Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects

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https://hdl.handle.net/1805/23238

This collection includes capstone projects authored by doctoral students in the Department of Occupational Therapy.

If you are an OTD student and need access to upload your project, please contact the IUPUI University Library Center for Digital Scholarship (digschol@iupui.edu).

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Tailoring Dental Appointments for Neurodivergent Children
(2025-05) Chelmella, Payton; Van Antwerp, Leah; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Steele, Jaime
Many neurodivergent children have a difficult time during their dental visits or cannot find a dental office willing to treat them. This doctoral capstone project aimed to give a local pediatric dentist office the information and experience they need to confidently provide care for neurodivergent patients and patients with dental anxiety. Six evidence-based themes about beneficial adaptations and modifications were addressed, including: acclimating to the dentist, desensitization, patient care beyond the chair, child behavior management, adaptive communication, and sensory processing. The capstone student provided the dental team with additional information during the project, but the above themes were emphasized the most. The dental team members completed a pre-survey (9 participants) and post-survey (8 participants) to evaluate their knowledge and confidence in three areas: general knowledge about adaptations and modifications, perceived knowledge about concepts relating to specific adaptations and modifications, and their confidence in implementing specific adaptations and modifications. The results show that the three categories had a statistically significant difference between pre-survey and post-survey results with a medium to large effect size. This project had a strong impact on the dental team’s knowledge and confidence in ways to treat their neurodivergent patients and patients with dental anxiety, therefore, this project shows that occupational therapy has a valuable place in pediatric dental settings.
Current Evidence-Based Practices for Acute Stroke Rehabilitation
(2025-05) Russell, Rachel; Breeden, Lori; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Del Gallo, Drew
Every year more than 795,000 people living within the United States have a stroke (Tsao, et al., 2023). With the prevalence, complexity, and wide variety of symptoms a person can experience following a stroke, there is continual research advancements on the best practices for the acute stroke patient (American Stroke Association, n.d.). The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to research current evidence-based practices and develop educational resources for the acute rehabilitation team to expand their knowledge on the best practices that benefit acute stroke patients. Through the needs assessment, it was discovered that the site had a goal to increase knowledge on the current evidence-based rehabilitation practices that are relevant for acute stroke patients. Following a systematic review of the current literature, four resources were developed, and an in-service presentation was delivered to the acute rehabilitation team to guide the effective utilization of these materials in clinical practice. The acute rehabilitation team supported the use of these resources as they reported an increase in confidence and knowledge in researching and implementing current evidence-based practices in the future with acute stroke patients following the in-service presentation. The results indicate that continued research is recommended to further explore effective strategies for translating evidence-based practices into clinical practice by occupational therapists working with stroke patients in the acute care setting.
Optimizing Educational Resources for Upper Extremity Conditions in Occupational Therapy
(2025-05-05) Richardson, Nicole; Bednarski, Julie; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Brake, Holly
Upper extremity conditions or injuries significantly impact individuals' ability to participate in daily occupations. Access to clear, accurate, and patient-friendly educational materials is essential for promoting self-management and adherence to treatment recommendations. This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop and evaluate educational resources to be used within an outpatient hand therapy clinic. Key components of the project included completing a comprehensive needs assessment, reviewing current evidence-based practices, and implementing updated materials to support patient education. The resulting materials improved patient understanding of their diagnosis and treatment and supported the overall delivery of occupational therapy services. This project highlights the role of occupational therapy in providing patient education and the importance of accessible, well-designed resources in the hand therapy setting.
Power Wheelchair Skills Training for Pediatric Power Wheelchair Users
(2025) Seigel, Brynn; Wasmuth, Sally; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Chase, Tony
Skills on Wheels (SOW) is a wheelchair skills training program for children who use manual wheelchairs. Although it is recommended that all individuals who receive a manual or power wheelchair participate in wheelchair skills training, very limited training is available. Literature suggests that play-based wheelchair skills training in a safe environment that reflects the values of the child and family leads to improvements in skills capacity, performance, participation, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Unfortunately, clinicians often lack guidance on how or when to provide training and may focus only on basic skills. The effect of wheelchair skills training on participation can be explained using the Person-Environment-Occupation Performance (PEOP) model, which emphasizes how occupational performance is shaped by the interaction of personal abilities and values, with environmental supports and barriers. This model emphasizes strengths over deficits and illustrates how improved mobility skills can support participation in meaningful activities. The capstone student used the recommendations provided in the literature to implement play-based power wheelchair skills training into SOW’s existing program by planning games and activities that target wheelchair skills, recruiting participants, recruiting and training volunteers, and ensuring safe and effective skills training. The participant who attended the program demonstrated increased skill performance, confidence, and frequency of skill use. However, there was no increase in participation, possibly due to environmental barriers and limited time for generalization to everyday environments. This project may lead to future research on power wheelchair skills training programs and continued power wheelchair skills training at SOW.
Enhancing Education for Caregivers of Pediatric Wheelchair Users
(2025-04-30) Meier, Morgan; Lee, Chang Dae; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Stead, Tiffany
This doctoral capstone project aimed to enhance the education process for caregivers of pediatric manual wheelchair users through the development of comprehensive, client-centered materials. The capstone student collaborated with the site mentor at the Riley Hospital for Children Adaptive Equipment Department to identify a critical gap in available resources and training for caregivers during the wheelchair acquisition process. Through a combination of semi-structured caregiver interviews, an in-depth literature review, and consultation from wheelchair experts, the capstone student developed educational resources including handouts and instructional videos. These resources utilized health literacy principles to promote accessibility and understanding across a wide range of caregiver experience levels. The topics covered in the resource content included folding and unfolding the wheelchair, using the variety of parts, properly maintaining it, and ensuring fit and positioning. Wheelchair experts reviewed the materials, confirming they were accurate, relevant, and aligned with current best practices. This project positively impacted the Outpatient Adaptive Equipment Department at Riley Hospital for Children by creating comprehensive educational materials that promote safe and effective wheelchair use.
Developing Group Therapy Protocols for the Older Adults Residing in Senior Care Facilities: A Doctoral Capstone Experience
(2025) Mays, Mallory; Bednarski, Julie; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Murray, Cassie
Of the 55.8 million older adults living in the United States, one-third of that population will reside in a senior living community (Health in Aging Foundation, 2023). Many of those individuals will require some form of rehabilitation. Healthcare Therapy Services, also known as HTS, is an organization that provides therapeutic services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy to aid in the rehabilitation process for the older adult. Through stakeholder meetings, needs assessment, and gap analysis, the capstone student identified that practitioners employed by HTS were under utilizing group therapy as a mode of therapeutic delivery. The doctoral capstone student developed “Synergy: Group Therapy Protocols”, a set of 10 group therapy protocols tailored to meet the needs of the older adult population as well as support the practitioners that will utilize the protocols in clinical practice. To support the implementation of the program, an educational presentation was developed and recorded to enhance the therapist’s knowledge of the benefits of social participation as well as highlight the overall program. Finally, the program, an executive summary, and a document highlighting tips for implementing group therapy into senior living communities was uploaded into the clinical toolbox, which is available to all practitioners employed by HTS. The overall goal of the project was to increase the use of group therapy across the organization, as well as, improve quality of life for all older adults residing in senior living communities.
Sensory-Inclusive Airports: Enhancing Air Travel for Passengers with Sensory Differences
(2025-05-05) Ueki, Mio; Lee, Chang Dae; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Wiley, Maria; Thomas, Kimberly
Occupational therapy plays a critical role in creating sensory-inclusive spaces in the community, such as the airport. The purpose of this 14-week doctoral capstone project (DCP) was to conduct a program evaluation to explore the effectiveness of the currently existing sensory inclusive initiatives at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND)—specifically, the employee sensory inclusive training, sensory rooms, and TSA/gate escort service. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data collected from IND employees and passengers revealed two key findings. First, although the current employee sensory inclusive training may be helpful, these benefits may be minimal and therefore insufficient. Most employees were satisfied with the current employee sensory inclusive training and felt sensory trainings were relevant to their work. However, they simultaneously recognized its weaknesses and desired for improvements through experiential learning methods and increased applicability of the training to airports. Second, passengers are highly satisfied with the level of sensory accessibility at IND but are unaware of the existence of sensory accessible facilities and services. These results support the need for improvements to the current employee sensory inclusive training which may translate to enhanced passenger accessibility satisfaction. Additionally, increased advertisement of sensory accessible facilities and services through community engagement with local disability organizations are suggested. Despite the small sample size, the data provides preliminary pedagogical guidelines that may be utilized for improving employee sensory inclusive trainings as well as ways to raise public awareness of the sensory accessibility features that exist at IND.
Discharge planning in acute care rehabilitation: Selecting an appropriate standardized assessment to utilize in evaluation to guide discharge recommendations
(2025-05-05) Claybon, Anna; Hull, Kristin; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Gray, Daniel; Walker, Kasey
Effective discharge planning in the acute care setting is essential for ensuring patient safety and reducing hospital readmissions. Through a combination of a literature review, needs assessment, and clinical experience, the doctoral capstone student (DCS) identified a lack of cognitive assessment administration as a gap in current practice in the acute care setting. The purpose of this project was to identify effective cognitive assessments that support discharge planning and would allow for growth in the DCS’s understanding and administration of cognitive assessments. Based on current research and resources available, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was examined as a tool to assess cognitive status. Through self-reflection, the DCS’s understanding of cognitive assessment administration grew over the course of the capstone experience.
Effectiveness of Video-Based Home Exercise Programs in Hand Therapy
(2025) Shin, Christina; Kurrus, Melinda; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Hartman, Shannon
Traditionally, paper handouts have been the primary method for delivering home exercise programs (HEPs) in outpatient orthopedic settings. Patient adherence to HEPs is crucial for preventing hand deformities, improving hand function, and facilitating recovery. However, contextual barriers – such as language barriers, low health literacy, and psychosocial challenges – often hinder patients’ ability to understand and follow prescribed exercises, negatively impacting their functional recovery. Oftentimes, printed materials fail to recognize and address the diverse learning needs and education levels of patients, further limiting patient adherence. The goal of this capstone project was to develop video-based exercises for hand and upper extremity rehabilitation and to ensure their accessibility and sustainability within the outpatient occupational therapy team. Through improved educational resources, the capstone student and site aimed to accommodate diverse patient needs, thereby enhancing patient adherence and clinical outcomes. Following the implementation of the capstone project materials, therapists perceived the video-based exercises as an effective tool for demonstrating correct exercise execution, increasing patient confidence, supporting patient adherence, and assisting patients with language barriers. The results of this study suggested that video-based exercises can serve as a valuable and sustainable alternative to traditional paper handouts.
Program Development and Implementation: A Movement-Based Curriculum for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
(2025) Huff, Nichole; Lee, Chang; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Miller, Michelle
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face significant barriers to physical activity participation, including financial constraints, limited adaptive programs, and motivational challenges. Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity on physical health, cognitive function, and social engagement, participation rates remain low. This capstone project aimed to design and evaluate a movement curriculum tailored to adults with IDD using the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model as a guiding framework. The curriculum incorporated evidence-based strategies, such as nature-based activities, dance, and team sports to promote meaningful engagement and sustained participation. Activities were structured to be adaptable based on individual abilities and environmental factors. The curriculum was implemented through site-specific protocols and facilitator collaboration, ensuring accessibility and long-term sustainability. Program effectiveness was evaluated through pre- and post-intervention surveys that analyzed participation using an adapted Likert scale as an outcome measure. Results demonstrated increased engagement in activities following the program implementation, suggesting that interventions incorporating social and environmental engagement resulted in improved sustained engagement compared to the previous exercise programs implemented at the facility. Future research should explore longitudinal outcomes within diverse community settings.

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