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A Hidden Danger In Cancer Patients: Intestinal Parasites ​, Asli Geçgel, Ayşe Merve Parmaksizoğlu Aydin, Ahmet Türk, Esra Erdem Kivrak, Gökhan Vatansever, Nevi̇n Turgay, Erdem Göker, Meltem Taşbakan Aug 2026

A Hidden Danger In Cancer Patients: Intestinal Parasites ​, Asli Geçgel, Ayşe Merve Parmaksizoğlu Aydin, Ahmet Türk, Esra Erdem Kivrak, Gökhan Vatansever, Nevi̇n Turgay, Erdem Göker, Meltem Taşbakan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Intestinal parasites are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, distribution, and associated clinical factors of intestinal parasite detection among patients with solid tumors who presented with diarrhea over a 10-year period.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included patients aged ≥18 years with solid tumors who presented with diarrhea and had stool samples examined at the Ege University Medical Parasitology Laboratory between January 2014 and September 2024. Patients with incomplete records or inadequate stool processing were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were retrieved from electronic medical records …


Examining The Association Between Socioeconomic Factors And Cervical Cancer Among Minority Women In The United States, Darla Fils Aug 2026

Examining The Association Between Socioeconomic Factors And Cervical Cancer Among Minority Women In The United States, Darla Fils

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern, with African American and Hispanic women experiencing disproportionately higher incidence and mortality rates in the United States. Socioeconomic factors, including income, education, employment status, and place of residence, may contribute to these disparities by affecting access to preventive services, timely diagnosis, and follow-up care. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined associations between these factors and cervical cancer incidence among African American and Hispanic women while controlling for age and health insurance status. Guided by the socio-ecological model, the study used 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from N = 33,886 African American …


Staff Re-Entry Plan — Indian Trail, Flett, Woodridge, Travis Schulhauser Aug 2026

Staff Re-Entry Plan — Indian Trail, Flett, Woodridge, Travis Schulhauser

Spokane Wildfire Academic Consortium Repository

Following the downgrade of Level 3 Evacuation orders at Flett Middle School and Indian Trail and Woodridge elementary schools on Aug. 9, district staff worked with Fulcrum Environmental Consulting to conduct visual inspections and air-quality testing at these sites. More than 100 interior and exterior locations were tested, with indoor air quality within the Good-to-Moderate range under the EPA Air Quality Index. Inspectors also found no indication of unusual ash, soot or other settled particulates inside or outside the buildings.


Daam2 Gene Variants P.(Asp165glu) And P.(Asn614thrfster2) In Pediatric Cryptorchidism: A Hypothesis-Generating Pilot Case-Control Study From The Eastern Black Sea Region Of Türkiye ​, Onur Yalçin, Çağri Doğan Aug 2026

Daam2 Gene Variants P.(Asp165glu) And P.(Asn614thrfster2) In Pediatric Cryptorchidism: A Hypothesis-Generating Pilot Case-Control Study From The Eastern Black Sea Region Of Türkiye ​, Onur Yalçin, Çağri Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital anomaly of the male genitourinary system, characterized by a multifactorial etiology. The disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 2 (DAAM2) gene regulates androgen receptor (AR)- dependent transcription; its variants are associated with partial androgen insensitivity. Since the inguinoscrotal phase of testicular descent is androgen-dependent, we hypothesized that DAAM2 variants contribute to cryptorchidism susceptibility. This pilot study, designed to generate hypotheses rather than to establish association, investigated the frequency of two functionally characterized DAAM2 variants, p.(Asp165Glu) and p.(Asn614ThrfsTer2), in pediatric cryptorchidism.

Materials and methods: This prospective case-control study included 40 male pediatric cryptorchidism patients and 39 …


Readability Of Dermatology Patient Education Materials: A Comparative Analysis Of Turkish Dermatology Association Brochures And Texts Generated By Chatgpt And Gemini ​, Ahmet Kağan Özdemi̇r, Bengü Reyhan Botsali Özdemi̇r, Akin Aktaş Aug 2026

Readability Of Dermatology Patient Education Materials: A Comparative Analysis Of Turkish Dermatology Association Brochures And Texts Generated By Chatgpt And Gemini ​, Ahmet Kağan Özdemi̇r, Bengü Reyhan Botsali Özdemi̇r, Akin Aktaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In modern healthcare, patient education materials (PEMs) are essential for bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and patient understanding. However, in Türkiye, where 64.6% of the adult population possesses inadequate or problematic health literacy, traditional medical brochures often exceed recommended reading levels. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the readability of Turkish dermatology PEMs prepared by the Turkish Dermatology Association (TDA) with those generated by artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Materials and methods: A total of 68 TDA PEMs were analyzed. Readability was assessed using the Ateşman Readability Index. Responses were generated by AI models to questions extracted from …


Risk Of Systemic Reactions During Pediatric Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Clinical Predictors And Safety Outcomes ​, Fi̇gen Çelebi̇ Çeli̇k, Alp Kazancioğlu, Soner Günder, Meli̇ke Ocak, Berna Uzunoğlu, Canan Şule Karkiner, Özlem Sancakli, Ayfer Tuncer, Özge Uysal Soyer, Bülent Eni̇s Şekerel, Demet Can, Ümi̇t Murat Şahi̇ner Aug 2026

Risk Of Systemic Reactions During Pediatric Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Clinical Predictors And Safety Outcomes ​, Fi̇gen Çelebi̇ Çeli̇k, Alp Kazancioğlu, Soner Günder, Meli̇ke Ocak, Berna Uzunoğlu, Canan Şule Karkiner, Özlem Sancakli, Ayfer Tuncer, Özge Uysal Soyer, Bülent Eni̇s Şekerel, Demet Can, Ümi̇t Murat Şahi̇ner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, timing, severity, and clinical predictors of systemic reactions in children receiving subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (SCIT) with house dust mite (HDM) and grass pollen extracts under real-world clinical conditions.

Materials and methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 623 children with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis, with or without asthma, who received SCIT between 2006 and 2023 at two tertiary pediatric allergy centers. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, immunotherapy protocols, and systemic reactions (SRs) were recorded and graded according to the updated 2024 World Allergy Organization (WAO) systemic reaction scale.

Results: SCIT was well tolerated. Systemic reactions …


Uniportal Vats Wedge Pulmonary Resections, Kubi̇lay İnan, Özgür Ömer Yildiz Aug 2026

Uniportal Vats Wedge Pulmonary Resections, Kubi̇lay İnan, Özgür Ömer Yildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has emerged as a common approach in surgical procedures involving the lung, mediastinum, thoracic wall, and diaphragm. Recent studies have described the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic VATS procedures via a single port, and the technique has become the preferred diagnostic modality for various intrathoracic pathologies and for patients deemed unsuitable for fine-needle biopsy.

Materials and methods: The records of 57 patients who underwent diagnostic and therapeutic uniportal VATS for wedge pulmonary resection between January 2024 and January 2025 were reviewed retrospectively, and details regarding the surgical method, length of hospital stay, complications, and diagnostic …


Thyroid Function In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Specific Learning Disorder: A Retrospective Comparative Study, Gül Trabzon, Seda Aybüke Sari, Servet Yüce, Şeyma Demi̇ray Güllü Aug 2026

Thyroid Function In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Specific Learning Disorder: A Retrospective Comparative Study, Gül Trabzon, Seda Aybüke Sari, Servet Yüce, Şeyma Demi̇ray Güllü

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study analyzes thyroid function parameters (free T₃, free T₄, TSH) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD with specific learning disorder, and healthy controls, to determine whether subtle thyroid dysregulation contributes to the phenotypic heterogeneity of ADHD.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 135 children aged 6–18 years: 62 diagnosed with ADHD (38 isolated ADHD and 24 ADHD+SLD) and 73 healthy controls. Demographic, anthropometric, and thyroid function data (free T₃, free T₄, TSH) were extracted from medical records. Group comparisons were conducted using independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and ANCOVA adjusted for age, sex, and treatment status. …


Sarcopenia Risk In Women With Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Sarc-F-Based Assessment ​, Burak Kami̇l Turan, Ayşe Adi̇le Küçükdeveci̇, Zafer Günendi̇, Ayşegül Yaman, Oya Özdemi̇r, Jale Meray, Fatma Yeşi̇m Gökçe Kutsal Aug 2026

Sarcopenia Risk In Women With Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Sarc-F-Based Assessment ​, Burak Kami̇l Turan, Ayşe Adi̇le Küçükdeveci̇, Zafer Günendi̇, Ayşegül Yaman, Oya Özdemi̇r, Jale Meray, Fatma Yeşi̇m Gökçe Kutsal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are diseases of bone and muscle tissue, respectively. Studies reported that these disorders were interrelated. However, this relation was explored in older adults and/or with certain comorbidities, and information about nonelderly postmenopausal women is scarce. This study’s objectives were to investigate the relationship between osteoporosis and SARC-F-defined sarcopenia risk in postmenopausal women aged ≤70 years and to examine the effect of other factors on this risk.

Materials and methods: This multicenter case-control study included postmenopausal women aged 45–70 years. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was utilized to diagnose osteoporosis. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, sarcopenia risk (SARC-F), muscle strength …


Can Hydrolyzed Silk Fibroin Derived From Bombyx Hatayensis And Ozonized Gel Modulate Inflammatory And Angiogenic Responses In A Corneal Alkali Burn Model? ​​, Şule Barman Kaki̇l, Hamdullah Suphi̇ Bayraktar, Okan Soylu, İshak Gökçek, Meryem İlkay Karagül, Zehra Demi̇ray Asoğlu Aug 2026

Can Hydrolyzed Silk Fibroin Derived From Bombyx Hatayensis And Ozonized Gel Modulate Inflammatory And Angiogenic Responses In A Corneal Alkali Burn Model? ​​, Şule Barman Kaki̇l, Hamdullah Suphi̇ Bayraktar, Okan Soylu, İshak Gökçek, Meryem İlkay Karagül, Zehra Demi̇ray Asoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The therapeutic effects of hydrolyzed silk fibroin derived from Bombyx hatayensis and a commercially available ozonized gel, administered individually and in combination, were evaluated in a rat model of corneal alkali burn.

Materials and methods: A standardized corneal alkali burn was induced in the right eyes of Wistar albino rats using 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Animals were randomly assigned to six groups: negative control, positive control (PC), hydrolyzed silk fibroin (SF), ozonized gel (O), combined treatment (SF + O), and antibiotic treatment. Topical treatments were administered for 21 consecutive days. Clinical evaluation included assessments of corneal opacity, neovascularization, …


Repurposing Diclofenac For Combination Therapy: Targeting The Warburg Effect To Enhance Breast Cancer Treatment ​, Gonca Tuna, Eli̇f Ertürk, Ayşen Sağnak, Ferda Ari Aug 2026

Repurposing Diclofenac For Combination Therapy: Targeting The Warburg Effect To Enhance Breast Cancer Treatment ​, Gonca Tuna, Eli̇f Ertürk, Ayşen Sağnak, Ferda Ari

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Diclofenac (Diclo), a widely used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, has emerged as a potential candidate for drug repurposing in oncology, with reported anticancer effects extending beyond cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition, including modulation of tumor metabolism. This study investigated the antiproliferative and glycolysis-associated effects of Diclo in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, alone and in combination with docetaxel (Doc) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Materials and methods: Cell viability was assessed using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. To evaluate metabolic alterations, glucose uptake and lactate release were quantified following treatment. In addition, Triosephosphate Isomerase (TPI) protein levels and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were measured to …


Antiobesity, Antidiabetic, And Antioxidant Activities Of Selected Rubia Species (Rubiaceae) And Lc–Ms/Ms-Based Chemical Profiling ​, Semi̇h Bulut, Ahmet Kahraman, Ayşenur Işik, Mustafa Abdullah Yilmaz Aug 2026

Antiobesity, Antidiabetic, And Antioxidant Activities Of Selected Rubia Species (Rubiaceae) And Lc–Ms/Ms-Based Chemical Profiling ​, Semi̇h Bulut, Ahmet Kahraman, Ayşenur Işik, Mustafa Abdullah Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rubia species (Rubiaceae) are recognized as medicinal and industrial plants exhibiting diverse biological activities. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiobesity potential of extracts prepared from Rubia davisiana Ehrend. (an endemic species), R. peregrina L., and R. rotundifolia Banks & Sol., which grow naturally in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: The antioxidant activity of 80% ethanol extracts prepared from the aerial parts was evaluated using 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays, ferric reducing power, metal chelating capacity, and total antioxidant capacity assays. Inhibition assays for α-glucosidase and α-amylase were performed to evaluate antidiabetic activity, …


Cervical Conjoined Nerve Root Anomalies: Prevalence And Impact On Posterior Cervical Surgery, Ahmet Eren Seçen, Ayfer Aslan, Musa Onur Özbakir, Uğur Kemal Gündüz, Ali̇ Dalgiç Aug 2026

Cervical Conjoined Nerve Root Anomalies: Prevalence And Impact On Posterior Cervical Surgery, Ahmet Eren Seçen, Ayfer Aslan, Musa Onur Özbakir, Uğur Kemal Gündüz, Ali̇ Dalgiç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Anomalous nerve roots (ANRs) are well described in the lumbosacral spine but are rarely reported in the cervical region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and surgical outcomes of cervical ANRs, with particular emphasis on conjoined nerve roots, in a single-center clinical series.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent posterior cervical discectomy for cervical disc herniation at our institution between 2010 and 2025. A total of 113 posterior cervical procedures were performed, and seven patients were found to have surgically confirmed cervical ANRs. For these patients, demographic …


Preserved Inflammatory Homeostasis During Emergency Transport: A Multibiomarker Assessment Of Neonatal Rds Transfers ​, Eyüp Sari, Şeri̇fe Suna Oğuz, Mehmet Semi̇h Demi̇rtaş, Bensu Bulut, Medi̇ne Akkan Öz, Murat Genç, Ayşenur Gür, Ümi̇t Alper Özcan, Hüseyi̇n Mutlu, Rami̇z Yazici Aug 2026

Preserved Inflammatory Homeostasis During Emergency Transport: A Multibiomarker Assessment Of Neonatal Rds Transfers ​, Eyüp Sari, Şeri̇fe Suna Oğuz, Mehmet Semi̇h Demi̇rtaş, Bensu Bulut, Medi̇ne Akkan Öz, Murat Genç, Ayşenur Gür, Ümi̇t Alper Özcan, Hüseyi̇n Mutlu, Rami̇z Yazici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim was to compare the pre- and posttransport levels of systemic inflammatory markers in neonatal infants transported to a tertiary intensive care unit via emergency health services with a neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (nRDS) diagnosis and to assess the quality of transport.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2019 and December 2023. A total of 117 nRDS patients’ emergency transports were included in the study. Demographic data, transfer time, intubation, cold treatment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and pre- and posttransport laboratory parameters were obtained retrospectively. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version …


Face Mask Littering: Environmental Impacts, Regulatory Challenges, And Ai-Driven Waste Management Strategies For The Post-Pandemic Era, Pri̇yanka Rathee, Sari̇ta Khatkar, Renu Sehrawat, Pooja Rathee, Anurag Khatkar, Esra Küpeli̇ Aug 2026

Face Mask Littering: Environmental Impacts, Regulatory Challenges, And Ai-Driven Waste Management Strategies For The Post-Pandemic Era, Pri̇yanka Rathee, Sari̇ta Khatkar, Renu Sehrawat, Pooja Rathee, Anurag Khatkar, Esra Küpeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The widespread use of polypropylene-based face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic created a significant and persistent source of plastic pollution. This review aims to provide an integrative assessment of the environmental, toxicological, and public health implications of face mask litter and evaluate current waste management challenges and emerging technological solutions in the postpandemic context. A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing literature published between 2020 and 2025 and indexed in major scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the issues of environmental contamination, microplastic generation, toxicological effects, regulatory frameworks, and …


Posttraumatic Stress In Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy: Associations With Early Maladaptive Schemas, Anxiety, And Quality Of Life In A 6-Month Prospective Study ​, Mehmet Öztürk, Pinar Öztürk, Fügen Sönmez Çeti̇nkaya, İlker Özdemi̇r Aug 2026

Posttraumatic Stress In Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy: Associations With Early Maladaptive Schemas, Anxiety, And Quality Of Life In A 6-Month Prospective Study ​, Mehmet Öztürk, Pinar Öztürk, Fügen Sönmez Çeti̇nkaya, İlker Özdemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that significantly affects psychosocial functioning, self-perception, and quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms may be more prevalent in individuals with epilepsy than previously recognized, particularly following seizure-related experiences perceived as traumatic. The aim of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term PTS levels in individuals with newly diagnosed epilepsy and examine their associations with anxiety, depression, early maladaptive schemas, and quality of life.

Materials and methods: In this prospective study, 31 individuals with newly diagnosed epilepsy were enrolled. Participants completed a sociodemographic data form, the Post-Traumatic Stress …


Influenza, Covid-19, And Pneumococcal Vaccination Status Among Adults In Türkiye ​, Gamze Şanlidağ İşbi̇len, Serap Gençer, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Meltem Taşbakan, İftahar Köksal Aug 2026

Influenza, Covid-19, And Pneumococcal Vaccination Status Among Adults In Türkiye ​, Gamze Şanlidağ İşbi̇len, Serap Gençer, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Meltem Taşbakan, İftahar Köksal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Vaccines reduce morbidity and mortality caused by infectious diseases that threaten public health. Lifelong immunization programs are essential for the entire population. This study assessed adult vaccination uptake for influenza, pneumococcal, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in Türkiye and examined the barriers and factors influencing vaccination decisions.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey was designed and conducted by the Immunization Working Group of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. A 19-item questionnaire was administered to individuals aged 18 years or older to assess influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccination status. The questionnaire collected data on demographic …


Nationwide Characteristics Of Infectious Disease Patients Transported By Helicopter In Türkiye, Ayşe Gülden Bekgöz, Kerem Dost Bi̇lmez, Muhammed Saltuk Deni̇z Aug 2026

Nationwide Characteristics Of Infectious Disease Patients Transported By Helicopter In Türkiye, Ayşe Gülden Bekgöz, Kerem Dost Bi̇lmez, Muhammed Saltuk Deni̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the clinical, demographic, and operational characteristics of patients with infectious diseases transported by helicopter ambulance and to examine differences in the transfer patterns, flight durations, and diagnostic categories.

Materials and methods: Registry data of patients with infectious diseases transported by helicopter ambulance were analyzed. Demographic characteristics, diagnoses, referring and receiving hospital types, intraprovincial and interprovincial transfer status, flight durations, and temporal distribution of transfers (hours, days, and months) were evaluated. Flight duration was calculated in minutes and compared between intraprovincial and interprovincial transfers.

Results: A total of 543 patients with infectious diseases were transported by helicopter ambulance. …


Addressing Food Insecurities Through Staff Education In The Rural Health Setting, Angela Dawn Suttle Aug 2026

Addressing Food Insecurities Through Staff Education In The Rural Health Setting, Angela Dawn Suttle

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Rural America, including Arkansans, face a number of social determinants of health (SDOH) including food insecurities (FIs) and the inability to access nutritious food. FIs contribute to poor outcomes and increases healthcare utilization. Inconsistent screenings for FIs in adults living in the rural health clinic (RHC) setting, lack of standardized workflows, and failure to provide community resources when FI is identified represents a significant gap in practice. Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project was to increase utilization of screening tools for FI, implement a standardized workflow, and provide patients with resources to improve …


Implementation Of A Nurse-Led Self-Measured Blood Pressure Program In Rural Primary Care, Stephanie Marie Montgomery Aug 2026

Implementation Of A Nurse-Led Self-Measured Blood Pressure Program In Rural Primary Care, Stephanie Marie Montgomery

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hypertension remains a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet blood pressure control remains suboptimal among many adults, particularly those receiving care in rural primary care settings. Reliance on office-based blood pressure measurements may limit opportunities to identify uncontrolled hypertension and actively engage patients in disease self-management. This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project evaluated the implementation of a standardized self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) program for adult patients with hypertension in a rural primary care practice. The intervention included validated home blood pressure monitors, standardized patient education, teach-back to verify measurement competency, structured home blood pressure …


Staff Education To Improve Hand Hygiene And Personal Protective Equipment Compliance, Suliat Oluwa Aug 2026

Staff Education To Improve Hand Hygiene And Personal Protective Equipment Compliance, Suliat Oluwa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project is a staff education initiative designed to strengthen hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) practices among interdisciplinary staff in a long-term care (LTC) facility. The practice problem addressed inconsistent hand hygiene and PPE use across shifts and departments, contributing to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Because LTC residents are highly vulnerable due to advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and shared living environments, improving adherence to infection prevention practices is essential for enhancing resident safety, reducing preventable infections, and supporting compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) infection prevention standards. …


Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge Of Evidence-Based Strategies That Support Medication Adherence Among Patients Diagnosed With Depression In The Outpatient Clinic Setting, Comfort Aziwung Awungafac Aug 2026

Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge Of Evidence-Based Strategies That Support Medication Adherence Among Patients Diagnosed With Depression In The Outpatient Clinic Setting, Comfort Aziwung Awungafac

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project was an evidence-based practice staff education initiative designed to improve staff knowledge of evidence-based strategies that support medication adherence among patients diagnosed with depression in an outpatient clinic. Medication nonadherence is associated with poor treatment outcomes, symptom relapse, and reduced quality of life, highlighting the need for staff education on adherence-promoting interventions. The practice-focused question examined whether a structured educational intervention would improve staff knowledge of evidence-based medication adherence strategies over an 8-week period.


Weekly Team Validation Rounding Focused On Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing And Bath Completion And Documentation Compliance, La-Toya Therese Fong Aug 2026

Weekly Team Validation Rounding Focused On Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing And Bath Completion And Documentation Compliance, La-Toya Therese Fong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quality improvement project evaluated whether weekly team validation rounding improved chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bath completion and documentation compliance among eligible adult inpatients, with particular attention to differences in compliance outcomes between Pod 5C and Pod 4B. Background. Hospital-acquired infections continue to increase morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and healthcare costs. Although CHG bathing is an evidence-based strategy for reducing infection risk and the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms, inconsistent documentation at the practicum site limited accurate monitoring of compliance across validation data, electronic medical record documentation, and DOMO reports. Method. Participants included eligible adult inpatients admitted within the previous 24 …


Closing The Loop: Strengthening Cauti Prevention With Urinary Catheter Management, Erika N. Braun Aug 2026

Closing The Loop: Strengthening Cauti Prevention With Urinary Catheter Management, Erika N. Braun

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common preventable healthcare-associated infections and are associated with significant patient harm and increased healthcare costs. Baseline assessment across five adult cardiovascular and critical care units within a community-based acute care hospital identified four CAUTI events during the first half of 2026 and revealed important nursing knowledge deficits related to bladder scanning protocols and urinary catheter management practices. Aim: This Quality Improvement (QI) Project aimed to improve nursing knowledge of evidence-based bladder scanning protocols and urinary catheter management practices through targeted educational interventions implemented over a 10-week period, with …


A Dosimetric Comparison Of 6-Mv Flattening Filter And Flattening Filter-Free Photon Beams For Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Of Adrenal Tumors, Sarah Mcintosh Aug 2026

A Dosimetric Comparison Of 6-Mv Flattening Filter And Flattening Filter-Free Photon Beams For Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Of Adrenal Tumors, Sarah Mcintosh

Masters Projects

Purpose: This study aimed to compare dosimetric characteristics and treatment delivery efficiency between 6-MV Flattening Filter (FF) and Flattening Filter-Free (FFF) photon beams for adrenal Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). While FFF beams have demonstrated dosimetric and efficiency advantages at other SBRT sites, there is limited data about their use in adrenal SBRT.

Methods and Materials: A retrospective dosimetric comparison was performed using 10 patients previously treated with adrenal SBRT. For each patient, two Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) plans were generated in Eclipse: one using 6-MV FF beams and one using 6-MV FFF beams, resulting in 20 total treatment …


Staff Education To Improve Diabetic Care In A Primary Care Setting, Sally Uyen Nguyen Aug 2026

Staff Education To Improve Diabetic Care In A Primary Care Setting, Sally Uyen Nguyen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inadequate patient education, inconsistent screening, missed referrals, and follow up with diabetes patients are challenges primary care managers and staff must overcome. Patients may experience negative effects that lead to poor health outcomes, delayed diagnosis, and undertreatment when provider and staff members are not educated about diabetes. The practice-focused question guiding the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project involved exploring whether a staff education intervention on standardized diabetes care and screening protocols could improve physicians, managers, and medical assistants’ (MAs) knowledge of diabetes care in primary care clinics. The purpose of this project was to enhance staff knowledge …


Staff Education To Improve Early Identification Of Behavioral Escalation And Timely Clinical Intervention In An Adult Group Home Setting, Gayduo Barr Aug 2026

Staff Education To Improve Early Identification Of Behavioral Escalation And Timely Clinical Intervention In An Adult Group Home Setting, Gayduo Barr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project addressed a gap in staff knowledge regarding the early identification of behavioral escalation and timely intervention in an adult group home setting. The practice-focused question was: Does staff education about early identification of behavioral escalation and timely clinical intervention improve the knowledge of staff working in an adult group home setting? The purpose was to improve staff knowledge of behavioral escalation, triggers, trauma-informed care, and intervention strategies. I delivered a structured educational intervention to 14 house managers. Educational content included behavioral escalation stages, triggers, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, documentation, and …


Staff Education On Fall Reduction For Residents Of Long-Term Care Facility, Lauretta Ifeoma Iwuala-Mcwilliams Aug 2026

Staff Education On Fall Reduction For Residents Of Long-Term Care Facility, Lauretta Ifeoma Iwuala-Mcwilliams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Falls pose a major safety risk for elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities, leading to injuries, hospitalizations, loss of autonomy, increased healthcare expenses, and higher morbidity and mortality rates. In the facility involved in this project, the incidence of falls was above anticipated benchmarks. Factors such as high staff turnover and reliance on agency staff resulted in inconsistent knowledge among personnel regarding fall prevention measures. Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement initiative aimed to implement and assess an evidence-based educational program designed to enhance staff understanding and skills related to fall-risk assessment, the identification of both intrinsic …


Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge On Fall Prevention, Nginjoh Presilia Njofang Aug 2026

Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge On Fall Prevention, Nginjoh Presilia Njofang

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Patient safety risks associated with falls are a major issue in adult inpatient medical-surgical environments because nursing inconsistencies with regard to fall risk assessments, individualized fall prevention interventions, and documentation could impede adherence to best practices. To overcome this knowledge gap among RNs in the selected environment, a DNP education project aimed at standardized fall-prevention staff education was initiated. The question for the practice was whether standardized staff education would increase knowledge among nurses regarding fall-risk assessments, preventive measures, and documentation requirements, based on pretest and posttest results. In the course of a one-hour educational session conducted face-to-face, twenty RNs …


Formative Work To Guide Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Breast And Cervical Cancer Prevention And Early Detection Behavioral Health Program In Clinics: Qualitative Study Guided By The Consolidated Framework For Implementation Research, Marlyn A Allicock, Crystal Costa, Ashley Hedrick Mckenzie, Preena Loomba, Roshanda S Chenier, Ross Shegog, Angelita Alaniz, Maria E Fernandez, Lara S Savas Aug 2026

Formative Work To Guide Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Breast And Cervical Cancer Prevention And Early Detection Behavioral Health Program In Clinics: Qualitative Study Guided By The Consolidated Framework For Implementation Research, Marlyn A Allicock, Crystal Costa, Ashley Hedrick Mckenzie, Preena Loomba, Roshanda S Chenier, Ross Shegog, Angelita Alaniz, Maria E Fernandez, Lara S Savas

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Salud en Mis Manos (SEMM) is a community health worker-delivered evidence-based intervention shown to increase breast and cervical cancer screening in medically underserved Latinas. Despite SEMM's success in community-based settings, clinic-based implementation is limited.

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors influencing the implementation of SEMM in clinic settings using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to inform and refine implementation strategy development.

Methods: We developed theory-informed (eg, CFIR, Social Cognitive Theory, and Readiness) interview guides to elicit barriers and facilitators of SEMM clinic implementation. We conducted 12 semistructured interviews with clinic leaders, outreach coordinators, and community health …