Digital Commons Network^™

Staff Education To Improve Knowledge On Accurate Administration Of Medication, Deepu Pudasaini

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Medication errors have been a significant problem, primarily due to a lack of continuous monitoring and inadequate training for personnel involved in managing or administering medications in non-healthcare settings. These errors often go undetected or unreported. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was a staff education project to improve staff knowledge of accurate medication administration of medication in a group home. The practice-focused question was: Will a staff education program on the accurate administration of medication improve certified medication technicians’ (CMTs) knowledge about the association between the medication administration process and medication error? The purpose of this DNP staff …

Improving Identification And Initial Management Of Perimenopause In Primary Care, Yewande Banire

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Perimenopause is a common but frequently underrecognized stage of reproductive aging that can significantly affect women's physical, psychological, cognitive, and sexual well-being. In primary care, inconsistent provider education and the absence of standardized screening and assessment processes often contribute to delayed recognition and fragmented management. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project was to develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based clinical practice guideline to improve the identification and initial management of perimenopause in a primary care setting. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model, the project involved synthesizing and critically appraising the literature to develop …

Educating Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners On Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Medication Management, Omonzua Mabel Eromosele

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project addressed the underutilization of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications in an outpatient mental health center. Although LAI antipsychotics improve medication adherence, reduce relapse, and decrease psychiatric hospitalization, provider knowledge deficits and inconsistent prescribing practices lead to their underuse. The practice-focused question was: Among psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) in an outpatient mental health center, what is the impact of an educational program on the application of LAI antipsychotic medication management on the improvement of staff knowledge? The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate evidence-based educational intervention to improve …

Relationship Identification Between Triggers And Changes In The Brain And The Overall Human Electrophysiology During Migraines, Dominic Sandell, Jonah Dematto, Gianpiero Lara, Jasmine Rosales, Legacy Wilson, Zachary Young

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

One of the most common neurological conditions in the world is migraines; nearly 1/4th of the working population suffers from this condition and exhibits a large variety of triggers. The current treatment method for migraine uses few different medications for all migraines, regardless of triggers. Our hypothesis is that there is a specific relationship between the triggers of migraines and the electrical changes in the brain during migraines. It is known that electrical activity in the brain occurs during migraines; it is unclear whether these changes differ across triggers. The study incorporates two different data collection methods: electrophysiological tests (Electroencephalogram …

Deaths Of Despair Among Cancer Survivors In Rural/Urban Appalachia (2000-2022), Jason Semprini, Anders Erickson, Nosa Osazuwa-Peters

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Rising deaths of despair (premature deaths from suicide, overdose, alcohol, and violence) in adults under age 65 persist across the United States, especially in Appalachia. People diagnosed with cancer may face elevated risks of such deaths due to pain, psychosocial distress, and financial hardship.

Purpose: Deaths of despair trends were compared among adults with cancer across Appalachian and non-Appalachian regions, stratified by sex and rurality.

Methods: Analyzing SEER-21 Incidence-Based Mortality data (2000–2022), deaths caused by suicide, cirrhosis of the liver, or accidents (includes overdose) were identified among adults aged 20–64 years. Annual mortality rates per 100,000 total population were …

Exercise Intensity And The Effects On Mood And Wellbeing, Emily Amortegui, Ashley Albert, Riley Ensor, Keyanna Keyanna Jackson

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

With many students dealing with anxiety, sadness, and high levels of stress, mental health issues among college students have grown in intensity. A lot of research has been done on the possible benefits of physical activity for mental health, but most of it focuses on correlations rather than the biological mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of varying exercise intensities on physiological stress markers and mood in college students ages 18 to 25. To assure precise intensity levels, participants from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will work out at low, moderate, and high intensities while wearing heart …

The Effect Of Snris On Pilot Reaction Time In Simulated Flight, Isabella Owen, Aidan Roach, Micah Henry, Casey Tressler

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Many aviators who are prescribed serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to treat mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder must halt their duties for a set amount of time. This is due to aviation authorities having data that suggests SNRIs and SSRIs lead to inhibitions in mental processes that can cause crashes or death. Most of the research that has been conducted examined the effects of SSRIs on individuals without mental health disorders in non-flight settings. This study will explore the effect SNRIs have on …

Effects Of Sleep Duration And Perceived Stress Of Reaction Time In Undergraduate Students, Caitlin Wescott, Edna Urrutia, Ryan F. Rednick, David Still

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Sleep deprivation and psychological stress are common among undergraduate students and can negatively affect cognitive performance. Reaction time is an important indicator of attention and processing speed and plays a critical role in both everyday activities, such as driving, and high-performance environments where rapid responses are required. This study aims to examine how sleep duration and perceived stress levels influence reaction time in undergraduate students. Participants will report their sleep duration and perceived stress levels through short surveys and wearable sleep data, while reaction time will be measured using a standardized computerized reaction time test. By comparing reaction time across …

Fieldwork Educators' Perspectives On Occupational Therapy Students Addressing Sexuality And Intimacy: Expectations, Supports, And Barriers, Elizabeth Deluca-Berg

Student Dissertations

Sexuality and intimacy are recognized as meaningful occupations within occupational therapy practice; however, they remain inconsistently addressed in clinical care. Previous research has identified limited educational preparation as a contributing factor to occupational therapists' discomfort and lack of confidence in addressing these occupations. Although classroom instruction provides foundational knowledge, Level II fieldwork serves as the primary setting in which students apply knowledge within authentic clinical environments. Despite the central role of FW educators in facilitating students' professional development, little research has explored how they prepare OT students to address sexuality and intimacy during fieldwork. The purpose of this basic qualitative …

Enhancing Cultural Competency Through Training In A Primary Care Clinic, Rogelio Perez Iii

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Cultural competence remains essential in primary care settings serving diverse populations, yet staff at a small Southern Texas primary care clinic reported no previous formal cultural competency training in workplace orientation or school. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project was to evaluate whether a brief, evidence-based cultural competency intervention improved clinician cultural competency scores. Madeleine Leininger’s Culture Care Theory provided the theoretical framework, Lewin’s Change Theory guided the change process, and the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle directed implementation and evaluation. The problem addressed was the lack of structured training to support culturally responsive communication, patient trust, and …

Enhancing Mental Health Support For Motor Vehicle Accident (Mva) Survivors Through Occupational Therapy (Ot)-Led Support Groups, Emma K. Gooden Ms

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project, completed during a 14-week Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) with Georgetown-Scott County EMS (GSCEMS), focused on the ACOTE target areas of Program Development and Advocacy by creating an evidence-based, trauma-informed, occupational therapy support group curriculum for motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors. A literature review and needs assessment identified a significant gap in post-crash care, as many survivors experience long-term psychological challenges—including PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of driving, and disruptions in daily roles—despite care often emphasizing physical rehabilitation over emotional recovery. Drawing from observations of GSCEMS Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress Management meetings, current evidence, and ongoing …

Breast Cancer Knowledge, Awareness And Screening Practices Among Female Healthcare Workers In Al-Mukalla, Yemen, Wafa Al Shoaeeb, Ahmed M. Badheeb, Faisal Ahmed, Amen Bawazir, Abdulla Bin Nabhan, Mohammed Badheeb, Abdulkader Bayazid

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide and represents a significant burden for Yemeni women. Early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) and knowledge of risk factors and symptoms are crucial. This study aimed to assess awareness, knowledge and practice regarding BC risk factors, symptoms and BSE among female healthcare workers (HCWs) in Al-Mukalla, Yemen. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2022 at three public hospitals in Al-Mukalla, Yemen. A census sampling approach was used to recruit HCWs. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering breast awareness practices, risk …

Understanding Brain Fog During Menopause, Cris Meier, Moth Huenemann, Ashley Yaugher, Cara Murray

All Current Publications

Brain fog is an inability to concentrate or think clearly and is a common symptom of perimenopause and early in the menopause phase. While not everyone who goes through menopause will have brain fog, it is a common symptom, and it can be helpful to understand why brain fog occurs. This fact sheet provides helpful information to understand brain fog and ideas you can use to manage it.

Establishment Of A Specialized Pectus Clinic: Referral Patterns, Diagnostic Characteristics, And Early Management Experience At A University Hospital, Zeead M. Alghamdi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To describe the establishment and early impact of a dedicated pectus clinic at a university hospital, focusing on patient characteristics, referral pathways, clinical presentation, and initial management strategies. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a university hospital between January 2020 and April 2025, with 153 patients included in the final analysis. Data collected included demographic characteristics, referral sources, clinical presentation, deformity type, and treatment options. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: The mean patient age was 18.3 (range 1–44) years, with males accounting for 83.9% of cases. Pectus carinatum was the most common diagnosis (48.1%), followed by …

Evaluation Of Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Screening Tool For Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopause, Anna L. Myers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a prevalent yet underrecognized and undertreated condition despite evidence-based therapies in the urology setting. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement was to provide education on the 2025 American Urological Association/ Society of Urodynamics and Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction/American Urogynecological Society GSM guidelines and integrate the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaire into practice, evaluate outcomes of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention, and the impact on diagnosis and associated GSM prescribing. The aim was to impact provider screening and treatment of patients with GSM. Kolcaba's Comfort …

Anatomy Of Success: Unveiling Key Resources For A Stand-Alone Occupational Therapy Anatomy Course, Annika Knuth, Sophia Wilkes, Julia Huber, Graci Leineberg, Rebecca Ozelie

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Anatomy is a complex curriculum involved in occupational therapy education. This study aimed to investigate occupational therapy (OT) students’ perceived usefulness of resources offered in a stand-alone anatomy course within their program. A survey was administered to 284 OT students enrolled in accredited programs who had completed a stand-alone anatomy course. The survey assessed the resources available, their usage, and the perceived benefit to students' learning. Results indicated that open labs and teaching assistants were perceived as the most valuable resources for student success, while print/electronic textbooks and office hours were perceived as the least beneficial. These findings suggest that …

Enhancing New Graduate Nurse Confidence And Patient Safety Through Clinical Development Coach Integration, Megan T. Kramer

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

The transition from student to professional nurse is a critical developmental stage often marked by heightened stress, emotional exhaustion, and uncertainty in clinical judgment. These challenges frequently contribute to lower confidence levels, increased anxiety, and higher risks for patient safety events among new graduate nurses. This program evaluation project aims to assess the effectiveness of integrating a Clinical Development Coach (CDC) role to enhance new graduate nurse’s confidence, comfort, and overall competence while reducing patient safety incidents on a trauma/surgical inpatient unit in a medical center on the East coast. The CDC role is a structured mentorship and resource position, …

Implementation Of A Deteriorating Patient Simulation For New Graduate Nurses To Improve Clinical Judgment: A Quality Improvement Project, Kasey Mundell

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

New graduate nurses (NGNs) often have trouble recognizing and responding to patient deterioration because of limited clinical judgment and confidence during the transition to practice. This quality improvement project evaluated the implementation of a high-fidelity deteriorating patient simulation within a new graduate nurse orientation program at a Level I trauma center. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework and the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Standards of Best Practice, the simulation focused on the assessment and management of a patient experiencing pulmonary embolism. Eight NGNs participated in the simulation and completed the Attitudes Toward Recognizing Early and Noticeable …

Evaluating The Implementation And Progress Of A Bereavement Care Program In An Acute Care Adult Hospital, Nancy Abraham

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Bereavement care is a significant component of patient and family centered care; however, it remains inconsistently addressed in acute adult hospital settings. Families of patients who die in hospitals frequently experience grief, anxiety, and emotional distress, which may be exacerbated by fragmented or inadequate bereavement support (Kustanti et al., 2021). Evidence supports the use of structured, interdisciplinary approaches to bereavement care to ensure timely, consistent, and compassionate support for families. To address this gap, a Bereavement Committee was established at a Level I trauma center in eastern Pennsylvania to implement a standardized Bereavement Care Program aimed at improving bereavement practices …

From Novice To Competent: Enhancing Orientation And Readiness For Post-Anesthesia Care Nurses, Gerri Y. Young

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses are responsible for managing complex postoperative patients requiring advanced clinical judgment, airway management, hemodynamic monitoring, and rapid recognition of complications. Many nurses transition into the PACU without formal perianesthesia education, resulting in variability in orientation practices, competency validation, and preparedness for independent practice. At a military treatment facility (MTF) in Mississippi, 78% of newly assigned PACU nurses had only one to two years of medical-surgical experience, and a standardized orientation program was not available.

This quality improvement project aimed to implement and evaluate a standardized, evidence-based PACU orientation program designed to improve nurse knowledge, confidence, …

Disengagement And Reconnection: Investigating The Role Of Purpose And Identity Seeking Across Career Stages In Healthcare, Charmel Renee Jeffery

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine the generational purpose gap in healthcare by identifying the psychological and environmental factors underlying early-career disengagement and late-career reconnection.

Method An integrative literature review was conducted using four academic databases. An artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted thematic synthesis was applied to extract and organize findings within a standardized analytic matrix. To ensure accuracy and rigor, all AI-generated outputs were validated against the original source data.

Results Two primary themes emerged. Early-career healthcare workers commonly experienced disengagement associated with destiny beliefs, while later-career professionals demonstrated renewed purpose and resilience despite ongoing stressors.

Discussion The findings revealed a pronounced generational divide …

Impact Of Music On Patient Comfort During Mr Scans: A Literature Review, He Yan

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To investigate the influence of auditory stimuli on patient comfort levels during magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, with particular emphasis on indicators of distress, duration of patient positioning, and utilization of emergency signaling devices.

Method An integrative literature review was undertaken utilizing peer-reviewed research articles sourced from journals within the fields of radiology, music therapy, and clinical practice. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Oxford Academic employing keywords including MR anxiety, music therapy, and patient comfort.

Results The body of literature consistently indicated that auditory stimuli significantly mitigate patient anxiety and distress in …

Psychosocial Experiences Of Secondary School Students Living With Sickle Cell Disease While In School In Lagos State, Nigeria, Toluwalope Yetunde Onuwe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a lifelong genetic condition significantly impacting the physical, emotional, and social health of those affected. Nigeria has one of the highest global burdens of SCD, yet there is limited research on the psychosocial experiences of secondary school students living with SCD in educational settings. This qualitative study explored these experiences among students in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using the social ecological model and interpreted through the social model of disability, the study examined how school environments, educational practices, and institutional support influenced students' psychosocial well-being and perceived health. Twenty secondary school students participated in 4 in-person …

Clinical Practice Guideline For A Capstone‑To‑Residency Transition Program, Rebecca Ginika Chinonso

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The transition from student nurse to professional practice remains a vulnerable period marked by role ambiguity, stress, and early turnover. At a large medical center, the lack of a structured bridge between the final capstone experience and the residency program contributed to inconsistent onboarding, reduced confidence, and diminished resilience among new graduates. Addressing this gap is essential for strengthening retention, supporting workforce stability, and improving patient outcomes within nursing practice. An evidence‑based clinical practice guideline (CPG) outlining best‑practice recommendations for a new graduate transition program from capstone to residency was developed for the facility. The practice‑focused question asked whether the …

Staff Education On Improving Staff Knowledge Of Medication Adherence In An Outpatient Psychiatric Facility, Okechukwu Chidiadi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project was a staff education initiative designed to improve staff knowledge of medication adherence at an adult psychiatric outpatient clinic. Addressing this matter is critical because it directly impacts the quality of patient care. The practice focus question was: Among psychiatric mental health staff in a behavioral health facility, what is the impact of a staff educational program on teaching medication adherence to patients on the staff’s knowledge? The purpose of this staff education project was to improve staff knowledge of medication adherence by equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to help patients manage their treatment plans …

The Impact Of A Structured Education Program On Artificial Intelligence Use For Nursing Faculty On Teaching Practices, Katy White

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into nursing education; however, nursing faculty report inconsistent preparedness, including gaps in AI knowledge and self-efficacy for responsible AI integration. This quality improvement project addressed inconsistent faculty preparedness through an asynchronous AI educational program. The purpose was to address gaps in AI knowledge and self-efficacy, and the aim was to evaluate changes in AI self-efficacy and AI knowledge while supporting AI integration into nursing education. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations Theory served as the change theory, the Technology Acceptance Model served as the theoretical framework, and the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework guided implementation. A quantitative one-group pretest-posttest …

Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On The Roles And Career Trajectories Of Radiologic Technologists, Carolina Esquivel

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing the roles, responsibilities, and career trajectories of radiologic technologists by identifying emerging challenges and opportunities associated with AI integration in medical imaging.

Method A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026. Eligible studies examined AI applications in medical imaging and their effects on workforce roles, education, collaboration, and professional practice. Findings were synthesized using thematic analysis.

Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) workflow efficiency and protocol optimization through AI-assisted imaging processes; (b) professional skill development and evolving responsibilities related to …

Administrative And Clinical Impacts Of Theranostic Program Expansion In Nuclear Medicine, Karmela Kljajic Pascual

Radiologic Sciences

Purpose To synthesize current evidence on theranostic trials, nuclear medicine clinical workflow models, and organizational readiness, with a focus on how healthcare organizations and medical imaging leaders are adapting to the rapid expansion of theranostic services.

Method A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria required peer‑reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2026 addressing nuclear medicine leadership, theranostic implementation, workflow design, and organizational factors influencing theranostic program development. Exclusion criteria removed editorials, blog posts, and nonpeer‑reviewed sources.

Results Four major themes emerged: workforce and staffing demands, infrastructure and resource requirements, regulatory and administrative pressures, …

Quality Improvement Project From Novice-To-Expert: Training Nurse Faculty On Virtual Simulation, Dae'visha Kinniebrew

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Virtual simulation is an evidence-based teaching strategy that enhances student learning; however, inconsistent faculty preparation limits its implementation in nursing education. A needs assessment identified a practice gap, with 70% of nursing faculty reporting no virtual simulation training within the previous 12 months. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured non-immersive virtual simulation training program on nursing faculty confidence, perceived competence, and technology readiness in an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. The aim was to improve faculty preparedness to implement non-immersive virtual simulation. A quantitative, quasi-experimental, …

Program Development: Integration Of Occupation In Adaptive Fitness, Havyn A. Isaac, Lakeisa Boykin

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project was a program development and implementation of an adaptive fitness program for individuals with physical disabilities that integrates occupation. This was done to bridge the gap between adaptive fitness and occupational therapy and highlight the role of occupational therapy in adaptive fitness settings. A needs assessment and activity analysis were completed and used to develop the weekly sessions throughout implementation. The implementation phase was over 6 weeks, with 3 sessions a week. Each week had an occupational focus that was identified and broken down with the activity analysis. The program highlighted the role of occupational therapy in adaotive …