Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Network Analysis: An Application Of Graph Theory In Biology, Kiana Dunbar

Honors Theses

Graphs are simple, visual representations of entities as nodes connected by edges. They are used to convey relationships within a system. Networks are comprised of interrelated entities that are not easily separable, producing complex, structured data. These can be seen in social groups, highway systems, and even in biological systems. This paper surveys concepts in graph theory for application to the analysis of network data to understand disease. The features of graphs provide a useful framework for thinking about relationships between different genes or proteins. The structure of graphs is also compatible with a variety of machine learning tools. Especially …

Telehealth Workflow Optimization, Taku Ajongakoh Stella

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) project addresses the 36% telehealth no-show rate at an outpatient behavioral health clinic in Maryland. High attrition rates currently compromise continuity of care and result in a projected annual revenue loss of $124,000. The present project proposed a standardized workflow redesign in the current Integrated Care Approach (ICA) notes Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to address the manual outreach inconsistency. Significant interventions involved the activation of automated multimodal reminders at 72-hour, 24-hour, and 1-hour intervals, and the obligatory 24-hour technical pre-verification connection. Moreover, the project introduced a systematic 48-hour follow-up procedure of missed visits to …

Empowering Nurses To Save Lives: Suicide Prevention Education And Training For Outpatient Nurses In Prince George’S County, Maryland, Oludoyin O. Ajala

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Suicide remains a significant public health concern, with increasing prevalence across diverse populations. Outpatient nurses frequently encounter individuals at risk for suicide; however, many report limited confidence and inconsistent use of evidence-based assessment tools, contributing to missed opportunities for early intervention. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice staff education project was to implement a structured suicide prevention education program to improve nurses’ knowledge, confidence, and ability to identify and manage suicide risk. The practice-focused question examined whether implementing a structured suicide prevention education program for outpatient nurses would increase knowledge and confidence in identifying and intervening with patients …

The Association Between Racial Discrimination And Pregnancy-Related Hypertension Among Department Of Health And Human Services Regions Between 2016 And 2022, Emily Chew

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative study examined the association between racial discrimination and pregnancy-related hypertension among women age 18–40 in the United States, and how this relationship is modified by age and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regions (states). Guided by the social ecological model, this research measured whether race, place, and lived experiences of discrimination contributed to disparities in maternal health outcomes. The study utilized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data set (2016–2022) which represented 81% of United States live births (n=249,970). The independent variable was self-reported racial discrimination during pregnancy, delivery, …

Perceptions Of Instructional Accommodations Among Nursing Students With Information Processing Disorder, Imaobong Aliyu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Instructional accommodations in nursing education often emphasize testing adjustments, while classroom-based instructional support for students with information processing challenges remains underexamined. This descriptive qualitative study explored pre-licensure nursing students’ perceptions of instructional accommodations for students with information processing disorders in Southern California. Guided by humanistic learning theory, the study addressed the research question: What are the perceptions of instructional accommodations in the classroom setting among pre-licensure nursing students with information processing disorders? Seven pre-licensure nursing students participated in semistructured Zoom interviews. Data were analyzed using an inductive process consistent with Saldaña’s analytic approach. Analysis revealed one overarching theme- Instructional accommodations …

Optimizing The Charge Nurse Role To Improve Workflow And Communication In A Community Living Center, Ndidi Kalu Ibe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated the impact of optimizing the charge nurse role on workflow efficiency and communication within a Community Living Center. Identified practice gaps included role ambiguity, inconsistent delegation, and communication breakdowns, which contributed to delays in care and decreased staff satisfaction. An evidence-based approach was used to standardize charge nurse responsibilities, strengthen leadership practices, and introduce structured communication processes. The project demonstrated that improving role clarity and leadership consistency supports more effective delegation, enhances team communication, and improves care coordination. Outcome included increased staff engagement, improved workflow efficiency, and enhanced patient safety. This initiative …

The Correlation Of Beer, Wine, And Liquor Excise Tax With Alcohol-Impaired Traffic-Related Deaths In All 50 U.S. States, Paul R. Amigh Ii

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a persistent public health and safety problem in the United States, resulting in thousands of preventable deaths each year and substantial societal costs. Policymakers frequently rely on alcohol excise taxes as a deterrence strategy; however, evidence regarding the effectiveness of taxation alone in reducing alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities remains mixed. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study, grounded in economic deterrence theory, was to assess relationships between state-level beer, wine, and liquor excise tax rates and alcohol-impaired traffic fatality rates per 100,000 population in 2019. A cross-sectional design used secondary data from all 50 U.S. states and the …

Staff Education On Structured Phq-9 Administration To Enhance Depression Screening In Outpatient Mental Health Care, Zekarias F. Abessa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In outpatient mental health settings, inconsistent use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) due to gaps in knowledge and lack of standardized training can lead to missed opportunities for early identification of depression and delayed treatment. Mental health nurses play a key role in screening and early intervention, underscoring the criticality of this role in practice. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project explored whether a structured PHQ-9 staff education program could improve staff knowledge compared to baseline practice. The project involved using an intervention-based quality improvement design to enhance staff knowledge of administering and interpreting the PHQ-9 screening tool. …

Multicultural, Trauma‑Informed Feeding Protocols For Children With Spd In Student‑Led Ot Clinics, Matt Crummel

Capstone Projects

This capstone project aims to develop and implement feeding protocols for children with sensory processing disorders in a student-led occupational therapy clinic, emphasizing trauma-informed care and multicultural practices. By creating evidence-based interventions and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the project seeks to enhance therapeutic outcomes while providing OT students with hands-on learning experiences. OT is a healthcare profession that enhances individuals’ independence in daily activities through personalized interventions targeting physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Student-led OT clinics offer a valuable learning environment where students work under licensed clinicians to provide therapeutic care.

Sensory processing disorders (SPD) significantly impact feeding behaviors, often leading …

Mindful Tea Drinking As A Low-Cost Sensory Intervention For Reducing Stress In College Students, David Gabel

Honors Projects

The proposed study would investigate the effects of a tea-based sensory mindfulness exercise on stress in college aged participants. Participants would listen to a mindful tea exercise and a non-mindful tea exercise after a mild stress-inducing Stroop test. For both conditions, the participants would report their current state of distress on the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) before and after each tea exercise and their heart rate variability (HRV) would be measured during each segment of the experiment.

Descriptive statistics and a paired samples t-test would be used to compare the mindful tea condition with the non-mindful condition following …

Lateral Habenula And Dorsal Raphe Neurons Signal Value Computations In Multi-Attribute Decision-Making, Yang-Yang Feng

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Decision-making is a fundamental part of adaptive behavior and can be compromised in psychiatric illness. Humans and animals are continuously presented with objects and opportunities as options to decide between. One challenge is that these options may independently vary along multiple dimensions or attributes that we care about. This can include attributes of physical reward, such as amount, delay, or uncertainty. When these attributes are present, the possibility of an abstract, cognitive reward, advance information to resolve uncertainty, may also motivate our decisions. It is unclear how the brain makes these subjective decisions, trading off between these multiple attributes based …

Enhancing Well-Being In Long Term Care: A Lifestyle-Redesign-Based Program For Older Adults, Rachel L. Hajek

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This project focused on the development and implementation of a Lifestyle Redesign^®-based program to improve well-being and quality of life among older adults living in a skilled nursing facility. The program emphasized engagement in meaningful, client-centered activities tailored to the residents’ interests and values. Ten participants from two long-term care neighborhoods completed a five-week program consisting of ten wellness sessions. Sessions were designed to promote emotional, physical, and social engagement while incorporating participants’ personal values, including spiritual elements. Outcomes were measured using pre- and post-assessments of perceived well-being and engagement. Results indicated improvements in overall well-being, increased social …

Perceptions Of Rural Large Animal Owners On Cost And Distance As Barriers To Veterinary Medicine, Alyssa Dalleske

Honors College Theses

Access to veterinary care remains a significant issue in rural communities due to financial, geographic, and access barriers. Limited access to veterinary care can have an impact on animal welfare and an economic impact for producers. This study aimed to assess factors influencing access to veterinary services, including cost, distance to clinics, perceived value of care, and availability of mobile veterinary professionals. The survey was distributed to rural large animal owners using social media, and gained 20 participants. It collected data on perceived barriers within their communities. The survey results indicated that cost of care and distance to veterinary clinics …

Success Or Setback: A Literature Review Of The Association Between Youth Athlete Sport Specialization And Injury Incidence From Adolescence To Adulthood., Kelis Adams

Honors College Theses

For a multitude of reasons, in the United States, present day society is a persistent witness and contributor to the adultification and professionalization of children alongside the activities they engage in. Single-sport specialization in youth sports is one of our most clear and poignant instances of the existence of this subcurrent. But, in recent years, following the uptick in single-sport specialization among youth athletes there has also been a marked increase in sports medicine professionals cautioning athletes and their families of premature commitment to a sole sport due to concerns of physical health risks. As sport typically involves forceful and …

Charity Pharmacies: An Integrative Overview Of Operations: A Continuing Education Program For Pharmacists, Stella Bertram

Honors Theses

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The goal of this activity is to educate pharmacists about Charity Pharmacies by creating an integrative overview of their purpose, laws and regulations, processes and procedures, eligibility, and opportunities for involvement. This course will ensure pharmacists are competent in the operations involved in volunteering or working within a charitable pharmacy.

Additionally, the information provided supports pharmacists in understanding their roles as well as roles of volunteers. They will understand the importance of their role in the community and the depth of their service within Charity Pharmacies.

Veratridine Suppresses Rictor-Mtorc2 Signaling Pathway In Colon Cancer Patient-Derived Xenograft Cells, Morgan Daniel Montgomery

Honors Thesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second deadliest and fourth most common cancer in the world. The metastatic form of CRC is especially devastating due to a lack of effective and safer therapeutic options. Another challenge includes an increasing number of younger patients. Among critical signaling pathways overactivated in CRC, mTORC2 plays a key role in the progression of metastatic CRC, yet there is no selective mTORC2 inhibitor in the clinic. Interestingly, a natural plant alkaloid from the Veratrum genus, Veratridine (VTD), shows promise as VTD can upregulate UBXN2A, a colon-specific tumor suppressor protein. UBXN2A works with E3 ligases to ubiquitinate …

Functional And Spatially Specialized Inhibition And Neuromodulation During Learning In The Hippocampus, Gerardo Enrique Molina

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The hippocampus relies on a diverse network of regulatory components for memory formation. Neuromodulators and inhibitory interneurons act in concert with excitatory neurons to control learning. Even within one of these components there is a vast diversity of genetic or chemical composition that may come from unique sources at uniquely timed intervals or events. The goal of this dissertation is to identify specific functional-behavioral attributes of two such examples: parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons and the neuromodulator dopamine, in hippocampal CA1. In separate experiments, I used two-photon microscopy of the calcium sensor, GCaMP, which measures neuronal activity, and GRAB-DA, which reports levels …

Impact Of Provider Confidence And Psychiatric Referrals Through Education And Implementation Of The Gad-7 Anxiety Screening Tool In An Outpatient Family Clinic, Maceline E. Check

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Gaps in provider and nurse confidence in identifying and managing anxiety disorders in outpatient family clinic settings contribute to underdiagnosis, delayed intervention, and reduced psychiatric referrals. This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of provider education and implementation of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screening tool on provider and nurse confidence and appropriate psychiatric referral rates, with the goal of improving clinical decision-making and standardizing anxiety screening practices. The project was guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice. Using a quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention design, providers and nurses in an outpatient family clinic received structured, …

Quality Improvement Project: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing Education On Staff Perceived Knowledge, Kaonta Spencer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

A community hospital set strategic goals to achieve Vizient top-decile performance and drive continuous improvement by reducing surgical site infection (SSI) rates. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to support this goal by implementing an evidence-based educational intervention to improve nurses' perceived knowledge and self-reported ability with the chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing protocol for hysterectomy patients. Guided by Lewin's Change Theory, the Iowa Model Revised, and the Iowa Implementation Framework, the educational intervention applied a structured approach to address behavioral and organizational barriers contributing to protocol noncompliance. A quantitative, quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention design was used to evaluate …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Interdisciplinary Care In Nursing Education Through Simulation, Anna Williams

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential in preparing nursing students for effective teamwork and communication in clinical practice and is supported by the literature as improving these outcomes. However, limited faculty training in interprofessional simulation design contributes to reduced IPE opportunities within nursing curricula. A needs assessment at the project site identified a lack of structured, hands-on training for simulation faculty, resulting in decreased faculty confidence and limited implementation of IPE simulations. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate whether a structured training intervention improved simulation faculty self-efficacy in developing and implementing IPE simulations. Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory guided …

Implementation Of A Nurse-Led Discharge Protocol To Impact Nurse Confidence And Optimize Transitional Care Management, Jessi-Ann Elrod

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of hospitalization and readmission, with the transition from hospital to home representing a vulnerable period for patients. Variability in discharge education and follow-up scheduling contributes to poor self-management and adverse outcomes. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated whether implementing a standardized nurse-led HF discharge protocol impacted nurses' confidence and the rate of 7–14-day transitional care management (TCM) follow-up appointments. Guided by Meleis’ Transitions Theory and Lewin’s Change Theory, a one–group pretest–posttest QI design was implemented on a cardiac step-down unit. Twelve discharge nurses participated. The intervention included a structured education session and the …

Quality Improvement Project Reducing Attrition Rates In Nursing Students: Evaluating The Enhanced Student Success Program, Jason Grigg

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The high attrition rate in the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program created an opportunity to develop the enhanced Student Success Program (eSSP). This is a faculty-based quality improvement project designed to increase support for students at risk of withdrawal from the AASN program. The aim of eSSP is to reduce attrition rates, however, this project evaluated only short-term changes in faculty confidence. Using Lewin's Change Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior as a guide, this QI implemented a one-group pre-post experimental design to determine whether a short eSSP training program, combined with a 5-week implementation period, …

Quality Improvement Project : Educating Critical Care Nurses On Braden Scale And Sskin Care Bundle To Impact Pressure Injuries, Andrea Garrett

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) increase patients' risk of infection, prolonged hospitalization, death, and healthcare costs. The Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ) has shown that implementing a standardized skin assessment process and a care bundle helps prevent skin injuries. A critical care unit (CCU) at an acute care 339-bed hospital in Southaven, MS, has seen an increase in HAPIs. This quality improvement project aimed to educate CCU nurses about the Braden Scale and the SSKIN care bundle to impact pressure injuries in the CCU within 8 weeks. Education on the Braden Scale and the Skin, Sensory, Keep Moving, Incontinence, …

Quality Improvement Project: Gpt Prompts As Tools For Cultural Competence In Undergraduate Nursing Education, Elizabeth K. Hobbs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In rural nursing programs, student exposure to diverse cultures is limited, which can hinder development of cultural competence. Artificial intelligence (AI) simulation is an evidence-based strategy to improve cultural competence and clinical decision-making, a practice gap exists due to lack of structured, accessible tools. This quality improvement project evaluated whether Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)–based structured prompts would increase culturally inclusive simulation activities and improve faculty perceptions of usefulness and ease of use at a rural community college. The guiding PICOT asked: Among nursing faculty, how does the use of GPT-based structured prompts, compared to an unstructured approach, impact perceived usefulness, …

Quality Improvement Project: Faculty Development For Understanding And Utilization Of Exam Data, Deanne Hutchens

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement project focused on inconsistent use and understanding of exam data among Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) faculty, which can influence teaching decisions and student success. Many nursing faculty enter education with strong clinical backgrounds but limited experience working with exam statistics such as item difficulty, discrimination values, and Kuder-Richardson 20 (KR-20) reliability. Without a consistent approach, exam results may not be fully used to guide remediation or adjust instruction. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project examined whether a structured faculty development session could improve faculty confidence and ability to interpret and apply exam data. A pre- …

Quality Improvement Project: Evaluating The Impact Of Provider Education On Sbirt On Screening For Suds, Faith Ogala

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a serious public health issue in people with psychiatric disorders. However, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, leading to poor treatment outcomes and increased social and economic costs. The purpose and aim of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to educate providers on the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model to facilitate the timely diagnosis of SUDs in patients with dual diagnoses. The key outcomes were provider knowledge and SBIRT implementation rates. The Donabedian Model of Healthcare Quality assessed the outcomes, whereas Lewin’s Change Model guided implementation. The project employed …

Establishing A Standardized Suicide Risk Screening Policy For Psychiatric Providers: Closing Gaps In Provider Accountability And Clinical Documentation, Fadekemi Olude

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Psychiatric providers in outpatient settings often experience inconsistent confidence and incomplete documentation when conducting suicide risk screening, contributing to missed opportunities for early identification of at-risk patients. This quality improvement project addressed the need for standardized suicide risk screening at an urban outpatient psychiatric clinic. The purpose was to evaluate documentation using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Using a pre-post intervention design guided by Lewin's Change Theory and the Donabedian Model of Quality Improvement, a 60-minute training session was delivered to 31 psychiatric providers. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) surveys. Chart audits (N = 1,970) …

A Functional Nutrition Literature Review For Brain Fog And Adhd-Like Symptoms In Adults, Natalie Elisani Aldahondo-Matos

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD-like symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, and problems with executive functioning, are increasingly recognized in adults. Although medication is commonly used to manage ADHD, there is growing interest in whether nutrition may also play a role in supporting brain function and attention. Several nutrients involved in brain health including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, magnesium, iron, and choline  have been suggested as potential contributors to cognitive performance and attention. However, the research examining the connection between diet and ADHD symptoms is still limited and sometimes shows mixed results.

The purpose of this project was …

Quality Improvement Project Ai-Powered Conversations: Enhancing Nursing Students’ Interview Skills, Judy K. Staley

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Professional communication is an essential skill for nursing students, particularly in job interviews. Deficits in professional communication can negatively impact future employment and accreditation outcomes. Current practices in faculty-led mock interviews can be limited by time constraints and the need for consistent feedback, underscoring the need for a more consistent and effective method supported by current evidence-based literature. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to evaluate whether integrating AI-assisted mock interviews into faculty-led practices influences faculty perceptions of student preparedness. Guided by Kotter’s Change Model and supported by the constructivist framework, the project aimed to enhance the effectiveness …

Executive Summary: Executive Leadership System Improvement Improving Depression Screening And Follow Up Processes, Rebecca Geneiveve Hidalgo Salomon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression remains a significant public health burden in the United States, contributing to disability, healthcare utilization, and economic cost. Internal 2024 audits at the project site identified variability in Patient Health Questionnaire 9 PHQ 9 screening and follow up processes, with 68% of screenings completed, 55% of follow ups timely, and disparities among patients with limited English proficiency. These findings indicate a systems level reliability and equity gap. This executive leadership system improvement project focused on developing a standardized, nurse led, electronic health record supported workflow to improve PHQ 9 completion and timely follow up. The practice focused question asked …