Digital Commons Network^™

Disaster Exercise: Evaluating Mci Triage Training, Michael J. Steflovich Jr, Jodie Stobierski, Alexis Davis, Natasha Pavlinetz, Nela Isic, Nicole Roberson, Earl Best Md

Florida Journal of Emergency Medicine (FJEM)

Abstract

Study Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a didactic lecture-based training on mass casualty incident (MCI) triage performance among first- and second-year medical students. Specifically, the study aimed to measure improvements in overall triage accuracy, as well as reductions in over-triage and under-triage rates for both adult and pediatric patients.

Methods

This study employed a pre-test/post-test design involving 31 participants. Participants completed an electronic pre-test consisting of 30 patient scenarios (20 adult and 10 pediatric) before attending a 40-minute didactic lecture on MCI triage principles. The lecture covered the identification of MCI …

Hemiballismus Secondary To Acute Cerebrovascular Accident, Benjamin Duppstadt, Andres Vega, Jonathan Hill, David Arbona

Florida Journal of Emergency Medicine (FJEM)

Hemiballismus is a rare hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by involuntary, large amplitude flinging movements. We present the case of a 61-year-old male with multiple comorbidities who arrived at the emergency department with acute-onset hemiballismus of the left upper extremity, ultimately found to be secondary to a right middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct. This case underscores the importance of considering stroke in the differential for new-onset movement disorders, even in patients with seemingly psychiatric features and a nondiagnostic initial computed tomography (CT) scan.

Ultrasound-Guided Needle Aspiration Of A Peritonsillar Abscess In The Emergency Department, Elizabeth Piwowarski, Kenith Dsouza, Taryn Hoffman

Florida Journal of Emergency Medicine (FJEM)

Background

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a relatively common diagnosis to encounter in the emergency department (ED). If untreated, PTA can lead to serious outcomes such as airway compromise, deep space infections and septicemia. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) can be used by the emergency physician to confirm the suspected diagnosis, evaluate the size and depth of the abscess, and be used as a guide during needle aspiration.

Case

A 26-year-old male presented to the ED with a sore throat and was found to have a peritonsillar abscess on exam, which was confirmed using computerized tomography (CT) imaging. Providers were unable …

Academic Ophthalmology Physician Financial Compensation In The United States: Trends And Distribution By Rank, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, And Geography, Sofia Miguez, Dheeman Futela, Victoria Marks, Jessica Chow, Ajay Malhotra

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Despite diversity efforts, under-representation and compensation inequities persist in academic ophthalmology.

Purpose: To investigate the trends and distribution of academic ophthalmology physician financial compensation in the United States and compare them by rank, sex, race/ethnicity of faculty, and geographic location of programs. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study of the compensation of full-time ophthalmology faculty with a medical doctorate or equivalent degree at U.S. medical schools from 2017 to 2023. This national study uses data from the AAMC Faculty Salary Report. The main outcome measure was total compensation. Total compensation was analyzed by faculty rank …

Analyzing The Research Publications Of Successful Ophthalmology Residency Matches In 2024: Trends, Impact, And Outcomes, Ethan Abizadeh, Aaron Abizadeh, Aaron Lavi, Eli Berglas, David Musheyev, Hadar K. Shimshon, Julia Glatman, Neekoo Farahmandpour, Matthew A. Wilneff, John J. Laudi

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Purpose: To analyze the quantity and quality of research publications of medical students who matched into the top 25 ophthalmology programs in the 2024 cycle and compare these results to previous match cycles.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Participants included matriculating ophthalmology residents attending the top 25 programs as determined by Doximity. The Doximity Residency Navigator website was used to determine which programs were ranked in the top 25 in the country, and several websites were used to determine which students matched at the top 25 residencies. Once these students were identified, their research publications were …

Evaluating The Diagnostic Accuracy Of Ophthalmology Residents: Balancing Resident Autonomy With Patient Safety, Charles Zhang, Sinan Ersan, Timothy-Paul H. Kung, Yousef Yousef, Margaret M. Deangelis, Andrew L. Reynolds

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Ophthalmology residency programs aim to cultivate competent, independent-thinking ophthalmologists. However, achieving a balance between resident autonomy and patient safety presents a difficult challenge.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of a resident-driven on-call model, wherein consulting with a senior resident or attending physician is at the discretion of a postgraduate year 2 or 3 resident.

Methods: This was a retrospective study evaluating emergency department ophthalmology consultations at Erie County Medical Center, a level one trauma center in Western New York, between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021. Resident diagnoses and critical examination findings …

Potential Cost Savings At A Single Tertiary Care Center Through Implementation Of A 340b-Compliant Multiuse Drop Protocol For Cataract Surgery, Carla Baaklini, Sabrina Duong, Jieon Jenny Kim, Samer Hajji, Aaron D. Webel

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

The University of Missouri Healthcare system is seeking to implement a multiuse drop protocol for cataract surgeries, allowing preoperative eye drop bottles to be utilized for multiple patients rather than being discarded after single use. This presents an opportunity for reducing medical waste and achieving considerable cost savings. A key challenge, however, lies in maintaining compliance with the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which currently limits our ability to fully adopt this practice. We additionally encountered barriers including infection control concerns and staff adaptation to new workflows. We detail the barriers we have encountered thus far and present a potential 340B-compliant …

Womeninophthalmology: Gender Diversity In Ophthalmology Residency Program Social Media, Aretha Zhu, Jasmine Mahajan, Owais M. Aftab, Tyler P. Steidl, Daniela Yakobashvili, Priya Tailor, Rashika Verma, Catherine Ye, Rose S. Maisner, Miriam Habiel

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Purpose: Although women constitute a significant portion of medical students and physicians, representation of women in ophthalmology is relatively low. Residency programs are increasingly using social media to showcase and represent their program culture. The purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess representation of gender diversity in social media posts by U.S. ophthalmology residency programs.

Methods: Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterTwitter/X accounts of ophthalmology residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education were identified. Social media posts from 2019-2021 were analyzed for representation of gender diversity and/or explicit statements regarding gender diversity. Program metrics, including geographic …

Ophthalmology At The Veterans Health Administration: How Sex And Other Factors Affect Salary, Tyler J. Carman, David H. Parkinson, Nabiha B. Habib, Charles W. Ryan, Danielle T. Dupuis, Julie M. Rosenthal, Denise S. Kim, Denise A. John, Alejandra M. Maiz, Rajesh C. Rao

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Purpose: To determine factors that contribute to current salary differences among ophthalmologists employed by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of full-time equivalent salaries of Veterans Health Administration ophthalmologists who received a federal salary in 2021. Differences in average salary with respect to various demographic variables were analyzed.

Results: Data for 632 salaried VHA ophthalmologists (262 females [41.5%]) were included. Although biological sex alone did not have a crude, statistically significant effect on average VHA ophthalmologist salary (p = 0.116), a substantial discrepancy was noted in adjusting for other significant demographic …

Telemedicine Versus Conventional Care For Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study, Selki̇n Yilmaz Muluk, Sevtap Badil Güloğlu, Begüm Ünlütaşkiran

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Telemedicine (TM) can overcome travel barriers in nonspecific neck pain (NNP), yet a comprehensive, physiatrist-supervised TM model has not been directly compared to standard in-clinic care. The aim of this study was to determine whether a video-based exercise and remote follow-up program is as effective as conventional follow-up in reducing pain and disability in NNP.

Materials and methods: This parallel-group randomized controlled trial (registered in ClinicalTrials.gov) included 68 adults (mean age = 40.52 years) with NNP who were randomly allocated 1:1 to the TM group (TG, n = 34) or control group (CG, n = 34). Both received identical …

The Impact Of Hypophosphatemia On Biochemical Profile And Renal Outcomes In Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Nationwide Retrospective Study, Nai̇m Ata, Beki̇r Uçan, Hali̇l Durantaş, Oğulcan Boz, Mustafa Şahi̇n, Mustafa Mahi̇r Ülgü, Şuayi̇p Bi̇ri̇nci̇, Muhammed Kizilgül

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Although low phosphorus (P) concentrations are a recognized feature of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), they are not among the diagnostic or surgical criteria. The present study evaluates the association between serum phosphorus levels and clinical outcomes in PHPT patients.

Materials and methods: A search of the Turkish Ministry of Health’s National Electronic Database was conducted using ICD-10 diagnostic codes and laboratory data to identify PHPT cases within the Turkish population from 2017 to 2022.

Results: The records of a total of 113,330 PHPT patients (77.5% female; mean age 58.9 ± 15.6 years) were analyzed, revealing a mean serum phosphorus level …

Transformation Of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis In Adult-Oriented Rheumatology Care, Şeri̇fe Asya Germe Dağlioğlu, Zeynep Balik, Zehra Özsoy, Yunus Emre Dalkiliç, Ezgi̇ Deni̇z Batu, Özge Başaran, Yelda Bi̇lgi̇ner, Umut Kalyoncu, Seza Özen, Şule Apraş Bi̇lgen, Levent Kiliç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent form of chronic inflammatory arthritis in children, and the symptoms persist into adulthood for a considerable number of patients. This study aimed to compare the JIA subtypes using the diagnostic criteria used for adults and identify the clinical characteristics and treatment approaches for patients with JIA transitioning to adult-oriented rheumatology care.

Materials and methods: Patients diagnosed with JIA in the pediatric rheumatology clinic were retrospectively evaluated. The patients (n=107) who had at least one follow-up visit in the adult rheumatology clinic were included in the study. After transitioning from pediatric to …

Preoperative Awareness Of Nasal And Facial Aesthetic Deformities Among Rhinoplasty Candidates, Ağah Yeni̇çeri̇, Nagi̇han Gülhan Yaşar, Burak Hazir, Meli̇h Çayönü

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study primarily aimed to evaluate the preoperative awareness of nasal and facial anatomical deformities among patients scheduled for primary rhinoplasty. The secondary objective was to assess changes in patients’ self-perception and aesthetic expectations regarding surgical outcomes following preoperative consultation with the surgeon.

Materials and methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 56 adult patients seeking primary aesthetic rhinoplasty at a tertiary care center were included. Each participant completed a 10-item anatomical evaluation form. An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon independently evaluated the same parameters. Additionally, participants completed a two-item visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire both before and after the preoperative consultation. …

Subjective Memory Complaints Among Older Adults In Türkiye: Prevalence And Contributing Factors, Mustafa Çeti̇n, Zehra Sarikaya Demi̇rbaş, Mehmet İlki̇n Naharci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs), defined as self-perceived declines in memory performance, are common among older adults and may serve as early indicators of neurocognitive impairment. Despite their clinical relevance, no previous studies have examined the prevalence and associated factors of SMCs in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: A total of 500 community-dwelling older adults were included in this retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study; all underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment at a tertiary-level outpatient clinic. Participants with an mini-mental state examination score ≥27, independence in instrumental activities of daily living, and no diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment were assessed for SMCs. Sociodemographic …

Serial D-Dimer Measurements Dynamically Predict Severity In Acute Biliary Pancreatitis: A Prospective Observational Study, Kemal Tekeşi̇n, Tolga Canbak, Ayli̇n Acar, Fati̇h Başak, Hasan Kumru, Olgun Erdem

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Early risk stratification is required in cases of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). Traditional scoring systems such as Ranson’s criteria are complex and often delay treatment. D-dimer, a basic marker of systemic inflammation and coagulation, has shown promise as a prognostic tool. The present study investigates whether the predictive accuracy of serial serum D-dimer measurements is superior to that of the Ranson and BISAP scoring systems for moderate-to-severe ABP.

Materials and methods: Included in this single-center prospective observational study were 264 patients diagnosed with ABP between July 2022 and July 2025 whose collected data were analyzed. The participants were categorized …

Impact Of Patient Education Meetings On Disease Knowledge In Chronic Urticaria Patients, Nazan Beyhan, Hati̇ce Eylül Bozkurt Yilmaz, Asli Çi̇ftci̇, Ömür Aydin, Di̇lşad Mungan, Betül Ayşe Si̇n, Gülfem Eli̇f Çeli̇k, Murat Türk, İnsu Yilmaz, Sevi̇m Bavbek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a manageable disease with symptoms of itching and visible lesions that can disrupt daily life and reduce quality of life. The severity of symptoms can vary, and the cause is often unknown. Concerns among patients as regards to treatment and prognosis highlight the need for disease education to enhance self-management and reduce anxiety. The present study examines the effect of disease education on the knowledge level of CU patients.

Materials and methods: Patients with CU who presented to the allergy clinics of two tertiary university hospitals were invited to inperson education sessions including slide presentations …

Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy In Cases With Parathyroid Adenoma, Bahri̇ Evren, Abdulkadi̇r Bozbay, İsmai̇l Okan Yildirim, Ömercan Topaloğlu, İbrahi̇m Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Radiofrequency ablation of solitary parathyroid adenoma has been used to treat primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) in high-risk patients for parathyroidectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for treating pHPT in patients with parathyroid adenomas.

Materials and methods: The sample for this retrospective study comprised all consecutive patients with solitary parathyroid adenoma treated with radiofrequency ablation between 2013 and 2021. Patients’ baseline serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values were obtained. The patients were followed up with serial biochemical measurements after the intervention, then at the first-week, first-month, third-month, sixth-month, and twelfth-month follow-ups. The study’s primary …

Validity And Reliability Of The Turkish Version Of The Topical Corticosteroid Phobia (Topicop) Scale, Esra Ağaoğlu, Hi̇lal Kaya Erdoğan, Hi̇lal Çavuş, Selma Meti̇ntaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Concerns about the use of topical corticosteroids (TCSs), commonly referred to as corticophobia, are widespread among dermatology patients and often lead to nonadherence to TCS treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the topical corticosteroid phobia (TOPICOP) scale.

Materials and methods: The TOPICOP scale comprises 12 items grouped into 2 dimensions: beliefs (6 items) and worries (6 items). For cultural adaptation, the scale was forward and backward translated. The final Turkish version was administered to 123 patients with chronic dermatoses who rated their perceptions of TCSs using a 4-point Likert scale. …

Irisin And Adropin Decrease In Preobese Or Obese Individuals With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Cuma Mertoğlu, Yaprak Sule Örek, Bülent Albayrak, Yusuf Kemal Arslan, Taha Abdulkadi̇r Çoban

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disease that is commonly observed in individuals with obesity. The present study investigates the irisin and adropin levels of sera in preobese or obese adults with NAFLD.

Materials and methods: Included in the study were 89 patients who were categorized into four groups: Group 1: 25 normal-weight individuals without NAFLD (Control group); Group 2: 17 preobese or obese individuals without NAFLD; Group 3: 24 preobese or obese individuals with Grade 1 NAFLD; and Group 4: 23 preobese or obese individuals with Grade 2–3 NAFLD. The demographic details of all participants were …

Etiology And Outcomes Of Upper Extremity Venous Thrombosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Selçuk Coşkun, Pinar Köksal Coşkun, Ferhat İçme, Mehmet Ali̇ Ceyhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Upper extremity venous thrombosis (UEVT), encompassing upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (UESVT), is increasingly recognized due to invasive procedures and advanced diagnostics. This study characterizes the 5-year outcomes and etiological factors of UEVT in a large cohort.

Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 304 consecutive adult patients with acute UEVT (2019–2025) at a tertiary care center in Türkiye. Demographics, medical history, thrombosis characteristics, treatments, and outcomes—including thrombosis resolution, pulmonary embolism, and mortality—were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests, multivariate logistic regression, and random forest models.

Results: Among the …

Comparison Of Spatiotemporal And Arm Swing Characteristics Of Gait Between Patients With Copd And Healthy Controls, Hi̇daye Yamikan, Ni̇hat Özgören, Serdar Aritan, Oğuz Karcioğlu, Aynur Demi̇rel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Impairments in spatiotemporal gait characteristics have been observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, arm swing characteristics—a fundamental component of gait that play a key role in maintaining gait stability and energy efficiency—have been largely overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait, together with arm swing patterns, in patients with COPD.

Materials and methods: A total of 20 patients with COPD (aged 40–65 years) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) participated in this cross-sectional study. Spatiotemporal gait characteristics and arm swing data were recorded using a motion capture system equipped …

Exploring Gender Differences In The Impact Of Sleep And Fatigue On Disease Severity In Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Moderated Mediation Model, Musa Salmanoğlu, Habi̇p Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances, which aggravate disease severity. Gender differences in these interrelationships remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to examine whether fatigue mediates the association between sleep quality and disease severity in RA, and whether these pathways differ by gender.

Materials and methods: A single-center study was conducted with 68 RA patients (55.9% female). Disease severity was assessed using the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data-3, fatigue using the Bristol Rheumatology Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire, and sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results: Fatigue significantly mediated the relationship between …

Outcomes Of The First Adolescent-Focused Smoking Cessation Clinic In Türkiye On Tobacco Control, Demet Taş, Furkan Kalayci, Alkim Öden Akman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Adolescent smoking remains common, highlighting the need to control tobacco use and identify influencing factors. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of an adolescent-focused smoking cessation clinic and the factors influencing them.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 262 adolescents, who, along with their parents, had direct access to the clinic. Data were drawn from patient records containing structured registration and follow-up documentation. The study investigated the effects of baseline cigarette consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, and nicotine patch use on smoking cessation rates at three months, six months, and one year.

Results: The three-month, six-month, and one-year …

Moltkia Coerulea Extracts Alleviate Caspase-3 Activity Via Reducing Oxidative Stress In Lps-Induced Neurotoxicity In Bv-2 Cells, Asli Can Ağca, Derya Altay, Hüdaverdi̇ Kul, Asli F. Ceylan, Betül Sever Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Moltkia coerulea, a medicinal plant traditionally used for its neuroprotective properties, contains diverse phenolic compounds. However, its mechanisms of action in neuroinflammation remain unclear. We hypothesized that extracts of M. coerulea may protect microglial cells from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase-3 activity.

Materials and methods: Aqueous and methanol extracts (5–50 μg/mL) were tested in BV-2 microglial cells. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, while ROS generation and caspase-3 activity were measured using fluorescence-based kits. The effective concentration (10 μg/mL) was selected for mechanistic assays based on viability data and …

Adapting Master’S-Level Chemistry Education In The United States: Insights From Industry, Academia, And The Literature, Brian Johnson, Amanda Lindell, Nina M. Goodey

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

As the chemical industry evolves in response to technological and global challenges, Master’s-level chemistry programs must adapt to prepare graduates for workforce success. This article explores how such programs can better integrate professional skills such as communication, collaboration, and research. Drawing on literature and stakeholder interviews from a review of the Chemistry M.S. and Pharmaceutical Biochemistry M.S. programs at Montclair State University, a Hispanic Serving Institution in New Jersey’s pharmaceutical hub, we identified four key themes: the importance of hands-on research experiences, the integration of professional skills development, the need for flexible course and credit requirements, and the challenges of …

Pace Project: Language, Identity, And Mental Health—Building Voice Through Conversation And Analysis, Brian Kapustka

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Informed by the theoretical foundations articulated in the accompanying PACE theory paper, this application project presents a complete instructional unit designed for upper-beginner to lower-intermediate Spanish learners in a community college context. Centered on the grammatical structure sentirse + adjective and the theme of mental health and well-being, the unit applies the PACE sequence to guide students from global interpretation of an authentic Spanish-language public health text (MedlinePlus Revista) to meaningful interpersonal and presentational communication. The project demonstrates backward design, with clear alignment among objectives, instruction, formative assessment, and a summative performance-based task. Special attention is given to accessibility, neurodiversity, …

Effects Of Communication Boards On Improving Communication In Assisted Living Care Facilities, Koleen Beatrice Arribas

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: A Residential Care facility utilizes paper charting causing limited access to vital information such as code status, allergies, and/or diet for those caring for the resident.

Context: Exceptional charting only when a resident’s condition changes may not provide enough vital information for the caregiver to administer medication or provide proper support during an emergency, such as the resident’s DNR status.

Interventions: A communication board was placed in a secure space near the nurses’ station with key resident information. Nurses would huddle at the board at before the change of shift and make updates as necessary.

Measures: Staff input in …

Language Attrition As A Social Process, Or Barzilay

Master's Projects and Capstones

Language attrition is a process in which the gradual decline in proficiency of a language occurs when another language becomes more prominent among individuals, families, and broader societies. This shift often occurs not by choice but by necessity, as speakers are expected to adapt to the other language in educational settings, for employment, and to conform to societal pressures in their new environments. Although language attrition is often described as an individual loss of proficiency, contemporary research reveals a far more complex picture—one shaped by factors that determine which languages are valued and which fade into obscurity. These forces collectively …

Improving Interdisciplinary Communication And Collaboration With The Standardization Of Doula Care Through An Informatics Tool, Shela Le

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The 22-bed Labor and Delivery (L&D) unit lacks a standardized model to introduce doulas, clarify their scope of practice, or communicate the value of the services they provide. To address this gap, the team implemented a standardized doula awareness poster that included each doula’s name, photo, years of experience, and personal interests. Aim: The goal is to enhance visibility and promote integration of doula support to strengthen team collaboration and patient engagement. Methods: A pre- and post-implementation survey was distributed exclusively to the volunteer doulas. After the doula awareness poster was displayed for a month, a post-survey assessed these …

Optimizing Electronic Health Record Workflow To Improve Flu Vaccinations In A Primary Health Clinic, Xzalyn Arianah Hernandez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Among the Latinx population influenza vaccination rates remain disproportionately low due to vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, limited access to healthcare, and socioeconomic barriers. Influenza related hospitalizations and deaths have risen in recent years as rates continue to drop across all age groups, as a result of this issue. This quality improvement project aims to increase staff satisfaction and flu vaccination rates among Latinx patients by the implementation of a more efficient workflow process. Different interventions were designed to address workflow inefficiencies and medical assistant dissatisfaction. These interventions included 1) integrating the Immunization Clinic function in EPIC to streamline flu vaccine documentation …