Digital Commons Network^™

Structuring Role-Emergent Level Ii Fieldwork Placements For Success: A Framework Grounded In Collaboration, Accountability, Supervision, And Site Integration (The Cass Framework), Lisa A. Fyffe, Amy Van Camp

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

We propose a framework for implementing role-emergent fieldwork grounded in four structural principles identified in the literature and refined through professional reflection: collaboration, accountability, supervision, and site integration. Occupational therapy students report positive experiences with role-emergent fieldwork placements, citing benefits such as professional development, increased autonomy, and opportunities for innovation. However, studies have found that role-emergent placements often lack the structure students need to develop traditional documentation skills, manage complex practice dynamics, and implement occupational therapy programs in a novel setting. Consequently, occupational therapy students describe challenges with role-emergent placements in defining their professional role, managing high levels of responsibility, …

Assessing Supports And Barriers To Equitable Participation In Occupational Therapy Fieldwork For Students From Minoritized Backgrounds: A Mixed Methods Analysis, Kristin M. Nxumalo, Coalition Of Occupational Therapy Advocates For Diversity Cotad, Alexia Rebne, Janis Yue, Ryan Thomure, Ricardo D. Ramirez

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Fieldwork experiences in occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) education introduce students to novel environments that they must successfully navigate. When examining the experiences of OT and OTA students from minoritized backgrounds, it is critical to understand their fieldwork experiences so that fieldwork educators and partners can create inclusive, supportive environments that promote success for all students. Within this study, a needs assessment was conducted to explore factors that impacted the OT and OTA fieldwork experiences of students from minoritized backgrounds. Using a mixed methods design, a cross-sectional survey was completed by non-faculty OT practitioners (n=48), Academic Fieldwork …

Toward A Critical Occupational Therapy Education: A Discrit-Informed Framework, Robert Niewiadomski, Chia-Yang Chiang

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy has long articulated commitments to equity, inclusion, and occupational justice, yet its dominant educational approaches often remain focused on interpersonal competence rather than structural analysis. This conceptual paper argues that contemporary occupational therapy education is insufficiently equipped to prepare practitioners to address the sociopolitical forces shaping occupational participation. Drawing on disability critical race theory (DisCrit), critical pedagogy, intersectionality, and occupational justice scholarship, the authors propose the Critical Occupational Therapy Education (COTE) framework as a structural, justice-oriented reorientation for occupational therapy education. COTE positions racism and ableism as interlocking systems that shape professional norms, knowledge production, and access to …

Improving Hpv Vaccine Series Completion Rates Among Adolescents In A Primary Care Clinic, Emily K. Nettle

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Introduction

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination prevents HPV related cancers, yet completion rates remain below state (Texas) and national goals. At the selected primary care clinic, 42% of adolescents aged 15-18 years had completed the HPV vaccine series as of October 2025. This quality improvement project aimed to improve HPV vaccine initiation and follow-up dose scheduling through a culturally tailored, multilevel intervention.

Methods

Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, an eight-week intervention included bilingual education for adolescents and caregivers, provider education, electronic health record (EHR) prompts, and digital reminders. Baseline data from an eight-week period in 2025 were compared with intervention data …

Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury Reduction: A Quality Improvement Bundle Strategy, Vickey Thompson

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) remain a national and global challenge, contributing to preventable harm and negatively affecting patient safety, quality of care, and clinical outcomes. Current evidence underscores opportunities to strengthen pressure injury prevention strategies. Purpose: This quality improvement project implemented an evidence-based pressure injury prevention (PIP) bundle to reduce HAPI rates by improving nursing knowledge and attitudes and increasing adherence to protective dressing application and repositioning practices. Methods: The PIP bundle consisted of targeted education, monitoring of prophylactic dressing application, and structured repositioning strategies focused on turn frequency and offloading angle. Data were collected via pre- and …

Improving Antibiotic Prescribing For Urinary Tract Infections In Urgent Care Centers, Alexis Alastanos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections that require antibiotic therapy. Providers working in three urgent care clinics located in Eastern West Virginia diagnosis and treat UTIs based on their clinical judgement. Variability in clinical judgement results in inappropriate antibiotic use which has implications on antibiotic resistance and the financial burden of the patients as well as the entire organization.

Evidence Review: A total of 10 articles were evaluated to support the implementation of antibiotic stewardship initiatives that provide guidance in caring for this population. Interventions include electronic health record enhancements, provider education, and tracking …

Promoting The Use Of Smoke Evacuation Systems In The Operating Room: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Andrea Leigh Drayer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: Surgical smoke produced during procedures poses serious health risks to operating

room (OR) staff and patients, yet many hospitals, including an academic medical center in

northern West Virginia, have underutilized smoke evacuation systems. The imminent

enforcement of West Virginia House Bill 4376, mandating smoke evacuation use, provided both

urgency and opportunity for an intervention.

Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project

was to increase timely compliance with the use of smoke evacuation systems during all smoke-

producing procedures, ensuring alignment with safety standards and legislative requirements.

Methods: A systematic evidence review of academic …

Effect Of Yoga On Non-Invasive Measures Of Cardiovascular Functioning And Health, Alexis Nicole Thrower

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been the number one cause of death worldwide and within the United States (US) for decades. Effective and practical prevention modalities are needed to reduce the burden of this often-preventable condition. Physical activity is an effective and modifiable behavior for CVD risk management; however, only one in four adults meet current physical activity guidelines. Some types of yoga, including vinyasa yoga, are a form of physical activity, and vinyasa yoga efficiently incorporates moderate-intensity aerobic activity, muscular-strengthening movements, and flexibility components. Yet, minimal rigorous research evaluates yoga’s effects on health. The purpose of this dissertation is …

Self-Leadership And Perceptions Of Artificial Intelligence: A Single-Case Study, Patrik Garren

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this single-case qualitative project is to uncover how self-leadership’s behavioral and cognitive strategies influence perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI adoption. While existing literature acknowledges that there is an association between self-leadership, technology’s perceived usefulness and ease of use, as well as comfort with AI preparedness and its professional impact, there is limited research on how self-leadership shapes perceptions of AI and AI adoption in real-life contexts. To fill this gap in contemporary literature, this project analyzes qualitative semi-structured interviews with 25 healthcare professionals involved in the implementation of ‘AI Model 1’ at their mid-sized United …

Facial Aesthetics And The Esthetic Plane: Effects Of Modern Lip Trends, Allison Paige Fritz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether there is a difference in aesthetic preferences of lip position between dental professionals and the general public, which we will refer to throughout the paper as lay people. In addition, age and gender differences will be determined to evaluate whether there is a need to re-evaluate the accepted normative values for lips to Esthetic plane (E-plane).

Experimental Design and Methods: A cross sectional, observational study design was used. The study aim was to evaluate the perception and opinions regarding lip position and fullness of both lay people …

Community Resilience Drives Change, Andrew Thomas Solt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The opioid crisis has impacted many Americans. From 1999 to 2023, approximately 800,000 people have died due to opioid overdose (CDC, 2025). What began as overprescriptions of painkillers has quickly evolved into a complex social health issue that is now further worsened by stronger synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (synthetic opioids that are very similar chemically to fentanyl) are often found in illegal drug supplies and in counterfeit pills (CDC, 2025). Thus, individuals who might have been initially overprescribed painkillers might now be pushed towards illegally produced drugs that are significantly more potent than what they were …

Enhancing Occupational Engagement And Wellness In Middle-Aged And Retired Adults Through Movement And Mindfulness Program Development, Erin J. Harvey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Occupational imbalance and a diminished sense of purpose are common challenges faced during middle age and the transition into retirement. These issues can contribute to increased burnout, decreased participation in meaningful activities, and an overall decline in health and well-being. Occupational therapy is well-equipped to address these concerns through comprehensive and holistic, occupation-based wellness programs that promote healthy routines and engagement in meaningful roles. This doctoral capstone project involved developing and implementing two community-based wellness programs tailored to different populations. The first program included self-paced wellness modules for middle-aged adults, aiming to encourage healthy lifestyle habits, enhance coping skills, and …

Evaluation Of The Antimicrobial Activity Of Four Endodontic Sealers Against Streptococcus Mutans And Enterococcus Faecalis Using The Agar Diffusion Test, Dakota Alan Bailey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Four Endodontic Sealers Against

Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis Using the Agar Diffusion Test

Dakota A. Bailey, D.D.S.

Introduction: The antimicrobial activity of root canal sealers may contribute to the elimination of residual microorganisms that persist following chemomechanical preparation. Limited research has directly compared contemporary bioceramic sealers with traditional sealers against both Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. NeoSEALER EzFlo is a recently introduced bioceramic sealer with limited published antimicrobial data. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of EndoSequence BC HiFlow, NeoSEALER EzFlo, AH Plus Jet, and Kerr Pulp …

A Mixed Methods Study Of The Transition To Adult Health Care For Sexual Minority Young Adults With Chronic Pain: Understanding The Impact Of Stigma, Cecily Newel Conour

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Sexual minorities with chronic pain are likely to experience stigma stemming from their sexual identity and chronic pain. Pain stigma and sexual minority stigma are associated with increased health disparities and differences in health care utilization, particularly for adults. The transition to the adult health care system appears to be a critical point to understand the impact of stigma on health care utilization to then improve outcomes. With a sample of 48 sexual minority young adults with chronic pain, the current study investigated transition experiences using an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods design that was both observational and cross-sectional. Participants completed quantitative …

The Ihs Strategic Plan: Improving The Health Of American Indian And Alaska Native People Through Collaboration And Innovation, Indian Health Service

Native Health Database Full Text

The IHS Strategic plan entails four goals: Build Healthy Communities, Achieve Parity in Access by 2010, Provide Compassionate Quality Health Care, and Embrace Innovation. Each of these goals are outlined alongside their respective strategies for accomplishment.

Building Ai Literacy To Redesign Graduate Public Health Courses: A Case Study Of Pubh 520, Darren Liu

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Concurrent Session Papers

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in public health practice, graduate education must move beyond ad hoc responses to AI toward intentional, ethically grounded instructional design. This conference paper presents a case study of the redesign of PUBH 520, a graduate-level public health course, to explicitly integrate AI literacy within course outcomes, assessments, and learning activities. Guided by higher-education AI literacy frameworks, the redesign foregrounded faculty AI literacy as a prerequisite for responsible AI integration, emphasizing ethical reasoning, technical understanding, pedagogical alignment, and reflective assessment practices. Findings suggest that the redesigned course improved coherence among learning outcomes, assessment integrity, …

Rna-Micelles As Self-Assembling Structures For Efficient Co-Delivery Of Synergistic Sirna And Nucleoside Analogues To Treat Crc Lung Metastasis, Kai Jin, Piotr G. Rychahou, Daniel W. Binzel, B. Mark Evers, Peixuan Guo

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

SiRNA has been widely studied in cancer gene silencing over the last 25 years. However, few siRNA-based therapeutics have been approved by the FDA. An RNA-micelle platform provides a powerful therapeutic tool through simple one-step, high-yield production that is capable of efficient colorectal cancer lung metastasis treatment, a current lethal condition with a short survival rate post-diagnosis. Here, it is reported that the use of RNA-micelles co-carrying siRNA and nucleoside analogues to completely inhibit lung metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The major advantage of the RNA-micelle is the successful co-delivery of siRNA and chemotherapeutic agent in a single delivery vehicle …

The Effects Of Attending Prediabetes Prevention Workshops On Improving Students' Awareness, Knowledge, And Interest, Madelene Hamann

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Objective:This DNP project evaluated the effectiveness of a five-week educational intervention on adolescents’ knowledge of prediabetes, awareness, and intentions to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors. Method and Intervention:Youth aged 13 to 18 years participated in five 40-minute school-based workshops. Outcomes were measured using the Adolescent Diabetes Awareness Test (ADAT), Health Belief Model (HBM), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) workshop evaluation. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine clinical relevance. Results:The intervention had a large, clinically relevant effect on prediabetes knowledge and awareness measured by the ADAT (Hedges’ g = 1.10) …

Implementing A Mental Health Workshop To Mitigate Burnout And Improve Job Satisfaction Among Psychiatric Technicians: A Mixed-Methods Case Study, John P. Smith

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

Burnout among psychiatric technicians contributes to emotional exhaustion, decreased job satisfaction, workforce instability, and reduced quality of patient care. Despite increasing recognition of healthcare worker well-being as a priority, limited evidence exists regarding interventions specifically designed for psychiatric technicians. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to implement and evaluate a structured mental health workshop designed to reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction among psychiatric technicians employed in inpatient, outpatient, and group home mental health settings. A mixed-methods case study utilizing a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted with a convenience sample of 41 participants. Quantitative data …

The Impact Of A Social Wellness Intervention On The Perception Of Social Support Among Working Adults, Jannysse Gray

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

Objective: Social isolation and loneliness have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. For working adults, these experiences may impact work attendance, performance, satisfaction, and retention, leading to burnout, fatigue, grief, and disengagement. Barriers to developing and nurturing healthy relationships, such as competing work and family responsibilities, or a lack of resources or energy, can contribute to this problem; therefore, this group was chosen for the intervention. This project aimed to raise awareness of the importance of social connections and to analyze whether an online educational intervention was associated with improved perceptions of social support among working adults. Methods: …

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons. The January 2026 (Volume 108, No. 1) issue of the Journal is published in a print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Pediatric Dentistry and 2025 Life Membership recipients.

Regular monthly contributions include:

• Editorial …

Association Between Internet Use For Health Information And Alzheimer’S Disease Diagnosis Among Older Adults With Diabetes In The United States: Examining Racial And Gender Disparities, Henry M. Zeidan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study uses data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) Round 13, collected in 2024, to examine whether internet use for health information is associated with Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis among older adults with diabetes in the United States. Given the rising adoption of digital health, understanding who benefits from online health resources is increasingly important. The research also examines whether these associations differ across racial and gender groups, offering insight into potential disparities in digital health engagement and cognitive outcomes. Findings from this study will inform clinical practice, public health programming, and strategies to ensure equitable access …

Planning A Clinical Practice Guideline Revision For A Core Set Of Outcome Measures In Adults Undergoing Neurologic Physical Therapy, Part 1: Assessing Dissemination And Scholarly Uptake, Jennifer Moore, Jane E. Sullivan, Marghuretta D. Bland, Wendy Romney, Elizabeth Anderl, Zeynep Gulen Erkoc, Kristen Potter

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Introduction

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) facilitate evidence-based decision-making and standardising care, yet their dissemination and scholarly uptake vary widely. The Core Set of Outcome Measures for Adults With Neurologic Conditions Undergoing Rehabilitation CPG (Core Set) has been broadly referenced within neurologic physical therapy. As the next revision approaches, understanding its scholarly influence, citation patterns, and published feedback is essential. This study evaluated the dissemination and use of the Core Set across the peer-reviewed literature and identified areas for refinement.

Methods

A medical librarian conducted comprehensive searches of Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus to identify peer-reviewed English-language articles citing the …

Gz17.602, A Combination Of Three Nutraceuticals, Interacts With Carboplatin And Etoposide To Kill Neuroblastoma, Michael R. Booth

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the efficacy of GZ17.602, a combination of Harmine, Isovanillin, and Curcumin as a therapeutic for MYCN-amplified Neuroblastoma, both alone and in combination with standard of care chemotherapeutics. This was done due to the low survival rate associated with these neuroblastomas, the large degree of morbidity associated with current treatments, previous experiments in the Dent lab having shown 602 as effective for killing cancers of other types, and the current lack of understanding of the biology of GZ17.602 in solid pediatric cancers. Due to the GZ17.602 components being present at different concentrations in tumors than those administered, the …

Crisis-Related Digital Media Exposure And Youth Mental Health: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis, Emmanuel Annor Md, Laticia Womack, Ritu Sidgal, Venkata S. Lokireddy Md, Dhanalakshmi Ramasamy Md

Fellows and Residents

No abstract provided.

ปัญญาประดิษฐ์ : พลิกโฉมบทบาทใหม่พยาบาลวิชาชีพ, เสาวณีย์ เม่าทับ, ชนัดดา จำปาพันธ์ุ, จิราพร ธิมาเกตุ, ฉัตรตราภรณ์ หวังสาและ, นิรมล วงศ์ใหญ่, วาสินี วิเศษฤทธิ์

Journal of Nursing Research, Innovation, and Health

ในยุคแห่งการเปลี่ยนผ่านสู่เทคโนโลยีดิจิทัล ปัญญาประดิษฐ์ (Artificial Intelligence: AI) มิได้เป็นเพียงเครื่องมือที่ช่วยวิเคราะห์ข้อมูลเท่านั้น แต่กำลังพลิกโฉมบทบาทของวิชาชีพพยาบาลอย่างรอบด้าน บทความนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อวิเคราะห์ผลกระทบของปัญญาประดิษฐ์ต่อบทบาทของพยาบาลระดับปฏิบัติการขึ้นไปผ่านกรอบแนวคิด 3 มิติ ได้แก่ มิติด้านการปฏิบัติงาน มิติด้านความสัมพันธ์และจริยธรรม และมิติด้าน อัตลักษณ์ทางวิชาชีพ  ผลการวิเคราะห์พบว่า มิติด้านการปฏิบัติงาน ปัญญาประดิษฐ์ปรับบทบาทพยาบาลจากผู้ปฏิบัติตามกระบวนการสู่ผู้วิเคราะห์และกำกับการใช้ข้อมูลเพื่อสนับสนุนการตัดสินใจทางคลินิกมิติด้านความสัมพันธ์และจริยธรรมแม้ปัญญาประดิษฐ์จะเพิ่มความแม่นยำในการประเมินและเฝ้าระวังภาวะสุขภาพแต่ยังมีข้อจำกัดในด้านความฉลาดทางอารมณ์ ซึ่งไม่สามารถทดแทนความเข้าอกเข้าใจ การสัมผัสและเอาใจใส่ต่อผู้ป่วยได้ สำหรับมิติด้านอัตลักษณ์ทางวิชาชีพ การประยุกต์ใช้ปัญญาประดิษฐ์นำไปสู่การปรับขอบเขตความเชี่ยวชาญของพยาบาลโดยจำเป็นต้องพัฒนาสมรรถนะด้านดิจิทัลและการคิดเชิงวิพากษ์ควบคู่กับการดูแลที่ยึดผู้ป่วยเป็นศูนย์กลาง บทความนี้เสนอแนวคิดว่า พยาบาลควรเป็นผู้ใช้ปัญญาประดิษฐ์อย่างมีวิจารณญาณ โดยยึดหลักแนวคิดการบูรณาการระหว่างศักยภาพมนุษย์และปัญญาประดิษฐ์เพื่อยกระดับบทบาทของพยาบาลให้ สามารถคิด วิเคราะห์ และสร้างนวัตกรรมการดูแลที่ผสมผสานระหว่างเทคโนโลยีและหัวใจของความเป็นมนุษย์ได้อย่างสมดุล

Implementing A Competency-Based Cross-Training Program To Enhance Patient Flow, Jill E. Shanklin

DNP Projects

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a competency-based cross-training program on perinatal nurses’ preparedness to care for medical-surgical (med-surg) overflow patients and to support patient flow.

Design: Quality improvement project using a quasi-experimental pre–post design.

Setting: A 44-bed perinatal unit within a university-affiliated medical center in the United States.

Participants: Registered nurses employed in the perinatal unit for ≥6 months; 24 completed the preintervention survey and 28 completed the postintervention survey.

Interventions: A competency-based cross-training program consisting of e-learning modules, simulation-based competency validation, and structured policy and procedure review.

Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported comfort, …

Enhancing Tray Integrity: A Quality Improvement Project To Reduce Central Sterile Processing Defects, Ashley Conn

DNP Projects

Background: Instrument tray defects contribute to surgical delays, workflow disruptions, rework in sterile processing, inefficient instrument utilization, and patient safety risks.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce orthopedic instrument tray defects through targeted education and standardized tray audits with double-check verification in a large academic medical center.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post design was utilized to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Tray errors were captured using a standardized binary indicator. Staff satisfaction and confidence surveys were measured using Likert-scale surveys.

Results: Orthopedic trays were analyzed before (n=1,017) and after (n=941) implementation. Post-implementation, tray errors decreased …

Riddle Me Resilient: Investigating The Impact Of Riddle Based Class Openings On Student Resilience And Well-Being, Carolyn T. Brown

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Burnout among nurses and nursing students is a widespread and well‑documented problem that adversely affects professional performance and psychological well‑being. Resilience serves as a key protective factor, helping buffer the effects of academic stress and reducing burnout over time. Incorporating brief, low‑stakes cognitive challenges—such as a riddle—can help foster resilience.

Purpose: This project evaluated the impact of incorporating riddles into a wellness-focused course, Introduction to Mindfulness and Wellness, on resilience and well-being among undergraduate nursing students.

Methods: This project employed an Institutional Review Board approved pre-post survey design to measure the effect of an intervention focused on …

Evaluating The Implementation And Use Of A Standardized Screening Process To Increase Flu Vaccine Uptake In A Rural Health Primary Care Clinic, Mackenzie L. Pierce

DNP Projects

Background: Research has shown that an annual influenza vaccine is the most effective way to both prevent and reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe health complications of the flu. A yearly influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 moths and older.

Local Problem: Rural communities have lower rates of influenza vaccination which can be due in part to a lack of screening and education on vaccines and their importance. No process for influenza vaccine status screening existed at the project site prior to this project.

Methods: A quality-improvement project was conducted to evaluate the implementation of a standardized …