Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Fantasia On A Theme Of Purpose: Using A Music-Guided Scribble Technique To Support Meaning-Making In Older Adult Retiree Musicians, Sophia R. Smith

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Within the population of older adults, overall well-being corresponds with the ability to self-actualize and seek meaning, but age-related changes combined with ageism and isolation can negatively impact this capacity to maintain a sense of purpose, especially following retirement. It may be that retired musicians are especially vulnerable to this experience later in life due to a loss of the primary method of creative engagement and community that is facilitated by musical performance in a group setting. Integrating phenomenological and ethnographic approaches, this study utilized a qualitative design to understand how music-guided art-making incorporating the scribble technique could support a …

Mindfulness And Self-Compassion: Attuning Skills In Self-Awareness To Promote Self-Care For Art Therapy Practitioners A Mixed-Methods Study Using A Mandala Art Directive And Acceptance Commitment Therapy (Act), Janeth Arcila Padilla

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This study attempts to examine people in the mental health field, specifically, Art Therapists and graduate trainees who undergo many stressors in and out of the therapy space. Stressors like emotionally demanding situations with clients, to the demands of keeping up with proper work-related procedures, and needed educational requirements for practicing in the field can lead to burnout for practitioners and students in the field. Stress, burnout, and professional impairment are prevalent among mental health professionals and can have a negative impact on their clinical work, while engagement in self-care can help promote therapist well-being (Posluns & Gall, 2020). Research …

Functional Analysis Of Mandibular Movements In Three Different Groups Including Patients With Total Joint Replacements, Previous Orthognathic Surgery, And A Control Group, Adriana Morales Buendia

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose: To Assess mandibular movements, including mouth opening, lateral excursion, and protrusion among patients with total joint replacements and orthognathic surgery compared to healthy control participants with no known TMJ disorders. Methods: Fifty-two subjects from 18 to 66 years of age were included in this cross-sectional study, distributed in three groups: patients with total joint replacement (n = 16), patients who underwent orthognathic surgery (n=17), and healthy control subjects (n = 19) to quantitatively determine whether there is statistically significant difference among the groups regarding opening, lateral excursion, and protrusion movements. The non-invasive system SiCAT JMT+ device was used to …

Investigating The Electrostatics Of Mucins As Key Contributors To Mucus Stasis In Cystic Fibrosis, Elex Skylar Rose

All ETDs from UAB

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes a channel responsible for the transport of chloride and bicarbonate ions across the apical cell surface. In the respiratory tract, defective CFTR results in viscous and adherent mucus that becomes static within the airway, which leads to chronic infections, progressive lung damage, and early mortality. Historically, CF mucus stasis has been attributed to significant airway dehydration; however, growing evidence has demonstrated that aberrant electrostatic properties of mucins also contribute to mucus stasis in CF. Mucins are large, polymeric glycoproteins …

The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program And Its Effect On Drug Overdose Mortalities, Charles Lee

All ETDs from UAB

The opioid epidemic is a growing concern, and the health and economic impacts on rural and urban counties are increasing. Between 1999 and 2019, approximately 841,000 people died from drug overdoses involving heroin, synthetic opioids, and prescribed opioids with 71,000 dying in 2019. This study examined the relationship between drug overdose mortalities and three independent variables, (a) Medicaid expansion, (b) Years PDMP active, and (c) Academic detailing engagement. Results of this study will contribute to the literature by determining if the Medicaid expansion, years prescription drug monitoring programs active, and academic detailing engagement decrease drug overdose mortalities. This study includes …

Associations Between Grit, Life Satisfaction, And Academic Outcomes In Elementary And Middle School Students, Charles Jaylon Williams

All ETDs from UAB

Grit is used to predict various positive benefits within students. Grit is trying to get back up to attempt another try at one’s goal after failure. Recently, grit has been seen as a potential candidate in improving the life satisfaction and academic performance of individuals. Grit is conceptualized as having two components, perseverance of effort and consistency of interest. Perseverance of effort is trying again until you finally accomplish your goal, while consistency of interest is a constant drive to complete one’s goals over a long-time span. This study measured the effects that grit has on elementary and middle school …

Investigating Hiv-1 Transmission To Human Cervix Using Reporter Virus Technologies, Dana Frances Indihar

All ETDs from UAB

Around 39 million people globally are currently infected with Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), more than half of whom are women. HIV-1 is a retrovirus that infects and depletes an individual’s immune cells, culminating in the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if not managed with anti-retroviral therapies (ART). Most women acquire HIV-1 through heterosexual intercourse. However, the early mechanisms and virologic determinants of HIV-1 transmission to women remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrate transmitted/founder (TF) HIV-1 representing two genetically and pathogenically distinct subtypes (A and D) in vivo have distinct replication phenotypes in an ex vivo cervical explant tissue (CET) …

Physical And Optical Properties Of Material Used For Injection Molding, Nadia Christine Farias Machado

All ETDs from UAB

Background: This project investigates the materials used in injection molding dental resin composites which involves injecting flowable composite into a clear mold. Understanding the physical and optical properties of both the resin composite and the clear mold material is crucial for successful clinical outcomes. For the clear mold material, its translucency, curing light transmission, and rigidity are vital factors. Correlations may be present between trans-lucency and curing light transmission. For the resin composite, comparing wear, hardness, translucency, radiopacity, shrinkage stress, flexural strength, and modulus will affect mate-rial performance. Finally, the depth of cure of the material will be dependent on …

Trends In Reported Sexual Behaviors Among Alabama High School Students From 2011-2021, Sarah Franklin

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Sexual health education is associated with better outcomes among adolescents proper use of contraception, STI prevention methods, and lower rates of teenage pregnancy and STIs. In Alabama, sexual health education is not mandated in public schools. It is unknown how the lack of mandated sexual education has impacted trends in the sexual health of Alabama high school students. Methods: Using 2011-2021 data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), this study evaluated trends in sexual behaviors, including: 1) sexual history, 2) current sexual activity, 3) risky or protective sexual behaviors, and 4) history of HIV testing, over time among …

Providing Medication Reconciliation Through A Post-Discharge Follow-Up Phone Call To Prevent 30-Day Readmissions For Heart Failure, Karolee Fill

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Background: Despite decades of strategic initiatives, all-cause 30-day heart failure readmissions remain greater than 20% nationwide. Issues with medications post-discharge increases the risk of 30-day readmissions.

Local Problem: Heart failure readmission rates within 30 days of discharge remain above the organizational benchmark.

Methods: Quality improvement project utilizing pre- and post-evaluation readmission data from a convenience sample of hospitalized adult heart failure patients.

Interventions: A follow-up phone call from a nurse within 72 hours of hospital discharge to perform medication reconciliation.

Results: Thirty-day readmissions for heart failure in the project population were no different from the hospital population as there was …

Nursing Education And Comfort Level In Caring For Patients With Eating Disorders, Jaylyn E. Jewell

Honors Theses and Capstones

Nurses are integral to providing care to patients with eating disorders, who often present to the generalized hospital setting related to physical complications from their disorder. Despite the vital role nurses play, a lack of education is cited. This project sought to assess knowledge on eating disorders of nurses at a local hospital through dissemination of a survey. A total of n=18 responses were gathered. Results supported the fact that many nurses have received inadequate education on eating disorders, and consequently have low knowledge and competency in the care of these patients. This project seeks to identify this lack of …

Usage Of Peer Mentoring Workbooks: Enhancing The Transition Of College Students With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Taylor Nicole Grout

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This doctoral capstone project assesses the impact and effectiveness of using peer mentoring workbooks as a tool to enhance the transition of college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A peer mentoring workbook was developed using theoretical frameworks to guide its design and identification of primary occupations, roles, and routines of college students. From here, four domains of college student life (dorm living, college social life, classroom management and participation, and community engagement and transportation) were developed to act as a framework for the workbook. Through the usage of Participatory Action Research, key stakeholders provided essential feedback that allowed for …

Effectiveness Of Peer Support Groups For Mothers At Risk For Postpartum Depression, Natalie Paige Gates

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Motherhood requires a role transition, new maternal responsibilities, and changes in everyday life, which can impact the mother’s mental health, possibly leading to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can, in turn, create additional challenges for the mother in engaging in her daily routines and occupations. Therefore, a peer support group for mothers at risk for postpartum depression was developed in hopes of improving the mothers’ management of routines, ultimately improving maternal mental health. The effectiveness of the peer support group was measured through quantitative and qualitative online self-report surveys, where the mothers reported their current mental health status, self-efficacy, and occupational …

Advancing Opportunities For The Autistic Community At West Virginia University, Drew D. Altizer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have difficulties with social integration and sensory challenges on collegiate campuses. These difficulties are sometimes tied together as social integration spaces are not always sensory-friendly and can be overwhelming for the individual. Creating a sensory-friendly space within the potentially overstimulating environment can provide the student with a place to recharge and recover and still access the desired social events. This capstone project focused on the design and development of a sensory room in the West Virginia University Mountain Lair Student Union, working directly with the students in the West Virginia University Autism Support Program …

Community Resource Programs Impact On Marginalized Communities Access To Health Care Services: A Program Development Project, Alexis N. Foehrkolb

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Caring for children and meeting their needs comes with a variety of considerations regarding temperament, developmental progress, and socioeconomic impact. For children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN), those considerations become more complex. Community resource programs are designed to help families of CSHCN get access to the resources they need regarding general and healthcare services. A program was developed in collaboration with Parents Place of Maryland (PPMD) to create materials effective in educating parents of CSHCN on desired topics of interest, create a virtual environment where parents felt safe asking questions regarding specific topics of interest, and determine the most effective …

The Impact Of Occupational Therapy In Lactation Services, Sarah Adrienne Mcaninch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Many benefits to breastfeeding exist for both mothers and infants, yet exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low across the nation. These benefits include decreased chance of infections for infants, low infant mortality, and decreased chances of breast and ovarian cancers for mothers (Binns et al., 2016; CDC, 2023). Education strategies have recently become imperative for health organizations to help mothers sustain their ability to breastfeed within the recommended six-month timeframe. Current literature on education supports that women who receive education at some point in their lactation journey are more likely to reach the six-month period and have more confidence in their …

Visit North Carolina: Trail Accessibility, Hannah Caitlyn Guschel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This paper focuses on the perceived barriers to travel from marketing material for individuals with disabilities compared to those without disabilities and the direct impact on leisurely travel participation, particularly in outdoor spaces. Employing a cross-sectional study design encompassing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, this research investigates the experiences and transparency of trail accessibility in the state of North Carolina. Quantitative data were gathered through trail assessment accessibility checklists, while qualitative insights were obtained via in-depth interviews. The findings reveal an improved understanding of accessibility and the application of an accessibility checklist. Moreover, the study underscores the importance …

Contracture Management For Acute Burn Injury Patients, Brianna Paige Pestrosky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background: The Occupational Therapists working within the burn unit at West Penn Hospital assess and treat patients utilizing the biomechanical approach FOR, as well as the support from MOHO and PEOP. The patients seen within the burn unit encompass a variety of injuries and occupational deficits that require an individualized and holistic approach to care.

Purpose: The purpose of the contracture management project is to provide an interdisciplinary approach to improve carryover and patient care within and out of the hospital.

Theoretical framework: The contracture management project is guided using the biomechanical frame of reference as well as supporting constructs …

Developmentally Appropriate Care In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Ashten Cenkus

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

As specialized healthcare professionals educated in developmental care, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) have a role in educating, coaching, and assessing the needs of infants, their families, and the staff in the NICU. These high-risk and medically fragile infants require specialized care that considers the incorporation of neurodevelopment, neurobehavioral regulation, sensory stimulation, and motor development through supportive and appropriate interventions. A project addressing these needs across 14 weeks was implemented as part of an Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) capstone experience at WVU Medicine Children’s in Morgantown, West Virginia. This project examined the results of the NICU staff's confidence, knowledge, and awareness …

Instrumental Assessment Of Aero-Resistive Expiratory Muscle Strength Rehabilitation Devices, Angela M. Dietsch, Rahul Krishnamurthy, Kelsey Young, Steven M. Barlow

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is increasingly being used to treat voice, cough, and swallowing deficits in a wide range of conditions. However, a multitude of aero-resistive EMST models are commercially available, and the ab-sence of side-by-side comparative data interferes with clinicians’ ability to assess which model is best suited to a particular client’s needs. The primary aim of this research was to test and compare the pressure and flow parameters of six currently available EMST models to help inform clinical decision making.

Method

We identified and tested five devices of each of six different EMST models to generate …

Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning In Communication Sciences And Disorders: Past, Present, And Future, Sarah M. Ginsberg, Colleen F. Visconti, Jennifer C. Friberg

Books - Communication Sciences and Disorders

No abstract provided.

January 2024, New England Osteopathic Heritage Center

New England Osteopathic Heritage Center Newsletter

New England Osteopathic Heritage Center's annual newsletter for January 2024

Multi-Cancer Early Detection Testing (Mced), Ora K Gordon, Brad Bott, Nanor Parseghian, Paul Psychogios, Kimberly K Childers, Sandra Brown

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Decoding U.S. Tort Liability In Healthcare's Black-Box Ai Era: Lessons From The European Union, Mindy Duffourc, Sara Gerke

Faculty Scholarly Works

The rapid development of sophisticated artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools in healthcare presents new possibilities for improving medical treatment and general health. Currently, such AI tools can perform a wide range of health-related tasks, from specialized autonomous systems that diagnose diabetic retinopathy to general-use generative models like ChatGPT that answer users’ health-related questions. On the other hand, significant liability concerns arise as medical professionals and consumers increasingly turn to AI for health information. This is particularly true for black-box AI because while potentially enhancing the AI’s capability and accuracy, these systems also operate without transparency, making it difficult or even impossible …

Achieving Impactful Treatment For Pediatric Endocrine Disorders Through Primary Care In Low To Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Hannah E. Olson

Undergraduate Research Awards

Background: Endocrine disorders affect over 5% of the world’s population, with an additional 5% undiagnosed. Despite the increasing prevalence of endocrine disorders, especially cases in low to middle-income countries, limited research offers comprehensive guidance on trea9ng this complex medical field.

Objecive/Aim: To provide evidence-based recommendations for efficient, effective, and accessible treatment of pediatric endocrine conditions in low to middle income countries.

Method: We used the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework for scoping reviews to analyze health care administration approaches in low to middle-income countries. These approaches included primary care, specialized care, government intervention, and mobile health initiatives. Evaluation criteria focused …

Clinical Breast Exam Training Using Tactually Accurate Computer Simulation Among Healthcare Providers In Ghana, Dannica Callies, Danielle Schievelbein, Cynthia Elverson, Judith Osae-Larbi

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: The incidence and prevalence of breast cancer continue to grow each year in sub-Saharan Africa. With limited access to diagnostic testing in this resource-limited area, clinical breast exams are a priority. Di- versity in clinical breast exam skills contributes to misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of breast cancer. Computer-based simulation improves clinical breast exam skills and has the potential to improve patient outcomes.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tactually accurate computer simulation on partici- pants’ clinical breast exam competence, confidence, and intent to perform clinical breast exams in their practice.
Methods: This was a retrospective study …

Implementation Of An Oral Sucrose Protocol For Advanced Practice Providers, Cori Shatto

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of A Non-Pharmacological Cognitive Stimulation Therapeutic Activities Protocol As A Delirium Prevention Method For Adults, Jada Hieb

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects

Background/Purpose: Delirium is a complex clinical syndrome comprising a constellation of symptoms, including acute onset, inattention, altered level of consciousness, and disorganized thinking or cognitive dysfunction. Delirium is a common complication often unrecognized, expensive, and preventable. This project's focus was further exploring non-pharmacological delirium prevention strategies (NDPS).
Methods: A NDPS program using a therapeutic activity book (TAB) was implemented in a Midwestern acute care hospital measuring the impact on the number of positive delirium screens, the number of delirium diagnoses, and hospital length of stay (LOS).
Results: A causative relationship or association between the TAB and outcomes could not be …

From Heel To Toe: Investigating Plantar Fasciitis Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment Strategies, Breanna Littlejohn

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This presentation informs plantar fasciitis patients. The cause of plantar fasciitis is multifactorial but most cases result from overuse stress. The cause of plantar fasciitis is multifactorial but most cases result from overuse stress. The classic presentation is of sharp localized pain at the heel. In some cases, a heel spur may be found. This presentation explains how exercise can improve plantar fasciitis. Reviewing risk factors will help you identify and manage plantar fasciitis when undergoing treatment. Understanding plantar fasciitis is crucial as it is a common and painful condition affecting the bottom of the foot. This inflammation of the …

The Role Of Primary Care Providers In Maintaining Weight Loss By Preventing Behavioral Relapse, Hayden R. Blanchard

Capstone Showcase

Supporting patients in optimizing health by treating obesity remains a relevant goal for primary care providers. While weight loss is frequently achieved with behavioral modification, maintaining weight loss by avoiding behavioral relapse is much more difficult. Patient may lose weight by reducing overall energy intake, incorporating intensive behavior change programs, utilizing pharmacotherapy as needed and, in certain cases, undergoing bariatric surgery. With a focus on behavior change and maintenance, primary care providers can support patients by planning more frequent follow up appointments, at least every one to three months. In these visits, PCPs can: focus on reenforcing lifestyle change principles …