Digital Commons Network^™

Henry Ford Hospital Patient & Family Advisory Council: Participants For Positive Change, Barbara Kuszak, Erika Schmeck

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

The Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) has established itself as a key voice that Executive and Leadership teams turn to when implementing process improvements and launching new initiatives at Henry Ford Hospital. Our goal is to ensure the voices of patients and families are embedded in decision-making processes across departments and service lines in addition to promoting equity and inclusion by representing diverse perspectives and lived experiences.

Exploring The Use Of Prenatal Yoga To Prevent Postpartum Depression (Pry-D), Mia L. Boulay, Erin N. Haley, Celeste Pappas, Sara Santarossa, Amy M. Loree, Laurel Hicks, Jordan M. Braciszewski, Lisa R. Miller-Matero, Maya Zreik

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects ~13% of birthing people. Those with a history of depression have a 20-fold increased risk of developing PPD. Notable barriers to engaging in treatment for PPD exist, including limited awareness of PPD, logistical (e.g., time, transportation) and financial considerations, and stigma. Prior literature suggests that participating in yoga during the perinatal period may have important mental health benefits; however, prenatal yoga has not been examined as a preventive intervention for PPD. The goals of this study are to: 1) Assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a prenatal yoga program to prevent PPD (PRY-D) among pregnant …

Co-Development And Co-Validation Of The Patient Engagement In Research Scale Enhanced By Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Acceptance And Safety, Ashley B. Redding, Chi Chang, Carl P. Wilson, Leah M. Copeland, Dana Murphy, Sara Santarossa

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

Purpose: The PEIR-IDEAS project aimed to adapt and validate the Patient Engagement in Research Scale (PEIRS) in a diverse population of patients, centering inclusion, diversity, equity, acceptance, and safety (IDEAS). The Science of EngAgement Team (SEAT), which was comprised of diverse patient partners, researchers, and community members, were deeply embedded in every phase of the research process. Sample: Both active and inactive Patient Advisors from Henry Ford Health's Patient Engaged Research Center were invited to participate (n=574). Patient Advisors represent diverse backgrounds including age, race, education, health condition, and represent 182 zip codes in 17 counties in Michigan. Ultimately, the …

Centering Patient Voices In Digital Health Innovation: Promoting Youth Hpv Vaccination And Cancer Prevention, Angela Chen

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

My research brings together youth, parents, and other key stakeholders to co-create culturally responsive digital tools that promote vaccination and healthy behaviors. Our goal is to design research with participants—not on them—through storytelling, video games, and participatory media that reflect their lived experiences. Patient and community engagement drives every phase, from concept to evaluation.

Secret Shopper Program: Enhancing The Quality Of Participant-Centered Recruitment In The All Of Us Research Program, Janine Hussein, Cathy Peltz, Christine C. Johnson, Brian Ahmedani, Sara Santarossa

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

Introduction: The All of Us Research Program (AoURP) implemented a Secret Shopper Program (SSP) to strengthen participant-centered recruitment. Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) Advisors from Henry Ford Health’s Patient Engaged Research Center (PERC) were trained to simulate participant calls and assess the recruitment process. Methods: Using scripted personas, Secret Shoppers conducted mock calls and completed structured surveys in REDCap, along with narrative feedback capturing nuances such as tone, confidence, and flow of information. Evaluations focused on clarity, professionalism, and ability to address participant questions. Results: Findings revealed both strengths and areas for growth, leading to targeted recruiter coaching, script …

Community-Informed Education To Reduce Non-Emergent Pediatric Er Visits, Destiny D. Kanning

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

Families often turn to emergency departments for conditions that could be safely treated in primary or urgent care settings. This isn’t due to neglect, it’s the result of confusion, limited access, and low health literacy. Across Michigan, preventable ER visits strain providers and delay care for true emergencies. This project explores how community-informed, multilingual education empowers families to make confident healthcare decisions, reduces non-emergent pediatric visits, and strengthens the connection between patients and providers.

Echo-Canoe: Mom Opportunity Meetings, Molly Crimson, Audrey Urquhart, Misbah Chaudhry, Maya Zreik, Amy A. Eapen, Edward M. Zoratti, Christine C. Johnson, Sara Santarossa, Jennifer K. Straughen

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

Purpose: The Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) study focuses on overall childhood health, while the Childhood Asthma and Neonatal Environment (CANOE) study focuses on asthma and allergies. Together, they form the ECHO-CANOE study. The ECHO-CANOE team partnered with Henry Ford Health’s Patient Engagement Research Center (PERC) to develop a small advisory group called CANOE Mom Opportunity Meetings (CANOE-MOM). This group provides personal feedback on the ECHO-CANOE study and serves as Patient Advisors, staying informed about future engagement opportunities and events.

Bridging The Digital Divide By Improving Virtual Care Access For Older Adults, Thor Person, Alexandra Hunter, Andrew Bossick, Ujala Janjua, Denise White-Perkins

2025 Patient Advisor Retreat

Bridging the Telehealth Divide: While telehealth use surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, engagement among adults aged 65 and older has remained disproportionately low. HFH experienced a more than 1,500% rise in virtual care interactions between patient and providers between 2019 and 2020 (1). Although virtual care usage has declined nationally (1), HFH continues to maintain levels well above those seen before 2020. Nationally, patients aged 65 and older, as well as those from underserved populations, demonstrate lower levels of telehealth engagement (2). With funding through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Telehealth Equity Catalyst Award, we conducted a series …

Apoe-Targeted Therapeutics For Alzheimer’S Disease, Hussein N. Yassine, Cristelle Hugo, Bernadette O’Donovan, Isaiah O. Stephens, Lance A. Johnson, Gregory Cole, Julia Tcw, Jan Johansson, Kassandra Kisler, Ornit Chiba-Falek

Physiology Faculty Publications

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is the major lipid transport protein in the brain. Produced primarily by astrocytes and microglia, it delivers cholesterol and other lipids for membrane repair, synaptic maintenance, and immune regulation. Through interactions with specific lipid receptors, APOE maintains neuronal and vascular health. The APOE ε4 allele (APOE4), carried by approximately one-quarter of the population, has an altered protein conformation, which reduces lipid transport efficiency and modifies receptor binding. These changes disrupt lipid homeostasis, increase risk of chronic unresolved neuroinflammation and vascular inflammation, and cause breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), thus increasing neuronal vulnerability to disease pathology and …

Have Laws In America Been Effective In The Fight Against Sex Trafficking?, Justina Grosso

Theses & Dissertations

Human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, has gone on from as far back as the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Thousands of vulnerable adults and children are traded yearly and coerced into various forms of exploitation. This paper focuses on the phenomenon of sex trafficking and its history in America. It analyzes the pandemic of trafficking regarding its victims and who their traffickers are, shining light on the trauma these victims endure. This paper delves into real life survivor stories and the social media influence on trafficking, federal and state legislation, economic impacts and rehabilitative services for victims. Most importantly, the question of …

Global Cities, Public Memories, Padmini Biswas

Open Educational Resources

I am attaching a lesson plan for a module in my URBST 206 Global Cities class, called “Global Cities, Public Memories.” Students will visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, then design a monument that honors their history here in Queens (or a place significant to them).

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of how global flows of capital, ideas, people, technology, and media impact and are represented in global cities like New York.
• Articulate the complex interplay between global events, local experiences, and the construction of public memory.
• Develop critical thinking skills regarding the design, purpose, and impact of memorials …

Contrapower Harassment And Stress Experienced By Online Psychology Instructors, Sarah D. Hull

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Previous researchers have found that face to face bullying by students directed towards postsecondary education faculty may result in negative mental and emotional impacts. The virtual environment provides a unique opportunity for student-to-faculty bullying behaviors, known as cyberbullying, to occur. Researchers have not yet studied how psychology faculty in particular experience stress when cyberbullied by students. The purpose of this qualitative study, rooted in phenomenological design, was to improve the understanding of how psychology faculty who are cyberbullied by students experience stress. Contrapower harassment theory was used to ground these research questions and design. The research questions examined the experiences …

Threads Of Attachment: Exploring Relationship Development Among Marginalized Populations Of Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors, Eunique S. Powell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), traumatic sexual violence within trusted relationships, continues to impact children in the United States and often leads to insecure attachments in adulthood. There was a gap in the literature concerning the experiences of adult survivors of CSA within marginalized communities, where such experiences are frequently ignored. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore how adult survivors of CSA from marginalized populations develop attachments. Bowlby argued that maintaining mental health in adulthood depends on forming healthy and secure relationships during childhood. Bowlby’s attachment theory served as the framework to understand how early attachment …

Brotherhood: Black Male Perception On The Impact Of Mentorship, Berinda Hollis-Sapp

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

During the adolescent stage of development, identity is a foundational aspect of one’s development, and its absence leads to a negative outcome, characterized by role confusion. Positive interventions are necessary to develop a strong sense of self. The purpose of this generic qualitative project was to explore the perspectives of black males and the impact of mentorship on their identity during adolescence. The theoretical framework chosen for this study was Erikson’s identity versus role confusion, the fifth stage of his psychosocial development theory. Based on this concept, the research supported the idea that adolescent Black males should participate in culturally …

Medication Adherence Educational Module For Outpatient Nurses, Catherine Omidiwura

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Medication nonadherence remains a key deterrent to high-quality care in the outpatient environment, resulting in ineffective disease control, preventable hospitalization, and rising healthcare costs. Nearly half of patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental disorders, do not take medication as prescribed. Outpatient nurses, who are at the core of mandating compliance, are often not provided with much formalized education to effectively promote compliance. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project addressed this knowledge gap through the development and implementation of an educational module to enhance nurses’ knowledge about measures for medication adherence. The practice question …

Staff Education: Teaching Patients To Manage Their Hypertension, Andrea Arroyo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project on staff education addresses the practice problem of staff knowledge deficits in educating patients on hypertensive management. The project question was: Will evidence-based hypertension management education increase staff knowledge? The project evaluated the effectiveness of a structured educational program in training personnel on how to educate patients on optimal hypertension management techniques. The project used evidence-based literature to bridge a clinical practice gap, educate staff, and empower healthcare professionals to improve patient care. Ten participants were a part of the project. A pre-survey was administered, followed by a PowerPoint presentation on how to …

Staff Education To Critical Care Nurses On Spiritual Care, Revrey Darita Amey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project included staff education for critical care nurses. Patients should receive spiritual care to decrease anxiety and depression that often accompany serious illnesses. Spiritual care encompasses inner peace, connection to others, transcendence, and the meaning and purpose of life. This project aimed to teach critical care nurses the importance of providing spiritual care to their patients. The project was designed to increase nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes of spiritual care by conducting a 30-minute didactic staff education session in the critical care unit. Nurses completed a pretest and posttest using the Spiritual Care …

Educators’ Experiences Implementing Arts Integration At A Project-Based Middle School, Luba S. Lesser

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem investigated through this study was that arts integration (AI) was not implemented into Grades 6 through 8 curricula with consistency at a local project-based middle school (PBMS, a pseudonym). Grounded in Martin’s arts as a second language framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore middle school teacher successes, challenges, and resources needed to implement AI into Grades 6 through 8 at PBMS. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine middle school educators who were experienced with AI implementation at PBMS. Through thematic analysis using open and axial coding, teachers indicated that successes are seen when …

Mitigation Strategies For Burnout Prevention, Judith Nm Lamarre

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project is a staff education initiative aimed at increasing staff knowledge on burnout mitigation strategies. The project describes the practice challenge and why staff practice must address it. Psychiatric burnout leads to emotional exhaustion, professional dissatisfaction, and patient safety concerns. The work aims to answer the practice-focused question and the purpose of the doctoral project, specifically asking: Will a structured educational session on evidence-based burnout mitigation strategies increase staff knowledge? Staff knowledge was measured using pre- and post-education surveys. The pre-survey results showed mean score of 60%, while the post-survey results showed a mean score of 80%, reflecting …

Staff Education On Cancer-Related Fatigue Assessments, Tamira Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A staff education DNP project was designed and implemented with a focus on the analysis, synthesis, and application of best practices to enhance staff knowledge and performance through targeted education on fatigue assessments in cancer care. The project sought to answer the question: Does oncology nurse staff education increase knowledge of fatigue assessments in patients with cancer as compared pre to post education? The purpose of this project was to address a knowledge deficit by increasing staff knowledge on fatigue assessment in an ambulatory care setting by recognizing that cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a complex, multifactorial symptom that often goes …

Parties, Race, And Political Violence: Evaluating Whether Attitudes Toward The January 6 Insurrection Vary Across Racial Groups, Sarah Perez, Natasha Altema Mcneely

School of Political Science, Public Affairs, Legal and Security Studies Faculty Publications

The insurrection and its aftermath remain salient to contemporary American Politics. Existing scholarship has shown the insurrection was fueled by an effort to return Donald Trump to power while also protesting the decline of the non-Hispanic white population. Scholars also discuss the impact of continuous division across partisan and ideological lines. We are interested in exploring if these divisions are visible across attitudes of non-Hispanic white, Black, Hispanic, and Asian American/Pacific Islander respondents in a nationally representative survey. We explore the following research question. Does the impact of partisanship, ideology, and attitudes toward Trump’s responsibility affect the attitudes of respondents …

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease And Colorectal Neoplasms Risk: A Global Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Cohort Study, Mohammad Aldiabat, Ali Osman, Malek Ayoub, Mahmoud Y Madi, Kamran Qureshi, Wing-Kin Syn

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and benign colorectal neoplasms (BCN), and to explore whether liver fibrosis/cirrhosis modifies these associations.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with 1:1 propensity score matching.

SETTING: Global, multicentre real-world analysis using deidentified electronic health records from over 130 healthcare organisations in the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network.

PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalised adults aged 45-75 years between October 2019 and October 2024. Patients with prior diagnoses of colorectal neoplasia or other chronic liver diseases were excluded. Final matched cohorts included 138 902 MASLD and …

Integrated Analysis Of The Safety Of Fecal Microbiota, Live-Jslm In Adults With Recurrent Clostridioides Difficile Infection From Five Prospective Clinical Trials: An Update, Christine Lee, Paul Feuerstadt, Thomas Louie, Lindy Bancke, Beth Guthmueller, Adam Harvey, Frederikke Hoeyer, Robert Orenstein, Erik R Dubberke, Sahil Khanna

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Fecal microbiota, live-jslm (RBL) is approved in the United States and Canada for prevention of recurrent

OBJECTIVES: Provide an updated integrated safety analysis, incorporating final safety data from Punch CD3-OLS.

DESIGN: Safety data were combined from five RBL trials: three phase II and two phase III trials.

METHODS: Adult participants had documented rCDI and completed SOC therapy before receiving one or two doses of RBL or placebo, rectally administered as one treatment course. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded for ⩽6 months.

RESULTS: TEAEs were reported in 70.9% (845/1192) of RBL recipients; most TEAEs were mild to moderate and …

Antibiofilm Potential Of Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides Bark-Extract Against Biofilm-Producing Streptococcus Mutans In Dental Caries, Efunwole Omonike Omolade, Olaitan J. Olubukola, Wahab Abideen A, Oyedara Opemipo Omotayo, Oluwajide O. Odunola

Tanzania Journal of Science

Streptococcus mutans is the major cause of dental caries, which is costly to treat. The burden is worse in low- and middle-income countries, due to poor access to oral health services and diets high in free sugars. Conventional antibiofilm agents in oral health often have side effects, prompting the search for safer and affordable alternatives. This study investigates the antibiofilm activity of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides bark extract against biofilm-forming S. mutans. Dental plaque and tooth samples were collected from hospitals after ethical approval. S. mutans was identified using standard microbiological methods on Mitis Salivarius agar supplemented with Bacitracin and potassium tellurite. …

Morphometric And Meristic Analysis Of Labeo Coubie In Esa-Odo Water Reservoir, Esa-Odo, Osun State Nigeria, Olugbemi V. Ekundare, Funmilayo B. Oyekanmi, Mahmud Sanni, Azeez Aransi, Dorcas O. Owolabi

Tanzania Journal of Science

One of the common species of family Cyprinidae found in Nigeria and West Africa is Labeo coubie. They are of commercial importance in West Africa. This study embarked on the assessment of the length- weight relationship, condition factor, morphometrics and meristic characteristics of L. coubie from Esa-Odo water reservoir, Esa-Odo, Osun State Nigeria. A total of 135 (65 males and 70 females) individual L. coubie collected from fishermen were subjected to morphometric and meristic analysis. Results showed 4.90, 5.46 and 5.24 as the b value for male, female and combined sexes respectively, describing positive allometric growth for all the fish …

Acute Gastropericardial Fistula With Cardiac Tamponade And Septic Pericarditis Due To Helicobacter Pylori–Induced Gastric Ulcer Perforation, Stephen J. Bordes, Christopher D. Oubre, Preethi H. Kanumuri, Nicholas Leblanc, Richard Lewis, Thomas Marsden, Terry Stelly

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Nasogastric/Orogastric Verification: Ph Or Not To Ph?, Ramona Jachymiak Msn, Rn, Ccrn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction:

Review of current literature identified pH testing as superior to air insufflation for verification of Nasogastric/Orogastric placement in pediatric patients 28 days and older. X-ray is considered the gold standard but not practical. The practice of auscultation has risk of incorrect placement, which can have negative patient outcomes if you introduce formula or breast milk into the lungs.

Purpose:

The purpose of this initiative was to implement best practice for Nasogastric/Orogastric placement verification in infants and children 28 days and older to prevent safety events associated with incorrect placement.

Implementation plan:

With this information, a suburban children’s hospital identified …

Use Of A Traveling Education Cart To Provide Interactive In-Situ Education, Jennifer Tokarski Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Tracy Montesa Dnp, Aprn, Accns-Ag, Ccrn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Rationale: After analyzing safety events and learning needs assessments, an opportunity for improving cardiovascular and respiratory knowledge was found.

Aim: This intervention sought to improve learners’ knowledge, skills, and confidence with high-risk, low-volume equipment. Evidence shows that interactive, simulation-based activities effectively engage learners and enhance critical thinking through application to clinical scenarios. There is also support for implementing a traveling education cart to disseminate information in a concise, flexible, small-group format without impeding nursing workflow.

Implementation Plan: The education cart was piloted over 3 months in an ICU. A multimodal approach included case studies, gamification, discussions, and guided small-group simulations …

Using Aromatherapy To Reduce Post-Op Nausea And Vomiting In Day Surgery, Elaine Tiscareno Msn Rn Cpan, Tania Saam Bsn Rn Cpan, Angie Chevere Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Research has shown that 30% of surgical patients experience post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) or more with risk factors. Aromatherapy has some benefit for PONV when used as an adjunct to standard perioperative care. Question: (P) For adult day surgery patients, (I) does aromatherapy, (C) compared with standard prophylaxis, (0) reduce the incidence and severity of PONV (T) during a three-month pilot?

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence of PONV and impact of offering patients access to aromatherapy an adjunct to standard PONV prophylaxis.

Implementation Plan

Day Surgery nurses led the project in collaboration with anesthesia and surgery teams. Literature …

Going The Extra Mile: Roadtrip To Improved Outcomes, Victoria Deprey Dnp Mba Rn, Tracey Maszka Msn, Rn, Gero-Bc, Npd-Bc, Agcns-Bc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Patient mobility is a critical factor in improving patient outcomes. Nurse leaders at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, community hospital identified concerning trends: increasing discharges to subacute facilities, prolonged length of stay (LOS), and rising rates of healthcare-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI). Concurrently, the hospital was underperforming in nurse-driven mobility compared to similar-sized hospitals.

Purpose

This initiative, dubbed “Mobility Roadtrip,” aimed to increase nurse-driven patient mobility, distance, and ambulation frequency to evaluate its effectiveness on key outcomes including LOS, HAPI rates, and discharge destination.

Implementation Plan

Over three months, four inpatient units (two medical-surgical, one observation, and one intensive care) participated in …