Browsing by Author "Richardson, Shelby"

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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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    Occupation-Based Intervention Binder and Advanced Clinical Skills Within Hand Therapy: An Evidence Based Approach
    (2022-04-28) Richardson, Shelby; Albright, Megan; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Roscetti, Sally
    Hand therapy is an area of practice occupational therapists can specialize in, where patients with injuries to the hand and upper extremity are treated. This area of practice receives criticism as the typical biomechanical approach to intervention is primarily used rather than occupation based. There is growing concern OTs are losing distinct value within this area of practice as their approach does not align with foundational principles. The purpose of the capstone project is to provide quality improvement to patients through the creation and implementation of an occupation-based intervention resource binder for clinical use. Seeking to further explore the discrepancy between literature and clinical practice, research suggests that a dual focused model in practice provides best patient outcomes. Obstacles like caseload demands, post-operative protocols, storage space and prioritizing therapeutics patients can only receive in the clinic are barriers to occupation-based treatment. The capstone student utilized knowledge gained from advanced clinical skills to guide the creation of an evidence-based resource binder to assuage identified obstacles in order to advocate for the profession and improve patient outcomes.