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Full Issue: Journal On Empowering Teaching Excellence, Volume 8, Issue 1, Spring 2024

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

The full-length Spring 2024 issue (Volume 8, Issue 1) of the Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version (with downloadable EPUB format) here.

The Spring 2024 issue presents research and commentary on trends and best practices in higher education, with a focus on public policy implications for literacy instruction, adjusting instructional programs to Generation Z learning preferences in English courses, and increasing students' critical thinking and self-reported ability through an interrupted case study approach.

Generous Audience, Activist, Evaluator: Tutor-Teachers’ Knowledge, Practices, And Values For Response To Writing, Carolyn Wisniewski

Journal of Response to Writing

The relationship between tutoring and teaching has been a recurrent topic of interest among writing center directors and writing program administrators. While scholarship agrees tutoring experience aids composition teachers with implementing process pedagogy and fostering a collaborative classroom, the relationship between tutoring and assessment of student writing is less clear. This qualitative study uses interviews with eight graduate teaching assistants with tutoring experience to examine how they transfer and juxtapose knowledge, practices, and values for response between the writing center and classroom. Like previous scholarship, this research finds writing center tutoring contributes to teachers’ enactment of constructivist, student-centered pedagogy and …

The Impact Of Childhood Opportunity Index On Treatment Outcomes Of Osteochondritis Dissecans Of The Knee, Colton Schwarz, Kennedy J. Morey, Brian R. Lee, Angie Vanderpool, Kevin Latz, Natalie C. Stork, Donna Pacicca, Brian Harvey

Research Days

This study aims to explore the relationship that Childhood Opportunity Index (COI), a validated measure of socioeconomic status, has on the outcomes of treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) of the knee in pediatric patients age 0-18 years.

Thyroid Dysfunction In Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Emily Metzinger, Jennifer Boyd, Julia Broussard, Christopher Klockau

Research Days

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is increasing in the treatment of different cancers. This study investigates ICI and thyroid dysfunction in pediatric patients at Children's Mercy Kansas City. This is a retrospective chart review that looked at development of thyroid disorders in patients who received PD-1 inhibitors, PD-L1 inhibitors, or CTLA-4 inhibitors in 19 pediatric patients. Results showed that hypothyroidism developed in 3 patients who received any of these medications. Additionally, 2 patients had thyroid dysfunction prior to starting ICI therapy, and 1 of these patients developed hyperthyroidism shortly after beginning ICI therapy. Thyroid dysfunction can be seen …

Simultaneous Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy And Deceased Donor Liver Transplant In A Pediatric Patient With Cirrhosis And Class 3 Obesity, Lakshmi Kunam, Voytek Slowik, Brooke Sweeney, Ryan T. Fischer, Jason D. Fraser, Bhargava Mullapudi, Richard J. Hendrickson

Research Days

Background: Liver transplantation is a life saving procedure for children with end-stage liver disease with the goal of returning to a normal healthy life. Obesity and weight gain can lead to post-transplant steatosis and contribute to patient morbidity and mortality. In patients with obesity, simultaneous bariatric surgery can lead to reduced body mass index (BMI) and decrease allograft steatosis and patient metabolic syndrome.

Methods: After obtaining patient and family assent/consent, patient records were reviewed and analyzed.

Results: The patient was initially evaluated at 8 years of age for right upper quadrant pain. Imaging consistent with cirrhosis and portal hypertension prompted …

Characteristics And Clinical Outcomes Of Iud Insertion Under Conscious Sedation In Pediatric And Adolescent Patients, Alleana Corpin, Madeline Ross, Anne-Marie Priebe, Ashli A. Lawson

Research Days

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a favorable option for adolescents for contraception and menstrual suppression. However, few choose this option citing anxiety and concern for pain related to insertion procedure. Our institution proposes utilizing conscious sedation techniques for anxiolysis and analgesia during IUD insertion. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics of teens choosing conscious sedation for this procedure and likelihood of successful insertion.

Key Words: Intrauterine device (IUD), adolescent, conscious sedation

An Increased Failure Rate Of Asparaginase Desensitization With Calaspargase Pegol, Jillian Fry, Erin Guest, Keith August

Research Days

BACKGROUND: Pegaspargase (SS-PEG) became unavailable to younger patients in 2022, leaving calaspargase pegol (SC-PEG) as the only available long-acting asparaginase formulation. SC-PEG has been compared to SS-PEG and found to have similar rates of adverse events and event-free survival. Our institution uses a desensitization protocol for those with asparaginase hypersensitivity reactions. Here we review our experience with desensitization since the transition to SC-PEG. OBJECTIVES: To compare the rate of hypersensitivity reactions, success of desensitization, and need for alternative asparaginase preparations between patients receiving SC-PEG and SS-PEG. METHOD: This is a retrospective, single center study of pediatric patients who received >2 …

Effects Of Drug Delivery On Ppi-Responsive Esophageal Eosinophilia, Alex Biller, Rachel Chevalier, Amornluck Krasaelap, Janelle R. Noel-Macdonnell

Research Days

Determine if formulation of proton pump inhibitory (pill/capsule vs liquid) affects eosinophilic infiltration of esophagus in patients with PPI-Responsive Esophageal Eosinophilia.

Disabilities, Identity, And Success At Law School, Andrew Palos

Master's Theses

West Coast Law School, a pseudonym for a medium sized law school, is the subject of a qualitative case study with the focus of the case study on the experiences of students with disabilities. The case study was conducted in as a single-site setting with only one law school being the subject of the research. Students, staff and faculty were interviewed to offer several perspectives of the law school and the environment it created for students with disabilities. Research questions for this thesis focused on potential obstacles to success for students with disabilities, students with disabilities of color and structural …

Variation In Systemic Corticosteroid Prescribing During Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Across Children's Hospitals, Sian Best, Kathryn Kyler, Matt Hall, Jessica L. Bettenhausen, Shelby Chesbro, Nicholas Clark, Adrienne Deporre, Jonathan Ermer, Leah Jones, Jessica Markham, Maria Newmaster, Laura Plencner, Henry T. Puls, Smit Shah, Bridgette Jones, Megan Collins, Elisha Mccoy

Research Days

This abstract describes the variability and trends in inpatient systemic corticosteroid prescribing practices for acute asthma exacerbations in children's hospitals, and aims to determine associations between the prescribed steroid and hospitalization outcomes.

Bowel Clean Out Prior To Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Implantation: Effects On Acute Post-Operative Gastrointestinal Complications, Amanda Lindenberg, Sathya Vadivelu, Brittni Walton, Matthew J. Mclaughlin

Research Days

Background: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps have been used for management of spasticity and dystonia There is limited data on immediate post-operative complications such as GI adverse events after surgery for ITB pump related procedures. This study aimed to compare patients who underwent a pre-operative bowel cleanout to those who did not and the relationship with post-operative nausea, vomiting and constipation requiring an escalation of their bowel regimen.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Pediatric acute care hospital.

Participants: All patients who underwent new ITB pump and/or catheter placement from January 2015-December 2022.

Interventions: Preoperative bowel clean out. Main

Outcome Measure: Quantity …

Therapeutic Efficacy Of B7-H3 Car T Cell Therapy In Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas With H3g34r/V Mutation., Monika Yadav, Siddharth Subham, John Szarejko, Douglas Myers, David Akhavan, Viveka Nand Yadav

Research Days

Background: Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are aggressive brain tumors responsible for significant childhood mortality. These tumors often carry mutations in the H3F3A gene, which encodes histone H3.3 proteins. However, current treatment options are limited, underscoring the need for innovative approaches. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy, which was successful in treating certain childhood cancers, holds promise for pHGGs with H3G34R/V mutations. This study aims to assess the potential of anti-B7-H3 CAR T cell therapy in treating the challenging pHGG tumors.

Method and Results: Here, we examined the expression of B7-H3 in various pHGG cell lines, encompassing those with H3G34V/R and H3K27M …

Central Venous Catheter-Associated Complications In Pediatric Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia, J Allyson Hays, Maggie Ziegler

Research Days

Background

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a mainstay of pediatric cancer treatment for but have risks. CVCs can cause local site infections and systemic infections, known as central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Analyzing rates of complications associated with different CVCs may inform future decisions about CVC choice. Hypotheses We hypothesized that tunneled cuffed (tunneled) catheters will have higher rates of CLABSIs compared to implanted ports (port) and ports will have higher rates of local site infections compared to tunneled.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at Children’s Mercy Hospital (CMH) identified patients treated from 2010 to …

Increasing Feedback From Endocrinology Faculty To Fellows: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Emily Metzinger, Emily Griffing, Michelle Knoll

Research Days

Feedback is essential in medical training. Our aim is to increase the frequency of feedback that CMH endocrinology fellows receive in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. We noted initial success of increasing feedback in the inpatient setting however later decreased to below goal. Frequency of feedback in the outpatient setting has remained below goal. Tracking feedback has been challenging, but a recent survey showed that fellows perceive that they receive more feedback.

Exploring The Curriculum And Institutional Contexts Of Stem Future Faculty Programs, Amy Mae Forester

Dissertations and Theses

While there are a multitude of contributing factors, under-represented student success in STEM appears to be critically interdependent with teaching and learning practices that are responsive to diverse epistemologies and inclusive pedagogies. However, the professional literature has yet to identify a set of faculty development best practices that might guide the field. Furthermore, the institutional supports required to drive the success of STEM-oriented future faculty programs remain unknown. This inquiry proposal intended to address these concerns through a critical comparative qualitative study in seeking evidence-based practices and institutional elements of STEM faculty professional development programs that support diverse graduate and …

Standardizing Clinical Ethics Consultation Documentation, Yoo Sun (Sunny) Jeong, Stephanie Kukora, Ásdís Finnsdóttir Wagner, Dawn Hood Patterson

Research Days

Background:

Clinical ethics consultations (CECs) require documentation. There is a paucity of literature and resources to guide clinical ethicists in documenting consults. High quality documentation encourages transparency between patients and clinicians, while keeping interdisciplinary team members knowledgeable about evolving care plans. However, there are discrepancies in the details captured in the CEC notes and accompanying recommendations.

Objectives/Goal:

To identify how CECs are documented in the medical record and assess whether there is consistent inclusion of relevant information.

Methods/Design:

Retrospective review of CECs conducted at a free-standing children’s hospital from January 2018- June 2023 was conducted. CECs were captured by cross-referencing …

To Bpd Or Not To Bpd: A Comparison Of The 2022 Versus 2011 Nichd Web-Based Risk Estimator For Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Mitch Kinkor, Jake Schneider, Farhath Sulthana, Janelle R. Noel-Macdonnell Phd, Alain Cuna

Research Days

This study compares the performance of the 2022 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Outcome Estimator and its original 2011 version in identifying high-risk infants.

Pediatric Readiness In The Ambulatory Care Setting, Mary Haywood, Chris Kennedy, Robert D. Schremmer Md, Emily Cramer, Kevin Meilak Md

Research Days

Background: Emergent presentations are a relatively uncommon occurrence in the ambulatory care setting. However, when they do occur, they can be life threatening. Given their uncommon occurrence, many clinicians believe that emergencies do not present or do not occur in these settings. However, there can be up to 42 emergent presentations per office site per year, depending on location. Most commonly pediatric patients present with respiratory distress, but seizures, anaphylaxis, dehydration, and psychological/behavioral complaints can also present emergently to these clinics. Despite this, most offices are not prepared to handle these presentations. According to various studies, this is typically due …

Oscillometry In Term Neonates Without Respiratory Disease, Anna Nelson, Cheri Gauldin, Brooke Smith, Venkatesh Sampath, Winston Manimtim

Research Days

This feasibility study aims to determine normative values of oscillometry for neonates without respiratory disease.

Increasing The Rate Of Infants Rooming In With Their Mothers With Low-Acuity Congenital Heart Disease, Anna Nelson, Amy Marks, Ekta Patel

Research Days

This quality improvement study aimed to increase the number of infants with low-acuity congenital heart disease that could room-in with their mothers in a high-risk delivery center.

Automate Isolation Infection-Prevention Precautions (Aid-Ip): Improving The Efficiency Of Hospital Isolation With Viral Respiratory Infections, Timothy Burchard, Michael Platt, La'sonya Buford

Research Days

The AID-IP project is a QI study working to improve the process of isolation and de-isolation regarding respiratory viruses at Children's Mercy Hospital. Specifically, we aim to improve adherence to proper isolation precautions, minimize cognitive workload regarding the maintenance of isolation for staff, and improve family satisfaction with isolation practice.

Nrp, Pals, And Their Utilization During Code Events In A Pediatric Quaternary Hospital: A 'Compressed' Analysis, Mitch Kinkor, Deepa Kumar, Allison Taber, Stephen Pfeiffer, Jessica Brunkhorst, Danielle Reed

Research Days

Both the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithms are utilized for resuscitation during pediatric codes. The optimal time period to transition from NRP to PALS is not well studied. This study describes the utilization of chest compressions, prescribed medications, and patient outcomes during and after code events organized by the algorithm used to direct resuscitation (PALS or NRP) in a similarly aged patient population.

Social Constructivist Mentoring Program To Support Teacher Professional Development: An Action Research Approach, Kurniawan Yudhi Nugroho, Choiril Anwar, Hartono Hartono

The Qualitative Report

Despite the presence of various TPD initiatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations, English teachers in the private universities in Indonesia continue to encounter challenges in accessing TPD programs, that fit their specific needs. This study explored the implementation of a social constructivist mentoring program to support the professional development of seven teachers teaching English academic writing. Using an action research approach, this mentoring emphasized collaborative inquiry, reflective practice, and continuous improvement. We opted for a qualitative approach to gain a deeper understanding and exploration of the learning process within the program. Data were collected from multiple resources such as interviews, …

Improving Awareness And Utilization Of Safety Net Resources After Extremity Firearm Injury, Colleen M. Moreland, Caleb W. Grote, Richard M. Schwend, Julia G. Harris

Research Days

The orthopaedic surgery department can improve follow-on care for pediatric survivors of extremity firearm injuries by creating and implementing a checklist of defined safety net resources.

A Quality Improvement Project To Improve Antibiotic Choice For Children Admitted With Urinary Tract Infections (Utis), Philip Jurasinski Do, Pgy-3, Adrienne Deporre Md, Kathleen Berg Md, Allison Hadley Md, Viktoriya Stoycheva Mha, Rn, Cpn, Rana El Feghaly Md

Research Days

This is an antibiotic stewardship quality improvement project focused on improving antibiotic choices for children with urinary tract infections who are in the Children's Mercy Kansas City system. This project aims to improve the rates of cefazolin or cephalexin for treatment from 27% to 60%. 96% of urinary tract infections in our system are caused by E. Coli that are susceptible to these first generation cephalosporins.

More Of Less: Optimizing Opioid Prescriptions For Acute Fractures In The Emergency Department At A Children’S Hospital, Colton Schwarz, Spencer Wittmeyer, Mitch Kinkor, Michelle Dephillips, Elizabeth Edmundson, Ryan Mcdonough, Warren Teachout, Nicholas Clark

Research Days

Quality improvement project that aims to improve opioid stewardship in acute fracture management.

Characterization Of Nationally Reported Pediatric Deaths Involving Fentanyl Ingestions In Missouri, Margaret Campbell, Mary Moffatt, Emily Killough, Terra Frazier

Research Days

There has been a dramatic rise in pediatric deaths associated with synthetic opioid use, with the most prominent being Fentanyl. This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention with the goal of identifying risk factors that increase the vulnerability of children to Fentanyl ingestion. Ultimately this research may help lead to improved identification of at risk children with the goal of implementation of targeted prevention programming.

How Neonates Die: Mortality Trends And Associations In A Level Iv Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Erin Bolen, Ashley K. Sherman, Julie Weiner, Jotishna Sharma

Research Days

Background

Modes of neonatal mortality include withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions, non-escalation of interventions, and secondary to a code event. Mortality trends have been examined broadly, but the impact of clinical and demographic factors on the mode of neonatal mortality has yet to be evaluated. A greater understanding of this information would help guide medical decision-making and identify potential inequities. The aim is to evaluate the impact of clinical and demographic factors on the mode of neonatal death in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Study Design/Methods

Data were collected via retrospective chart review of patients who died at …

Understanding Inpatient Diagnostic Imaging Use In Children’S Hospitals To Prioritize Stewardship Efforts, Megan E. Collins, Matt Hall, John Stephens, Jessica L. Markham

Research Days

We utilized the Pediatric Health Information System to perform a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized children across 45 hospitals to describe diagnostic imaging studies among hospitalized children with the highest prevalence, cost, rates of repetition, and hospital variation to help inform de-implementation efforts.

Defining Faculty’S Role In Supporting Student Mental Health Needs In Higher Education, Erica B. Riba

Student Theses

The subject of mental health among college students has been prevalent for decades. Today, college students are facing more challenges to mental wellness than ever before. Faculty are often the first and only point of contact for many students. Faculty have a role to play in supporting student mental health, but that role has not been clearly defined. This study aims to bring clarity to some of these critical issues and offers a lens into this broad topic from faculty themselves. A mixed-methods design was used for this study. 889 people who have downloaded The Jed Foundation’s Faculty Guide to …