Digital Commons Network^™

Effectiveness Of Telemedicine In Diabetes Management: A Retrospective Study In An Urban Medically Underserved Population Area (Umupa)., Lisa Ariellah Ward

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to assess the efficacy of employing telemedicine (TM) technology compared to traditional face-to-face (F2F) visits as an alternative healthcare delivery service for managing diabetes in populations residing in urban medically underserved areas (UMUPA). Researchers investigating public health and healthcare systems fully grasp the enormous challenges encountered by vulnerable populations as a result of healthcare access barriers.¹ Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, F2F visits were most often utilized for healthcare delivery service, which frequently posed barriers for vulnerable populations. When marginalized people, encounter healthcare access barriers, a cascade of events generally occur leading to …

Systematic Literature Review Of Residency Program For Transition To Intensive Care, Sonja Marguerite Thornton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of the systematic literature review project is to present the benefits of a nurse residency program (NRP) to assist new graduate nurses (NGNs) in transition to intensive care nursing. A theory-to-practice gap in knowledge and experience results in the need to support these nurses during their transition to professional practice. This project focused on compiling a systematic review of existing literature to provide evidence and insights into the optimal structure and process of transitioning new graduate nurses to intensive care nursing practice. The American Associations of Critical Care Nurses synergy conceptual model and Patricia Benner's novice to expert …

Development Of Staff Education On Improved Compliance Adherence In Sleep Apnea, Mayla F. Garcia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increasing prevalence of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately 25% of adults in the United States and an estimated 34% of men and 17% of women in the primary care population. In the clinical project site, the practice problem involved the increasing clinicians’ knowledge about OSA and being able to implement screening tools for further treatment and evaluation. The purpose of this project was to develop an educational training and intervention for staff to increase their knowledge of OSA conditions and have it validated by a panel of experts before dispersing it to the intended …

An Evidenced-Based Nursing Education Discharge Plan For Prescription Opioids, Josephine J. Messelmani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The reported number of prescription opioid overdoses justifies the need for providing patients with opioid discharge information and follow-up care as recommended. To prevent any misuse of prescription opioid drugs, it was critical for patients to receive a thorough review of their medications prior to being discharged. The purpose of the project was designed to educate nurses on the importance of delivering essential information to patients prescribed opioids. Implementation of an opioid discharge plan integrated with the teach back method increased patients’ understanding of how to properly take prescription opioids compared to the patients who did not receive opioid education …

Lived Experiences Of Crisis Counselors With Repeat Exposure To Mental Health Crises, Emily Genever

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Due to the potentially traumatic content that crisis counselors face, members of the counselor education community must understand the psychological implications of repeated exposure to mental health crises to fulfill their responsibility of properly training, supervising, and supporting crisis counselors. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of crisis counselors who had worked full-time with a variety of mental health emergencies. A hermeneutic design and constructivist self-development theoretical lens allowed for the illumination of the perceived positive and negative consequences of crisis work. Purposive sampling strategies were employed to recruit seven crisis counselors for …

Lead Toxicity, Attention–Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, And Gun Violence Among Young African American Men, Gwendolyn Hooker-Mcintosh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Violence among adolescents and young adults is a major public health concern in the United States, but it disproportionally affects African Americans. This racial disparity is especially concerning in New Orleans, Louisiana, where fatal and nonfatal shootings have been consistent since 2010 for young African American men. Also, Louisiana ranks third in the nation in prevalence of attention–deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children. African Americans in New Orleans have lived in areas known to have greater concentrations of lead in the soil, and African American children and their parents have a lower level of awareness of lead toxicity. The purpose …

Perceptions Of Juvenile Justice Personnel On Effects Of Detention Assessments On Low-Risk Offenders, Desire' Angela Hulse-Stewart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nationally, arrest rates have declined; however, Georgia faces disproportionately high crime rates, mainly among African American juveniles in Fulton County. Juvenile recidivism has been a long-standing issue. Researchers have demonstrated that risk factors impact recidivism amongst youth offenders at 17 and 18 years of age. Researchers have not yet been able to establish how risk factors impact recidivism risks of low-risk youth offenders. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of Fulton County juvenile justice personnel on the detention assessment’s effects on low-risk youth offenders and impact on recidivism risks of African American youth. Heidegger’s …

Beliefs, Skill Sets, And Behaviors Of Police Officers Regarding Mental Health Treatment, Kareem C. Puranda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Current law enforcement training assumes that police officers can manage their mental health with minimal support. This cultural attitude creates a fear of being unfit if police officers seek assistance for their mental health. Law enforcement suicide rates have outnumbered duty-related deaths in recent years. Statistics show that police officers are twice as likely to die by suicide for reasons related to stress. Mental health treatment is the ideal solution, but research has shown that police officers often reject treatment due to stigma. This qualitative study aimed to examine factors that hindered law enforcement officers from obtaining mental health treatment. …

Services For Homeless Veterans: A Study Of Access To Benefits, Sheryl Maddox Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractHomelessness among veterans in the United States is a multifaceted social and health concern that has continued to increase despite immense efforts to minimize and eliminate this issue. Numerous organizations have dedicated resources; however, many veterans do not use benefits and resources that are available to them, and homelessness remains a health and social concern. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe how individual and interpersonal barriers, community factors, organizational structure, and existing policies for assistance are perceived by support staff that work with veterans with mental disorders who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. …

Opioid Naloxone Education Clinical Practice Guideline, Tat'yana Sahleem Alethia Worthy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As a result of an institution-wide campaign to train providers on the administration of opioid reversal agents within a large medical center in the northeastern United States, the practice problem emerged that there was no patient/family education document for healthcare providers to use as a guide to educate patients on opioid risk and proper administration of naloxone to prevent opioid overdose in the outpatient setting. This scholarly project used an interprofessional team to develop comprehensive opioid naloxone education guidelines to close the gap in clinical practice. The purpose of this project was to develop a patient education clinical practice guideline …

Pitolisant, A Novel Histamine-3 Receptor Competitive Antagonist, And Inverse Agonist, In The Treatment Of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness In Adult Patients With Narcolepsy, Noeen Sarfraz, David Okuampa, Hannah Hansen, Mark R. Alvarez, Elyse M. Cornett, Juyeon Kakazu, Adam M. Kaye, Alan David Kaye

School of Pharmacy Faculty Articles

Narcolepsy is a debilitating sleep disorder that presents with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy, which is a sudden paralysis of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions such as laughing. It is also associated with many other disorders, including psychiatric disorders, neurologic illnesses, and medication side effects. Common causes of delayed and incorrect diagnoses of these conditions include lack of physician familiarity with narcolepsy symptoms and comorbidities which mask narcolepsy signs and symptoms. Current pharmacologic therapies include Modafinil and Armodafinil for EDS and sodium oxybate for cataplexy. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, presentation, treatment of narcolepsy, and …

Parents' And Caregivers' Attitudes About Child Passenger Safety, Latoya Wider

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of childhood injury and death in the United States. Many car seats are installed incorrectly, and many children under the age of 6 are seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between age of child, age of parent/caregiver, attitudes, and behaviors of child passenger safety among parents and caregivers in South Carolina. The influence of age and attitude on consistent car seat use was also examined. The study was based on the theory of planned behavior. A survey design featuring questions …

Challenges To Career As A Source Of Meaning And Satisfaction Among Certified Athletic Trainers In The United States Of America, Nicole Marie Glasgow

Dissertations and Theses

There is a high prevalence of burnout in the athletic training profession. Similar to what has been found in other healthcare professions, burnout is correlated with lack of job satisfaction, high turnover, and decreased productivity. In phase one of this study, the purpose was to investigate whether there was a relationship between perceived career meaning and burnout among certified athletic trainers. In phase two, the purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of meaningfulness and purposefulness by certified athletic trainers. The overall objective of the research was to generate an understanding of factors associated with burnout in …

The Expression Of Satanist Identity: Does Visible Identification Of Satanism Predict Discrimination And Depression?, Allyson Dudley

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The current research examines the relationship between visible expression of religion, identification within Satanism, experiences of discrimination, and depression in a sample of modern Satanists (n = 1,272). Historically, Satanism has been scrutinized as immoral and a threat to public safety. The current research attempts to challenge that viewpoint by employing culturally competent methods and understanding of modern Satanism. Findings indicate a negative relationship between expression of Satanism and discrimination, expression of Satanism and depressive symptoms, in-group ties and discrimination, and identification (in-group ties and in-group affect) and depressive symptoms. Results show a positive relationship between identification with Satanism and …

The Assessment Of Emergency Preparedness Among University Students, Arliah Cox

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

University students have been an understudied population when it comes to the topic of emergency/ disaster preparedness. While there have been a few studies carried out to examine students’ perceptions of preparedness, the level of preparedness must be determined to be able to close the gap when it comes to barriers preventing them from being prepared. One hundred and eighty-seven undergraduate participants at a Midwestern university completed both online and in-person surveys in March 2022. The survey included questions regarding emergency/ disaster preparedness, perception of being prepared, and barriers which can prevent preparedness. Results showed that a lack of time …

Stakeholder Success Measures Of A Safe Parking Pilot Program For Individuals Sheltering In Vehicles, Obiageri Constance Aginam

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Safe Parking Pilot Program was a crisis response to the recent increase in vehicular homelessness in a Northern Californian city. The city identified issues of unsheltered individuals due to the increase housing cost and unaffordable housing. The city partnered with faith-based organizations to provide safe locations for individuals sheltering in vehicles. The current research aimed to evaluate benchmarks and metrics to measure the safe parking pilot program. The purpose of the study was to help the city leaders and the key stakeholders identify measures of success and how they might improve the program in one Northern Californian city. Semistructured …

Attitudes Of State Public Health Laboratory Directors Towards Iso/Iec 17025 Accreditation, Christine Kilonzo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The impact of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in state public health laboratories (SPHLs) is understudied. There is a scarcity of research on SPHLs involving behavioral intent regarding ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was utilized to evaluate SPHL directors’ attitudes towards and intent to seek or maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. To test the questions of whether the three constructs of the TPB, attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are significant predictors of intent to seek or maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, and whether there are significant differences in these constructs towards the accreditation between SPHL directors based on …

Horticultural Therapy Program For Individuals With Substance Use Disorder: A Mixed-Method Evaluation, Emily Maia Bisaga

CMC Senior Theses

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic brain disorder caused by both biological and environmental factors. Although there is no panacea for addiction, holistic adjunctive therapies have been found to improve outcomes for this population. Horticultural Therapy (HT) is one such adjunct therapy that may improve treatment outcomes. Although HT has been found to support holistic healing for many mental and physical ailments, the efficacy of this intervention has not been evaluated in patients with a SUD. The goal of this controlled, mixed-method study is to evaluate whether HT could be an effective component of a holistic SUD treatment program. …

Local Public Health System Comprehensiveness And Opioid Overdose Mortality, 2012-2018, Stephanie Courtney

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Background: Deaths due to opioid overdose are a significant public health burden in the United States. Studies suggest that local public health systems that perform a high number of essential activities where local health departments contribute to the delivery of the activities and promote increased partnership may positively influence population health outcomes such as overdose mortality. Studies have shown that comprehensive public health systems are associated with improved health outcomes, but this association has not been addressed in the context of opioid overdose deaths. Study Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the associations between local public health …

Demographic Characteristics Of Individuals Needing Treatment For Substance Use Disorder, Amber Hill

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction:

While multiple options are available for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD), 9% of individuals reported needing treatment within the last year for illicit drug or alcohol use, according to the 2020 National Survey for Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Despite concerns about widespread disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, there are limited current data regarding demographic characteristics of individuals that need treatment. It is crucial to identify these characteristics from population-based data in order to develop and implement targeted public health interventions.

Methods:

The NSDUH is an annual, nationwide survey that collects data about substance use and …

Effectiveness Of Responsible Beverage Service Policies In Reducing Drunk-Driving In Maryland, Rhoda Makinde

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the State of Maryland and across the United States, driving under the influence (DUI) has led to a massive loss of lives and disability cases. Hence, responsible beverage service (RBS) policies and programs have been developed to prevent and control DUI incidence. This study sought to identify the effectiveness of these policies in addressing the DUI-related fatalities and injuries among young adults (18–30 years old) in the State of Maryland. Using program theory to evaluate the effectiveness of RBS policies and programs in reducing DUI, this qualitative research sampled bar patrons, club patrons, and alcohol servers/service staff in Baltimore. …

Workplace Violence Prevention For Nurses And Healthcare Workers In The State Of Maine A Health Policy Initiative, Gretchen Forsley

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Health care workplace violence is a pervasive and persistent problem, underreported, and when reported it is tolerated, excused, or ignored. Prior to the pandemic, the “normal” demands of a stressful workplace for a resilient nurse might include short staffing, a lack of resources, violence, bullying, and disruptive behaviors from patients or families. Since the pandemic, the rates of increasing healthcare violence can be attributed to several factors such as delays in care and services, reducing admissions and procedures, consistent understaffing, a lack of adequate mental health services, increased violence against women, limited or no visitor policies, low-security coverage, …

Correlates Of Risky Sexual Behaviors Among African American Females In Juvenile Detention Centers, Eghosa E. Asemota

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: In comparison to other demographics, research shows that African American female adolescents are over-represented in the United States Juvenile Justice System. Studies in this vulnerable population demonstrate higher rates of engagement in unsafe sex, and its attendant negative consequences of HIV infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and mistimed pregnancies. There is a paucity of studies that have specifically examined risky sexual behaviors amongst African American females in Juvenile Detention Centers. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between the individual, family, peer, and societal factors, and engagement in risky sex among Black female detainees in Juvenile …

A Proportionality-Based Framework For Government Regulation Of Digital Tracing Apps In Times Of Emergency, Sharon Bassan

Dickinson Law Review (2017-Present)

Times of emergency present an inherent conflict between the public interest and the preservation of individual rights. Such times require granting emergency powers to the government on behalf of the public interest and relaxing safeguards against government actions that infringe rights. The lack of theoretical framework to assess governmental decisions in times of emergency leads to a polarized and politicized discourse about potential policies, and often, to public distrust and lack of compliance.

Such a discourse was evident regarding Digital Tracing Apps (“DTAs”), which are apps installed on cellular phones to alert users that they were exposed to people who …

Mental Health-Medical Crisis Team Impact On First Responder Outcomes On Persons With Mental Illness, Mary Josephine Lakey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Persons with mental illness (PMIs) are 16 times more likely to experience harm when interacting with police than individuals without mental illness. This inequity has recently become prominent in American discourse due to the ubiquitous use of cell phones and social media, where videos of incidents between police and PMIs circulate. In this generic qualitative research, members of a collaborative mental health and emergency medical service professionals (EMSPs) team in an urban area were interviewed to assess the team members’ perceptions of the impact of the program on frequency of adverse outcomes during interactions with PMIs. The theoretical framework for …

Patient And Therapist Perceptions Of Respiratory Functioning Due To Spinal Cord Injury: Implications For Music Therapists, A'Marie Dotson

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Decreased respiratory functioning is a common symptom of spinal cord injury (SCI) and can impact individuals’ personal, professional, and social lives. In spite of this, researchers have not explored the use of music in the lives of individuals with SCIs or music’s role in their healthcare professionals’ treatment plans to improve respiratory functioning. The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand how decreased respiratory functioning affects individuals with SCIs and healthcare professionals through a multiple case study design. Participants were two individuals with SCIs and three healthcare professionals (physical therapist, recreational therapist, and music therapist) who worked with …

Diabetes Self-Management Education In The Urban Low Socioeconomic Status Senior Population, Heather Santa Barbara

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This exploratory quantitative study used a survey design to address a gap in the literature concerning primary care team perceptions about diabetes care for urban low socioeconomic status seniors with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic health problem that is often managed in primary care offices, and primary care teams are often the first source of education and support for patients. Standards of management for seniors with diabetes has changed to eliminate tight control of glucose levels, and primary care team members may have differing perceptions about diabetes care depending upon their role in the primary care team and years of …

Post Masters Doctor Of Nursing Practice Online Program Nursing Student Guide, 2022-2023 Edition, Dr. Susan L. Davis, Rn & Richard J. Henley College Of Nursing

News, Magazines and Reports

The Nursing Student Guide is the official student handbook and provides essential DHCON policies and procedures for academic progression and graduation. This guide is intended to supplement the University Catalog and provide information specific to the nursing programs.

Bachelor Of Science In Nursing First Professional Degree & Second Degree Accelerated Student Guide, 2022-2023 Edition, Dr. Susan L. Davis, Rn & Richard J. Henley College Of Nursing

News, Magazines and Reports

The Nursing Student Guide is the official student handbook and provides essential DHCON policies and procedures for academic progression and graduation. This guide is intended to supplement the University Catalog and provide information specific to the nursing programs.

Development Of A Novel Vertebrate Pesticide For The Invasive Small Indian Mongoose, Carmen Antaky, Steven C. Hess, Israel Leinbach, Robert T. T. Sugihara, Emily W. Ruell, Shane Siers

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Small Indian mongooses are detrimental introduced predators in the United States, where they depredate native species, serve as vector of disease, and threaten public safety. Due to the risk of accidental introduction to mongoose-free islands, high cost and limitations to trapping, and no national (Section 3) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered toxicants for mongoose control, there is a need for an efficacious toxic bait for mongooses for use in conservation areas and at points of entry in the United States. Over the last five years, the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) worked to develop a toxic bait for mongooses for registration …