Digital Commons Network^™

The Human Services Workforce Crisis: Moving Forward With Intention In Massachusetts, Suzanne Gray Henderson

School of Professional Studies

The human services field is growing rapidly in Massachusetts as it is across the country, and the Commonwealth does not have enough qualified staff to fill vacancies. The workforce shortage has risen to crisis levels due to high turnover, insufficient training, low wages, and a lack of recognition and appreciation for direct support professionals. The individuals receiving services in Massachusetts deserve quality and stability. The state budget – strained by inefficient service models and reactive fixes – also demands systemic change. The human services workforce crisis impacts a variety of stakeholders. Individuals served are directly affected, as are the direct …

Implementation Of Hypertonic Saline Sliding Scale Protocol In A Neuroscience Icu, Guillermina A. Nelson

Cohort IX

Cerebral edema, a complication that can occur in acute ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, can lead to detrimental effects. Hypertonic saline therapy is use to obtain therapeutic hypernatremia to prevent further cerebral edema. In a neuroscience intensive care unit (ICU) setting, patients admitted with acute stroke and at risk for cerebral edema, are treated with hypertonic saline solution and the rate adjustment according to plasma serum sodium results every 4-6 hours. After a 10-day Reflective Practice Log, I gained insight of this issue. After a literature review, approval The University of Texas at El Paso Institutional Review Board (IRB), I started …

Evaluating Va Nurse Acceptance Of Virtual Healthcare Technology During The Coronavirus Outbreak, Francesca Bryan-Couch

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

At a regional Veterans Administration (VA) hospital, nurses performing case management were unable to perform face-to-face visits with patients due to coronavirus. Care coordination and discharge planning efforts occurred through telephonic case management to preserve personal protective equipment and reduce transmission rates through social distancing. Trust and rapport between patients and nurses were reduced without personal contact. Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations described six nurse roles and three phases of relationship development required to create therapeutic nurse-patient relationships. Connectedness was a key concept considered to be the path to a successful meaningful therapeutic nurse-patient relationship (Hrabe, 2005).

To evaluate current …

Psychological Distress And Susceptibility To Disease In The Infant And Early Childhood Mental Health (Iecmh) Workforce In The Time Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Ashley Sexton

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can have many adverse effects on physical health, including immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to disease. For the last year, the world has endured sustained stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which has had its own impact on mental health. Stress from COVID-19 will likely have an even greater impact on the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) workforce due to the stressful nature of their work. Self-care has been shown to improve overall wellbeing and act as a buffer for stress. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate if IECMH workers with clinically significant …

Medication And Pharmacy-Related Outcomes As Part Of The Seniors At Risk For Falls After Emergency Room Visit (Safer) Project, Hyesoo Chae, Sharon Leigh, Colleen M Casey

Providence Pharmacy PGY1 Program at Providence Portland and Providence St. Vincent Medical Centers 2021

Background

The United States is comprised of an aging population; adults over the age of 85 are the fastest-growing age group in the United States and will reach approximately 9 million in 2030.1 25% of patients ≥ 65 years old in the United States report falling each year.1 There are over 3 million emergency department visits related to falls in the United States, totaling approximately 50 billion dollars in total medical expenditures.2 Falls are a major threat for older adults as they can lead to increased risk of further injury, loss of independence, decreased mobility, and premature death.1,2 Despite numerous …

Future Time Perspective And Participation In Group Activities In Assisted Living Communities Using Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, Rebecca Stewart

2021 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

In assisted living communities (ALCs), participation in group activities is promoted and encouraged due to the knowledge we have thus far on the benefits of social engagement. Socioemotional selectivity theory, a popular social engagement theory, suggests that how long a person feels they have left to live (also known as their future time perspective) determines how they utilize their remaining time. Using this theory, it is presumed that an assisted living resident with a low future time perspective will participate in fewer group activities offered within the ALC. After controlling for participants without cognitive impairments, a quantitative secondary data analysis …

Comparing Variables Of Biological Age And Functional Status In Comparison To Chronological Age As Indicators Of Mortality, Zoe Murray

2021 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Biological age (BA) is an individual’s physiological and psychological health, socioeconomic factors, and ability to take partake in desired activities. Functional status (FS) looks at whether a person can perform the daily activities necessary to meet basic needs. These concepts are recognized globally, but the definition of biological age lacks consistency in varying cultural contexts. This study uses variables from BA and FS to analyze whether they can be indicative of aging. Using R and the National Health & Aging Trends Study, a multi-variant cox regression looked at activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, age-related changes, …

The Impact Of Need For Cognitive Closure On The Susceptibility To Framing, Omar Yanouri

2021 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Need for Cognitive Closure (NFCC) is an individual’s tendency to dislike ambiguity and desire for any answer. Prior literature shows that, in simple judgements, this trait leads individuals to employ cursory information acquisition and superficial judgements. However, NFCC may lead one to more thoroughly analyze information when the data is challenging or the situation is understood to be important. In this study participants answered a NFCC scale and three attribute framing problems. Some were randomly given an elaboration prompt. Results show NFCC did not affect one’s susceptibility to framing. However, the elaboration prompt reduced framing effects among those high in …

Conspicuity Of Walkway Height Changes, Rachel Staats

All Theses

Trip and fall events can be dangerous and result in injury. One-way trip events start is when an observer's minimum foot clearance (MFC) is smaller than the height change. One reason why the observer might not change their MFC in response to the height change is that the height change is not conspicuous. An important aspect of conspicuity is illuminance levels. In this study, we wish to explore an online method that uses digital manipulation of the amount of light in the photo to simulate illuminance levels (lightness levels). Previous studies with object detection suggest that the lower the illuminance …

Studying Successful Ageing: A Showcase Of The Singapore Life Panel, Jee Yuen Yew, Jia Wei Gwee, Anirudh Srivathsan

ROSA Research Briefs

In this special issue of the ROSA Research Brief Series, we showcase two aspects of the work being done at the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA). Firstly, we showcase the capabilities of the Singapore Life Panel (SLP) and the data that the SLP is able to obtain and measure on a monthly basis. Secondly, we showcase the amazing work of the SGUnited Traineeship Programme’s Research Assistants at ROSA who have proven themselves to be incredible assets in helping further ROSA’s aims of enabling successful ageing in Singapore. ROSA aims to measure well-being among older adults holistically in order …

University Of Nebraska At Omaha Commencement: May 2021, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Determinants Of Subjective Memory In First-Degree Relatives And Care Providers Of Individuals With Dementia, Cassidy Marie Tiberi

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Subjective memory may help practitioners understand who pursues assessment and treatment for memory concerns. Two factors that are related to subjective memory are depressive affect and fear of dementia, and two groups of older adults who may be susceptible to these factors are first-degree relatives and care providers of patients with dementia. This study seeks to determine how depressive affect and fear of dementia influence the subjective memory of these two groups. Fifty-five adults ages 55 and older who were a care provider and/or first-degree relative of patients with dementia reported their perceptions of their own memory, feelings of depression, …

Painting A Pretty Picture: The Role Of Social Desirability In The Memory Self-Efficacy Of Young And Older Adults, Keegan Grace Sawin

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The current study examined the relationships between social desirability, depression, memory self-efficacy, and objective memory in both young and older adult populations. I designed the study to replicate the previous findings of Lineweaver and Brolsma (2014) and to determine whether these findings would generalize to individuals in later adulthood. 45 young adults and 47 older adults (young adults: 88% female, 80% White; older adults: 42% female, 100% White) completed measures of depression, objective memory, memory self-efficacy, and social desirability. As predicted, older adults were higher in levels of social desirability than young adults, but the memory self-efficacy of young adults …

How Music Shapes Our Identities And Why It Matters: Case Studies Of Professional Musicians, Annabelle C. Linker

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Brain research has demonstrated that music uniquely contributes to neural functioning, but little is known about how losing the ability to produce music, which may be inherent to personal identity for professional singers, impacts quality of life. This study explored identity and music in the lives of five well-known vocal music professionals selected because they have publicly talked about the role of music in their lives via books, televised interviews, and documentaries. The careers of three of the individuals were disrupted by neurogenic disease; one lost the ability to sing after treatment for vocal nodules; and the fifth individual remains …

Effects Of Patient’S Race On Pain Perception And Treatment In Nursing Students, Christian J. Phillips

Honors Theses

This study investigates whether a patients’ race affects how nursing students evaluate the patient’s pain. Undergraduate and graduate nursing students (N = 117) recruited from the University of Southern Mississippi School of Nursing were presented with a clinical vignette detailing a 35-year-old man in the emergency department presenting with extreme left shoulder pain. They were randomly assigned to either a Black or a White patient condition. The patient’s race was revealed through an attached photograph, with each condition represented by one of eight unique photographs. Participants evaluated the patient’s current pain level and time to be triaged; the patient’s …

Evaluation Of Telehealth Training To Teach The Stimulus Identification Questionnaire And Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement, Andrea Perez

Dissertations

The field of behavioral gerontology has seen a paucity in literature within the past 15 years focused on updating training technology and teaching best practice skills to staff. Specifically, there is a need to expand the breadth of training research focus areas could more broadly the elderly population (e.g., increasing engagement), to ensure that trainings are designed to equip caregivers with the skills to be independent, and finally, given the frequent staffing challenges experienced by aging settings (Harrington et al., 2020), to explore effective and efficient training techniques that are alternatives to lengthy, in-person training modalities. Given the personnel challenges, …

Letters Against Loneliness: The Effect Of A Pen Pal Program Uniting Older Adults And College Students On Perceived Loneliness, Allyson Miriani, Caroline Crawford

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Surveys within years and particularly the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed increasing rates of loneliness. More research is also emerging linking loneliness with a myriad of negative health outcomes as well as reduced quality of life. There is little research about effective interventions addressing loneliness. This paper reviews the available literature on the topic and proposes a pen pal program for college students and older adults developed based on available evidence.

Linking Rna Methyltransferases And Epitranscriptomic Marks To Diseases Of The Brain And Pharmaceutical Responses, Nicole Gaglia

Biological Sciences

The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology states that DNA goes to RNA to proteins through the process of transcription and translation. tRNAs have numerous post transcriptional modifications that promote anticodon-codon interactionns and protein synthesis. The spectrum of RNA modifications is collectively known as the epitranscriptome, and modification defects can disrupt cytoplasmic and mitochondrial protein synthesis and are linked to human disease. RNA methyltransferases catalyzes the reaction between a methyl group to a nucleoside residue. Alkylation repair homolog 8 (ALKBH8) completes the formation of wobble uridine (U) modifications through the addition of a methyl group to promote the specialized translation of …

Covid-19’S Impact Of Social Isolation On Seniors In An Assisted Living Facility, Mary Mclaughlin

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This study explores the impact of social distancing precautions in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic by resident seniors in an assisted living facility. Previous studies describe how social distancing regulations can amplify feelings of loneliness in all age groups. However, pandemic-related lockdowns and social distancing measures disproportionately affect vulnerable older populations. Resident seniors in an assisted living facility in Omaha, NE participated in a semi-structured interview focused on the perceived impact of COVID-19 safety precautions. Participants reported a temporal dimension of impact, specifically, an increased level of loneliness in the evening, but also discussed the importance of encouragement …

Effect Of The Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic On Assistive And Interactive Technology Use: In- Person Versus Distanced Communication, Alexandra Swanson

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

COVID-19 risk-reduction efforts have protected high-risk individuals but have significantly altered life; persons now face reduced socialization. Advancing technologies (e.g., video-chat) may be useful in alleviating consequences of these efforts, potentially mitigating loneliness, and isolation by improving access to alternative communication. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between communicative technology use and individual characteristics, as technology use may contribute to well-being among adults during COVID-19 and future isolating events. This is especially relevant to older populations. Participants (N=645) aged 19+ completed a questionnaire via Amazon Mechanical Turk; demographic, socialization, and technology-use data were collected. Data were …

Ucc Minutes, May 11, 2021, University Curriculum Council

UCC Agendas/Minutes

No abstract provided.

Examining The Mental Health Of Older Hispanic/Latino Adults: Relationship Between Psycho-Social-Cultural Factors And Depressive Symptomatology, Anna Prado

Theses and Dissertations

The most prevalent disorders affecting the older adult population worldwide are dementia and depression. Ethnic minorities are disproportionately more likely to be affected by these two distressing and debilitating conditions. Hispanic/Latino older adults encounter numerous psycho-social-cultural factors that influence health behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs in positive and negative ways. Presently, research on the influence of these factors on Hispanic/Latino mental health is highly inconsistent. The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between selected psycho-social-cultural factors and the mental health of older Hispanic/Latino adults. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, the association between the Hispanic/Latino …

Supporting Dining Occupations For Dementia Residents In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Esther Yu, Nooshin Moslehi, Vickie Nguyen, Aileen Quach, Cierra Passey, Julia Lee

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Dementia Friendly Dining provides skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) with a practice guideline and training resources for caregivers. The program is informed by existing research on environmental modifications, both physical and social, to enhance the occupations of feeding, eating, and dining for individuals with dementia (IwD) in SNF settings. The physical and social environment has a significant effect in supporting the dining experience for IwD and their caregivers (Keller et al., 2015; Hung et al, 2016; Palese et al., 2018), but many facilities have not integrated physical and social modifications, creating a gap in practice. Therefore, an evidence-based dining program that …

The Perception Of Social Work Students On Elderly Abuse, Fatima Guadalupe Graciano, Melinda Cholico

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perception of elderly abuse among the social work students. The research study explored students understanding of different types of abuse among the elderly. The exploratory research project utilized a qualitative approach that consisted of one-to-one zoom interviews using open-ended questions to obtain information about the students’ insight, feelings, and experiences on the topic of elder abuse. The study sample consisted of five participants of an MSW program. Zoom interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and were transcribed for analysis. The research findings show that students who have experience working with older adults or …

How Does Compassion Fatigue Affect Geriatric Social Workers In Their Personal And Professional Lives?, Nicole Elise Dawson, Joanna Romero Jacobo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aims to research how compassion fatigue (CF) affects geriatric social workers in their personal and professional lives. Currently, there is little exposure on what the symptoms look like in CF among social workers, especially geriatric social services practitioners. The significance of this study is to address CF and how it may affect social workers in their daily activities. Geriatric social workers who work on a regular basis with vulnerable populations can lead to experience symptoms of CF. These symptoms include: emotional disconnect from their clients, less motivated at work, apathetic towards sensitive situations and affecting their quality of …

Adverse Childhood Experiences And Adult Substance Use, Mariah Garcia, Melissa Berry

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study sets out to contribute to the already existing data on ACEs as well as substance use in adulthood. In this quantitative descriptive study, the researchers addressed the relationship of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult substance use. Psychological, physical, and cognitive health issues may occur in adulthood due to ACEs (Shin et al., 2017). Being exposed to one or more ACE during childhood can cause poor coping skills and result in adult substance use (Shin et al., 2017). Bringing greater attention to the prevalence of ACEs can help social workers create more sensitive assessments, screening tools, and treatment …

The Need For Financial Literacy In Social Work Education: A Descriptive Study, Tara Mchenry, Belinda Pacheco

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Although extensively researched over the last twenty years, financial literacy is yet to make its way into mainstream social work curricula. This is puzzling because social workers, in general, work with a clientele that consists predominantly of poor and low-income populations. The profession of social work has the unique opportunity to equip its members with tools to educate and assist clients around topics of personal finance and financial insecurity. Using a purposive sampling method, this study explored the need for a financial literacy course as part of the social work curriculum among 102 undergraduate and graduate students in a large, …

Sarcopenia Screening By Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Rdns) In The United States (U.S.), Madison Marcom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sarcopenia is a disease of muscle wasting primarily seen in older adults. Although this term was first coined over three decades ago, there is a lack of consensus on a definition, screening criteria, and treatment protocol for sarcopenia. The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in the United States (U.S.) screen for sarcopenia. Study participants were recruited through a randomized email list and included RDNs throughout the U.S. Respondents completed a survey questioning knowledge of sarcopenia, screening tools and company protocols in place, and the need and desire for sarcopenia education. Data revealed …

The Health Aspects Of Crossfit™: Correlation Analyses In Everyday Participants, Claire Rozada

Undergraduate Honors Theses

With close to sixty percent of Americans either already diagnosed with a chronic illness, or likely to face this issue in their future, finding a long-term solution is a public health necessity. Practicing sports regularly has been recommended by associations such as the World Health Organization for years, as a preventive measure to keep people healthy. CrossFit™ is a sport that was created in 2000, with the purpose to train participants in functional movements, often referred to as “functional fitness”, to ensure that people are able to remain healthy, and could be a solution to the chronic illness problem. This …

Novel Applications Of Statistical And Machine Learning Methods To Analyze Trial-Level Data From Cognitive Measures, Chelsea Parlett

Computational and Data Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

Many cognitive tasks and measures can benefit from trial-level analyses including Item Response Theory models as well as other Bayesian and Machine Learning models. Specifically, this dissertation focuses mainly on task-based measures of metamemory and how within-set variability as well as item-level characteristics can improve the inferences researchers make about these measures.First, a clustering analysis of judgements of learning across a task is examined in order to detect different participant strategies on a metamemory task and whether strategy use differs by age. Second, the benefits of using item response theory models to analyze both individual and item-level differences in metamemory …