Digital Commons Network^™

The Perceptions Of Foster Care Alumni Who Are Recipients Of Pandemic Aid, Ashley Robinson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened challenges for young adults transitioning from foster care to independence. Research shows that foster care alumni faced barriers in education, employment, housing, and health due to limited support networks. Yet, little is known about how emergency policies, such as the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021, affected them. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of foster care alumni who received financial aid through the Act. The research question: What were the experiences and perceptions of foster care alumni (aged 18-26) who received funds via the CAA of 2021 during …

Executive Summary: Staff Education Project Staff Education To Close A Knowledge Gap Regarding Restraints, Aaron Ross Ledbetter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this Executive Summary is to address a gap in knowledge that I attempted to close regarding restraint utilization. Restraints, both physical and chemical, have been prevalent over the past ten years and with their increased utilization during the pandemic which has continued post-pandemic. Nursing as a culture has become more reliant on restraints as it allows more time for nurses to provide care elsewhere. Both physical and psychological complications have been recognized during the utilization of physical restraints. Their prominence, although helpful with time constraints for nurses, have shown to negatively impact the patients who they are …

Developing A Clinical Practice Guideline For Screening Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Ijeoma Christiana Onyeagocha

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No Abstract Available

Staff Education To Improve Medicare Lung Cancer Screening And Processes, Ashley Mccammon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The doctoral project was a staff education initiative to address underutilization of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening among Medicare-eligible patients at the project site. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and LDCT screening reduces mortality by up to 20%. Internal data from the project site revealed that only 20.13% of eligible patients completed screening, underscoring the need for structured staff education to improve knowledge and support early detection. The practice focused question asked: Will a staff education on Medicare LDCT screening and processes increase staff knowledge towards the ultimate goal of increasing LDCT screening rates? …

Disability Accommodations In Field Education: Exploring The Msw Student Perspective, Alicia Dawn Melnick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of students with disabilities is increasing, yet little is known about how graduate social work students navigate accommodation during field placements. This study addressed the limited understanding of Master of Social Work (MSW) students’ experiences applying Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations in practicum settings. How accommodations are managed can determine whether disabled students gain equitable access to training and the profession. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to examine how MSW students with disabilities describe their experiences with applying ADA accommodations during field placements. Critical disability theory guided the study, emphasizing ableism and structural barriers …

Development Of An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline For Discharging Patients With Substance Use Disorder (Sud) From Outpatient Treatment To Community Care, Emmanuel Onyeani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed a gap in practice in an outpatient treatment center for discharging patients with substance use disorder (SUD), addressing the need for follow-up care and relapse prevention due to the widespread impact of SUD. Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) help healthcare professionals make informed decisions for specific clinical situations. The guiding question asked whether an expert panel would evaluate and validate a CPG developed from current, evidence-based literature and recommendations with 70% agreement using the AGREE II tool. The CPG focused on continuity of care, access to resources, and relapse prevention strategies. Seven expert …

Google Search Trends And Their Correlation With Covid-19 Cases And Vaccination Rates In Austria, Stefanie Wendell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Timely digital surveillance is essential because clinical reporting often lags. This quantitative, longitudinal correlational study tested whether weekly Google searches in Austria signal changes in COVID-19 cases and vaccination uptake, and short-term case-vaccination dynamics, guided by Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Weekly Google Trends indices (0-100) and nationally reported surveillance totals (weekly counts of new cases and vaccine doses) were aggregated; cases: N = 175 weeks (Feb 2020–Jun 2023); vaccinations: N = 132 weeks (Dec 2020–Jun 2023). Time series correlations and lagged growth models showed that symptom-related searches consistently rose 1 week before reported cases (Δlog cases_t on Δlog searches_{t−1}: …

Critical Food Safety Violations In Food Facilities By Regions Across Calgary Communities From 2022 Versus 2023, Kamorudeen Olayinka Bakare

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Critical food safety violations in food facilities are severe infractions that may affect the quality and safety of foods as well as the health and wellbeing of consumers in Canada. In 2023, Alberta Health Services heightened scrutiny on these violations in Calgary. However, no investigation has been undertaken to document its potential effects on types and trend (from the previous year) of food safety violations in food facilities across Calgary regions. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the associations between Calgary regions of Canada, Year (2022 versus 2023), and the number of types of critical food safety …

Enhancing Home Health Nursing Knowledge Through Targeted Education On Polypharmacy Risk Awareness In Older Adults, Chinyeaka Linda Ogbonna

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education initiative addressed the problem of polypharmacy, a common issue in home health care that increases the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and hospitalizations. Nurses and aides often provide daily care but may not recognize high-risk medications or warning symptoms. Addressing this gap was vital to nursing practice because staff are on the front line of patient monitoring and safety. The practice-focused question asked whether structured education for home health staff would improve knowledge of polypharmacy risks by 20%, increase recognition of high-risk medications by 75%, and result in at least 75% …

Challenges And Successes In Retaining Direct Support Professionals For People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities In Group Home Settings, Erica Kay Evans

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Challenges and Successes in Retaining Direct Support Professionals for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Group Home Settings by Erica Kay Evans MA, Walden University, 2016 BA, University of Phoenix, 2013 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University November 2025

Improving Discharge Planning To Reduce Readmissions In Non-Teaching Urban Hospitals, Darlene Michelle Taylor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hospital discharge planning is a critical determinant of patient outcomes, organizational performance, and financial sustainability. Many non-teaching urban hospitals continue to struggle with high readmission rates, especially among socially vulnerable populations such as the homeless. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine discharge planning strategies that would reduce readmissions, enhancing patient throughput, and mitigating financial penalties in non-teaching urban hospitals. The review question focused on effective discharge planning strategies that would improve readmission rates in non-teaching urban hospitals. A systematic integrative review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted and 25 quantitative and qualitative studies …

Staff Education To Internal Medicine Clinic, Rafael A. Cardona Gonzalez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This is a staff education project. The practice problem addressed was the lack of standardized orientation on the electronic health record (EHR) system for rotating students, which impacted documentation quality and workflow efficiency. Prior to the intervention, students received no formal training on the clinic’s EHR system, resulting in documentation errors, workflow disruptions, and dependence on administrative staff. The educational session, tailored to the clinic’s EHR platform, aimed to promote student knowledge and confidence through structured, site-specific training. The practice-focused question was: How does structured education on site-specific EHR use impact knowledge and documentation confidence among rotating medical and nurse …

The Effects Of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury On Sexual Criminal Offense, Brooke Leslie Luckhardt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Traumatic brain injury during childhood and adolescence is a significant social problem and is particularly damaging to long term cognitive and mental health. Major growth and maturation occur within the brain from age 6 months to 25 years and any interruption to this process can be detrimental to long term cognitive and emotional adjustment. Research has shown that pediatric traumatic brain injury can cause aggression, agitation, mood disorder, and socially inappropriate behavior. However, the study of how sustaining a traumatic brain injury during the time of pediatric development could potentially affect future sexually inappropriate behavior has not been explored. This …

The Predictive Power Of Social Engagement On Psychological Outcomes Among College Students, Allison J. Gamble

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Worsening mental health among college students post-COVID is a growing national health crisis. Grounded in Cacioppo’s evolutionary theory of loneliness and Feeney and Collins’ thriving through relationships theoretical perspectives, the purpose of this study was to explore the degree to which social interaction and social support predicted psychological outcomes among undergraduate students. Survey responses from over 74,000 undergraduate students who completed the ACHA-NCHA survey for Fall 2019, 2021, and 2022 were analyzed. The surveys included the Kessler 6 screening for non-specific mental illness, the Diener flourishing scale, and questions to assess the number of hours spent in categorically-sorted social situations …

Public Housing Professionals Perspectives On Mobile Food Unit Location And Accessibility For Children, Antoinette Lashurn Simpson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Poor nutrition is a major contributor to death in the United States, and residents of public housing face disproportionate challenges in maintaining adequate nutrition. Public housing is the nation’s oldest housing subsidy program, providing more than one million units for millions of residents, many of whom are women, minorities, and unmarried individuals with incomes below the poverty line. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore public housing professionals’ perspectives on using a mobile food unit located within housing communities to help reduce food insecurity. Feminist intersectionality theory provided the framework for this study, emphasizing how overlapping systems …

Enhancing Diabetes Self-Management Education And Support Knowledge And Awareness Among Nurses, Tamba Sam-Manimoi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects 12% of the United States population at an annual cost of $412.9 billion. In the local clinic, 20% of the patient population has a diagnosis of DM. Despite the importance of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) in managing DM, patients are often not educated on this important strategy. Leadership identified that patients were reporting a lack of knowledge regarding DSMES practices and that the nurses lacked the necessary knowledge and awareness to educate patients in DSMES. Thus, the purpose of this DNP project was to determine if an educational intervention focused on DM and DSMES …

Associations Between Devices, Flavors, Ease Of Acquisition, And Use Of E-Cigarettes Among American Youth, Sasha Anderson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Initiation of use of e-cigarettes is attributed to many factors and must be understood to curtail health-related problems such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases that are associated with use of tobacco products. This study used the Social Cognitive Theory to analyze how curiosity and peer influence could be possible predictors of e-cigarette use among youth in the United States. Predictors of flavor preference and acquisition were also examined. Data were acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey (N = 20,189). Statistical tests to determine existing relations and associations were binary and multinomial …

Dialysis Social Workers' Perceptions Of Strategies To Address Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Barriers To End-Of-Life Planning With Black Dialysis Patients, Annette Carol Kestner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Black individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have an excessive risk of mortality and experience ongoing inequities in end-of-life (EOL) planning. This basic qualitative study, informed by Sulmasy's biopsychosocial-spiritual model, explored social workers' perspectives about approaches that consider the interplay of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects for mitigating barriers to EOL planning among Black dialysis patients. Data were obtained from semi structured interviews with 10 licensed dialysis social workers in Virginia and Maryland. Thematic analysis with descriptive coding, reflexive journaling, and peer debriefing was employed to analyze qualitative data to ensure trustworthiness. Six themes were identified: (a) building trust …

K–5 Teachers’ Perceptions Toward Implementing An Lgbtqia+-Inclusive Curriculum In New Jersey, Stephanie J. Faille

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is the gap in literature about K–5 teachers’ challenges in implementing an LGBTQIA+-inclusive curriculum in New Jersey. Grounded in Fuller’s concerns of teachers framework and Foucault’s seminal work on the historical treatment of members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore K–5 teachers’ challenges in implementing an LGBTQIA+-inclusive curriculum in New Jersey. Purposeful and snowball sampling were used to recruit 11 K–5 teachers who self-identified as having implemented the New Jersey LGBTQIA+-inclusive curriculum. Data collected through semistructured interviews were analyzed using a priori codes in …

How To Prevent Boulder County Nonprofit Therapist Burnout, Taylor Avalos-Hartery

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement

This portfolio aims to make social justice and advocacy contributions by applying scientific data about housing and income inequality in Boulder County, Colorado, to encourage readers, public policymakers, and city officials to initiate actionable efforts to improve client care quality by preventing counselor burnout in community mental health organizations. Significant Findings: This paper demonstrates the preventability of poor client care and counselor burnout through empirical, peer-reviewed academic research that details the risk and protective factors for individuals, communities, organizations, and society. Preventing counselor burnout in Boulder County, Colorado, USA, begins with understanding population health-specific data, revealing a community …

From Techno-Stressors To Techno-Exhaustion: The Mediating Role Of Techno-Anxiety In It Workplace, Jeevan Jyoti, Mehmood Ahmad, Mehak Mahajan

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

The widespread use of information and communication technology in modern workplaces has intensified techno-stress. This study examines the impact of techno-stressors—techno-overload and techno-complexity—on techno-anxiety, its role in driving techno-exhaustion, and the mediating effect of techno-anxiety in this relationship. Data from Indian IT sector employees, collected via snowball sampling, was analyzed using structural equation modeling in AMOS (Version 23). Our findings revealed that techno-overload and techno-complexity significantly heighten techno-anxiety, which, in turn, exacerbates techno-exhaustion. Techno-anxiety serves as a crucial mediator in linking stressors to exhaustion. The study offers theoretical insights and practical implications, and emphasizes managerial strategies, employee support, and socio-technical …

Evaluating Sustainability Research In Argentine Higher Education, María Belén Arias Valle, Frederic Marimon Dr.

Higher Learning Research Communications

This study analyzes the integration of sustainability into the research activities of Argentine higher education institutions (HEIs), both public and private. Through a quantitative approach, 132 HEIs were evaluated regarding the presence of sustainability research lines, the inclusion of this topic in strategic plans, and the existence of specialized institutes and academic publications. The results indicate that only 26% of HEIs have established research lines on sustainability, with greater participation from public universities. However, the overall commitment is uneven, with only 55% of institutions including sustainability in their strategic plans. The limited presence of observatories, specialized journals, and research centers …

Effects Of Foster Care Placement With Kin Or Nonkin On Opiate Abuse And Criminality, Pamela Bouyer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Opioid abuse has remained a public health crisis with far-reaching economic and social consequences that include costs associated with healthcare and increased foster care placements. Children placed into foster care are at risk themselves for opioid use and delinquency. The purpose of this quantitative research was to explore the causal-comparative relationship between foster care placement with kin (family) or nonkin (nonfamily) and its impacts on opiate abuse and criminal behavior. The Attachment Theory guided this study. Data were collected using a web-based, retrospective survey distributed at behavioral health agencies in Northeast Ohio, social media platforms, and Centiment, an online survey …

Exploring Public Health Nurses’ Perceptions Of Syringe Services Programs In Southern Rural Areas, Joel Lowery

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Public health nurses are potentially key stakeholders in syringe services program (SSP) implementation in rural areas, where they can act as liaisons between public health, private healthcare, and the community. However, little research reflects an in-depth understanding of how public health nurses perceive SSPs in rural areas. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of syringe services programs held by public health nurses practicing in rural areas with no existing SSPs in southern states and ascertain their potential roles in facilitating harm reduction for people who inject drugs. This study was guided by a conceptual framework …

Parents’ Experiences With The Social-Emotional Development Of Toddlers With A Diagnosis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder After Completing Early Intervention, Veronica Bayer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The social-emotional development of autistic toddlers is a critical area of concern for parents and early childhood professionals. Parents need to understand how early intervention programs influence this development, as it can significantly impact long-term outcomes for children with autism. Grounded in the DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) theory by S. I. Greenspan and S. Wieder, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences parents had with their autistic toddlers’ social-emotional development after completing an early intervention program. The participants comprised of eight parents whose toddlers completed an early intervention program and were later diagnosed with autism. …

Enhancing Medication Adherence In Primary Care Settings Through Staff Education, Sabita Bhusal

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project was an evidence-based staff education initiative addressing medication nonadherence in hypertension, a critical issue that contributes to poor health outcomes, uncontrolled blood pressure, preventable hospitalizations, and increased healthcare costs. The identified gap in practice was defined by limited staff knowledge, lack of structured training, and inconsistent application of evidence-based adherence counseling strategies. The practice-focused question was: In a primary care clinic, will an evidence-based staff education program on medication adherence increase staff knowledge? A structured training intervention was implemented and then evaluated for its effectiveness. Descriptive statistics and a paired t test comparing pre- …

Probation Officers' Experiences Working With Individuals Who Have Antisocial Personality Traits, Katherine Ore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In fulfilling their role of monitoring individuals outside of a prison setting, probation officers may encounter individuals who have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) or antisocial personality (ASP) traits. Individuals who have ASP traits and are not diagnosed with ASPD are still impacted by recommendations of punishment, higher recidivism rates, and a lack of treatment resources provided. Individuals in the criminal justice system with ASP traits are not a new phenomenon, but there is a lack of research on the probation officers' experience working with these individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine and explore the experiences of probation …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Livia L. Klein

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

: A lack of knowledge among nurses and healthcare staff in providing evidence-based practice (EBP) medication treatment and patient care for individuals who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was evident at a Midwest substance use and mental health facility. For nurses and staff caring for those with ADHD, appropriate patient treatment is essential in helping patients avoid struggles in their daily lives. To address this problem, I developed, implemented, and evaluated a staff education program on ADHD treatment in the project. The practice question focused on whether participants of the education program improved their knowledge of medication and treatment management, as …

Shared Family Identity And Emotional Abuse From A Childhood Caregiver As Predictors Of Self-Censorship Willingness, Jillian Theryon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood emotional abuse may be underreported and unnoticed. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine whether shared family identity (SFI) with an emotionally abusive childhood caregiver was linked to self-censorship of social and political opinions in adulthood. The study also examined whether this relationship is intensified among those with a strong sense of SFI with that caregiver. Linear multiple regression analysis of survey data collected from 119 participants, recruited through Survey Monkey Audience, revealed that willingness to self-censor was significantly shaped by the interaction between SFI and emotional abuse, especially overcontrol. Although SFI is often seen as …

Perspectives Of Nursing Faculty On The Barriers, Opportunities, And Teaching Strategies For Developing Peer Feedback Skills Among Entry-Level Nursing Students, Anna Kornienko

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Peer feedback benefits nursing education and practice by fostering collegial relationships and promoting the quality of care, yet students often lack training to engage effectively. While existing research has examined student perspectives, the experiences and strategies employed by nursing faculty remain underexplored. The purpose of this qualitative study, guided by the student feedback literacy framework, was to explore the perspectives of nursing faculty on the barriers, opportunities, and strategies for developing peer feedback skills among undergraduate nursing students. Seventeen Canadian nursing faculty participated in semi-structured virtual interviews. Analysis revealed five themes that aligned with the study’s three foci: strategies (a) …