Digital Commons Network^™

Accounts Receivable Management Strategies To Ensure Timely Payments In Rural Clinics, Anthony N. Medel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Healthcare business leaders in a rural clinic setting can enhance profitability by implementing strategies to ensure timely payments. The purpose of this multiple case study was to examine strategies applied by healthcare leaders in rural clinics to improve profitability. The population included 10 rural clinic managers and billing staff from 5 rural clinics in the southwestern region of the United States. The conceptual framework for this study was Wernerfelt's resource-based value theory. Implementing Yin's multiple-step data analysis process, data from semistructured interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed to identify strategies used by rural clinic managers and billing staff to enhance …

Ethnicity, Perceptions Of Stress, And Depressive Symptoms Among Female Undergraduate Students, Claudia Priscilla Cobos

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Individuals have suffered from depression for decades. Although depression is under diagnosed, it is one of the most common disorders seen by psychiatrists. The purpose of this research study was to understand whether students' perceived stress level was a significant predictor of students' depressive symptoms. The study explored social cognitive theory to assist in understanding the relationship between depressive symptoms and perceived stress in female minority students. Although depressive symptoms and perceived stress in students have been explored exhaustively, these variables had not been explored specifically among minority students and then compared to nonminority students. Using the Center for Epidemiologic …

The Shortage Of Licensed Social Workers In Central Florida, Helen M. Burrows

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

For several decades, a national shortage of licensed clinical social workers has been growing in the United States. Licensed social workers provide counsel and advocacy for those affected by mental illness, addiction, abuse, and discrimination, among other economic difficulties, and are the largest group of providers of mental and behavioral health services. The research questions for this project addressed what challenges unlicensed social workers in central Florida identify as barriers to pursuing clinical licensure. This study also explored strategies that unlicensed social workers in central Florida reported to address these barriers and encourage the pursuit of clinical licensure. The purpose …

The Effectiveness Of Two Types Of Adjunct Acupuncture Exposures On In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes, Lindsey Vacovsky

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

One out of every 8 couples experiences infertility. Few publications exist examining the association between the addition of adjunctive therapies when applied to the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure and pregnancy outcome. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 2 types of adjunct acupuncture exposures on IVF outcomes by applying the concept of the epidemiology triad. The association between the type of adjunct acupuncture exposure received (the independent variable) and pregnancy (the outcome) was determined via binary logistic regression using SPSS software. Medical records of women having received the IVF procedure along with adjunct acupuncture were …

Lived Experience Of Tongans With Obesity And Diabetes, Gladys Adjei-Poku

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

People of Pacific Island descent are afflicted by obesity and diabetes more than other populations. Although interventions have succeeded in reducing these conditions among other groups, they have been unsuccessful among Tongans and other Pacific Islanders. Furthermore, little is known about the cultural perspectives of this population with a high rate of obesity and diabetes. Accordingly, this descriptive phenomenological study was conducted to investigate the lived experiences of Tongans with obesity and diabetes in a western metropolitan area of the United States to understand their predisposition toward these conditions and suggest appropriate interventions. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 11 …

Socioeconomic Impacts: Exploring Relationships Between Parenting Styles And Emotional Intelligence In Odd, Radhia Afif

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Children diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are at a higher risk to develop other serious problems based on reoccurring symptoms such as; aggression, hostility, and lack of empathy for others. Based on the emotional intelligence theory, it may be possible that understanding emotional intelligence in children with ODD could help reduce future psychological and social problems. This quantitative study addresses the problem of poor or low Emotional Intelligence (EI) in children diagnosed with ODD. A correlation between parenting style, as defined by Baumrind's parenting style theory, and the development of emotional intelligence has been found in current research. However, …

Perceptions Of Access To Healthcare In Cameroon By Women Of Childbearing Age, Wenceslaw Chap Chapnkem

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Increased poverty and unemployment rates, minimal investment in social amenities, a shortage of healthcare professionals, poor infrastructure, inadequate social services, and poor institutional and political leadership have weakened the healthcare status of Cameroon's women who have reached the age of childbearing. The World Health Organization expressed increased urgency for healthcare providers and patients to develop new healthcare policies to eliminate health-related disparities. The aim of this phenomenological study was to examine the perceptions of women of childbearing age living in Mamfe rural community in regard to Cameroon's healthcare system and its impact on their lives. The theoretical foundation of the …

Language Teachers' Perceptions Of Barriers To New Language Acquisition For English Language Learners, Maryse Lorie Austin-Archil

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Walden University

College of Education

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Maryse Lorie Austin-Archil

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,

and that any and all revisions required by

the review committee have been made.

Review Committee

Dr. Peter Kiriakidis, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty

Dr. Nori Mora, Committee Member, Education Faculty

Dr. Glenn Penny, University Reviewer, Education Faculty

Chief Academic Officer and Provost

Sue Subocz, Ph.D.

Walden University

2019

The research site was an urban public high school. The study problem was that language teachers reported to school administrators challenges they had when …

Using Simulations To Prepare For College And Careers In Information Technology, Kathy Michelle Landers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

While simulators can be used in place of hands-on hardware, there was not a significant body of quantitative research supporting the use of simulators for college and career success at the secondary level in information technology (IT). The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to determine if there was a significant difference in college and career readiness of New York state high school students in approved IT content cluster high school programs, between those who use simulations and those who use hands-on hardware. Kolb's theory of experiential learning was the theoretical foundation for this research. The research questions examined …

Patients' Perceptions Of Quality Of Life And Resource Availability After Critical Illness, Michelle Mcmoon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Physical, psychological, and social debilities are common among survivors of critical illness. Survivors of critical illness require rehabilitative services during recovery in order to return to functional independence, but the structure and access of such services remains unclear. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the vital issues affecting quality of life from the perspective of critical illness survivors and to understand these patients' experiences with rehabilitative services in the United States. The theoretical framework guiding this study was Weber's rational choice theory, and a phenomenological study design was employed. The research questions focused on the survivors' experiences …

A Qualitative Approach To Transfer Of Training For Managers In Leadership Development, Debra Devillier Severan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Learning and development (L&D) professionals in a Fortune 500 company were unable to determine whether managers who completed leadership development courses were transferring what they learned to their work practices. The purpose of this qualitative single instrumental case study was to uncover the factors that accelerated or impeded the transfer of training for employees in the workplace. The conceptual framework was social cognitive learning theory with emphasis on the triadic reciprocal causation model. Guiding questions were used to explore 2 areas: (a) how managers described their preparedness to transfer the training to their jobs, and (b) how managers described their …

Impact Of A Healthcare Workplace Violence Prevention Module On Staff Knowledge, Michelle Leigh Arroyo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The healthcare sector experiences violence 4 times as much as any other civilian domain, including law enforcement and corrections facilities. The clinical practice problem addressed in this project was the lack of adequate healthcare workplace violence (HWV) prevention in a not-for-profit community hospital. The purpose of this project increase awareness of HWV prevention through the use of an education module. Rogers’ diffusion of innovation model served as the foundation for analysis of scores from pre- and posteducation tests. The practice-focused question asked if a module on HWV prevention based on current clinical practice guidelines and peer-reviewed literature would improve staff …

Intelligence Mindsets, Psychological Needs Satisfaction, And Academic Achievement Among Dominican Secondary School Students, Kethlyn Precelia Africa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is an ongoing need for educational psychologists, researchers, policymakers, educators, and parents to continue to identify and understand the academic and nonacademic factors that influence academic achievement. Recent studies have documented the steady decline in the academic performances of students from Grades 7 to 9. The purpose of this study was to examine the statistical relationship between basic psychological needs satisfaction in relationship with caregivers, mindsets of intelligence, and academic achievement among secondary school students in the Commonwealth of Dominica. This study was grounded in the self-determination theory and mindsets of intelligence theory. A non-experimental correlational design using survey …

Caregiver Review Of Nonpharmacological Interventions For Behavioral Symptoms Associated With Dementia, Karla Chaney Ballew

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and affects an individual’s overall cognitive function, including orientation, memory, and executive function. Most AD patients in the United States reside in residential care facilities or private homes under the care of individuals with little education on the challenges of the AD patient. Among the challenges faced by caregivers are behavioral and psychological symptoms related to dementia (BPSD). Education has been shown to improve caregivers’ treatment of BPSD in AD patients and to improve caregiver retention. The purpose of this project was to develop an evidence-based education module guided by …

Bicultural Managers’ Competencies And Multicultural Team Effectiveness, Eric Tetteh Batsa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Biculturals are increasingly recognized as an important segment of managers, yet U.S.-based global organizations’ limited knowledge and recognition of this group’s distinctive experiences and related implications within their work environment limit the value placed on bicultural managers’ leadership of multicultural teams and the use of their competencies and skills to improve the effectiveness of multicultural teams. Notwithstanding, traditional leadership models are lacking in diversity and unanswered questions remain regarding the role of multiculturalism in global leadership and team effectiveness. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory multiple case study was to gain deeper understanding of the management experiences of biculturals in …

Closing The Gaps In Rural Healthcare In Texas: A Formative Bounded Case Study, Marianne Bogel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maldistribution of healthcare professionals persists in remote and rural communities throughout the world. Adoption of a Community Paramedic (CP) program could improve access to quality healthcare for rural communities. The conceptual framework defined rural communities by their distinct characteristics — community efficacy, weaknesses, attitudes, assets, deficits, local culture, and the driving and restraining forces — and not defined by their small populations or distances to cities. The theoretical foundation was a synthesis of theories of Bandura, Rogers, and Lewin. This study assessed community characteristics that may influence the likelihood of success, sustainability, or program failure of the Australian CP model …

Influence Of Educational Equity Policies On High School Graduation Rates For Black Students, Vincent Kiriza Chirimwami

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The achievement gaps between White and Black students remain prevalent in American public schools. To resolve the problem, many school districts have developed equity-centered practices to improve high school graduation rates. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine whether the (a) duration of exposure to educational equity policies, (b) percentage of economically disadvantaged students, (c) percentage of students with disabilities, and (d) percentage of limited-English-proficient (LEP) students are predictive of high school graduation rates for Black students in large school districts. This study was grounded in Schneider and Ingram’s social construction of target populations theory. Archival data of …

Influence Of The Reflex Math Fact Fluency Program On Math Scores, Tammy D. Cress

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have shown a correlation between students’ math fact fluency and their achievement in higher-level math. The problem investigated by this study was that 59% of students in intermediate elementary grades at the local school were not proficient in math. Guided by Miller’s information processing theory, the purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to examine the influence of the Reflex Math Fact Fluency Program on 2nd graders’ math achievement scores (as a whole group and by gender) after 1 school year of program use. Archival data was purposefully sampled for 98 2nd grade students (n = 50 boys; n …

Mental Health Disparities Among Minority Populations, Arrey Irenee Eyongherok

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the existence of effective treatments, mental health care disparities exist in the availability, accessibility, and quality of services for racial and ethnic minority groups. People living with serious mental complaints often resist engaging in treatments and experience high rates of dropout; poor engagement can lead to worse clinical outcomes. Addressing the complex mental health care needs of racial and ethnic minorities warrants considering evidence-based strategies to help reduce disparities. This systematic review sought to provide an analysis of published literature about the barriers and effective strategies in identifying and treating minority patients with mental health disorders. The practice-focused question …

Egyptian Diaspora Explains The Meaning Of Its Political Engagement In Washington, Dc, Sameh Hasan Elnaggar

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Available literature showed that the Egyptian diaspora (e.g., emigrants who share a common situations and work for the same cause) has been developing and engaging politically in the United States during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The diasporas’ role was of interest to researchers and policymakers; however, the literature concerning diasporas has underexamined the Egyptian diaspora regarding its proliferation and active political engagement. Using the conflict and climate theories of Truman, and Cigler and Loomis in conjunction with the political engagement factors theory of Jang as the theoretical foundation of the study, the purpose was to explore how members of the …

Educator Perspectives On Incorporating Digital Citizenship Skills In Interpreter Education, Vicki Darden

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Appropriate digital citizenship skills are considered essential for modern professionals, including signed language interpreters. However, little is known about the experiences and practices of interpreter educators regarding digital citizenship. This exploratory qualitative interview study was conducted to examine the experiences and practices of interpreter educators related to incorporating opportunities for digital citizenship skill-building in their teaching practice. A conceptual framework based on digital citizenship theory guided development of this study. Data were collected from interviews of 6 interpreter educators in bachelor-degree programs in American Sign Language/English interpreting across the United States. Data sets were analyzed through open and axial coding …

Google Docs As Supportive Technology In High School Career And Technical Education, Jannotta Faulkner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Educators must meet the demand to produce a workforce better educated with using 21st-century technology tools. The purpose of this case study was to explore the usefulness of Google Docs as one of those tools by examining 2 main questions. Those questions were how high school students perceive Google Docs could benefit them and how career and technical (CTE) teachers use it to support collaborative learning as a strong part of the learning process. The conceptual framework used included Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which focuses on collaborative learning. Participants were 2 teachers and 8 students from 2 urban school districts in …

Preterm Infant Incubator Humidity Levels: A Systematic Review, Laurie Glass

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Numerous scholars have reported that inconsistent incubator humidity in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) requires attention. Evidence synthesis was needed to assist the identification of optimal incubator humidity levels and duration to decrease transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and the potential for infection. The purpose of this doctoral project was to appraise and synthesize the evidence of preterm outcomes related to incubator humidity. The practice-focused question addressed what patient outcomes were impacted by incubator humidity level and duration in premature infants < 32 0/7 weeks cared for in the NICU. The foundation of this project was the Joanna Briggs Institute method for systematic reviews. Mefford’s theory of health promotion for the preterm infant was used to address the wholeness of the preterm infant’s body system. Evidence was classified using the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice levels and quality of evidence. The search was conducted in 8 databases, and citation searching was used to identify 340 articles, 12 of which met the inclusion criteria. The evidence demonstrates that the practice of incubator humidity is warranted; however, it does not come without risks. Microbial growth was increased in high levels of incubator humidity. Unnecessary TEWL was prevented by lowering high levels of incubator humidity after the 1st week, improving skin barrier formation. Incubator humidity of 60%–70% in the 1st week was effective in preventing TEWL in infants born ≥ 26 weeks; however, future research is needed for infants < 26 weeks. When optimal levels and duration of incubator humidity are achieved, positive social change will occur from the improved outcomes of the smallest neonatal patients.

Positive Deviance Behaviors And Definition In Nursing, Stacy L. January

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The concept of positive deviance (PD) has not been studied in the context of nursing. Grounded in narrative inquiry and combined with vocabularies of motive and symbolic interactionism, the purpose of this study was to explore whether PD behaviors existed in nursing, and if so, to develop an operational definition of PD for nursing. The research question addressed what PD behaviors, if any, were present in nurses’ workplace stories. Using posted flyers, eight participants either self-selected or were selected by snowball method to participate. Interviews were conducted in locations decided on by each participant. Interview data were obtained, transcribed, then …

A Staff Training Plan On Screening African Americans For Prediabetes, Valerie Kershaw-Berry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American adults have higher risks of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes, and complications from Type 2 diabetes than members of other racial groups. Health care providers in rural Tennessee lack staff training plans for prediabetes screening of older African American adults. In addition, few rural Tennessee health care providers have programs in place to train staff in prediabetes screening, screening instrument use, and interventions for Type 2 diabetes prevention. The focus of this DNP project was on developing an evidence-based staff training program designed to improve knowledge regarding prediabetes screening in older African American adults. Concepts …

Reducing Falls In The Vulnerable Elderly: Implementing An Inpatient Fall Prevention Program, Bibi Farida Khan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inpatient falls are a leading cause of fatal and serious injuries among hospitalized elderly patients, often with devastating consequences. This quality improvement project was conducted on a geriatric unit in a large southeastern U. S. hospital, following recognition of an increase in the number of falls with several sustained injuries. After an analysis of the previous fall prevention strategies, a panel of stakeholders who formed a falls prevention committee determined that implementing an evidence-based fall risk assessment tool to help identify risk factors, as well as implementing interventions to address those risk factors, would make fall prevention more patient specific …

Perceptions Of Lifestyle As Mental Health Protective Factors Among Midwestern Amish, Gregory Lantz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Amish are commonly known for horse-and-buggies, simple clothing, and refusal to use electricity. Less commonly known is their rate of mental illness, which is significantly lower than the non-Amish population. The literature that points to lower depression and anxiety among the Amish does not adequately explain what elements of their lifestyle contribute to this phenomenon. Depression and anxiety are a widespread problem in the United States, increasing the importance of understanding a lifestyle that can reduce these issues. The purpose of this study was to explore the Amish way of life through the words of its members. The three …

Improving Gonorrhea Result Notification And Response Among African American Women, Lashonda Ouk

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Previous research has shown that 45% of malpractice claims are due to insufficient and late follow-up of test results and limited communication methods provided to patients. This study explored the preferred communication methods between a patient and a healthcare provider. The technology acceptance model served as the conceptual framework. A quantitative research design was used to examine patients’ perceived usefulness, attitude, perceived ease of use, and adaptability regarding mobile technology. The primary means of data collection was the use of a survey questionnaire. Participants included a random sample of 118 women seen in a local health department in the women’s …

College Freshman Perceptions Of Social Media Use For Authentic Learning In Composition Courses, Stacy Michelle Platt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social media has been used as an instructional tool for authentic learning in order to enable adaptability through experimentation and action rather than passive listening and regurgitation. The problem addressed in this study is that it is not known how English composition students’ perceptions of authentic learning are impacted by the use of online social media as instructional tools. Authentic learning is characterized by multiple elements, including collaboration, reflection, and communication. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the perceptions of undergraduate 1st year freshmen composition students using social media as instructional tools, across 9 elements of authentic …

Exploration Of K-5 Teacher Decision-Making Related To Student Use Of Technology, Eric Noel Rodriguez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Student technology literacy is critical for success in today’s world; however, little is understood about how teachers make the decision for students to use technology for learning due to limited empirical research on the topic of teacher decision-making regarding student use of information communication technologies (ICT). The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the decision-making process of kindergarten to Grade 5 (K-5) teachers regarding implementation of ICT for student use at varying levels. The framework for this study comprised the substitution augmentation modification redefinition model and the technology acceptance model. The research questions focused on how teachers …