Occupational Therapy Research
In occupational therapy, research transforms great ideas from theories about what might work into real-world practice! At the UIndy School of Occupational Therapy (SOT), we pride ourselves on practice scholarship - developing and applying new evidence in clinical practice - and knowledge translation - synthesizing and applying research evidence into practice. All SOT students participate in scholarly activities focused on creating new evidence through empirical research, developing new programs based on the evidence, and evidence-based practice projects designed to translate knowledge into practice.
Assessment Tools
Our expert faculty have developed specialized assessment tools that are now available to occupational therapy students and practitioners for free.
Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI)
The OPISI is a tool that helps occupational therapy students and professionals learn how to comprehensively address the important topics of sexuality and intimacy with their clients. The OPISI is a valuable resource for guiding conversations, conducting assessments, and measuring progress. This helps therapists ensure that clients feel comfortable and understood while exploring how their health and context influence their well-being.
Screen of Cancer Survivorship-Occupational Therapy Services (SOCS-OTS)
The SOCS-OTS is a tool that helps identify if cancer survivors would benefit from occupational therapy. This simple, 20-question survey asks patients about their everyday activities, like sleeping, working, and hobbies. If a patient indicates they are having problems in three or more areas, it's a clear signal to their doctor that they may need an OT referral. This groundbreaking tool helps ensure that patients are getting the holistic care they need throughout their cancer journey.
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Capstone Projects
In the Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE), students gain in-depth knowledge in clinical or research skills, program development and evaluation, policy, advocacy, administration, leadership, or education. This 14-week experience culminates in a project and presentation to disseminate new knowledge for the profession.
Research Projects
Please contact ot@uindy.edu for access to all scholarly projects from the School of Occupational Therapy in UIndy Scholarworks.
- 2025 Research Award Winner
Howard, B., Clarke, E., Ditmars, K., John, H., Smith, R., Wiedeman, S., & Williams, J. (2025). Sexual misconduct and inappropriate client sexual behavior in occupational therapy: A national survey. University of Indianapolis (Doctoral Research Project). - 2024 Research Award Winner
Nichols, A., Trench, S., Good, S., Stone, C., Cavanaugh, M., Anderson, C., Naghdi, C., & Scott, K. (2024). Mindfulness-based interventions during play for parents of children with Down syndrome: Two case studies. University of Indianapolis (Doctoral Research Project). - 2023 Research Award Winner
Kroll, C., Martin, T., Menke, B., West, A.M., Wilkins, F., & Woo, M. (2023). The relationship between functional performance outcomes, rehabilitation intensity, and the potential effect of PDPM on skilled nursing facilities. University of Indianapolis (Doctoral Research Project).
Evidence-Based Practice Projects
Our MOT 2-Day/Week students create evidence-based practice projects that synthesize evidence into usable recommendations for practice improvement.
Featured projects:
- Walker, B. A., Atkinson, E., Busscher, A., Crossman, C., Pardue, S., & Taylor, H. (2025, April 2-5). Implications for OT practice in addressing sexuality & intimacy with individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Poster session presented at American Occupational Therapy Association INSPIRE 2025 Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
- Walker, B. A., Cowling, C., Lents, C., Muckerheide, J., Zabor, E., & Habisch, E. (2025, April 2-5). Best practice for addressing sexuality & intimacy with adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities in OT. Poster session presented at American Occupational Therapy Association INSPIRE 2025 Conference, Philadelphia, PA.