Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Awakening From A Medical Mystery: One Patient’S Experience Of Being Undiagnosed, Dwane Unruh

Patient Experience Journal

This personal narrative pleads for a supportive and comprehensive system or sub-system similar to that which exists for cancer patients, to deal with undiagnosed illnesses. By describing the torment of living with a debilitating illness that medicine could not easily recognize, then by contrasting this experience with my wife’s experience of the cancer care system, and by referring along the way to lessons learned many years ago from reading the works of the inciteful neurologist, Dr. Oliver Sacks, I hope to inspire the medical system to develop a separate, supportive and comprehensive system to deal with the undiagnosed. As it …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Musicians From A Holistic Perspective, Annie Ting, Janice Rocker

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Throughout the past 3 decades, treatment of injured musicians in a health care setting has been reported; however, the quality of care from a musician’s standpoint is poor. As musicians are speaking up more about their pain, the profession of occupational therapy has the capacity to make an impact on the way musicians are treated from a rehabilitative perspective. Musicians often do not trust medical practitioners who follow the traditional medical model because their symptoms and concerns are not addressed. Occupational therapists, especially those working in the realm of hand rehabilitation, are well equipped to treat injured musicians using our …

An Interprofessional Collaborative Approach To The Development Of A Content Valid Interview Questionnaire For Persons With Hearing Loss And Their Communication Partners, Nancy A. Delich, Stephen D. Roberts

JADARA

An assessment instrument needs to be valid in order for data to be accurately interpreted and applied. Currently, few rigorous content evaluations have been conducted on hearing-related questionnaires. This study describes a multiphase approach for obtaining content validity evidence in the development of a questionnaire that explores quality of life for persons with hearing loss and their communication partners. A panel of 15 interprofessional experts evaluated 41 questionnaire items for content relevance and content clarity. Findings revealed an overall scale of .99 for content relevance and .85 for content clarity, indicating high content validity for the revised 40-item questionnaire.

La Ciudad Versus El Campo: La Calidad De Vida De Los Adultos Mayores Aymara Entre Arica Y Putre, Clare Rogowski

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The elderly population in Chile is increasing rapidly. In indigenous villages in the interior of Chile, like Putre, the younger generation is leaving to pursue education and employment opportunities in cities, in this case Arica. In many cases no one stays to take care of the elders. As the elderly begin to grow older and require greater support, the younger generation seeks to move their family members to the city so that they can care for them. While this provides for greater connection to family and access to medical care for the elderly relatives, the elderly loses their connection to …

9th Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium, University Of Texas Md Anderson Cancer Center Postdoctoral Association

Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium Abstracts

The mission of the Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium (APSS) is to provide a platform for talented postdoctoral fellows throughout the Texas Medical Center to present their work to a wider audience. The MD Anderson Postdoctoral Association convened its inaugural Annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium (APSS) on August 4, 2011.

The APSS provides a professional venue for postdoctoral scientists to develop, clarify, and refine their research as a result of formal reviews and critiques of faculty and other postdoctoral scientists. Additionally, attendees discuss current research on a broad range of subjects while promoting academic interactions and enrichment and developing new collaborations.

Effect Of Aquatic Exercise On Fatigue, Fitness, Arm Edema, Levels Of Distress, And Quality Of Life Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Ellen Broach, Phillip Norrell

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a recreational therapy aquatic intervention on physical and psychosocial performance of breast cancer survivors. Eligible participants were assigned to either a water exercise group or a control group who received standard care treatment for breast cancer. The intervention group attended aquatic exercise sessions three times per week for eight weeks in a heated outdoor pool. Sessions lasted 50 minutes in duration. The aquatic exercise group significantly improved their endurance, body mass, level of distress, and total score for fatigue. No significant differences occurred in the control group. Social validity …

Dominican Sisters Quality Of Life Assessment, Eva Vanartsen

Other Undergraduate Research

Background: The quality of life in older women has been found to decrease with poverty, poor health, decreased access to healthcare and low education, while marriage and children can both improve or decrease the quality of life. The information on the quality of life of older women living in faith based communities is lacking.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the quality of life and factors impacting quality of life in Sisters living in an assisted living facility.

Methods: The short form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was used to measure quality of life of the Dominican …

Patient Experience And Challenges In Group Concept Mapping For Clinical Research., Geoffrey D. Mills, Marianna Lanoue, Alexzandra T. Gentsch, Amanda M.B. Doty, Amy Cunningham, Garrison Nord, Kristin L. Rising

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Group concept mapping (GCM) is a research method that engages stakeholders in generating, structuring and representing ideas around a specific topic or question. GCM has been used with patients to answer questions related to health and disease but little is known about the patient experience as a participant in the process. This paper explores the patient experience participating in GCM as assessed with direct observation and surveys of participants.

METHODS: This is a secondary analysis performed within a larger study in which 3 GCM iterations were performed to engage patients in identifying patient-important outcomes for diabetes care. …

Unimóvil: A Mobile Health Clinic Providing Primary Care To The Colonias Of The Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Eron G. Manusov, Vincent P. Diego, Jacob Smith, Jesus R. Garza Ii, John Lowdermilk, John Blangero, Sarah Williams-Blangero, Francisco Fernandez

School of Medicine Publications and Presentations

Background: We describe a mobile unit (UniMóvil) designed to improve poor healthcare access delivery to residents in two South Texas underserved Colonias. The interprofessional team measured seven clinical outcomes [obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and depression], and using the Duke Health Profile, assessed the health-related quality of life (HrQoL).

Methods: The investigators used previously reported disease prevalence, an implementation model, and community needs-assessments to design an outreach healthcare delivery model. A retrospective review of the cohort provides data used to determine potential predictors of clinical variables, 11 domains of HrQOL, and inter/intra Colonia …

Effects Of Toothache On The Educational And Social Status Of Children, Mehmet S. Dogan, Ahmet Aras, Osman Atas, Abdullah E. Karaali, Ayse Gunay, Haluk M. Akbaba, Izzet Yavuz

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Untreated tooth cavities and the resulting toothaches have significant effects on children’s social and psychological development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of toothache on children’s educational and social activities. Methods: For this retrospective study, we issued a 15-question survey to the parents of 515 children between ages of 5–16 years in Diyarbakır, Turkey. The chi-square test was used to test the strength of the relationship between two variables (p ≤ 0.05). Results: 318 (61.7%) parents reported having difficulty in feeding their children, 94 (18.3%) left a game due to toothache, 173 (33.6%) had school …

Relationship Of Patient Self-Administered Copd Assessment Test To Physician Standard Assessment Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In A Family Medicine Residency Training Program, Jessica E. Burchette, Ivy A. Click, Leigh Johnson, S. Alicia Williams, Brett Tyler Morgan

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Assessing the global impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on a patient’s life can be difficult to perform in the clinical setting due to time constraints and workflow challenges. The primary objective of this study was to compare disease impact ratings between patient self-administered COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and physician standard office assessment. This prospective study was conducted at a family medicine residency clinic in northeast Tennessee. The study included two study groups: 1) adult patients seen at the clinic during the 3-month study period with an active diagnosis of COPD, and 2) their physicians. Physicians’ assessment of the …

Relationship Of Patient Self-Administered Copd Assessment Test To Physician Standard Assessment Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In A Family Medicine Residency Training Program, Jessica E. Burchette, Ivy A. Click, Leigh Johnson, Sandra Alicia Williams, Brett Tyler Morgan

ETSU Faculty Works

Assessing the global impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on a patient’s life can be difficult to perform in the clinical setting due to time constraints and workflow challenges. The primary objective of this study was to compare disease impact ratings between patient selfadministered COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and physician standard office assessment. This prospective study was conducted at a family medicine residency clinic in northeast Tennessee. The study included two study groups: 1) adult patients seen at the clinic during the 3-month study period with an active diagnosis of COPD, and 2) their physicians. Physicians’ assessment of the …

The Quality Of Life Of Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease On Dialysis In South Africa: A Grounded Theory Analysis, Pretty Ntombithini Mbeje, Ntombifikile Gloria Mtshali

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a global health problem with increasing prevalence worldwide. The number of patients with ESRD will increase to almost 60% by 2020, with the potential to greatly impact patients’ quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to explore and analyze QOL in patients with ESRD on dialysis.

Methods: Grounded theory, under pinned by a social constructivism paradigm, was used. Data collection occurred simultaneously in the natural settings of four selected public hospitals. A coding process was used to analyze rich data and generate findings from three focus group discussions.

Results: Results revealed that some participants …

Navigating A Difficult Transition In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Clinical Case Study, Tina Hyman, Michael Salinero, Francisco Javier Jimenez-Carcamo, Margarita Pallares, Maribel Matos

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Over the past 20 years, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) patients and providers have seen an increase in options to treat PAH. Currently, there are choices for the delivery of medications approved to treat patients with PAH where at one point the only option was intravenous (IV) therapy. This case study details the transition from IV Epoprostenol to oral Treprostinil for the treatment of a 53 year old female diagnosed with severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension whose quality of life became unbearable by the IV medication delivery route. This patient was a synchronized swimmer in her youth and her passion for water …

Disparities In Quality Of Life By Appalachian-Designation Among Women With Breast Cancer, Robin C. Vanderpool, Ann L. Coker, Heather M. Bush, Sarah E. Cprek

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Few studies have examined the association of geography and quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer patients, particularly differences between Appalachian and non-Appalachian Kentucky women, which is important given the cancer and socioeconomic disparities present in Appalachia.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether women with breast cancer residing in Appalachian Kentucky experience poorer health outcomes in regards to depression, stress, QOL, and spiritual wellbeing, relative to those living in non-Appalachian Kentucky after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors.

Methods: Women, aged 18–79, recruited from the Kentucky Cancer Registry between 2009 and 2013 with an …

Peer Support For The Maintenance Of Physical Activity And Health In Cancer Survivors: The Peer Trial - A Study Protocol Of A Randomised Controlled Trial, Kirsten N. Adlard, David G. Jenkins, Chloe E. Salisbury, Kate A. Bolam, Sjaan R. Gomersall, Joanne F. Aitken, Suzanne K. Chambers, Jeff C. Dunn, Kerry S. Courneya, Tina L. Skinner

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: Despite an overwhelming body of evidence showing the benefits of physical activity (PA) and exercise for cancer survivors, few survivors meet the exercise oncology guidelines. Moreover, initiating, let alone maintaining exercise programs with cancer survivors continues to have limited success. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the influence of peer support on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and various markers of health 12 months following a brief supervised exercise intervention in cancer survivors.

METHODS: Men and women previously diagnosed with histologically-confirmed breast, colorectal or prostate cancer (n = 226), who are >1-month post-treatment, will be invited to participate in …

Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab Versus Chemotherapy As First-Line Treatment In Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer With High Tumour Mutational Burden: Patient-Reported Outcomes Results From The Randomised, Open-Label, Phase Iii Checkmate 227 Trial, Martin Reck, Michael Schenker, Ki Hyeong Lee, Mariano Provencio, Makoto Nishio, Krzysztof Lesniewski-Kmak, Randeep Sangha, Samreen Ahmed, Judith Raimbourg, Kynan Feeney, Romain Corre, Fabio Andre Franke, Eduardo Richardet, John R. Penrod, Yong Yuan, Faith E. Nathan, Prabhu Bhagavatheeswaran, Michael Derosa, Fiona Taylor, Rachael Lawrance, Julie Brahmer

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: In the phase III CheckMate 227 study, first-line nivolumab + ipilimumab significantly prolonged progression-free survival (co-primary end-point) versus chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and high tumour mutational burden (TMB; ≥10 mutations/megabase).

AIM: To evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in this population.

METHODS: Disease-related symptoms and general health status were assessed using the validated PRO questionnaires Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and EQ-5D, respectively. LCSS average symptom burden index (ASBI) and three-item global index (3-IGI) and EQ-5D visual analogue scale (VAS) and utility index (UI) scores and changes from baseline were analysed descriptively. Longitudinal changes were assessed …

A Coordinated School Health Approach To Obesity Prevention Among Appalachian Youth: Middle School Student Outcomes From The Winning With Wellness Project, William T. Dalton Iii, Karen Schetzina, Elizabeth Conway-Williams

Karen E. Schetzina

The Winning With Wellness (WWW) project was a school-based obesity prevention program that was developed to promote healthy eating and physical activity in youth residing in rural Appalachia. The project was based on the Coordinated School Health model (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2013a) and used a community-based participatory research approach with an emphasis on feasibility and sustainability. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported health outcomes for middle school students across the course of the intervention. Sixth grade middle school students (N = 149; 52% girls) from four schools in Northeast Tennessee completed a …

Measuring Quality Of Life In Patients With Rotator Cuff Disorders, Rochelle Furtado

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Rotator cuff disorders (RCDs) are a common musculoskeletal problem with a higher prevalence in women and after the age of 60. Due to the increasing need for patient-centered care, researchers have been directed towards the use of patient reported outcomes (PROs) to evaluate the progress of patient recovery, as the experience varies across individuals.

Recently, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index was reduced in items to create the shortened version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (Short-WORC). However, the Short-WORC’s psychometrics have yet to be evaluated. Therefore, this mixed-methods thesis aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Short-WORC …

Marta, Marta, Tsos

TSOS Interview Gallery

Marta is a member of the support community for Central American refugees arriving in the southwest US. In this interview, Marta shares her own story of crossing the border at a young age with her daughter and her life in the US. Marta was self-employed for many years and later went on to serve in the US Army in Iraq. For the last 9 months, she and her husband Israel and son Josue have worked tirelessly to help make sure the current refugees arriving are cared for after they are released from detention centers and begin their lives in the …

Optimizing Clinical And Cost Outcomes For Patients On Enteral Nutrition Support For Treatment Of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: Proceedings From An Expert Advisory Board Meeting, Joseph I. Boullata, Janice L. Clarke, Archie Stone, Alexis Skoufalos, David B. Nash

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Metabolic Control, Quality Of Life, And Body Image In Patients With Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia, Alexa Bream

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Glycogen storage disease is a group of inborn errors of metabolism, with type Ia being the most common form of the disorder. Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa) is a multisystemic condition in which individuals have various complications secondary to an inability to properly break down glycogen and to perform gluconeogenesis. Complex management is then necessary for patients and includes dietary modification, frequent cornstarch usage, and evaluation for additional complications such as hepatic adenomas, hypertriglyceridemia, and kidney disease. Previous studies have found lower scores in quality of life and body image in GSDIa patients; however, the specific factors influencing this …

Health And Quality Of Life Of Children Undergoing Elective Surgery, Vivian Luong

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Multiple studies have found that poorer health is associated with significantly lower quality of life when comparing children and adults with health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, and ADHD to their normal healthy counterparts. The relationship between health and quality of life, however, has yet to be examined in children who have undergone elective surgery. More than 5 million children in the U.S. undergo surgery each year. These children are often undergoing surgery for a number of health issues that may impede quality of life. Consequently, this study analyzes the effects of health on the quality of life of …

Implementation Of An Asthma Action Plan In A Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, Noelle Cerdan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A combination of asthma evidence-based education by nurse practitioners and other healthcare providers as well as self-management by patients with asthma and their caregivers are necessary to provide effective asthma care. According to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines from the National Institute of Health (NIH), effective asthma care includes a detailed Asthma Action Plan (AAP). However, despite this evidence-based recommendation for all patients with asthma, studies suggest many healthcare providers do not routinely utilize an AAP.

The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to develop and evaluate a process for the integration …

The Association Between Neurocognitive Impairment And Health-Related Quality Of Life Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)., Philip S. Amara

Capstone Experience

Background: Despite the use of combination antiretroviral therapy, HIV associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI) persists in HIV seropositive persons, albeit in milder forms than before therapy was available. Nevertheless, the relationship between NCI and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not well known.

Method: Baseline data from the CHARTER study was used to investigate the association between NCI and HRQoL. Factor analysis was employed to summarize the 35-item Medical Outcome Survey questionnaire into physical and mental HRQoL scores. General linear models were employed to investigate the association between NCI, as measured by global deficit scores (GDS), and HRQoL, and to control …

Body Composition, Serum Biomarkers Of Inflammation And Quality Of Life In Clinically Stable Women With Estrogen Receptor Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer, Patricia M. Sheean, Sandra Gomez-Perez, Cara Joyce, Vasilios Vasilopoulos, Mary Beth Bartolotta, Patricia Robinson, Shelly Lo, Laurie Lomasney

Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health

Limited data exist regarding body composition and associated patient-reported outcomes for women with metastatic BC. Demographic, clinical, blood, and questionnaire data were collected to quantify body composition and explore associations with symptoms, inflammation, and quality of life (QOL) in 41 women with ER + metastatic BC. Diagnostic/surveillance computed tomography (CT) images including the third lumbar region (L3) were obtained to evaluate skeletal muscle (SM) quantity and quality, and abdominal adipose tissue. Frequencies, medians and interquartile ranges are presented, stratified by sarcopenia and obesity (Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30.0 kg/m2). Overall, 34% (n = 14/41), 49% (n = …

Age-Related Cognitive Impairment In Apparently Healthy Older Adults, Jake Sage

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Significant increases in age-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) associated with aging have been observed among older adults, negatively affecting measures of Quality of Life (QOL). Purpose: To examine the effects of a 12-week aerobic and cognitive training intervention on cognitive function in apparently healthy older adults. Methods: Six participants (40-75 years) were randomly placed into one of three training groups: 1) aerobic, cognitive, and flexibility (AER/COG); 2) aerobic and flexibility (AER); or 3) cognitive and flexibility (COG). There was a complete physical and cognitive assessment administered before and after the 12-week intervention. Individuals were assigned to 36 one hour …

Integrating Quality Of Life Assessments In Student Clinical Learning Experience / Intégration D’Une Évaluation De La Qualité De Vie Dans Les Situations D’Apprentissage Clinique Des Étudiantes, Tracy Stephen, Andrea Orr, Landa Terblanche, Richard Sawatzky

Quality Advancement in Nursing Education - Avancées en formation infirmière

Healthcare organizations and governments increasingly emphasize the importance of viewing patients and families as equal members of the care team, with the right to participate in decisions affecting their care. In order to support the imperatives of person-centred care, Quality of Life (QOL) assessments are utilized more as part of routine clinical care. QOL assessments involve the use of standardized, validated questionnaires completed by patients to assess their health and quality of life from their own point of view.

In an effort to support transformational learning about QOL assessments, fourth-year students in a BSN program completed an assignment that involved …

The Effects Of An Aerobic Exercise Program On Strength And Quality Of Life In Lower-Leg Amputees With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Kristin Russell

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

There is a need to determine if an exercise program that focuses on improving aerobic exercise will be beneficial for amputees in comparison to the traditional therapy programs. This study sought to answer this research question. It was hypothesized that an aerobic therapy program would improve quality of life, strength, and decrease PTSD episode frequency.

Quality Of Life Of Primary Brain Tumor Patients Before And 3 Months After Discharge From A Hospital In Bandung, Indonesia, Amelia Ganefianty, I Made Kariasa, Susan Mcallister, Ismail Fahmi, Kalih Sarjono, Ahmad Faried, Agung B. Sutiono, Sarah Derrett

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The quality of life of patients with primary brain tumor in Indonesia is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the health‐related quality of life of patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Department of Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia, up to 3 months after discharge. Methods: Baseline data were collected from patients aged ≥18 years who were admitted to the hospital between October 9, 2015, and February 17, 2016. In‐person interviews were then conducted 1–2 days pre‐discharge (n = 65) and follow-up telephone interviews were made 1, 2, and 3 months post-discharge (n = 58, 55, …