Public Health Commons^™

Social Media By Providers And Patients In Healthcare, Madison K. Howell, Jirakamon Silapabanleng

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter have been used in various industries to create direct-to-consumer interactive opportunities. 74% of the US population were social media active users. Around 40% of adults gather their health information from Facebook, a free social networking site, which has been available on various devices and can help many organizations advertise their services as well as communicate with their patients. Social networks had a powerful influence in making health decisions because it could be used as a means to spread either positive or negative health information.

Purpose of study: The …

Opioid Epidemic In West Virginia, Brianna Cole

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: One of West Virginia’s most prominent public health issues and concerns has been the opioid crisis. The opioid epidemic has taken the lives of so many of the West Virginia population. The purpose of this research study was to determine if the opioid epidemic had caused an increase of Hepatitis C among the West Virginia population and access treatment options.

Methodology: The methodology was a literature review. Twenty-five sources were referenced for this literature review from 2007-2020.

Results: This literature review has examined several sources of the Opioid Epidemic in West Virginia. The Opioid Epidemic in West Virginia have …

Financial Consequences Of Covid-19 For U.S. Hospitals, Laura Petty, Trevor Mullins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic has caused many financial issues for many businesses including putting a substantial strain on hospitals in the U.S. The impact of COVID-19 on the financial well-being of hospitals has been evaluated and the severity is still being measured as the pandemic is ongoing. The purpose of this research was to assess the financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for hospitals in the United States.

Methodology: A literature review with a semi-structured interview with an expert from a local hospital was used for the methodology of this qualitative study. Five government websites and five databases …

Impact On Hospital Profitability Due To Covid Safety Guidelines, Khaja Umair Shariff, Anna Noel Franklin

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The pandemic of COVID 19 presented a unique challenge to hospitals and healthcare systems that they have been struggling to function in. Operating costs had increased with new protocols, planning, operating space, supplies, and staffing. This coupled with the loss of revenue has led to approximately 10% - 20% salary reductions, furloughs, and loss of benefits such as PTO and vacation days to employees. Hospital’s cash reserves are being depleted due to increased operations costs and reduced revenue. Government funding, such as the CARES Act provided by the sanction of the Department of Health and Human Services Office, …

West Virginia Needle Exchange Program, Briana Washington, Sara Johnson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Needle Exchange Programs (NEPs) have been controversial aspects of public healthcare due to conflicting beliefs and opinions for public policies. NEPs allow Injection Drug Users (IDUs) the ability to exchange their used equipment for clean, unused supplies.

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review was to determine the effectiveness of needle exchange programs and the impact it has had on the reduction of HIV and viral hepatitis infections in people who inject drugs. It further explores if these strategies have had a positive impact on the reduction of HIV and viral hepatitis C in West Virginia.

Methodology …

Expanding Self-Direction In Services For The Aged And People With Disabilities, Ruth A. Burgess

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Medicaid-funded long-term care services are traditionally delivered in nursing homes. States may apply for waivers which allow them to provide home and community based services with Medicaid funds. Because these services are by definition an alternative to nursing home care, waiver services are generally based upon a medical model which emphasizes medical deficits and tends to restrict consumers’ movements to inside the home. Recent developments such as the Olmstead Decision and federal New Freedom Initiatives have caused states to recognize that consumers desire and have a legal right to be part of a community rather than institutionalized or homebound. These …