Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of A Nurse Navigator On The Completion Of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits, Nanette L. Snyder

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Despite being a covered service designed to support individualized prevention planning, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (MAWV) remains underutilized at a rural Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Barriers include low patient awareness, inconsistent outreach, and a reactive scheduling process that excludes patients without upcoming appointments. These issues limit the FQHC’s ability to meet preventive care goals and sustain performance in value-based reimbursement models.

Aim of the Project: This quality improvement project evaluates the impact of implementing a nurse navigator on MAWV completion. The intervention incorporates proactive scheduling and cohort engagement to address barriers related to awareness, access, and outreach. …

High-Impact Chronic Pain And Cognitive Decline Among Mexicans Aged 60 And Older From 2012 To 2018, Sadaf Arefi Milani, Sirena Gutierrez, Brandon O'Grady, Rebeca Wong, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Brian Downer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Pain is associated with cognitive decline, but prior research has not considered differences between high- and low-impact chronic pain or low-and middle-income countries, such as Mexico. Our objective was to evaluate the association between high-impact chronic pain and cognitive decline among older adults in Mexico. We used data from the 2012-2018 Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), a nationally representative study of older Mexican adults (60+). Pain, measured at each wave, was categorized as high-impact chronic pain (pain that limits daily activities), low-impact chronic pain (pain that did not limit daily activities), and no chronic pain. Cognition was measured at …

Foundations And Strategic Vision Of The Canadian Translational Geroscience Network, Guy Hajj-Boutros, Andréa Faust, John Muscedere, Perry Kim, Gilles Gouspillou, Lea Harrington, James L. Kirkland, George A. Kuchel, Jeremy Van Raamsdonk, R. Jane Rylett, Chantal Autexier, Louis R. Lapierre, Michael Kobor, Mohammad Auais, Ann Beliën, Jeroen Aerssens, George Sutphin, Kenneth Rockwood, Alexandra Papaioannou, Marc Sim, Jamie Justice, Nancy Mayo, Gustavo Duque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Geroscience is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores the biological connections between aging and the development of chronic diseases, with the ultimate goal of identifying interventions to extend healthspan and delay age-related conditions. Recognizing the growing importance of this field, the Canadian Translational Geroscience Network (geroscience.ca) was officially launched during a conference held in Montreal on September 5-6, 2024. Building on the momentum of successful Geroscience meetings in Toronto and Montreal in 2023, this milestone event marked a transformative step forward for geroscience in Canada. This event brought together key stakeholders, including the Canadian Frailty Network (CFN), the Canadian Institutes …

Temporomandibular Joint Articular Eminence Anatomy As A Predictor Of Anterior Disc Displacement On Mri, Serin Lee

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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A Rare Case: Dental Panoramic Radiograph Leads To The Diagnosis Of A Large Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm, Vivek Sharma

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Inpatient Genetics Service And Testing Trends: A Retrospective Multi-Institution Analysis (2021-2024), Travis Schreier

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo) And Abdominal Complications In Adults: Identifying The Risk Factors, Tyler Austin

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Assessing The Impact Of A Resident Wellness Curriculum: A Retrospective Study In An Internal Medicine Residency Program, Ram Prakash Thirugnanasambandam

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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The Effect Of Pitch Clock Rules On Pitching Injuries In Milb From 2012 To 2024, Scott Goodsell

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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The Hamate: An Unexpected Fracture, Jackson Bagby

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Temporal Trends Of Obesity Among Nebraska Adults: Emr Data Shows A More Rapid Increase Than Projected, Elizabeth Gibson

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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An Atypical Cause Of Headache In An Athlete, Brittany Weaver

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Cold Truths Exposed: An Uncommon Culprit Of Neonatal Hypothermia, Stephanie Radil

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

NA

Age-Friendly Care And Mobility In Hospitalized Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Feasibility Quality Improvement Initiative, Jasmine K. Vickers, Richard E. Kennedy, Shari Harrell, David H. James, Katrina Booth, Emily Simmons, Cynthia J. Brown, Kellie L. Flood

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) have an increased risk for adverse outcomes. Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Units were developed to reduce functional decline in hospitalized older adults. INTERVENTION: We developed a quality improvement (QI) initiative to disseminate ACE care processes to non-ACE units, converting them into "Virtual ACE" units. The aim of this evaluation is to examine the impact of this intervention on the mobilization of patients with CI. POPULATION: Older adults with CI admitted to a study unit (ACE Unit or seven Virtual ACE units). METHODS: We conducted a pre/post-intervention evaluation of the proportion of …

Determining Falls Risk In People With Parkinson's Disease Using Wearable Sensors: A Systematic Review, Maeve Bradley, Sarah O'Loughlin, Eoghan Donlon, Amy Gallagher, Clodagh O'Keeffe, John Inocentes, Federica Ruggieri, Richard B Reilly, Richard Walsh, Tim Lynch, Daniel G Di Luca, Conor Fearon

2020-Current year OA Pubs

A prior history of falls remains the strongest predictor of future falls in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). There are limited biomarkers available to identify falls risk before falls begin to occur. The aim of this review is to investigate if features associated with falls risk may be detected by wearable sensors in patients with PD. A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Cinahl databases was performed. Key quality criteria include sample size adequacy, data collection procedures, and the clarity of statistical analyses. The data from each included study were extracted into defined data extraction spreadsheets. Results were …

Physical Activity And Functional Mobility In Adults With Hearing Loss: A Series Of Embedded Studies Within A 6-Month Clinical Trial With Hearing Aids, Sarah L. Bochat

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Adults with hearing loss engage in low levels of physical activity and demonstrate poor performance on measures of functional mobility. The impact of hearing rehabilitation on these outcomes is not fully understood. Previous investigations were largely quantitative and focused on older adults ≥ 65 years of age who may respond differently to hearing intervention than relatively younger adults. They also tended to focus on exercise rather than global engagement in physical activities and did not report hours of hearing aid use, an important indicator of intervention success. One purpose of this dissertation was to determine the feasibility of collecting accelerometry-assessed …

Resveratrol And Il-6 Modulation Of Cxcl1 Expression And Viability In Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines, Entkhab M. A. Alanisi, Aida H. Alobaidi, Khalid Alyodawi

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

This study aims to investigate, through in vitro methods, the molecular, immunofluorescent, and immunohistochemical effects of resveratrol and IL-6 on CXCL1 gene/protein expression in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). MCF-7 and MCF-10A cell lines were cultured and divided into four groups: control, IL-6-treated, resveratrol-treated, and a combination-treated group. CXCL1 gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), while CXCL1 protein levels were analyzed using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Cell viability was quantified by MTS assay using ELISA. CXCL1 gene/protein was overexpressed in MCF-7 cells, especially in the IL-6-treated group, but reduced in both resveratrol and combination-treated groups. MTS assay showed increased …

Exploring The Association Between Self-Esteem And Blood Pressure: A Cross-Sectional And Longitudinal Investigation, Bijou C. Allard, Julia K. Boehm

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

High self-esteem is linked to favorable outcomes including better mental health and relationships, however, its impact on cardiovascular health is less understood. This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and blood pressure levels using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (M_age = 54.53; 57% women; 20% non-White). We hypothesized that higher self-esteem would be associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure concurrently and 10 years later. Self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and blood pressure was clinically assessed. Cross-sectional analyses included 1194 participants; longitudinal analyses included 566 participants. Contrary to expectations, …

The Social Standing Versus The Mind Standing Of Older Adults In Egypt: Cross-Sectional Analysis Of The Relationship Between Social Capital And Cognitive Functions, Shaza H. Shinaishen Dr

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Egypt's population, much like that of other countries, is expected to age considerably over the course of the coming decades. Although biological and socioeconomic predictors of cognitive function have been studied widely, personal level social capital remains unexplored, especially in LMICs.

Purpose: This study primarily investigates the relationship between individual social capital and cognitive functioning among older adults aged 65 years and older in Egypt using the structural and cognitive components of social capital, including group membership, civic engagements, and caregiving roles.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey on 363 older individuals in different geographical and demographic segments of Egypt using …

Psychometric Evaluation Of The Thai Version Of Emotional Labor Scale (T-Els) In Thai Nurses, Vachira Posai, Wisarut Srisintorn, Paramee Thongsuksai, Chanokporn Jitpanya

Journal of Health Research

Background: Nurses often face emotional strain due to emotional labor (EL), which involves concealing or modifying genuine feelings to meet their job requirements. This response can lead to physical, psychological, and behavioral issues. The Emotional Labor Scale (ELS), originally in English, has not been translated into Thai, leaving its psychometric properties unexamined in the Thai context. This study aimed to translate the ELS into Thai and evaluate its psychometric properties among Thai nurses.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. The 14-item scale, which includes surface acting, deep acting, and expression of naturally felt emotions dimensions, was translated using forward …

Staff Education Program On Care Transitions For The Elderly, Emmanoela Mugha

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project was developed as a staff education program using the analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate (ADDIE) model with a focus on discharge planning in a medical clinic in northern Maryland. There is a gap in discharge planning for older adults due to shortage of providers and inadequate education related to care transitions among the elderly. The care transition process can be improved through education. The practice focused question was: “Does an educational project for nurses on care transitions for the elderly increase knowledge as compared pre-to post education?” The Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model (Appendix A) was the …

Interprofessional Education: A Geriatric Immersion Experiential, Emily J. Balog, Jennifer Degennaro, Lisa Bodenheimer, Stephanie Berdugo-Hernandez, Isabella Berdugo-Hernandez, Matthew Mclaughlin, Kevin Overbeck, Elyse Perweiler

Rowan-Virtua SOM Faculty Teaching & Learning Seminar

The Geriatric Interprofessional Education Immersion (GIPEI) course was developed using a mixed methods design guided by the Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) Framework and embedded data-driven decision-making (DDDM). The eight-week, tri-weekly immersion integrates Experiential and Adult Learning Theories, the 4Ms Framework, IPEC competencies, and TeamSTEPPS to foster age-friendly clinical decision-making. Quantitative and qualitative data, including pre/post-tests, rubrics, observations, and student interviews, inform iterative improvement. The somato-psycho-socio-semiotic model of health further anchors student reflection and care planning. Findings aim to demonstrate improved learner ability to recognize and apply age-friendly care, while supporting evidence-informed curriculum refinement. The course is funded by the geriatric workforce enhancement …

Enhancing Dementia Classification For Diverse Demographic Groups: Using Vision Transformer-Based Continuous Scoring Of Clock Drawing Tests., Mengyao Hu, Yi Lu Murphey, Tian Qin, Edmundo R Melipillán, Laura B Zahodne, Richard Gonzalez, Vicki A Freedman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias significantly affect older adults' quality of life. The clock-drawing test (CDT) is a widely used dementia screening tool due to its ease of administration and effectiveness. However, manual CDT-coding in large-scale studies can be time-intensive and prone to coding errors and is typically limited to ordinal responses. In this study, we developed a continuous CDT score using a deep learning neural network (DLNN) and evaluated its ability to classify participants as having dementia or not.

Methods: Using a nationally representative sample of older adults from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), we …

Application Of Claims-Based Frailty Index To A Structured Electronic Health Record Data, Min Ji Kwak, Caroline Schaefer, Youngran Kim, Sunyang Fu, Chan Mi Park, Abhijeet Dhoble, Nahid Rianon, Holly M Holmes, Dae Hyun Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The Claims-based Frailty Index (CFI) has been developed and validated using Medicare claims data. However, whether CFI can be applied to structured electronic health record data has not been studied.

Methods: We applied the CFI to a structured electronic health record dataset (Explorys dataset) and a Medicare fee-for-service 5% sample data and compared the prevalence of frailty from each dataset, using the cohort of older adults. Then, we assessed the odds ratio and area under the curve of the frailty predicting adverse clinical outcomes, any hospital or emergency room visit, or any adverse drug events related encounter within 1 …

Assessing Older Adult Behavioral Health Diagnoses In Oregon By Geographical Area, Physical Disability Status, And Age., N F. Parsons, Allyson Stodola, Ellis Hews, Nirmala Dhar, Sheryl Elliott, Sarah Dys, Walter D. Dawson

Institute on Aging Publications

This repeated cross-sectional study aims to assess potential differences among behavioral health (BH) diagnoses for older adults. Differences in services across urban versus rural/remote areas may contribute to deeply entrenched barriers to improved BH for this population.

Dementia Care: The Role Of Experiential Learning In Nursing Education, Jeannie Simpson

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

The escalating global prevalence of dementia necessitates enhanced educational strategies to prepare nursing students to care effectively for individuals living with dementia. Traditional methods in nursing education predominantly focus on pharmacological treatments and basic caregiving strategies, often neglecting innovative approaches like the Music & Memory® program, Virtual Dementia Tour®, and Montessori dementia. By including these innovative approaches, future nurses will be better equipped to develop and implement person-centered care for individuals living with dementia to improve their quality of life. The integration of these approaches will also meet the growing demands of dementia care, aligning with global health mandates.

Nursing News & Views - June 2025, Brenda Rocha Rn, Cno

Nursing Newsletters

Nursing News & Views - June 2025

The Association Of Vision And Hearing Impairment On Cognitive Function And Loneliness: Evidence From The Mexican Health And Aging Study, Kimberly Hreha, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Heather E Whitson, L P Downer, Jessica S West, Brian Downer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: We investigated whether self-reported vision and hearing were associated with cognitive function and loneliness among Mexican adults aged 50 and older.

Methods: Mexican Health and Aging Study data. Vision/hearing status was self-reported (excellent-very good, good, fair-poor). Cognition was measured using nine tasks. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Analyses controlled for demographic and health characteristics.

Results: Among 12,353 participants (mean age = 67, 58% female), poor vision, but not hearing, was associated with lower global cognition (β = -0.03, p < .05). Poor vision (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.30-1.91) and hearing (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.14-1.61) were associated with higher odds of being lonely after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, but not when adjusting for limitations in daily activities and depressive symptoms.

Discussion: Poor vision is a potentially modifiable risk factor for lower cognition and loneliness among Mexican adults. …

Factors Associated With Perceived Medication Safety During Transitions Of Care In Patients With Cancer: A Secondary Data Analysis Of A Cross-Sectional Survey, Youmin Cho, Misun Hwang, Yang Gong, Yun Jiang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate perceived medication safety in patients with cancer during transitions of care and identify factors associated with their safety perceptions.

Methods: A secondary data analysis was performed on a cross-sectional survey data of from patients with four types of cancer (i.e., colorectal, lung, prostate, and breast). Perceived medication safety was measured by the sum score of four survey items that assessed patients' feelings about medication safety during transitions of care. Potential associated factors included sociodemographic and clinical factors (i.e., cancer types, taking oral anticancer agents), self-rated health, perceived safety in communicating with clinicians, beliefs about …

The Specialist Dementia Care Program In Australia: Evidence To Date On A Home-Like Model Of Care For People With Very Severe Behaviours And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia, Mustafa Atee, Srivalli Vilapakkam Nagarajan, Rebecca Lloyd, Stephen Macfarlane, Angela Raguz, Thomas Morris

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) have a serious impact on care and health outcomes, such as inappropriate pharmacotherapy and impaired quality of life. These symptoms are common across care settings but are more prevalent in residential aged care homes (RACHs). BPSD such as aggression and psychosis may pose a high risk of harm to residents, co-residents, caregivers and families, and the severe forms of these BPSD are linked to RACH premature admission. When people with very severe BPSD in Australia cannot be cared for in mainstream RACHs, the Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) is offered. This article …