Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Spatial Computing With The Apple Vision Pro In Minimally Invasive Procedure Simulation: A Randomized Crossover Feasibility Study, Sydney Cooper, Aaron Kyle Jones, Rahul Anil Sheth, Koustav Pal, Bruno Odisio, Mark Blaylock, Shelita Kimble, Justin Bird, David Rice, Daniel Shoenthal, Emil Patel, Vipin Kamath, Sanjay Gupta, Jeffrey Siewerdsen, Joshua Kuban

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of wearing the Apple Vision Pro (AVP), a mixed-reality headset that integrates augmented and virtual reality, while performing minimally invasive procedures. While studies have demonstrated that spatial computing technology can improve surgical precision and reduce the risks of surgical complications, to our knowledge, no studies have specifically addressed the impact of the AVP on task performance during simulated image-guided procedures.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen diagnostic and interventional radiology residents performed image-guided central venous catheter placement, thoracentesis, and paracentesis on simulation models. Each participant completed a non-timed practice followed by the procedures once …

Utilization Of Hybrid Angiography-Ct Suites In An Interventional Oncology Practice, David Irwin, Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi, Ryosuke Taiji, Aaron Kyle Jones, Gouthami Chintalapani, Roland Bassett, Steven Y. Huang, Sanjay Gupta

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Purpose: To evaluate operational trends in an interventional oncology practice at a tertiary academic center before and after the addition of hybrid angiography–computed tomography (Angio-CT) rooms.

Materials and Methods: The procedure volumes and types performed in the hybrid Angio-CT rooms were retrospectively collected from 2016 to 2020. Procedures were divided into categories, including arteriography, endovascular interventional oncology, ablation, venous intervention, non-vascular catheter placement (biliary, nephrostomy, gastrostomy, etc.), and osseous interventions. Procedural trends in the Angio-CT rooms and the frequencies of combination procedures that used both CT and angiography were assessed.

Results: A major shift of catheter-based tumor-directed cases to Angio-CT …

A Performance And Quality Improvement Intervention Integrating Molecular Testing To Support Personalized Cancer Care In Lung And Thyroid Cancers, Suzanne Murray, Monica Augustyniak, John Vu, Elbert Y. Kuo, Manolo G. Pasia Jr., Sheri L. Rivera, Kelly M. Rodriguez, Vivek Subbiah, Patrice Lazure, Ecaterina E. Dumbrava

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Introduction: Molecular testing has been underutilized in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, despite its potential to significantly impact clinical decision-making and resulting health outcomes.

Objectives: This project aimed to evaluate the process and impact of a performance/quality improvement (PI/QI) intervention to optimize the integration of molecular testing for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or thyroid cancer (TC).

Methods: Physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses were engaged in the PI/QI at 2 cancer centers (Site A and Site B) for up to 18 months following a pre-intervention needs assessment. Gaps identified at baseline informed …

Tom: Treatment Outcome Monitor - A Web-Based Tool Designed Specifically For Clinics With Limited Resources, Saurabh Shashikumar Nair, Alba Kihn Alarcon, Maritza Elodia Cupil Barrios, Milton Estuardo Ixquiac Cabrera, Mynor Villeda, Joseph Steyn, Anneray Richards, Ricardo Ruggeri, Loida Orozco, Angel Velarde, Indranil Mallick, Graeme Lazarus, Christoph Trauernicht, Vicky De Falla, Tim Edwards, Johnny Inthaphone, Adenike Olanrewaju, Laurence E. Court, Joshua Niedzielski

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: Although three-fourths of cancer deaths are expected to occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by 2030, most cancer research still comes from high-income countries. One barrier to cancer research in LMICs is lack of infrastructure for systematic data collection, including electronic medical record systems. We developed Treatment Outcome Monitor (TOM), a cloud-based tool for tracking cancer patient outcomes, designed specifically for resource-limited settings.

Methods: TOM was developed through iterative design cycles with continuous feedback from health care providers from across the world. We focused on creating a simple, web-based solution that addresses real-world challenges in resource-limited …

Process Evaluation Of The Cheers Automated A1c Follow-Up Reminder System In Primary Care, Heather E. Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations & Projects

Background: Missed diabetes follow-up contributes to suboptimal glycemic control in primary care. Health record embedded reminder systems may improve continuity of care, but process evaluation is needed to understand real-world implementation (Bugge, 2024; Rathod et al., 2024).

Objective: To evaluate fidelity, workflow processes, and reach of the Cheers automated A1c reminder program among adults with type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Methods: This retrospective process evaluation used EHR data guided by the CDC Program Evaluation Framework (CDC, 2024). Measures included reminder delivery, follow-up completion, fidelity, and contextual factors.

Results: Of 72 eligible patients, 26 met success criteria (36.1%); 92.0% completed …

Mme (Mini Medical Education): A Preliminary Study Of A Targeted Curriculum To Improve Resident Knowledge And Clinical Confidence, Andrea Francis, Andres Vivar, Paul Mathew

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Haynes County Ems Outreach Quality Improvement, Anna Parker, Linda Haddox

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

A Quality Approach To Pneumococcal Vaccination, Nimmy Joy, Michaela Mckissack

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Improving Patient Health Portal Enrollment In The Primary Care Setting, Erika L. Bell

Doctoral Dissertations & Projects

In today’s increasingly digital healthcare environment, patient health portals have become critical tools for enhancing communication, improving care coordination, and empowering patients to actively participate in their health management. These secure, web-based platforms allow patients to access medical records, request prescription refills, view lab results, and message providers. Although patient health portals are offered by a vast majority of U.S. health systems, they remain underutilized, with only 15-30% of patients engaging with these platforms despite their potential to improve patient engagement, health status awareness, and care quality. Enhancing patient health portal use not only empowers patients but also supports broader …

Reducing Surgical Site Infection After Colorectal Surgery: A Multidisciplinary Review Of Process Improvement, Robin Daemmrich, Quentin Dipasquale, Deborah Klepac, Nick Mathers, Travis Holloway

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Are You My Doctor? Impact Of Role Identification Badges In Improving Resident Experience, Rasmeet Kaur, Laura Preece

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Ai’S Role In Searching For Evidence: Friend And Foe, Barbara (Basia) Delawska-Elliott, Brandon Wilkinson

Publications 2026-present

No abstract provided.

Digital Touchpoints: Investigating Contact Page Accessibility And Visual Authenticity Within Medical Tourism Health Websites, Alicia Mason, Elizabeth Spencer, Kristen Livingston, Treyton Meyers, Sakshi Bhati, Himika Akram

Faculty Submissions

This study examines two critical digital touchpoints on medical tourism provider (MTP) websites: (1) the accessibility of contact pages which often function as entry points for inquiries, scheduling, and pre-travel coordination, and (2) the authenticity of visual imagery used to shape expectations about care environments, personnel, and technological capacity. A sample of 105 MTPs across all six World Health Organization regions were analyzed using quantitative web accessibility testing and qualitative visual analysis. Results indicate pervasive accessibility errors on contact-page touchpoints and extensive reliance on inauthentic imagery to depict patients, providers, and medical technologies. Together, these practices may distort user expectations …

Nursing Migration And The Global Workforce: How The U.S. Nurse Shortage Impacts Developing Countries, Mololuwa Faithful Lasekan

Honors Thesis

As United States (U.S.) healthcare organizations face persistent staffing gaps driven by an aging population, burnout, and limited educational capacity, many institutions increasingly rely on internationally educated nurses (IENs) to stabilize their workforce. This reliance intersects with longstanding structural challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where inadequate compensation and limited professional opportunities contribute to high migration intentions among nurses. Using a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA principles, this study synthesized evidence and five major themes emerged: (1) push factors driving nurse emigration from LMICs, (2) pull factors attracting nurses to the U.S., (3) digital globalization and post-COVID recruitment …

The Impact Of A Mindfulness Meditation Program On Phq-9 Scores In Eskd Clients At The Dialysis Center, Christi Collins Weaver

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Patients undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) experience high rates of untreated depressive symptoms, which negatively impact quality of life, treatment adherence, and therefore increased hospitalization and higher mortality rates.

PICOT: In adult patients receiving in-center hemodialysis (P), how does the implementation of a structured mindfulness meditation program (I), compared to usual care (C), affect depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (O) over an eight-week period (T)?

Evidence: Current literature demonstrates that depression is highly prevalent among individuals with ESKD and is associated with increased morbidity and decreased treatment adherence. Evidence supports mindfulness …

Facilitators And Barriers To Mobile Health Unit Implementation: A Qualitative-Dominant Mixed Methods Study Exploring Staff Perspectives And Service Outreach, Kelsey Hardin

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background: Health disparities are linked to rising healthcare costs in the United States, particularly related to healthcare accessibility. Mobile Health Units (MHUs) have proven to be an effective intervention in reducing barriers to healthcare services, for example, providing early access to prenatal care, thus reducing infant mortality rates. This study focused on the facilitators and barriers to implementing an MHU program, based on staff perspectives and service outreach, to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods research design. Data was collected through interviews to assess staff perspectives. Secondary data analysis of quantitative data was …

Healthcare Facility Distribution And Utilization Of Tertiary Services: The Case Of Korea, Thomas L. Powers, Seongwon Choi

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Development Of The U.S. Academic Ophthalmology Faculty Database (Us-Aofd): A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Analysis, Brenton T. Bicknell, Josephine M. Rudd Zhong Manis, Haley Chishom, Yejin Heo, Lance Dzubinski, Alvina Liang, Taylor L. Aaserud, Shayan Massoumi, Thanushri Srikantha, John Stoffer, Emily Mccourt, Sruthi Arepalli, Beeran Meghpara, Ayan Chatterjee, Basil K. Williams, Janice Law, Steven E. Brooks, Robert Tauscher

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Academic ophthalmology plays a critical role in advancing eye care and training the next generation of ophthalmologists. However, comprehensive data on the U.S. academic ophthalmology workforce remains limited. Existing databases focus on individual subspecialties or specific demographics, without capturing a national, integrated perspective.

Purpose: To develop and analyze the U.S. Academic Ophthalmology Faculty Database (US-AOFD), a comprehensive, national resource that characterizes the demographic composition, academic ranks, leadership roles, and research productivity of ophthalmology faculty at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–accredited programs in the United States.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study compiled data for 4,028 …

Patient Reported Outcome Participation And Completion In Total Joint Arthropathy: A Socioeconomic Analysis, Diana Kernen Ba, Michelle Yi Mse, Kathleen Jahnke Bs, Nevil Khurana Ms, Ezra Goodrich Md, Charles Day Md, Mba

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assess symptoms, function, and overall health from a patient perspective. Although PROM engagement has been studied across orthopaedics, limited work has examined both participation and completion specifically in joint replacement. This study evaluated associations between sociodemographic factors and PROM participation and completion among total joint arthroplasty patients.

Methods
We performed a retrospective review of all primary arthroplasties completed by a single surgeon in 2023 at a Midwestern tertiary health system. PROMs included PROMIS PF, PROMIS PI, and either HOOS JR or KOOS JR. Demographic data and Area Deprivation Index (ADI) were collected. Participation was defined …

Breaking Barriers: Advancement Toward Practical Nursing Licensure For Certified Medication Assistants In Long-Term Care--A Descriptive Study, Aleshia L. Maxwell

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The persistent nursing shortage across the United States, particularly in Long-Term Care (LTC) settings, has complicated the healthcare system’s ability to meet the needs of an aging population. While existing research often examines progression from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN), limited research explores factors influencing progression from entry-level LTC healthcare workers to Practical Nursing (PN) licensure. This quantitative descriptive study examined the barriers and supporting factors influencing advancement toward PN licensure for Medication Assistants-Certified (MA-Cs) in Arkansas LTC facilities. A convenience sample of N=100 participated in the study. Results indicated that financial and structural barriers often …

Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) Versus Propofol: In Patients Requiring Sedation While Mechanically Ventilated,, How Does The Use Of Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) Compared To Propofol, Affect Reintubation Within 48 Hours Post Extubation?, Kimberly Barbee, Markela Albright, Malak Amro, Evelyn Caty-Pletcher, Margaret Havey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Fhrs, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Keywords: dexmedetomidine, propofol, reintubation, sedation2

Abstract Assignment

Background

Sedation management in the ICU plays a key role in extubation readiness and post-extubation outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. Although both propofol and dexmedetomidine are commonly used in critical care, there is limited evidence comparing their impact on early reintubation. This quality improvement (QI) project examined whether sedative choice was associated with reintubation within 48 hours of extubation.

Methods

A retrospective QI analysis was conducted in a cohort of 38 mechanically ventilated adult patients. Patients received either propofol (n = 31) or dexmedetomidine (n = 7) prior to extubation. Reintubation within …

Diva Difficult Intravenous Access Assessment, Aileen M. Romero, Mary Jo Sarver

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Healthcare Systems & Policy Implications For The Impact Of State Medicaid Reimbursement Rates On Access To Primary Care Services In Rural Communities: Turning Knowledge Into Action, Miriam Martinez

Posters - 2026

• Where a child lives can determine whether they receive care or go without it. • Access to primary care is essential for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, but rural areas face persistent challenges such as provider shortages and geographic isolation. • Medicaid serves as the primary source of health coverage for low-income children; however, reimbursement rates vary by state and are often lower than other forms of insurance. • This study examines how Medicaid reimbursement policy contributes to disparities in access to care for rural children and reflects broader structural inequalities within the healthcare system.

The Cost Of Affordable Healthcare: How Brazil's Sus And Generic Drug Strtegy Produce Structural Inequality And Challenge Global Pharmaceutical Rules, Elena Kössler

Posters - 2026

Affordable healthcare is often seen as a major social achievement, but maintaining low costs involves important trade-offs. Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) provides universal healthcare and relies heavily on generic medicines to expand access. This raises a central question: how can a system reduce the cost of healthcare while simultaneously generating new forms of inequality and tension within global pharmaceutical markets? This paper argues that Brazil’s cost-reduction strategy, particularly its reliance on generic medicines, improves affordability but also produces structural trade-offs between equitable access, quality of care, and incentives for pharmaceutical innovation.

Free Money And Safer Patients, Kaitlyn R. Livingston, Kennedy G. Crites, Jazmine Razo, Erin Radigan, Kennedy Crites

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This quality improvement project aims to improve consistency of nurse compliance with daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing in a local oncology unit to reduce the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI’s). CLABSI’s remain a preventable source of patient morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, delayed cancer treatment, and increased healthcare costs, particularly among immunocompromised oncology patients who frequently require central venous access. Evidence supports daily CHG bathing as an effective infection prevention intervention; however, inconsistent completion and documentation across day and night shifts limit reliability in practice. This project addresses both documentation accuracy and actual bathing completion to ensure care consistency. Implementation …

Managing Oro-Antral Communications After Tooth Extractions: A Guide For General Dentists, Ross Brockman Dmd, Md, G. E. Ghali Dds, Md

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This clinical feature provides general dentists with a detailed guide on managing oro-antral communications (OACs) resulting from tooth extractions. It distinguishes between acute OACs and chronic oro-antral fistulas (OAFs), identifying anatomical and surgical risk factors. The authors outline conservative management strategies for small communications, including sinus precautions and pharmacotherapy, as well as surgical techniques like the buccal advancement flap for larger defects. The article concludes with specific criteria for specialist referral, ensuring that dentists can optimize patient outcomes and prevent long-term complications such as chronic sinusitis.

Improving Bedside Nurse Central Line Policy Compliance And Combating Clabsis, Keyshawna N. Chambers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a problem, both globally and locally at this 20-bed pediatric cardiovascular ICU in Houston, TX. Bedside nursing staff had gaps in knowledge of central line policies and were often unaware of when dressings needed to be changed. This posed a significant concern, as this nosocomial infection is among the most life-threatening and costly complications in healthcare. Leadership attempted to correct this issue with weekly multidisciplinary rounds, but with high turnover, this was not a long-term fix. This quality improvement project aimed to increase central line policy compliance among bedside nursing staff to 93%, from …

Post-Covid Update: Magic Can Still Happen, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, Dr. Michelle Dziurgot addresses the persistent staffing shortages in dentistry six years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares personal insights on managing a leaner practice by utilizing virtual assistants, cross-training existing staff, and emphasizing the "TEAM" philosophy—Trust, Education, Accountability, and Magic. Dziurgot discusses the transition to new practice models and the importance of patient communication during times of limited personnel. Ultimately, the piece encourages practice owners to find innovative ways to maintain high standards of care and team morale despite a difficult labor market.

How Do I Set Up New Hires For Long-Term Success?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

HR expert Jodi Schafer addresses the common challenge of employee retention through effective onboarding strategies. She clarifies that onboarding is a long-term process of integration and belonging, distinct from simple orientation. The article provides practical tips for reducing new-hire anxiety, such as sharing first-day agendas and assigning mentors. Schafer emphasizes the importance of pacing training, setting clear performance expectations, and establishing ongoing feedback loops during the first few weeks. By measuring metrics like time to proficiency, practices can refine their integration processes to build a stable and committed workforce.

April 2026, Swosu Bulldog Wellness Committee

SWOSU BULLDOG WELLNESS

• Stress Awareness Month
• Stress Management Tips for Bulldogs
• Bulldog Resources