Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Fashion For All: An Exploration Into Adaptive Fashion, Morgan F. Harrison

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone was to educate future clothing designers on the adaptive/inclusive clothing market and the need for further exploration into accessible, fashion forward clothing. This project was completed through a partnership with O’More College of Architecture and Design at Belmont University. The goal of this project was to provide students with an introspective look at the interface of fashion and disability. This was achieved by creating case studies based on interviews with individuals with various disabilities regarding their relationship with clothing. The result of this project was a recorded lecture that included demographics, available adaptive clothing …

The Perceptions Of Appalachian Region Doctor Of Physical Therapy Admissions Faculty On The Holistic Nature Of Their Program’S Admissions Processes And Requirements, Kwaku Kankam

Ed.D. Dissertations

Researchers have extensively investigated the quantitative relationship between various admissions requirements and their predictive capability for academic success in DPT programs; however, limited investigators have examined the perceptions of these requirements by admissions faculty. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions of Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty in the Appalachian region regarding their programs’ admissions processes and requirements. I investigated the Appalachian region due to its economic differences from other parts of the United States. Considering this region was more rural and impoverished, these factors could have affected students’ access to higher education. How admissions criteria …

Exploring The Prevalence Of Mental Illness And Mental Health Issues Amongst Adults Diagnosed With Type One Diabetes During Their Adolescence: A Nursing Perspective, Sara J. Taylor

Honors Capstones

While every individual experiences and copes with their illness in different fashions, it is important to equip everyone with resources they need for any direct or potential complications. Type One Diabetes is a chronic illness that is always ever changing. Treatment and care for it is constant and can cause burnout, frustration, increased stress, and many other mental health issues for the patient. If left untreated and poorly managed, these feelings can develop into far more serious complications such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, etc. While a cure for Type One Diabetes is not currently an option, providing preventative education …

Effects Of Peer Mentoring On Success And Satisfaction In Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Pilot Study, Rebecca Fraley

Honors Theses

Studying the impact of a mentorship program involving undergraduate nursing students can inform educators of methods to increase student success and decrease attrition in baccalaureate nursing programs. This study aimed to determine if a mentoring session every three weeks between a first semester Bronson School of Nursing (BSON) student and a senior year nursing student increased the confidence and satisfaction of the first semester BSON student. A Student Success Survey (see Appendix A) was filled out at the beginning, middle and conclusion of the mentee students fall semester. The Student Success Survey was also administered to a control group made …

The Effect Of Massage Therapy On Test Anxiety Experienced By Traditional-Aged Undergraduate Business Students, Jorge A. Pazmiño

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Test anxiety impacts traditional-aged undergraduate business students and influences their academic performance and overall well-being. This study explored the efficacy of massage therapy (MT) as a means of mitigating test anxiety within this demographic. Building on existing literature that addresses the consequences of anxiety and alternative coping mechanisms, this research study focused on MT as a potential strategy for test anxiety management. The study employed the Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale–College Version (AMAS-C) to gather data from participants at a private liberal arts institution in the East South-Central region of the United States. An experimental group received an MT intervention, while …

Retrospective Data Analysis To Improve No-Show Rates In An Adult Oncology Clinic, Aaron Jones

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this DNP clinical project was to conduct a retrospective data analysis on no-show patients at a large, urban, academic oncology clinic to determine those factors that may be contributing to the missed appointment and to suggest ways to improve the process that will benefit the patients and the practice. Data abstraction was performed via chart review for no-show visits for the preceding 6 months from the time of analysis (January 2023 to June 2023). Key information collected included date of missed appointments, age, gender, primary language, race, insurance provider, marital status, new patient visits versus follow-up …

Enhancing Concussion Education And Documentation Within Belmont University’S Athletic Department, Jenna M. Ogle

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Belmont University’s Sports Medicine Department. The primary purpose of this project was to identify the department’s current needs and to develop deliverables to enhance and facilitate the concussion education and documents provided to Belmont Athletics stakeholders (including student athletes, university educators, coaching staff, and other members of administration). The process included collaboration with university athletic trainers and student-athletes to ensure usability and creation of relevant products. These resources include informational handouts designed for both student-athletes and educators, an on-field concussion assessment and protocol, concussion education resources with increased opportunities for …

Empowering Clients And Care Partners Living With Parkinson’S Disease Through Evaluating And Addressing Gaps In Client And Care Partner Education, Victoria E. Vik

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with My LiveABILITY, LLC in College Grove, TN. My LiveABILITY is a mobile outpatient clinic that services Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers within the Williamson County area. They specifically provide in-home occupational therapy to address cognition, balance, gait, mobility, posture, strength, coordination, stamina, pain, and mental health, in-depth planning for aging in place, LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s patients, and they provide caregiver and care partner training, education, and support. The goals of this project were accomplished in two main parts. Part 1 consisted of conducting researching to gain the lived experience …

Utilizing Aromatherapy To Decrease Anxiety In Adults Experiencing Homelessness, Thomas A. Clawson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This scholarly project analyzes health disparities faced by people experiencing homelessness, specifically in regard to their mental health and how they experience heightened levels of anxiety when compared to individuals who have stable housing. Through a literature review, the use of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) was analyzed and has shown to be an effective non-pharmacologic treatment for anxiety in a multitude of settings. Utilizing a theoretical framework distilled from Margret Newman’s theory Health as Expanding Consciousness, and Martha Rogers’ The Science of Unitary Human Beings. The quality improvement project was implemented at an inner city resource center for people experiencing homelessness. …

Implementation Of Vinyasa Yoga For Adults Experiencing Anxiety, Megan K. Malyuk

Theses and Graduate Projects

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental illness in the United States (US) and holistic treatment approaches, such as vinyasa yoga, are often practiced to alleviate the severity of symptoms (The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2020). A comprehensive literature review including evidence-based research, Metis-based knowledge, and personal accounts are used to support this scholarly project. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring is explicated and synthesized as a theoretical framework. Methodology and evaluation of the scholarly project are described, analyzed, and reflected that vinyasa yoga has a positive impact on individuals who experience anxiety. This scholarly project was implemented …

The Effect Of Skin Tone Inclusive Dermatology Education On Diagnostic Accuracy And Self-Confidence In Graduate Nursing Students, Kaylyn Bourne, Laura Gray

DNP Projects

Abstract

BACKGROUND: People with skin of color face worse health outcomes than their light-skinned peers. According to the literature, graduate nursing programs lack skin tone inclusive curricular content (Shue-McGuffin & Powers, 2022). This contributes to disproportionate racial and ethnic health disparities. Skin tone inclusive online dermatology modules have been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy and self-confidence among medical students and residents in primary care specialties (Trinh et al., 2021; Salava & Salmela, 2022; Wang et al., 2020). Similar models may be an effective approach for graduate nursing students as they prepare to evaluate skin disease across the skin tone …

Implementing Occupational Therapy Principles Into The Linden Waldorf Neurodivergent Student Population, Brooke M. Bledsoe

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with Linden Waldorf School in Nashville, TN. The focus of this project was development, implementation, and advocacy regarding occupational therapy techniques for the neurodivergent student population. The goal of this project was to provide direct observations, educational presentations, and various educational materials on a variety of neurodivergent deficits and diagnoses in order to help empower Linden Waldorf faculty and staff to best meet the needs of their students. The deficits and diagnoses covered in this project are as follows: executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity …

Best Practice For Creating A Sensory Garden And Calming Cart For Preschool-Aged Children At A Reggio-Inspired Preschool, Emmalee Lawrence

OTD Capstone Projects

The goal of this capstone project was to create program plans for a sensory garden and calming cart as well as create resources for parents and teachers on the use and benefit of these plans for the children at First Presbyterian Church Early Preschool. Research on current programs at the preschool indicated the school could benefit from additional sensory and calming opportunities. The programs created during this capstone project were meant to improve sensory exploration, increase overall emotional well-being, as well as support developmental milestones in preschool-aged children. The goals of this project were achieved through collaboration with staff, teachers, …

Post-Modeling Adjustments And Delivered Dose Verification Of The 6fff Beam Model Commissioned For The Monaco Treatment Planning System, Grant C. Debevec

LSU Master's Theses

External beam radiation therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment method for tumors and abnormalities of the spine and vertebral region. Treating the spine using a stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) technique can reduce toxicity to the spinal cord. The 6 MV flattening filter free (6FFF) beam model is currently used to plan and calculate dose for SBRT treatment plans, and the treatment plans are delivered using a linear accelerator (LINAC).

The commissioned beam model represents an invariant component of a LINAC. For volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans, the multileaf collimator (MLC) positions are changing throughout …

The Investigation Of Collaboration Among First-Year Bachelor Of Science Nursing Students, Christie Marie Cavallo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the benefits of collaboration, first-year nursing students prefer not to work together. It was important to find out why nursing students do not want to collaborate. The purpose of this study was to discover first-year nursing students’ and faculty’s perceptions of how instructor-created opportunities for collaboration contributed to first-year nursing students’ collaboration. Using Wenger’s communities of practice (CoPs) model as a lens, the data were explored using a qualitative explanatory case study approach. This study consisted of individual interviews of 12 first-year nursing students and nursing faculty. Inclusion criteria included students enrolled in or faculty teaching first year of …

Understanding Nurses' Experience Of The Covid-19 Pandemic Through The Lens Of Trauma, Grace Simmons

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The destructive effects of the trauma experienced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic left nurses with long-term psychological and physical effects that impaired their ability to effectively care for their patients, their families, and themselves. Although researchers have described the nurses’ experiences using generalized psychological and physiological trauma-related symptomatology, none have grounded their studies within the context of trauma theory. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the lived experience of nurses caring for critically ill COVID-19 patients during the pandemic through the lens of trauma theory. The constructivist self-development theory (CSDT) provided the framework for understanding …

Metro Parks Adults With Disabilities - Health Management, Kaylee M. Lane

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Metro Parks adults with disABILITIES. This agency is a local day program focused on providing every Nashville citizen in Davidson County with intellectual and developmental disABILITIES with an equitable opportunity for safe recreational and cultural activities. Metro Parks offers a variety of age and ability appropriate activities that highlight the ABILIITIES of all members. The primary focus of this capstone experience was to create an evidenced based program designed specifically for this population. The goal of the project was to increase participation in meaningful occupations and overall wellbeing for attending …

Association Of Psychological Quality Of Life Scores And Adverse Experiences In Stop2 Multi-Center Clinical Trial, Blessed Mbogo

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

Background: Prior research has observed the relationship between psychological stressors and onset of chronic diseases as well as increased severity. This begs the question of whether psychometric qualities in Health-Related Quality of Life instruments can preliminarily predict participant risk of pathology or adverse events (AE) in clinical trials. Specifically, in studies of cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs due to mucus accumulation. Methods: The study design was an ancillary analysis of a clinical trial (STOP-2) examining duration of intravenous antimicrobial treatment for pulmonary exacerbations in CF (n=908). Demographic characteristics, genotype, clinical …

The Role Of Spreading Depolarizations In Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, Natalie J. Pinkowski

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) often lead to acute symptoms like disorientation and discoordination, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Although most patients recover quickly from a single mTBI, repeated injuries can be debilitating. After an mTBI, a neurometabolic cascade produces metabolic burden and vulnerability. Spreading depolarizations (SDs) have been observed after mTBIs. Here we investigated SDs’ role in short-term motor behavioral deficits post-mTBI. We hypothesized that SDs contribute to the deficits, and exacerbated symptoms after repeated mTBIs. To test this, we used acute motor behavioral tests and long-term behavioral and cognitive tests after initiating SDs by mTBI, chemical, or …

Narrative Language Assessment And Intervention: Applications With Children With And Without Disabilities, Norah M. Almubark

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Narrative is the art of conveying a sequence of causally and temporally linked events through monologic telling. Various functions can be served through narratives including sharing experiences, expressing ideas, providing entertainment, and imparting cultural or social values. Narrative language represents an authentic type of language that is useful for assessment and intervention because it can be analyzed according to content and form. The ability to use complex narrative language and produce quality narratives is associated with long-term academic and social benefits (Uccelli et al., 2019; Suggate et al, 2018). Given this crucial link, narrative language is suitable for child language …

Effects Of Time-Restricted Eating Patterns On Cardiometabolic Parameters And Mental Health Status In Young Adults., Mohammad Aleef Mohd Bakri

Student Works (2020-2029)

Cardiometabolic diseases, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, along with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, are closely linked to disruptions in circadian rhythm. Time-restricted eating (TRE) is an eating pattern that aligns with the circadian rhythm by restricting food intake to an 8–12-hour eating window during the daytime. Ramadan fasting, a form of TRE characterized by a nighttime eating window from dusk to dawn, offers a unique perspective as it contrasts with the typical diurnal eating pattern. However, no studies have directly compared TRE protocols with diurnal (daytime) and nocturnal (nighttime) eating windows within a single …

Policy Review And Recommendation: Full Practice Authority For Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners In Georgia, Shantelle Coe

Student Scholarly Projects

Citizens of the state of Georgia, particularly those in rural or underserved communities, experience a lack of mental health resources. Extensive research evidence underscores the urgent need for enhanced access to mental health services, especially in rural areas where individuals face significant barriers such as limited provider availability and long travel distances. Through a thorough review of existing policy related to scope of practice, this scholarly work advocates for policy changes related to the practice authority of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). Advancement of legislative priorities to promote full practice authority for PMHNPs in the state of Georgia empowers …

Decreasing Influenza Vaccination Disparity Rates By Utilization Of Hotspot Deployments Of A Mobile Health Vehicle, Geneveve Deasis Tejada

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Influenza vaccination for Black/African American patients is historically lower than White patients across all healthcare organizations (Quinn, 2018). In the organization’s 2022 performance, only 13.98% of Black/African American patients ages 19 and older were vaccinated compared to 27.81% of White/Caucasian patients.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was for Black/African American patients ages 19 and older receiving care from primary care clinics in Southeast San Diego (P), what is the impact of adding access to influenza vaccinations through hotspot-driven MHV deployments (I) compared to usual vaccination delivery in the medical office building (MOB) (C) on influenza …

Expanding Impact To Promote Wellness And Functional Independence, Margaret Stacy

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP). SSP is a studio that specializes in supporting the scoliosis community, offering a range of resources for everyone, no matter their age, curve, or where they are in their journey. SSP utilizes evidence-based methods to lengthen and strengthen the body while empowering clients to live happily, pain-free, and fearlessly. The objective of this project was to expand the positive impact SSP can make on promoting wellness and functional independence for its clients through the development and refinement of resources. This included increasing the usability and accessibility of …

The Dearth Of Knowledge Of Health Insurance Literacy Within The United States, Katherine A. Conzet

Honors Thesis

This literature review and cross-comparison were conducted to combine resources that bring to light the lack of knowledge on health insurance, the impact of this low health insurance literacy (HIL), and the lack of research being done in this subject field. This thesis analyzes and compares different research that measures HIL levels and compares these findings. At the same time, this thesis presents the complex history of health insurance and how this understanding can contribute to lower population HIL and proposes different ways to accurately measure HIL. The purpose is to show the necessity for more research into the field …

Predictors Of Prep Uptake By Black Gay And Bisexual Men In Ohio, Ade Elisha

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Role Of Pregnancy Intention And Substance Use In Postpartum Depression Among Black Women, Asaye Birhanu Mekonnen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Theory Of X-Ray And Neutron Interferometry Using A Modulated Phase Grating, Hunter C. Meyer

LSU Master's Theses

Grating interferometry exploits wave interference to simultaneously image multiple physical properties of an object and can be performed using X-rays or neutrons. The modulated phase grating interferometer (MPGI) is a recently developed interferometry system that allows for the simultaneous acquisition of attenuation, differential-phase contrast, and dark-field images, which highlight X-ray or neutron absorption, refraction, and small angle scatter, respectively. This interferometry system uses a single grating, with a relatively high period envelope function, to produce interference fringes that can be directly resolved by standard high resolution detectors. The grating is sampled at a relatively low pitch, to meet coherence requirements …

Risk And Preventive Factors Of Asthma In Children In Texas, Yvonne A. Deen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Evidence Based Practice Change To Incorporate A Standardized Process Checklist For Fecal Microbiota Therapy (Fmt) To Increase Staff Adherence, Alicia Gomez

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Staff adherence to new procedures is crucial for ensuring patient safety, maintaining quality care, reducing risks and liabilities, and fostering a positive organizational culture that supports continuous improvement. Having a procedure done safely for patients infected with C.diff provides an overall benefit to the healthcare system.

PICOT: In an endoscopy lab staffed with nurses and surgical technicians (P), does the implementation of a new standardized process of administering FDA approved Fecal Microbiota Transplant Therapy (I) compared to the current process (C), increase staff adherence to the process (O) over 12 weeks(T)?

Evidence: Leadership, supervision, and organizational culture are …