Digital Commons Network^™

Workplace Violence, Darvonte Green

Integrated Studies

'Every year, 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence. In 2014, 409 people were fatally injured in work-related attacks, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's about 16% of the 4,821 workplace deaths that year.' National Safety Council (NSC 2018).

Care For Care-Givers - The Importance Of Caregivers And The Role They Play, Hannah Jo Black

Integrated Studies

Many times, the incredibly difficult role of becoming a caregiver falls onto close family and friends. There is little training for the responsibilities that come along with becoming a caregiver and there is not always support for them outside family or friends. After much research and interviews with others who had been handed the role as caregiver, it is believed that while there are certain types of communication between caregivers and support groups, there should be better communication of where caregivers can turn to in order to find support. The interviews conducted for the sake of this research showed that …

Secure Integration Of Information Systems In Radiology, Stephen A. Clark

Integrated Studies

Medical Imaging is an industry where distinctive imaging protocols such as Digital Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and Health Level 7 (HL7) are used to transmit patient data across multiple information systems relaying possible life-saving data their providers. These information systems, unique to radiology departments require proper integration and workflow to achieve the CIA triad of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This paper discusses the challenges of integrating disparate healthcare radiology information system with particular emphasis on protocol security.

Characteristics Of Inclusive Learning Environments For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Courtney E. Thomasson

Integrated Studies

As Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses continue to increase, the number of students with an ASD diagnosis in public and private schools continues to increase as well. For students with an ASD diagnosis, it is essential that their learning environments be designed with specific characteristics and strategies to be inclusive and supportive to their needs and future success. Many researchers have recognized the need for more schools to implement inclusive and supportive environments for students with ASD. This paper combines and discusses articles that explore the various characteristics of an ASD diagnosis, the challenges associated with the diagnosis in everyday …

The National Football Leauge, Kenney G. Wooten

Integrated Studies

Some people thing that the national football league is just men bumping heads and hurting each other. this is not always the case. i wanted to show what the NFL really is and how things work and also a little about the history.

Value Based Healthcare: The Missing Formula For Quality Patient Care, April Tapscott

Integrated Studies

Value Based Care is driving the need to balance value with cost. Health care organizations must address the value component as part of the patient care experience. Reimbursements to physicians and healthcare organizations are the focus on delivering value care to the patient while keeping costs down for the insurance company and overhead for the organizations. Health care providers face challenges on how to connect ethics, patient safety, and decision making to quality of care for each individual patient. Insurance companies are looking at the volume of people, how many episodes of care for each condition, how many providers for …

Physicians Or Facebook? The Effects Of Do-It-Yourself Healthcare On Modern Society., Kelli Jo Compton-Thweatt

Integrated Studies

All patients have the right to be an advocate for their own healthcare; however, most patients in today’s society abuse that right by delving from professional medical advice given per their healthcare provider. It is imperative that self-diagnosis and self-treatment do not undermine healthcare professionals and do not replace the medical treatment advice given to incite healing. Do-it-yourself healthcare has become increasingly popular in the last decade due largely in part to rising healthcare costs. While having negative implications on modern society, the articles explored illustrate how do-it-yourself healthcare has given rise to a new era of chaos proving that …

Effective Communication Skills For Healthcare Workers, Marlena Lovone Shaw 5597883

Integrated Studies

Abstract

It is imperative for managers to know how to communicate with both patients and employees in a proper manner. Most patients have limited understanding of healthcare terms and “layman’s” terms must be used in order for them to understand the messages that you are trying to get across to them. While speaking to the office staff, however, it is important to be able to use proper medical terminology including medical billing terminology. That helps the staff quickly understand without the long explanations that patients sometimes need. When communicating with patients it is very important whether through direct or indirect …

Understanding Parental Involvement, Shayna Myers-Young

Integrated Studies

Abstract

In order to provide the best learning practices and experiences, it is important to understand parental involvement. Defining parent involvement is important in order for one to understand the complex dynamics of parent involvement. The definition of parent involvement has changed throughout the years. Today, parent involvement is different from parent involvement in the past. There are different models and levels of parent involvement. Parents can be involved in their child’s education in several ways. Parent involvement has both benefits and barriers. In the classroom and outside the classroom, a parent’s role is essential to a child. Parents are …

Amazon: David Becomes Goliath, Donald K. Wiggington

Integrated Studies

From humble beginnings, Amazon.com and its founder Jeff Bezos have grown to become one of the most successful companies and individuals. This paper will explain how Amazon came to be, what has made them so successful, and where they are possibly going from here. This paper will also look at six competitors of Amazon and their strengths and weaknesses in the current business world. Finally, I will share some of my personal recommendations for the company and the lessons I have learned while studying this topic. The information in this paper has been retrieved from various sources and mostly includes …

The Impact Of Patient Safety On Healthcare Delivery, Kaitlin Blakemore

Integrated Studies

This paper goes into focus on the different types of patient safety. I am writing this paper to give viewers a better understanding of the safety and concerns that do appear when a patient is in our care. Patient safety is a training that emphasizes safety in a healthcare setting through reporting, prevention, and reduction, as well as analysis of the medical error that does lead to different adverse effects. The main concern and focus is how we as healthcare workers can make new approaches, as well as trying to limit the amount of errors with paper training.

The concerns …

La Heterogeneidad Étnica: La Integración Latina Y El Español En El Sistema Educativo De Kentucky, Robert Cruz Tirado

Integrated Studies

El éxito de los estudiantes que pertenecen a las minorías en el sistema educativo de Kentucky, especialmente los hispanos, depende de que existan programas eficientes para entender, y lidiar con la diversidad en cuanto a raza, idioma, y cultura. Este trabajo explora la historia de la educación en los Estados Unidos, dándole énfasis a la educación en el estado de Kentucky. Llevando a la conclusión, que la evolución de la presencia latina en el sistema educativo del estado y la diversidad dentro del personal académico son parte fundamental para el éxito de la nación.

Change In Education: Technology, Politics & Funding, Chastity White

Integrated Studies

In this paper I will discuss changes that have occurred in the United States Education system over the years. It will explore three particular topics that have had a strong impact on our education system which are technology, politics, and educational funding. Research and surveys conducted have shown both the positive and negative effects on Education and its growth. The paper will explain the transformation of technology in classrooms and also discuss policies put in place by the government such as the No Child Left Behind Act and Title 1 Funding. Specifically, this paper will discuss how much the Education …

Physicians Or Facebook? The Effects Of Do-It-Yourself Healthcare On Modern Society., Kelli Jo Compton-Thweatt

Integrated Studies

All patients have the right to be an advocate for their own healthcare; however, most patients in today’s society abuse that right by delving from professional medical advice given per their healthcare provider. It is imperative that self-diagnosis and self-treatment do not undermine healthcare professionals and do not replace the medical treatment advice given to incite healing. Do-it-yourself healthcare has become increasingly popular in the last decade due largely in part to rising healthcare costs. While having negative implications on modern society, the articles explored illustrate how do-it-yourself healthcare has given rise to a new era of chaos proving that …

Stress Triggers, The Effects Stress Has On Social, Mental And Physical Behavior In College Students, And The Coping Mechanisms Used, Stacy Simpson

Integrated Studies

This paper will explore the various types of stress college students face, as well as the psychological, physical, and social effects of these stressors on students. The struggle that students face dealing with an overwhelming amount of stress can be difficult and take a toll on individuals during their collegiate academic career. Coccia, & Darling, (2016) studied how general life, love and social interaction could cause stress on college students. College students deal with stress in different, personal ways, and many studies have considered the individual coping methods used by students. Self-medication is one common tactic for stress coping. Binge …

Causes And Adverse Effects From Overcrowding Of Emergency Departments: The Solution, Breanna King, Breanna M. King

Integrated Studies

Abstract

This paper will describe the purpose of emergency departments and how they have become overcrowded, overused, the problems associated with the overcrowding and the new strategies that have been put into place to lower the amount of emergency department visits. About half of reported emergency department visits are normally considered non-urgent and because of this, millions, if not billions of dollars are wasted. Overuse of emergency departments become overcrowded, and those in dire need of emergency care may have to be rerouted or have longer wait times if no beds are available.

Overuse of Emergency Departments not only effects …

Adhd: The Lifespan And Effects From Adolescence Through Adulthood, Rhonda Springer, Rhonda J. Springer

Integrated Studies

ADHD: THE LIFESPAN AND EFFECTS 4 Abstract The purpose of this paper is to help educate individuals on the choices that aid in the treatment plans, for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, that are available and the long term impacts in which treatment could have on their physical body, social life, emotional well being. This paper explores the cause, symptoms, and treatments available for individuals with ADHD. Current treatment options include medication, essential oils, and multiple therapies that include, fantasy play, cognitive, behavior, etc. This paper, also, identifies the impact of the different symptoms on a gender basis and across the …

Patient Safety Internship, Holly Wells

Integrated Studies

As a Murray State University student seeking my Bachelor’s in Integrated Studies (Healthcare Administration), I completed a fifteen-week internship at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. This internship is in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the BIS 437 project. As part of the internship requirements, I was required to intern two eight-hour days every week for fifteen weeks in the Patient Safety/Infection Control Department. Throughout this internship, I would gain the skills and knowledge of what a Patient Safety Coordinator is responsible for in the daily routine. Although, the skills and knowledge were important, the experience that I received during …

Factors Of Academic Achievement For Middle School Students, Kelly Geary

Integrated Studies

Factors contributing to academic achievement in elementary, middle, and high school students; is a very important topic that has been researched for many years. There have been key points that have been identified as assisting students to reach full academic achievement. This research paper will cover various topics regarding education, beginning with; students developmental stages, theories, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, gender, educators’ responsibilities, methods, strategies, and curriculum. This paper will acknowledge the importance that extracurricular activities, arts, and humanities plays on academic achievement. As well as how factors such as low socio-economic status and retention can hinder students achievement.

The Impact Of Social Play On Young Children, Elizabeth Whitman

Integrated Studies

Play is an essential part of child development. Children learn about their world through playing. If children had one job, play would be it. Children are social beings and desire interaction and communication. When children play, they can learn about themselves as well as others. Through play, children are able to learn to regulate their emotions, interact with peers, teachers, and their environment. Play enables children to expand their attention span and to enhance intrinsic motivation. Play is a meaningful part of child development because it allows children to grow in all areas of development. This enhances their ability to …

Non-Pharmaceutical Treatment Options For Alzheimer's Care: Music And Art Therapy Interventions, Rene Rios, Jr.

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease may be one of the most misunderstood threat to the geriatric population. Alzheimer's disease is an indiscriminate disease, which may affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnic group, gender, and socioeconomic class. Although pharmaceutical intervention options may be available, they may not provide adequate means of addressing the symptomology associated with the disease. Alternative non-pharmaceutical interventions such as music and art therapies may be better suited for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Research regarding music and art therapies as treatment options has yielded promising results. Furthermore, music and art therapies have thus gained popularity among geriatric …

Workplace Wellness Programs: Healthy Lifestyles And Economic Success, Jeremy Nelson

Integrated Studies

Abstract

The following is a review of articles and literature on health-care costs, return on investment, employee health benefits, business success, barriers associated with workplace wellness programs and support systems, and an infrastructure that supports implementation. Research and literature on costs, benefits, barriers, and program implementation support is examined in this paper that are associated with successful workplace wellness programs. Findings from this review include a positive return on investment, lower healthcare costs for both the employee and employer, and additional benefits for the employee, employer, and the community. Also, barriers to participate in workplace wellness programs, use of incentives …

Leaning Into Browser Extensions, Christine Ferguson

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

An array of browser extensions have been developed to help researchers locate full-text content, whether that full text is available in an institutional repository, on a publishers site, or in an open access journal. Examples of such browser extensions include Unpaywall, Kopernio, EZproxy tools, and Lean Library. This Balance Point column focuses on the growth of browser extensions, the need they are filling, and their adoption by libraries. Particular attention is paid to the Lean Library browser extension and the services offered by Lean Library. Drawing on the literature and interviews with librarians in the field, the advantages and disadvantages …

Understanding Writing Challenges Of Rural Msw Students: Preparing Students For Ethical Practice, Jennifer A. Shadik, Sarah B. Garlington, Terry Cluse-Tolar, Glenn Abraham

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

This study explores the attitudes and reflections of rural MSW students regarding writing. Twenty-seven students completed the modified Writing-to-learn Attitudes Survey (WTLAS). Fourteen completed an open-ended reflection where they were asked to assess their strengths and challenges in writing, as well as strategies for improvement. Results of WTLAS indicated students were anxious about writing, had difficulty organizing their thoughts, presenting their ideas clearly, and had little confidence in their writing. Results of the writing reflection indicated students were able to identify multiple challenges and strengths as well as means to remedy shortcomings. Qualitative analysis indicated the most frequent challenges were: …

Rural Attitudes Toward Government Benefit Programs, Mary Laidlaw, Peter A. Kindle, Teresa M. Thomas, Melissa Fellows, Jennifer Reeves

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

This study explores rural Midwestern attitudes (N = 126) toward 21 government benefit programs. Findings indicated that there were substantial differences between male and female respondents with male respondents believing that means-tested government benefits were too generous by almost a full standard deviation (d = .90) in comparison with female respondents. Entitlement programs were also deemed too generous, but by a lesser effect (d = .67). No gender differences were noted for farm programs. Linear regression explained 23.3% of the variance in attitudes toward mean-tested programs, 20.8% for entitlement programs, but only 8.1% for farm-related programs. Findings …

A Community And University Collaborative: Responding To The Opioid Crisis, John Conahan, Chelsea Toth, Sheryl Mcklveen

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

One of the 12 Grand Challenges of Social Work, as identified by the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare (2018), is Ensuring Healthy Development for all Youth. This article explores the importance of community-wide prevention efforts in meeting this challenge by utilizing grassroots coalition action in concert with engaged universities. Through perspectives of the Communities that Care Model and an Engaged University Model, this case study examines one community’s response to reduce the prevalence of youth substance abuse behaviors. Recommendations include effective coalition building strategies.

Project Rafiki: Consumer And Provider Perspectives On Food Assistance And Its Impact On Quality Of Life For Individuals Living With Hiv/Aids, Emily C. Holderfield-Gaither, Saundra Starks, William Mkanta

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Project Rafiki was designed to provide nonperishable food assistance to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania, East Africa. The research study was developed to examine the extent to which the Project Rafiki food assistance program had impacted its participants over the course of one year. The aim of this research can be divided into five smaller objectives: 1) to gage the effectiveness of the food assistance program; 2) to assist in the expansion of inter-professional knowledge of resource-development regarding health and nutrition for vulnerable communities or rural areas; 3) to involve and immerse students in learning on a global level; …

Using Person-Centered Scheduling With Geriatric Patients To Reduce Anxiety With Telepsychiatry, Jody G. Long, Patricia A. Wilkerson, Evi Taylor, John H. Hall, Christopher Peters

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study explored using person-centered scheduling with telepsychiatry for rural community geriatric patients. Quantitative research approaches were used to determine the level of satisfaction participants experienced with person-centered scheduling and geriatric telepsychiatry. Method: Quantitative data were collected by using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) before scheduling the first appointment and to assess the intervention’s effectiveness after the telepsychiatry session. Results: Person-centered telepsychiatry scheduling decreased geriatric patients’ anxiety as evidenced by Zung SAS scores. Conclusion: Older adult patients saw telepsychiatry as a viable means of treatment. Future research with geriatrics from different regions is needed.

Implications and future …

The Sleep Gap: Advancing Healthy Sleep Among Youth In Rural Communities, Vanessa N. Jones, Justin Bucchio

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Sleep is essential to survival yet remains a public health concern affecting rural youth and adults (Chang et al., 2012; Kakkar, Bohra, Trivedi, Gupta, & Saini, 2016). Besides emotional and social problems, regular short sleep among youth contributes to neurodevelopmental and mental health concerns. Youth that reside in rural communities experience higher rates of short sleep (Daly et al., 2015); therefore, understanding and recognizing specific health risks and protective factors among this population is important to addressing sleep disparity. Future research should explore translating sleep knowledge into practical strategies to help reverse sleep insufficiency among rural youth. This practice note …

Behavioral Health In Rural America: Understanding Citizen Perceptions And Willingness To Respond To Community Needs, John M. Keesler, Helen Johnston, Jonah Simon, Taegan Anthony, Meagan Barnhart, Madison Bartlett, Janet Delong, Sharon Galloway, Melissa Kilpatrick, Jonathan Laucella, Hope Moreland, Gaby Ryan, Valerie Shannon

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Amid nationwide efforts to address behavioral health needs, rural communities often face unique challenges and a lack of resources. This study presents a bottom-up approach used by one rural community in the Midwest to respond to their needs regarding mental health and substance use. A survey instrument was developed from interviews with community stakeholders and disseminated in both online and paper formats. The survey sought to understand citizen perspectives regarding quality of life, barriers to treatment, and willingness to engage in efforts to address the community’s needs. Data from 1,303 respondents (71.5% women, 54.7% income <$42,000) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses. Results indicate that cost of treatment, shame, and lack of privacy were a barrier for most citizens’ treatment-seeking behavior. In addition, many citizens were willing to engage in strategies to address the community’s needs, including increased county spending, forming a neighborhood watch, and donating money. Differences associated with gender and income emerged across perceptions and willingness to support efforts. Implications for community efforts are discussed.