Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Centeringpregnancy On Pregnancy Outcomes And Health Disparities In Racial Groups Versus Traditional Prenatal Care, Adrianne M. Smith, Mehak Zainab, Brad Lian

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Group prenatal care has been shown to be effective in reducing health disparities in pregnancy outcomes between racial/ethnic groups. Here, we assess the effectiveness of CenteringPregnancy, a group prenatal care program offered as an alternative to traditional prenatal care.

Purpose: Our multidisciplinary team assessed the effectiveness of an innovative prenatal program intended to improve health outcomes for infants and mothers and reduce health disparities among populations.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine differences with respect to several pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on pregnancy …

Maternal Mortality Among African American Women In The State Of Georgia, Causes, Policy, And Ethical Considerations, Zahra Shahin, Isabella Hardwick, Nancy Jeffery, Jalisa Jordan, William A. Mase

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background

The U.S. is currently one of thirteen countries where maternal mortality rates (MMR) is worse now than it was fifteen years ago. Reducing maternal mortality is one of the significant challenges facing the health system in the United States, especially in the State of Georgia, which has one of the highest MMR in the nation. The purpose of this review is to explore the causes, policy, and ethical contextual factors contributing to increased maternal mortality rates among African American women in the State of Georgia. Also, identifying and addressing weaknesses and gaps that exist in the healthcare system and …

Serving Their Needs: A Qualitative Examination Of Nutrition Policy Implementation In The Early Care And Education Setting, Caree J. Cotwright, Jori Hall, Nicole M. Arrington, Nathalie Celestin, Hayley Sanders, Taylor Ragan, Sarah Stotz, Leann Birch

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States and results in increased risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Thirteen percent of youth in Georgia are obese. Identifying strategies to assist children in establishing healthy habits is essential to reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The Early Care and Education (ECE) setting is ideal for the implementation of obesity prevention practices. However, there are barriers present for implementing nutrition policies in this setting. This report explores the implementation of food and beverage best practices in the ECE setting and highlights barriers to and …

Bridge Builders To Health Equity: The High School Community Health Worker Training Program, Arletha D. Williams-Livingston, Christopher E. Ervin, Gail G. Mccray

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: During the summers of 2016- 2019, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) with the support of community partners, developed, piloted and implemented an innovative Community Health Worker Training Program for High School students (HSCHW). Training high school community health workers can impact health and social disparities in underserved populations and demonstrates pipeline of future workers in community health and other health careers. The program has achieved promising outcomes, and access to the program model has been requested many universities and community-based organizations.

Method: The HSCHW training consists of summer classroom instruction, field instruction and monthly continuing education during the school …

Improving The Public’S Health Through Sustained, Multidisciplinary Academic And Community Partnerships: The Msm Model, Desiree A. Rivers Phd, Carla Durham Walker Ma, Ashley K. Mitchell Drph, Msph, Shirleta Lawrence, Carey Roth Bayer Edd, Med, Bsn, Rn, Cse

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: To meet the growing needs of communities with increased chronic conditions, decreased access to health services, and a changing sociocultural environment, there is a critical need for community-oriented physicians equipped with the skills to attend to the health of underserved populations. The Morehouse School of Medicine Community Health Course’s (CHC) purpose is to inculcate service-learning and public health techniques to equip community-oriented physicians with empathy and tools to effectively engage diverse communities and provide care that addresses the social determinants of health to achieve health equity. The purpose of this practice note is to discuss CHC multidisciplinary strategies used …

The Miseducation Of American Youth: The Detriments Of Whitewashing Literature In Secondary Schools, Molly Magill

Honors Program Theses

For the entire history of American education, the gates to knowledge and power were kept closed from any minority, the key to which lies in teaching texts that students find accessible and relatively easy to understand. In the framework of American education lie the white, Anglosaxon forefathers who created institutions designed to benefit and propagate their ideas for generations to come. This framework still upholds American education. Its reflection lies in the pool of literature taught to secondary students throughout the country. Modern educational theory argues that students learn best when they are able to connect to instructed texts. The …

Improving Low Health Literacy In Poststroke Patients By Educating The Health Care Staff, Marthilde Brzycki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Lack of health literacy in the poststroke patient population is a serious issue; with the addition of the homeless population to that group, the result may be devastating. According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA, 2016), stroke is considered the primary cause of death and one of the chief reasons for disability in the United States, and nearly75% of strokes occur in those who are 65 years of age or older. Nurse practitioners are vital, providing necessary training and stroke education to the nursing and other health care staff. This DNP project was initiated to …

Relationships Between Education Track, Adverse Childhood Experience, And Recidivism Among Juveniles, Catherine Gammage

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A high recidivism level, despite attempts by regulatory agencies and various institutions to decrease it, is currently a disturbing problem of the juvenile justice system. Adjudicated youth released from residential treatment centers are often reincarcerated within 3 years after their release. Residential treatment centers provide mandated educational and treatment services for all incarcerated youth. The educational programs offered by residential treatment centers should include academic and career technology programs which support community reintegration. The opportunity for students to receive a high school diploma and industry certifications for career readiness is an important way to decrease recidivism for juveniles. This study …

Person-Centered Care Education For Caregivers Of Patients With Dementia In Long-Term Care Settings, Dawn Buckmire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Person-centered care (PCC) guidelines are being used as a care model to improve health outcomes for residents with impaired cognition. The researcher utilized PCC guidelines to educate caregivers in residential homes to provide care based on the residents’ individualized needs and choices to reduce worsening health conditions and potentially avoidable hospitalizations. The researcher created an educational tool to improve prompt management of health conditions for residents with cognitive impairment and set up a control group (n = 4) and an intervention group (n = 4) to conduct this project. The intervention group received the PCC education guidelines, whereas …

A Look At Vision: Perspectives Throughout The Organizational Hierarchy Of The Christian University Context, William Kyle Brantley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research supports vision as a central tenet to leadership. Just as important as the content of vision is how it is communicated. However, once a vision is cast, far less is known about how it is communicated throughout the organization and how it influences members throughout the organizational hierarchy. For faith-based organizations like Christian colleges and universities, vision is particularly important as it serves to steer the institution toward a greater realization of its faith-based identity. This study contributes to the empirical research on vision, its communication, and its effect, as both the nature and impact of vision communication within …

An Interprofessional Approach To Teaching Evidence-Based Practice, Jennifer L. Gresham - Anderson, Kathleen M. Williamson, Satyanarayana Ayinagadda

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to identify students’ engagement and implementation of EBP competencies after exposure to EBP content in an interprofessional online research course. In this research, a diverse, convenience sample of nursing, respiratory care, and social work students were selected. The results aim to assist educators in preparing the next generation for their first professional role in providing care using the best evidence. The research questions that guided the study were: (1) What are the levels of practice, attitude, knowledge and skill regarding EBP among the sample? (2) What are the barriers and facilitators …

The Effectiveness Of Kinesiotaping For Patients With Fractured Ribs: A Single-Subject Experimental Design, Simone Dafoe, Leigh Rushworth, Kathy Stiller

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Kinesiotape is an elastic, adhesive tape applied to the skin that has been used extensively to reduce pain associated with various musculoskeletal conditions. Its use in the setting of fractured ribs is less clear. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the effect of kinesiotaping for patients with rib fracture(s) on pain levels, pulmonary function, and mobility. Method: We prospectively evaluated five patients admitted with fractured ribs using a single-subject experimental ABAB design. Each phase lasted 24 hours with kinesiotape applied during B phases. All participants received usual medical, nursing, and allied health care. Outcome measures included …

Perceptions Of The Impact Of Non-Contact Boxing On Social And Community Engagement For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease: A Qualitative Study, Casey E. Humphrey, Dana M. Howell, Melba Custer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To explore the perceptions of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) on their experiences within a community based, non-contact boxing program. Specifically, this study considered how these individuals perceived non-contact boxing to influence their social and community engagement and factors influencing ongoing participation in this program. Method: This was a phenomenological case study that utilized qualitative methods for data collection including semi-structured interviews and observation. Colaizzi’s method was used for data analysis. A convenience sample obtained from a boxing club that offered PD specific boxing classes was used. The sample included 10 participants (3 female, 7 male) ranging in age …

Opioids And An Active Population: Athletic Trainers' Perceptions, Dana Karlene Bates

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Opioid use, misuse, and abuse are occurring in both high school and collegiate athletes. There is limited research that examines athletic trainers' perceptions of opioids. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate athletic trainers’ awareness and practice of opioids in an active population. Method: Qualitative inquiry was used to explore athletic trainers' awareness of opioids in an active population. Ten athletic trainers (7 male, 3 female) employed in the Northwest Athletic Training Association (6 collegiate, 4 high schools) volunteered for this study. Phone interviews were conducted in July to September 2017 with a semi-structured …

Educational Impact On Therapists’ Knowledge, Beliefs, And Actions: A Pilot Study, Elena Wong Espiritu, Natalie N. Michaels, Steven Busby

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Collaborative goal setting has been shown to be an effective way to promote client engagement leading to improved outcomes; however, healthcare professionals face challenges when implementing collaborative goal setting into their clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational workshops to 1) increase a therapist’s knowledge of motivational interviewing and action planning, 2) promote collaboration between therapists and their patients/clients, 3) promote collaboration between therapists and their interdisciplinary team and 4) increase the ease of implementation of motivational interviewing and action planning skills into a therapist’s clinical practice. Method: A mixed-methods design …

An Examination Of Policy And Procedure Practices Of Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Micaela Dunbar-Gaynor, Ericka P. Zimmerman, Victor Liberi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the status of P&P practices of secondary school athletic trainers. Methods: Following an online informed consent confirmation, participants completed a Policies and Procedures Status questionnaire, including demographics. This was distributed to certified athletic trainers currently employed in the secondary school setting in the United States. The survey consisted of 49 questions about the status of P&Ps using one of the following responses: the practice is in operation and it appears in written form; the practice is in operation but does not appear in written form; the practice …

Transforming Through Reflection: Use Of Student-Led Reflections In The Development Of Intercultural Competence During A Short-Term International Immersion Experience, Diane Ceo-Difrancesco, Leah S. Dunn, Nathalie Solorio

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Curricular integration designed to include cultural competence standards for health care professionals is paramount to preparing students to meet the needs of a growing diverse population in the U.S. The purpose of this research is to examine the cultural competency development of occupational therapy students, and to report on their reflections and perspectives during a two-week immersive and service-learning experience in Guatemala. Methods: As intercultural competence is a highly personal trait, the study used a descriptive qualitative research design gaining participants’ perspectives of the short-term international immersion experience through student-led reflective focus groups, using an open discussion format, …

The Relationship Between Physician Assistant School Admissions Exam (Pa-Cat) And Undergraduate Performance Measured By Science Gpa And Cumulative Gpa", Scott Massey, Johnna Yealy, Rajat Chadha, David Beck

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Physician Assistant (PA) programs often set minimum GPA and graduate record examination (GRE) requirements for admission, citing that candidates with higher admission scores will perform better in the PA program. However, to date, there are limited published studies with inconsistent results that have investigated the validity of using these preadmission characteristics to predict performance in PA programs or on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). The development of a physician assistant college admission test (PA-CAT) that has predictive validity to determine PANCE success would give PA admissions committees an additional resource to make decisions. This study …

Physician Assistants’ Views Of Direct-To-Consumer Advertising Effects During Patient Encounters, Anna A. Filipova

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) has become an important tool for disseminating drug information that directly impacts the patients and providers in the delivery of health care. Limited research shows that DTCA has both benefits and drawbacks that impact public health. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence of the effects of DTCA information discussed during an office visit from the perspective of physician assistants. The purpose of the study was to examine physician assistants’ general views of DTCA benefits and drawbacks, as well as the effects DTCA information discussed during patient encounters on physician assistant-patient relationship, physician assistants’ prescriptive …

Impact Of An Interprofessional Education Quality Of Life Forum On Students’ Perceptions And Commitment To Addressing Local Health Disparities And The Social Determinants Of Health, Jamie Bayliss, Erin Hofmeyer, Bc Charles-Liscombe, Kristin Clephane, Sandra Matthias, Donna Glankler, Nicole Harshbarger

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Healthcare providers and educational programs share a challenge where limited resources make interprofessional education (IPE) and collaboration difficult. The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of IPE, specifically The Greater Cincinnati Quality of Life Forum within the School of Health Science at Mount St. Joseph University, on students’ perceptions of communication skills, collaboration, and values of interprofessional practice as they relate to emergent topics within the community and healthcare. Methods: Consenting participants completed an electronic survey with five reflection questions. Qualitative assessment included analysis of text for emergent themes. Results: Four themes evolved impacting future …

Athletic Training And Physical Therapy Junior Faculty Member Preparation: Perceptions Of Doctoral Programs And Clinical Practice, Jessica L. Barrett, Stephanie M. Singe, Aynsley Diamond

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Institutions of higher education suffer from a shortage of appropriately prepared faculty members in athletic training and physical therapy programs. Both professional programs have recently undergone curricular reform and degree change. We sought gain an understanding of the preparation mechanisms experienced by athletic training and physical therapy practitioners for their junior faculty positions. Method: Twenty-six athletic trainers and physical therapists participated in this phenomenological study. Data from one-on-one phone interviews were analyzed following the inductive process of interpretive phenomenological analysis. Content experts, pilot interviews, multiple analysts and member checking ensured trustworthiness. Results: Findings indicate two primary mechanisms prepared the …

Allied Health Professionals Experience Of Supervising Allied Health Assistants. A Mixed Method Study., Patrick F. Brown, Sue Fitzpatrick, Rowena Hockings

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to quantify time spent by allied health professionals in allied health assistant supervision and to explore allied health assistant supervision from an allied health professional perspective. Method: A convergent parallel mixed method design was used. Forty-seven allied health professionals were surveyed, and 18 allied health professionals participated in focus groups, providing different but complementary data with the aim of gaining a more complete understanding of allied health assistant supervision load. Results: Allied health professionals report spending 10% of their workday supervising allied health assistants. Descriptive interpretation of the focus group data presents evidence …

The Prevalence And Characteristics Of Physical Therapy Pro Bono Services Involving Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Catherine E. Crandell, Jill D. Black, Robin L. Dole, Kerstin M. Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The offering of pro bono services has been a historical practice in a number of professions including law and medicine. Medical literature suggests pro bono services provide a vital safety net for individuals who are underinsured or uninsured. Medical students commonly participate in pro bono services, however, little is known about doctor of physical therapy (DPT) student involvement. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of physical therapy (PT) programs accredited or in candidacy in the United States to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pro bono services involving DPT students. Method: A 30-item electronic survey …

Effects Of Trauma-Informed Care Training On Healthcare Providers Caring For Victims Of Human Trafficking, Sandrine F. Gaillard-Kenney, Brianna Kent, Jenna Lewis, Chennel Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of trauma-informed care training on the practice of dental, optometry, and mental health providers caring for victims of human trafficking. Methods: A mixed method approach was used, including pre-post surveys and one focus group discussion. Results: The dental, optometry, and mental health provider participants reported a greater awareness of human trafficking and greater knowledge of how to approach and care for the victims in a trauma- informed way. Conclusion: Continued training on the provision of trauma-informed care for victims of human trafficking is necessary for dentists, optometrists, and mental …

Development Of A Survey Instrument To Explore The Characteristics Of Australian Private Physiotherapy Practitioners’ Interprofessional Interactions, Jack A. Seaton, Anne Jones, Catherine L. Johnston, Karen Francis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Interprofessional collaboration is a complex process defined by the relationships and interactions between health practitioners from diverse professional backgrounds. Although the benefits of a collaborative health workforce are widely acknowledged, it is currently poorly understood to what extent private physiotherapy practitioners engage in interprofessional collaboration as a part of their clinical practice, and whether they consider to be adequately trained in this area. Information regarding the frequency, modes of communication, and perceived level of satisfaction associated with private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions is also limited. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a survey …

An Exploration Of Quality Of Life Contributors For Stroke Survivors: Potential Implications For Service Delivery Within The Community Rehabilitation Context, Gaylea Fritsch, Sarah Patterson, Anita Blight, Renaye Daniells

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Community rehabilitation services typically assist stroke survivors with function, participation, and quality of life. Many factors have been found to influence the overall quality of life including self-identity, control, social supports, personality, and participation in valued activities. This review explored the possible contributing quality of life factors for stroke survivors within a community rehabilitation context to assist with further development of service delivery within this clinical area. Method: A purposive sample of clients with stroke (n=20) was selected based on their overall quality of life change during their rehabilitation program as measured on the World Health Organisation Quality of …

The Prevalence Of Secondary School Sport Safety Policies Within State Athletic Associations And Legislation, Samantha E. Scarneo, William M. Adams, Susan W. Yeargin, Madeline A. Konz, James E. Potter, Douglas J. Casa

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The location of secondary school health and safety policies impacts how they are implemented by the sports medicine team and stakeholders. Yet, a comprehensive list of each state’s policy locations has not been established. The purpose of this study was to describe where secondary school health and safety policies were located at the state level within the United States. Method: Emergency related health and safety policies were designated as either being located in the state high school athletics association (SHSAA), state legislation (LEGIS), or in both SHSAA and LEGIS (BOTH). Designation was determined by two researchers who independently …

A Pilot Study Exploring The Impact Of Interprofessional Simulation On Role Clarity And Student Readiness For Collaborative Clinical Practice, Shira Schecter Weiner, Laura Hagan, Julie F. Kardachi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional collaboration is recognized as a healthcare practice paradigm that may decrease overall costs and minimize errors. Yet it remains common for practitioners to provide care within silos, inadequately considering the impact of their decisions on other providers and overall costs, which ultimately may negatively impact the patient. Integrating interprofessional collaboration in school curricula can establish the importance of this approach to healthcare. For optimal efficacy, every professional in the healthcare team must recognize their unique role and the roles of others, to allow for seamless interprofessional collaboration. Simulation is a teaching tool that provides students with the opportunity …

Qualitative Analysis Of Student Physical Therapist Reflective Writing: Does An Interprofessional Discharge Planning Simulation Increase Their Understanding Of The Role They Play In Discharge Planning?, Leslie M. Smith, Benjamin Sachs, Karen Berg, Megan Keiser, Laura J. Smith, Carman Turkelson, Amy Yorke

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Core Competencies for Entry-Level Practice in Acute Care Physical Therapy provides an expectation of entry-level practice in acute care for physical therapists including discharge planning (DP). Physical therapists (PT), despite having appropriate clinical reasoning and unique skills for determining the functional abilities of patients, are less often a part of the DP process. The purpose of this study was to determine, by use of qualitative analysis of reflective writing, if an interprofessional discharge planning simulation will increase students’ understanding of the role of physical therapy in DP. Methods: Students from physical therapy (n=57), undergraduate nursing (n=36), graduate …

Soul Food: [Re]Framing The African-American Farming Crisis Using The Culture-Centered Approach, Andrew Laurence Carter, Adam Alexander

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Historically, African-American farmers faced a long and challenging struggle to own land and operate independently. In recent years, several factors, including unfair policy legislation, institutionalized racism, the mechanization of agriculture, and increases in agricultural technology have exacerbated land loss and decreases in farm ownership. Currently, African-American farmers are vastly underrepresented, comprising just 2% of the nation's farmers, 0.5% of farmland and 0.2% of total agricultural sales. As a site for inquiry, this topic has been examined across many academic sub-disciplines, however, the literature has not yet explored how the erasure of the African-American farmer influences the conversation about broader diet-related …