As a member benefit, TNOTA provides opportunities for members to recruit participants for their research.
Evidence based practice is vital to growing and sustaining our profession. Please support all OTs, OTAs, and students as they work on their research.
TNOTA members can fill out a research posting request form, below. Non-members may post their research requests on the TNOTA Facebook page.
Current Research Opportunities:
Study: Mental Health OT Provider Directory
Institution Name(s): Belmont University
Authors: Abby Hill
Expiration Date of the Study: March 14, 2026
Description of the Study: I am Abby Hill, a current 3rd year student at Belmont University completing her Capstone semester. For my capstone project, I am creating a guide explaining what OT is, what OTs can do to improve the client’s ability to function and increase meaning in their everyday lives , and what settings mental health OTs can work in. I plan to use this guide to advocate for mental health OT services/referrals and potentially advocate for reimbursement for services.
At the end of my guide, I would like to have a contact page of OTs willing to be contacted/receive referrals to facilitate connections and build a larger client base for Nashville/Middle Tennessee mental health OT practitioners.
If you would like to support my project, please fill out the brief form linked through the button below to share your information along with your name/business, email address, phone number, and location served. If you have a logo or headshot that you would like me to put on my guide, please share that via the form as well.
Study: Reducing Stigma Through Education: Impact of a Substance Use Disorder Training for Occupational Therapists in Central and Southern Appalachia
Institution Name(s): East Tennessee State University
Authors: Kimberly Masker, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Expiration Date of the Study: March 6, 2026
Description of the Study: I am conducting a research study that addresses substance use disorder (SUD) and how it continues to be a concern in Appalachia. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in supporting individuals with SUD. This study seeks to explore how an educational course may enhance knowledge, confidence, and compassion in working with individuals affected by SUD.
I am looking for occupational therapists who are working in the central and south-central Appalachia region (https://www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Subregions-in-Appalachia_2021_Map.pdf), are English speaking, have been in clinical practice for at least a year, are involved in at least 50% clinical practice (e.g., in a clinic at least 20 hours per week), and not practicing in pediatrics. Participants must be physically present in the United States.
This study involves an in-person educational course (CEU available), a pre- and post-test assessment, course evaluation, and an emailed follow-up evaluation 4 weeks after the course. The educational course will take place at the James H. Quillen Department of Veterans Affairs Campus, Building 2 (Ed Allen Hall, 1st floor, OTD Department), on March 7th, 2026, from 9:00am – 1:00pm.
Participation in the study is voluntary and is not a requirement to attend the education course. Please share this email and attached flyer with your occupational therapy employees and/or colleagues. If you have any questions, please contact me at masker@etsu.edu or at +1 423-439-7508
If you want to learn more about participating in the research study or to register for the educational session, please click on the following link: https://redcap.link/OTDCls2027SUD