Browsing by Author "Nickerson, Sarah"

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    Effectiveness of Therapeutic Positioning on Preterm Infants in the NICU
    (2019) Larkin, Alisyn; Lindenmayer, Claire; Nickerson, Sarah; Parks, Mary; Richardson, Shelby; Withrow, Grace; Chase, Tony; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences
    In this systematic review, we examine the potential positive impacts that positioning techniques and devices can have on physiological, neurological, and developmental outcomes in preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This paper describes the reasoning behind the beneficial effects of positioning strategies and how they can lead to healthy development. Due to the stress-inducing, high intensity environment of the NICU, non-invasive interventions that promote healthy physiological and neurological responses are undeniably necessary. Positioning techniques such as skin-to-skin contact, the use of different devices, and varying positions all have evidence supporting the effectiveness of positioning on developmental responses and outcomes. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are positioning professionals, making their role in the NICU very valuable.
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    Inclusive Health Programming for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
    (2022-05) Nickerson, Sarah; Chase, Anthony; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Devine, Samantha
    People with intellectual disabilities face many health disparities including limited access, knowledge, communication, and quality healthcare services. The capstone experience aimed to decrease some of the gaps that the intellectual disabilities community faces. The project applied the focuses of education and advocacy to increase awareness in society of inclusive healthcare. Through the various projects completed in the capstone experience, the target populations received educational resources and materials to increase participation. The capstone was designed to assist in people with intellectual disabilities to achieve their full health potential by providing access to quality health providers, educational opportunities, and resource and feedback sharing. Through qualitative feedback and discussions, the capstone experience engaged members of the intellectual disability (ID) community to increase knowledge and independence of their own health. The capstone student gained competence in working with the ID population as well as the significance of inclusive healthcare in future career decisions and client interactions. The overall capstone experience resulted in an increase in inclusive healthcare through the organization and for a future statewide level in the community.