MAOT 2007 Conference

MAOT 2006 Conference

MAOT 2005 Conference

MAOT 2004 Conference

MAOT ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2004 :

Conference Registration Form

Pathways & Partnerships
Building Innovative Foundations and Connections to OT Practice”

Friday, October 29, 2004

8:00 - 5:15 pm

Best Western Plaza Hotel

Marlborough, MA

Picture from the MAOT Annual Conference 2004

Conference Objective

Acknowledgements

Conference Agenda

Poster Presenters

Exhibit Hall

Exhibitors & Sponsors

Lecture Table

Donations

Congratulations

Registration Information

Conference Objectives

This one-day symposium is designed to provide an opportunity to explore the dimensions of health care and occupational therapy practice.  Sessions will focus on a variety of clinical, administrative, management, research-based, practical, and theoretical areas.

At the conclusion of the program, the participants will be able to: 

• Discuss social, political, and economic factors that impact occupational therapy and the public health care system;

• Acknowledge and identify innovative practice techniques and research findings;

• Describe current opportunities and directions for the future of occupational therapy;

• Network with colleagues.

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Acknowledgments  

Conference Committee Co-Chairs:         

Karen Jacobs, Ed.D., OTR/L, CPE,  FAOTA

Jean MacLachlan, MS, OTR/L

Conference Committee Members:

Donna Caira, Administrative Manager

Deborah Yarett Slater, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

Maria Cole, OTR/L 

Jeanne Corcoran, CAGS, OTR/L

Phyllis Samara, OTR/L         

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Conference Agenda

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Poster Presenters

A Community-Based Burn Prevention Program for Elderly Residents

Patti Donaghy, Gabrielle Gaudreau, Kayleen McLaughlin

OT Students, Tufts University, Boston School of Occupational Therapy

Community-Based Level 1 Fieldwork: Homeless Population Finds Recovery and Meaningful Activity at a Farm

Andrea R. Bilics, Assistant Professor, Pat Cannon, Instructor, Laura Dyer, OT Student

Worcester State College

The Experience of Living with a Child or Sibling with a Disability

Tunisia Artopé, Amanda Curry, Lauren MacKenzie, Danielle Sullvian,

Lucy Wolfgang-Christie,

Graduate Students, Worcester State College

Design Your Own Hat Activity

Megan Ono, Katy Prizio, OT Graduate Students; Andrea Sherwin Ripp, BSOT Faculty

Tufts University, Boston School of Occupational Therapy

Evaluating Home Safety Skills in the Acute Care Hospital

Tricia Cincotta, Elizabeth Gonski, Tanya Oliver,

 Tiffany Pritchett, Pamela Terbeest, Vivianne Yang

Massachusetts General Hospital Inpatient Occupational Therapy Department

Parkinson’s Disease

Marie Cawlina-Kasle, COTA/L, OTS

Salem State College

The Role of the OTR/L in Kangaroo Care

Megan Hansen, COTA/L, OTS

Salem State College

Validity of Taiwanese Videotape Interview for Parkinson’s Disease

Pai-chuan Huang, MS, OT;  Linda Tickle-Degnen, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA

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SESSION   I   9:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 

A. Fraud & Abuse Laws:  Rehab Specific

Presenter: Tessa L. Chenaille, CHC, President & C.E.O., Chenaille Compliance Consulting, LLC

Level:  General

The laws that exist for rehab providers are often confusing and cumbersome.  Trying to understand what the government wants from you while trying to still provide quality services quite often causes anxiety and this anxiety can ultimately hinder performance.  This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of the fraud and abuse laws and what they should do in order to avoid illegal activity.

Learning Objectives:

• Provide attendees with better understanding of the laws relating to rehabilitation.

• Provide attendees with a background into why the law became a law.

• Provide attendees with a better understanding of the “how” clinicians can comply with the laws.

B. Treating the Hemiparetic Shoulder – A Critical Analysis & Literature Review

Presenters:  Tara Mansour, MS, OTR/L;  Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Level: Intermediate

Treatment of the shoulder for an individual with a hemiparetic upper extremity varies throughout the rehabilitation continuum.  Therapists’ educational background, experience, and environment all impact the methods chosen for treatment.  Interventions may include passive, self, and active assisted range of motion, positioning, electrical stimulation, and kinesiotaping. This presentation is designed to review the research, shoulder anatomy and provide therapists with a foundation for evidence-based practice impacting treatment planning for the patient with hemiparesis.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain a basic review of shoulder anatomy including bones, muscles, and planes of movement.

• Participants will gain an understanding of the various methods for intervention for the patient with a hemiparetic upper extremity and it’s impact on the anatomy of the shoulder.

• Patients will review current research, being able to clinically justify methods chosen for treatment interventions.

C. The Role of Occupational Therapy for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Presenters:  Nancy A. Lowenstein, MS, OTR/L, BCN, Boston University, Sargent College

Linda Guiod, RN, Vice President of Chapter Programs, National MS Society, Central New England Chapter

Level:  Intermediate

Over 400,000 Americans are currently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  This disease affects people in the prime of their lives, influencing work, family and other daily obligations.  Current research shows that rehabilitation does improve daily functioning.  This workshop will address the unique OT needs of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and the important role that occupational therapists have in working with these individuals.  The workshop will focus on fatigue, cognition and other “silent” symptoms of MS, as well as barriers to effective treatment.  This program was originally developed by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and is given in partnership with the Central New England Chapter.

Learning Objectives:

• OT practitioners will identify the Pathophysiology, Etiology, Epidemiology, and types of Multiple Sclerosis.

• OT practitioners will identify the medical management strategies of Multiple Sclerosis, including the most current disease modifying drugs.

• OT practitioners will identify the rehabilitation challenges in the management of MS.

• OT practitioners will learn the OT Practice Framework application when working with individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.

• OT practitioners will identify OT interventions in managing fatigue.

• OT practitioners will identify OT interventions in managing cognitive issues.

• OT practitioners will identify OT interventions in managing other symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

D. A Demonstration of Freeware for Students with Learning Disabilities

Presenter:  Kristi A. Voelkerding, BS, COTA/L, Easter Seals Massachusetts

Level: General

Students with learning disabilities need supports to read, write, complete math, spell, listen, etc.  Assistive technology allows them to bridge the gap in their learning difficulties.  However, many assistive technology solutions are expensive or too complicated to address a specific need. In this course, participants will view a number of tools that are available for free on the Internet. 

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will view a number of tools and programs that are available for free on the Internet.

• Participants will increase their awareness of assistive technology options for clients with learning disabilities.

E. Vocational Planning in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program

Presenter:  Susan Gelfman, MS, OTR/L, Massachusetts Mental Health Center

Level: Intermediate-Advanced 

Through dialectical behavior therapy, individuals with borderline personality disorder develop skills to create a life worth living.  Occupational therapy is vital in assisting these clients to identify preferred productive occupations and to integrate them into daily life.  This presentation explores the barriers to planning productive work that borderline individuals experience.  Specific dialectical behavior therapy skills are discussed which enable the client to successfully surmount these barriers.  A case study will illustrate these principles.      

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

• Identify Super’s stages of vocational development and underlying theoretical propositions.

• Specify borderline personality symptoms that interfere with the ability to make and implement vocational choices.

• Explain the four areas of dialectical behavior skills training.

• Discuss how dialectical behavior therapy skills can be used effectively to progress in the vocational choice process.

• Illustrate client education materials.

• Using a case study, identify dialectical behavior therapy skills used by the client to successfully make vocational plans.

F. Objective Swelling and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Presenters:  David T. Burke, MD, MA  Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Maureen  Burke, OTR/L Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Level: Intermediate

In previous work, our research had demonstrated that the volar cock-up splint should be angled at neutral for optimal utility.  In a follow-up study, we had determined that a complaint of swelling was correlated with a worse response to splinting.  The study reviews actual incidence of swelling among patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome compared with controls.

Learning Objectives:

• To alert Occupational Therapists to the potential utility of swelling as a prognostic sign for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

• To compare and contrast subjective versus objective swelling when evaluating Carpal  Tunnel Syndrome.

• To teach Occupational Therapists the utility of a subjective complaint of swelling in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

G. Sensory Solutions for Psychiatric Issues

Presenter:  Jean MacLachlan, MS, OTR/L, Salem State College

Level:  Intermediate-Advanced

The seminar will identify how sensory input affects parts of the brain such as the reticular formation and vestibular system. These parts of the brain influence behaviors such as pacing, rocking, cutting, head banging and disrupted sleep/wake cycles often displayed by clients with mental health issues. This session will also address ways to effectively utilize sensory-based treatment in practice, including simple, functional tools and coping strategies for use with individuals and groups.  The integration of sensory rooms in treatment will be discussed. 

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the relationship among parts of the brain, sensory input and behavioral output.

• Associate common sensory tools and strategies for clients to use as functional coping skills.

• Identify sensory-based modifications to enhance current group programming and interventions.

H. Health Literacy:  How You Can Make a Difference

Presenter:  Helen Osborne, M.Ed., OTR/L, Health Literacy Consulting

Level: General

Health literacy is about understanding and communication.  In this session, participants will learn what health literacy is and hear about print and non-print ways to communicate your message.  The goal is for participants to leave with confidence and enthusiasm to make a health literacy difference. 

Learning Objectives:

• Appreciate communication demands made of patients today.

• Define health literacy in functional terms.

• Be aware of how individual learning needs impact understanding.

• Learn 8 ways to improve health communication.

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Keynote Address   11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Travis Roy

 “A Consumer's Perspective on Occupational Therapy”

At twenty-years of age freshman Travis Roy entered into his first collegiate hockey game for Boston University. Eleven-seconds into his first shift his life changed forever as he crashed into the boards and cracked his fourth and fifth cervical vertebra, which paralyzed him from the neck down.

Despite this ill twist of fate, Travis Roy has continued to persevere and defy the odds. With an intense rehabilitation regime, he has regained some movement in his right arm. He graduated from Boston University in 2000 and wrote his autobiography with Sports Illustrated E.M. Swift titled ‘Eleven Seconds’ which chronicles his accident, rehabilitation, and perseverance from personal tragedy.

Travis is an advocate for spinal-cord research and speaks at a variety of events including testifying before a Senate Committee hearing for The National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C. In addition, Travis devotes much of his time to the Travis Roy Foundation, which focuses on finding a cure for spinal-cord injuries and gives out grants to help individuals purchase costly adaptive equipment.

He currently resides in Boston, MA and spends two months of each year with his family in Vermont.

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SESSION   II   1:15 p.m. -1:45 p.m. 

A. A Qualitative and Narrative Analysis of Fear of Falling in Well Elderly Women

Presenter:  Mary Owen, OTS, Thesis Research, Graduate Student, Tufts University-

Boston School of Occupational Therapy

Level: Intermediate

Fear of falling in older adults is associated with a growing list of observable “warning signs”.  It is not always clear how and why they are linked to fear of falling.  Qualitative analysis was used to understand the psychological and behavioral outcome of fear of falling in two well older women.  Rich descriptions emerged of the quality and impact of their fear.  Qualitative analysis was valuable for understanding the phenomenology of fear of falling. 

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will gain an understanding of the complex impact of fear of falling on a well elderly woman.

• Attendees will also learn how qualitative and narrative analysis is particularly useful in understanding fear of falling in well elderly women.

B. Developmental Coordination Disorder:  Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Clinical Reasoning

Presenter:  Sarah Ryan, MS, OT, Thesis Research, Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy

Level: Intermediate

A child with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) presents a variety of challenges to an occupational therapy practitioner.  The complex nature of the condition results in difficulty for therapists when deciding on theoretical frameworks to guide their clinical interventions.  The purpose of this presentation is to assist in this decision making process by discussing the clinical reasoning process therapists use when treating children with DCD and the factors influencing their clinical reasoning process.
Learning Objectives: 

• Participants will be introduced to the terminology of DCD and the main characteristics and treatment approaches advocated in current literature for a child with DCD.

• Participants will increase their understanding of the forms of clinical reasoning adopted by therapists when treating children with DCD.

• Therapists will be informed of factors that may influence the process of clinical reasoning for therapists when working with children with DCD. 

C. The Effectiveness of Music in Occupational Therapy

Presenter:  Alexandra Nicole Castrinakis, Graduate Student, Thesis Research, Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy

Level:  Intermediate

This study explores occupational therapy practitioners’ perceived effects of music on their clients during occupational therapy. The majority of the participants agreed that (1) music elicits positive effects on clients receiving occupational therapy; (2) music should be used as an adjunctive therapeutic modality in occupational therapy; and (3) education should be provided on the proper use of music in occupational therapy.

Learning Objectives:

• To develop an understanding of the positive effects of music on clients as perceived by occupational therapy practitioners; that music can be used as a means to enhance a client’s wellness.

• To realize the importance of using music therapeutically as an adjunctive method to occupational therapy intervention.

• To explore possible methods which can be used to incorporate music into occupational therapy intervention.

D. Functional Abilities after Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation:  A Follow-Up Study

Presenter:  Jodi Bornstein, MS, OTR/L, Thesis Research, Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy, New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center

Level: Intermediate

Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States.  The effectiveness of inpatient stroke rehabilitation is evidenced in the literature, however long-term follow-up outcome studies of post-rehabilitation stroke survivors demonstrate inconsistent findings – maintenance, progress, and decline in functional status.  This presentation will discuss the findings of a recent stroke rehabilitation follow-up study focusing on functional change and the stroke survivors’ self-perceptions of their abilities and quality of life.  

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will learn about long-term functional outcomes for this study’s sample of stroke survivors.

• Attendees will be informed about possible clinical implications, such as increasing the consideration of social activity accessibility in discharge planning, to be incorporated into their stroke rehabilitation practice and in stroke rehabilitation programs.

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SESSION   III a    2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

I. Using CranioSacral Therapy to Facilitate Achievement of Occupational Goals

(This session runs from 2-5 p.m.)

Presenter: Susan Steiner, OTR/L, CST-D, Certified Craniosacral Instructor

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, holistic, manual treatment approach that alleviates restrictions and facilitates healthy function of the craniosacral system and therefore, overall function.  Participants will learn the anatomy and function of the craniosacral system, treatment principles, basic treatment techniques, and how to apply these techniques in a variety of settings with different client populations.  Lecture, hands-on practice, and clinical examples will be used in this seminar.  Occupational therapy practitioners can utilize these techniques to facilitate achievement of functional goals.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will describe the anatomy and function of the craniosacral system and how it relates to overall functional performance. 

• Participants will demonstrate their ability to localize significant restrictions and imbalances in the craniosacral system using a concise 10-Step Protocol for evaluation and care of the entire body. 

• Participants will understand how Craniosacral therapy can be integrated into their Occupational Therapy practice for achievement of functional goals.

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SESSION  III  2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.

A. HIPAA Privacy: What Clinicians Need to Know

Presenter:  Debra A. Mikels, OTR/L, Corporate Manager, Confidentiality,   Partners HealthCare System, Inc.

Level: General

The Privacy Rule established new patients’ rights with respect to how health information may be used and disclosed.  This session will cover the basics of what therapists need to know whether they work in clinical, or in research settings.  Participants will also hear about how privacy efforts are integral to other major initiatives such as implementing the electronic health record, providing secure patient-provider electronic communication practices, and the increasing use of technology to improve patient care and safety.  Participants will leave the session with strategic ideas and implementation strategies that will help them to integrate privacy and security efforts into their occupational therapy practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to implement successful privacy strategies in their OT practice.

• Participants will understand how the development of new technologies and advances in medicine are impacting patient privacy.

• Participants will be able to develop and implement privacy measures to enhance the effectiveness of their treatment programs.

B. The A-One Assessment Tool for Clients with CNS Dysfunction

Presenter:  Maureen Sheridan, OTR/L, Boston Medical Center

Level:  Intermediate-Advanced

The Arnadottir Occupational Therapy ADL Neurobehavioral Evaluation (A-ONE) is a tool that assesses both performance skills (eg. dressing) and cortical neurobehavioral dysfunction (eg. apraxia).  Information gathered from the A-ONE identifies how impairments impact functional performance.  The A-ONE embodies two important concepts central to occupational therapy: a top-down approach and a client-centered focus, both of which are functionally based in occupation.  This presentation will discuss development of the A-ONE, review validity/reliability studies, and demonstrate the clinical use of the tool.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine present means of assessment for cognitive and perceptual impairments used by occupational therapy practitioners.

• Understand the clinical use of the A-ONE assessment tool.

• Understand the importance of utilizing assessment tools that are OT based in theory and evidence-based in practice. 

C. International Exchange:  People to People Ambassadors Program to China

Presenter:  Karen Jacobs, Ed.D., OTR/L, CPE,  FAOTA, Boston University

Laela Jacobs, BS, OTR/L, Maples Rehabilitation Center

Level: Intermediate

In August 2004, a delegation of occupational therapists participated in bilateral exchanges with their professional counterparts in the People’s Republic of China, under the auspices of People to People Ambassador Programs. People to People Ambassador Programs was started by President Dwight D. Eisenhower who “believed that ordinary citizens of different nations, if able to communicate directly, would solve their differences and find a way to live in peace---that people can make the difference where government cannot”. This lively multi-media workshop will share the outcomes of this exciting professional exchange.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this workshop participants will:

• Describe the profession and scope of practice of occupational therapy in the People’s Republic of China.

• Discuss mechanisms to promote professional exchanges with our occupational therapy counterparts globally.

D. Managing School Caseloads through Effective Documentation

Presenters: Diane B. Walker, MS, OTR/L, MAOT School SIG Chair

Sharon Ray, ScD, OTR/L, Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy

June Bunch, MS, OTR/L, MHA, Private Practice, ASPIIRE Cadre/AOTA

Jan Hollenbeck, MS, OTR/L, Medford Public Schools

Level: Intermediate

Caseload management is one of the most difficult issues to deal with in school-based practice.  It is the single most common question addressed by the MAOT Special Interest Group for school-based practice.  Writing measurable goals with clear, sequential benchmarks, and developing a record-keeping system to closely monitor student progress provides a logical segue to move students through the educational support system.  This workshop will show how effective documentation is a key factor in managing school caseloads.

 Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn how to write measurable goals and benchmarks as a foundation for evidenced-based practice.

• Participants will learn to develop a system for data collection to track students’ progress toward goals.

• Participants will learn a simplified method of progress reporting.

• Participants will learn how to present visual evidence of student progress for parents, other team members and administrators.

E. Cognitively Impaired Individuals:  Enhancing Probability of Group Participation

Presenter:  Sharan Schwartzberg, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy

Level: Intermediate

Groups may not succeed because of poor member selection and mismatch between member function and therapeutic processes.  Cognitive functioning in relation to the group task is significant.  Its impact on group formation and working with distortion, concrete thinking, disorganization, disruptive behaviors, memory loss, disorientation, and shortened attention span are addressed.  A clinical reasoning and evidenced-based framework to evaluate best practice related to group member selection and leader technique is presented and applied.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common cognitive limitations found in group therapy populations.

• Describe the implications of these functional problems on member selection, group composition, and therapist technique.

• Distinguish approaches to working with populations with cognitive problems such as individuals with mild cognitive impairment from normal aging process, depression, eating disorders, head trauma, HIV-associated dementia, post-stroke depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

• Formulate questions to evaluate best evidence for therapist group interventions with cognitively impaired individuals.

F. Brain Injury:  From Minimally Responsive Patients to Minimally Responsive Insurers

Presenters:  David T. Burke, MD, MA, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Maureen Burke, OTR/L, Genesis Corporation

Level: Intermediate

This presentation will review the rehabilitation of brain injury patients, summarizing data concerning the acute rehabilitation of minimally responsive brain injury patients, complexity of medical issues, and the issues concerning documentation for reimbursement.

Learning Objectives:

• To educate occupational therapy practitioners to the potential gains of severely brain injured patients.

• To teach occupational therapy practitioners the medical issues affecting how therapy is delivered to inpatient rehabilitation units.

• To teach occupational therapy practitioners the necessary documentation “do’s and don’ts” for clear justification of continued therapy with this population.

G. Occupational Therapy Practitioners Role in Lower Extremity Prosthetic Training

Presenters: Deborah Eichenwald, OTR/L; Sherry Rodrigues, OTR/L

Healthsouth- New England Rehabilitation Hospital

Level: Intermediate

Occupational therapy practitioners play a significant role in the spectrum of care for a patient with a lower extremity amputation.  Initially following the amputation, occupational therapy practitioners begin education to prepare the patient for safe prosthetic training.  The role of occupational therapy then continues throughout all stages of prosthetic use.  This session will provide clinicians with an overview of the critical role of occupational therapists in working with this very specialized population.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain a basic knowledge of medical issues that may impact a patient’s ability to participate in prosthetic training.

• Participants will gain an understanding of occupational therapy practitioner’s role in pre- and post-prosthetic training.

• Participants will gain a basic knowledge of the sequence for donning and doffing below-knee and above-knee prostheses.

• Participants will gain a variety of treatment ideas, interventions, and compensatory strategies to work with patients with lower extremity prostheses.

H. Outcome Assessment of Children with Below Elbow Deficiency

Presenter:  Elaine Charest, MA, MBA, OTR/L, Shriners Hospital for Children

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

An overview of research on pediatric prosthetic fitting and training will be presented as well as data from a multi-center functional outcomes study of 499 children with Unilateral Congenital Below Elbow Deficiency. Research data includes wearing patterns, prosthetic history, functional abilities and quality of life. Inter-rater reliability for the Unilateral Below Elbow Test, a tool developed to specifically evaluate the skills of children with UCBED will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Increase awareness of variation in the prescriptive patterns, functional use and prosthetic training of patients with UCBED.

• Increase awareness of outcomes tools appropriate for this population.

• Increase awareness of patient’s perceived functionality of with and without prosthetic devices.

• Introduce a new evaluation tool developed for the UCBED patient.

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SESSION  IV  3:45 p.m.- 5:15 p.m.

A. Occupational Therapy:  A Third World View

Presenters:  Sue Berger, MS, OTR/L, Boston University, Sargent College

Sharon Cermak, Ed.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Boston University, Sargent College

Lisa C. Mandelblatt, OTR/L, MPH, Cambridge-Somerville Early Intervention

Brooke Howard, OTS, Boston University, Sargent College

Level: General

Join us to hear fascinating stories and see amazing slides and videos of occupational therapy practice by therapists and students in the orphanages of Romania, in a clinic and a nursing home in rural Honduras, and in a variety of settings in Ecuador.  A resource list of opportunities for international volunteer work through a variety of non-profit organizations and universities will be provided. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the importance of cultural competence to meet the needs of clients from diverse cultures.