Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Scoping Review Of Microwave Ablation Versus Partial Nephrectomy For Treatment Of Renal Cell Carcinoma, Benjamin Odumah

Master of Science in Applied Health Economics and Outcomes Research Capstone Presentations

Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) make up 80 to 85% of primary renal neoplasms. Over 90% are low grade and slow growing with low probability of metastasis. Advantages of percutaneous techniques including microwave ablation (MWA) over surgical approach such as partial nephrectomy (PN), including cost effectiveness, minimally invasive, better renal preservation rates, lower procedure-related morbidity, and reduced hospitalization time make the case compelling. The major limitations for MWA are lack of prospective RCT or long-term follow-up data. The objective of this capstone was to conduct a scoping review on MWA versus PN regarding oncologic, perioperative, and functional outcomes in the treatment …

Fall Reduction Strategies For Older Community Dwelling Americans, Heather L. Roach

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

Each year millions of older adults fall, and one out of five falls result in an injury that requires medical attention. In 2015 medical costs associated with falls was over $50 billion. Falls and specifically fall related injury in the older American population is a public health burden. There are many modalities that are implemented to reduce falls including management of underlying medical conditions, exercise regimens, supplementation, medication modifications, and home modifications. This project worked to identify which modalities had the greatest impact on falls. The goal of the information obtained is to inform practitioners and public health professionals that …

The Food Environment: Examining The Proximity Of Crimes To Food Stores, Nina Diamond

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

Food insecurity is a persistent and widespread issue in the United States. Individuals who are food insecure are more likely to develop chronic diseases due to their dietary habits, which tend to consist of ultra-processed foods. For many individuals, these habits are not by choice, but are the result of a lack of access to healthy foods. Both geographical and financial access issues often lead to these unhealthy diet choices, which increase an individual’s risk of morbidity and mortality. While the issue of food insecurity is complex, it is not often observed in the context of violence. Many food insecure …

The Emotional Well-Being Of Menstruating Women In South Asia: A Rapid Systematic Review, Payal Patel

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

In South Asia, many girls and women experience period poverty which is defined to be a lack of access to or affordability of menstrual hygiene products, washing facilities, and disposal methods. There is also a lack of education and conversation that surrounds menstruation, leading to there being stigma and taboo. With an absence of Wash, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, women and girls in South Asia are unable to change their pads safely and privately, have access to clean water, and successfully manage their hygiene and health. Apart from the lack of education and WASH facilities, there are also unfair …

A Rapid Systemic Review Of The Significance Of Parental Awareness Of Children’S Oral Health On The Prevalence Of Dental Caries In Saudi Arabia, Nasser Albishi

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

Dental caries in children has been identified as a public health challenge in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Among those factors associated with their presence is the role that parents play in their children’s oral hygiene practices and how much it affects their development. The knowledge and awareness levels of the parents when it comes to maintaining proper oral hygiene in their children are still limited in the KSA, and a well-rounded characterization of these levels is needed for the problem to be addressed. Hence, a rapid systematic review was conducted to synthesize the evidence from published articles and …

Maternal Healthcare Utilization Among Pregnant Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence: A Rapid Systematic Review, Gabrielle Harb

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) impacts millions of pregnant women every year, and IPV is associated with adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. Previous studies have suggested that women experiencing IPV during pregnancy are less likely to access maternal healthcare services. Still, no consensus has been found, particularly within understudied low-and middle-income countries. This rapid systematic review identifies and examines evidence related to maternal healthcare utilization among women experiencing IPV in studies from 2015 to the present. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus, and 1797 unique records were identified. After reviewing abstracts and full texts, 28 studies were …

Process Mapping: The "One Best Way" To Improve Public Health Interventions, Adam T. Thompson

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

Process mapping (PM) is a quality improvement (QI) systems-level intervention used to analyze workflows in a variety of industries. PM is a robust improvement strategy but there is poor evidence for its effectiveness within healthcare QI projects. Evidence also suggests that there is variation in the implementation of PM likely affecting the value derived from the practice. In 2021, Antonacci, et al., proposed an empirical framework to guide the implementation, reporting, and evaluating of PM within healthcare QI projects. Informed by the empirical framework for process mapping (EFPM), the aim of this capstone was to enhance the value derived from …

The Impact Of Doulas On Birth Outcomes: A Rapid Systematic Review, Heather Higgins

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

Although most pregnancies in the United States are uncomplicated, adverse birth outcomes are more common in the U.S. than any other developed country (CDC, n.d.). The use of doula care during labor and delivery has shown to be effective in reducing adverse birth outcomes. A rapid systematic review was conducted to consolidate information on the effectiveness doulas have on certain adverse birth outcomes. These adverse birth outcomes included, low-birth weight, preterm birth, caesarean sections, shorter laboring time, and epidural use. The review of the literature was conducted using PubMed and search terms. PRISMA guidelines were followed and out of the …

Characteristics, Emotional Experience, And Impact Of Unplanned Out-Of-Hospital Births In The City Of Beit Shemesh, Israel, Allison Rosenbaum, Dm, Cnm, Mss

Midwifery Thinks! Symposium

Allison Rosenbaum, CNM, MSS, DM has been living and practicing midwifery in Israel since 2002. She obtained a master’s degree in social work from the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research in 1994, then went on to study nursing and midwifery at MGH School of Health Professionals and Philadelphia University’s Institute of Midwifery and Women’s Health (now Thomas Jefferson University), earning her Master of Science in 2018 and her Doctorate in Midwifery in 2022. Currently, she works at Assuta Medical Center in Ashdod, Israel, and is the director of their waterbirth program. She is also involved …

Correlates Of Rem Sleep Without Atonia In Dream Enactment Behavior Associated With Parkinson’S Disease, Medication Use And Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Abigail Quintos, Rohin Saroya, Nisha Bagchi, Ritu G. Grewal

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

METHODS: We did a retrospective review of medical records and polysomnographic (PSG) data of patients with dream enactment behavior (DEB) from 2015 to 2020. REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) was scored according to the AASM rules, and %RSWA was calculated.

RESULTS: Thirty-six patients with DEB were analyzed. Recursive partitioning algorithm was used to determine the %RSWA that correlated with the presence or absence of Parkinson’s disease (PD). RSWA >=20% was present in 11 patients, and had the highest correlation with PD (9/11). RSWA of 2.1% to 19.9% was present in 10 patients, and had modest correlation with PD (3/10). RSWA= …

Parent-Infant Bond: The Connection Between Parents And Infants In The Nicu, Megan Casselberry, Anita Fagotti, Ava Gambucci, Emma Sardinskas, Carly Scheiner

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Define the challenges of parent-infant relations in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting
• Discuss the role of occupational therapy in fostering parent-infant bonding in the NICU
• Interpret evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to promote familial relations and social interactions amongst infants and parents

PICO Question
For infants in the NICU, what are evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that increase parent-infant bonding?

Promoting Social Participation For Young Individuals Following Concussion, Umara Iftikhar, Ann Claire Macalintal, Madeline Rea, Allizey Shields

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

1. Understand the relevance of anxiety and depression amongst young individuals following the onset of a concussion or post-concussive symptoms.
2. Recognize the distinct value of occupational therapy in promoting social skills to enhance relationships and mitigate feelings of isolation for persons with concussive symptoms.
3. Develop evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy for young individuals experiencing anxiety and depression following diagnosis of a concussion.

PICO Question
Amongst individuals, ages 13-25, experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression following concussion, what interventions within the scope of Occupational Therapy will increase social participation?

Occupational Balance For A Better Mood: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Treating Excessive Technology Use In Youth, Emily Danilak, Jenna Higginbotham, Kara Leaman, Tarryn Slattery, Katie Virostek

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Understand the implications of excessive screen time on mental health and its pertinence to youth’s leisure time spent in the virtual environment.
• Identify the distinct role that occupational therapy has in addressing mental health needs in children.
• Analyze the current evidence for effective occupational therapy interventions targeting improved mental health in youth with unhealthy internet habits.

PICO Question
In children with excessive screen time, what interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice improve mental health?

Delirium In The Acute Care Setting: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Delirium Management And Prevention, Regina Antoni, Grace Gaus, Kathleen Greaney, Marisa Ortiz-Brazak

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Explain delirium and its prevalence in the hospital setting
• Identify the role of occupational therapy in treatment of acute care patients with delirium
• Apply evidence-based interventions that address and prevent delirium in the acute care setting

PICO Question
What is the role of occupational therapy in delirium management for patients in the acute care setting?

Concussion And Class: Returning To College After A Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (Mtbi), Andrew Friedman, Gabrielle Khalifa, Rebecca Smith, Emily Strickberger

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Identify how concussion management to increase academic function falls within the scope of occupational therapy practice
• Describe effective concussion protocols and timelines as they apply to students’ recovery from mTBI and return to academics.
• Apply evidence based practice to treatment plans for patients post-concussion or mTBI injury returning to academics.

PICO Question
In college-aged adults that experienced a concussion, what are effective interventions within the scope of occupational therapy for return to university?

Promoting Healthy Transitions: Occupational Therapy Interventions For Health Management Of Homeless Populations Discharging From Health Care Settings, Dominic Carullo, Hana Chamoun, Alison Mcandrew, Brian O'Sullivan, Chelsea Pierce

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to

• Identify the need for effective interventions to create better connections to health services and facilitate health management skills in individuals experiencing homelessness prior to discharge from a healthcare setting
• Recognize the potential for occupational therapists to increase health literacy and the development of self-directed health management skills for individuals experiencing homelessness prior to hospital discharge
• Apply components of an evidence-based, best practice approach to promote the development of healthy behaviors and health management skills in individuals experiencing homelessness

PICO Question
What interventions within the scope of occupational therapy …

Moving On Up: The Transition From Middle To High School For Neurotypical Adolescents, Corinne Dever, Ots, Julia Forebaugh, Ots, Alexandra Mangino, Ots, Madeline Gamble, Ots, Samantha Morse, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Define the role of occupational therapy for the middle to high school transition.
• Identify potential interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to facilitate the transition from middle to high school.
• Acquire the knowledge from current research to apply occupational therapy interventions to neurotypical adolescents transitioning from middle to high school.

PICO Question

What kind of (I) interventions fall within the scope of occupational therapy (O) to increase school participation for (P) neurotypical adolescents transitioning from middle school to high school?

Smooth Transitions: Adapting To New Roles For Transgender Individuals, Rylea Hager, Ots, Daniella Mazzo, Ots, Meredith O’Neal, Ots, Eileen Young, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Outcomes:

• Define transgender and understand the occupational challenges associated with the gender-affirming transition process.
• Discuss the impact of the knowledge gap in gender-inclusive care, as well as the barriers to accessing healthcare services for transgender individuals.
• Acquire knowledge from current research and apply to occupational therapy interventions for transitioning transgender individuals in the process of new role assumption

PICO Question:

How can occupational therapists utilize interventions within their scope of practice (I) to promote positive transitions to new occupational roles (O) for individuals who are transgender (P)?

Promoting Independence: Empowering Successful Transitions Out Of The North American Foster Care System, Samantha Chong, Ots, Kevin Dang, Ots, Leondra Graves, Ots, Taylor Holt, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Identify the supports and barriers of youth transitioning out of the North American foster care/foster home care systems.
• Describe occupational therapy’s current and emerging roles in life skills/IADL training with youth transitioning out of the foster care system.
• Describe the positive outcomes related to successful transitions into adulthood for foster youth.

PICO Question:

What life skills training interventions conducted by occupational therapy practitioners improve independence for youth transitioning out of the foster care system?

Let’S Get Spiritual! How Integrating Spirituality Into The Ot Process Impacts Well-Being For Those Experiencing A Life-Altering Diagnosis, Taneisha Esplin Jolley, Ots, Jeffrey Gold, Ms, Ots, Nicholas Luca, Ots, Antôn Nguyễn, Ots, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Outcomes:

• Define spirituality as it applies to the scope of occupational therapy practice for individuals experiencing life-altering diagnoses and conditions
• Describe current evidence that supports incorporating clients’ spirituality into the occupational therapy process to ensure a holistic approach to practice
• Apply spiritual-based interventions in order to achieve positive outcomes for individuals experiencing life-altering diagnoses and conditions

PICO Question:

How does incorporating spirituality within the OT process impact well-being/QOL for individuals who have experienced life-altering conditions or diagnoses?

Ready For Relationships: Promoting Appropriate Dating Behaviors In Adolescents & Young Adults With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Lauren Buch, Ots, Kelly Dennin, Ots, Chelsea Fife, Ots, Eileen Mee, Ots, E. Adel Herge

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

• Identify the need for effective relationship, sexuality expression, and sex education programming for adolescents with IDD based on current literature.
• Examine the role of occupational therapy in facilitating the development of healthy dating behaviors for adolescents with IDD.
• Apply components of a best practice approach to facilitate the development of appropriate dating behaviors for adolescents with IDD.

PICO Question:

What interventions within the scope of occupational therapy will lead to appropriate dating behaviors in adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Gaining Momentum: A Systematic Review Of Interventions To Promote Mental Health & Wellness For Mothers Postpartum, Amanda Marcinko, Ots, Lauren Opdyke, Ots, Jessica Sinotte, Ots, Emily Van’T Slot, Ots, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Outcomes:

• Define participation challenges of mothers in the postpartum period.
• Discuss qualities of effective interventions within maternal mental healthcare.
• Apply effective interventions in occupational therapy practice to promote mental health and wellness of postpartum mothers.

PICO Question:

What interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice promote mental health and wellness for women in the postpartum period?

Bringing Function To Families: Ot’S Role In Parenting With Sci, Alexandra Economou, Ots, Molly Flannery, Ots, Nikki Tutelman, Ots, Courtney Wagner, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

• Describe participation challenges that impact the role of parenting for parents with SCI
• Identify evidence-based intervention areas within the scope of OT that facilitate participation in the role of parenting with SCI
• Discuss the unique need and application for OT services to support parents with SCI

PICO Question:

What are interventions within the scope of OT practice that increase participation in the role of parenting with spinal cord injury (SCI)?

Promoting Coping For Adults With Neurodegenerative Conditions, Julia Kraushaar, Ots, Melanie Watt, Ots, Kristine Ismael, Ots, Julia Snavely, Ots, Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Identify neurodegenerative conditions and how they impact occupational performance and quality of life (QoL)
• Describe the effects of coping skill interventions on QoL among adults with neurodegenerative conditions
• Examine the role of occupational therapy in improving QoL in adults with neurodegenerative conditions

PICO Question

Within the scope of occupational therapy, what are the effects of coping skills interventions on improving quality of life in adults with neurodegenerative conditions?

Empower The Future: The Impact Of Family-Centered Interventions On School Success For Children From Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds, Jacqueline Bruce, Ots, Ornella Delle Noci, Ots, Amaris Dobson, Ots, Bryan Johnston, Ots, Rebecca Sinko, Otd, Otr/L

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives

• Describe poverty’s impact on early childhood development and subsequent effects on school participation.

• Discuss evidence-based, family-centered interventions associated with increased school success for children from low-income communities.

• .Acquire the knowledge to apply effective interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to promote improved school success.

PICO Question:

What is the impact of family-centered occupational therapy interventions on future school participation for children (0-6 years old) from low socioeconomic backgrounds?

Racial And Socioeconomic Disparities In Healthcare- And Community-Associated Clostridium Difficile Infection: A Rapid Review, Rutvin Kyada, Amy Leader, Drph, Mph, Rosemary Frasso, Phd, Cph

Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and has been termed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an “urgent threat” in antimicrobial resistance. Traditionally a major healthcare-associated infection, CDIs have become increasingly common in community settings as well. As usage of healthcare services and certain medications are common risk factors for CDI, an individual’s access to such services can impact the CDI burden they experience. Identifying and addressing such disparities is crucial for an equitable healthcare system, but there is a general dearth of literature reviewing sociodemographic disparities …

The Splashing Effects Of Aquatic Therapy For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Eric Bradway, Ots, Mikaela Mcgraw, Ots, Katie Boshoven, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

• What are the effects of aquatic therapy on participation in childhood occupations for children with developmental disabilities?

Objectives

• Define aquatic therapy within the scope of occupational therapy practice for children with developmental disabilities
• Discuss the current evidence on effective aquatic based interventions to facilitate participation in childhood occupations in children with developmental disabilities
• Discuss ways to apply this information to practitioners’ own clinical setting

Promoting Independence Through Effective Interventions For Adults With Als, Renee Gluchowski, Ots, Hannah Harris, Ots, Jaclyn Heineman, Ots, Kimberly Kendro, Ots, Heather Malosky, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

What are effective occupational therapy interventions for adults with ALS to improve participation in ADLs/IADLs?

Objectives

• Define amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and recognize the prevalence
• Identify and describe evidence-based interventions to promote independence for individuals with ALS in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
• Discuss how the current literature on the effective interventions impacts occupational performance and treatment of adults with ALS

Occupational Therapy: Breaking The Barriers With Survivors Of Human Trafficking, Leanne Bahn, Ots, Sierra Wells, Ots, Stacey Wisniewski, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

• What occupational therapy interventions enhance the occupational engagement for survivors of human trafficking?

Objectives

• Recognize the occupational injustices experienced by survivors of human trafficking and the effect on occupational participation
• Describe the role of the occupational therapy practitioner in enhancing occupational participation of survivors of human trafficking
• Discuss evidence-based interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice for survivors of human trafficking

Trauma-Informed Care In A School Setting: Occupational Therapy Interventions To Promote Emotional Regulation, Sarah Blaise, Ots, Sara Cohen, Ots, Maria Marcum, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

• What trauma-informed occupational therapy interventions improve emotional regulation and participation in school-based tasks for students?

Objectives

• Define trauma and note its prevalence among school-aged children
• Describe principles of Trauma-Informed Care and its importance in a school setting.
• Describe current research to determine best practice using a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approach in schools for OT practitioners