Occupational Therapy Students Participate in the Allied Health Scholarship Colloquium

The annual Allied Health Scholarship Colloquium was held April 2007 at the Bismarck Civic Center Exhibition Hall.

The Allied Health Scholarship Colloquium exists to foster scholarly activity on the part of the students and faculty at the University of Mary. Graduate students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nursing engage in original research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master's or clinical doctorate degree. Undergraduate students in nursing, athletic training, and exercise science complete elements of the research process in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Students disseminate research via a formal platform and/or poster presentation for the university community, respective community partners, the professional public, and other guests. The process of engaging in research and sharing results with the professional community prepares students for their roles as lifelong consumers of research and as health care providers rooted in the use of evidence-based practice to guide intervention.

Formal Platform Presentations and Posters
Research disseminated by the occupational therapy students class of 2007 consisted of four platform presentations and posters.

Elements of Successful Volunteer Coordinator
Scot M. Reyes, OTS

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of nonprofit volunteer coordinators in North Dakota about effective qualities and skills needed to successfully recruit, lead, train, and retain volunteers. Six current and one recently retired volunteer coordinator engaged in a semi-structured qualitative interview. Qualitative data were analyzed through coding, categorizing, and developing common themes. The following themes emerged: (a) the role of a volunteer coordinator is multifaceted, (b) volunteers are valuable and essential to fulfilling the mission of nonprofit organizations, (c) effective recruiting and training practices lead to volunteer retention, (d) participants identified similar strategies for program improvement, and (e) organizational challenges affect program improvement. This indicates nonprofit volunteer programs can benefit by training and developing their volunteer coordinators and volunteer corps. Stronger volunteer corps may assist in building stronger nonprofit organizations. Results of this study are specified to volunteer coordinators. However, this information may be used by leaders, coordinators, managers, and occupational therapy practitioners working with volunteers or organizations that utilize volunteers.

Combining Meaningful Resident Engagement and Caregiver Support to Create a Harmonious Memory Care Team
Shara Bushman, OTS; Michelle Grode, OTS; Sarah Hoerauf, OTS; Hannah Zimmerman, OTS

The purpose of this mixed method study is to discover the impact of organized programming activities on individuals with dementia, examine how education influences caregivers, and explore the lived experience  of working with individuals with dementia. Seven residents at Maple View, a Memory Care Unit in Bismarck, ND, and six of their formal caregivers took part in this study. Caregivers completed a pre and post test covering material presented in a researcher-designed educational module. Data were analyzed using a Paired-Sample T-test and indicated there were no significant changes in pre and post scores. Residents' occupation engagement in organized, programmed, activities was recorded using the Menorah Park Engagement Scale. Data were analyzed using a Friedman Two Way Analysis of Variance to determine any significant differences in residents' engagement levels during three separate activities. Researcher interviewed caregivers to explore the lived experience of caring or individuals with dementia. Four themes emerged: residents have individualized experiences living in a memory care unit; caregivers' experience are both challenging and rewarding; the qualities, approaches, and strategies  of caregivers affect residents in different ways; and activities have a positive effect on residents. Although the results of this study were not statistically significant, researchers feel a larger sample size is needed to accurately determine the effects of education on caregivers and the engagement of residents in programmed activities. 

Skills needed for Life: The Development of Social Skills in Preschool Children
Rachel May, OTS; Kara McGuinness, OTS; Katie Whiteside, OTS, 

Social skills are important for children's success during school and throughout their lifetimes. The purpose of this mixed method case-series study was to explore three children's responses to and teacher's perceptions of a six-week social skill intervention in the form of games and stories. Three children enrolled in a Head Start program participated in the social skills groups where their social skills were measured by the teacher's completion of the Social Skills Rating Scale-teacher edition (SSRS-t) prior to and after implementation of the intervention. No changes were evident in the children's behavior based on results of the SSRS-t. After the intervention was completed, teachers were also interviewed regarding their perceptions of changes in individual student behaviors and the impact of these behaviors on the entire class. Three themes emerged from the qualitative data: age is a significant challenge regarding children's social skill development; breakdown of social skills occurs most often during transitions between activities, free choice time, and outside play; and social skills are necessary skills that are used throughout life.  

Exploring Spirituality in Lives of Men Without Homes
Adrienne Eberts, OTS; Tara Garneau, OTS; Lisa Hass, OTS; Shawn Sickler, OTS

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how men who are homeless in the upper Midwest perceive meaning and purpose related to occupational engagement. Participants in this study were 12 men who resided in homeless shelters in North Dakota. Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews, observation, and field notes, and analyzed through a coding system. The participants identified finding meaning and purpose in their lives through relationships with others, meaningful work, and spirituality. All the participants were able to discuss meaningful leisure occupational in their lives; however serval barriers to successful participation were identified. Financial limitations, the lack of transportation, the presence of illness, and limited social opportunities were common barriers. Some participants hoped this time in their lives was a temporary situation, while others identified homelessness as a unique culture. This study provides further insight for professionals working with individuals who are homeless, including the need for a client-centered approach and supporting engagement in meaningful occupations.

              The 2008 Colloquium will be held May 8, 2008 

To receive more information containing the research presented at the 2006 colloquium or to be on the mailing list to receive information on the 2007 colloquium, please e-mail mfmusokhranova@umary.edu. This free event offers six (6) continuing education credits.