Digital Commons Network^™

Quality Improvement Project Impact Of Impostor Phenomenon On Medical Personnel, Elizabeth L'Heureux

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The DNP project examined medical healthcare personnel who displayed an impostor phenomenon (IP), as reflected in the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) surveys, identifying a lack of structured support for reducing stress. The aim of the quality improvement project (QI) is to evaluate the impact of a four-week structured mentorship and resilience training intervention on perceived stress levels among medical healthcare personnel experiencing symptoms of the impostor phenomenon. The QI project utilized the Cognitive-Affective framework to shape what needed to change, the origins of IP stress, while Lewin’s Change Theory guided how to implement and sustain those changes. A quasi-experimental study …

The Effects Of A Breastfeeding Educational Program On Nurses’ Self-Efficacy And Knowledge, Amanda Quinn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Breastfeeding, a cornerstone of maternal and infant health, faces barriers due to inadequate healthcare provider education, contributing to low exclusive breastfeeding rates. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the impact of a four-week educational program on clinical staff’s knowledge and self-efficacy in supporting breastfeeding in a rural OB/GYN clinic in central Florida. This project evaluated a four-week educational program’s effect on clinical staff’s knowledge and self-efficacy in supporting breastfeeding in a rural OB/GYN clinic in central Florida. Using a quasi-experimental pre-post design, nine licensed/certified staff (medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses) …

Quality Improvement Project Evaluating The Impact Of A Structured Training Program On Cultural Competency Among Mental Health Providers In A Local Outpatient Clinic, Adedamola Adefioye

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Culturally responsive care is critical in addressing mental health disparities, but many mental health providers express feeling unprepared to engage with culturally diverse patients. Low cultural competence is associated with communication failures, lack of patient trust, and the possibility of poorer treatment outcomes. This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of a structured cultural competency training program at an outpatient behavioral health clinic. A quasi-experimental, one-group pre-test/post-test design was used with the Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competence Among Healthcare Professionals - Revised (IAPCC-R). Eight licensed mental health providers participated in four weekly one-hour interactive training sessions using …

Ot And Lactation Consulting: More Than Just A Baby's Breast-Friend, Cara N. Reynolds

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Over the course of 14 weeks, I developed clinical skills related to infant feeding, including—but not limited to—anatomy, conditions that interfere with feeding, maternal health concerns, and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. I gained insight into each discipline's unique role by job shadowing at various lactation clinics. I observed PTs, SLPs, RNs, craniosacral therapists, and interviewed a nutritionist. Many of the centers I visited expressed a desire to one day incorporate an OT into their practice, which was encouraging.

With this knowledge, I created an informational binder to leave at the Kentucky Breastfeeding Center (KBC) for future OT students. …

Breaking Barriers: The Political Journeys Of Elected Female Leaders, Erica Lynn Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite increasing participation, women have remained significantly underrepresented in elected political office. Existing literature on women elected to political positions highlights persistent gender disparities in representation, access, and political influence. Scholars have examined the structural, cultural, and institutional barriers that women face when seeking and holding public office. While recent research has increasingly focused on intersectionality and the diverse experiences of women in politics, gaps remain in capturing their personal narratives and day-to-day realities. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to examine the experiences of women currently serving in political positions to understand how prior career opportunities influenced …

Landscape Of Physical Activity And Quality Of Life Research In Breast Cancer Survivors: Topic Modeling Analysis., Suryeon Ryu, Ki-Yong An, Min Song, Zan Gao

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Background/Objectives: Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as a beneficial approach to improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer survivors. This study explored key research topics and emerging trends in studies related to PA and HRQoL among breast cancer survivors. Methods: Titles and abstracts of 3847 English-language research articles (2000-2024) were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus using keywords related to 'breast cancer', 'PA/exercise', and 'HRQoL'. A text-mining algorithm based on the Dirichlet-multinomial regression approach in Python was applied to identify the top 10 research topics and their trends over time. Results: In total, …

Should School Board Elections Be Partisan? Analyzing Elite Discourse In The Debate Over The Structure Of Local Elections, Bre'arra M. Long

McNair Summer Research Program

The goal of this research paper is to identify the most prevalent arguments for and against partisan school board elections while also examining what differences, if any, exist between Republicans and Democrats with respect to the way they talk about the issue. The interdisciplinary fields of political science and linguistics provide helpful context to the effectiveness of political communication in smaller scale, yet salient elections in communities where impacts are most directly felt. My interest lies in how the nationalization of politics influences local government and elections, and how language and the media act as conduits for that relationship. It …

2025-08-09 Agenda Book, Morehead State University. Board Of Regents.

Morehead State Board of Regents Agenda Books and Meeting Minutes

Agenda booklet for the Board of Regents meeting of August 8, 2025, which includes the minutes of the meeting held on June 20, 2025.

Centering The Medical Student Perspective In A Mixed-Methods Evaluation Of The Holistic Admissions Process At A Mission-Driven Institution, Brenda L. Liszka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods research explores the influence of a holistic admissions process on medical student enrollment at a mission-driven institution. The study quantitatively measured the impact of various admissions touchpoints on enrollment decisions and qualitatively investigated the experiences of students underrepresented in medicine based on their race or ethnicity, first-generation status, and medically underserved backgrounds. Individual interviews, guided by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, were used to understand participants' sense of belonging and esteem throughout the process. The findings inform an improvement agenda aimed at creating a responsive and inclusive admissions process that supports diverse student bodies and addresses national public health …

The Crucial Role Of Grassroots Social Organizations In Advancing Immigrant Legal Protections And Reshaping Immigration Policy, Isabella Reynolds

McNair Summer Research Program

This research project examines how grassroots social organizations contribute to the advancement of immigrant legal protections and shape immigration policy, with a particular focus on formerly incarcerated migrants in California. I focus on case studies and the personal experiences of organizers from Homies Unidos, Border Angels, and other organizations that operate near the San Diego–Tijuana border region. The study illustrates how these groups provide essential services, mental health support, and community-based initiatives for vulnerable and formerly incarcerated immigrants. By conducting oral histories and ethnography as methods for preserving emotional labor and shared memory, this research challenges prevailing narratives that criminalize …

Implementation Of A Patient Engagement Program In A Federally Qualified Health Center, Cami A. Stone

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this project is implementation of a patient engagement program at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinic. This program intends to increase patient self-management of disease without increasing tasks of the clinic staff.

Background

FQHCs have limited resources and staff; their populations are marginalized and transient. The care gap is between the clinic’s resources and patient self-management of disease, specifically hypertension. Evidence shows that personalized coaching of patients aids them with disease self-management.

Methodology

This project delivers personalized coaching via weekly brief phone calls from two assigned nurses to patients, without disrupting clinic duties. Calls involve …

Reclaiming Teen Recovery: Tailored Therapeutic Recreation To Boost Engagement, Satisfaction, And Participation, Kabresha R. Potts

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: This QI project evaluated the impact of four tailored group therapeutic recreation modules on six recovery outcomes: satisfaction, engagement belief, participation likelihood, motivation to seek help, perceived usefulness, and perceived importance, among adolescents at a residential treatment facility in Houston, TX, targeting ≥ 20% improvement in each domain.

Background: Adolescents in short-term, often court-mandated, treatment lack personalized leisure activities that promote emotional expression and resilience. Structured leisure engagement is linked to positive affect and treatment motivation, yet interest-based programs for court-involved youth remain underexplored.

Methodology: Using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and Self-Determination Theory, weekly 90-minute modules (mindfulness trivia, art Jeopardy, music …

Infusing Ot Principles Into A Program For Women Survivors Of Domestic Violence, Lark M. Wilkerson, Mary Jan Greer, Kim Broussard, Wendy Tremaine

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project proposes the development and implementation of a trauma-informed occupational therapy (OT) program designed to support women survivors of domestic violence. Grounded in trauma-informed care principles, the program aims to address the psychosocial, emotional, and functional disruptions commonly experienced by survivors, including trauma-related stress, anxiety, and difficulty engaging in meaningful daily activities. A comprehensive needs assessment informed the development of structured interventions focused on improving emotional regulation, promoting self-care, fostering social participation, and enhancing overall occupational performance. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the project evaluates changes in participants’ functional abilities, psychosocial well-being, and perceived quality of life. …

The Benefits Of Music In Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Dementia, Keanu Butler, Rebecca King, Keegan Mckay

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, leading to progressive declines in memory, behavior, and daily functioning. Music interventions, whether live or recorded, have been shown to improve mood, reduce agitation, and enhance quality of life for individuals with dementia by fostering emotional connection and relaxation. The Model of Human Occupation supports these interventions by addressing volition, routines, and performance skills, helping therapists create meaningful, structured strategies to improve daily living and engagement.

Improving Effective Assistant Nurse Manager Communication In Obstetrics, Julie Marie Glover

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: This quality improvement project addresses inconsistent leadership communication among Assistant Nurse Managers (ANMs) in the Obstetrics (OB) department of a hospital in Northern California. ANM and staff concerns around shift handoff, huddles, and leadership responsiveness have created confusion and hindered team coordination. The project aims to improve communication effectiveness scores among OB ANMs from 50% to 75% by July 11, 2025.

Context: The project was conducted in the Maternal-Child-Health (MCH) unit of a hospital in Northern California, specifically targeting communication practices among OB ANMs. Concerns around communication practices were voiced by both ANM leadership and frontline staff, signaling …

In Grief We Need Each Other, Derek Schuurman

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

In the face of grief, human connections provide a far deeper comfort than new AI developments.

Routine Outcome Monitoring With The Youth Outcome Questionnaire-30.2 Self-Report: Creating And Testing An Empirical Alert System And Exploring Informant Discrepancy Patterns, Tate M. Paxton

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Youth self-report data using the YOQ-30 has not been specifically examined for use in routine outcome monitoring systems. This study used the YOQ-30 self-report in three endeavors: (1) modeling change trajectories in a large, naturalistic outpatient sample, (2) creating and testing an empirical alert system for deterioration, and (3) exploring the role of informant agreement, both descriptively and in a change trajectory model. Method: The sample consisted of 21,098 adolescents ages 12-17 receiving outpatient mental health care who used the OQ Measures system. Multilevel individual change trajectory models estimated symptom change over time. An alert system was developed on …

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Online Training With Behavioral Consultation: The Impact Of Teacher Buy-In And Efficacy, Allison C. Lindsey

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of two different behavioral training methodologies, online training and behavioral consultation, in supporting teacher implementation of evidence-based practices, with a focus on the roles of teacher buy-in and self-efficacy. Challenging behavior is on the rise and teacher's need to know how to apply behavior management strategies to their classroom in order for their students to be most successful. Many teachers do not begin their careers with proper behavior management knowledge, training experience, or do not feel a sense of efficacy in implementing behavior management. Lack of knowledge and training may lead to decreased teacher …

Reviewing The Need For Subject-Specific Regional Professional Development Opportunities For Business Librarians, Annette Bochenek, Heather A. Howard

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

This paper reviews the need for regional professional development opportunities for business librarians, examining the benefits and drawbacks that business librarians experience when attending national, subject-specific, and regional conferences, from the perspective of the creators and organizers of the Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS). Using information gained regarding what benefits librarians seek when considering conference attendance as well as the obstacles or challenges experienced, this paper offers information about extant regional conferences for business librarians as well as suggestions for developing an in-person, subject-specific regional conference targeted toward business librarians.

Wellness Tourism: An Introduction, Karen Thal

All Open Educational Resources

Wellness tourism is a growing segment of the travel industry that focuses on experiences designed to improve physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. From yoga retreats and spa getaways to outdoor adventures and healthy culinary experiences, this form of tourism reflects a broader cultural shift toward self-care and holistic health. The current textbook introduces wellness tourism in a U.S. context, offering a practical, business oriented overview for undergraduate students. It provides insights into the concept of wellness, defines and examines both the wellness industry and the wellness tourism sub-sector, highlights key trends, explores the motivations of wellness travelers, and explains how …

Navigating Ai Ethics Through The Lens Of Personality Traits And Well-Being: Policy Recommendations For Young People In The Uae, Areej Elsayary

All Works

The main purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between HEXACO personality traits and well-being, using ethical AI as a mediator among young adults in the UAE, aiming to develop policy recommendations that support ethical AI practices in educational settings. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, the study involved 204 university students in the UAE, aged 18 and above (M = 23.8, SD = 5.64), with 71 (34.8%) being males and 133 (65.2%) being females. The findings reveal the significant role of AI ethical use in mediating the relationship between certain HEXACO personality traits (honesty–humility, emotionality, and agreeableness) and …

The Use Of A Horizontal Reference Line While Measuring The Anterior Center Edge Angle Is More Reliable Than The Traditional Method, Roland Howard, Benjamin Miltenberg, William Johns, Neel Patel, Shyam Brahmabhatt, John Salvo

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: The anterior center edge angle (ACEA) is a radiographic parameter commonly utilized for the assessment of anterior acetabular coverage in the setting of various hip abnormalities. However, this measurement is greatly dependent on patient positioning and imaging technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of a measurement technique utilizing a horizontal reference line and femoral head perfect circles for better control of pelvic obliquity and the assessment of its potential as a more reproducible method for determining the ACEA.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: There were 3 authors who retrospectively reviewed the false-profile radiographs of …

Narrative As Story And Ground: Toward A Dialogic Communication Theory Of Narrative Care, Preston Carmack

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We live in a historical moment when a nuanced understanding of narrative as both ground and story is essential. In examining the work of two primary scholarly voices working with narrative and operating from a communicative lens, Walter R. Fisher and Ronald C. Arnett, this project lays a theoretical foundation for understanding the dialogic interplay of narrative as story and narrative as ground. Through tracing Fisher's and Arnett's contrasting interpretations of the work of Alasdair MacIntyre, a preeminent neo-Thomistic philosopher whose work has significantly contributed to the study of ethics and narrative construction of human rationality, coordinates related to telling …

Sociodemographic, Neighborhood-Level, And Health-Related Factors Associated With Progression To Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Chart Review., Angela Godwin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for patients with Class 3 obesity. However, of individuals who start the bariatric surgical process, only about half undergo surgery. Factors associated with completion, including race, have been described; however, consistent evidence on obstacles remains to be identified.

Objectives: To explore variables based on the Social Ecological Model (SEM) that may be related to bariatric surgery completion.

Setting: A large, private hospital with a Bariatric Center of Excellence in New York City

Methods: This retrospective chart review utilized data from adults who established an initial bariatric surgery visit from April 1, 2012, …

Describing Latent Tuberculosis Infection And Treatment Completion In Virginia: A Social Determinants Of Health Approach, Amber N. Harmon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection is a key strategy in tuberculosis elimination nationally and globally, there is a limited understanding of the general prevalence of latent tuberculosis as well as factors related to successful treatment. This dissertation describes the known landscape of latent tuberculosis in Virginia and explores possible factors related to latent tuberculosis infection treatment through three manuscripts. The first manuscript, Chapter 1, outlines the overall proposal for this dissertation research in the style of a National Institute of Health grant proposal. The second manuscript, Chapter 2, describes the current understanding of the factors related to latent …

Adding Varying Degrees Of Performance Feedback Components To The Taped Problems Intervention, Alyson C. Honaker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Math fact fluency, the ability to quickly and accurately solve one-digit by one-digit math problems, is a common challenge for many school-aged children. Difficulties with fluency often lead to reliance on inefficient strategies, hindering progress in more advanced math skills. Evidence-based interventions like Taped Problems Intervention (TPI) have demonstrated effectiveness in improving math fluency. However, research suggests incorporating behavioral components such as Performance feedback (PF) and goal setting/reinforcement (GS/R) may enhance its effectiveness. The present study used a multiple-probe across-task design to evaluate the effects of three variations of TPI on the subtraction fluency of five elementary students in a …

Exploration Of The Cultural Beliefs, Values, And Practices Of African American/Black Women Or Birthing Persons Regarding Postpartum Depression: A Focused Ethnography, Stephanie Jacobs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most prevalent perinatal mental health illness in women, affecting approximately 10% to 20% of all women in the United States, and a disproportionately higher number of African American women. The aim of this study was to explore the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression.

Research Question: What are the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression?

Methodology: A focused ethnography was chosen for this study and consisted of semi-structured interviews. Data was transcribed and analyzed …

The Application Of Macrophage-Targeted, Anti-Inflammatory Celecoxib Nanoemulgel For Nerve Regeneration In Peripheral Nerve Injury, Lu Liu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) refers to damage to the nerve located outside the brain and spinal cord. PNI is commonly caused by a physical accident (trauma) or medical operation^{1, 2}. The impact on the quality of life of PNI patients is directly correlated to neuropathic pain, resultant depression, and increased stress². Even after recovering from the PNI, patients still experience phantom pain and lose the ability to work due to the loss of tactile sensory or motor function^2-4. However, unlike damage to the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nerves can regenerate because macrophages clean …

Eco-Emotions And Climate Activism In Adolescents, Julianna Sahoo

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background. Youth are especially vulnerable to climate change, both physically and psychologically. Combatting climate change will require a coordinated, global effort. Understanding the motivations and emotions behind climate activism is essential to coordinate efforts to combat climate change.

Methods. This research uses survey data collected from first and second year undergraduates (n=521) at a private, urban university in California in the Fall of 2022. Youth were surveyed on emotions related to climate change, activism, compassion, eco-anxiety, and well-being.

Results. Experiencing positive emotions had a stronger relationship with environmental activism compared to negative emotions.

Conclusion. Results suggest climate change communications should …

Reducing Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex Cesarean Birth Rate, Roseanna Juarez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Cesarean birth rates for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) pregnancies in the United States continue to exceed the Healthy People 2030 goal of 23.6%, resulting in preventable maternal and neonatal complications and higher healthcare costs.

Context: This quality improvement (QI) initiative was conducted in a high-acuity labor and delivery unit in California’s Central Valley, an area characterized by maternal health disparities, high rates of comorbidities, and limited access to prenatal care. The goal was to reduce the NTSV cesarean rate to 18.0% by July 31, 2025.

Interventions: Guided by Kotter’s 8-Step Change Theory and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, …