Digital Commons Network^™

Adaptive Leadership In Hbcus: Navigating Hybrid Work Dynamics In A Post-Pandemic Era, Brittney A. Brooks

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) institutions influence retention rates of HBCU employees. An organization's culture determines the behavior of its employees. When assumptions regarding organizational structure were made, communication about the company's expectations was often ignored, leading to employees becoming accustomed to the culture and resistant to change. This mindset hindered HBCU growth and the willingness to address the urgency for policy revisions. As institutions continue to transition post-COVID, adjusting human resource policies at HBCUs to cater to the individual needs of these employees is needed to maintain retention.

This exploratory mixed-methods research study investigated leadership in …

Reducing Colonoscopy Cancellations Saves Lives, A Quality Improvement Project, Jennifer L. Brosnan

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

One of Healthy People 2030’s objectives is to increase the proportion of adults screened for colorectal cancer. To address this objective, a quality improvement project was completed within an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC). An evidenced-based committee was formed with the primary goal to decrease the number of cancelled colonoscopies. The committee aimed to answer the PICOT question: For patients who cancel their colonoscopy, how does the development and implementation of an evidence-based practice (EBP) committee’s nursing interventions reduce cancelled colonoscopy rates and increase reschedule rates, compared to no implementation of an EBP committee’s nursing interventions, over three months?

Nursing interventions …

Perceptions Of School Garden Programming And Their Communities: A Mixed-Methods Research Study, Briana Lafratte

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

School gardening has been connected to improving student nutritional knowledge (Landry et al., 2021; Leuven et al., 2018), academics (Eugenio-Gozalbo et al., 2020), and pro-environmental attitudes (Zelenika et al., 2018; Chang, 2015). Caring for plants in the garden fosters a positive and caring relationship with plants, allowing students to see themselves as a part of the natural world and promoting environmentally active stances in adulthood (Kalvaitis & Monhardt, 2012; Chawla, 2007). This exploratory sequential mixed methods study explored the scope of how school gardening programs are being utilized across a county in Pennsylvania to promote student community involvement, how food …

Employee Turnover & Retention In Rural Pennsylvania: A Public Vs. Private Sector Study, Dusty J. Zeyn

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Employee turnover presents significant challenges for organizations, such as diminished productivity, loss of critical knowledge, and heightened recruitment costs. Effective retention of talented employees is vital for organizational success, yet many organizations face difficulties in managing turnover. This dissertation explores employee turnover and retention through the framework of Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, which differentiates between motivators that enhance job satisfaction and hygiene factors that prevent dissatisfaction. Utilizing a multiple case study approach, the research examines one public sector organization and one private sector organization in Tioga County, Pennsylvania to analyze how Herzberg’s theory applies in varied organizational contexts and its impact …

Adverse Parent-Child Relationships And Relations To Psychopathology In Emerging Adults: A Multi-Method Examination, Sarah Jaweed

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Throughout the lifespan, parent and child dyads have been well researched. Parenting behaviors can influence a child’s attachment towards the parent, and both elements have been linked to adult psychopathology (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters & Wall, 1978; Baumrind, 1987; Bowlby, 1969). Various forms of assessments can quantify the constructs within the parent-child dyad, with the most common being self-report and behavioral coding. One assessment that has been underutilized is the vignette-based assessment. This method allows for greater uniformity and can provide additional information about the parent-child dynamics (Baudat, Zimmermann, Antonietti, & Van Petegem, 2017). It has been noted that few studies …

From Theory To Practice: A Mixed Methods Study On K-8 Teachers’ Experiences Transitioning To Urban Education, Brittini S. Piercy

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This convergent mixed methods study focused on K-8 teachers’ experiences transitioning into urban education classrooms in Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ. The aim was to better understand teachers’ reflections of their experiences and the impact made by their teacher preparation programs. Connecting with Kramer’s Reality Shock Theory (1974) and Hochschild’s Emotional Labor Theory (1983), I examined how teacher preparation programs are disconnected from the reality of urban classroom experiences. This included an analysis on teachers’ expectations versus their reality and how they are managing their emotions during these transitions. In the quantitative phase, teachers (n=48) reflected on their preparation program, …

Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotics For The Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infections, Megan A. Carullo

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in women and are often a reason for prescribing antibiotics. Appropriately treating these infections is vital to prevent significant health concerns such as pyelonephritis or sepsis. Providers commonly prescribe antibiotics as a preventive measure, but incorrect usage can lead to unnecessary use of antibiotics. This is a large concern for the medical community, given the increased rates of antibiotic resistance. This quality improvement project aimed to answer the following research question: In women with recurrent UTIs (rUTIs), does presumptive treatment compared to standard treatment upon confirmed infection increase the number …

Exploring Perceptions Of Accommodations In Ot Fieldwork: A Mixed Methods Study, Courtney A. Gohean, Courtney Gohean

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to explore the perceptions and experiences of occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork educators, academic fieldwork coordinators (AFWCs), and Level II OT students with disabilities regarding accommodations during fieldwork. Quantitative data were collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire completed by 45 fieldwork educators. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with seven AFWCs and seven OT students/new graduates who had used Section 504 accommodations during Level II fieldwork. Thematic analysis revealed key themes among students and AFWCs, including barriers to disclosure, variability in support and communication, the need for proactive planning, and concerns regarding …

“I’M Doing Good For Her”: Stories Examining The Employment Experiences Of Undergraduate Students With Pell-Eligibility, Jennifer Ruggiero-Patel

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Students of low socioeconomic status are a growing demographic in higher education, in part because of historical advances which provided more access to this population. To afford their education, as well as necessities, students of low socioeconomic status usually need to work while earning their degree. Higher education institutions are often not structured to support students of low socioeconomic status (Lee, 2024). The purpose of this qualitative, narrative inquiry was to examine the stories of employed undergraduate students of low socioeconomic status, while also studying their motivation for working while in college. The data for this study was collected through …

Assessing The Effect Of Increasing The Frequency Of Copd Assessment Test Utilization On Rehospitalization Rates For Home Health Patients, Rebecca Goldberg

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Abstract

This evidence-based practice Process Improvement (PI) project involves using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) to decrease rehospitalization rates for home health patients with a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The project includes having therapy clinicians complete the CAT during their in-home skilled visits, between home health nursing visits to increase the frequency of completion. The goal is to recognize symptoms of exacerbation early, engage patients in their own care, encourage communication with providers, initiate early intervention at home, and prevent rehospitalization. Patients with COPD experience frequent symptom exacerbations leading to anxiety, poor quality of life, and challenges …

The Role Of Mentoring In Combating Racism And Sexism In Higher Education As A Blueprint For Other Historical Institutions In The United States, Michelle R. Gherardi

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Racism and sexism create a bottleneck to advancement for women in higher education.

This qualitative study and dissertation investigate the role of mentoring in combating racism and sexism in higher education in the United States as a blueprint for other historical institutions. Twenty-six women of color in four categories (presidents/provosts/chancellors, deans of law and medical schools, vice presidents of diversity, equity, and inclusion/student affairs, and graduate students) of higher education were interviewed to explore their experiences with racism, sexism, and mentor relationships. Findings demonstrate all but one participant (96%) disclosed racial victimization in higher education, all participants (100%) disclosed sexist …

Perspectives On Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, And Speech Language Pathology Services Best Suited For Telehealth Delivery: Implications For Us Telehealth Policy, Monica Wright

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy services have been successfully performed using telehealth as a delivery method since the COVID19 pandemic. But patient access to telehealth therapy services is threatened with the pending expiration of therapy extenders in the Full Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. This study aimed to assess which therapy interventions are the most effective using telehealth. Methods used were therapist surveys with both Likert scale and open-ended questions and in-depth interviews distributed via national therapy society message boards and patient surveys delivered via their treating therapist. Results of the study showed both therapists and patients believe telehealth …

Decreasing Charting Errors On An Antepartum Testing Unit, Morley Mullins

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Abstract

This evidence-based quality improvement project addresses problematic documentation noted on a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Antepartum Testing Unit. The quality of patient care and billing practices can be impacted by minor “typos” that exist in electronic medical records (EMRs), creating a significant challenge for those who use them. This project evaluates key areas contributing to inaccuracies in medical records using chart audits to identify frequency and types of errors. Educational sessions via PowerPoint were used to discuss charting practices. A designed framework for ongoing training and support emphasizes the importance of accurate documentation and specific areas of concern via audits to …

Examining The Link Between Food And Alcohol Disturbance And Alcohol-Related Sexual Behavior: Does Body Esteem Moderate The Relationship?, Jamie D. Martin

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) is a behavior pattern that involves calorie restriction and/or compensation in the context of alcohol use (Choquette et al., 2018). FAD comprises of four dimensions (alcohol effects, bulimia, dietary restraint and exercise, and restriction) The present study aimed to examine the dimensions of FAD in relation to alcohol-related sexual behavior (ARSB) among college undergraduates. Additionally, a moderation variable, body esteem (weight esteem and appearance esteem), was included to determine if the correlation between FAD and ARSB was strengthened if one experienced low weight or appearance esteem. In total, this study included 434 undergraduate students enrolled …

“Made For Me”: Stories Of Discovery Among Autistic Students Traveling Abroad, Cherie A. Fishbaugh

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This qualitative, narrative analysis shares the stories of triumph and challenges recalled by autistic college students who participated in customized, short-term, faculty-led, study abroad trips, and their recommendations for future inclusive trips. This study included eight undergraduate, autistic participants ranging in ages from 19-24. Participants completed an in-person or virtual 60-minute structured interview, that focused on recalling stories of triumph and challenges they had experienced when they were studying abroad. Utilizing Critical Disability Theory, these interviews provided the exploration of stories that revealed themes of discovering me, “Made for Me,” and recommendations for future inclusive trips. Key findings included the …

The Impact Of Health Promotion Home Visits On Loneliness In An Older Adult Population, Jean M. Herb

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Loneliness among older adults is a significant public health concern associated with adverse physical, emotional, and cognitive outcomes. Despite widespread recognition of the issue, effective interventions remain limited in clinical practice. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented and evaluated a Health Promotion Home Visit (HPHV) intervention designed to reduce loneliness in community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older. A quality improvement initiative using a pre-post design was conducted at a community outreach division of a home health agency. Patients received HPHV every other week over an eight-week period. The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) was used to assess loneliness …

Cus+E: Creating A Culture Of Safety Through Improved Communication Within Perioperative Services, Sunilka Thompson

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

The Department of Perioperative Services identified ongoing communication and cultural challenges that compromised team dynamics, psychological safety, and patient care. A culture of safety survey revealed a significant disconnect: while many staff felt comfortable raising safety concerns, nurses and ancillary support staff reported widespread experiences of disrespectful behavior—perceptions not shared by providers. In response, the department implemented the CUS+E (I’m concerned, I’m uncomfortable, this is a safety issue + Explanation) communication tool to enhance the real-time escalation of safety concerns. Project goals included increasing safety reporting, reducing adverse events, and improving staff confidence in raising concerns. Post-implementation surveys indicated that …

Uncertain Futures, Unfinished Journeys: The Complex Realities Of Belonging Among International College Women Of Color In The U.S., Matheeha Majeeth

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study explored the complex and personal lived experiences of International College Women of Color (ICWOC) as they navigated the complexities of developing of a sense of belonging within their U.S. higher education institution (HEI). Guided by Kimberlé Crenshaw’s theory of Intersectionality (1991,1989) and Strayhorn’s College Student Sense of Belonging theory (2012), this research study used an interpretive phenomenological approach to explore how racism, ethnocentrism and misogyny shaped the ICWOC participants’ academic and social journeys in their U.S. HEIs. Through individual, semi-structured interviews with the participants, this study revealed that belonging was not simply about institutional access or inclusion. It …

An Impact Analysis Of The 15-Year Capital Program And Budget In The City Of Philadelphia, James K. Lewis

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Abstract

In order to serve its constituents, the City of Philadelphia has established numerous public service departments and respective public goods in terms of departments facilities and other structures to provide public service. The key departments include the Police Department, Fire Department, Health Department, Libraries, and Parks and Recreation. Additionally, there are departments established to build, renovate, maintain, the public goods provided by the City of Philadelphia in order to achieve successful stewardship of the facilities. In order to carry out facilities stewardship of its public goods, the City has a long-term capital program and budget that utilizes borrowed capital …

Personalized Therapy To Meet Individual Children’S Needs And Improve Access: Identifying A “Goldilocks” Group Therapy Length For Children With Post Traumatic Stress (Pts), Rosa L. Boniface

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Objectives. The present study investigated the incidence and correlates of early treatment response among youth participating in a school-based intervention for PTSD symptoms. Methods. 44 elementary school children who participated in the Bounce Back Program (BB) from 2017 to 2019 were included. A Reliable Change Index (RCI) score was calculated for each child on the UCLA-R for PTSD. Youths with a significant RCI score by session 5 of the 10-session protocol were classified as early treatment responders. Pretreatment characteristics were examined in relation to early responder status. Results. PTS means in this sample decreased significantly after 5 …

Understanding The Experience Of Survivorship: Self-Efficacy, Emotional Wellbeing, And Post-Traumatic Growth Across A 6-Month Period In Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, Shannon N. Hiscock

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Diagnosis and treatment can be traumatic, leading to declining physical and psychological health, but also a process of psychological evolution known as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Self-efficacy is a factor that is associated with positive outcomes in breast cancer, including emotional well-being and post-traumatic growth. The purpose of this study was to examine changes across 6-months in biopsychosocial variables (self-efficacy, PTG, and emotional well-being), as well as the relationships between these variables, in an effort to identify areas for intervention early in breast cancer treatment to promote positive mental …

Extended (Re)Producer Responsibility: Child Support, Demographics, And Global Sustainability, Michael R. Rosenthal

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Child support laws are common among most contemporary societies, yet correlational research on the demographic effects of child support remains sparse. Using a variety of nonparametric statistical tests, this dissertation compares the child support policies of 91 nations against 30 social, economic, health, and environmental variables from global public datasets. Mann-Whitney and median tests reveal that nations with robust child support systems—equipped with a high number of enforcement mechanisms, a designated administrative agency, and/or a public child support assurance program—are associated with lower unintended pregnancy and abortion rates, lower infant and maternal mortality rates, and better gender equality indicators. While …

What Relationship Does Social Media Have To Political Participation And Voting Behavior In Adults Aged 18-25 In The State Of Kansas?, Nicholas E. Ladish

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

During the past two decades, the rise of social media has a significantly impacted the lives many individuals in the United States. This is particularly true of young adults between the ages of 18-25 years old. The rapid growth of various social media platforms has given rise to the sharing and exchange of information and ideas in a way that has not previously existed.

This qualitative research study used survey questionnaires, as well as semi-structured interviews to explore both the positive and negative impact, as well as the role of social media when it comes to influencing political affiliation, behavior, …

Assessing Socioeconomic Differences And Perceptions To Increase The Presence Of Athletic Trainers In Disadvantaged Schools, Sharday Fonseca

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Student athletes in socioeconomically disadvantaged schools are the least likely to have access to athletic trainers (ATs) because their schools cannot afford them. When ATs are present, they are most likely to identify, treat, and report concussions. Therefore, student athletes in socioeconomically disadvantaged schools are disproportionately impacted by concussion and its potential side effects. This is a qualitative study that used document analysis to conduct a comparative analysis across public schools in Connecticut and surveys to analyze perceptions of athletic staff members. The results of this research indicate that schools that have the most access to ATs (2 employed Full-Time) …

Changing The Narrative For University Students With A History Of Aces: Campus Assets And Student Well-Being, Hailey Ellingson

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

College students often report high levels of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which are linked to poor mental and physical health and lower academic success. While some positive experiences in childhood can lessen the risk outcomes associated with ACEs, limited research has explored how this applies to college students. This study examined how assets – specifically, college climate and resources – relate to student well-being and whether these assets buffer the impact of cumulative ACEs, which refers to adverse experiences within the home (e.g., abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence) and community (e.g., bullying and neighborhood violence). Undergraduate students (n …

Resilience Capacity In Black And Multiracial Adolescents In High-Risk Communities, Chika Iloanusi

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Black adolescents from high-risk neighborhoods are a population that is consistently exposed to stressors. An adolescent who experiences consistent stress without adequate coping resources or regulation strategies is at a higher risk of negative mental and physical health outcomes, highlighting the importance of identifying what an individual needs to be resilient in the face of stress. A theoretical framework related to resilience strengthening, the Systematic Self-Reflection model, outlined three components that contribute to the potential to overcome adversity, termed Capacity for Resilience. The full model has been examined across different target populations, but none have specifically looked at the Capacity …

Collaborative Governance: Promoting Farmland Ownership Among Racial Minorities In Maryland, Jared T. Meacham

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study aimed to understand how Collaborative Governance processes have been used to promote farmland ownership among racial minorities in Maryland. The ownership of farmland within the state of Maryland has been influenced by historical, political, and social dynamics, specifically those pertaining to racial and cultural minorities. The study attempted to gain clarity on this topic by incorporating a mixed-methods research methodology that included narrative interviews and an online survey. Over 200 potential participants were identified using internet-based sourcing, including personal websites, social media pages, and farming-related publications. However, only five participants completed the narrative interview portion of the study, …

Snacks, Subscriptions, And The State: Analyzing Japan’S Nation Brand Through Bokksu Snack Boxes, Alexandra K. Scott

2025 Claremont Colleges Library Undergraduate Research Award

Nation branding, or the strategic depiction of a nation to influence the perceptions of international stakeholders and the general population, has become a principal means of increasing soft power in today’s globalized world. Food has long held a place in the nation branding literature, and new food distribution methods allow products to reach audiences in ways once thought impossible. Subscription snack boxes, by delivering snacks from a country on a recurring basis, metaphorically bring the nation to the consumer and foster a narrative of that country in the recipient's mind. One country, Japan, has experienced a noticeable boom in its …

Salary Report, 2025 March, Eastern Michigan University

EMU Salary Reports

No abstract provided.

Time To Measure: A Proposed Theoretical Model For Head And Neck Cancer Intervals Of Care, Mary Jue Xu, Hannah Decker, Arianne Abreu, Rolvix H. Patterson, Hirwa Nteyumwete, Pier-Luc Beaudoin, David W. Hamilton, Aslam Nkya, Willybroad Massawe, Nicholas Correia, Furahini Yoram Paulo, Katherine Van Loon, Susan D. Emmett, Christina Reaves, Samuel Okerosi

Otolaryngology (ENT) Resident Research

Head and neck cancer care delays are challenging, given the complexity of cancer care pathways, which leads to delays throughout the patient journey, from the symptom onset to treatment completion. Current models and literature addressing cancer care are limited by heterogeneous definitions of care intervals, a focus on specific aspects of the patient journey instead of the whole care continuum, and limited use of implementation science to target gaps in implementing evidence-based interventions. Here, we propose the Head and Neck Cancer TImely aCess TO Care Model as an approach to conceptualize, measure, and address delays in diverse health systems.