OT Student Projects
Student Research Projects
Abstracts for the Class of 2028 OTD Students
1. The Role of Occupational Therapy in Inpatient Adolescent Mental Health
Claire A. Applegate1, Elizabeth G. Cain1, Cecilia G. Sonia1, Kristen A. Wilcher1, Katie Cassady1 JD, OTD, OTR/L, Iesha B. Smith1, DHA, MOTR/L, CNT
1Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Related Professions, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Background: Mental health is deeply embedded in the history of occupational therapy. Understanding this history is essential for a deeper appreciation of the profession’s current role in inpatient adolescent mental health. Despite substantial evidence supporting occupational therapy's effectiveness in adult and geriatric inpatient mental health settings, research on its impact in adolescent inpatient psychiatry remains limited.
Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study is to discover how occupational therapy practitioners working in the inpatient adolescent psychiatric setting establish and maintain their position as members of the interdisciplinary care team.
Methods: This descriptive research study employed a qualitative design by using semi- structured interviews with occupational therapy practitioners currently practicing or who have previous experience practicing in an inpatient adolescent psychiatric setting. Data analysis was completed using the constant comparison method.
Results: Results from this study revealed four primary themes that emerged from interviewing five participants. Occupational therapy practitioners must advocate for their professional role
within the inpatient adolescent psychiatric setting. In this setting, there are systemic barriers impacting the role of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy has a positive impact on patient care in this setting, and educational experiences paved occupational therapy’s professional journey in inpatient adolescent mental health.
Conclusion: This study offers insight into the role of occupational therapy in the inpatient adolescent psychiatric setting. There is a limited understanding of occupational therapy’s role; therefore, advocacy efforts are needed to raise awareness of their contribution to patient care. Additional research is suggested to understand occupational therapy’s role in supporting adolescents’ participation in daily activities, promoting overall mental health and functional independence.
2. Perspectives of Occupational Therapy Services Available for Persons Diagnosed with Schizophrenia Aged 18 and Older Regarding ADL and IADL Challenges
Madison M. Banks1, Emily L. George1, Molly K. Grondin1, Hannah N. Rendall1, Diane M. Satterfield1
1Occupational Therapy Department, School of Health-Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Background: Many individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia experience various challenges in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Research remains limited on occupational therapy interventions for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia regarding the utilization of occupational therapy services addressing ADL and IADL challenges. Methods: Data was collected using an anonymous online survey through REDCap, including quantitative and qualitative components to capture a comprehensive view of functional limitations and personal experiences, including experiences with occupational therapists. This study collected primarily quantitative data embedded with qualitative elements to investigate perceived challenges in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among adults diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Results: Responses were limited to two participants only (P1, P2). P1 reported no current difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) but has previously expressed difficulty with bathing and personal hygiene. When asked about difficulties in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), P1 reported not having any difficulty in the categories given. P2 reported no current difficulties with ADLs but has previously expressed difficulty in sleeping. When asked about which areas of IADLs P2 would like to improve, they reported reading. When asked whether they had received occupational therapy services to address ADL or IADL challenges, both respondents indicated that they had never worked with an occupational therapist. No additional perceived barriers to occupational therapy services were reported within the survey responses.
Conclusion: The focus of this study was to gather the perspectives of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. The findings from this study support that occupational therapy is a necessary service to address the ADL and IADL challenges experienced within this population.
3. Emerging Technologies in Assessments and Interventions of Upper Extremity Rehabilitation: Perceptions of Hand Therapists
Jonathan Q. Barnes1, Brittney L. Beasley1, Karissa D. Orr1, Avery M. Routt1, Robin L. Parish1
1 Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Background: Upper extremity (UE) injuries and impairments accounted for approximately 28.8% of all emergency room visits in the United States between 2012 and 2021 (Eckhoff et al., 2025). Upper extremity pathologies can cause significant deficits in functional performance and quality of life for many individuals. As a result, emerging technologies play a role in the management of upper extremities in rehabilitation (Danz et al., 2024). However, limited research exists on which technologies hand therapists implement in clinical practice.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the emerging technologies hand therapists use for upper extremity management. Specifically, this study aimed to (1) understand hand therapists’ perceptions of emerging technology’s role in advancing upper extremity rehabilitation, (2) explore what emerging technologies hand therapists utilize to assess upper extremity function, and (3) examine what emerging technologies hand therapists use in interventions for upper extremity dysfunction.
Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through an electronic cross-sectional survey. Participants included 68 hand therapists who are members of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). Data was analyzed using REDCap descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed via hand coding to identify common themes.
Results: Addressing the primary aims, 85.1% of hand therapists agreed that emerging technology plays a significant role in upper extremity management. In comparison, 14.9% disagreed, noting that it should serve as an adjunct to traditional therapy. Of note, only 23.5% reported using emerging technology in assessments, while 58.2% reported using emerging technology in interventions. Patient engagement was identified as a top benefit, with cost and lack of education as barriers.
Conclusion: This study recognizes the importance of incorporating emerging technologies into clinical practice as an adjunct to traditional therapy, identifies benefits and barriers, and offers suggestions to improve their utilization.
4. Pediatric Trauma-Informed Care Education and Implementation in Occupational Therapy
Sydni Carter OTS1, Lauren Cooper OTS1, Alden Easterling OTS1, Madisyn Roberts OTS1, Jada Smith OTS1, Peter Giroux, PHD, MHS, OTR/L, C/NDT, FAOTA1
1Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Background: Children may experience trauma in several forms, including neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional maltreatment. The long-lasting effects and implications of trauma reveal the need for trauma-informed care (TIC) identification, education, and implementation to help pediatric clients with a history of trauma receive the best possible outcomes. TIC can be implemented in occupational therapy practice through interventions to provide social, cognitive, physical, and emotional benefits.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to (1) improve participants’ knowledge of implementing TIC in clients with a history of trauma, (2) increase participants’ confidence in selecting interventions specific to each case for proactive guidance and support of clients’ well- being, and (3) increase participants’ perception of trauma in clients to minimize further harm and build trust to promote well-being.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study collected quantitative data using a one-group pretest- posttest design to investigate occupational therapy practitioners’ knowledge, confidence, and perceptions regarding implementing TIC.
Results: A total of 46 participants completed the pretest, and 43 completed the posttest. TIC knowledge improved post-intervention, with ratings of 4 or 5 rising from 13.3% to 67.4% and ratings of 1 or 2 falling from 60% to 2.3%. From pretest to posttest, participants reported an average 53.6% increase in confidence across quantitative questions, with a similar theme of increased confidence in qualitative responses. Participants’ perception increased post- intervention, with awareness of how the therapeutic environment may impact children with trauma histories rising from 48.9% strongly agreeing pretest to 69.8% strongly agreeing posttest. Conclusion: The virtual Pediatric TIC Education and Implementation in Occupational Therapy presentation increased participants' knowledge, confidence, and perception in providing treatment to children with trauma histories. Our research suggests that continuing education programs and resources are needed to increase TIC knowledge among OT practitioners treating the pediatric population and implementing TIC in clinics.
5. The Use of Dementia Assessments in Occupational Therapy Across Practice Settings
Ashlyn A. Chisolm1, Sydney G. Storm1, Bariah D. Taylor1, Caroline M. Wilbanks1, Kayla C. Abraham1, and Megan P. Ladner1
1Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Background: Dementia impacts approximately 6.9 million individuals, aged 65 and older in the United States, affecting mental, functional, and occupational performance of those diagnosed (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in the treatment of these patients. However, there is little evidence to support how dementia assessments are utilized across practice settings.
Objective: This study aimed to determine practitioner preferences for assessment of dementia, to describe the rationale for choosing dementia assessments, and to identify potential barriers to using dementia assessments.
Methods: Data was collected by an anonymous, electronic REDCap survey. A postcard featuring a QR code was mailed to 1,000 practicing occupational therapists, who are members of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Data was analyzed using REDCap and RStudio.
Results: According to the 87 practitioners that responded to the survey, the following four assessments were ranked highest across all practice settings: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; n = 82), Clock Drawing Test (CDT; n = 57), Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS; n = 55), and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE; n = 20). The top three rationales for choosing assessments were time to administer (n = 53; 62.4%), practice setting (n= 39; 45.9%), and availability (n = 38; 44.7%). The top three barriers to using dementia assessments were time to administer (n = 51; 59.3%), cost of assessment (n = 37; 43.0%), and limited knowledge of the assessment (n = 33; 38.4%).
Conclusion: After identifying the dementia assessments used by occupational therapists across practice settings, education on these assessments can be targeted to guide clinical decision- making, to prepare OT students for practice, and to direct further research studies on this topic. More research should also be conducted on the use of dementia-specific and OT-specific assessments across practice settings.
6. Exploring Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Knowledge, Confidence, and Use of UE Wearable Devices
Hannah E. Alexander1, Isabella C. Amis1, Aubree A. Chepkevich1, Allison L. Harris1, Kristy D. Cole1
1Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Background: Research exists regarding the use of lab-grade upper extremity (UE) wearable technology; however, limited research has focused on consumer-grade wearable technology use in occupational therapy (OT) practice.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine OT practitioners' use of UE wearable devices, specifically smartwatches and smart rings, evaluate their knowledge and confidence in utilizing these devices, and their perceptions of the benefits and barriers associated with UE wearable devices.
Methods: Data were collected through an electronic survey designed to explore OT practitioners’ experiences with and perceptions of UE wearable devices. The survey was emailed to 2,140 licensed OT practitioners in Mississippi. It included a combination of closed-ended, partially closed-ended, Likert-scale, and multiple-choice questions, organized into five domains: demographic information; knowledge of UE wearables; confidence in using wearables; current use in practice; perceived benefits; and barriers.
Results: An electronic survey was completed by 173 OT practitioners. Most participants indicated long-term, daily personal use of UE wearable devices, with many reporting limited to moderate knowledge and confidence in using these devices in OT practice with patients. Among watches and rings, the Apple Watch and Oura ring were the most commonly used devices among practitioners. More than half of the participants believed their clients would benefit from UE wearable devices, but reported not using them. The majority of the participants noted cost and user compliance as limitations affecting the use of wearable devices in client care.
Conclusion: The study offers insight into the use of UE wearable technology by OT practitioners, confidence in using these devices in a clinical setting, and perceptions of the benefits and barriers associated with implementation in practice. A gap exists between personal use and integration into OT practice. Further research is needed to explore effective strategies for integrating UE wearable technology into OT rehabilitation settings.
7. Exploring the Effectiveness of Body Mechanics Education in the Curricula of Allied Health Students
Amy L. Fletcher1, Kimberly San1, Meredith L. Chrislip1, Michelle E. Quimby1, Moira K. Mills1
1Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Background: Body Mechanics is how individuals position and move their bodies while completing daily tasks, such as bending and lifting. Understanding body mechanics is an essential skill that allied health care professionals use on the job to protect themselves and their patients. Ensuring that allied health students are receiving the proper body mechanics training is crucial to preventing future practitioner injury.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine how effectively students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s (UMMC) allied health programs have learned body mechanics, identify the most effective mode of teaching body mechanics, and explore how UMMC curriculum can be adjusted to better train students in body mechanics through student perceptions.
Methods: This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design incorporating an original electronic survey emailed to students at selected UMMC programs. This electronic survey allowed researchers to collect quantitative and qualitative data regarding body mechanics training for allied health students.
Results: The study ended with 103 completed surveys from occupational therapy, physical therapy, radiological sciences, and nursing students at the UMMC campus. Students reported that 98.1% were educated in body mechanics in their current program. On body mechanics understanding, 52.4% rated theirs as good and 35.9% rated theirs excellent. The most common training received was lecture based at 99%, with over half of students saying that their program would benefit from further body mechanics training. Student on student and student on patient simulations were the most highly requested additional training.
Conclusion: Most allied health students rated their knowledge as good, indicating that the current body mechanics education on UMMC campus was effective. Despite this, many students would still like to receive more hands-on training through simulations. Incorporation of hands-on training throughout each year would be beneficial to improve confidence and prevent future injury.