Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons^™

Reducing Food Scarcity: The Benefits Of Urban Farming, S.A. Claudell, Emilio Mejia

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Urban farming can enhance the lives of communities and help reduce food scarcity. This paper presents a conceptual prototype of an efficient urban farming community that can be scaled for a single apartment building or an entire community across all global geoeconomics regions, including densely populated cities and rural, developing towns and communities. When deployed in coordination with smart crop choices, local farm support, and efficient transportation then the result isn’t just sustainability, but also increasing fresh produce accessibility, optimizing nutritional value, eliminating the use of ‘forever chemicals’, reducing transportation costs, and fostering global environmental benefits.

Imagine Doris, who is …

Developing A Blueprint For Health Equity Programs And Investigating Interventions And Metrics, Belita Strudwick

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Racial and ethnic minority groups and rural and low-income populations are examples of populations who continue to experience health disparities despite policy mandates to eliminate them. This doctoral project will provide a foundational blueprint to aid health plans in addressing and improving health equity internally and with external stakeholders. The blueprint will be based on research comparing the robust health equity initiatives of four states to the NCQA national guidelines. The barriers to achieving and recommendations for advancing the field of health equity by implementing and analyzing policies and data that target health disparities through improved access to quality care …

J Mich Dent Assoc December 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following:

• A cover story on “New Dentists’ Most Asked Legal Questions”
• A case report on “Endodontic Therapy, Crown Amputation, and Soft Tissue Advancement to Treat a Hopeless Tooth”
• A feature “Be a Leader in Your Practice: What’s Your Style?”
• 2023 Author/Title Index to the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association
• News you need, a Guest Editorial and regular …

New Dentists’ Most-Asked Legal Questions, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature addresses new dentists' most frequently asked legal questions, offering concise answers to guide them. Topics include licensing requirements, dental record maintenance, accommodations for hearing-impaired and non-English proficient patients, the enforceability of covenants not to compete, the necessity of written employment agreements, responding to bad dental work, reporting suspected abuse, prescribing drugs to friends and family, contract terms with dental plans, and handling suspected employee theft. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding legal aspects to navigate a dental career successfully.

Mda Workforce Survey Results Are In: Answers And Opportunities, Eric Knudsen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This President's Message addresses critical workforce challenges in dentistry based on the Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) recent workforce survey. The survey identifies significant issues such as the shortage of dental professionals, wage stagnation, and the impact of retirement trends on the dental labor market. Findings indicate a need for immediate solutions, leading the MDA to develop initiatives targeting the return of registered dental assistants (RDAs) and registered dental hygienists (RDHs) to the workforce. The survey results emphasize the importance of competitive wages and desirable benefits to attract and retain dental staff. The MDA plans targeted advertising and free job postings …

Be A Leader In Your Practice: What’S Your Style?, William Chase Dds, Maom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this Leadership Development feature, the author draws from a wealth of leadership experience in Rotary to explore the importance of leadership in dentistry. Emphasizing the need for self-evaluation through emotional intelligence, the article delves into five key aspects: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. The author introduces three leadership styles — Transformational Leadership, Situational Leadership, and Servant Leadership — highlighting their characteristics and benefits. Encouraging readers to adopt diverse leadership styles, the piece underlines the significance of effective leadership in dental practice, community engagement, and organized dentistry.

Dentistry And The Law: Requiring Proof Of Adoption/Retaining Orthodontic Models, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this Dentistry and the Law column, a dentist seeks guidance on handling a situation where racial differences between a child and an accompanying adult raised concerns during an examination, leading the dentist to request proof of adoption. The response clarifies that asking for proof of adoption is not illegal, citing relevant Michigan adoption statutes. The column advises adopting an office policy, emphasizing human trafficking training. Additionally, a dentist inquires about retaining orthodontic models and X-ray films. The answer recommends assuming orthodontic models are part of dental records, subject to a 10-year retention period. Patients can be given their models, …

Coaching And Laissez-Faire Leadership Styles, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Editor Dr. Michelle C. Dziurgot discusses the differences between coaching and laissez-faire leadership styles in dentistry. Coaching leaders motivate and educate their team members, fostering collaboration and improvement. In contrast, laissez-faire leaders take a more hands-off approach, allowing team members to make decisions independently. The author, a dentist, describes how she combines both styles in her practice, emphasizing the importance of educating and coaching team members while allowing them to take ownership of their roles. The editorial highlights the need for patient engagement in oral health care and the importance of coaching patients to take an active role in their …

Dentistry And The Law: Problems With Referral Incentives Explained, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Incorporating referral incentives in dentistry, like gift cards or raffles, can present ethical and legal issues. The MDA's ethical rule 4.E prohibits rebates or fee splitting, extending to any referral source, including patients. Gift cards may be perceived as rebates. Raffle tickets are less problematic, but only the winner gains something of value. State law (MCL 333.16221) deems fee division unethical. For insurance and dental plan agreements, check for clauses mandating specific fee schedules and discouraging referral fees to ensure compliance. Federal laws might also apply if incentives are used for Medicaid or Medicare patients.

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on The University of Michigan's Gordon H. Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, and component news.

This issue also includes two articles reprinted with permission.

• A feature from Ontario Dentist on The Challenge of False Belief: …

Advocacy Spotlight: Important: State Issues Changes To Delegation Of Duties Rules, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Board of Dentistry has introduced changes to the rules governing the delegation of duties to dental auxiliaries, including the reclassification of "dental assistants" (those not formally trained or licensed) as "unregistered dental auxiliaries" (UDAs). The classification Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) remains. Changes involve the supervision levels for specific tasks and guiding training UDAs for orthodontic duties. Notable changes include allowing UDAs to perform certain orthodontic tasks and expanding their scope of work to include duties such as taking impressions, polishing, and providing nutritional counseling. Dental professionals should know these changes and the supervision required for delegation to UDAs …

Staff Matters: How Can We Be More Creative With Our Benefits?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

As open enrollment for health benefits approaches, this column discusses creative and cost-effective benefit offerings to attract and retain employees. The focus is on innovative benefits beyond traditional health, life insurance, and retirement plans. Suggestions include pet insurance, paid volunteer time, lunch and learn sessions, and flexible scheduling to accommodate employees' needs, particularly working parents and those with caregiving responsibilities. The importance of seeking employee input in benefit planning is emphasized for discovering practical, employee-desired options.

Q&A: Dealing With Dental Benefits Companies, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article answers seven questions about dental benefit plans that are commonly asked by MDA members.

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The October 2023 issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides: A message from the chair of the Michigan Dental Association political action committee with a listing of donors and a report on MDA advocacy during 2023, which are this month’s cover stories. Also included is a Q&A feature on dealing with dental benefits companies. This month’s clinical article is a discussion of the management of a failing implant using guided bone regeneration and esthetic crown lengthening. Other features include a listing of 2023 MDA life members and a President’s Message on the dental workforce crisis in Michigan. …

Building Strength Through Collaboration: What Faith Community Nurses Need To Know, Marcia A. Potter

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

This article is a practical guide and viewpoint narrative that offers definitions, justifications for, process steps, and a how-to checklist for Faith Community Nurses considering collaboration between multiple agencies outside of their own. The author offers simple guidelines and how-to advice on securing success, avoiding risks, and preventing costly misunderstandings between cooperating agencies when combining resources.

Staff Matters: Which Of Our Staff Are Hourly Vs. Salaried?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses the classification of employees as hourly (non-exempt) or salaried (exempt) in the context of dental practices. It outlines the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules, including the current minimum salary threshold of $684 per week and the potential for changes in overtime regulations. The article also discusses the duties tests for various white-collar exemptions and provides guidance on correctly classifying common dental practice positions to ensure compliance with the law.

Healthcare Employees’ Perceptions On The Effects Of Internal Audits, Jeremy Mason

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

With limited research on the perceptions of internal audits, this study was

able to add more literature to the subject. The study’s aim was to survey

employee perceptions of the effects of internal audits. This study will provide organizations with results pertaining to how employees perceive the usefulness of internal audits. The study team conducted a single-site study and invited the healthcare organization's employee population to participate in the study. The survey captured 40 responses from 361 invitees (11%). The survey explored the perceptions on six categories of internal audits: Efficiency, Ethical Behavior, Effectiveness, Auidotr-Auditee Relationship Exchange, Learning from Audit, …

Medicare Shared Savings Performance: Three-Year Pandemic Analysis, Bryan Adams

Theses & Dissertations

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid's (CMS) Office of Actuary predicts that U.S. national health expenditures will surpass U.S. gross domestic product per capita by 1.1% annually until 2028, totaling $6.2 trillion in healthcare spending. A significant portion of this spending, 36%, is attributed to Medicare and Medicaid. To address this issue, CMS has implemented the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) to assist Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in reducing healthcare costs and improving the quality of care for beneficiaries. The main objectives of this dissertation are twofold. Firstly, it aims to investigate the relationship between various factors, such as quality …

The Effect Of Magnet Hospitals On Nursing Burnout, Jonathan Settle, Michael Davis, Eric Pulice, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

Introduction:

The World Health Organization [2019] defined burnout as a syndrome caused by chronic job stressors that are not successfully managed, characterized by exhaustion, depersonalization, job detachment, and feelings of inadequacy (WHO, 2019). According to Murthy [2022], the nursing burnout crisis was underway before COVID-19. Nurse burnout recognized pre-COVID-19 was due to systemic organizational problems such as inadequate organizational support and underinvestment in public health (Murthy, 2022).

A 2022 survey of 2500 nurses exhibited increased rates of burnout during the pandemic, with 75% of respondents experiencing burnout, while 65% of those surveyed expressed their desire to leave the healthcare field …

Magnet Hospitals: An Update On The Impact On Nursing Burnout, Jonathan Settle, Michael Davis, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

Nurse burnout has been associated with worsened outcomes for nurses, such as increased turnover or quitting and lower job satisfaction. The purpose of this research was to examine Magnet-designation status in U.S. hospitals, specifically shared governance and structural empowerment, and its effects on nurse burnout, nurse turnover, and job satisfaction of nurses. This study utilized a literature review complemented by two semi-structured interviews. The results showed that Magnet hospitals kept lower levels of burnout, better job satisfaction, and less turnover than non-Magnet hospitals, but this was only the case for some studies of Magnet hospitals. Some outcomes could be attributed …

Relationship Between The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program And Readmissions, Postoperative Complications, And Cost, Cary A. Blick, Blake P. Williams, Drake T. Myers, Joshua Pomranke, Sarah M. Clemente, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

Hospital readmissions have contributed significantly to rising healthcare costs in the United States. To curb rising costs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services introduced the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), a penalty-based program designed to decrease healthcare costs. This research aims to determine if the HRRP has successfully reduced healthcare costs and increased quality outcomes associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) as defined by a reduction in readmission rates, postoperative complications, and overall costs. Although a positive correlation has been shown between outcomes and costs post-HRRP, more research is needed to tease out the …

The Impact Of Big Data Utilization On Quality Improvement In Inpatient Facilities, Lakyn Hare

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Poor quality in healthcare has resulted in avoidable patient complications, including readmission rates. Big data in healthcare can be analyzed and built into a tools, with machine learning, to aid in reduced readmission rates and overall positive patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study: The intention of this study was to evaluate the ways that big data can be analyzed to improve healthcare, specifically readmissions, patient outcomes, and show cost savings. This study examined different ways that big data could be used in concordance with machine learning, including predictive analysis, to make these improvements.

Methodology: The hypothesis was the …

The Opioid Epidemic: Effects On Recidivism In West Virginia, Emilee Frye, Elizabeth Williams

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The opioid epidemic began in the 1990s with an increased prescribing of opioids across the nation. Between the years 2013 and 2014, opioid overdose death rates began to increase in West Virginia. By the year 2015, West Virginia held the highest number of opioid overdose death rates in the country. In 2021, fatal overdoses claimed more than 1,417 lives in West Virginia and of those 1,417, an estimated 1,201 of them were due to opioid use.

West Virginia had the highest opioid drug overdose rate in the nation and one of the highest incarceration rates for opioid-dependent individuals. West Virginia …

Benefits Of Medical Thc For Neurological Disorders In The U.S., Andrew Lester, Alexandria Gartin

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The introduction of THC into the medical field has allowed medical professionals to offer a new treatment option to aid in their patients treatment plan by decreasing their symptoms of side effects of other medications used for their conditions.

Methodology: This study utilized a literature review. Five databases were used to collect 116 total sources. These sources were reviewed and reduced to 33 sources that were used in the written research. Of these, 16 sources were used in the results section.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research was to analyze the prescription use of …

Long Term Substance Abuse Programs And Covid, Randall Craft

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Access to behavioral health care has arisen as both a challenge and an opportunity as America deals with a health care landscape that has been significantly and probably permanently transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic increased the need for behavioral health services while creating new hurdles to care for those who already had disorders. The pandemic, however, also spurred innovation, leading to expanded tele-behavioral health treatments and other technological advancements. Also bringing Overdose death rates sky rocketing.

Methodology: This study utilized a literature review and a semi-structured interview. Four databases were used to collect 41 total …

Implications Of Twitter During Its Use In Public Health Practice Involving The Distribution Of The Covid-19 Vaccine, Mia Casingal

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction – There were 4.89 projected billion social media users in 2023. Social media platforms such as Twitter have allowed public health organizations to spread information regarding COVID-19 vaccines to the public. Twitter permits government organizations and public health agencies to release accurate information as a primary level of rapid communication.

Purpose – The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of the social media platform, Twitter, on public health information throughout the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the spread of information involving COVID-19 vaccine distribution to the public.

Methodology – This study utilized a literature review with a semi-structured …

Impact Of State-Led Surveillance Programs On Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Patricia Lewis

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) has been costly for the healthcare system, for every 24 minutes a baby was diagnosed in 2020. Uniform programs to diagnosis, track and prevent NAS have not been implemented previously. The NCBDDD worked with 6 states to implement a uniform surveillance program. By tracking the NAS incidence rate, the Apgar scores of infants with NAS, the length of stay for those infants, the cost of care for those infants and the percentage of mothers of infants with NAS were participating in Medication Assisted Treatment the effectiveness of the surveillance programs may be assessed.

Methodology: This …

The Epidemic Of Opioid Usage In West Virginia, Kendra Lester, Carrington Hatfield

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The opioid epidemic in West Virginia is a complex interplay of factors, including poverty, low education, and high unemployment rates, which contribute to higher rates of substance use and opioid-related deaths. The number of people injecting drugs has risen from 36% in 2005 to 54% in 2015. WV recorded 871 overdose deaths from all drugs in 2019 with 76.8% involving at least one opioid. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate and analyze the circumstances that contributed to West Virginia's opioid epidemic to determine if sociocultural factors, such as lifestyle, education, and demographics, influenced the epidemic as …

Impact Of Medicaid Expansion On Substance Abuse Treatment, Kyle Chapman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The Medicaid expansion has insured millions of Americans since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. Among this newly insured population, many of the enrollees have been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder. Patients who have a substance use disorder diagnosis typically have multiple conditions that are treated simultaneously. When these patients have to seek healthcare services they are often uninsured. Unfortunately, since the patients are uninsured, the most frequent healthcare access points have been through admissions to more expensive areas of healthcare delivery such as the emergency department and subsequent inpatient services. The goals of the …

Understanding Hospital Chargemasters : Impact On Healthcare Finance, Alesia Moorman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: This research delves into the critical examination of hospital chargemasters, exploring their intricate role in the complex landscape of healthcare finance. As the healthcare industry grapples with the challenges of balancing medical care and fiscal responsibility, the hospital chargemaster emerges as a dynamic entity, reflecting the interplay between healthcare providers, insurers, and patients. Beyond being a mere ledger of prices, the chargemaster influences the entire Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), impacting financial stability, patient satisfaction, and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Originating from the necessity to navigate reimbursement complexities, the chargemaster has become central to hospitals' financial strategies, shaping and …