OT Students Research Articles

Reading With a Purpose: Investigating the Relationship Between OT Students’ Reading Skills & Metacognitive Strategies

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 Reading is an important component of graduate studies and lifelong learning. It is important for OT educators to understand how much time students spend on this task and the strategies used to complete and comprehend content. Primary Author and Speaker: Christen Leach Contributing Authors: Christine Davis, Theresa Hallenen, Whitney Henderson

Community-Based Learning: Transformative Change in OT Students’ Awareness of Occupational Justice & Community Health

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 Community-based learning (CBL) enabled students to address societal needs through active engagement in their community. The focus was on eradicating social and health disparities among individuals who are at risk for occupational deprivation and injustice. Primary Author and Speaker: Patricia A. Wisniewski

Becoming Agents of Change: OT Students in Screening, Brief Intervention, & Treatment for Recovery From Substance Use Disorders

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 This study depicts how a 3-week delivery of educational experiences increased student knowledge, attitudes, competence, confidence, and readiness to conduct screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for individuals in recovery. Primary Author and Speaker: Jill Brown Contributing Authors: Kathleen Schachman, Meghan Baruth

The Effect of Video Conferencing on Social Participation of OT Students

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 The Attitudes Towards Zoom (ATZ) questionnaire surveyed 275 OT students on attitudes toward videoconferencing. Students reported fatigue and less class engagement but appreciated communication convenience, which should be considered in class format. Primary Author and Speaker: Kathryn Rich Additional Authors and Speakers: Olivia Gougler, Martha Sanders

Knowledge Regarding Palliative Care: Comparison Between OT Students & Certified Therapists

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 A high percentage of OT students and therapists reported insufficient knowledge of palliative care (PC). For both, training may assist in an ameliorated understanding of the philosophy of PC and the unique contribution of OT. Primary Author and Speaker: Danit Langer Additional Authors and Speakers: Tal Mazor-Karsenty Contributing Authors: Asnat Bar-Haim Erez

Interprofessional Education in Allied Health Professions: A Collaborative Approach to a Simulation Lab Experience

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 This study examined the effects of a simulated interprofessional learning activity on students’ knowledge of feeding and swallowing disorders and attitudes and beliefs toward interprofessional collaboration among OT and speech-language pathology students. Primary Author and Speaker: Marie-Claude Touchette Additional Authors and Speakers: Ruiying Ding, Michelle Zemsky Dineen

Understanding the Effects of Human–Animal Interaction Therapy on the Stress Levels of OT Students

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 This mixed-methods study researched the relationship between human–animal interactions and stress levels of college students from an OT perspective. Dog and horse interactions were compared and implications for OT practice and wellness were considered. Primary Author and Speaker: Donna Latella Additional Authors and Speakers: Nicole Berluti, Lisa DiGuilio, Lauren Doyle, Emma Goodrich, Caitlin Healy, Megan Lane, Samantha Nedza, Summer Postiglione

Fieldwork Educators’ Communication of Clinical Reasoning to Their Students

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 This study explores how fieldwork (FW) educators develop and experience their process of clinical reasoning and communicate their reasoning to OT students. Findings indicate a need for additional targeted supports for FW educators. Primary Author and Speaker: Heidi Horwitz Additional Authors and Speakers: Consuelo Kreider

Exploring Mindfulness as a Tool to Reduce Perceived Stress Among First-Year OT Students

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 First-year OT students enrolled in an introduction to OT course participated in a 3-week exploratory study that utilized a mindfulness program as intervention. Data collected showed positive effects on stress management among other positive outcomes. Primary Author and Speaker: Amy E. Hudkins

A Novel Educational Intervention for Hand Anatomy Instruction

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 OT students benefit from detailed hand anatomy instruction. This study investigated students’ perceptions of participation in a learning activity using a translucent, three-dimensional model of the hand with video narration. Primary Author and Speaker: Christine T. Myers Additional Authors and Speakers: Michael Cricchio, Rebecca A. Piazza, Morgan Yacoe

Hear Us Out: The Lived Experiences of Non-White OT Students Being Educated With Predominantly White Peers

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of five non-White OT students being educated in predominantly White OT classrooms. This study uplifts their voices to create awareness and provide suggestions for our profession to move forward. Primary Author and Speaker: Tamar Mor Additional Authors and Speakers: Therese Meily, Flaminia Avantifiori, Kijai Herring, Rachel Lanzalotti, Laurie Knis-Matthews

The Intentional Resiliency Club: A Pilot Mentorship Program for OT Students on Level II Fieldwork

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 This pilot study explored the impact of an intentional relationship model (IRM)–informed club mentorship program during Level II fieldwork and its influence on student perceived stress and interpersonal growth. Primary Author and Speaker: Courtney J. Taylor Additional Authors and Speakers: Ana K. Brussa, Kate Barlow

Positive Perception of OT Student Experience in Interprofessional Poverty Simulation

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 An interprofessional poverty simulation may have positive effects on health science student attitudes toward individuals experiencing poverty and the circumstances of poverty, which can help prepare future clinicians with cultural humility. Primary Author and Speaker: Peiluen Kuo Additional Authors and Speakers: Kate Barlow Contributing Authors: Lauren Arcibal, Michele Favolise, Frederick Hooven, Alina LeClaire, Kathryn Lewis, Linette Wilson

Current Trends in the Use of Simulation in OT Programs

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 This research addresses the current trends in the development and use of simulation for OT students. Results from a nationwide survey will be presented to define objectives and components of simulation and the use of scaffolding. Primary Author and Speaker: Donna Walls Contributing Authors: Marian Gillard, Kendall Davis

Exploring Student Ageism Perceptions Using Life Review: An Educational Intervention

Background: Addressing student ageism is essential for promoting desires to work with older adults, but little is known about how life review intervention, used as an educational tool in OT programs, can affect ageism. This study aimed to explore the effect of life review on OT students’ ageism perceptions and desires to work with older adults. Design: A qualitative focus group research approach was performed. Method: Thirty entry-level occupational therapy students from a Texas university were used as a convenient sample. After participating in a 4-hour workshop, students conducted a life review with older adult volunteers. Data was collected during a focus group using audio-recording and field notes. A thematic approach to analysis was used including Dedoose web-based software with a code-recode procedure by 2 raters. Measure: A focus group was conducted 2-weeks after the intervention using a semi-structured interview guide with 4 open-ended and 7 probing questions to elicit in-depth discussion of the life review experience. Results: Four themes emerged related to the intervention: (1) experience influenced attitude; (2) preconceived ideas changed; (3) finding similarities and commonalities, and (4) reflective insight. Conclusions: To impact ageism and desires to work with older adults, students should participate in life review experiences during program education.

Perfectionism in OT, SLP, and PT Students on Psychosocial Outcomes: A Pilot Study

This study determined rates of perfectionism among graduate rehabilitation students and compared rates of depression and anxiety between perfectionists and non-perfectionists. Fifty-four students completed an emailed survey, Almost-Perfect Scale-Revised, the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale, and the Clinically Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale. High levels of perfectionism, anxiety, and depression were found. No significant differences in psychosocial outcomes for perfectionism were identified. Trends emerged: (1) higher numbers of moderate to severe anxiety and depression among perfectionistic students, and (2) higher numbers of moderate to severe anxiety among maladaptive perfectionistic students. Programming and resources are needed to promote mental health in OT students.

Simulated Fieldwork & the Impact on OT Students’ Perceived Level of Preparedness for Level II Fieldwork

Abstract Date Presented 04/21/2023 The purpose of this study was to identify the perceived level of preparedness of OT students for Level II fieldwork. Results indicate that participants felt their Level I simulated fieldwork experience helped to prepare them for Level II fieldwork. Primary Author and Speaker: Breanna Chycinski Additional Authors and Speakers: Kailen Kiander, Macie Zack, Brynne Pieters, Lauren Shipman

Promoting Culturally Responsive Mentoring Among OT Students From Historically Marginalized Groups

Abstract Date Presented 04/22/2023 Mentoring provides guidance for students during their academic and professional journeys. This study’s results offer recommendations to OT faculty and institutions to promote culturally responsive mentoring for OT students from historically marginalized groups. Primary Author and Speaker: Shanteria Carr Additional Authors and Speakers: Janet Njelesani

Using Keyform Maps to Measure Confidence & Competency Ratios to Promote OT Student Success

Abstract Date Presented 04/22/2023 A confidence-to-competence ratio is helpful to identify potential overly aggressive or overly conservative treatments (Gottlieb et al., 2021). Craig Velozo’s 2021 Eleanor Clark Slagle lecture defined keyform maps as an evidence-based tool for identifying easy and hard task items and identifying a client’s just-right challenge. This research studied keyform maps as a tool for assessing confidence-to-competence ratios among OT students to promote student success and client safety. Primary Author and Speaker: Cynthia Sears Additional Authors and Speakers: Christa Lawler, Rachel Bernhardt, Morgan Foster

Burnout in OT Students & Coping Mechanisms to Manage Stress

Abstract Date Presented 04/22/2023 This study explored the stress levels among graduate OT students in the COVID-19 pandemic era and coping mechanisms used by the students to reduce academic stress. Primary Author and Speaker: Razan Hamed Contributing Authors: Maegan Assaf, Heidi Cipolla, Carley R. Quirin, Annika Voss, Shylah Walker, Amira Wheeler, Sally Zhang