Course 17: Self-Regulation and Social Behavior: Implications for School-Based Multi Tiered Supports. Speakers: Lorry Liotta-Kleinfeld, EdD, OTR, BCP, FAOTA and Cynthia Hickman, EdD, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, LANA.
Social-emotional competence has been linked with better peer relationships and academic success (Romero-Ayuso, et al., 2022). Research has found that a precursor of social emotional competence is sufficient self-regulation (Ben-Asher et al., 2023). Self-regulation refers to the ability to regulate one’s thinking, behavior, and emotions. However, many students do not enter school with requisite self-regulation abilities and some do not develop these skills without support (Webb et al., 2018). The purpose of this session is to review research related to social-emotional competence and self-regulation and to discuss strategies to support self-regulation in the school setting based on a multi-tiered system of supports.
TNOTA Annual Business Meeting, Presidential Address, & Legislative Update
11:15-12:45
Speakers: Stephanie Lancaster, EdD, OTR/L, ATP, and Courtney Atnip, Lobbyist, Capitol & 5th Public Strategies
Ethics & Jurisprudence for Occupational Therapy Practitioners
1:00-3:00
Speaker: Susan McDonald, EdD, OTR/L
Posters (Saturday 3:30-5:00)
Clinical Driver Evaluations
Presenter: Cara Harman, OTD, OTR/L
By 2030, every member of the largest generational cohort, the "baby boomers," will have reached the age of 65 or older. In the United States, driving remains the primary mode of transportation for the majority of older adults. However, driving is a multifaceted activity that demands the coordination of various physical and cognitive faculties. While there exists contradictory evidence regarding whether older drivers exhibit an increased crash risk, it is undeniable that several age-related factors can affect driving safety.Age alone is not a determining factor in a person’s ability to drive safely. Nevertheless, many older drivers could benefit from a thorough driving assessment to pinpoint and address any potential deficiencies. Unfortunately, numerous obstacles hinder the accessibility of these evaluations to the growing population. For instance, there are a mere 600 driver rehabilitation professionals serving all of North America.This poster aims to explore how occupational therapists (OTs) can contribute to serving the community. By training generalist OTs to conduct comprehensive clinical evaluations—covered by insurance—before referring individuals to behind-the-wheel specialists, we can streamline the process. Furthermore, high-risk patients can be directly referred to certified driving rehabilitation specialists (CDRS) for further equipment assessments and training. This approach promises shorter wait times and slashes costs in half for patients.
Over-Stressed and Under-Slept: The Connection Between Sleep and Emotional Well-Being in OT Graduate Students
Presenters: Connor Coward, OTS, Kerry Ormond, MOT, OTR/L, and Stedmon Hopkins, OTD, OTR/L
This course focuses on the quality and length of sleep, as well as its impact on students' mental well-being both inside and outside the classroom. Data collected from occupational therapy graduate student populations in East Tennessee was reviewed to identify trends, practices, and changes that can be applied in future OT graduate programs to help student practitioners succeed. The study utilized a quantitative approach to collect data and found that half of the participants experience factors that impact their sleep quality and cognitive focus in the classroom.
Occupational Therapy’s Role in Schools: A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners
Presenters: Caroline Clement, OTS, Ryleigh Thomas, OTS, Halle Tackett, OTS, Reagan Cook, OTS and Ashlyn Case, OTS
Evidence suggests school-based occupational therapists (SBOT) working in American-based middle and high schools struggle to provide relevant services to their clients due to not having a clearly defined role in the school system (Rodrigues & Seruya, 2018). To address this issue, a research team composed a survey to gain a better understanding of SBOT roles and interventions. A Qualtrics survey was developed consisting of seven sections: consent, identification of work setting, identification and frequency of interventions utilized, format of feedback to caregivers, additional duties, caseload, and demographics. Surveys were distributed via e-mail, state associations, and social media. 587 surveys were received from 49 states. Respondents reported on most common interventions including fine motor for elementary and middle school, and life skills for high school settings. The least reported intervention across all settings was literacy participation. This poster will describe key findings and make recommendations to support SBOT based on evidence.
Do Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs Adequately Prepare Students to Treat Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Clients?
Presenters: Chad Massey, OTS, Cameron Tubb, OTS, Leslie Corn, OTS, Rebecca Ahlfeld, PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT and Stedmon Hopkins, OTD, MOT, OTR/L
This presentation is titled “Do Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs Adequately Prepare Students to Treat Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Clients?” In this mixed methods study, 33 participants responded to a questionnaire developed by researchers similar to The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS) to understand the level of education and preparation students and practitioners received on the SGM population. Findings showed that there is a lack of education in occupational therapy graduate programs related to SGM clients. Through this presentation, viewers will gain a better understanding of the gap in research related to SGM, occupational struggles and deficits experienced by this population, and methods to improve education, training, and preparation for occupational therapy students and practitioners to treat SGM clients. Additionally, viewers should understand the significance of this lack of clinical education and preparation.
Exploring Lived Experiences of Students in Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Through Photovoice Narrative
Presenters: Susan Iliff, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, Grace Apigian, OTS, Lilly Martin, OTS, Taylor Nock, OTS, and Abigail Smith, OTS
Limited evidence exists regarding the social and independent living outcomes of students with intellectual disabilities in inclusive post-secondary Education (IPSE) programs. The research team recruited 13 participants from an IPSE program at a local private university to investigate these research questions: What are the social outcomes of being in a post-secondary education program? What are the outcomes of living in the dorms/residency programs on campus? Are the outcomes similar to their typically developing peers? Participants took photos in their campus environment based on 11 prompts. Photo data were analyzed through photovoice narrative methodology to identify themes. The research team employed triangulation, member checking, and an audit trail to support study validity and rigor. Three themes emerged from the four-phase analysis: social connection and inclusivity, autonomy and self-determination, and shared college experience. Study findings advanced the understanding of the lived experiences of IPSE students and focused on how their social and independent living outcomes relate to their traditional student peers. Study outcomes expand the current body of knowledge about IPSE students and improve programming, expand support, and elicit positive change within their campus community.
Interprofessional Education Design with Educational Technologies
Presenters: Lorry Liotta-Kleinfeld, EdD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA and Peggy Beckley, PhD, EdD, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
There has been a proliferation of technology in the delivery of education most recently. This presentation will focus on a newly developed IPE program for health care students from a consortium of institutions in the southeastern United States. The program included the use of Zoom and augmented digital technologies to support learning opportunities. Results from the data collected following the IPE experience included 65% of students found it to be highly satisfying. Additional qualitative and quantitative results will be included. Elements of good instructional design and considerations of student experiences that may be considered for IPE will be presented.
Are There Gaps Within Newborn Education for Parents and are Occupational Therapists Prepared to Fill the Gap?
Presenters: Ally Hudson, OTS, Rochani Akwalia, OTS, Rebecca Ahlfeld, PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT and Stedmon Hopkins, OTD, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational therapists are trained in many areas but few will specialize in a certain area. Within this presentation you will learn about where parents perceive there are gaps within newborn education for parents. Therapists can expect to engage in a discussion about if occupational therapists feel they are prepared to fill the gaps found by parents, if there should be more in depth topics within schools for pediatric therapists, or different settings that occupational therapists could work in to help bridge these gaps.
Falling Into Safety: An OT-led quality improvement falls prevention program.
Presenter: Madison T Owens, OTS
This presentation will encapsulate an occupational therapy doctoral student's experience with revamping and upgrading a current fall prevention program in a SNF/LTC facility. The current literature surrounding fall prevention in this setting will be discussed as well as the importance of collaboration between nursing staff and therapy staff. With some facility-specific observations and discussions with staff coupled with the literature, improvements were made to staff education, patient education, and fall prevention interventions. This presentation will share the journey of collaboration, cooperation, and creating a shared goal of patient safety and positive outcomes amongst all staff in this facility.
The Effects of Social Media on Middle School Aged Students.
Presenters: Kyle Barton, OTS, Josh Keathley, OTS, James Beck Cox, OTS, Erik Roque, OTS, and Rebecca Ahlfeld, PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT
This poster presentation dives into quantitative research on the topic of social media usage in adolescents and the effects it can pose on ADL participation such as academics, sleep, and mental health. This study measured performance in ADL categories among students who use social media, those who participate in screen time usage (non-social media), and those who do not use either. The study surveyed parents of middle school students and found major correlations between time spent on social media per day and the amount of schoolwork a student does, the likelihood of the student being distracted during class, and a higher likely hood of experiencing anxiety or nervousness.
Investigating Healthcare Provider Knowledge and Treatment of the Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.
Presenters: Erin Melhorn, OTD, OTR/L, Hanna Horchi, OTS, Ryan McDaniel, OTS, Sierra Sturken, OTS, Mia Lawson, OTS, and Ivy Olinger, OTS
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting thousands of older adults in the United States (Poewe et al., 2017). This disease is characterized by a combination of motor symptoms, such as tremors in the hands, rigid body movements, shuffling gait, and postural instability (Bhat et al., 2018). In addition to the motor symptoms, PD patients also experience non-motor symptoms (NMS) such as depression, fatigue, and sleep disorders, among other symptoms that often go undiscussed, and as a result untreated (Martinez-Martin et al., 2015). The purpose of this study is to gain information regarding healthcare professionals’ understanding of NMS and how satisfied they are with their ability to address NMS for their PD patients to discover ways to improve further care for this patient population.
Fieldwork Educators' Perspectives of Knowledge and Skills Necessary for Success in Level II Fieldwork.
Presenters: Paige Meyers, OTS, Katherine Henry, OTS, Sadie Barnes, OTS, and Ruth Jones, OTS
Occupational therapy (OT) programs aim to prepare students for successful fieldwork experiences, yet current literature emphasizes soft skills over hard skills for Level II Fieldwork success. This study investigates the knowledge and hard skills occupational therapy fieldwork educators (FWEs) perceive necessary prior to beginning Level II Fieldwork in acute care and upper extremity orthopedic settings. A mixed- method survey was created, validated by expert clinicians, and distributed to FWEs via convenience sampling. Ninety-two percent of FWEs perceived a gap between knowledge and hard skills acquired during didactic coursework and those necessary for Level II Fieldwork success. Qualitative responses revealed themes in gap areas such as theory-application in intervention, activity selection, contextual influences on clinical reasoning, and foundational knowledge deficits. FWEs may have inconsistent expectations of students’ skills. Therefore, a dual approach involving adjustments to curricular content and alignment with FWEs' expectations may be prudent to facilitate student success.
Perceived Impact of a Wheelchair Sports Program on its Participants, Caregivers, and Alumni.
Presenters: Missy Bryan, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, ATP, CPST, Mariah Gilbreath, OTS, Samantha McCreath, OTS, Emily McGuckin, OTS, and Kelly Nydahl, OTS, Jaryn Toms, OTS
This study focuses on a wheelchair sports program, ABLE Youth, located in middle Tennessee. ABLE Youth is an organization that promotes independence and wheelchair training through adaptive sports for wheelchair users between the ages of 3-17 years. This descriptive qualitative study aims to investigate the perceived impact of participation in ABLE Youth on the participants, caregivers, and alumni of the program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 individuals. The data was thematically analyzed using the CDC Excel Tool for Thematic Analysis.Four themes emerged from the research: facilitation of skill development, opportunities for engagement, confidence, and positive effect of role models. These themes were consistent across participants, caregivers, and alumni when asked about ABLE Youth’s impact on their lives.ABLE Youth fosters a community where participants have opportunities to engage meaningfully while learning and practicing skills, gaining exposure to role models, and building confidence.
Effects of OT compared to Interdisciplinary Team Approaches with OT for Children with Feeding Difficulties.
Presenter: Allison V Schneider, OTD
There is limited evidence available demonstrating the effects of occupational therapy (OT) compared to interdisciplinary teams including OT on goal attainment for children with feeding difficulties. Feeding is often a complex situation and having an interdisciplinary team approach is best (Vincent et al., 2023). This study encompassed a retrospective electronic health record review of 20 pediatric patients from an outpatient feeding clinic in Tennessee. The researcher extracted data on demographics, long-term goals (LTG’s), short-term goals (STG’s), and time to goal completion. Data was analyzed using independent T-tests. There was a statistically significant difference between groups for LTG achievement, however, this did not remain statistically significant once the Bonferroni correction was applied (p=0.049) (Portney et al., 2020). There were no other statistically significant differences between groups on any outcomes. This research is limited by a small sample size and no consistent outcome measures. Recommendations will be provided to improve monitoring of clinical practice and prepare for future research.
Promoting Inclusion through Sensory Friendly PRIDE
Presenters: Cailin Capra, OTS, Tiffany Haggard, OTS, and Elizabeth K Schmidt, PhD, OTR/L
Many autistic people are also LGBTQIA+ (George & Stokes, 2018). Evidence indicates autistic people feel excluded from LGBTQIA+ community events, including pride events, in part, due to sensory differences (Schmidt et al., in press). Researchers conducted a needs assessment and developed an LGBTQIA+ Neurodivergent pride event including tie-dying, rock painting, games, silent disco and a sensory break room based on the findings. Five attendees completed the event evaluation; 80% reported the event was “very accessible”, 100% reported it was “enjoyable” or “very enjoyable” and indicated quiet spaces (40%), visual cues (40%), and noise cancelling headphones (20%) were helpful. Findings from volunteer focus groups indicate the event “exceeded expectations”, was “family friendly”, “inclusive”, and “accommodating”. There were several areas of improvement identified, including quieter and more organized spaces, enhanced safety in the public park the event was hosted at, additional materials for activities, improved marketing, and inclusion of volunteer training.
Overcoming Barriers to Virtual Reality Adoption in Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Presenters: Lani S Rinehardt, OTS and Teri Gilley, OTR/L
The goal of this OT doctoral capstone project is to identify and address current barriers that are preventing the adoption of VR/AR services at Lively Therapy Services. Evidence shows that virtual rehabilitation has been proven to be effective to aid in the treatment of a variety of physical, psychological, and cognitive disorders (De Miguel-Rubio et al., 2020; Frolli et al., 2022; Yeo et al., 2019). The gap in current research is that game-based technological interventions have been proven effective in assisting with the treatment of individuals with a variety of impairments; and yet, it is not being adopted by clinics. The overall argument for this identified gap is that by adopting and implementing virtual rehabilitation interventions, the client will be more motivated to engage in therapy sessions, increasing participation and ultimately improving goal achievement.
Posters (Sunday 9:30-11:00)
Piloting of a Leisure Exploration Program for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Presenters: Abbigail Tomkosky, OTS, Maddison Riffey-Boling, OTS, Morgan Dotson, OTS, and Kaitlin Kinney, OTS
Life skills interventions may reduce the population’s overall time as homeless and improve their quality of life (Marshall et al., 2020), but there are few organizations in Knoxville, TN that provide opportunities for improving life skills and quality of life. A focus group revealed that the living conditions at Knox Area Rescue Ministries impacted occupational areas such as leisure exploration. Therefore, students developed and evaluated a leisure exploration program for homeless women in Knoxville, TN. The purpose was to positively influence leisure satisfaction and quality of life factors. The students implemented activities once a week over four weeks, which included vision boards, yoga and mindfulness, music and movement, and card/board games. After each activity's completion, the participants completed surveys of open- and close-ended questions. The quantitative data revealed psychological, social, relaxation, and physiological outcomes were positively impacted by each activity, while the qualitative data revealed positive impacts on leisure satisfaction.
Critical Appraisal of Factors Leading to Extended Caseload Duration
Presenters: Modina Reid, MOT/S, Hallie Stepp, MOT/S, and Caroline Wehner, MOT/S
An occupational therapy practitioner in the field prompted the question “Are OTs keeping patients on caseload too long due to facility pressures or other factors? Are patients becoming maintenance patients or restorative patients?” Student researchers derived individual PICO questions investigating what factors caused caseload retention in skilled nursing facilities or in clients with dementia. The research determined potential causes for caseload retention is increased stress on practitioners, decreased quality of client centered care, and increased pressure from employers/managers/insurers to meet productivity standards. The findings could be used to implement standards that would help practitioners increase client centered care and create limits on therapy sessions preventing retention. These would cause practitioners to feel less burdened and be able to increase client centered care in practice. Overall, more research is needed regarding caseload retention factors, however, this addition to the literature is valuable to not only practitioners but insurers, managers, and clients.
Social Participation in Children: Examining the Role of Executive Function and Sensory Processing
Presenters: Cynthia Hickman, EdD, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, LANA, Chloe Nease, OTS, Sarah Preston, OTS, Chandler Roseen, OTS, and Molli Wilkins, OTS
There is preliminary evidence that a child’s sensory processing (Cosbey et al., 2010) and executive function (Caporaso et al., 2019) affect their social participation. The purpose of this study was to investigate if sensory processing and executive function can predict social participation, including social competency and antisocial behaviors. Participants of this study included 27 parents or caregivers of children 5–12 years old recruited from a local school, occupational therapy clinics, and a convenience sample. The Sensory Processing Measure (SPM-2), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2), and the Home and Community Social Behaviors Scale (HCSBS) were used to measure the variables under investigation. The results of a multiple linear regression revealed that sensory processing and executive function together are strong positive predictors of social competence (R= 0.851) and antisocial behaviors (R = 0.8). In addition, 72% (R2= 0.724) of the variance in social competence and 64% (R2 = 0.640) of the variance in antisocial behaviors can be predicted by the two variables together. However, when analyzing the variables independently, executive function was found to be statistically significant while sensory processing was not. This poster session will identify the results of this research study and explore implications to support social competence in children aged 5-12.
Common Characteristics in Children With Autism With Prenatal Cocaine Exposure
Presenter: Emily M Morse, MOT/S
The prevalence of autism diagnoses and prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) births are on the rise. There are common symptoms shared between children with autism and children who were prenatally exposed to cocaine in utero. Shared symptoms include deficits in language, processing skills, behavior regulation, impulsivity, and social interaction. The main findings of the research found that eternal factors directly impact a child’s behavior. PCE exposure impacted the Central Nervous System development causing delays in cognition and regulation of behavior. Occupational therapists can create education programs and provide early screening to benefit the families that are impacted by prenatal cocaine use.
Critical Appraisal of Burnout Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners
Presenters: Anna Click, OTS, McKenzie Hanson, OTS, Georgia Ray,OTS, and Kaitlyn Smith, OTS
Burnout is a growing professional issue among healthcare workers. This poster presentation aims to identify factors that contribute to occupational therapy practitioners' burnout. This research highlights the importance of addressing workplace stress and its impact on practitioners and clients alike. Additionally, this presentation reviews current literature on the topic and describes perceived high and low stressors in the occupational therapy workplace. Finally, the presentation provides recommendations for current and future practitioners to aid in decreasing rates of burnout.
OT Students’ Knowledge & Confidence to Address Pediatric Sleep: Overview of an Educational Module
Presenters: Laura J Carpenter, OTR/L, PhD and Amanda Buono, PPOTD, OTR/L, BCP, CCAP
Sleep is an essential part of health and wellbeing for all humans, but up to 50% of children do not get adequate sleep (Schlieber & Han, 2021). Many OTs feel ill-equipped to support sleep in children, citing a lack of confidence as a primary barrier, and several studies have highlighted a need for further OT education in sleep (Hartman et. al, 2024; Ludwig et al., 2022; Poole et. al, 2023) This poster will describe a learning module used to educate OT students about pediatric sleep dysfunction. Presenters will review data collected regarding participants’ knowledge and confidence levels pre and post module, factors that benefited student learning and confidence levels, and how patterns of understanding practice models and frames of reference affected learning. Presenters will discuss the next steps in continued sleep research and practice for OTPs supporting pediatric populations.
Decreasing Joint Debility in Adults with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Presenter: Allison Hyatt, MOT/S
Although there is great potential for non-pharmacological intervention, the common theme is the need for patient involvement and motivation to incorporate new coping methods and lifestyle changes (for example a commitment to regular exercise).Various reports have shown benefits of wrist splints in controlling pain and inflammation and preventing the development of deformities.Therapeutic patient education (TPE) and exercises have a high quality of evidence for their beneficial effects on pain, fatigue, and physical function.
Sensory Interventions for Reducing Outbursting Behaviors Seen in Children with Autism Who Were Exposed to Drugs in Utero
Presenters: Pinal Ishver, MOT/S, Savanna Simpson, MOT/S, and Sarah Block, MOT/S
The purpose of this research was to search and appraise evidence to yield results on how drug exposure, specifically acetaminophen and SSRI, affects self-stimming behaviors in autistic children. This leads into the search of how sensory integration techniques benefit in the reduction of self-stimming behaviors during occupational therapy treatment of children with autism. The need for this research is to address external stressors for parents who have children diagnosed with autism, the social participation of autistic children in daily lives, and to provide more information regarding drug exposure in utero. There is limited research regarding drug exposure and sensory interventions, specifically weighted vests and swinging.
Critical Appraisal of Occupational Therapy Interventions Used in Long-Term Care Facilities that Prevent Debility and Promote Independence
Presenters: Claire Herring, OTS, Olivia Knotts, OTS, and Jenna McDaniel, OTS
With the limited research on occupational therapy interventions in LTC facilities, we investigated what intervention styles should be implemented within these settings. Specifically, we wanted to identify the interventions that will prevent debility and promote further independence in elderly residents.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in ICU Recovery Clinics
Presenter: Brittany Work, OTD, OTR/L
Introduction: Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is described as new or worsening physical, cognitive, or mental health impairments occurring after critical illness, persisting beyond the acute care hospitalization. Intensive care unit recovery (ICU) clinics were designed to evaluate PICS and improve the outcomes for survivors of critical illness through an interprofessional team approach.Specific aim: Provide evidence that the addition of OT to the ICU recovery clinic multidisciplinary team may contribute to improved functional outcomes.Methods: Using data-based and conceptual peer-reviewed articles, a review of the literature was conducted.Results: There is wide variability in how ICU recovery clinics are organized and managed. As impairments related to PICS can lead to dysfunction in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs/IADLs), OT practitioners can provide value as they specialize in enabling participation in ADLs.Conclusions: OT practitioners can contribute to ICU recovery by facilitating engagement in activities supporting occupational performance.
Stress and Coping Mechanisms in College Athletes
Presenters: Hannah K Millard, OTS, Allison G Martin, OTS, Caroline J Moore, OTS, Brittney A Ball, OTS, Taylor G Allin, OTS, and Stedmon D. Hopkins OTD, OTR/L
The objectives of this research are to determine how college athletes experience stress and if coping skills are utilized, what types. This research aims to gain further understanding of how occupational therapy can play a role in benefiting this population both on and off campus. The implications of this research could positively impact this specific population by educating therapists on the statistics of how college athletes are experiencing and handling stress and lead to further research on how to properly address these cases. There is a current rise in mental health conditions and suicide rates in college athletes that calls for awareness and intervention.
Exploring the Impact of Residual Symptoms of COVID-19 on Work Participation
Presenters: Jessica Hackathorne, PhD, MOT, OTR/L, Sara Lum, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS, CSRS, Katelyn Henderson, OTS, Maddy Martin, OTS, and Cathleen Mellor, OTS, Sydni Owens, OTS, Courtney Worley, OTS
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many lives, and for some, the residual symptoms of the illness continue to impact daily life. To understand more about the impact of long COVID, this study utilized an online survey to analyze the effects of long COVID symptoms on an individual's ability to meet employment demands. Quantitative data analysis revealed effects of long COVID on hours worked prior to and after experiencing long COVID and provided information about accommodations that were received by respondents. Qualitative data analysis describes five themes, which further describe individual’s experiences: knowledge of long COVID, principles of energy conservation, change in identity, isolation and feelings of hopelessness, and variability of support. With knowledge of energy conservation principles, psychosocial tools, and chronic disease management, occupational therapists can play a key role in supporting clients with long COVID as they aim to re-engage with the world.
What is the Perception of the Foster Care Systems Ability to Prepare Individuals Transitioning in and out of Foster Care?
Presenters: Alexis Mogg, OTS, Shelby Carrillo, OTS, and Hannah Smith, OTS
The researchers will be conducting a survey for foster parents and past/current foster children to fill out and submit based on the support they were given before, during, and after the foster care process. The survey will be posted into Tennessee Foster Facebook groups, various foster-based organizations, and friends/family members of current/past students connected with Tennessee Wesleyan University. The researchers are looking to see how occupational therapy can benefit this population and improve the transition for foster parents and children involved.
Mental Health and Infant Care for NICU Families: OT Best Practices
Presenters: Laura Mabry-Griffin, OTS, Hannah Lee, OTS, and Lauren Beard, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CPAM
Many occupational therapists who work in the NICU focus primarily on infant positioning. In addition to this important work, OTs can facilitate the development of infant care skills in the form of co-occupations and address the management of stressors and mental health issues for NICU parents. The authors researched the best practices for mental health and the performance of co-occupations in the NICU using the format of a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) and poster. The authors aimed to identify the best practices for occupational therapists to support the co-occupations of infant care and mental health for NICU parents. Barriers to achieving these best practices were also examined. The CAT evidence suggests that parental education around infant care and self-care positively impacts the mental health of NICU parents. OTs are well-equipped and positioned to impact the mental health of NICU families by building confidence in co-occupations, role acquisition, and self-care.
