Digital Commons Network^™

Resonant Perceptions: Exploring Autistic Aesthetics Through Embodied Cognition, James Hutson, Piper Hutson

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This study investigates the nuanced realm of aesthetic preferences among individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) compared to neurotypical individuals, addressing a significant gap in understanding the diverse perceptual experiences within the neurodiverse community. The impetus for this study stems from the growing recognition of neurodiversity and the need to appreciate how individuals with ASC uniquely experience and interpret their environment, particularly in the context of aesthetics. Employing a dual-method approach, the research integrates data from comprehensive surveys and in-depth interviews to construct a comparative analysis of aesthetic preferences and experiences. Participants encompassed a broad demographic spectrum, ensuring a diverse …

Comparative Retrospective Study Of Proton Arc Planning With Elsa Algorithm And Impt With Monte Carlo Algorithm With Raystation Treatment Planning System, Matthew L. Carpenter Ms, Msha, Bsrt(R)(T)

Culminating Experience Projects

Proton arc therapy (PAT) will become widely available soon. It is crucial to determine if this technique and the associated calculation algorithms provided by treatment planning system vendors compete favorably with established proton therapy techniques like intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and the Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm used to compute IMPT doses in today’s clinic. RaySearch Laboratories have produced a modified Monte Carlo algorithm called ELSA.

ELSA stands for early layer spot assignment and is RaySearch Laboratories proposed solution to reduce optimization time during treatment planning for PAT. This research study will look at proton plan robustness to determine …

Sleep Issues Of Older Adults: Lived Experience And Occupational Performance, Emily Angell, Anna Johnston, Adriana C. Mallett, Cassidy Ward, Rachel Wiltse

Culminating Experience Projects

Introduction: Sleep issues are prevalent among older adults which can affect occupational performance; however, there is a gap in the research in examining lived experiences of this population. This research may provide insight into these areas concerning this population.

Method: This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted via semi-structured interviews which were recorded. No identifiable information was collected during data collection. The inclusion criteria of the study sample were as follows: (a) aged 65 years or older; (b) have sleep issues or self-perceived sleep issues; (c) community-dwelling; (d) English is primary language; (e) live in West and Central Michigan. Exclusion criteria …

Influences Of Chronic Stress On Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, And The Microbiome, Julia A. Semaan

Masters Theses

IBS effects approximately 5% of the world’s population with symptoms ranging from unexplainable constipation to daily abdominal pain. Though treatment options are available and have been proven beneficial for certain individuals, discovering the root cause of IBS has been difficult to accomplish due to the variety of symptoms that differ from case to case. This study aims to increase understanding of the influence that chronic stress has on irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, and the microbiome in the college-age population since this group is likely to experience daily stressors, anxiety- and depressive-like thoughts, as well as IBS symptoms. Current research …

Reducing Medical Errors For Patients With Substance Use Disorders With A Medical Information Card, Michael V. Hughes

Doctoral Dissertations

Background

Approximately 98,000 Americans perish annually due to medical errors and adverse events associated with the limited access to or incomplete pertinent patient health information (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022; Obrien et al., 2021). Pertinent patient health information includes patients’ allergies, current medications, current medical diagnosis, blood type, insurance, and emergency contact. The purpose of this project was to examine the efficacy in using File of Life cards in reducing medical errors among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), and the perception of patients and healthcare providers ease of use, satisfaction of using the File of Life …

Adolescent Depression Management: An Inner City Federally Qualified Health Center Program Evaluation, Aurora Wernette

Culminating Experience Projects

Background: Within the state, approximately 119,000 adolescents aged 12-17 have depression, and it is estimated that 57.8% do not receive any mental health care (National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI], 2021).

Objectives: The purpose of this program evaluation is to evaluate the management of adolescent depression. This evaluation focused on adolescent depression screening rates, medication prescribing and adherence, counseling referrals and initiation, barriers to treatment, follow-up visits, and parent feedback about the care received.

Methods: All adolescents who did not have previously diagnosed depression or developmental delay were included in this program evaluation., A weekly manual chart review was used …

Formalized Diabetes Self-Management Education In A Safety-Net Clinic, Emanpreet Kaur

Culminating Experience Projects

Diabetes is a complex and chronic illness requiring continuous medical care with multifactorial risk reduction strategies (American Diabetes Association [ADA], 2021). More than 37 million Americans are suffering from diabetes and 90% of them have Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DMT2) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). The purpose of this article is to review the background, an organizational assessment, a literature review, and the results of the quality improvement project that took place at a safety-net clinic in the Midwest. This project included 16 patients and data was analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results include improved hemoglobin (Hg) A1c, Body …

Improving Adherence To Annual Retinal Screening Among Adult Diabetics In Rural Midwest, Sarah Hunger

Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects millions of people worldwide and is a main cause of preventable blindness. Experts recommend annual retinal screenings on all diabetic patients. Studies show continuing trends of non-adherence, as well as significant barriers to screenings. Recommendations to overcome barriers and methods to improve adherence among diabetics are topics of interest among healthcare providers. The purpose of this project was to increase annual retinal screening adherence among adult diabetics at a privately owned primary care practice in the rural Midwest.

Methods: Staff and 59 patients, chosen through convenience sampling were involved. Pre- and post- implementation surveys were …

Type 2 Diabetes Nutrition: A Video-Based Education Approach, Erin Russell

Culminating Experience Projects

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease associated with life- threatening outcomes. To prevent such outcomes, people with diabetes must possess the knowledge and skills required to manage their chronic disease. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of video-based education (VBE) on participant Diabetes Self-Management Education Skills (DSMES). Methods: The experimental study was conducted in a primary care office in a Midwest state. A convenience sample of 55 participants was selected. Pre- and post-implementation surveys were administered to measure change in self-efficacy between DMSES scores after viewing the VBE intervention. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum test was performed using …

Comparing The Health Care Resource Utilization And Medication Adherence Of People With Epilepsy And People With Diabetes By Insurance Status, Nikole Hoffman, Gerald Shoultz, Sarah Nechuta

Culminating Experience Projects

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases worldwide; diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects how the body produces and uses insulin. Prescribed medications are vital for controlling these and other chronic diseases by minimizing severe health issues, which can be affected by insurance type and status. Consequences of non-adherence include uncontrolled blood glucose in people with diabetes and uncontrolled seizures in people with epilepsy. We aimed to compare the healthcare resource utilization and medication adherence of people with epilepsy and people with diabetes by insurance status. Methods: Data was from the 2021 National …

Cultural Competency In Practicing Audiologists Serving Lgbtqia+ Clients, Stella Omilian

Honors Projects

The primary objective of this project is to cultivate a better understanding of clinicians' cultural attitudes and behaviors within the field of audiology concerning LGBTQIA+ clients. The study describes the attitudes and behaviors of clinical audiologists serving individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. It also explores a few barriers to healthcare needs for these clients, including hearing habilitation and rehabilitation. An anonymous survey was used to collect data from the clinicians in the United States on their current knowledge of LGBTQIA+ related terminology and language, affirmative attitudes and behaviors, and cultural sensitivity to these clients receiving audiological services. Analysis of the …

Effect Of Exercise Training Intensity On Cognition, Jaclyn Voyt

Honors Projects

A literature review examining the effects of exercise intensity and modality on cognitive performance.

Mental Health Of University Nursing Students: A Literature Review, Mackenzie Carpenter

Honors Projects

This paper explores the ongoing issue of mental health, specifically in nursing students. In addition to maintaining good academic status through exams, assignments, and papers, nursing students must also endure the stressful environment of a clinical setting. Through summarizing research and drawing overall conclusions, this paper examines the contributing and alleviating factors to poor mental health in this population. Data was obtained from studies published from 2017 to 2023 in the CINAHL database, and 11 studies were retrieved from a data collection process to be included in this review. Multiple studies show a low deviation in mental health levels, healthy …

The Association Between College Age Students' Nutrition Intake And Depression, Mackenzie Allen

Honors Projects

The research performed was to determine a correlation between depression and nutrient intake in college age students. This study used NHANES publicily available data and IBM's SPSS statistical software to analyze a correlation between depression and nutrition/lifestyle variables: vitamin D, vitamin B12, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and exercise. The study found that fiber and unsaturated fatty acid intake had a negative correlation with depression, meaning that as the intake of these nutrients increased, depression decreased. This research reveals key factors to improve the nutritional status of college age students, along with their emotional wellbeing.

The Freshman 15: The Who, What, And How It Harms Us, Eva Vanwyck

Honors Projects

The Freshman 15: The Who, What, and How it Harms Us is a publicly posted podcast on the harms of the phrase "The Freshman 15" to student health. This project consists of three episodes, each with a different main focus. The first episode covers what "The Freshman 15" is, the history of its origins, and the reality of the term. It also covers why this term affects freshmen specifically and the unique stressors of the transition from high school to college. The second episode covers the stigma around weight and food in the US. It delves into the fatphobia embedded …

Interprofessional Education Lab Manual And Workbook, Geraldine Terry

Open Textbooks

This laboratory manual was designed to educate and develop integrated healthcare practices essential in delivering person-centered care. Participants will develop their ability to distinguish the role of their own profession and other healthcare professionals collaborating in the care coordination and case management of patients. The content and team-oriented activities in this manual provide guidance on advancing leadership and communication principles necessary for effective interprofessional communication and team collaboration. The well-researched material is tailored to build on the strengths of participants, while also identifying and encouraging areas for improvement.

Exploring Graduate Student Mental Health And Service Utilization By Gender, Race, And Year In School, Mikhila N. Wildey, Meghan E. Fox, Kelly A. Machnik, Deborah Ronk

Peer Reviewed Articles

Objective: The current study explored differences in mental health problems, services utilization, and support of graduate students by gender, race/ethnicity, and year in school.

Participants: Participants consisted of 734 graduate students from a large, Midwestern university.

Methods: Graduate students answered a series of questionnaires in fall 2021 assessing their mental health, services utilization, and perception of services.

Results: Women (vs men) and participants in their second year and beyond (vs first year) reported greater mental health problems, negative impact of the pandemic, and more services utilization. White (vs non-White) participants reported greater negative impact of the pandemic, greater services utilization, …

Spinal Cord Dose Reduction Using A Jaw-Blocking Vmat Technique - A Retrospective Study Of Chordoma And Chondrosarcoma Patients, Amber Wyatt

Culminating Experience Projects

Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are rare tumors that commonly experience loco-regional recurrence after primary treatment, making management of these tumors complex and difficult. Published case series reporting post-surgical outcomes for chordoma indicate that loco-regional recurrence affects more than 50% of patients treated with macroscopic complete resection with or without RT. Notably, a high proportion of recurrences occur late (after 5 and 10 years), requiring long-term follow-up. Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are considered to be radioresistant and require high doses of radiation greater than 60 Gy (Catanzano et al., 2019). There is a little data available regarding the most effective way to minimize …

When Comparing Hyperarc And Gammaknife Treatment Techniques For Brain Metastasis, Which Technique Offers Optimal Treatment To Achieve The Highest Biological Effective Dose (Bed)?, Carrie Merfert

Culminating Experience Projects

Introduction

HyperArc-VMAT and GammaKnife treatment techniques are both considered to be the best types of SRS treatment methods regarding conformity, homogeneity, gradient, and mean brain dose. The BED calculation is used to calculate the treatment regimens that are effective biologically and used for extrapolation to normal tissue limits.

Methods

This is a retrospective study that analyzes 15 lesions from 10 randomly selected patients with brain metastasis within the cerebrum. Each of the lesions had a single fraction treatment plan created using the same PTV for the HyperArc-VMAT and GammaKnife techniques. Each treatment technique was dose escalated until the healthy brain …

Results Of A Multi-Site Pragmatic Hybrid Type 3 Cluster Randomized Trial Comparing Level Of Facilitation While Implementing An Intervention In Community-Dwelling Disabled And Older Adults In A Medicaid Waiver, Sandra Spoelstra, Monica Schueller, Viktoria Basso, Alla Sikorskii

Peer Reviewed Articles

Background: Evidence-based interventions that optimize physical function for disabled and older adults living in the community who have difficulty with daily living tasks are available. However, uptake has been limited, particularly in resource-constrained (Medicaid) settings. Facilitation may be an effective implementation strategy. This study’s aim was to compare internal facilitation (IF) versus IF and external facilitation (EF) on adoption and sustainability of an intervention in a Medicaid home and community-based waiver.

Methods: In a hybrid type 3 trial, waiver sites (N = 18) were randomly assigned to implement the intervention using a bundle of strategies with either IF or IF …

Addressing Food Insecurity And Obesity Within A Rural Primary Care Setting, Alec Joseph Tuchowski

Culminating Experience Projects

Background and Objectives: There is a need to screen, assess, and potentially make referrals for social determinants of health (SDOH) to help coordinate healthcare services across the care continuum and identify factors impacting health.

Problem: The majority of primary care offices do not routinely screen patients for social needs, despite the influence they can have on an individual’s health.

Methods: This quality improvement project was implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework at a small, midwestern rural primary care clinic in the United States. Participants included office staff and 31 adult patients who presented to the clinic for …

Institutions Implementation Of Trauma-Informed Care Practices For Sexual Assault Survivors, Calli Ackels

Culminating Experience Projects

The purpose of this research is to understand the importance of trauma-informed care practices on college campuses for sexual assault survivors. The empirical research surrounding institutions implementation of trauma-informed care practices for sexual assault survivors discusses the prevalence of individuals who have experienced trauma, the importance of trauma-informed care education, and the need to utilize community resources. These findings determine the need for trauma-informed care practices as well as important tools for implementation. In order to improve institutions implementation of trauma-informed care practices for sexual assault survivors, much of the research suggests increased professional development dedicated to becoming informed on …

An Examination Of The Underutilization Of Mental Health Resources In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Kathleen Olivia Glover

Masters Theses

Previous and developing literature indicates that collegiate student-athletes, while more susceptible to psychological problems, are underutilizing mental health resources. This project examines the aforementioned problem through the use of extensive student-athlete mental health literature to identify themes that are affecting student-athlete’s likeliness of seeking psychological services. Throughout the themes, the need for additional support from student-athlete stakeholders is presented. A workshop series to guide increased mental health literacy in student-athlete stakeholders to create opportunities to recognize signs of mental illness and form cultures that encourage the utilization of psychological services is constructed. It is anticipated that by including stakeholders in …

Oral Healthcare Education, Equity And Policy Implementation In Rural Honduran Communities, Alexander J.R. Dyke

Honors Projects

Rural Honduras encompasses many individuals with limited access to a dental professional. Many public health studies demonstrate that dental shortage areas have more dental cavities, missing teeth, and more complex restorations that need periodic treatment. Dental hygiene is undermined at home with limited access to oral health advocates, and dental education becomes more essential. Here, we report an educational consensus and perspectives of rural Honduras through a questionnaire distributed at 13 mobile dental clinics in remote villages. To assess the effectiveness of education, the World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed two important indices in assessing trends: Community Periodontal Index of …

Cultural Competence In The Care Of Muslim Women Patients, Ayah Ayesh

Honors Projects

Delivering high-quality care to female patients of the Muslim faith requires knowledge of the differences in cultural and spiritual values. Important differences include diet, ideas of modesty, privacy, and touch restrictio. Globally, Muslims represent substantial portions of society and remain the fastest-growing religion in the world. The Muslim faith encompasses several ethnicities with diverse views regarding illness and healthcare. As a result, the care of Muslim patients provides challenges for many non-Muslim healthcare providers. The Islamic faith can influence decision-making, family dynamics, health practices, risks, and the use of healthcare. This paper describes the care of Muslim patients taking into …

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Effects Of Covid-19, Evan Guo

Honors Projects

The evaluation of an adult's health status consists of several entities. These factors can include physical, mental, and emotional health in an individual's history contributing to their overall health. When studying such factors, some researchers emphasize the importance of recognizing events experienced during a person's childhood that affect their development, and therefore, their adult health status. Today, as people continue adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in regulation of standards for socialization, it is becoming apparent to healthcare researchers how these new modifications are highly impactful to the development of children and adolescents. When studying the various factors that …

Ableist Ideologies Stifle Neurodiversity And Hinder Inclusive Education, Marie Adrienne R. Manalili

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This paper makes the case that ableist ideologies hinder trends towards inclusion on a broader global scale and beyond Anglo-American standpoints, as evidenced by key literature and legislations on inclusive education. I also discuss the issues, challenges, and dilemmas generated by these ableist ideologies in my professional context as an autistic speech-language therapist from the Philippines. I conclude with my reflection on how practitioners can help change the trajectory towards emancipatory inclusive practices that are informed by the neurodiversity paradigm. To respect the preference of the communities and the intersection of identities I represent, this paper uses inclusive identity-first language …

Women’S Human Right To Healthcare Senior Project, Madison Rosol

Honors Projects

Healthcare is denied to people around the world and women experience this human rights violation more often than men (Ewerling et al., 2018). This study was designed to investigate whether this is more evident in certain systems of healthcare by conducting a cross-sectional survey of people in the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Canada. These countries were selected because each of them has a unique healthcare system. The responses from the survey were analyzed and coded for common themes and converted to quantitative data. From this data, it was concluded that Canada rated the worst in healthcare overall but …

Does Epa Cause A Decrease In Inflammation Of Bend.3 Cells Through Ffar4?, Clay J. Weidenhamer

Masters Theses

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease initiated by low and oscillatory shear stress on the endothelium. The inflammatory process recruits leukocytes to the vessel wall by expression of the adhesion molecule VCAM-1. Activation of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway is responsible for the increase in VCM-1 expression. Omega 3 FAs, such as EPA, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by decreasing this inflammatory response. The pathway by which omega 3 FAs is proposed to inhibit inflammation includes activating FFAR4 to decrease NF-κB activation thereby reducing expression of adhesion molecules. We hypothesized that treatment of endothelial cells with 30 μM EPA would decrease …

Evaluating The Caprini Risk Assessment In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, Alissa Payne, Kelsey Boersma, Sarah Nechuta

Culminating Experience Projects

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an often underdiagnosed disease that can be life threatening for individuals. Currently, the best practice approach to assess the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients within a rehabilitation hospital is unknown. We examined how well the Caprini risk assessment (CRA) score predicts VTE events (deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE)) within an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Between January 2015 and October 2020, VTE events, the CRA Score, and risk factors were collected from a chart review conducted at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital (MFB) among 3,091 patients. Results from the unadjusted logistic regression model …