Digital Commons Network^™

Implementing Pst In Older Adults Facing Major Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study, Victoria Tang, Lejla Pepic, Erika Higuchi, Christina Keny, Elizabeth Macias Lopez, Ezenwa C Onyema, Harleen Sandhu, Veronica Yank, Patrick J Raue

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Depressive symptoms are common in the growing geriatric surgical population and are associated with important patient-centred surgical outcomes, including postoperative delirium, discharge to postacute care facility and decline in functional status. Few interventions have been developed to address depressive symptoms in the perioperative setting.

Methods and analysis: We designed a feasibility and acceptability study of a nine-session problem-solving therapy (PST) telehealth perioperative intervention aimed at reducing postoperative functional decline and depressive symptoms among at-risk older adults undergoing major surgical procedures. Acceptability will be evaluated using a patient-centred five-question survey, assessing participant satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the perioperative intervention. …

Telemental Health Utility: Working Toward Foster Carer Role Satisfaction And Placement Stability, Carlos David Ortiz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Approximately 400,000 children in the Child Welfare System have an average of more than three placement disruptions while in care in what is termed placement instability (PI). PI is a known toxin to children’s neurodevelopment that predisposes them to a life of poor behavioral outcomes. Previous research shows that foster parents dissatisfied with their carer role contributed to PI by quitting or terminating a child’s placement. However, an important gap remains in the PI literature about the ability of telemental health (TMH) to provide adequate support to foster parents, to increase satisfaction in the carer role and potentially decrease the …

A Comprehensive Framework To Enhance Holistic Care For Postpartum Single Mothers, Stephanie Dumas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Postpartum depression remains a significant challenge for single mothers who face emotional, financial, and social barriers with limited support. In Palm Beach County, Florida, where many households are led by single parents, existing services are often uncoordinated and lack trauma-informed approaches that address the realities of mothers during the postpartum period. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore the perceptions of human services professionals regarding the trauma-informed and holistic care interventions needed to support single mothers experiencing postpartum depression. The Garbhasanskar holistic care framework, which emphasizes emotional well-being, mindfulness, and the creation of safe and …

Staff Education On Fall Prevention In The Emergency Department, Linda Odoh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This DNP staff education project was an initiative focused on improving fall-related knowledge among faculty members. The practice problem identified at the local project site was the frequent rate of patient falls. Analysis established the role of staff in the inefficient implementation of best practices and to the staff’s limited knowledge regarding the application of existing fall prevention strategies. The practice-focused question for this project was, In the emergency department setting, how does a fall prevention education program compared to pre-implementation practices, affect staff knowledge of fall prevention strategies within three months? The purpose of the project was to improve …

Development Of A Clinical Practice Guideline For The Prevention Of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (Cautis) In A Skilled Nursing Facility, Marford Okoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract (as displayed in your dissertation/thesis): This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focused on developing a clinical practice guideline (CPG) and accompanying checklist to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in adult inpatients within a skilled nursing facility. CAUTIs represent the most prevalent healthcare-associated infections in both acute and long-term care environments, contributing to increased patient morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and elevated healthcare costs. A key issue identified was inconsistent adherence to evidence-based practices related to catheter insertion, maintenance, and timely removal—posing a significant threat to patient safety. The guiding practice question for this project was: Will a clinical practice …

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 …

Integrating Psychotherapy And Medication Management In A Primary Care Clinic, Patricia Nkhono

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A knowledge deficit in integrating supportive psychotherapy with medication management to treat patients’ psychiatric challenges was identified in a primary care clinical setting. I developed a staff education project to close the knowledge gaps of nurses and nurse practitioners related to an evidence-based protocol that incorporated supportive therapy in individualized treatment plans. The project’s aim was to develop, implement, and evaluate the staff education program. The focused project question centered on whether staff education would increase staff knowledge and drive increased supportive therapy orders at admission of patients. Clinical staff registered nurses and nurse practitioners (N = 5) participated in …

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 …

Understanding The Influence Of The Warrior And Guardian Mentalities On Police Behavior Through The Perspectives Of Police Training Personnel, Loren Eric Peterson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research on police culture often contrasts the “warrior” mentality, linked to aggression and control, with the “guardian” mentality, which emphasizes empathy, restraint, and community trust. Yet little research explores how police academy instructors, who shape officers’ professional identities, understand and teach these opposing orientations. This phenomenological study examined how Oklahoma police academy instructors perceive the influence of warrior and guardian mentalities on officers’ decision making and behavior in use of force encounters. Grounded in symbolic interaction theory, the study explored how meaning, socialization, and thought interact to construct officers’ self-concepts and guide behavior under pressure. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, …

News Distribution Strategies For Social Media Engagement: A Case Study Of Liputan6 Sctv, Lale Sekar Idaman Pertiwi, Muhammad Jamiluddin Nur, Yy Wima Riyayanatasya

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

The rapid advancement of digital technology has accelerated media convergence, positioning Instagram and YouTube as strategic platforms for visual and audiovisual news distribution in line with modern audience consumption patterns. This study examines Liputan 6 SCTV’s Instagram and YouTube distribution strategies and their impact on audience engagement, content reach, and news visibility in the digital media landscape. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, and documents. The findings indicate that Liputan 6SCTV’s content distribution strategies embody a multidimensional form of media convergence that integrates technological, editorial, and cultural aspects. Nine key strategies were …

The Mediating Role Of Social Connectedness Between Inflexibility, The Suppression Of Emotional Expression, And Symptoms Of Eating Disorders And Depression In Adolescents With Restrictive Eating Disorders Referred For Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (Ro Dbt), Julian Baudinet, Lucinda J Gledhill, Molly Fennig Steinhoff, Kirsten Gilbert, Mima Simic

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Overcontrol is a transdiagnostic phenotype which has been associated with restrictive eating disorders and depression. It is characterised by traits such as cognitive and behavioural inflexibility, risk aversion, suppression of emotional expression, reduced reward sensitivity and higher temperamental anxiety. Two aspects of the overcontrol phenotype (inflexibility and the suppression of emotional expression) have been particularly linked with poorer mental health. Additionally, social connectedness has been shown to protect against mental health symptom severity. The current study aimed to test whether the relationship between these factors and mental health symptom severity, namely, eating disorder and depression, is mediated by social …

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 …

White Bryony (Bryonia Alba), Taun Beddes, Michael Caron, Jacob Hadfield, Cory Ransom

All Current Publications

White bryony is more than just a nuisance plant. It is an aggressive, perennial vine that threatens riparian ecosystems, agricultural lands, and residential landscapes by destructively smothering vegetation. Additionally, its toxicity poses risks to people, livestock, and pets. Early detection and consistent management are critical to reducing its spread in Utah.

Effect Of Servant Leaders’ Humility, Active Listening, And Trust-Building On Employee Engagement In U.S. Private Financial Organizations, Sunny Sung Phd, Tom Butkiewicz Ph.D.

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

Ineffective leadership characteristics hinder employee engagement in the financial industry, leading to negative organizational outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between servant leaders’ humility, active listening, and trust-building and employee engagement in U.S. private financial organizations. The servant leadership theory of serving followers and the social exchange theory of reciprocity grounded this study. Using simple random sampling, the participants comprised190 employees from private financial organizations in the United States. They completed the Servant Leadership Scale-7; Servant Leadership Assessment Instrument factors 6 and 7; the hearing, understanding, remembering, interpreting, evaluating, and responding (HURIER) …

Chatgpt In Campus Life: Exploring Adoption Through Theory Of Planned Behavior And Trust Dynamics", Mamta Brahmbhatt Prof. (Dr.), Ravi Rajai Dr.

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

ChatGPT, a sophisticated generative machine learning chatbot, has impressed users with its groundbreaking capabilities, showcasing improved conversational skills and exceptional professional knowledge and contextual awareness. A plethora of scholars is investigating ChatGPT via various technology adoption frameworks, including the theory of planned behavior. The current study seeks to augment existing knowledge by investigating the behavioral intention to use ChatGPT for academic purposes, utilizing the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in conjunction with an additional variable of trust, while reassessing the formerly established associations among the components thereof within the framework of early technology adopters. The participants were students from several …

Slc35g3 Is A Udp-N-Acetylglucosamine Transporter For Sperm Glycoprotein Formation And Underpins Male Fertility In Mice, Daisuke Mashiko, Shingo Tonai, Haruhiko Miyata, Martin M Matzuk, Masahito Ikawa

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Despite the recognized importance of glycans in biological phenomena, their complex roles in spermatogenesis and sperm function remain unclear. SLC35G3, a 10-transmembrane protein specifically found in early round spermatids, belongs to the sugar-nucleotide transporter family, indicating its involvement in glycan formation. In this study, we found that Slc35g3 knockout male mice were sterile due to impaired sperm functions in uterotubal junction passage, zona pellucida binding, and oocyte fusion. Mouse SLC35G3 has UDP-GlcNAc transporter activity, and its ablation caused abnormal processing of the sperm plasma membrane and acrosome membrane proteins. Reported human SLC35G3 mutations (F267L and T179HfsTer27) diminished the UDP-GlcNAc transporter …

Leveraging Digital Sensory Marketing In Online Wine Sales – A Moderated Serial Mediation Model, Yingying Dong, Alei Fan, Chang Ma Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Purpose

Despite the importance of visual and auditory cues in marketing communications, multisensory experiences, such as visual-auditory integration, remain underexplored in sensory marketing. This research aims to fill this gap by investigating how visual cues and their interaction with auditory cues on webpages affect consumers’ responses to online wine sales.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted two experimental studies, revealing the crucial role of multiple visual cues in shaping consumers’ responses to online wine sales and the moderating effect of auditory cues on these relationships.

Findings

Compared with the single visual cue of text only, multiple visual cues with both text and …

The College Voice, Vol. 62, No. 4 [November 12, 2025], Connecticut College

2025-2026

No abstract provided.

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 …

A Blockchain-Enabled Deep Learning Framework For Secure Omics Data Sharing And Attack Detection, Don Roosan, Md Rahatul Ashakin, Rubyat Kahn, Mazharul Karim

Computer and Data Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Latching On: Equity In Breastfeeding Education, Tara Anderson Ba, Rn, Cbc

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for newborns (WHO, 2019). Prenatal breastfeeding education best prepares families, yet not all patients attend hospital-offered classes due to associated fees. This gap may negatively impact knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding rates (Kehinde et al., 2022). To promote health equity, it is critical to provide accessible prenatal education to all patients, regardless of their ability to attend traditional classes.

Purpose

Our hospital aims to ensure all patients make informed infant feeding decisions. This project sought to provide prenatal breastfeeding education in outpatient Labor and Delivery Triage and evaluate its impact on patient knowledge …

Bridging The Gap: Enhancing Nursing Strategies For Improving Medication Adherence, Ashley Ash Bsn, Rn, Jennifer Bousman Bsn, Rn, Katalin Stanaszak Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc Nursing Professional Development Practitioner, Ambulatory Care Management

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Patient medication adherence is a critical determinant of patient outcomes, cost reduction, and performance metrics. Quality improvement opportunities around medication adherence were identified within Ambulatory Care Management, including a lack of tools, resources, and foundational knowledge.

Purpose

The primary aim of this interdisciplinary initiative was to identify gaps in current practices, understand the challenges surrounding medication adherence, and develop evidence-based strategies equipping nurses with the necessary tools and knowledge to address patient-specific barriers.

Implementation Plan

A comprehensive literature review was conducted identifying best practices for improving medication adherence. A survey helped identify knowledge gaps, barriers, and nursing confidence in …

Heart Matters: Strategies To Decrease Acute Myocardial Infarction Readmission, Beena Pillai Bsn-Rn-Pccn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background

Hospital readmissions after Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) are common and costly, with nearly one in six patients readmitted within 30 days. These admissions contribute significantly to healthcare expenses. Since 2012, hospitals have faced financial penalties for high 30-day readmission rates under the CMS Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.

Purpose

The project aimed to identify gaps in the discharge process and implement strategies focused on nurse education, patient instruction, early follow-up appointments, follow-up calls, and transition-of-care planning to reduce AMI readmissions.

Implementation Strategies

All cardiac nurses were surveyed to assess current discharge practices. One-on-one education was provided using AHA guidelines and …

Less Is More! Exploring A Two-To-One Preceptorship Model, Megan Hanson Msn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Nicole Guyer Msn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Pccn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction:

Post pandemic, experienced nursing preceptors are in short supply straining their ability to provide adequate support and training. An inpatient unit, recently doubled in size, faced significant challenges when quickly hiring large volumes of nurses, 68% being newly licensed nurses (NLNs). Despite meeting hospital first-year turnover benchmarks, there were concerns using inexperienced preceptors could lengthen orientations and negatively impact turnover rates. Unit needed to reimagine orientation. Literature suggested success with a two orientee to one preceptor (2:1) model in non-nursing healthcare disciplines, though limited literature was available for nursing.

Purpose or Objective:

Project aimed to utilize preceptors more efficiently …

Immersive Age Friendly Care: Taking Cbt To The Next Level, Ashleigh Lingsweiler Bsn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Kelsey Tavs Msn, Rn, Cnl, Npd-Bc, Alyssa Krueger Bsn, Rn, Npd-Bc, Cmsrn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background/Introduction:

A 162-bed acute care Midwest hospital serves the largest population of patients aged 65 and older in the state. The unique healthcare needs of older adults benefit from evidence-based, individualized care commonly known as the “4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility.

Objective:

Develop an innovative, hands-on educational program using simulation to increase nurses’ knowledge and skill in caring for older adult patients.

Method:

The program utilized unfolding simulation sessions as its primary method of education. These sessions focused on the 4 Ms with each aspect addressed individually and in combination. Teammates were asked to address an unsafe environment …

Touch Up Your Roots: Improving Retention, Orientation, Onboarding, And Training Success, Patrick Griggs Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Cmc, Csc, Agne Pecholdas Bsn, Rn

Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference

Background: A study completed by NSI Nursing Solutions (2022) reported that nurses employed less than one year have a turnover rate of 31 percent. Reasons for leaving included lack of support and resources. Illinois Masonic had a program built for peer-to-peer support for new hires through a nursing-based council. Lack of consistency was thought to be part of high turnover.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to increase the retention rate of first year new hires nurses to Illinois Masonic via peer-to-peer engagement throughout their orientation period.

Implementation: Using a DMAIC strategy (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), a nursing …