Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

​​Living With Parkinson’S During Covid-19: A Survey Of Parkinson’S Patients During Covid-19​, Sia Shaila Pilgaonkar

Undergraduate Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), raising concerns about exacerbation of symptoms and vulnerability of the patients. This project first reviews existing literature on the interconnections between COVID-19 and PD, focusing on the physiological, psychological, and treatment-related challenges faced by patients. Then it analyzes survey data examining increased severity of COVID-19 in individuals with PD, alongside the literature researching potential mechanisms linking the two, such as inflammation and neurodegeneration. The survey’s key areas of focus included symptom management, treatment satisfaction, the impact of PD on daily living, and the impact of COVID-19 on motor and …

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 3Α1'S Role In Promoting Iron Loading, Tumorigenesis, And Metastasis In Colorectal Cancer, Luke B. Villareal

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

The interplay between hypoxia and iron metabolism drives colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. This dissertation investigates hypoxia-inducible factor 3α1 (HIF-3α1), a protein linked to poor CRC outcomes, focusing on its roles in metastasis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and iron loading via transferrin receptor (TFRC). HIF-3α1 promotes CRC cell migration by upregulating zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) and suppressing N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), while TFRC-mediated iron accumulation supports tumor growth and survival. Iron chelation reduced EMT markers, migration, and tumor growth, highlighting iron's critical role. Additionally, HIF-3α1-induced TFRC expression altered nucleotide synthesis enzymes carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase-aspartate transcarbamoylase-dihydroorotase (CAD) and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate …

An Integrative Review Of Trauma Informed Care With Pediatrics To Minimize Psychological Sequelae Post Discharge, Amber Lee, Courtney Heinzelman

Master's Projects

Each year, a significant number of children sustain injuries requiring hospitalization, and while many recover physically, some face long-term psychological challenges such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. This integrative review focuses on adolescents aged 13–18 who have experienced accidental trauma, exploring how trauma-informed care (TIC) in nursing compares to traditional approaches in reducing psychological impacts after discharge. Research suggests that many young patients report mental health symptoms for months following traumatic events. Trauma-informed care prioritizes principles such as safety, trust, peer support, and empowerment, aiming to reduce emotional distress and promote recovery. This review examines the application of these …

Design, Synthesis, And Nmr-Guided Characterization Of A Targeted Covalent Inhibitor-Like Molecule Against Ivyp1 From P. Aeruginosa, Samuel Taylor Moore

Master's Theses

Multi-drug resistance poses a serious threat to future generations and historical antibiotic pipelines; consequently, the medical and economic burdens associated with treating multidrug-resistant bacteria are substantiated. In this context, P. aeruginosa (PA) emerges as one of the most significant healthcare challenges, being a leading cause of resistance-associated mortality worldwide. Despite modern efforts to combat these poor outcomes, drug-resistant cases continue to rise, and the need for novel antibiotic treatment is apparent. To this end, we investigated relevant resistance mechanisms and past antibiotic targets within PA, and in doing so, we identified relationships between peptidoglycan biology and a periplasmic protein, Inhibitor …

Developing A Trauma-Informed Family-Centered Care Toolkit For Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses, Sonja A. Alli-Casella

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Background: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may be a stressful, traumatizing, or re-traumatizing experience for parents of critically ill newborns and infants.

Problem: NICU nurses and other healthcare providers may not realize their impact on parental stress responses as neonatal care providers may not have adequate training to support adults experiencing acute emotional distress.

Methods: Strong evidence supports using family-centered care (FCC) in the NICU to promote bonding and parental involvement in caring for their infants. This manuscript aims to review current research and literature on trauma-informed care training and its impact on nurse confidence in managing dysregulated adults, …

Enhancing Ob Healthcare: Impact Of Black Nurse Representation, Devi Wolfe-Reese

Honors Capstones

Increasing Black nurse representation in obstetrics (OB) care is crucial for improving maternal and infant health outcomes, reducing health disparities, and building trust between patients and providers. Research shows that diverse healthcare teams lead to better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates and higher patient satisfaction. Black nurses bring critical cultural competence to OB care, strengthening patient-provider relationships and ensuring that care is tailored to the unique needs of Black families. A more diverse nursing workforce promotes better collaboration, enhances inclusivity, and contributes to a more equitable healthcare system overall.

To achieve these goals, healthcare institutions must prioritize diversity by …

It's Going To Be Okay: Experiences And Perceptions Of People Who Seek Reassurance At Work, Liana Bernard

Dissertations and Theses

This study examined the experiences and perceptions of people who seek reassurance at work using a mixed methods (focus groups and experimental) approach. Reassurance-seeking is an attempt to elicit supportive communication from another person to help one reduce experienced anxiety. First, using focus groups with 32 participants, this study found that people seeking reassurance at work develop complex cognitive structures to reduce the prospective negative impacts of reassurance-seeking behaviors, particularly for those with marginalized identities. Then, in a 3x2 between-person experimental design in which employee gender and reassurance-seeking were manipulated, participants read a transcript of an interaction between an employee …

Impact Of Training For Nursing Staff In The Prevention Of Hapis, Onyinye E. Ohia, Colleen A. Anthony

Master's Projects

Abstract

Background: The incidence of Hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) have remained a problem in healthcare despite concerted efforts by hospitals and other governmental agencies to eliminate the problem via policy and emphasis on safety. There is support in literature for the training of healthcare professionals as an important tool in the prevention and management of HAPIs. Despite the existence of studies that link training of nurses to a reduction in rates of HAPIs, evidence in support of that is still piecemeal; with poorly defined outcomes.

Aims and objectives: The aim of this integrative review is to identify …

The Role And Therapeutic Possibilities Of Pelp1 In Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Hcc) Cells, Marian Hernandez Fernandez

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most rapidly increasing cause of cancer mortality in the USA and ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Moreover, advanced HCC has a bleak prognosis, with a median survival rate of approximately 10 months. Latinos in South Texas exhibit the greatest incidence of liver cancer nationwide. Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1 (PELP1) is an oncogene associated with the advancement of several cancers; however, its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Analysis of publicly accessible cancer databases revealed elevated expression of PELP1 oncogene in HCC relative to the control group. …

Understanding The Transitional Needs Of Servicemembers To Veterans: A Focus On Mental, Social, And Behavioral Health, Marieann C. Raguso

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to fill the gaps on the transitional American veterans’ lived experience using their own voice. The reconstruction of an American Veteran’s identity after transitioning back into civilian life is a process with many challenges. Transitional practices often fail to help veterans to acculturate back into the civilian world. This includes the formulation of identities and associations. There is a lack of consistency in military transitional practices leading to identity loss and the formulation of mental and behavioral disorders. The aim of this study is to examine the lived experiences of veterans who have transitioned back …

Evaluating The Perceived Benefits Of Education In Revenue Cycle Management And The Impact On Medical Claims Reimbursement, Jessica L. Miller

Student Dissertations

Efficient Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) is essential for healthcare organizations to ensure timely and accurate reimbursement for medical claims. The research problem was the significant inadequacies in RCM process in medical billing that has resulted in financial burdens imposed on providers, patients, and the organizations that provide medical services. There are clearly identified educational gaps in RCM that contribute to claim denials, delays, and revenue loss, underscoring the need for robust training programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived impact of education in RCM on medical claim reimbursement outcomes within the U.S. healthcare system. The study …

Enhancing Disaster Response Competencies In Nursing Education Through Simulation-Based Training: An Integrated Literature Review, Paul Dreater

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Objectives: This integrated literature review aimed to identify and prioritize disaster management education content to equip undergraduate and graduate nursing students with the necessary knowledge and skills for competent disaster response.

Data sources and review method: A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar, Fusion, and Scopus, using keywords such as disaster nursing, disaster preparedness, simulation, education, and mass casualty incidents. Filters restricted results to English-language studies from the past ten years within nursing education. Selected articles were reviewed and summarized to address the research question: What are the essential disaster …

Improving Diabetes Self-Management Skills Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Through Weekly Education, Carthia Joachim

Dissertations

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is one of the major health issues worldwide, which has led to many health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage that leads to limb amputation, kidney damage, and even death (Sameer et al., 2020). Lack of self-care management is one of the reasons diabetes is becoming such an issue in society. Studies have shown that T2DM outcomes can be improved by implementing diabetes self-management education (DSME) (Hailu et al., 2019). The study evaluated the effectiveness of DSME intervention in adult patients with T2DM over 12 weeks in Orlando, Florida. Using a structured education program, the …

The Physical And Psychological Impacts Of Exercise On Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Study, Savannah Posey

Honors Projects

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a subtype of a series of connective tissue disorders identified by joint hypermobility and multisystemic symptoms. It is caused by a lack of collagen production affecting the body’s ability to support important structures such as muscle, bone skin, and other connective tissues. To study the physical and psychological impacts of exercise on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a seven-week, phased exercise intervention program was implemented for a nineteen-year-old male with the disease. The program consisted of three phases focused on the strengthening of the surrounding musculature of the glenohumeral joint, along with improving muscular endurance and proprioception. …

Examining The Effects Of Language Barriers For Non-Native English Speakers In The Healthcare System In Northwest Ohio, Sarah Witt

Honors Projects

Hundreds of thousands of people in the state of Ohio speak a language other than English, and communication in a predominantly English-speaking state can prove not only cumbersome, but dangerous as well. Patients who have difficulties communicating with their healthcare providers experience higher rates of medical error, adverse medical reactions because of improper drug use, longer hospital stays, and more hospital readmissions than the general population. Additionally, they experience high rates of anxiety and frustration when receiving medical care, which causes resentment and mistrust of the healthcare system. This study investigated language barriers in healthcare systems across Northwest Ohio by …

Enhancing Disaster Preparedness In Nursing Education: A Quality Improvement Approach Using Simulation And Training, Paul Dreater

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Natural or artificial disasters threaten safety and continuity in educational settings. The University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions (USF SONHP) identified a critical gap in its disaster preparedness, underscored by the absence of a comprehensive disaster plan. This shortfall highlights the need for an educational strategy encompassing disaster readiness and response, particularly given the potential for such events to cause substantial harm and disruption.

Local Problem: A gap analysis conducted at the USF SONHP revealed the lack of a structured disaster plan, underlining the urgent need for an initiative to develop and implement a comprehensive …

¿Qué Dijo El Médico?: Creating A Procedural Preparation Booklet For Spanish-Speaking Patients And Families In The Pediatric Hospital Setting, Caitlyn Bockbrader

Honors Projects

The purpose of my Honors Project is to demonstrate the need for and creation of a resource that supports Spanish-speaking children’s ability to cope through commonly stressful medical procedures. In developing this project, I conducted a literature review on the efficacy of preparation booklets in lessening pre-procedural anxiety, cultural considerations for the Hispanic community, and current barriers to equitable language access in healthcare settings. My final product was designed to answer the following question: How can the psychosocial outcomes of Spanish-speaking children in U.S. hospitals be improved through the use of Child Life procedural preparation materials? In answering this question, …

Physical Fitness And Nutrition In Collegiate Musical Theater Programs, Alexis Ochi, Amy Morgan Ph.D, Mary-Jon Ludy Ph.D.

Honors Projects

BACKGROUND: Athleticism and physical fitness are often not the first characteristics one identifies when visualizing someone in musical theater. Watching just one performance can make it clear that dancing, acting, running, all while singing and keeping near perfect pitch requires a theater actor to be extremely fit. As well as fitness, nutrition considerations and injury prevention should also be considered due to the high physiological demand placed on these performers. Minimal research has been conducted regarding the fitness and nutritional habits of musical theater performers. PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of discussions about fitness and nutrition in collegiate musical …

The Relationship Between Religious Coping Styles And Eating Disorder Risk In Christians In A University Setting, Meghan E. Aubuchon

Honors Theses

Existing research on eating disorders and religion is beginning to gain momentum in the present day, but research is lacking on the topic of religious coping and eating disorder risk. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between two known styles of religious coping—positive and negative—and eating disorder risk in University of Mississippi students, faculty, and staff who identify as Christian. A survey consisting of basic demographic questions, the EAT-26, and the Brief RCOPE was distributed via emails sent by the office of IREP to students, faculty, and staff at the University of Mississippi. A total of 330 participants were …

Effectiveness Of Mental Health Interventions For Adults With Cancer In The Us: An Integrative Review, Danielle Lee, Chelsea Ferguson

Master's Projects

The purpose of this review was to synthesize existing literature on the effects of mental health interventions for adult cancer patients following their initial diagnosis and to consolidate findings related to interventions addressing mental health conditions in this population. With the growing number of adults diagnosed with cancer, further research and the development of tailored mental health interventions are crucial to improving health outcomes.

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Medline Complete, and Health Source Nursing databases between January 2024 and February 2024. To ensure rigor, Toronto and Remington’s (2020) integrative review process was applied. The Johns Hopkins …

An Exploration Of Telemedicine Application Service Quality And Its Relevance With Patient Satisfaction, Victoria Olguin

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

When the world experienced a pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-virus (COVID-19) in 2019, a lockdown quickly took place and travel restrictions were applied, placing a barrier to in- person healthcare access. This made the healthcare settings practice alternate ways in delivering healthcare that did not necessarily have to be in-person. The evolvement of a remote setting took place, and the development and usage of telemedicine quickly accelerated. This form of healthcare has transformed the way care is delivered to patients, with many key elements shaping their experience and outcomes. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, the practice of telemedicine …

Evaluating The Impact Of A One Day Resiliency Training Facilitation Program On Nurses' Wellbeing In An Acute Care Hospital, Amarachi Chidinma Eke-Okoro

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Nursing burnout is a significant problem with far-reaching consequences. High levels of stress, emotional exhaustion, and reduced job satisfaction among nurses contribute to poor patient outcomes, increased medical errors, and high turnover rates. There is a high prevalence of burnout among nurse executives, consequences of which include extreme stress, emotional anguish, and a desire to quit, which points to a larger problem with burnout affecting the nursing profession (Martin et al., 2023). Fostering resilience among nurses can help to mitigate these outcomes by enhancing physical, mental, and social health through building purpose, positive emotions, and effective stress management. …

Neurodivergent Experiences In Communication Sciences And Disorders Programs As Reflected In Reddit, Shadha Al Kalbani

Honors Theses

By definition, neurodivergent students are those whose brain function differs significantly from societal expectations (Walker, 2014). The term ‘neurodivergent’ is associated with the Neurodiversity Movement. Although the Neurodiversity Movement was spearheaded by the Autistic1 community, the term commonly includes other forms of neurodivergence such as ADHD and dyslexia. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of neurodivergent students in Communication Sciences Disorders (CSD) programs, where systematic data on their demographics and experience is relatively limited. Specifically, this study analysed posts from the online social media platform Reddit that are dedicated to the college experience of neurodivergent students …

The Effective Implementation Of Agile Project Management In Healthcare It Projects, Chinedu Chigbu

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This research paper investigates the effective implementation of Agile project management in the healthcare sector, focusing on its role in facilitating digital transformation initiatives. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study examines current practices, challenges, and future trends in healthcare digitalization, emphasizing the pivotal role of IT project management. Key concepts, models, and success metrics are analyzed, with particular attention to the adoption of Agile methodologies and stakeholder collaboration. Challenges such as interoperability, resistance to change, and data security are scrutinized alongside strategic solutions. The paper also outlines future opportunities, including AI integration and blockchain, and offers recommendations for enhancing …

Exploring Hypertension Prevalence Through Perceived Health Beliefs, Sarah E. Wagman

Honors Capstones

Hypertension is a form of heart disease that is extremely prevalent, affecting many Americans. This disease manifests from countless risk factors often modifiable from an individual’s lifestyle behavior. Many health initiatives are understood by the public including healthy eating, exercise, and maintaining adequate health, but incidence continues to rise. To better understand this occurrence, a framework called the Health Belief Model is used to answer why individuals make the health decisions that they do in relation to hypertension. Participants in both individual, small group, and large group settings were invited to attend a Hypertension Awareness Event. Participants were asked to …

Targeting The Cholesterol Storage Enzyme Acat1/Soat1 In Brain Cells And Mouse Model: A Novel Approach To Address Aging And Apoe4-Related Neuroinflammation, Thao Nguyen Phuong Huynh Krumeich

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that significantly impacts nearly 7 million people in the United States. AD is characterized by the deposition of amyloid beta (Ab) plaque, tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), lipids granules, and neuroinflammation. Age and apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) are the two biggest risk factors for AD. Recent AD therapeutic development has mostly benefited the patient population with milder symptoms while causing serious side effects in APOE4 carriers, leaving the most impacted patients’ group - aged APOE4 carriers with no treatment option. With the increasing aging population, there is an urgent need for a …

Natural Medicine Use In Costa Rica, Elizabeth Krol

Honors Theses

This study explores the role of natural medicine in Costa Rican culture, while focusing on its historical, cultural, and clinical significance. With a literature review, ethnobotanical research, and a study abroad experience, this paper highlights the integration of natural, herbal medicine into modern healthcare. Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, with its varied microclimates and abundant medicinal plants, forms a strong foundation for traditional herbal medicine. Indigenous groups such as the BriBri and Cabécar contributed significantly to this legacy, which has evolved through interactions with European and Afro-Caribbean populations.

Research emphasizes the cultural importance of herbal medicine within the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, …

Composting For Cleaner Air, Simi Benisty, Katie Bui, Narmin Solman, David Woo

Master's Projects and Capstones

The aim of this project was to address food waste at Mary's Kitchen by implementing a composting initiative to divert organic waste from landfills. The project took place in a nonprofit organization that serves food to the homeless, where the target population includes staff, volunteers, and clients of the kitchen. Key interventions involved creating educational materials on composting, recycling, and waste management, including flyers in both English and Spanish, as well as a QR code for easy access. Additionally, smaller, color-coded buckets were introduced to replace the 33-gallon bins, making waste sorting more manageable. Measures included staff and volunteer compliance …

6th Annual Occupational Therapy Program Research Conference, Kelly L. Taylor Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cbis

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Occupational Therapy Program RESEARCH CONFERENCE

6TH OT COHORT | CLASS OF 2025

OT Program Student Presentations Graduate Students from the Class of 2025

Impact Of Patient Psychoeducation On Medication Adherence In Bipolar Depression, Mary Nse Wellington

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The quality improvement (QI) project targeted patients with bipolar depression, aged 20–50 years, in an outpatient mental health setting who had the problem of nonadherence to medication. Medication nonadherence is a major concern in nursing practice that impacts clinical effectiveness, overall treatment outcomes, and healthcare cost implications. The project evaluated whether the outcome, timely refill rates of prescription medication, was impacted by the psychoeducation that was conducted outside the scope of the project. The project question was, “What is the impact of patient psychoeducation to improve timely refill rates among patients with bipolar depression aged 20–50 years in an outpatient …