Digital Commons Network^™

Reducing Heparin-Related Nursing Errors Through Heparin Reminder System, Carley Simler

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

From Campus Gates To City Streets: Uber’S Place In The Ride-Hailing Industry, Andrew Savino

Academic Festival

Uber is a technology company most famous for its ride-sharing service and its food-delivery service, UberEATS. Founded in 2009, the service operates by allowing riders to connect with available drivers as a type of on-demand taxi service, with UberEATS being formed in 2014 after Uber’s initial success, allowing drivers to deliver food from restaurants to customers. Uber’s convenience and simplicity has made them a very common method for quick trips, drop-offs, and quick food pickups.

The Fortune 500 company is immensely popular among Sacred Heart University’s student population, as the travel service allows students to explore farther-out parts of Fairfield, …

Missing The Mark: Uncovering Gaps In Young Adults Investment Knowledge, Sophia Mayo

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Education On Implanted Port Access In Outpatient Surgical Patients, Laura Schillizzi

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Best Practice For Chg Baths: Educating Nurses On Timing And Safe Use, Isabella Downes

Academic Festival

Abstract
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) baths are critical for infection prevention, yet many nurses lack proper education and resources on their use. This project identified best practices for CHG bathing and developed an educational brochure for nurses on a medical-surgical floor. The brochure provides clear guidelines on timing, safety, and patient teaching to promote consistent, evidence-based care.

Lactate Limits: A Comparative Analysis Of Cycling Vs. Running, Lauren A. Toia, Grace O. Dedonato

Academic Festival

Objectives: 1. To apply Scientific analysis techniques to a PPC service.
2. To apply Business analysis techniques to a PPC service.
2. To create meaningful visualizations that convey insights from your work, research, and analysis.
3. To present your findings through an academic poster format.
4. To improve your research and presentation skills.

Correlation Of Mental Health Of College Students And Academic Performance, Makenzie Manning

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Lung Cancer Outcomes In Relation To Socioeconomic Status, Kayla M. Marks, Emily C. Raymond

Academic Festival

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While many factors affect diagnosis and treatment, socioeconomic status (SES) plays a critical role. People from lower-income backgrounds often face more barriers to timely diagnosis, access to care, and effective treatment, which can lead to worse outcomes. In this study, we examined the relationship between income and lung cancer prevalence among U.S. adults using secondary data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Our analysis included 4,073 adult respondents and focused on annual family income and self-reported lung cancer diagnoses.

Overall, 3.2% of participants reported a lung cancer diagnosis. When …

Effects Of Socioeconomic Status On Depression Rates In Adults, Jennifer Gramstorff

Academic Festival

Previous literature has concluded that low socioeconomic status and income inequality are linked to increased psychological stress levels and impaired mental health. This research study aims to explore the relationship between socioeconomic income status and depression rates among middle aged adults in America specifically. The hypothesis is that low economic status is related to increased depression rates among adults aged 30-60 years. The exposure variable is socioeconomic status. The outcome variable is depression rates. An observational study design was selected in addition to using cross sectional data. Data used was collected in 2019 by the National Health Interview Survey. The …

How The Lack Of Sleep Affects The Academic Performance Of College Students, Jillian Angeramo

Academic Festival

This poster explores the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance among college students, addressing the widespread belief that insufficient sleep negatively impacts GPA. Using data from the 2021 Pioneer Student Health and Well-being Survey, we conducted a cross-sectional observational analysis of 211 students aged 18–40. Sleep quality was measured using the Groningen Sleep Quality Scale, and academic performance was assessed by self-reported GPA. Results revealed a very weak negative correlation (r = –0.064) between sleep quality and GPA, with a p-value of 0.355, indicating no statistically significant relationship. These findings challenge previous literature suggesting a direct link between poor …

The Intersection Of Autism And Poverty: Socioeconomic Status Of Adults On The Spectrum, Chloe Skene, Lindsay Doncaster, Joseph Franzini, Riley Kendall

Academic Festival

This study explores the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and lower poverty status to assist in the understanding of socioeconomic challenges faced by adults on the spectrum. The purpose of this research is to investigate whether ASD is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing poverty. Using an observational cross-sectional analysis of 2021 National Health Interview Child Survey data, we examined total combined family income and ASD diagnosis. The study included 5,134 participants of various races and socioeconomic statuses aged 2-17, 175 of which responded “Yes” to the question of ever receiving a diagnosis of ASD. The findings reveal …

Influence Of Poverty Status On Prevalence Of Coronary Heart Disease Among U.S. Adults 50 And Older, Skyla Contarino, Nicole Lapointe, Rebecca Chernik, Alyssa Brady

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Off-Season Strength And Conditioning Program For A Collegiate Rugby Athlete Post-Rehabilitation From Tibia-Fibula Fracture, John F. Campbell Iii

Academic Festival

This project examines the off-season strength and conditioning program for a sophomore Division I rugby athlete transitioning from rehabilitation to full recovery following a compound tibia-fibula fracture. After completing surgical intervention and physical therapy, the athlete's primary goals now center on improving ankle stability for cutting movements, minimizing discomfort during running, and restoring lower-body strength and power to support optimal on-field performance. Initial assessments identified asymmetries in unilateral mobility and power, alongside movement inefficiencies related to landing mechanics and joint stability. This program prioritizes progressive strength training and low level plyometrics to address the strength needs and optimal mechanics to …

Gradual Release Of Responsibility, Kathleen Plitt

Academic Festival

In the TCAPC, I demonstrated strategies to make complex text accessible to a fourth grade class of 18 students. As a student teacher, I supported their learning in terms of reading, writing, and use of academic language. This consisted of contextualizing, planning and preparing, instructing, assessing and reflecting. Due to a Literacy crisis around the world, I tested out research based teaching strategies to effectively teach my students. My central theme was understanding point of view within a text, and I focused on utilizing the gradual release of responsibility throughout my lesson planning and instructing. In the end I was …

Augmentative And Alternative Communication And Quality Of Life Across A Variety Of Communication Disorders And Impairments, Olivia Plaia

Academic Festival

This literature review examines the impact of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices on the quality of life of individuals with various communication disorders. AAC encompasses a range of technologies and methods that facilitate communication without the necessity of verbal speech, improving self-expression and social interaction for users. This investigation highlights the spectrum of AAC devices, ranging from low-tech options like printed icons to sophisticated high-tech offerings such as tablet applications and eye-tracking technology. Through a comprehensive literature review utilizing specific search terms related to AAC and quality of life, the research identifies a significant positive correlation between AAC usage …

The Utility Of Teletherapy In The Treatment And Assessment Of Pediatric Speech And Language Disorders, Gianna Cutola

Academic Festival

Access to high-quality speech-language therapy is critical for children with speech and language disorders, yet barriers such as geographic limitations and provider shortages often delay intervention. Teletherapy has emerged as a viable alternative, offering cost-effective and accessible services. This literature review compares the efficacy of teletherapy versus traditional in-person therapy, evaluating post-therapy outcomes, cost efficiency, and family/provider satisfaction. Findings suggest that teletherapy is equally effective, with some studies reporting superior outcomes in teletherapy groups. Additionally, teletherapy proves to be significantly more cost-efficient over time and enhances family engagement by reducing missed sessions. While challenges exist, particularly in receptive language improvements …

Treating Language And Related Factors In Bilingual Children, Tamara Hillman

Academic Festival

Bilingual children with developmental language disorder (DLD) face unique challenges in acquiring both their native and societal languages. This literature review evaluates the most effective treatment approaches for bilingual children with DLD, comparing English-only, bilingual, and non-linguistic cognitive interventions. Findings suggest that while English-only treatments yield the greatest improvements in English proficiency, bilingual approaches support development in both languages, leading to broader linguistic gains. Non-linguistic cognitive interventions enhance attention and processing speed, indirectly benefiting language acquisition. Additionally, phonological awareness training and literacy-focused interventions improve reading skills across languages, indicating cross-linguistic transfer effects. These results highlight the importance of bilingual instruction …

Burnout Rates In School Versus Medical Settings For Speech-Language Pathologists, Nicole Ramundo

Academic Festival

Burnout among Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) is an increasingly recognized concern, characterized by emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion stemming from overwhelming work demands and stress. This literature review aims to investigate and compare burnout rates among SLPs in school and medical settings, focusing on factors such as job satisfaction, caseload size, and resilience strategies. A systematic literature review was performed using the Sacred Heart University library databases. Studies were analyzed based on their design, methodology, and findings, using the PEDro scale for quality assessment. Findings indicate that SLPs in medical settings generally experience higher burnout rates due to larger caseloads and …

Effects Of Emst On Improving Swallow Function In Individuals With Neurodegenerative Disease, Fiona Katz

Academic Festival

Dysphagia, or swallow dysfunction, poses significant challenges for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and Huntington’s Disease (HD). This literature review evaluates the effectiveness of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) devices as a therapeutic intervention to enhance swallow function in this population. A comprehensive review of five articles employing the PEDro scale indicates that EMST leads to notable improvements in swallow safety and quality of life. Notably, randomized studies demonstrated a consistent positive correlation between EMST training and enhancements in Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), which is integral for safe swallowing. Furthermore, self-report questionnaires used …

Effective Strategies To Prevent Ventilator Associated Pneumonia, Gianna Uggiano, Ava Saenz, Kara Farrell, Angelina Damsker

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Intervention For The Prevention Of Pressure Ulcers, Aidan Doyle, Amanda Beberman, Lexi Michaud, Liam Tharin

Academic Festival

A pressure ulcer or a pressure injury is a localized skin injury caused by excessive pressure and possibly shearing forces on the skin over bony prominences. Pressure injuries result in tissue death and ischemia and can pose a risk for infection and severe discomfort. They result in prolonged hospital stays, which can lead to more complications for a patient’s health and increased healthcare cost to both the patient and facility. Pressure injuries are common but avoidable injuries and there has been many studies and interventions introduced to help try to reduce the incidence of them (Meaume et al., 2021). It …

Effective Communication For Intubated Spanish-Speaking Patients In The Intensive Care Unit, Renee Dooley

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Interventions To Prevent Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (Cautis), Kaitlyn Adlassnig, Natalie Farrell, Olivia Velleco, Lilliana Cesario

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Methadone Use And How It Effects The Perioperative And Ambulatory Care Settings, Jessica O'Brien, Emily Cooper

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Interventions For Prevention Of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (Vap), Jessica Serravillo, Mackenzie Graham

Academic Festival

Ventilator associated pneumonia is an hospital acquired infection that can cause severe illness in critically ill patients who are susceptible to complications. Ventilator associated pneumonia or VAP, is defined as an infection in the lungs that develops after 48 hours of intubation in patients receiving mechanical ventilation (Yesilbag & Seker 2020). Specific interventions, such as the use of antibiotics, can be vital in preventing the development of VAP for patients following intubation. Furthermore, the use of endotracheal suctioning in mechanically ventilated patients, to remove secretions containing bacteria, has proven to be effective in reducing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (Ardehali …

Malignant Hyperthermia In The Ambulatory Surgical Unit, Bridget Cullinan

Academic Festival

provided education for malignant hyperthermia in an ambulatory surgery unit.

Naloxone Education: Supporting Patients With Substance Abuse, Jenna Fitzgerald

Academic Festival

In this poster presentation, I discuss the need for accessibility to naloxone, an opioid antagonist that prevents fatal overdoses following consumption of opioids.

Patient Handoff Made Easy With Sbar, Emma Taylor, Abigail Marsh

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Reducing Nurse Stress And Burnout Through Mindfulness, Ellajane Mahon, Siobhan Reidy

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

How The Hercules Patient Repositioner Can Reduce The Risk Of Caregiver Injuries And Improve Patient Care, Kaitlyn Kimble, Isabella George

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.