Integrating Oncology Into Entry-Level Physical Therapist Curricula, Shana Harrington, Christopher M. Wilson, Morgan Zaranec, Lori Boright

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

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Background: Cancer and its treatments commonly result in adverse effects that impair function, well-being, and quality of life, necessitating access to skilled physical therapists (PTs). Although oncology is an essential component of physical therapist practice, entry-level education in cancer rehabilitation has historically been limited. In 2025, the Essential Competencies for Physical Therapy Entry-Level Education in Oncology were developed through a mixed-methods, modified Delphi process, establishing 19 competencies across six domains and defining minimum expectations for new graduates. To support translation of these competencies into academic curricula, a practical implementation resource was needed.

Purpose: To …

Exploring Primary Care Providers’ Compassionate Care And Their Evidence-Based Practice With Death, Grief, And Loss: Patient Experience And Perspective, Kathryn Krzykala

Dissertations

Research on primary care providers’ (PCPs) education regarding Death, Grief, and Loss (DGL) remains limited. Specifically, data is lacking regarding patients' perceptions and opinions on what they need and expect from their PCPs regarding grief and loss. This exploratory mixed-method study comprised 146 participants who had experienced death and non-death loss. It examined participants' perceptions of 1) PCP compassion, 2) PCP utilization of evidence-based grief and loss practices, 3) their own level of comfort discussing DGL with their PCPs during medical visits, and 4) their personal grief and loss experiences. The findings revealed that PCPs' grief-informed evidence-based treatment, as reflected …

Gme As A Healthcare And Economic Driver In Southern Nevada, Tripp Umbach

Policy Briefs and Reports

In early 2025, the Nevada Health and Bioscience Corporation (NHBC) commissioned Tripp Umbach to conduct a comprehensive study examining the current state and future expansion of physician training and retention in Southern Nevada. The approach recommended in this report is rooted in strategic partnerships among medical institutions, proven funding approaches, and needed policy changes. Tripp Umbach, a nationally renowned private consultancy specializing in medical education expansion strategies, reviewed data, conducted interviews, and developed recommendations to expand GME, highlighting its profound economic impact in Southern Nevada.

Patient Education Following Acute Stroke And Transient Ischemic Attack, Elizabeth Amma Vincent

Group: Nebraska Methodist College

Background: Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), have an increasing impact on society through medical costs, low wages, and the burden on society and individuals. To prevent stroke or TIA reoccurrence, education needs to be accessible and presented in a way that gives patients the tools needed to make necessary lifestyle changes and recognize signs and symptoms of when to seek medical attention.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if providing an educational program on stroke and transient ischemic attack resulted in increased knowledge about the importance of adopting lifestyle behaviors following stroke or transient ischemic attack, …

Staff Education To Improve Quality Of Life For Patients With Dementia, Vanessa Ann Soda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Dementia is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that is incurable and unpredictable. Patients with dementia experience a decline in functional abilities, communication, and social skills. Fifty-five million people worldwide live with dementia with over 6.9 million people over 65 years of age diagnosed in the United States. The practice problem identified by a 25-bed assisted living facility in the north-central United States was staff’s lack of knowledge of dementia diagnosis, person-centered care approaches, and optimal care strategies supporting a positive quality of life for patients with dementia. The practice-focused question addressed whether an education program consisting of evidence-based practices using the …

Staff Education On Documentation For Hospice Registered Nurses, Sharon Spencer Cunningham

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary Documentation is a part of a daily task that all nurses undertake. Its purpose is to provide validation of care rendered to patients. In the hospice setting, nurses’ documentation is crucial, as it supports whether a patient qualifies to receive hospice services. If proper documentation is not recorded, patients can lose services and organizations can face a loss of revenue and potential fines. At a hospice organization in the Southeast United States, there was little emphasis of the importance of documentation that adheres to guidelines set by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Therefore, nurses’ documentation lacked the …

Empowering Future Practitioners: Using Constructivist Learning Strategies To Teach Occupational Therapy’S Role In Oncology Rehabilitation, Erin L. Latimer

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project developed educational materials on occupational therapy’s role in oncology rehabilitation for first-year OT students at an accredited program. The deliverables included a lecture and lab session, guided by the constructivism theory and 5 Es educational model, to integrate foundational oncology content into early curricula. By addressing this gap, the project aims to better prepare future OTs to serve cancer survivors. Goals included enhancing students’ knowledge of oncology’s continuum of care and improving clinical reasoning during evaluations. Students completed a Pre-Quiz (testing general oncology/pathophysiology knowledge), Post-Quiz (lecture-specific questions), and Post-Survey (34 respondents). Results showed strong comprehension, with one …

Facilitating Student Advancement: A High School Toolkit For Developing Professional Skills, Makenzie J. Mccain

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Objective:

As students transition from high school to their next step, they are expected to demonstrate a different and often higher level of professional skills to successfully navigate their new roles. Existing research identifies these skills as highly valuable in industry and education, however there is a gap in research and resources that focus on high school students developing these essential skills. This quality improvement project focused on the development of a toolkit to fill this gap, providing an explicit, student-centered resource for professional skill development.

Methods:

The development of the Professional Skills Student Toolkit utilized established theoretical frameworks and …

Medical Aid In Dying Education For Hospice Nurses, Ian Woo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Medical aid in dying (MAID) is an option surrounding end-of-life care for hospice patients. This process gives patients the autonomy to end their life during the time and location of their choosing. MAID is growing in legalization and practice across the US. However, many nurses feel uncomfortable or unprepared when providing care for patients contemplating it. Hospice nurses should have confidence in their ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of education in strengthening new hospice nurses’ ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Method: The research will …

Nsu Communiversity Outreach, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Digital: Communiversity

No abstract provided.

Death And Dying Across The Lifespan, Paige Sala

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Death and Dying Across The Lifespan centers on the creation of three interdisciplinary educational courses focused on end-of-life care for three distinct age groups: geriatrics, adults, and pediatrics. The courses aim to improve undergraduate students’ competence in addressing death and dying with patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals within the team. The courses were developed in response to growing evidence that supports the need for education on death, dying, and caring for individuals at the end of life. Many students are not adequately exposed to these topics in current curricula, despite the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in this area of …

Optimizing Discharge Education For Patients With Heart Failure, Connie-Rose Pangan

Nursing | Senior Theses

Noncompliance can be a result of a lack of comprehension of discharge instructions and a lack of concise, effective educational resources. Due to this deficit, patients with heart failure are less likely to comply with their discharge protocol and are therefore more likely to be readmitted to the hospital. The aim of the study is to consolidate a teaching method that accommodates one's existing educational barriers, implement follow-up to increase knowledge retention and improve self care, and prevent readmission among HF patients. Two hundred hospitalized, English-speaking patients with heart failure above 65 years old across 20 US Hospitals will be …

Nursing Education For End-Of-Life Oncology Pain Management, Anilyse Deisher, Savannah Phongsouvanh, Beau Glenn, Kaitlyn Woods

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The project addresses the lack of confidence and education among nurses in end-of-life care and pain management for cancer patients, specifically regarding ethical concerns related to hastening death. Nurses currently experience knowledge deficits in pain management and symptom control, which contributes to suboptimal care, ethical challenges, and inconsistent use of tools like RDOS and CPOT. The goal is to improve nursing confidence and their ability to efficiently manage pain and provide ethical treatment. By implementing the ELNEC training program, nurses will gain the skills necessary to assess and respond to symptoms of active death, ensuring proper care that reduces suffering. …

Oral Health In Long-Term Care Facilities: A Systematic Review, Eman Zaman

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Oral health in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is becoming an increasing concern as the older population grows bigger. The oral hygiene of residents in nursing homes is deteriorating which may attribute to lack of education given to caregivers. A literature review was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, ProQuest, and PsychINFO to explore oral health in LTCFs and workforce’s roles in providing oral care. Findings across eight studies highlight the inadequate care residents are receiving due to several barriers resulting poor oral health outcomes. Oral health is not prioritized because caregivers are not educated on the consequences it may …

Psychotropics And Fall Reduction Through Nursing Education, Jenny L. Stillman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Falls in long-term care centers (LTC) remain a significant problem due to their association with increased mortality, healthcare costs, and decreased patient outcomes. A major contributing factor to falls is the use of psychotropic medications commonly prescribed in LTC facilities despite evidence against their use. This paper discusses a quasi-experimental study aimed at reducing falls through nursing education on how psychotropics contribute to falls. The study also highlights the regulatory requirements for LTC facilities to monitor and reduce fall occurrences and the efforts made by a State Veterans Home to address the number of falls. The results demonstrate a reduction …

Beyond Charity: The Development Of The Mission Of The Daughters Of Charity In Sub-Saharan Africa, Theresa Eke

Vincentian Studies

Theresa Eke recounts the history of the Daughters of Charity’s service in Africa and explains the evolution of their approach to poverty alleviation there. The Daughters learned the importance of knowing the cultures and languages of those they served. At first, they addressed poverty with donations of material goods, but later they empowered the poor, teaching them skills and helping them establish farms and businesses, particularly through helping them to purchase equipment. They learned to listen to what the poor themselves said would help them. They supported high school and university education, especially for women and girls. The Daughters also …

Medical Aid In Dying Education For Hospice Nurses, Ian K. Woo

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Medical aid in dying (MAID) is an option surrounding end-of-life care for hospice patients. This process gives patients the autonomy to end their life during the time and location of their choosing. MAID is growing in legalization and practice across the US. However, many nurses feel uncomfortable or unprepared when providing care for patients contemplating it. Hospice nurses should have confidence in their ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of education in strengthening new hospice nurses’ ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Method: The research will …

“It’S Not A One-Person Show” E-Learning Course In Neuropalliative Care: A Qualitative Analysis Of Participants’ Educational Gains And Self-Reported Outcomes, Sarah K. Bublitz, Mara Lugassy, Roop Gursahani, Winnie Lau

Open Access archive

Objectives. Patients with progressive neurologic illness still lack access to quality palliative care services. Barriers to the comprehensive provision of neuropalliative care include gaps in palliative care education. To address this barrier, a novel international model of neuropalliative care education e-learning program was launched in 2022. Methods. This is a qualitative study on the self-reported learning outcomes and educational gains of participants of a neuropalliative care e-learning course. Results. Thematic analysis shows changes in the participants’ perceptions of neuropalliative care and several specific educational gains. After attending the course, participants recognized neuropalliative care as a multiprofessional and interdisciplinary effort requiring …

Honoring Veterans’ Wishes: Efficacy Of An Evidence-Based Shared Decision-Making Tool In Va Icu Goals-Of-Care Discussions, Stephanie Alexander, Anna Astashchanka Md, Venktesh Ramnath Md

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Introduction: This Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to enhance the knowledge and confidence of the San Diego Veterans Health Administration’s (VASD) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) medical providers in goals-of-care discussions (GOCD). Additionally, this project aimed to improve the documentation of these discussions.

Background: Delays in GOCD can lead to futile medical and surgical interventions, inappropriate antibiotic use, and higher rates of mental health conditions in patients and their loved ones. Earlier GOCD are associated with lower ventilation and resuscitation rates, earlier hospice enrollment, reduced ICU admissions, lower financial costs, and better patient and caregiver quality of life. However, …

Education For Primary Care Providers On Advance Care Planning, Lindsey Ward

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) is a discussion of a patient’s end-of-life healthcare wishes. Its purpose is to indicate these wishes clearly should the patient be unable to make their decisions known to providers and family members due to a sudden health decline or medical emergency. Healthcare providers, specifically nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians in the primary care setting, are well-positioned to facilitate these conversations with their older adult patients. However, research states that limited provider knowledge of and confidence in implementing ACP are significant barriers to its application in practice.

Problem: At a primary care clinic in Midtown …

The Lived Experiences Of Student Nurses During Simulation Of Perinatal Loss, Paloma Alejandra Peña

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of undergraduate nursing students in providing care following a perinatal loss simulation. The theories that guided this study included Malcolm Knowles’ Theory of Andragogy and the National League for Nursing Jeffries Simulation. The selected theories provide structure for adult learners’ need to experience situational learning activities that are relevant to their job while building upon the foundation of students’ knowledge. Incorporation of Knowles’ and Jeffries’ theories guides the qualitative study of the simulation of a perinatal loss and the experiences of nursing students in providing care during …

The Significance Of Palliative Care Education And Areas For Improvement, Lindsey Bunday

Honors Projects

Palliative care is vital in prioritizing quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Such care is crucial to help patients understand their prognosis, address needs, and meet goals of care. However, physician shortages, improper utilization, and non-standardized medical curriculum amplify the gaps in care and demonstrate significant room for improvement. Innovative curriculum and opportunities for knowledge advancement can refine education and improve patient care.

A Pilot Sexual Device Adaptation Project For Occupational Therapy Students: A Skills-Based Approach To Teaching Sexual Activity As An Adl Through Assistive Technology, Benjamin E. Canter, Zoe M. Loitz, Victoria E. Richardson, Tatiana B. Pontes, Leanna Katz, Kevin Berner, Pedro Htq Almeida

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Despite being categorized as an activity of daily living since the first edition of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, no Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards exist to provide guidance on teaching occupational therapy students about sexual activity as an activity of daily living (ADL). When discussed, sexual activity is usually taught via didactic lecture, but is a subject that would benefit from a skills-based approach to teaching. This pilot pedagogical exercise in a two-credit assistive technology class taught occupational therapy students to address the ADL of sexual activity with clients by having students adapt a sexual toy …

Education For Primary Care Providers On Advance Care Planning: A Systematic Literature Review, Lindsey Ward

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Background: Healthcare providers in primary care treat patients at various stages of life. As patients age, it becomes necessary for providers to support their older patients throughout the aging process and address patient care even into life’s end stages. Primary care providers (PCPs) are well-positioned to provide this support and can do so through incorporating end-of-life (EOL) conversations in practice. Such discussions are called advance care planning (ACP). Though PCPs can play a crucial role in their patients’ EOL care decisions, providers report their limited knowledge of ACP as a barrier to its application.Consequently, further education for providers on utilizing …

Implementing An African American Cultural Awareness Program For Skilled Nursing Facility Staff, Adekemi T. Adedipe

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Patient care is most effective when patients and providers establish a therapeutic connection in a cultural context. Nurses’ lack of awareness of a cultural context for patient care impairs establishing a therapeutic provider/patient relationship, with care of lesser quality and poorer health outcomes as consequences.

Local Problem: Staff at a Northern Californian skilled nursing facility (SNF) caring for African American patients with mental illness lacked self-awareness of the cultural context of care. Staff did not consider cultural constructs of care in treating patients and developing care plans.

Methods: Educational intervention to increase the cultural competence of a skilled …

Bob Garfield, Oral History Interview, 2023, Mckinley Striggow, Matt Jones

Oral Histories

Bob Garfield is a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti who attended the Roosevelt school in 7th grade. In this interview, Garfield discusses the year he spent at Roosevelt, noting that the lack of structure is what led him to transfer back to public school. He also talks about Ypsilanti's history, exploring how the landscape has changed, popular hangout spots for kids, and businesses that no longer exist. Garfield also speaks candidly about his experiences with substance use, working at the first Domino's pizza, and gushes with pride talking about his musically gifted adult son, J.T.

The Role Of The Islamic Waqf" In The Equitable Distribution Of Wealth In Jordan (2015-2020)", Jaber M. Al-Khatib

Information Sciences Letters

This study aims to shed light on the role of the Islamic Waqf in the equitable distribution of wealth in Jordan between 2015 and 2020. It is the role of the Ministry of Awqaaf and Islamic Affairs as the official government body responsible for the Islamic Waqf in Jordan whose endowment funds directed to mosques, health, education, needy and public sector. The results showed that a disproportionate percentage of spending was directed to the mosques, and the need for the Islamic Waqf to allocate the funds raised from the rich people to support the poor people, and vulnerable population as …

Evaluating The Benefits Of Mindfulness Based Practices In The Hospital Setting: A Case For Mindful Communication Interventions For Nurses, Annie Kaplon

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Recent stressors, such as COVID-19, have provided new challenges for healthcare workers, especially nurses, and have contributed to the increase in burnout rates in the hospital setting. Therefore, relief in this space is critical. Ample research demonstrates that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may help to improve well-being among healthcare providers more broadly. Literature supports that the practice of mindful communication, in particular, is helpful, not only in improving patient outcomes, but also in decreasing interpersonal stress among healthcare workers. This paper analyzes and synthesizes relevant studies, both qualitative and quantitative, and argues that mindful communication training improves the workplace environment for …

Affective Domain Development In Virtual Education: Visual Thinking Strategies And Art Pedagogy, Jayne Josephsen

Nursing Faculty Publications and Presentations

Development of the affective domain is linked to increasing self-awareness of internal dialogue, such as biases and assumptions, which can affect the ability of nurses to engage in person-centered care and meet the identified patient outcomes. Through visual thinking strategies (VTS) paired with art-based pedagogy to examine grief, loss, and bereavement concepts in a hospice and palliative care nursing virtual education course, affective domain development was advanced. Foundational to this virtual educational intervention was using the VTS framework of questions and pairing them with art-based pedagogy promoting open-ended interpretation and response to the art presented. This assisted the students in …

Expanding The Volunteer Role To Include Advance Care Planning Knowledge, Andrea C. Leomo

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Transition patients at the end-of-life are those patients who are not mentally ready or physically eligible for hospice thus not enrolled in a Palliative or Hospice Program. Only one-third of the Transition patient census had completed and filed advance care plans. Healthcare providers are obligated to perform life-saving measures unless documented otherwise. A lack of advance care planning can create complicated scenarios and cause discordant care incidents.

Context: End-of-life care is a delicate subject to navigate conversations with patients. With holistic care being a large component of hospice and palliative care, it is important to have updated and accurate …