Digital Commons Network^™

Implementing Evidence-Based Fall Risk Assessment To Improve Identifying Home Fall Risks, Jade M. Oakley, Ellie Youngblood

Scholars Week

This evidence-based practice project addresses the significant risk of falls among home hospice patients by proposing the implementation of a standardized, multifactorial assessment tool. The project advocates for replacing subjective nursing judgment and the inadequate Morse Fall Risk Assessment with the validated Missouri Alliance for Home Care (MAHC-10) tool, accompanied by a new Fall Prevention Protocol and comprehensive staff education. Utilizing the MAHC-10 will ensure consistent, evidence-based assessment, allowing nurses to proactively implement fall prevention interventions and thereby improve patient safety and quality of life at home.

The Impact Of Housing Instability And Transportation Insecurity On Copd Hospital Readmissions In Vulnerable Populations, Sophia Reid

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Problem Statement Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of morbidity and healthcare utilization in the United States, accounting for approximately $50 billion in annual healthcare costs, with $13.2 billion linked specifically to readmissions. Despite the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) targeting COPD as a key quality metric, 30-day readmission rates remain high at 22.6%. African Americans disproportionately experience worse COPD outcomes, including higher hospitalization rates and a slower decline in mortality. While social determinants of health (SDOH) are known to influence health outcomes, there is limited research analyzing the dual impact of housing instability and transportation …

Post-Stroke Depression (Psd) And Occupational Therapy (Ot) Intensity: A Retrospective Medicare Claims Analysis, Lauren H. Allen

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Purpose: Post stroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent and burdensome mental health complication following a stroke, affecting approximately one third of survivors. Examining how PSD relates to outpatient occupational therapy (OT) utilization may help identify gaps in post-stroke mental health care and reveal whether current billing practices adequately capture OT services.

Project Goals: This project aimed to determine whether an early PSD diagnosis predicts outpatient OT treatment intensity and describe patterns of OT billing related to mental health, including mental health current procedural terminology (CPT) code use and CPT code distributions.

Site: This project was conducted in collaboration …

Planning For Prevention: Implementing Pressure Injury Bundles In Hospice Settings, Ellie M. Martin, Mckenzie Pool

Scholars Week

There is an increased prevalence of pressure-related injuries in the hospice setting. This can be due to age, diagnosis, comorbidities, inadequate nutrition or hydration, lack of mobility, or inadequate care due to lack of education. Prevention bundles and policies are at every facility, but are not as effective as needed. This looks at the theoretical framework and ways to prevent pressure injuries as effectively as possible. Pulling information from multiple other research studies to put the best care bundle together to decrease the amount of pressure injuries.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Palliative Care: Helping Those With Serious Illnesses Participate In Meaningful Activities, Sophie Gainey

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Palliative Care (PC) is a service that provides people living with life-limiting illnesses with additional layers of support throughout disease progression. Benefits of PC include improved pain and symptom management, improved Quality of Life, and dying experiences. A Program of S.U.P.P.O.R.T™ (Symptom management, Understanding the disease, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Palliative care, Oxygen therapy, Research considerations, and Transplantation intervention) is an educational program for patients who live with life-limiting pulmonary illnesses to improve understanding of disease progression. While research about occupational therapy’s role in PC is limited, the literature suggests that interventions can positively impact patients' ability to participate in their Activities …

Empowering Future Practitioners: Using Constructivist Learning Strategies To Teach Occupational Therapy’S Role In Oncology Rehabilitation, Erin L. Latimer

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project developed educational materials on occupational therapy’s role in oncology rehabilitation for first-year OT students at an accredited program. The deliverables included a lecture and lab session, guided by the constructivism theory and 5 Es educational model, to integrate foundational oncology content into early curricula. By addressing this gap, the project aims to better prepare future OTs to serve cancer survivors. Goals included enhancing students’ knowledge of oncology’s continuum of care and improving clinical reasoning during evaluations. Students completed a Pre-Quiz (testing general oncology/pathophysiology knowledge), Post-Quiz (lecture-specific questions), and Post-Survey (34 respondents). Results showed strong comprehension, with one …

Evaluation Of Unique Care Coordination And Transition Management Clinical Module, Debbie Solomon, Ann E. Holland Phd, Rn

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

A two-year curriculum evaluation was undertaken to guide development of a unique clinical curricular module focused on care coordination and transition management. The module, in place in the junior curriculum since 2015, had been modified through the years in response to changes in faculty, clinical partners, and department resources. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly limited student field experiences, requiring development of existing and new on-campus simulated learning experiences. Three analytic processes were used to evaluate how teaching methods and resource utilization contributed to student achievement of learning outcomes. The results led faculty to reinitiate field experiences in home care and hospice …

Using Walk Audits To Understand Neighborhood Environmental Problems, Megan Heckert, Randall Cream, Christina Rosan

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Dr. Megan Heckert, Geography and Planning, Dr. Randall Cream, English, and Dr. Tina Rosan, Temple University Geography, Environment, and Urban Studies, present "Using Walk Audits and Storytelling to Understand Neighborhood Environmental Problems".

Healthcare Leaders' Attitudes And Perceptions On Use Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) And Ai Enabled Tools In Healthcare Settings, Avery Steffen

Student Academic Conference

Problem or Gap: Numerous studies have shown that AI can be used for diagnosis, problem-solving, identification of key disease features, and treatment planning processes for complex clinical cases1. It is important to note that leaders and managers play a key role in implementing AI methods throughout their organizations, however, there is a dearth of studies that examines attitudes and perceptions of clinical and administrative leaders towards integration of AI in healthcare settings. Furthermore, there is a need for literature that helps in identification of both facilitators that lead to AI adoption and barriers that can hinder AI adoption in healthcare …

Risks Vs. Benefits Of Animal-Assisted Interventions For Icu Induced Psychosis, Cecily Christie, Hadley Mayes

Scholars Week

For our senior Nursing Evidence-based practice project, we conducted our own research to evaluate the risks and benefits of animal-assisted intervention (AAI's) being used in intensive care units, in the hopes to encourage nurses and healthcare staff to implement these in patient care facilities.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration To Improve Decision-Making For Feeding Tube Insertion For Patients With Als, Gabriela Lopes, Lauren Tabor Gray, Donovan Mott, Eduardo Locatelli, Andrea Charvet

InterLACE Research Showcase

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of A Conversion From Intravenous Alteplase To Tenecteplase For Treatment Of Acute Ischemic Stroke, Lourdes R. Menendez, Erika Dittmar, Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, Star Belnap, Maygret Ramirez, Thomas Wolfel

All Publications

Background/Purpose: In acute ischemic stroke patients meeting established criteria, thrombolytics may aid in the reperfusion of ischemic brain regions leading to improvement or resolution of neurological deficits. Alteplase is the only FDA approved thrombolytic for acute ischemic stroke. Recent evidence suggests tenecteplase is as safe and efficacious as alteplase, while providing a more favorable pharmacokinetic profile. The purpose of this project is to conduct a review of alteplase compared to tenecteplase for treatment of acute ischemic stroke, following a formulary conversion in the thrombolytic of choice across a large health system.

Methodology: A multicenter, retrospective medication use evaluation was …

Promoting Occupational Therapy Involvement In End-Of-Life Care Through Advocacy And Education, Macey Genzlinger

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The end of life is a difficult stage of life to manage, but people who are dying still desire to participate in meaningful occupations. This participation can be negatively affected by the challenges faced at the end of life. Occupational therapy is a profession perfectly fitted to facilitate occupational participation for patients at the end of their lives. However, occupational therapy is underutilized in end-of-life care, and many knowledge gaps exist surrounding its use. Much work needs to be done to solve these problems which this Capstone project begins to address. The theoretical framework underlying this project is the Occupational …

Occupational Therapy In Oncology Care: Methods For Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue, Marissa Emberly Cardenas

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aided in helping to develop advanced clinical knowledge and skills within oncology care, specifically when treating cancer-related fatigue while advocating for the use of occupational therapy. This project took place within Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. The population for this project consisted of oncology patients within an inpatient and outpatient setting. A total of 12 patients with a diverse set of diagnoses were assessed and treated for cancer-related fatigue within 14 weeks. The Brief Fatigue Inventory scores decreased when patients participated in exercise and psychosocial interventions. Outcomes within this project consisted of a manuscript, advocacy materials, …

Animal-Assisted Therapy In The Intensive Care Unit, Amanda M. Pugh

Student Scholar Showcase

This paper will explore animal-assisted therapy used in intensive care units. Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk for developing an array of complications called post-intensive care syndrome, which can negatively affect patients’ psychological, motor, and cognitive abilities. While the widespread use of animal-assisted therapy in the ICU is still in need of improvement, studies have shown animal-assisted therapy can improve depression and anxiety, increase motor function, and strengthen patient participation in treatment. This is significant because the benefits of animal-assisted therapy can counteract the symptoms related to post-intensive care syndrome. The studies will be analyzed, and …

Asset Based Community Development: A Journey To Meeting The Needs Of The Whole Child., Beth Bradley Penley, Victor Morales

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This program will tell the story about one school district's journey to meeting the needs of the whole child. A shift in school culture from a reactive to a proactive purpose shaped the mindset of staff as they embarked in partnering with the local community to build a resource network to meet the needs of the students in which they serve. In addition to building community partnerships, the components of a successful intervention continuum are discussed including Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, Community in Schools, and the American School Counseling Association Model.

Doctoral Capstone Experience In Education And Program Development- Depaul University, Ashley Saunders

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Female Caregivers Of Male Glioblastoma Patients Experience Ptsd, Emily E. Burke

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Female Caregivers of Male Glioblastoma Patients Experience PTSD

Authors: Burke, Emily E.; Minns, Laurie A.

Abstract

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is most frequent among women, but perhaps even more so in female caregivers of male Glioblastoma patients. Glioblastoma itself is a seriously neuro-debilitating disease; an invasive brain cancer that offers poor prognosis and a lifetime’s worth of trauma for not only the patient, but caregiver as well. Due to the patient’s inability to function, the caregiver takes on the pressure of standing in for the mental processes of their loved ones, while juggling their own health. Most prominent among …

Glioblastoma Multiforme Caregiver Burden With Family And Friends Present, Molly Christine Massman

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Purpose: Female caregivers of patients with Glioblastoma Multiform suffer significant emotional, physical and financial burden. Additionally, these caregivers are not well educated or equipped to care for the high demands of a brain cancer patient whose condition declines rapidly and have inadequate support systems. In this study, solutions for particular caregiver burden issues are discussed and highlighted specifically to inform family members and friends ways to which they could provide better support systems for caregivers of GBM patients. Methods: Within this study, 102 letters were analyzed from female caregivers regarding their experiences with the various hardships associated with …

Brain Cancer Caregivers Experience High Emotional Distress, Sunny Mathaun

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Sunny Mathaun, Dr. Laurie Minns

Brain Cancer Caregivers Experience High Emotional Distress

Glioblastoma multiforme grade 4 is a type of highly malignant tumor that has an extremely poor prognosis, which leads to major emotional challenges such as heavy and unhealthy burden on caregivers. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most severe types of cancer with an average prognosis of 15 months. Due to its high mortality rate, GBM creates major health challenges for patients in a fast rate, but also significantly impacts the caregivers who are caring for these patients. Caregivers can be categorized in a formal and informal …

A Case Of Atypical Pml, Alexander Dreisin, Justin Jin

Providence Portland Medical Center Internal Medicine 2020

No abstract provided.

Euthanasia, Sabrina Didiano

Academic Festival

This paper talk discusses several factors of Euthanasia. First, the definition of euthanasia and the different types of euthanasia will be addressed. Next, the term "terminally ill" will be defined and explained. Then, I will touch on the psychological aspect of euthanasia, as it is a big part of this process. There was a widespread use of euthanasia in both Belgium and the Netherlands which was included and discussed in this paper. Two other aspects of euthanasia are the ethical and legal role. Furthermore, I will be discussing if it is ethical and the legality of the process. Lastly, I …

Promoting Independence Through Effective Interventions For Adults With Als, Renee Gluchowski, Ots, Hannah Harris, Ots, Jaclyn Heineman, Ots, Kimberly Kendro, Ots, Heather Malosky, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

PICO Question

What are effective occupational therapy interventions for adults with ALS to improve participation in ADLs/IADLs?

Objectives

• Define amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and recognize the prevalence
• Identify and describe evidence-based interventions to promote independence for individuals with ALS in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
• Discuss how the current literature on the effective interventions impacts occupational performance and treatment of adults with ALS

Widowhoods Effect On Careers, Jessica Lindahl, Jia Lee

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Nearly one million people in the United States each year are widowed.⁵ The majority of these individuals continue to maintain employment.⁵ It is critical to examine the impact of widowhood on career maintenance and development. Widowers experience challenges related to identity confusion⁴, depression¹, role changes¹⁰, and financial stress⁴, all of which can adversely impact functioning at work. These challenges exist for widowers who continue in their current employment after the death of their spouse, as well as for those who may enter the world of work out of necessity upon …

"I Play One On Television." A Case For Palliative Telemedicine, Sarah E. West, Danielle Noreika, Egidio Delfabbro

Graduate Medical Education (GME) Resident and Fellow Research Day Posters

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of The Hypervirulent Nap1/Bi/027 Strain Of C. Difficile In Southwestern Virginia And Risk Factors Associated With Infection, Andrew O. Hanna, Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie, Shikha Vasudeva

Graduate Medical Education (GME) Resident and Fellow Research Day Posters

C. difficile infection (CDI) incidence has increased over the last several decades. The BI/NAP1/027 ribotype was discovered in 2005 and has since been responsible for multiple outbreaks in the US and Canada. This subtype of C. Difficile is known to be more virulent in vivo and produce more severe disease. Limited regional data of the prevalence of this ribotype is available, which could help guide treatment. Using infection control data from a large regional hospital and a VA medical center, this study documented the prevalence of the 027 ribotype in Southwest Virginia. Patients were included if they were tested at …

Disaster Preparedness For The Medically At Risk Non Institutionalized Population, Jennifer E. Hogan

Center for Social Gerontology Community Conference (2017-2022)

During the Snowpocalypse in 2013, people on dialysis suffered excessive stress and adverse health events. Disaster planning can minimize the impact of disasters for those who are medically at risk. Attendees will learn about the medically at risk non institutionalized populations. Presenter will differentiate between vulnerable populations, functional and access needs and medically at risk populations for disaster planning purposes. Attendees will also learn specific strategies on disaster planning with any client who is medically at risk. Presenter will review a specific case example: disaster planning with a person on dialysis.

Death-Related Grief And Disenfranchised Identity: A Review Of Key Concepts And Findings, Kendyl A. Barney

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Throughout this review, I argue that grief is an aspect of identity given its continuous and reoccurring nature. The death of a significant person forces one to reconstruct their own narrative, resituate their relationship with the deceased individual, and develop a new sense of self post-loss. Further, I expand Doka’s (2002) theory of disenfranchised grief to argue that all grief is disenfranchised. I make this argument under the contention that the dominant narrative of grief always assumes the experience to be finite, linear, and a process of detachment. Given the reality that few people actually identify with this conceptualization of …

Coaching Through The Tfi And Using Eoy Data, Shantay S. Evans

Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference

PRESENTATION ABSTRACT: Teams are coached to enhance efficiency and effectiveness by Working Smarter, not Harder to implement the PBIS framework. Implementing the PBIS framework with fidelity and incorporating input from all stakeholders (staff, students, family, and community) to help shape practices are at the core of increasing PBIS sustainability. Parents and community members who attend this presentation can learn more about the strategies teams use to incorporate feedback and provide beneficial information for use in the home and within their local communities, industries, and businesses.

This school year, teams used the Tiered Fidelity Inventory to measure their perceptions of PBIS …

Millennials, Health Care Management And Mortuary Science, Robert C. Rados, Anthony Fleege, Abel Salazar

Faculty Research Flash Talk

This research focuses on conducting survey research to gather current information from millennials, representatives of hospice, mortuary science academics, and funeral home directors to determine current alignment regarding end of life practices and attitudes toward death and dying. Analysis of findings will be used to enhance the development of Health Care Management and Mortuary Science practice to promote awareness of common concerns for appropriate support for dying persons and their families.