Digital Commons Network^™

Occupational Therapy Students’ Demonstration Of Interprofessional Competencies During Simulation: An Observational Analysis, Elizabeth Crampsey, Shelley Cohen Konrad, Debra J. Ford

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Quality care and patient safety are primary goals in health care, with interprofessional collaboration as a crucial strategy to achieve them. This study reports the behavioral outcomes of Occupational Therapy (OT) students applying core competencies, like Communication and Teamwork, during a longitudinal case-based team simulation activity designed to enhance interprofessional education (IPE). The activity was designed to improve implementation of IPE competencies during a collaborative teamwork exercise with standardized patients. A content analysis using the Interprofessional Collaborator Assessment Rubric (ICAR) assessed 21 graduate OT students’ deployment of IPE core competencies while participating in a semester-long interprofessional simulation (Sim-IPE) activity. Findings …

Exploring Student And Faculty Perspectives On Professionalism In Occupational Therapy Education, Mary Roduta Roberts, Jilaine Barton, Amy Janzen, Carolina Johnson, Lauren Painchaud

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The development of professionalism is critical for occupational therapy (OT) students to become competent occupational therapists. This paper reports on the first phase of a multi-phase project to develop and pilot a situational judgement test to support teaching, learning, and development of professionalism in an OT program. The purpose of this study was to explore faculty and students’ perspectives on professionalism and OT. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were completed with students (n = 18) and faculty (n = 4). The main insights shared included challenges in defining professionalism in OT, the importance of context, and differing perspectives on the effectiveness of …

Occupational Therapy Holistic Admissions At A Public, Urban Research University: Process, Outcomes, And Transitions, Ashley Stoffel, Dalmina Arias, Toni Van Denend, Caitlin Smith, Jenica Lee, Maria Larson, Gail Fisher

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Implementing a holistic admissions process reflecting the mission of the university provides the means to expand enrollment of students from diverse backgrounds who have life experiences and values that are well matched to the communities they serve. This article explores the historical significance, outcomes, and transitions of a holistic admissions process in a public, urban research university.

The holistic admission process outlined in this article offers a balanced and equitable approach to student selection by considering a broad array of backgrounds, experiences, and attributes beyond traditional metrics, such as grades. With a commitment to inclusivity, access, and belonging, the department …

Feasibility Of Therapeutic Drumming Intervention For Autistic Youth: An Exploratory Study, Zahava L. Friedman, Dina Prisco, Jorge Ochoa, Talia Nuesi, Carmen Guarino, Patricia Higgins, Danielle Centi

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: There is a need to identify a wider variety of neurodiversity-affirming interventions within the scope of occupational therapy. Therapeutic drumming, percussive music-making as a therapeutic intervention, holds potential for occupational therapy practice, though few studies have explored its efficacy with this population. The purpose of this study was to explore the design and effectiveness of therapeutic drumming for autistic youth from perspectives of drumming facilitators to identify relevant outcome variables and usefulness in the study and practice of therapeutic drumming.

Methodology: This exploratory feasibility study recruited twelve facilitators and 10 autistic youth. An occupational therapy graduate student …

Service Disruptions In Early Intervention Amid Covid-19: Understanding Challenges Faced By Families And Providers, Tiana T. Nguyen, Samantha Mong, Juliana Lainez, Domenique Embrey

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Infants at risk for developmental delays require early intervention (EI) services to support their development. However, many families face barriers to receiving services, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: This qualitative study examined how COVID-19 impacted access to EI therapy services from the perspectives of families and EI providers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The study aimed to identify existing barriers and new pandemic-specific challenges to inform strategies for improving continuity and quality of EI care during future service disruptions.

Methods: Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with caregivers of eligible infants and EI providers. …

Theme Park Experiences Of Families With A Disabled Child Regarding Accessibility And Participation: Mixed Methods Study, Kylie Allan, Karen Park

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Despite the large number of children with disabilities, there is little research focused on the experiences families with a child who has a disability have while at theme parks. Both play and leisure participation offer meaningful opportunities for self-expression and can support skill acquisition and building social connections, particularly in family-oriented environments, like amusement parks.

Methods: Using environmental assessments, surveys, and semi-structured interviews, this mixed-methods study explored the experiences of these families, specifically looking at accessibility and participation in the theme park environment. Thirty-seven parents and guardians completed the online survey, while 10 individuals also elected to …

The Impact Of Computer Training On Confidence And Occupational Participation In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Alicia Jones, Joseph A. Scazzero, Rosanne Dizazzo-Miller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: It is fundamental to understand why older adults choose and use technology to fully understand how to meet the needs of an aging population in a technologically advanced society. This research aimed to design and implement a holistic technology training program for older adults that explores using a laptop beyond basic internet use.

Method: A pre-post mixed-method survey study took place at a local senior center. A classroom-style program was designed to deliver information and instruction using a digital device. An 11-item survey on attitudes toward technology using a 7-point Likert scale with qualitative responses was used to collect …

A Retrospective Study Correlating Omsq-12 And Quickdash Scores Of Post-Operative Upper Extremity Patients, Sabrina Nassir, Mariem Metry, Yuju R. Huang

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This retrospective study aimed to identify a correlation between the Örebro Musculoskeletal Screening Questionnaire (ÖMSQ-12) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) of postoperative male patients with elbow and or wrist/hand conditions. The study aimed to discover how an individual’s comorbidities affect overall functionality over 6 weeks of treatment at Select Physical Therapy Hand Therapy in Orange, CA.

Methods: Data collected from male workers' compensation patients (N = 43) aged 20-50 years with elbow and/or wrist/hand conditions from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2025, were included. Throughout a patient's therapy experience, they are …

The Content Validity Of The Functional Cognition Index In Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living (Fci-Iadl) As A Screening Tool For Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) In Older Adults In Singapore, Namrata P. Sadarangani, Phyllis Simon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a syndrome that is considered a transition phase between healthy cognitive aging and dementia. The person may have subjective memory complaints, substantiated by family or caregiver and/or impaired executive function, that lead to difficulties performing complex Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Our objective was to develop a tool to assess functional cognition in IADLs as a screen for MCI in older adults.

Method: A Qualtrics survey questionnaire was rated by 15 content experts on the relevance of the 22 test item questions to the cognitive domains being measured using a 4-point …

Reframing Occupational Therapy In A Reactive Health System Through Prevention And Caregiver Training, Rosanne Dizazzo-Miller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This article explores the expanding role of occupational therapy in chronic disease management, prevention, and caregiver supported care. Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to support health promotion and caregiver training but remains underused in prevention-focused health care models. Current literature from the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy highlights the importance of caregiver training, the systemic barriers limiting occupational therapy's role in chronic disease management, and the need for the profession to embrace a broader role within this area of practice.

A Mixed-Methods Pilot Investigation Of Act Workshops In Integrated Primary Care, Katherine Buckheit, Kyle Possemato, Mara Sindoni, Luke Mitzel, Niranjala Yogaratnam, Allyson Smith, Lilian Dindo

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Mental health symptoms are prevalent and associated with considerable disease burden. However, most individuals who would benefit from mental health treatment do not receive appropriate care. Barriers such as logistical challenges and stigma often prevent access to traditional services. Alternative delivery modalities and settings may reduce these barriers. This pilot study evaluated the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of single day Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) workshops delivered in a non-traditional setting, integrated primary care. Acceptability was operationalized as  treatment engagement and treatment satisfaction. Preliminary effectiveness was operationalized as within-condition change in mental health symptoms. Participants were 32 Veterans Affairs (VA) …

Small Cell Lung Cancer In A Never-Smoking Patient: A Case Highlighting Diagnostic And Screening Gaps In Primary Care, Edward Hamilton, Alexandra She, Francis Jenney

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is best known in relation to tobacco exposure and tends to be seen in advanced disease. Contemporary guidelines in lung cancer screening demonstrate a strong emphasis on smoking exposure, which may serve as a barrier to recognition in never-smokers who lack conventional risk factors. As a result, SCLC in never-smokers remains an important but underrecognized consideration in general and primary care settings. The current case involves a 65-year-old African American man who has never been a smoker but who presented with progressive thoracic pain, shortness of breath, and unintended weight loss, leading to the discovery …

Comparative Evaluation Of Radioisotope Accumulation In Stems And Leaves Of Wild Flora In Nineveh Governorate For Environmental Pollution Indicator, Amina Q. Al-Bakri, Ayman Albanna, Mazin N. Fadhel

BioMed Visions Journal

It is a comparative assessment of natural deposition of radioisotopes in wild plants' stems and leaves from 11 sites of Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Levels of ^226Ra, ^232Th, and ^40K activities were determined using high-resolution gamma spectrometry, and radiological equivalent indices—Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq), Absorbed Dose Rate (D), Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE), Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE), Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), and hazard indices (Hex, Hin, Iγ) were determined. All results indicated invariably greater radionuclide accumulation in leaves than in stems at every station. Mean Raeq in leaves was 63,473 Bq/kg and in stems 60,854 Bq/kg, and the highest …

Physicians' Perspective Regarding The Prevention Of Antibiotics Resistance, Wathah Zuhair Mohammed Siddiq, Nadia Hazem Saied

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: Antibiotics' resistance is one of the global health problems. The misapplication and misuse of antibiotics ultimately result in antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic prescription is a complex processes that affected by many factors; these factors are mutually reliant and related to physicians' knowledge, healthcare providers' participation, healthcare system itself, patients and the general public. Aim of the study: To identify physicians' perspective concerning antibiotics resistance. Methodology: A cross sectional study was used to find physicians' view about antibiotics resistance. The sample consist of 300 physicians who working in different governmental health institutions in Mosul City. Data was collected from study population …

The Incidence Of Some Intestinal Protozoa: Entamoeba Histolytica, Blastocystis Hominis And Giardia Lamblia Among Iraqi Individuals At Baghdad Province, Amani M. Jasim, Rabia A. Aboud, Mohamed Q. Al-Aybi

BioMed Visions Journal

This study investigates incidence of Entamoeba histolytica, Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia at Baghdad province during during the months of 2024. Samples were collected from patients admitted Baghdad hospitals during a period of January to the end of December 2024 and examine by Macroscopic Examination by direct wet mounts and Concentration Methods using formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation or zinc sulfate flotation to concentrate ova/cysts analyzed .The findings indicate that no significant differences among study groups individuals infected with Entamoeba histolytica out of 222,133 individulas infected with Entamoeba histolytica (32%) females most frequently infected than males (27%).Giardia lambilia according to gender …

Ethical, Regulatory, And Equity Challenges Of Ai In Pharmaceutical Advertising, Samer Imad Mohammed, Fadia Thamir Ahmed

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots are significantly altering pharmaceutical advertising by facilitating personalized patient engagement and enhancing treatment optimization. Their adoption presents substantial ethical, regulatory, and equity challenges that require thorough analysis. Objectives: The objectives of this review are to analyze: (1) the implementation of AI technologies, such as chatbots and predictive analytics, in pharmaceutical advertising; (2) ethical risks, including algorithmic bias and misinformation; (3) deficiencies in global regulatory frameworks, specifically those of the FDA and EMA; and (4) effects on health equity, with a focus on vulnerable populations. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using several databases with …

Cytotoxicity Of Dimethyl Sulphoxide On Viability Of Peripheral Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Rana Nidhamaldeen Al-Nuri, Francesco Ipsevich, Lazim Subhi Sheet

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are cells that can differentiate according to the tissue they are lying in. The transplantation of such cells is either autologous or allogeneic. Autologous storage is required until the patient finishes his intensive chemotherapy. Whilst allogenic storage is required until finding the suitable matched recipient for this cellular therapy. Storage is in deep frozen state (–80° C) with cryoprotectant compound. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) has been used as cryoprotectant due to its electrophilic property that makes H-bond between DMSO and H₂O, which is 2.6 times stronger than the H bond between two water molecules. …

Evaluation The Attitudes Toward Prevention Of Communicable Diseases On Health Care Workers At Al-Sadr Hospital In Iraq's Najaf Governorate, Ahmed Ali Mohammed Alshamarti, Wisam Abdul Ameer Ali Farid, Atheer Kadhim Ibadi, Sabreen Ali Hassoni

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: Communicable diseases are responsible for a heavy burden on human health. Health workers were the front line in preventing these diseases. Wrong or positive attitudes of health workers can reflect negatively or positively on infection control efforts. The primary objective of study evaluating attitudes levels between health care workers towards transferable diseases. The secondary objective, assessing association with social-demographic characteristics of health workers. Materials and Methods: The data from Al-Sadr Hospital, by use a frequency study started from the 1^st of December 2021 to the 30^th of May in 2022. The sample from 384 health care workers …

Pharmacy Students' Perceptions And Attitudes Toward Online Learning: Insights From A Cross-Sectional Study In Iraq, Heba M. Attash, Luma M. Al-Obaidy, Harith Kh. Al-Qazaz, Fahad Saleem

BioMed Visions Journal

Background: The rapid shift to online learning during the pandemic has reshaped pharmacy education in Iraq, yet student perceptions remain underexplored. This study examines how pharmacy students view online and hybrid models, with attention to gender, location, and access to technology. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October 2024 and January 2025 with 386 fourth- and fifth-year pharmacy students from differrent universities across Iraq. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated tools, assessing demographics, learning preferences, and attitudes toward digital education. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Most participants were …

Lig1 Loss In Tp53-Mutant Triple Negative Breast Cancer Rewires Dna Repair And Confers Sensitivity To Parp-Atr Inhibitor Combinations, Christina Sallas, Jun Xu, Jacob B Pilcher, Xuxu Gou, Junkai Wang, Lacey E Dobrolecki, Diana M Fandino, Mariah J Berner, Allison Greer, Fei Fei Song, Sarah Latka, Hugo Villanueva, Sumimasa Arimura, Sufeng Mao, Zhongqiu Guo, Sofía I Aramburu, Anran Chen, Thanh Nguyen, Carolina Gutierrez, Dolores H Lopez-Terrada, Bora Lim, Susan G Hilsenbeck, Michael T Lewis, George Miles, Jason C Mills, Gloria V Echeverria, Stephen J Pettitt, Simon N Powell, Susan M Rosenberg, Andrew N J Tutt, Christopher J Lord, Matthew J Ellis, Meenakshi Anurag

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Proteogenomic analyses have identified an association between LIG1 (DNA Ligase I) loss and chemotherapy resistance in a subset of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) enriched for TP53 mutations. Here, we demonstrate that co-occurrence of TP53 mutations and LIG1 loss is associated with upregulated DDR activity, including homologous recombination, likely contributing to reduced platinum sensitivity. Unbiased genetic and monotherapy drug screens identified PARP inhibitors (PARPi) as a potential treatment for LIG1-depleted tumors; however, the increase in sensitivity was modest and lower than that observed in TNBC models with homologous recombination deficiency. Subsequently, a screen of PARP inhibition in combination with each …

Towards A Framework For Implementing Artificial Intelligence In Clinical Medicine

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Correlation Between Voice Handicap Index-10 Score And Auditory Perceptual Evaluation In Lebanese And Iraqi Patients: Impact Of Cultural Disparity, Abdul-Latif Hamdan, Zeina Maria Semaan, Omar Aboul Hosn, Jonathan Abou Chaar, Maher Kasti, Batoul Jaber

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Voice disorders are prevalent, impacting nearly 25% of adults, with even higher rates among who rely on their voices professionally. Contributing factors include smoking, poor vocal hygiene, and environmental conditions. These factors can disrupt laryngeal biomechanics, leading to functional and structural voice disorders, which can cause communication issues and diminished productivity. Evaluation methods encompass subjective evaluations, such as self-reported quality of life scales, alongside objective auditory perceptual evaluations. This study aims to establish a correlation between self-reported vocal handicap and perceptual voice evaluation, while also investigating the influence of cultural factors on auditory perceptual evaluation, specifically comparing Lebanese …

Role Of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Catheter Drainage In The Management Of Infected Acute Pancreatic Necrosis, Wasam A. Al-Asadi, Bahaa K. Al-Neama

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Acute necrotizing pancreatitis is often complicated by pancreatic collections. Symptomatic collections typically require intervention, with drainage options including percutaneous, endoscopic, and surgical techniques. Aim: This study aims to assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) in the management of infected pancreatic collections associated with necrotizing pancreatitis. Methods: A randomized prospective study was conducted at a tertiary center between August 2020 and April 2022. Thirty-one patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis were enrolled and randomly assigned to either ultrasound-guided PCD (n = 20) or primary surgical necrosectomy (n = 11). Outcomes were compared …

Clinical Outcomes And Technical Consideration In Transcatheter Closure Of Ventricular Septal Defect Closure, Khalid A. Khalid, Musaab H. Almaliki, Hala Hussam Naser

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease, with an estimated incidence of 2–6 per 1,000 live births. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous transcatheter closure of VSD using different occlusion devices in a resource-limited, real-world setting. Methods: A retrospective single-center study was conducted at Basra Specialized Cardiac Hospital, Iraq, including patients who underwent percutaneous transcatheter VSD closure between August 2020 and August 2024. A total of 87 patients with various VSD types were enrolled. Procedural success, immediate and follow-up residual shunt, and procedure-related complications were assessed. Results: Transcatheter …

Unilateral Soft Palate Paralysis, Vitorino Modesto Dos Santos, Kin Modesto Sugai, Rafael Campos Nunes

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Perception Of Substance Addiction Among Medical Students Of Al-Zahraa College Of Medicine In Basrah, 2023, Jhood Abdul Samad Molan, Ziyad Tariq Maki, Anfal Mohammed, Fatima Hani Jaber, Noor Alhuda Abdul Wahab, Noor Alhuda Hameed, Noor Riyadh

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Substance abuse is a persistent global problem. It can have multiple effects on behavioral and cognitive functions and may lead to psychological symptoms. This global epidemic not only harms individual health but also adversely affects the psychological and moral well-being of society. The prevalence of substance abuse is increasing worldwide, with a more rapid rise in developing countries. Youth constitutes the primary population at risk for substance abuse in each country. Aim: The study aimed to assess substance use-related literacy among the second and fifth-year students of Al-Zahraa College of Medicine in Basrah. Methods: This study included 158 second- …

Socioeconomic Status, Nutritional Risk, And Glycemic Outcomes In The Diabetes Population At Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Iraq, Huda Abdulsattar Mazeal

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Diabetes mellitus, encompassing both type 1 and type 2, represents a significant global health burden. Socioeconomic status (SES), nutritional risk, and glycemic outcomes are interrelated determinants of disease management. Aim: This study aims to examine the relationship between SES, nutritional risk, and glycemic outcomes among diabetic patients at Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Iraq. By analyzing demographic, clinical, and nutritional characteristics, the research seeks to identify predictors of poor nutritional status and uncontrolled glycemia to inform targeted interventions and health policy. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2025 at the Diabetes Center, Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, …

Nasal Cockroach: A Rare Cause Of Nasal Foreign Body In A Healthy Adult Female—A Case Report, Wael J. Alshihaby

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Nasal foreign bodies are commonly encountered in pediatric patients but are relatively rare in adults. The presence of a live insect as nasal foreign bodies is an unusual occurrence that can cause significant discomfort. This report describes the case of a cockroach lodged in the right nasal cavity of an otherwise healthy adult female that was successfully removed endoscopically. Case Presentation: A 46-year-old otherwise healthy female presented with right-sided nasal discomfort and persistent rhinorrhea of two days' duration. She reported a sensation of an insect entering her right nostril but was unable to identify the insect. Nasal endoscopy revealed …

The Role Of Mental Health In Postoperative Complications: A Literature Review, Kayla Monet Alwahhamy, Abbas Rasoul Alwahhamy

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Currently, it is not standard practice to screen all surgical patients both pre- and postoperatively for either a prior history of mental health disorders (MHD) or active symptoms of MHD at the time of surgery. This is despite growing evidence that MHDs may impact wound healing and are recognized as a mortality risk factor in many patients. Aim: This review aims to evaluate existing literature examining mental health (MH) in surgical patients, assess whether there is a relationship between MHDs and postoperative complication rates, and determine whether outcomes differ based on the timing of MHD manifestation (pre- …

Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Of Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Medical Students At The University Of Sulaimani, Bushra M. Ali Bajalani, Danya Nadhim Mohammed, Shoxan Othman Mohammed, Lanya Chalak Abas

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global public health and is risk factor for liver cancer. HBV spreads through contact with infected blood or semen, from infected mothers to, through sexual contact, and via unsafe medical practices such as injections, dialysis, and blood transfusions. Aim: to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students regarding hepatitis B vaccine in association with colleges. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to December among undergraduate medical students from three the University of Sulaimani, Iraq. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed. Data were collectedentered into Microsoft analyzed using the Statistical Package …