Senior Nursing Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceived Competency About Older Adults, Deborah Denise Brabham

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Nurses entering the workforce may have limited education in gerontological nursing. Therefore, many nurses are unprepared to provide quality care to older adults. An unprepared nursing workforce could negatively influence older adults’ health outcomes and care experience. Purpose: To determine differences in senior nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived competency about older adults based on enrollment in a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN), associate’s degree nursing (ADN), and practical nursing (PN) program that offers geriatric content in curricula. Theoretical Framework: Bandura’s social cognitive theory, triadic reciprocal determinism model provided the theoretical framework. Methods: A non-experimental, descriptive survey …

Reducing The Prevalence Of Falls In The Assisted Living Facility Setting, Joan Louis Pierre

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Falls are an issue of concern among the elderly population; it is not only costly, but their impact can have long-term consequences on the quality of life of the elderly. Fall risk in this population increases with age, and falls are the leading cause of accidental death and disability among older adults (Morris et al., 2016). Fall prevention is needed to help reduce these events. The success of this project required consideration of the unique needs of residents in the assisted living environment. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to reduce the prevalence of falls in the assisted …

Management Of Hypertension Among Haitian Immigrants: Using A Cultural Competency Tool To Improve Practice, Soeurette Bruny

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The number of Haitian immigrants living in the United States has significantly increased as a result of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010. Hypertension is one of the most significant health concerns among Haitian immigrants, which is one of the fastest growing ethnic groups. A clear understanding of the issues that impact the health practices, beliefs, and attitudes of the Haitianpopulation is essential for positive healthcare outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve healthcare practitioners' standard of practice when providing culturally congruent care to Haitian immigrants at a small community clinic …

Prevention Strategies To Reduce Multifactorial Risk Factors Associated With The Onset Of Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review, Jacqueline A. Burnes

Theses and Dissertations

Noncommunicable diseases such as coronary artery disease continue to remain the principal cause of mortality in the United States, claiming nearly 800,000 lives in 2016. Reducing the onset of chronic diseases, specifically coronary artery disease, requires a fundamental approach to health care, involving patient access to high-quality primary care and accessibility to disease prevention programs. This study examined multifactorial risk factors and prevention mechanisms associated with coronary artery disease.

The applied dissertation is a systematic review of the literature designed to answer the question: What prevention strategies reduce multifactorial risk factors associated with the onset of coronary artery disease? The …

Evaluation Of A Climate Change Training Program For Local Government Employees, Clara Kashar

Theses and Dissertations

A local government in South Florida launched a training program to improve employee engagement on climate change using best practices in adult learning and climate communication to bridge the gap between climate science and action in government operations. The purpose of this program evaluation was to determine whether that climate change development and training program for local government employees met its stated goals and objectives. This evaluation blended a component of Stufflebeam’s Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model with Kirpatrick’s Four Levels model. To conduct the evaluation, the researcher used a mixed methods approach for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative …

A Study Of In-School And Out-Of-School Life Experiences Affecting Veteran Teacher Retention In A Southeastern School District, Rosa Ana Jonson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the research was to investigate the in-school and out-of-school life experiences affecting veteran teacher retention in a southeastern school district. The study sought to gain a better understanding of the factors that affected the decisions of teachers to remain with the district for more than 5 years. All of the teachers who had been working in the district for at least 5 years were potential research participant The survey was distributed to 75 teachers, and 24 teachers responded. The teachers were asked to respond to an online survey regarding their perceptions of their in-school and out-of-school experiences. …

Assessing Reading And Mathematics Achievement Of Students With Disabilities In A Suburban Middle School, Terri Melissa Toomer

Theses and Dissertations

Co-teaching classrooms consist of general and special education teachers working together to benefit students with disabilities (SWDs). Many parents and teachers believe the content knowledge provided by general educators in the regular education setting, combined with the instructional service delivery model (SDM) expertise of special educators, will result in the greatest academic growth for SWDs. However, it is not known if SWDs served in one SDM progress at a faster rate than SWDs served in another SWD. Therefore, the focus of this study was to compare the reading and mathematics achievement of male and female middle school SDWs in two …

To Participate Or Not To Participate In Education Research: A View From The Teacher’S Perspective, Jennifer Gans

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation was designed to identify factors that might explain teacher resistance versus teacher support for participation in education research. To that end, predictor variables suggested by both diffusion of innovations theory, as well as personality trait theories were examined as unique predictors of variability in attitudes toward adoption of participation in the research process. Furthermore, “exposure to research” was examined as another possible variable that may be uniquely associated with willingness to participate in research, beyond the other theoretically motivated variables. The researcher developed a survey instrument featuring four research vignettes that increased in demands for teacher participation. Each …

Student And Faculty Perceptions Of Live Synchronous Distance Education For Allied Health Students Following Program Expansion To A Rural Campus, Betsy J. Becker, Kelsey Rutt, Allyson Huntley, Harlan Sayles, Kim Michael

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background & Purpose: Distance education (DE) is a means to meet allied health workforce needs in rural locations where healthcare worker shortages are apparent. Five allied health programs were expanded to a rural campus teaching synchronously using distance education technology. The purpose of this convergent parallel mixed methods study was to explore perceptions of allied health students and faculty at two campus locations.

Methods: Quantitative and qualitative information were collected through a survey of students and faculty (physical therapy, physician assistant, and medical imaging [diagnostic medical sonography, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging] programs). Both campuses served as live and distance sites …

Comparability Of Mmpi-2_Rf With The Mmpi-2 In Assessing Psychiatric Patients: A Shortfall, Carlo Leone, Stefano Mosticoni, Federica Iannella, Massimo Biondi, James N. Butcher

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Assessment of mental health problems with MMPI instruments has a long tradition in Italy beginning in 1948. This study examined how the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) compares with MMPI-2 in evaluating Italian psychiatric patients. We obtained a sample of psychiatric inpatients that were referred to the University Hospital in Rome, Italy who were administered the MMPI-2. This study examines the utility of the MMPI-2-RF, and how its performance compares with MMPI-2 scales in this contemporary clinical sample. We examined whether the new MMPI-2-RF scales are sensitive to mental health symptoms that are addressed by the original MMPI …

Exploring Relational Ethics And Care: A Longitudinal Study Of A Hong Kong Cellist's Marriage Disintegration And Identity Change, Annabella S K Fung Ms

The Qualitative Report

I am a survivor of divorce. When I visited Hong Kong, a mutual friend introduced me to a cellist going through a divorce as a participant for my research which investigates music learning and identity of Chinese musicians. My research took a different path because I decided to explore how she constructed meaning through divorce, leading to her identity change. I referred her to counselling and supported her through regular messaging. Research is more than just data collection; the wounded-healer standing by the wounded is therapeutic for both of us. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this study reports our conversations, …

Listening To Juvenile Corrections School Teachers: A Step-By-Step Process For Interview Studies Guided By Hermeneutics, Kristin M. Murphy

The Qualitative Report

The act of interviewing is a complex endeavor, and there are many pathways a researcher can take when designing their interview study. This becomes particularly critical when embarking on a study that will require participants to talk about subjects that may be sensitive in nature. In this paper, I share how I utilized a hermeneutic perspective to guide my interview study with teachers from juvenile corrections schools. I explicitly define and walk through why I selected hermeneutics. Then, I provide detailed step by step descriptions of how my data collection and analysis process was informed by the hermeneutic circle. The …

Perceptions Of The Nursing Faculty Shortage: A Case Study Of One College’S Adjunct Faculty’S Perception Of Doctoral Education, Donna Shaw

Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in this qualitative case study was the nurse faculty shortage and associated consequences of a shortage of nurses available to care for an aging population with multifaceted healthcare needs in a complex healthcare system. Because of the nurse faculty shortage, numerous qualified applicants are unable to enroll in nursing programs across the country. One of the key reasons for the nurse faculty shortage is a lack of nurse educators with doctorate degrees to fill the vacant positions. Adjunct nursing faculty were interviewed to ascertain their perceptions about the nurse faculty shortage and messages conveyed by full-time nurse …

Social-Emotional Skills For Early Learning With Preschool Students: A Program Evaluation, Tory Denyse Hagains

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this applied dissertation study was to evaluate the implementation of a program entitled Second Step for Early Learning to determine if the program would significantly improve social-emotional competence in young children. The participants included six teachers from a preschool program located in an urban school district in Pennsylvania. Data-collection sources included surveys, interviews, and a review of lesson plans. Data analysis employed both quantitative and qualitative procedures.Findings from three data sources in combination with training indicated that implementation of the program increased social competence in young children. Research suggests that the overall result of the effectiveness of …

Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis- A Case Report, Renee M. Horner, Douglas S. Gardenhire, Ralph D. Zimmerman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Background: Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) is a rare pulmonary disorder caused by a congregation of excessive lipoproteinaceous material in the alveolar spaces due to impaired surfactant metabolism. The congregation of the protein in the alveolar space leads to difficulty in breathing, impaired pulmonary immunity, and susceptibility to both opportunistic and acquired pulmonary infections. Although Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis is rare, there are potential treatments. Whole-lung lavage is the most widely accepted therapy and course of treatment. An additional form of therapy, GM-CSF stimulating therapy, uses recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology to increase white cell production.

Purpose: The purpose …

Plyometric Exercises From A Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament Prevention Program On The Rate Of Isometric Torque Development And Vertical Jump Height, Jeffrey R. Doeringer, Sam Johnson, Marc Norcorss, Mark Hoffman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Plyometric exercises are incorporated in anterior cruciate ligament injures of the knee (ACL) injury prevention programs that have effectively decreased risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injures of the knee injuries, but the impact on the rate of isometric torque development of the musculature of the knee is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 6-week plyometric program pulled from a commonly utilized anterior cruciate ligament injures of the knee injury prevention program on rate of isometric torque development (RTD) in healthy active females.

Methods: College-aged participants were randomly split into two different …

Cultural Awareness And Sensitivity Of Students In A Physical Therapy Program – A Pilot Survey, Olaide Oluwole-Sangoseni, Michelle Jenkins-Unterberg

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Attempts to address health and health care disparities in the United States have led to a renewed focus on the training of healthcare professionals including physical therapists. Current health care policies emphasize culturally competent care as a means of promoting equity in care delivery by health care professionals. Experts agree that cultural insensitivity has a negative association with health professionals’ ability to provide quality care.

Objective: To evaluate the cultural awareness and sensitivity of physical therapy (PT) students in a didactic curriculum aimed to increase cultural awareness.

Methods: Using the Multicultural Sensitivity Scale (MSS), a cross-sectional …

The Neuro Clinic: A Pilot Model To Facilitate Student Clinical Development Through In-Class Patient Experiences While Meeting Community Need, Rosanne M. Thomas, Jamie Bayliss

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To detail the implementation and assessment of a pilot model the Neuro Clinic. This is one component of a Patient Experience Model (PEM) of embedded progressive in-class patient experiences (IcPE) in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The Patient Experience Model, an innovative model of experiential learning, was developed to bridge the gap between didactic coursework and clinical education, facilitate progressive patient experiences and assess developing student professional and skill competence.

Methods: The Neuro Clinic was held in laboratory classroom space for six weekly sessions with consistent student: patient triads. Overwhelming patient interest indicated a need in our community …

National Survey Of Lymphedema Therapists’ Dosing Of Complete Decongestive Therapy In Breast Cancer Survivors With Lymphedema, Katie M. Polo, Peter J. Rundquist, Nathaniel D. Krumdick, Gail L. Gamble

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify dosing levels of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) with survivors with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) and describe factors related to how occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, and physical therapists assistants with advanced lymphedema training determine dosing.

Methods: An electronic survey was sent to 598 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, and physical therapists assistants with training in lymphedema. Respondents completed questions regarding demographics, dosing practices, and factors related to dose determination in complete decongestive therapy of survivors with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

Results: 107 surveys were returned (18% response rate). …

Addressing Opioid Misuse And Abuse Through Interprofessional Engagement And Education, Marta J. Brooks, Suzanne E. Holm, Shelene Thomas, Amy J. Rich

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this initiative was to develop and implement an interprofessional panel aimed to expose a university audience to the magnitude of opioid misuse and abuse, as well as demonstrate each health professional’s role in curbing the epidemic. Further, this experience was to provide a platform for interprofessional discussion and to share with attendees tangible action items to begin combatting the opioid epidemic.

Methods: An interdisciplinary committee of healthcare professionals collaborated to initiate a dialogue around opioid misuse and abuse to highlight the power of interprofessional (IP) collaboration in addressing the opioid epidemic. Each panel member shared …

Understanding Patient Trust In The Athletic Setting Through Interviews, Shannon L. David, John H. Hitchcock

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Trust is a vital component of the patient-clinician relationship yet little is known about trust in the athletic training (AT) profession. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to define and understand trust in an athletic training setting. Methods: Interviews with Division I student-athlete patients (n=9) and athletic trainers (n=3) were conducted to collect data about participant views and definitions of trust. Data were analyzed using classical and constant comparison techniques; the trustworthiness of findings were assessed via peer debriefing, member checks, and reflexive journaling. Results: The analyses yielded 21 codes and four themes described to promote trust: (1) …

Improvements In Research Orientation And Reductions In Barriers To Research Utilization Among Undergraduate Students In Health Sciences, Andrew A. Peachey, Stephanie Baller, Carolyn Schubert

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Developing research skills while improving research orientation among undergraduate students may increase evidence-based practice later in their professional careers.

Method: Undergraduate Health Science students (n=241) participated in a pretest-posttest design to determine the impact of a course that includes team-based, student initiated research projects completed within one semester. Modified versions of the Edmonton Research Orientation Survey (EROS) and the Barriers to Research Utilization Scale (BARRIERS) were completed at the beginning and end of the semesters.

Results: Students reported gains in six research skills and improvements in two of the Edmonton Research Orientation Survey subscales: involvement in research and evidence-based …

Reflective Approaches In Medical Education. Implications On Medical Imaging., Raja Farahhana Raja Azhar, Haji Mohamed Nadzri Mohd Yusoff, Zainul Ibrahim Zainuddin Dr.

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract

Purpose: This paper reviewed literature regarding the utility and direction of reflective approaches in Medical imaging education.

Methods: The Scopus database was accessed. The word “Reflective” was used as the main search term to look for the relevant literature. The inclusion criteria used in this study comprised of those papers published in English between the years 2006 to 2016, indexed in Scopus database, and limited to those discussing the topic on reflective approaches in medical education. Published papers that have the main search terms in the articles’ title only were tabulated. The data were then filtered using …

Effects Of A Customized Professionalism Educational Intervention On Physical Therapists’ Knowledge And Attributes Of Professionalism, Joseph A. Balogun Distinguished University Professor, Chidozie E. Mbada Dr., Adetutu O. Balogun Dr., Udoka A. Okafor Dr.

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is a growing call around the world to include professionalism in the entry-level education of physical therapists and to teach professionalism as a continuing education professional development workshop for practicing physical therapists. Unfortunately, there is currently no empirical evidence to support the use of didactic instruction to effectuate a change in the knowledge and attributes of professionalism. This study evaluated the effects of a customized professionalism educational intervention on physical therapists’ knowledge and attributes of professionalism.

Methods: A quasi-experimental research was conducted among 47 Nigerian physical therapists (Mean age = 41 ± 10.1 years). The educational intervention consisted …

Understanding And Supporting Adults With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Strategies For Health Professionals: An Opinion Piece, Amy Martyniuk, Sherri Melrose

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a non-diagnostic umbrella term used to describe the spectrum of lifelong physical, mental and intellectual disabilities that can result from prenatal exposure to alcohol. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is preventable when pregnant women abstain from drinking any type or amount of alcohol at any time during pregnancy. One in 100 children worldwide are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment referrals for infants and children improve functionality. Yet, conditions related to fetal alcohol exposure frequently remain unrecognized and untreated. Adults with both diagnosed and hidden Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder experience significant cognitive, behavioral and executive functioning …

Characteristics Of Effective Teaching In Physician Assistant Programs From The Students' Perspective, Jennifer Forbes, Talia Sierra, Jane Trapp, Thomas Parish

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This qualitative study aims to identify the characteristics physician assistant (PA) students find most important for effective teaching by faculty in physician assistant programs. With this information, physician assistant faculty can enhance their teaching effectiveness in the classroom and optimize the environment for student learning. Faculty may also use the data obtained from this study to increase the likelihood of their retention or promotion as student input regarding teaching effectiveness is frequently one of the variables used in faculty evaluations.

Methods: Physician assistant students from three physician assistant programs were emailed a survey that asked for their response to …

Education On Fall Prevention To Improve Self-Efficacy Of Nursing Staff In Long Term Care: A Pilot Study, Mark D. Leverenz, Jennifer Lape

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Fall prevention is an ongoing concern in long-term care. Self-efficacy of nursing staff affects their performance levels related to fall prevention. Research concerning falls in the elderly is plentiful but there are no published studies addressing self-efficacy of nursing staff for implementation of fall prevention strategies in long-term care. The authors hypothesize that fall prevention education by an occupational therapist would be effective to improve the self-efficacy of nursing staff for implementation of fall prevention strategies and self-efficacy to prevent resident falls.

Method: A pre-test post-test pilot study implementing a five-week, multifaceted, fall prevention education course was conducted by …

Utilizing Standardized Patient Feedback To Facilitate Professional Behavior In Physical Therapist Students: A Pilot Study, Mary Anne Riopel, Bini Litwin, Nicki Silberman, Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physical therapist (PT) students receive feedback on professional behavior performance from academic and clinical faculty members. Literature is lacking on the impact that verbal feedback from standardized patients (SPs) may have on physical therapist student learning of professional behaviors. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the use of standardized patients’ feedback as a strategy for professional behavior development. Methods: A sample of convenience identified 13 doctoral physical therapist students prior to initiation of their first full-time clinical experience. Subjects were excluded if they had prior experiences with standardized patients or had completed a full-time clinical experience. …

Effect Of Experience Facilitating Problem-Based Learning (Pbl) On Physician Assistant Student Outcomes, Susan Hawkins, Anthony Goreczny, Nicole E. Brown

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract

Purpose: The impact of prior problem-based learning (PBL) facilitation experience (measured by length of time facilitating) on student learning and student outcomes is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships of facilitator experience in problem-based learning on student outcomes. This study utilized both modified essay questions (MEQ) in the form of patient management assessments and multiple choice question (MCQ) assessments to evaluate different aspects of student acquisition and application of knowledge. Method: This study examined scores from six multiple choice question examinations and six patient management assessments (PMA), one each from six 5-week units …

Collaboration Or Collusion? The New Era Of Commercial Online Resources For Students In The Digital Age: An Opinion Piece, Cristian Lieneck, Salvador Esparza

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The purpose of this paper is to share online resources available to students at a global level, to include healthcare administration programs and any other course of study. While somewhat daunting in nature, this editorial offers faculty of healthcare administration (and other related programs of study) the opportunity to explore what course materials (of any format) may be posted to commercial external websites by current and/or previous students for ongoing collaboration among academic cohorts. Findings include an opportunity for students in any program, at any level, to post individual and/or copyrighted course materials on public, external websites, often with an …