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Patient’S Willingness To Seek Help From Pharmacists In The Management Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Omkar Nitin Ghodke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background

This study examined factors influencing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients' willingness to seek pharmacist-led disease management, using the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction (IMBP). Despite evidence supporting pharmacist interventions in improving outcomes, patient engagement remains low.

Methods

A mixed-methods design was employed. Semi-structured interviews with eight RA patients identified themes aligned with IMBP constructs. These findings informed a theory-driven survey distributed electronically to 509 RA patients via Qualtrics. Quantitative analyses (descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and multiple linear regression) were conducted using IBM SPSS and AMOS.

Results

Interviews revealed 13 themes across five IMBP constructs. Facilitators included positive attitudes (trust, reassurance), …

Careers On The Spectrum: Enhancing Higher Education Career Services For First-Generation Neurodivergent College Students, Shyra Jannay Lynch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the unique career service needs and experiences of first-generation neurodivergent college students (FGNCS) at the University of Mississippi. First-generation college students (FGCS), as the first in their families to attend college, often face distinct challenges in navigating higher education due to limited familial support and unfamiliarity with academic resources. Meanwhile, neurodivergent students, those with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and various cognitive differences, encounter unique barriers related to sensory sensitivities, communication, and social integration within academic and career environments. At the intersection of these identities, FGNCS encounter distinct challenges in career services that may not …

2025 Faculty Summer Seminar - The Living Word Of God: Still Alive Today?, Center For Catholic Studies, Seton Hall University

Center for Catholic Studies Faculty Seminars and Core Curriculum Seminars

About the 2025 Faculty Seminar - p.6

Josephine De Vito - p.10 Understanding the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Holy Scriptures

Elizabeth Brewer Redwine - p.13 Reading and Listening in Difficult Times: Classroom Strategies

Judith Stark - p.18 Beyond Genesis 1-3: The Many Ways to Conceptualize Nature

Gloria Thurmond - p.25 Study to Show Thyself Approved

John P. Wargacki - p.29 Jacob Marley as 'Intercessor" in Ebenezer Scrooge's Journey of Transformation in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol

Seton Hall University Statement: The Catholic Intellectual Tradition – p.32

About the Authors -p.35

Enhancing Nursing Education: A Quality Improvement Project To Mitigate Incivility Among Faculty, Rebecca Mitschele

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Incivility among nursing faculty poses a significant challenge, adversely affecting job satisfaction, mental health, and communication within academic and clinical settings. This Quality Improvement (QI) project addressed this pervasive issue by identifying faculty incivility as a key contributor to high turnover rates and burnout in faculty and students. A mixed-methods approach assessed the prevalence and types of incivility displayed, including surveys and focus group discussions with faculty. The intervention included conflict resolution training, the establishment of an anonymous reporting mechanism, and the development of a framework to revise the faculty handbook specifically to address incidents of incivility. Post-intervention results indicated …

Promoting Student Retention Through Mandatory Remediation, Randi Mccoy

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP Project seeks to identify and evaluate among associate degree nursing (ADN) faculty, will implementing a pilot remediation policy, compared to the current remediation policy, impact faculty perception regarding exam remediation? Exam remediation is important as it helps students understand why they missed questions, how to improve on their next exam, provides guidance and confidence. It is also essential to determine whether required remediation for students after failing an exam promotes student retention, growth, and expansion at a local university in Oklahoma in the setting of an unprecedented program. Does adding required remediation after a failed exam offer students …

Improving Nursing Faculty's Self-Efficacy For Pre-Brief In High Fidelity Simulation: A Quality Improvement Project, Jamie Herron

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

High-fidelity simulation (HFS) effectively allows students to practice nursing care in a safe and controlled environment with fewer chances of error or harm. The Society of Simulation in Healthcare (2021) states that best practice standards include pre-briefing, evaluation during simulation, and debriefing. A standardized pre-briefing for faculty during nursing students' high-fidelity simulation was needed in an Oklahoma associate degree nursing (ADN) program. The Society of Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) evidence-based standards of practice include providing a pre-brief before starting a high-fidelity simulation, which decreases the student's anxiety and improves learning. The PICOT question, “How does education about pre-briefing in high-fidelity …

Quality Improvement Project: Reducing Ventilator Days: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Nurse-Led Mechanical Ventilation Liberation Protocol In Critical Care Units, Joseph Duncan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The present study investigated the effect of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ knowledge and confidence in managing mechanically ventilated patients’ weaning trials, and whether innovative education can improve these clinical interventions. Current practice relies on an antiquated provider-led protocol that does not account for the nurses’ skill level or practice autonomy. This oversight consistently leads to ventilator associated complications including prolonged ventilation time, increase sedation infusion use and increase ICU length of stay. This study’s aim was to determine if innovative education could improve nursing knowledge and confidence related to ventilated patient care. Nurse participants (N=100) were randomly selected to …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Access To Early Intervention For Prediabetic Patients In Primary Care, Jude Abam

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Primary care frequently misdiagnoses prediabetes, which serves as a diabetes type 2 precursor, resulting in failed early treatment opportunities. A structured staff education program was the goal of the quality improvement project during the DNP implementation. The initiative addressed knowledge gaps alongside screening protocol standardization all to enhance early detection as well as intervention efforts. Using both Lewin’s Theory of Change and Kolb’s Theory of Experiential Learning, a pre-post-design was applied across seven weeks. Prediabetes screening and management, along with its risk factors, were taught to the staff. The demographic questionnaires helped in assessing the knowledge and self-efficacy of the …

Quality Improvement Project - Virtual Escape Rooms: A Teaching Strategy For Nurse Educators, Alisha Mcafee

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Virtual escape rooms (VERs) are an active learning activity that engages students with learning materials while applying theory and knowledge to life-like patient scenarios. Nursing faculty at one nursing program required education about VER development. The problem identified for this quality improvement (QI) project was the lack of knowledge of the nursing faculty on the use and development of this active learning strategy. This QI project aimed to enhance nurse faculty knowledge and ability to utilize VERs within their courses. Faculty participated in an educational session about VERs. Completion of a pre-and post-questionnaire took place. Three Likert-scale questions were asked …

Point-Of-Care Lab Testing Reduces Lab Turn Around Times And Decreases Delays In Treatment, Arkayla Beamon

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this doctoral project was to explore workflows associated with the preanalytical phase of the lab diagnostic process in a one-hundred-bed long-term acute care hospital, identify the most common errors that occur, and explore the effect of point-of-care lab testing (POCT) education on a reduction in treatment delays. More specifically, the project aims to answer the following question: In nurses, unit clerks, and respiratory therapists what is the impact of POC education on lab diagnostic delays in a long-term acute care hospital over six months?

Enhancing Simulation Debriefing In Nursing Education: A Quality Improvement Project, Rebecca L. Ray

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement (QI) project is of utmost importance as it aims to significantly enhance the debriefing process after simulations in an Associate Registered Nursing Program. The project is designed to equip nursing instructors with a comprehensive guide to facilitate debriefing after simulations, thereby improving student learning outcomes, fostering reflection, and enhancing clinical practice. The lack of consistent and practical guidance during the debriefing process after simulation exercises has been identified as a critical challenge in the nursing program. Without proper guidance, the debriefing process may not achieve its intended outcomes, underscoring the necessity of this project. The intervention at …

25th Anniversary Report, Law And Government Institute

Law and Government Institute Collections

The Law and Government Institute is one of Widener University Commonwealth Law School's signature programs. The Institute focuses on the complex intersection of legislation, regulation, public policy, and the law.

The celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Institute in 2024 prompted the development and issuance of this report. It discusses the history and leadership of the Institute, provides an overview of the Institute's programs, and presents the results of a recent survey of Institute alumni.

This report covers activities and events through the end of the 2024-25 academic year.

Tethered Oral Tissues (Tots) And Occupational Therapy (Ot), Tori Gray

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project and ALE focused on Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) and their connection to Occupational Therapy (OT), highlighting how TOTs impact more than just feeding by affecting sensory regulation, posture, and overall development. Through observation, research, and hands-on experience, I explored OT’s role in identifying and treating TOTs. I created an evidence-based educational infographic for local physician and dental offices to advocate for increased OT involvement and tracked patient referrals to assess its impact. Literature review revealed that while TOTs are commonly linked to lactation and speech, their broader effects on motor coordination, sensory processing, and posture are underrecognized. …

From Symptom To Source: Unraveling The Upper Limb Puzzle, Kara Burton

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this ALE project was to bridge the gap in literature by creating a comprehensive evaluation program to assist in identifying differential diagnoses based on symptoms presented. Following ACOTE’s focus areas of program development and clinical practice, this project aimed to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical reasoning through the creation of an evidence based evaluation program. It guides therapists through a systematic evaluation process, especially when symptoms are complex or diagnoses are unclear. Providing clinicians with a structured chart focusing on symptom overview, mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, special testing, and potential differential diagnoses. On site therapists and …

Kentucky Occupational Therapy Foundation, Hannah Mitchell, Hannah Mitchell

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE), I partnered virtually with Eastern Kentucky University and the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Foundation (KOTF), focusing on advocacy and development in alignment with ACOTE standards. The project’s goal was to promote occupational justice by increasing access to OT education through the creation of a targeted scholarship. Guided by my mentor, Dr. Colleen Schneck, and the KOTF board, we identified financial barriers as a significant issue for aspiring occupational therapy professionals. Our needs assessment showed a lack of OT-specific scholarships for students at varying educational levels. To address this, we developed a scholarship for …

3d Printed Adaptive Technology, Mackenzie Polster

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my Capstone experience, I worked with Hancock Health in the outpatient department in Greenfield, IN. My primary ACOTE focus areas were program development (creating 3D printed adaptive technology (AT) for patients) and education (educating about benefits of 3D printing for functional use). Project goals included: educate occupational therapists and patients about 3D printed AT benefits, create 3D printed AT for patients, assess 3D printed AT from patient perspective, and assess relevance of 3D printed AT from OT perspective. There is limited existing research of 3D printing being used for AT. 3D printing often is dismissed due to vendors utilizing …

The Effectiveness Of Vivistim On Ue Function Post Chronic Ischemic Stroke, Chelsea G. Tucker

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this capstone project was to learn about a new technology, Vivistim, as it enhances upper extremity function post chronic ischemic stroke through vagus nerve stimulation paired with repetitive task-specific therapy. This project took place at UK Healthcare Outpatient Neurorehabilitation at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. The AOTA/ACOTE focus areas for this project included education and clinical practice. Specific goals included to learn about the role of occupational therapy in the outpatient neurorehabilitation setting, research background information for case study including ischemic stroke, motor relearning, vagus nerve stimulation, and Vivistim technology, gather observations for case study, …

Empowering Veterans Through Access: Development Of A Comprehensive Resource Guide, Lindsey Perkins

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE), I partnered with the EKU Office of Veterans Affairs, an academic support setting serving student veterans. The ACOTE focus areas were Education and Program Development. The project aimed to create a comprehensive Veterans Resource Guide to help veterans navigate healthcare, education, employment, and community reintegration services. A needs assessment revealed a lack of centralized resources to support student veterans, aligning with literature indicating that over 48% of veterans struggle with transitioning to civilian life (Parker et al., 2019). Challenges include mental health, social isolation, and occupational barriers (Krigbaum et al., 2020), with …

Increasing Referrals To Ot Breastfeeding Specialists Through Accessible Education, Kameron Grigsby

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This project aimed to educate mothers and healthcare providers about the role of occupational therapy (OT) in infant feeding, with the goal of increasing occupational performance satisfaction by promoting appropriate referrals to OT lactation specialists. A significant gap exists in understanding the distinction between other healthcare professionals and OT roles in infant feeding, and the literature lacks detailed OT interventions to support mothers during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding struggles. To address this, I conducted a patient survey to guide the creation of a pamphlet outlining OT’s role in feeding and developed a presentation demonstrating OT interventions for both providers and mothers. …

Filling The Gap: Ot’S Role In Addressing Emotional Barriers In Vestibular Rehab, Gabby P. Cordas

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project explored the emotional and behavioral barriers that impact vestibular rehabilitation, and how occupational therapy can help fill that gap. It took place at UK Outpatient Therapy at Cardinal Hill, where physical therapy leads vestibular care. However, many patients struggle with anxiety, avoidance, and frustration that interfere with progress. My goal was to observe those patterns, clarify OT’s role, and create practical tools to support more holistic care.

Research shows that psychiatric comorbidities are common in vestibular disorders—especially episodic conditions like vestibular migraine and Ménière’s disease. Emotional responses such as fear, self-doubt, and withdrawal can worsen symptoms and …

Closing The Gap In Ot Practices: Hospice And Palliative Care, Karly French

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this Capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was to explore the perspectives of family members and caregivers of individuals who received hospice or palliative care and to advocate for increased occupational therapy (OT) involvement in these settings. Conducted entirely online under the supervision of Dr. Allen Keener, the project focused on the ACOTE areas of research and advocacy. A thorough literature review revealed that while OT is known to be beneficial in end-of-life care, it is often underutilized. Most existing research reflects the views of healthcare providers, with minimal representation of caregiver perspectives. To address this …

Expanding Awareness Of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Education For Perinatal Women, Cassandra Mcneil

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my doctoral capstone project, I partnered with PT Solutions Outpatient Therapy in Lexington, Kentucky with mentorship from an occupational therapist specializing in pelvic health therapy. The primary ACOTE focus areas were advocacy and education to support increased awareness of the benefits of outpatient pelvic health therapy services for perinatal women. This project aimed to educate, advocate, and increase awareness of perinatal pelvic health therapy by reaching the following goals: Understand occupational therapy’s role in pelvic floor therapy for perinatal women through evidence-based practice, clinical observation of pelvic floor therapy sessions, and hands-on clinical practice, advocate pelvic floor therapy to …

Using The Background Of Occupational Therapy To Argue Our Role In Stress Management: Proposed Lines Of Inquiry, Klaire M. Gowins

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this ALE presentation is to present research in support of the development of the Student Stress Management Center (SSMC) at EKU. The researchers’ long-term proposition, beyond the scope of this poster, is to effectively communicate to various audiences the importance and occupation-based characteristics of a Student Stress Management Center for students within the higher education setting. In preparation for that goal, this poster reviews scholarly literature relevant to the field of occupational therapy and its philosophical roots to lay groundwork for clarifying whether and how a revised articulation of the philosophical base is needed, relative to the …

From Foundation To Future: The Kota Story, Lynn Duncan M.Ed, Otd

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

I worked with the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA) in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University’s Special Collections and Archives for my Capstone Project and Applied Leadership Experience, with an emphasis on advocacy. KOTA plays an essential role in advocating for its members by focusing on community networking, research, advocacy, legislative affairs, and education (Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association, 2025). Research indicates the importance for professional associations to safeguard records, however several challenges include managing the volume of materials, selecting a cataloging system, ensuring easy retrieval, maintaining secure storage, and addressing concerns about sustainability (Brown, 2013). The needs assessment revealed disorganized physical …

Do College Students Delegate Over The Counter Product Choice To Pharmacists? A National Survey Experiment, Joanne Elizabeth Mansalay Canedo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: College students are known to have more frequent use for over-the-counter (OTC) cold products. Choice overload can lead to an increased burden of responsibility and dissatisfaction with one’s decision. The act of delegating to a pharmacist can prevent OTC product misuse and potential for abuse. The objective was to examine the effect of OTC choice difficulty and pharmacist accessibility on college students’ likelihood to delegate pharmacists for choosing OTC products for the common cold.

Methodology: An experimental within-subjects survey design was utilized on a national convenience sample of undergraduate students aged 18 years and older through Qualtrics market research …

Media Effects On Political Confidence In Autocratic Regimes, Makayla M. Stokes, Matthew Placek

University of South Carolina Upstate Student Research Journal

In established autocracies, political control and support are integral to maintaining the regime. In an effort to do this, autocracies use media as a tool to persuade and manipulate public opinion in a favorable light. Negative media and messages are not tolerated as it threatens the legitimacy and continuation of the regime. The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the effects of social media and online news consumption on support for political institutions and overall satisfaction. This study will use hierarchical linear modeling to analyze data from the World Values Survey to test the hypothesis that social media …

Changing Minds, Changing Behavior: The Role Of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy In Addressing Intimate Partner Violence, Natalie Freeman, Courtney Mcdonald

University of South Carolina Upstate Student Research Journal

Intervention programs for intimate partner violence abusers are designed to address and mitigate violent behaviors and promote healthier relationships to reduce recidivism. This literature review examines various intervention programs and their strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and educational programs, along with their theoretical foundations and effectiveness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on altering thought patterns that contribute to abusive actions, demonstrating efficacy in reducing violent behaviors and promoting emotional regulation. This study utilized a qualitative design in collaboration with Anger Management of the Upstate, where participants in a CBT-based intimate partner violence intervention program completed an anonymous Qualtrics survey exploring …

#Mmiw On Instagram: Contemporary Representations Of Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, And Two-Spirit People​, Sydney E. Cathcart, Renu Pariyadath

University of South Carolina Upstate Student Research Journal

This research paper overlooks the disproportionate number of missing persons and violence towards Indigenous groups, particularly women. Communication research has pointed to mass media lacking coverage on missing or murdered cases of Indigenous people, contributing to invisibility of the issue and lack of attention to the problem. Individual efforts to increase sources of information have been utilized in social media to make up for where mass media lacks. Social media creators who look to raise awareness, mobilize grassroot actions, and expand community ties. Content analysis was used to analyze content in Instagram under hashtags relevant to #MMIW–Missing and Murdered Indigenous …

Psychological Contract Breach And Institutional Trust In Higher Education: Extending The Triadic Framework, Hannah E. Blodget, Katelyn R. Raborn, Justin Travis, Susan Ruppel

University of South Carolina Upstate Student Research Journal

Psychological Contract (PC) theory, originally developed in organizational contexts, has increasingly been applied to higher education to understand the expectations and obligations that students perceive in their relationships with institutions. In this context, the PC refers to the unwritten set of mutual expectations and perceived obligations that shape the student-university relationship (Rousseau, 1998). Psychological contract breaches (PCB), or perceived failures to fulfill promised obligations, can undermine student trust, engagement, and institutional commitment. Despite growing interest, research on PCBs in higher education remains sporadic, often limited to cross-sectional designs, single relational targets, and inconsistent measurement approaches. Moreover, most studies focus on …

Collegiate Athlete Branding And Name, Image, And Likeness On Instagram, Carson Shaw, Renu Pariyadath

University of South Carolina Upstate Student Research Journal

This study explores how collegiate athletes use Instagram to build their personal brands and maximize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) potential in the era of digital self-promotion. Since the 2021 Supreme Court ruling allowing college athletes to profit from NIL, social media has become a key platform for visibility, engagement, and financial opportunity. Guided by Erving Goffman’s Self-Presentation Theory, this research employs a qualitative content analysis of 80 Instagram posts from eight collegiate athletes—four high-profile and four low-profile—representing diverse sports, genders, and institutions. Sixteen content themes drawn from prior research were analyzed, including personal life, business life, athletic performance, …