Abstract As occupational therapy (OT) continues to develop across Southeast Asia, conceptualization of the profession among healthcare professionals (HCPs) exists as an area of concern, with many unaware of OT's role and scope (Darawsheh, 2018; Wan Yunus et al., 2022). Existing literature calls for advocacy and education to mitigate poor understanding of the profession (Abu Tariah et al., 2012; Darawsheh, 2018; Meny & Hayat, 2017). However, there is limited research that explores the efficacy...

Abstract Virtual reality (VR) in healthcare has been proven to improve patients' physical and cognitive functions. Limited research has been done on occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy students' perceptions and knowledge of VR’s usability for OT practice. Students’ perceived confidence and preparedness are essential when using VR technology safely and effectively to fill a knowledge gap. This doctoral capstone project emphasized the importance of experiential education and...

Abstract The adolescent years, spanning from 10 to 24 years old, is a crucial period of development that requires special attention. Today, adolescents are facing a mental health crisis, and there is a lack of research specifically focused on occupational therapy that examines the role of facilitators, in fostering adolescent development for occupational success. To fill this gap with an occupational therapy lens, a qualitative inquiry study was conducted to outline the role of facilitators in...

Abstract Among graduate students there is a high level of stress and anxiety reported. Most of the literature focuses on techniques to combat stress and anxiety among students from nursing or medical professions, which does not accurately represent the healthcare field. The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of complementary health approaches on the experience of stress and anxiety among doctoral level occupational therapy (OTD) students. The following research question was...

Abstract This doctoral capstone project examines the impact of the use of an intrinsic hand treatment protocol on patients with weakened hand grip and determines if evidence-based research helped guide the creation of this protocol. The co-investigator and primary investigator wanted to shed light on the important information that certified hand therapists (CHTs) and occupational therapists (OT) have in treatment within outpatient hand therapy. CHTs working in outpatient orthopedic facilities have...

Abstract Experiencing an upper extremity (UE) impairment has a significant impact on an individual’s physical and mental health. Regular occupational therapy (OT) interventions for UE impairments typically only treat physical aspects. The purpose of this Doctoral Capstone Project (DCP) was to look at participants’ experience of using mindfulness interventions in conjunction with regular OT interventions to improve health management, and better meet the physical and mental health needs of...