What is the Doctoral Capstone?
Capstone combines experiential learning and a synthesis of previous courses within our education. Capstone is independent project that allows occupational therapy students to utilize the skills we have learned on a topic of our choosing. They can include activities such as advocacy, leadership, program development, and more.
Capstone Timeline
Top Interest Topic: Year 1
For my top interest for capstone after my first year in school is nature-based occupational therapy for children and adolescents with mental health diagnoses. This capstone project is aligned with my professional goals, as I aspire to work in the field of mental health occupational therapy in the future. I aim to work in various mental health settings and incorporate nature into my interventions. Ultimately, my goal is to promote the use of nature-based interventions in mental health settings and help adolescents and children develop a stronger connection with nature in order to improve their overall well-being. I believe that access to nature is essential for the well-being of individuals of all ages. I want to learn more about utilizing the natural environment to promote mental health and facilitate a love for nature in my clients. By exploring the benefits of nature-based occupational therapy, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how to use nature as a therapeutic tool for a variety of mental health conditions.
Capstone Overview: Year 2
Capstone Topics of Interest: My current topic of interest involves utilizing nature-based occupational therapy as a modality of occupational therapy for adolescents with mental health diagnoses. This interest incorporates my love of nature, passion for mental health care, and the incorporation of occupational therapy into my personal capstone project.
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Potential Focus Area: Program & Policy Development; Advocacy
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Summary: Within the past 5 years, the discussion surrounding adolescent mental health has become an increasingly necessary topic, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the influx of technology. Occupational therapists are creating new, holistic approaches to the treatment of mental health diagnoses. Nature-based occupational therapy is an emerging area of practice within occupational therapy that utilizes the natural environment as a modality for occupational therapy services.
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Currently I do not have any faculty mentors or site mentors, as I am in the process of narrowing down my search and focus area for my capstone project.
Capstone Reflection: Year 2
The selection and identification of a capstone and capstone site is a process that requires intentional research and planning ahead. It has been a long process towards finalizing my capstone, as nature-based occupational therapy is new, emerging area of practice. My process of finding a capstone site is ongoing, but I am hopeful I can find a site that provides me with the supports needed to utilize a new area of practice. The selection of a focus area and topic of interest are still ongoing, as I am flexible and can to adjust as needed. One thing I want to ensure I am utilizing in my capstone in the future is my focus and passion for mental health within occupational therapy services. I am excited to see what the future holds as I continue my search for a capstone site and mentor.
Capstone Overview: Year 3
Capstone Topic of Interest: My current topic of interest involves increasing the education and utilization of pelvic floor occupational therapy services for antenatal mothers, pre-birth and post-birth. This topic has been one I have been interested in for a long time and I felt this project was one I was more interested in after further self-reflection.
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Focus Area: Research; Advocacy; Education; Leadership
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Purpose/Justification of Need: This doctoral capstone aims to identify the gap in early identification and management of pelvic floor disorders (PFD) in antenatal care, emphasizing the role of pelvic floor occupational therapy in treating PFDs and to increase the awareness of pelvic floor occupational therapy within the healthcare system. This will be done through providing resources for antenatal mothers and through a survey assessing the prevalence and perceptions of women with of PFDs at a local Cincinnati hospital network's OB/GYN services.
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My current faculty mentor for my capstone is Dr. Marnie Renda and my site mentor is Lauren Hill, MS, OTR/L, PCES.
Capstone Reflection: Year 3
Over the past 3 years of capstone I feel I have grown significantly personally and academically through the capstone experience. My capstone took a turn since last year, as I have completely changed my topic. I decided to change my topic due to the difficulty of finding a capstone placement within my previous project idea and nature-based occupational therapy is still relatively new within the occupational therapy world.
This past year was very busy with capstone, as I switched my topic and connected with my now capstone mentor. I have always been interested in women's health and the topic of pelvic floor occupational therapy, so I was very excited when last semester I listened to Lauren Hill present to my class about pelvic floor occupational therapy. After the presentation, I determined I was going to switch the focus of my topic to pelvic floor occupational therapy with a focus on antenatal mothers. Throughout the semester I have worked on my capstone proposal, week-by-week plan, my IRB draft, and my learning objectives for capstone. I feel more confident in my capstone project and I am excited to present it at the doctoral capstone. In addition, I am very excited to work on this project with my capstone mentor. I feel very passionate about my project and I am greatly looking forward to continuing research within this area.
Final Capstone Project
Description of Capstone Site
My capstone site is within a large, local Cincinnati Hospital system that elected to remain undisclosed within the E-portfolio. However, this site is a not-for-profit acute care hospital with multiple locations within the Greater Cincinnati Area. My specific capstone is located in an outpatient facility on the main campus. Within this outpatient facility, patients can receive pelvic floor therapy. I am located with pelvic floor occupational therapist, Lauren Hill, where she serves a diverse population of both men and women with pelvic health conditions and symptoms.
General Capstone Description
My capstone project entailed three separate portions. It included (1) two surveys assessing the prevalence of self-reported PFDs by patients and provider perception, (2) development of a pelvic floor therapy resource guide, and (3) creation of a labor preparation guide for antenatal mothers. Below are the capstone report & poster that provide in-depth information surrounding my project.
Capstone Summary Video
Note: Click the video 2-3 times to allow the video to play.
Capstone Reflection: Year 3.5
Over the past 3.5 years and this past semester of capstone, I feel I have learned valuable information that I will utilize during my entire occupational therapy career. I began capstone with an open mind and a curiosity for pelvic floor therapy. Upon reflection from my capstone experience, I learned about pelvic floor therapy and various other topics that are involved within both pelvic floor therapy and occupational therapy as a whole. This experience challenged me and helped me build my confidence in engaging with patients and interprofessional staff. I am much more knowledgeable coming out of the capstone, eager to engage with patients and participate in occupational therapy treatment upon graduation.
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This experience provided me with a deeper understanding of the pelvic floor and different perspectives on how to treat and educate patients. I learned the real importance of patient education and how it is truly a powerful tool during treatment, providing increased confidence and knowledge that enhance patients' skills at all stages and walks of life. In addition, it gave me a better perspective on the overlap between physical and occupational therapy, as well as the differences that make both professions unique and important to rehabilitation and patient care. Observations helped me gain a better understanding of how I want to be as a practitioner in the future.
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I am thankful for my capstone experience and the mentorship I had from Lauren Hill. I am so appreciative of all of her guidance and all the learning I had from her. I feel this capstone helped me grow as an occupational therapist and I am very grateful for the experience.
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