Digital Commons Network^™

From Talking The Talk To Walking The Walk: Reflection On Dartmouth Health's Care Experience Week, Rosie Bartel, Corey Kimpson, Tanya Lord, Victoria Lyons, Tony Serge, Brant Oliver

Patient Experience Journal

This article explores the participation of expert members from the Beryl Institute's Global Patient and Family Advisory Board (GPFAB) during Dartmouth Health's Care Experience Week, under the theme ``From Talking the Talk to Walking the Walk.'' This week aligns with the national Patient Experience Week. The Patient Family Advisor (PFA) presenters and authors of this article have shared their lived experience locally, nationally, and internationally through conferences, webinars, podcasts, videos, blogs, white papers, journal articles, books, and in many other ways for and as PFA members of a multitude of healthcare organizations co-create change that improves outcomes for all human …

Utilization Of Visual Metaphors For Improving Health Literacy, Kadir Alp Özler, Morgan Dressel, Madeline Weiner, Robert D Lucito, Alice Fornari

Patient Experience Journal

Health education is practiced in patient encounters via verbal communication and educational pamphlets. However, these techniques are faulty and do not provide true patient comprehension of their conditions and treatments reform is necessary to prevent the mortality and hospitalization rates that are linked to poor health literacy. Visual aids and metaphors are individually known to be powerful educational tools. A student organization at Stony Brook University, Artists in Medicine, has sought to synergize these tools to create visual metaphors artwork that links everyday concepts to patient illnesses to facilitate comprehension of this information. For example, one project “Aortic Dissections” depicts …

Multilevel Factors Shaping The Patient Experience With Health Services In Torbat Heydarieh, Iran, Fatemeh Pourhaji, Mohammad Hossein Delshad

Patient Experience Journal

Background: One of the main aims of public health is to ensure that health services are used and available. However, access alone does not guarantee a positive patient experience, which is critical to achieving optimal health outcomes and ensuring health equity. Aims: The objective of this study is to analyse in a comprehensive way the multiple factors influencing the patient experience and subsequent use of healthcare services by households in Torbat Heydarieh, Iran, by examining the independent and interactive contributions of individual, household and environmental (community) determinants using THUMS data. Methods: This analytical study, which covered a 1-year period, looked …

Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction In Health Services: A Cross-Sectional Study In The Holy City Of Najaf, Ahmed Abdul Hasan Mohsin, Lamees A. Abdul-Lateef, Noor Ismeal Nasser

Patient Experience Journal

The healthcare system in the city of Najaf works to improve the quality of services provided to patients. Since patient satisfaction serves as a key measure of service quality, this study was designed to identify the potential factors that influence satisfaction within these facilities. cross-sectional study was conducted for 300 patients using public healthcare services in Najaf. the selection of patients based on the stratified random sampling across hospitals and primary health centers. Data were collected using a 24-item structured questionnaire that measured four domains: accessibility, staff attitude, service quality, and physical environment, rated on a four-point Likert scale. The …

Do Allied Health Professionals' Workplace Experiences Affect Their Decisions To Stay? A Quantitative Investigation Into The Relationship Between Wellness And Employee Retention In United States Hospitals, Dina Jarjees, Lihua Dishman

Patient Experience Journal

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are university-trained practitioners with specialized skills essential for preventing, diagnosing, and treating health conditions. AHPs play a vital role in comprehensive healthcare, including hospitals, where they comprise a significant portion of the workforce and recurrent health expenditures. However, AHPs experience considerable burnout and emotional distress, negatively impacting retention. This issue worsens workforce shortages and limits access to care, which jeopardizes patient safety. This national, cross-sectional, quantitative study examined the relationship between AHPs' wellness dimensions (physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual) and AHPs' retention in United States hospitals. A self-developed survey instrument included 10 demographic and 25 …

Exploring Patient Satisfaction: Descriptive And Predictive Insights From Hcahps Surveys In U.S. Hospitals, Naveen Gudigantala, Tanush Sistla, Ramu Gudigantala, Naga Vemprala

Patient Experience Journal

This study analyzes patient experience data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys across three time periods: 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23. Utilizing both descriptive and predictive analytics, we examined ten key variables related to patient communication, hospital environment, discharge information, and overall hospital ratings. Descriptive analytics using longitudinal data analysis revealed that while patient experience metrics were strong in 2020–21, a significant downturn was observed in 2021–22, followed by a marked recovery in 2022–23. These results suggest that while COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted patient satisfaction metrics in 2021–22, the emerging evidence suggests U.S. healthcare system …

System-Level Barriers To Patient Engagement With Electronic Medical Records, Corey Adams, Reema Harrison, Guncag Ozavci, Kathleen Gray, Nilmini Wickramasinghe, Vicky Yuan, Tracey Bucknall, Elizabeth Manias

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: Electronic medical records (EMRs) can support patient-centered care, but system-level barriers often limit how patients engage with EMR systems. This study explored the system-level barriers and enablers to patient engagement with EMRs from the perspectives of healthcare leaders. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants in senior EMR-related roles across healthcare organizations in two Australian states. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key system-level influences on patient engagement. Results: Seven themes were identified: 1) EMRs for digital storage, not connection, 2) Privacy rules create challenges to accessing information, 3) Communication barriers when using EMRs, 4) …

Virtual Caregiving And The Evolving Role Of Carers And Patients: Virtual Hospital Interview Analysis, Kanesha Ward, Tim Jackson, Jenna Bartyn, Shannon Saad, Sue Amanatidis, Owen Hutchings, Annie Y.S. Lau

Patient Experience Journal

Virtual hospitals are transforming healthcare by enabling remote monitoring and management of patients, improving accessibility and care continuity. As part of the transformation, there are changes to the roles and responsibilities of patients and their carers as they engage in virtual hospital care. The impact on family caregiving remains underexplored. Guided by Family Systems Theory, this qualitative study investigated how family caregiving roles adapt within a virtual hospital and identified opportunities to further support families. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients, carers, and healthcare workers from one model of care, at a metropolitan virtual hospital in New South Wales, Australia. …

Leveraging Digital Patient And Family Advisory Councils To Drive Patient Engagement, Priya Radhakrishnan, Shambhavi Mishra, Melissa Price, Cammy Sanders, Fiker Bekele, Kathi Zarubi, Craig Kartchner, Amrit Singh Johal, Carol Mayer, Craig Norquist

Patient Experience Journal

Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) have been integral in enhancing patient care, but their limited reach often excludes underrepresented populations. Digital PFACs present an opportunity to overcome these barriers and engage a broader spectrum of patients and families, fostering more inclusive healthcare decision-making. We implemented a Digital Patient and Family Advisory Council (DPFAC) at HonorHealth, as part of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) capacity building grant. We used the RE-AIM and PRISM frameworks to engage participants through a digital platform. The process began with a needs assessment and was followed by the development of the platform, during …

Supporting Families Of Children With Craniosynostosis: A Qualitative Exploration Of Parental Usage Of Online Forums, Elisha L. Rea, Rachel M. Roberts, Amanda J. Osborn

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: Craniosynostosis is characterised by the early fusion of cranial sutures, resulting in an abnormal head shape. This study examines the psychosocial impact of a child's craniosynostosis diagnosis on families, by analysing online forum discussions. While surgery is often needed to address appearance-related and neuropsychological concerns, parents face challenges navigating their child's diagnosis. Many seek support through online forums, yet research on their experiences remains limited. This study aims to understand parental needs and experiences by analysing forum discussions. Method: Online forums were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Significant features of the data were systematically coded and themes reflecting …

Validation Of A Copd Patient-Reported Experience Measure (Prem-C9) In Ontario, Canada, Elaine Zibrowski, Floriana Islami, Alyson Kellar, Christopher Licskai, Madonna Ferrone, Shannon L. Sibbald

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: Patient-reported experience measures (PREM) are important tools for evaluating healthcare quality, yet their implementation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care within Canada remains limited. Our objective was to examine the construct validity of the PREM-C9 instrument in a Canadian context and explore its potential clinical applications beyond measuring patient experience. Methods: A two-phase, prospective, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted across 41 Best Care COPD sites in Ontario, Canada. In the quantitative phase, confirmatory factor analysis assessed the construct validity of the PREM-C9. In the qualitative phase, focus group interviews with COPD case managers explored implementation experiences and perceived …

A Study To Assess Prom And Prem Of Cld Patients In A Tertiary Care Hospital, Anagha Nandakumar, Rubasree M, Priya Nair, Dr. Dinesh Nair, Krishnapriya S

Patient Experience Journal

Chronic liver disease (CLD) leads to progressive liver dysfunction, significantly affecting patients quality of life (QOL). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are critical in evaluating the health status and care experiences of CLD patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of PROMs and PREMs in CLD patients undergoing endoscopic procedures. A prospective study was conducted in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department over three months, involving 245 CLD patients (160 inpatients and 85 outpatients). PROMs were assessed using the Liver-specific PROM (LC PROM), which focused on daily living, symptom management, psychological well-being, and treatment effectiveness. PREMs …

Cartoon-Printed Uniforms: A Strategy To Ease Pediatric Hospital Anxiety, Karnellya R. Ohol, Janaki P. Shinde

Patient Experience Journal

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of cartoon-printed nurse uniforms in reducing anxiety among hospitalized children aged 3–12 years. Conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India, the study included 100 participants (50 intervention, 50 control) who received care from nurses wearing either cartoon-printed uniforms or traditional clinical attire. Anxiety was assessed at baseline and on hospital days 2, 3, and 4 using validated age-appropriate scales: the modified Faces Anxiety Scale (ages 3–6) and the STAI-C short form (ages 7–12). Mixed-effects repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant group × time interaction (F(3,294) = 42.67, p < .001, partial η² = .304). Children cared for by nurses in cartoon uniforms showed a 48.8% reduction in anxiety compared to 14.7% in controls. Between-group effect sizes increased progressively across days (d = 0.87 to 2.13), indicating cumulative benefit rather than transient novelty. Clinically meaningful improvement (≥30% reduction) was achieved by 76% of intervention participants versus 24% of controls (NNT = 1.92). Staff acceptability was high (95%). Findings indicate that cartoon-printed uniforms are a simple, low-cost, high-impact environmental intervention that significantly enhances pediatric patient experience. Their strong clinical utility, ease of implementation, and alignment with child-centered care principles support adoption across pediatric healthcare settings.

Veteran Emergency Waiting Areas And Turned-Off Televisions: An Overlooked Variable, Randall Vanadisson

Patient Experience Journal

The significance of environmental design in emergency department (ED) waiting areas is increasingly acknowledged as a vital element affecting patient experience and stress levels, especially among veterans who may already encounter heightened psychological susceptibility. Aim: To investigate the impact of a non-operational television (TV) at a veteran's medical center emergency department waiting area on patient behavior, perceived stress, and environmental involvement. Methods: This naturalistic observation study employed non-participatory observation of 19 patients in the waiting area of a Veterans Affairs hospital. Field notes captured behavioral responses, seating patterns, and nonverbal stress cues. Observable engagement with the physical environment, …

Inaccessibility And Performative Inclusivity: Higher-Weight Francophone And Newcomer Adults' Experiences In A Canadian Atlantic Province, Andrea E. Bombak, Norma Chinho, Kathleen O'Keefe, Sumaiya Akhter, Lisa Thomson, Courtney Burk, Lee Turner

Patient Experience Journal

Weight stigma research is needed in diverse populations. Two populations that may experience compromised healthcare in New Brunswick, Canada's only officially bilingual province (English/French), are Francophone New Brunswickers and newcomers to Canada. As such, this study explores the experiences of higher-weight (Body Mass Index ≥ 30) adults (≥ 18 years of age) who also identify as primarily Francophone or as having moved to Canada ≤ 5 years ago in and out of healthcare contexts. Participants were interviewed according to a semi-structured interview guide face-to-face, by telephone, or video-call two times, at 2-to-3-month intervals. Interviews included questions about experiences and effects …

The Patient's Lived Experience: A Phenomenological Study On Factors Influencing Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes In Medan, Indonesia, Erida Novriani, Urip Harahap, Khairunnisa Khairunnisa, Wiryanto Wiryanto

Patient Experience Journal

This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to analyze the factors influencing tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes from the patient's perspective in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The objective was to uncover the nuanced human factors shaping the patient's treatment journey, moving beyond a sole reliance on statistics and quantitative methods. The research was conducted across all 41 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Medan. Through a purposive sampling strategy, data was collected from 22 TB patients via in-depth interviews until data saturation was achieved. The collected data was analyzed using thematic, narrative, and phenomenological approaches to interpret the detailed lived experiences of the …

Applying A Patient Journey Mapping Approach To Understand Maternal Care Patient Journeys: A Pilot Study, Nicole Hicks, Kristin Tully, Christopher Goodier, Sreenath Chalil Madathil, Ayaba Logan, Myrtede Alfred

Patient Experience Journal

Introduction: In the United States, giving birth is the most common cause of hospitalization. Maternal care frequently represents birthing people's first experiences of prolonged interactions with the healthcare system. However, the structure of services is often fragmented and misaligned with individuals' needs, particularly for Black birthing people. Documenting birthing people's experiences during pregnancy and postpartum allows for identification of practices working well and opportunities to improve patient-centered maternal care. Methods: The mixed-methods study was conducted in the southeastern United States and used patient journey mapping(PJM) to document experiences of patients receiving maternal care at a large academic hospital …

No One-Size-Fits-All: Patient Perspectives Of Key Factors Influencing Their Inpatient Rehabilitation Experience, Mirline Milien, Megan Bewernitz, Katherine Stallings, Mary Ellen Young

Patient Experience Journal

Although patient experience in healthcare settings has historically been an ambiguous concept, it has received increasing recognition as a measure of healthcare quality. Despite this growing recognition and efforts to define patient experience, few studies have explored patient perspectives on the key factors driving this quality indicator. This study aimed to explore the core elements patients view as influencing their experiences in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. This was a single-visit, cross-sectional qualitative interview study. Thirteen patients with diverse diagnoses who received at least one week of rehabilitation services were recruited from a single inpatient rehabilitation facility. Purposive sampling was employed …

Expanding Family Participation In Inpatient Rounds Through Remote Access: A Feasibility Study Using Automated Messaging, Praveen Meka, Susan Ayers, Jayme Wilder

Patient Experience Journal

Patient representatives (PR) often wish to be part of the care of their loved ones when hospitalized. However patients are frequently alone during morning bedside rounds. A feasibility study was conducted at a large New England Academic Center to evaluate whether short messaging service (SMS) notifications of morning round times with ability to conference-in could improve remote PR participation in inpatient rounds and assess its impact on communication, acceptability, and care experience. After IRB approval, 17 patients were recruited, resulting in 61 bedside encounters. PRs received daily SMS reminders with scheduled round times and joining instructions; care teams received daily …

The Implementation Of Family-Centered Care And Family Satisfaction In Caring For Children With Cancer, Lenny Gannika, Mulyadi Mulyadi, Jeanette Irene Christie Manoppo

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Family-Centered Care (FCC) is an approach that involves families actively in their children's care by emphasizing respect, collaboration, and support. The goal is to increase family satisfaction with the care of children with cancer. FCC covers six subscales: general satisfaction, information, family inclusion, communication, technical skills, and emotional needs. Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between implementing FCC and family satisfaction when caring for children with cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted at the Estella Children's Cancer Center in Manado, Indonesia, from June to October 2024. Parents of hospitalized children with cancer were selected for …

Capturing Patient-Centered Quality Of Life: Usability And Initial Validation Of The Pediatric Patient-Generated Index Following Esophageal Atresia Repair, Zanib Nafees, Julia Ferreira, Elena Guadagno, Nikki Ow, Nancy Mayo, Jean-Martin Laberge, Dan Poenaru

Patient Experience Journal

The Patient-Generated Index (PGI) is an individualized measure that allows patients to define the domains most important to their quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the usability and preliminary validity of the pediatric Patient-Generated Index (pPGI) in children who previously underwent esophageal atresia (EA) repair. We conducted a mixed-methods study including the pPGI, EuroQol-5D-Youth (EQ-5D-Y), and PROMIS Life Satisfaction Short Form-8a. Children aged 7–17 years completed self-reports, while parents served as proxies for younger children. Cognitive interviews explored how children understood and completed the pPGI, and clinician interviews assessed clinical usability. Among 25 participants, the pPGI generated 104 text …

Preventing Delirium After Surgery: A Qualitative Study Of Patients, Caregivers, And Providers, Jennifer O'Brien, Maria Cruz, Heather Dyck, Hassan Yassin, Una Goncin, Lei Xia, Huma Aftab, Lilian Thorpe, Peter Hedlin

Patient Experience Journal

Post-operative delirium is the most common complication in older adults following surgery. Symptoms include agitation, difficulty focusing, sluggishness, hallucinations, slurred speech, restlessness, rapid mood swings, and uncooperative or aggressive behaviour. It can result in longer hospital stays, increased mortality, loss of functional independence, increased need for a higher level of care post-surgery, and an increased risk of readmission to hospital. We aimed to understand and describe the experiences of patients, families, and healthcare providers with postoperative delirium, and to identify targeted initiatives to support patient and family centered care for high-risk patients. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using interviews …

Beliefs Regarding Patient Experience In The Emergency Department Among Individuals With Sickle Cell Disease, Elizabeth A. Ibiloye, Gloria N. Odonkor, Ayobami A. Aiyeolemi, Jamie C. Barner, Carolyn M. Brown, Hyeun Ah Kang, Benita A. Bamgbade

Patient Experience Journal

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) frequently experience intense, unanticipated pain episodes known as vaso-occlusive events (VOEs), which often require emergency department (ED) treatment. However, they often report suboptimal experiences in the ED. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study aimed to elicit salient beliefs regarding SCD patient experience in the ED. Three virtual focus group sessions were conducted with individuals with SCD recruited through a Texas SCD Association and Rare Patient Voice. Nine open-ended questions were used to elicit participants' behavioral, normative, and control beliefs regarding ED use when experiencing VOEs. Qualitative analysis was performed using a …

Mindful Tea Drinking As A Low-Cost Sensory Intervention For Reducing Stress In College Students, David Gabel

Honors Projects

The proposed study would investigate the effects of a tea-based sensory mindfulness exercise on stress in college aged participants. Participants would listen to a mindful tea exercise and a non-mindful tea exercise after a mild stress-inducing Stroop test. For both conditions, the participants would report their current state of distress on the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) before and after each tea exercise and their heart rate variability (HRV) would be measured during each segment of the experiment.

Descriptive statistics and a paired samples t-test would be used to compare the mindful tea condition with the non-mindful condition following …

Abortion Politics And Policy: Stigma And Access In The Silver State, Celene Fuller

Lincy Institute Events

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) overturning Roe V. Wade, states have taken divergent paths in regulating access to abortion services. In 2024, Nevada voters overwhelmingly passed Question 6 proposing to codify abortion rights into the state constitution. In November 2026, Question 6 will again be on the ballot for final confirmation. If it passes, these rights will be protected from future legislative action.

Despite Nevadans’ strong support for abortion rights, the state’s dearth of abortion providers limits access to these services. As this lecture explores, both providers and individuals seeking abortions, …

How Digital News Impacts Health Knowledge And Decisions, Ellya Asatryan

Pepperdine Journal of Communication Research

This literature review examines how digital news and online health information (OHI) influence health knowledge and decision-making. This review focuses specifically on young adults, who increasingly rely on digital platforms for health information. Evidence indicates that OHI can support informed health decisions, such as lifestyle changes and self-care, particularly when individuals possess higher digital health literacy. However, the rise of social media, influencer marketing, and misinformation complicates these effects, making critical evaluation skills essential. Trust in digital health news is mediated by source credibility, exposure to misinformation, and individuals’ media and health literacy levels. Lower health literacy is associated with …

Prenatal Care Access And Pregnancy Outcomes Among Black Women Ages 15–44 In Cook County, Illinois, Deandrea Heggins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maternal health disparities affecting Black women in the United States remain a persistent public health concern due to inequities in prenatal care access and adverse birth outcomes. Prior research has shown that socioeconomic conditions, insurance coverage, and systemic barriers influence prenatal care utilization and maternal outcomes; however, limited research has examined how Medicaid coverage, household income, preterm birth, and birth weight are collectively associated with prenatal care access among Black women in Cook County, Illinois. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationships among these factors and access to prenatal care among Black women ages 15–44 …

Cross-Sectional Associations Of Metabolically Healthy Obesity, Lifestyle Factors, And Steatotic Liver Disease In Adults From The Fels Longitudinal Study, Ariana L Garza, Audrey C Choh, John Blangero, Cici X Bauer, Stefan A Czerwinski, Miryoung Lee

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To examine the associations of metabolic health and obesity phenotypes with liver fat accumulation and hepatic steatosis in adults.

Methods: We analyzed 676 non-Hispanic white adults (18-95 years; 55.8% female) from the Fels Longitudinal Study using a cross-sectional design. Participants were classified into metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) phenotypes. Metabolically unhealthy status was defined as the presence of ≥1 metabolic dysfunction, consistent with prior epidemiological definitions; secondary analyses using ≥2 were also performed. Obesity was defined using DXA-derived body fat percentage. Liver fat (%) was …

Governing Addiction: An Anthropological Comparison Of Care In The United States And The Netherlands, Kiren K. Bagga

Bates College Journal of Political Studies

This article examines addiction care as a form of moral governance through a comparative anthropological analysis of the United States and the Netherlands. Drawing on a Foucauldian theory of biopolitics alongside this study argues that approaches to addiction treatment reveal how states differentially value life, citizenship, and vulnerability. Joan Tronto's relational definition of ethical care is used to move beyond a solely moral context, towards an ethical understanding of both caretakers and those who require care. In the United States, addiction policy has historically functioned as a punitive and moralizing project, shaped by racialized drug criminalization, neoliberal ideals of individual …

Spatial Distribution Patterns Of Determinants Of Hypertension In West Java In 2023, Meirina Nur Asih Susanti, Wahyu Septiono

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Hypertension is a public health issue that is unevenly distributed across regions. The high prevalence in West Java (34.4%) with a large population makes the management of hypertension crucial. Differences in economic and environmental conditions are thought to influence the distribution of hypertension, thus requiring spatial analysis. This study used an ecological approach by analyzing data from districts/cities in West Java in 2023. Secondary data were used to measure hypertension prevalence and to assess socioeconomic and environmental factors. The analysis was conducted using univariate Moran's Index, Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), and the Spatial Autoregressive Model (SAR). The prevalence …