Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Emotional Intelligence And Srna Success Utilizing A Sim Experience, Melody Gassoway, Kaleigh Peters

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) face many challenges in meeting the rigorous demands of their doctoral-level training. Research demonstrates that high levels of emotional intelligence (EI) contribute to SRNAs’ academic and clinical success and improve patient safety and quality of care. Simulation is emerging as an educational tool to enhance the EI skills of students training in highly stressful professions and demonstrates promising benefits for SRNAs, such as improved decision-making, critical thinking, self-awareness, and self-regulation (Moriber & Beauvais, 2017; Dix et al., 2021). This doctoral project aimed to determine the efficacy of a high-fidelity simulation for strengthening the EI skills …

Qualitative Vs. Quantitative Train Of Four, Caleb Culbreath

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The growing body of evidence linking residual neuromuscular blockade (NMB) to postoperative complications has underscored the need to integrate quantitative neuromuscular monitoring techniques into anesthesia practice. This study, conducted at a tertiary care center in southern Illinois, investigates the gap between current clinical practices and the latest evidence advocating for objective monitoring. The study utilized a non-experimental pretest-posttest design to evaluate an educational intervention's effectiveness in increasing anesthesia providers' knowledge of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring techniques and enhancing their awareness of the incidence and clinical implications of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade. Analysis of the pretest and post-test responses revealed significant improvements …

Educating Srnas On Barriers And Facilitators Of Clinical Learning, Mesud Dedic, Richard Heuermann

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

A national survey of 143 Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) conducted by Clancy and Bruinius (2022) revealed that factors impeding effective SRNA clinical education include unstable preceptorship, hostile environments, limited autonomy, and heavy didactic burdens. Clancy and Bruinius (2022) also found that facilitators of SRNA clinical education include rapport with preceptors, effective feedback, strong clinical site orientation, and beginning of day discussions. This project aimed to enhance second-year SRNAs' clinical success by mitigating these evidence-based barriers and employing these evidence-based facilitators by developing a presentation for SRNAs and assessing its effectiveness through a pre-implementation survey and post-implementation survey. The literature …

Application Of Ultrasound For Difficult Vascular Access In Obstetric Patients, Carly Mccleland

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This project aimed to create a three-tiered educational program to introduce the benefits of ultrasound application for peripheral IV placement in obstetrical patients. The main goals of this project were to increase successful first-attempt IV placement in obstetric patients who may be difficult to obtain IV access on. The first tier of education consisted of presenting findings from the literature review as an educational PowerPoint to all project stakeholders. The second tier of education included stakeholders practicing using the ultrasound for PIV placement on mannequin arms. The third tier, which is still on going, included implementation of the first two …

Procedural Sedation Training: Competency Verification Through Simulation, Christine Hawknuff

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

A 450-bed tertiary hospital in Central Illinois lacked a standardized process for competency verification for procedural sedation care by registered nurses (RNs). Despite recommendations by many organizations, there are no consistent or standardized guidelines for verifying competency in nursing care of the procedural sedation. This project implemented a Procedural Sedation Training Course which comprised an in-person prelearning lecture, a group simulation learning experience, and an individual verification of competency through simulation.

Fifty-six RNs completed the Procedural Sedation Training Course and demonstrated competency through simulation, and 24 of these RNs completed a procedural sedation within the eight-month pilot period. Qualitative and …

Physician Burnout In The United States: A Systematic Review Of Organizational And Systemic Approaches And Their Efficacies, 2014-2024, Nicole Butler

Capstone Experience

Physician burnout represents a critical public and clinical health concern in the United States. It compromises patient care and physician safety. Approaches to solve the issue are pervasive, with limited indication of effectiveness. Due to the essential job functions of physicians, the practice of medicine is inherently stressful. However, the introduction of new, more complex stressors, including those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increase in chronic healthcare conditions have made burnout an unfortunate staple of physician life, with an estimated prevalence of up to 60%. Burnout involves three factors: emotional stress, depersonalization, and reduced job satisfaction. The consequences …

Identifying Barriers To Healthcare Access And Utilization Experienced By Lgbtq+ Adults With Chronic Diseases Through The Lens Of The Social Ecological Model, Devin Mottier

Capstone Experience

The purpose of this literature review is to comprehensively examine and synthesize existing research on present barriers to health access and utilization that contribute to the disparities in chronic disease prevalence within the adult LGBTQ+ population. In the context of this review, the social-ecological model (SEM) was used to describe the nuanced and multifaceted nature of healthcare access and utilization. This literature review was based upon the following question: ‘Using the social-ecological model, what are the barriers to health access and utilization that contribute to high rates of chronic disease in LGBTQ+ adults?’ Outcome measures of interest included the following …

Expectations And Marriageability In African Americans: A Qualitative Content Analysis, Ashley Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to identify individual factors that work alongside structural factors limiting the marriage rate of educated African American men to educated African American women. Previous research identified structural factors related to systemic racism that contribute to the marriage gap between Black men and women in America. The researcher in this study conducted a focus group with three Black men and another focus group with three Black women in order to identify any individual expectations or characteristics that each group considers when evaluating a partner’s marriageability. Data was analyzed using conversation content analysis techniques on focus group responses. Findings …

The Impact Of Habit Formation On Healthcare Workers: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Well-Being, Hillary Littlefield Msot, Otr/L

All Student Scholarship

Occupational therapists have an opportunity to act as consultants in their healthcare systems to provide education, resources and guidance to interdisciplinary team members. This concept aimed to provide evidence to support an occupational therapy-based program focused on incorporation of healthy habits and routines into one’s daily life as a means to improve nursing altruism, quality of life and perception of one’s successes and value in their occupation. Pre- and post- survey data was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of an occupational therapy-based initiative that provided 1:1 and group coaching to a population of acute care nurses as an evaluation of …

Restoring Meaning Through Leisure: Exploring The Benefits Of Leisure-Focused Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Neurological Diagnoses, Elizabeth Rose Stoutland

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

There are limited findings in occupational therapy literature on leisure, despite being a highly meaningful area of occupation that has implications for both physical and mental health. This poster describes an occupational therapy Capstone experience in adaptive sports and inpatient rehabilitation at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center related to leisure restoration. The student investigated the role of occupational therapy in restoring leisure and recreation for individuals with neurological conditions and achieved the following main goals: (Goal 1) to gain skills in adaptive recreation for individuals with neurological conditions, and (Goal 2) to determine how leisure exploration can be implemented in …

Promoting Life Skills Through An Occupation-Based Program For Youth In The Juvenile Justice System, Maggie L. Dejong

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Youth who have experienced trauma are at risk for negative developmental changes to their brain, which may lead to poor health outcomes, involvement in the juvenile justice system, and early death. This population may experience a lack of occupational engagement, decreased self-regulation strategies, and difficulty forming life skills that are necessary for carrying out everyday tasks. Having trauma-informed awareness in the contexts of these individuals is essential when providing care and meeting their needs. The doctoral capstone project aimed to promote life skills through an occupation-based program for youth in the juvenile justice system. Current literature supports the need for …

Sensory Processing Difficulties In Children Born Preterm And The Needs Of Their Families, Shelby J. Buie

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Children who are born preterm frequently experience sensory processing difficulties due to their underdeveloped brains and the atypical early sensory experiences that are associated with increased medical needs. These factors impact the development of a child’s sensory system, which ultimately influences how a child participates in daily activities. Having a child born preterm that requires increased medical attention causes stress on the family. Increased stress and a decrease in mental health can disrupt the parent-child bond. This project aimed to provide sensory-based occupational therapy treatment sessions to children who were born preterm to improve their sensory processing skills. Furthermore, the …

Exploring Occupational Therapy’S Role In Childcare Settings, Makayla Hamling

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This study focused on exploring the occupational therapist's role in childcare settings. The program development, observations, and hands-on activity allowed for first-hand experience of the role occupational therapists could play in a daycare setting. Incorporating meaningful participation, education, and environmental modifications were a part of this study. The study was conducted in Northeast Nebraska, with a total of 31 participants.

Early detection is key to addressing developmental delays in many areas (play, social, leisure, dressing, eating, etc). Developmental screenings can assist caregivers and specialists in knowing and understanding how a child is developing compared to his or her same-aged peers. …

The Importance Of Preferred Meaningful Occupations For Children With Medically Complex Conditions, Kaylee S. Schmit

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Children with medically complex conditions experience limitations in their ability to engage in preferred meaningful occupations. Additionally, when these children are in the hospital setting, the environment poses another barrier to accessing preferred meaningful occupation opportunities. This capstone project aimed to explore how preferred meaningful occupations could be utilized with children with medically complex conditions in the pediatric inpatient setting. The literature and needs assessment indicated the need for preferred meaningful occupations to be used as a motivator and a way to target specific skills a patient wanted to regain. With the focus of occupational therapy on return to occupation …

Say Neigh To Poor Health: Exploring The Impact Of Equine Assisted Services On Children's Health, Courtney S. Barrus

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background: Currently, in the United States, one in six children has a developmental disability (CDC, 2022). According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (2021), developmental disabilities negatively influence an individual's ability to solve problems, social skills, life skills, ability to form relationships, and ability to learn. Equine-assisted services are a group of services, including hippotherapy and adaptive riding, which have been shown to have a positive impact on physical, emotional, and social deficits (Haig & Skinner, 2022; Helmer et al., 2021; Madigand et al., 2023; Zoccante et al., 2021). Methods: The capstone was completed in two steps. …

Occupational Therapy Services In Pediatric Mental Health, Hallie Jerome

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Children and youth experiencing mental health concerns often have limited or decreased engagement in meaningful occupations. Additionally, children and youth who experience mental health concerns at an early age are more likely to experience negative health outcomes such as poor occupational engagement, academic achievement, adverse childhood experiences (ACES), maltreatment/abuse/neglect, family and peer conflict/rejection, low self-esteem, early substance use, and many others impacting their overall health and well-being. My capstone project aimed to administer occupation-based interventions in a pediatric mental health program while I advance my skills working with an interdisciplinary team. The literature and needs assessment indicated a need for …

Proof-Of-Concept For Converging Beam Small Animal Irradiator, Benjamin Insley

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

The Monte Carlo particle simulator TOPAS, the multiphysics solver COMSOL., and

several analytical radiation transport methods were employed to perform an in-depth proof-ofconcept

for a high dose rate, high precision converging beam small animal irradiation platform.

In the first aim of this work, a novel carbon nanotube-based compact X-ray tube optimized for

high output and high directionality was designed and characterized. In the second aim, an

optimization algorithm was developed to customize a collimator geometry for this unique Xray

source to simultaneously maximize the irradiator’s intensity and precision. Then, a full

converging beam irradiator apparatus was fit with a multitude …

The Greater Implications Of Self-Perceptions Of Aging Among Younger Adults: Results From The Socially Nutritious Volunteer Training Program, Ashlyn Cobble

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The rapidly growing rate of the older adult population has created a need to better understand younger adults’ self-perceptions of aging and current trends of ageism. The purpose of this secondary data analysis research project was to determine changes, if any, in participants’ self-perception of aging after the Socially Nutritious facilitator or nutrition ambassador volunteer training, which aims to develop knowledge and skills related to aging trends, older adult nutrition, preventing ageism, and communication and educational considerations when working with older adults. Findings indicate that participants with more frequent interactions with older adults had a more positive perception of their …

Telehealth Acceptance And Medical Mistrust Among The Elderly Of Rural Appalachia: A Correlational Study Using The Medical Mistrust Index And Technology Acceptance Model, Victoria Hood-Wells

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adults aged 65 years and above have grown substantially over with past decade. However, the chance of developing multiple comorbidities only increases with age. Because elderly residents of rural Appalachia often encounter barriers to healthcare, rural nurses, providers, and policy makers must overcome physical and structural barriers, but also gain a more in-depth understanding of the personal and cultural attitudes impacting the use of new and innovative forms of healthcare delivery. With a slow and variable uptake of telehealth adoption in rural Appalachia, and in the presence of well-documented medical mistrust, this study was designed to better understand the degree …

From Cells To Clinics- The Role Of College Biology Education In Shaping Future Physician Assistants, Monica Manley

Honors Theses

This thesis provides a personal reflection on translating concepts and techniques learned in multiple biology courses (i.e. microbiology, neuroscience, comparative physiology, and genetics) in to clinical practice as an intern in the emergency room of a hospital. Each selected concept contains a description followed by an example of how this knowledge relates to a specified duty of a physician assistant with in an emergency medical setting.

Examining The Impact Of Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Colorectal Cancer Screening Compliance In The United States And The Potential Of Targeted Interventions., Jessica Ware

Capstone Experience

Objectives:

Examine Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening compliance among racial and ethnic groups in the United States (US) based on the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations.

Identify targeted interventions to promote screening compliance, early diagnosis, and CRC survivorship.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized 165,878 selected participant responses from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We modeled and investigated CRC screening compliance based on the USPSTF recommendations as inclusion criteria between racial/ethnic groups in the US while adjusting for covariates using a weighted stepwise logistic regression.

Results: With covariates adjustment, Hispanics (POR 1.16 95%CI 1.04-1.29), Asian …

A Comprehensive Examination Of Age-Related Lower Limb Muscle Function Asymmetries Across A Variety Of Muscle Contraction Types, Kylee Heap

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Previous research has found that lower limb muscle asymmetries increase with age and are linked to fall and injury risks. However, past studies lacked a wide variety of muscle function modes and measures as well as comparison to a comparable young aged group. The purpose of this study was to examine age-related lower limb muscle function asymmetries across a variety of muscle contraction types and velocities in young and old adults. Lower limb muscle balance, strength, power, and velocity were evaluated with concentric, isometric, isotonic, and eccentric muscle actions during a single-leg stance test and on single- and multi-joint dynamometers …

Incorporating Music Into Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Abby Kays

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Music in therapy research currently focuses on the role of music therapy in children with behaviors, mood, and social/communication difficulties. However, limited research exists on the role of music in occupational therapy. The purpose of the capstone project was to use music-focused occupation-based interventions with children to improve social/communication skills, mood, and behaviors at a pediatric outpatient clinic. A literature review was completed on the objectives listed above to determine the need of the project. The theoretical foundation of the project is the Ecology of Human Performance Model, focusing on the unique contexts of each child. Music was used in …

Incorporating Occupation-Based Activities Into Treatment For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorders To Increase Self-Efficacy, Brea E. Westberg

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

In 2022, over 48.7 million people aged 12 and older reported having a substance use disorder in the past year. Adolescents are increasingly becoming involved in substance use behaviors that impact their lives daily. There is limited evidence for providing mental health interventions, including those provided by occupational therapy practitioners, to adolescents with SUDs within the substance use treatment setting. Self-efficacy is an important part of the substance use recovery process. Therefore, the purpose of the capstone project was to determine the effects on self-efficacy after incorporating occupation-based activities into programming for adolescents in treatment for SUDs. The Model of …

Optimizing Malaria Control In Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review Of Llin Effectiveness And Policy Frameworks, Jash Mehta

Capstone Experience

This comprehensive literature review examines the effectiveness of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and the policy frameworks governing their use in Nigeria, with the goal of optimizing malaria control strategies in the country. The review explores the scientific underpinnings of LLINs, evaluates their effect on malaria incidence, and examines the operational, sociocultural, and economic aspects that affect their use. It also examines Nigeria's policy environment, assessing the creation, application, and efficacy of policies pertaining to LLIN. The summary of research results from several studies emphasizes the importance of LLINs in preventing malaria and the challenges associated with implementing policies in different …

Development Of A National Core Indicators Dashboard Of Long-Term Services And Supports Outcomes For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Rhonda Haitz

Capstone Experience

The National Core Indicators (NCI) surveys are conducted annually across the United States, including Nebraska. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or their guardians are surveyed to learn more about their experiences and the quality of their services and lives (National Core Indicators- IDD, 2023). However, the data is only useful when understood and applied to make informed decisions to improve the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (McDonald et al., 2013). This project designed and developed two data dashboards for the state of Nebraska that publicly track, analyze and display the NCI survey results. The In-Person Survey …

Animal-Assisted Therapy In An Outpatient Pediatric Occupational Therapy Setting, Peyton N. Stolle

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The use of animals to assist in the healthcare industry has been around for some time now, however, only recently have those in the occupational therapy industry begun looking at the effects that it would have on patients within their scope of practice. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has various uses, and recent studies have shown that the use of dogs within a healthcare setting can greatly increase patient motivation and well-being. However, prior literature shows that there are limited studies on the effects of AAT in a pediatric occupational therapy (OT) setting, specifically an outpatient setting. My capstone project aimed to …

Hiv Testing Among High-Risk Individuals In The Us: 2022 Brfss, Alissa Lorchick

Capstone Experience

Objective

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a global epidemic, and public health efforts are moderately effective to date. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine association between high-risk behavior (intravenous drug use, risky sexual behaviors) and odds of testing for HIV utilizing 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N= 445,132).

Methods

Using SAS 3.82, the age-stratified logistic regression model for exposure (high-risk behavior) and outcome (HIV testing) included covariates gender, race, income, mental health and checkup frequency.

Results

High-risk individuals had greater odds of testing compared to low-risk individuals (crude POR 2.98 [2.81 – 3.17]), with greatest odds observed among …

Disparities In Seasonal Influenza Immunization Between Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Populations Within The United States: Findings From The 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Susanna Stageberg

Capstone Experience

Objective: To determine if inequities in influenza immunization exist between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White populations living in the United States.

Methods: Statistical analyses were executed to study the association between ethnicity and influenza immunization. Logistic regression was performed to determine probabilities related to vaccination. Data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was utilized.

Results: Hispanic respondents had higher odds of not being vaccinated against the flu when compared to non-Hispanic White respondents (COR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.73, 1.91]). Ethnicity, household income, education, insurance status, age, sex, preferred language, and primary care provider status …

Assessing The Association Between Income And Breast Cancer Screening Practices, Hannah M. Zantow

Capstone Experience

Objectives

To determine how breast cancer screening practices differ between high- and low-income women aged 40-74. To determine the effects of sociodemographic factors on the relationship between income and breast cancer screening practices.

Methods

This was a cross sectional study. Survey data was obtained from women aged 40-74 who completed the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). The exposure was income. The outcome was if a woman ever received a mammogram. The final sample size was 171,111 participants. Regression models were used to assess the association between income and screening practices.

Results

There was a significant association between income and …