Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Chesterfield Fire And Ems Mobile Integrated Healthcare: Background And A Case Study, David Bigelow

Case Studies from Age in Action

Learning Objectives

• Explain the history of Mobile Integrated Healthcare.
• Understand the importance of reducing hospital readmissions.
• Learn how MIH partners with Adult Protective Services and others for the benefit of their patients.

Implementation Of A Smoking Cessation Program In A Multidisciplinary Clinic, Lori Prewitt Moore, Shannon Harris

DNP Manuscripts

Tobacco use remains the solitary, most preventable cause of death and secondary disease among patients in the United States (US). Health-related smoking costs are in an excess of $300 billion yearly (CDC, 2018). Addressing this global, public health concern is vital in order to attempt to reduce unnecessary smoking-related comorbid conditions and death. This project is important to scholarly nursing practice in order to reduce smoking-related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations, reduce carbon monoxide (CO) levels, and reduce dyspnea on exertion (DOE) among current primary care smokers. The expectations of this project are for the doctoral of nursing practice …

High Body Mass Index Changes Peri-Tumor Adipose Tissue Which In Turn Promotes Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Cora Elizabeth Miracle

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, responsible for over half a million deaths each year. There are multiple risk factors associated with the development of cancer. Some of these risks include genetics, smoking, and most recently, obesity (Lewandowska et al., 2019) (De Pergola & Silvestris, 2013). Research has shown that obesity is linked to the promotion of fourteen different cancers, including aggressive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Patients that are obese are more likely to develop cancer (Park et al., 2014). In addition, if the patient is obese at the time of a cancer diagnosis, they …

The Opioid Epidemic: Effects On Recidivism In West Virginia, Emilee Frye, Elizabeth Williams

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The opioid epidemic began in the 1990s with an increased prescribing of opioids across the nation. Between the years 2013 and 2014, opioid overdose death rates began to increase in West Virginia. By the year 2015, West Virginia held the highest number of opioid overdose death rates in the country. In 2021, fatal overdoses claimed more than 1,417 lives in West Virginia and of those 1,417, an estimated 1,201 of them were due to opioid use.

West Virginia had the highest opioid drug overdose rate in the nation and one of the highest incarceration rates for opioid-dependent individuals. West Virginia …

Benefits Of Medical Thc For Neurological Disorders In The U.S., Andrew Lester, Alexandria Gartin

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The introduction of THC into the medical field has allowed medical professionals to offer a new treatment option to aid in their patients treatment plan by decreasing their symptoms of side effects of other medications used for their conditions.

Methodology: This study utilized a literature review. Five databases were used to collect 116 total sources. These sources were reviewed and reduced to 33 sources that were used in the written research. Of these, 16 sources were used in the results section.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research was to analyze the prescription use of …

Long Term Substance Abuse Programs And Covid, Randall Craft

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Access to behavioral health care has arisen as both a challenge and an opportunity as America deals with a health care landscape that has been significantly and probably permanently transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic increased the need for behavioral health services while creating new hurdles to care for those who already had disorders. The pandemic, however, also spurred innovation, leading to expanded tele-behavioral health treatments and other technological advancements. Also bringing Overdose death rates sky rocketing.

Methodology: This study utilized a literature review and a semi-structured interview. Four databases were used to collect 41 total …

Implications Of Twitter During Its Use In Public Health Practice Involving The Distribution Of The Covid-19 Vaccine, Mia Casingal

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction – There were 4.89 projected billion social media users in 2023. Social media platforms such as Twitter have allowed public health organizations to spread information regarding COVID-19 vaccines to the public. Twitter permits government organizations and public health agencies to release accurate information as a primary level of rapid communication.

Purpose – The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of the social media platform, Twitter, on public health information throughout the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the spread of information involving COVID-19 vaccine distribution to the public.

Methodology – This study utilized a literature review with a semi-structured …

Graduate-Level Leadership Training For Speech-Language Pathologists: Perceptions, Attitudes, And Potential Effect On Career, Sandra Kemper

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aim of this study is to determine how a perceived lack of leadership training at the graduate level contributes to inadequate preparedness for the clinical, professional, and supervisory leadership roles professionals hold within the field of speech-language pathology (Kummer, 2017). More specifically, this study will seek to identify current leadership concerns of practicing SLPs, exploring whether and/or how lack of leadership training has affected their professional growth or career. The information can serve to guide the development of leadership training opportunities in speech-language pathology graduate programs. This descriptive, non-experimental study utilized purposive sampling of speech-language pathologists licensed in the …

Gut Microbial Metabolite Indole: A Stimulator Of Enteroendocrine Cell Differentiation Via Activation Of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, James Hart

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) regulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis by releasing hormones in response to food intake. Dysregulated EEC differentiation is observed in obesity, while gut microbiota metabolites influence this process. Here, we investigated the role of indole, a biologically active gut microbial metabolite, in EEC differentiation through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation. Human intestinal organoids derived from jejunal mucosal biopsies were exposed to indole. Indole treatment significantly increased mRNA levels of chromogranin A, an EEC marker. The effect was reversed by an AhR antagonist, indicating AhR involvement. Indole also upregulated AhR target gene mRNA levels. These findings highlight the …

Characterization Of Food Chain Clostridioides Difficile Isolates In Terms Of Ribotype And Antimicrobial Resistance, Pilar Marcos, Aoife Doyle, Paul Whyte, Thomas R. Rogers, Maire Mcelroy, Seamus Fanning, Jesus Maria Frias, Declan Bolton

Articles

The aim of this study was to characterize C. difficile isolates from the farm, abattoir, and retail outlets in Ireland in terms of ribotype and antibiotic resistance (vancomycin, erythromycin, metronidazole, moxifloxacin, clindamycin, and rifampicin) using PCR and E-test methods, respectively. The most common ribotype in all stages of the food chain (including retail foods) was 078 and a variant (RT078/4). Less commonly reported (014/0, 002/1, 049, and 205) and novel (RT530, 547, and 683) ribotypes were also detected, but at lower frequencies. Approximately 72% (26/36 tested) of the isolates tested were resistant to at least one antibiotic, with the majority …

Carboxylic Acids And Light Interact To Affect Nanoceria Stability And Dissolution In Acidic Aqueous Environments, Matthew L. Hancock, Eric A. Grulke, Robert Yokel

Nanobiotechnology Center Faculty Publications

Cerium atoms on the surfaces of nanoceria (i.e., cerium oxide in the form of nanoparticles) can store or release oxygen, cycling between Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺; therefore, they can cause or relieve oxidative stress within living systems. Nanoceria dissolution occurs in acidic environments. Nanoceria stabilization is a known problem even during its synthesis; in fact, a carboxylic acid, namely citric acid, is used in many synthesis protocols. Citric acid adsorbs onto nanoceria surfaces, limiting particle formation and creating stable dispersions with extended shelf life. To better understand factors influencing the fate of nanoceria, its dissolution and stabilization have …

Fusion, 2023, George Washington University, William H. Beaumont Medical Research Honor Society

Fusion

No abstract provided.

Drawing On The Strengths Of Community Health Workers To Address Sexually Transmitted Infections: Roles, Medicaid Reimbursement, And Partnerships, Naomi Seiler, Katie Horton, Paige Organick-Lee, Claire Heyison, Alexis Osei, Greg Dwyer, Aaron Karacuschansky, Mekhi Washington, Amanda Spott

Health Policy and Management Informal Communications

Rates of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States are high and, largely, still soaring. Though chlamydia cases have decreased slightly since 2017, gonorrhea and syphilis have increased by 25% and 68%, respectively, and congenital syphilis has increased by 184%. Bacterial STI can lead to pain, infertility, and even, in the case of syphilis and congenital syphilis, death. With appropriate detection and treatment, all of these STIs are curable. And yet a range of barriers between communities and the healthcare system perpetuate the STI epidemic.

Community health workers (CHWs) could play a key role in helping bridge the …

Sexually Transmitted Infections And Social Determinants Of Health: Emerging Opportunities In The Medicaid Program, Naomi Seiler, Katie Horton, Paige Organick-Lee, Mekhi Washington, Taylor Turner, Lily Ryan

Health Policy and Management Informal Communications

No abstract provided.

Congenital Syphilis In The Medicaid Program: Assessing Challenges And Opportunities Through The Experiences Of Seven Southern States, Naomi Seiler, Claire Heyison, Paige Organick-Lee, Aaron Karacuschansky, Gregory Dwyer, Alexis Osei, Helen Stoll, Katie Horton

Health Policy and Management Informal Communications

Congenital syphilis (CS) is an infection acquired in utero that can lead to devastating outcomes, including stillbirth, infant death, or long-term health complications. Over the past decade, rising national rates of syphilis, including among women, have led to major increases in congenital syphilis cases and deaths.

CS is tragic and costly, but it is also preventable. With appropriate testing and treatment during prenatal care, syphilis in a pregnant woman can be identified and treated, and transmission to the fetus averted.

The Medicaid program is the payer for nearly half of all births in the U.S., making the program a crucial …

Faith-Based Collaboration To Improve Depression & Self-Compassion In The Elderly: A Dnp Project, Julita Cinguina

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Faith-based organizations are in a position to improve mental health outcomes for the elderly. With the help of the Community Wellness Center at Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) Catholic Church in Wilton, Connecticut, a new action plan was implemented to accomplish this goal. The proposed DNP Project was an evidence-based, multi-factorial intervention to improve self-compassion and reduce risk for depression for the elderly in the community. It consisted of four structured group sessions over a 6-week period with each session lasting 45 minutes. The group meetings offered evidence-based strategies to improve mental health including: (1) purposeful spiritual counseling utilizing …

Implementing A Covid 19 Policy For Telehealth, Ashley M. Morello

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The proposed DNP Project explored the implementation of a COVID-19 telehealth policy to clarify evidence-based practice, promote use of safe medications, and reduce hospitalizations. Providers were recruited from a telehealth organization, educated on current guidelines, and given a pocket card for reference and re-enforcement of training. Data was collected to examine guideline utilization, confidence in treating COVID-19, and efficacy of pocket card. COVID-19 patients also received follow up calls to determine if hospitalization was required post treatment. Chart audits were then completed to review compliance with guidelines. The results indicated both objective and clinical improvement in provider confidence treating COVID-19. …

Addressing Gaps In Respiratory Assessments: A Dnp Project, Kristin Quakenbush

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Respiratory assessments by healthcare workers, particularly counting the respiratory rates, have been found to be inadequate and ineffective. As a result, patient care may be delayed, reimbursement may be inaccurate, and the nurse may risk legal consequences. The purpose of this project was to fully examine the current accuracy of respiratory rate counts and documentation on two identified units within an acute care hospital, offer evidence-based solutions in the accurate count and documentation of respiratory rates, and perform follow-up chart audits to evaluate if application of learning occurred. Baseline audits demonstrated that respiratory rate counts were not even skewed and, …

Improving Asthma Management Behaviors In School Nurses Through Facilitator Training And Supported Implementation, Mary D. Hacker-Taylor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Uncontrolled asthma in middle school age children and adolescents results in increased morbidity and often impairs a student’s ability to participate in school activities. School absenteeism is an unintended consequence which in turn can impact academic success. School nurses can improve student asthma outcomes through effective asthma management behaviors (AMB’s). The purpose of this multi-phase quality improvement DNP project was to improve both knowledge and confidence, and thereby improve AMB’s in Kentucky school nurses. A convenience sample of twelve nurses participated in the project. The American Lung Association’s (ALA) Kickin’ Asthma training was extended to all Kentucky school nurses who …

Intimate Partner Violence Screening In The Veteran Affairs' Ambulatory Care Clinics: A Quality Improvement Project, Stephanie Ralston

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Intimate Partner Violence is a type of Domestic Violence (DV), referring to physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual violence, or stalking between current or former intimate partners. Veterans may be at higher risk than those identified in the civilian population. The rate of IPV across military populations ranges from 13.5% to 58% with rates among female Veterans ranging from 29% to 74% (Veterans Affairs, 2023). This project's purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of an awareness campaign on IPV screening and referral rates in a federal healthcare facility. Results from this DNP project indicate that ongoing training and education are vital …

The Effect Of Periodic Ketogenic Diet On Newly Diagnosed Overweight And Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Tryphena Pilli

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

Ketogenic diet can help lower blood glucose levels in newly diagnosed overweight and obese patients with T2DM.

Cd4+ T Helper 2 Cells Suppress Breast Cancer By Inducing Terminal Differentiation, Arjun Jagdeesh

VCU's Medical Journal Club: The Work of Future Health Professionals

In this 2022 publication, Boieri et al. investigated how thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) can activate CD4+ and CD8+ T cell helper 2 (Th2) for breast cancer suppression. T cell helper 1 (Th1) cells are involved in the targeted immune response by attracting cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. However, Th2 cells are known to inhibit the T cell helper 1 immune response by causing allergic inflammation. Th2 activation in patients with allergic diseases conferred decreased risk of breast cancer. PyMt-tg mice were retroorbitally injected with TSLP and tumor growth and survival rate were compared between wild type mice and …

Capacity And Maximal Inspiratory Pressure In Healthy Adults, Amy Toonstra Pt, Dpt, K. Anderson Spt, E. Boyer Spt, A. Griswold Spt, M. Hermans Spt, S. Kiehl Spt, S. Ng Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Diaphragmatic fatigue during maximal exercise causes decreased blood flow to exercising limbs.
• Inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) may decrease diaphragm fatigue.
• Current studies use 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) for IMST, but optimal dosing at higher intensities has not been well explored.

Objective

• Investigate the impact of high intensity IMST on aerobic capacity and maximal inspiratory pressure in healthy adults.

Methods

• This study was IRB approved by the university.
• All participants provided informed consent, and demographic information was collected.

Results

• VO2 max did not change significantly in either intervention group after intervention period (p=0.143).
• Groups demonstrated significant improvement …

Effect Of Kinesio®Tape On Scapular Kinematics Of The Asymptomatic Shoulder In Healthy Younger Adults, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, Cormick Eaton Spt, Sam Lemminger Spt, Bella Lott Spt, Ryan Smith Spt, Natalie Zitzer Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Limited scapular upward rotation and posterior tilting during upper extremity elevation are correlated with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS)
• Previous research found significant increases in scapular posterior tilting with Kinesio®tape (KT) application
• Purpose: To find a taping method that increases scapular upward rotation and posterior tilting
• Hypothesis: KT application for mechanical facilitation will increase scapular upward rotation during upper extremity elevation

Objective

• Investigate the effects of KT on scapular kinematics during upper extremity elevation

Participants

• Twenty asymptomatic participants aged 23-36 years old (mean 25.45)
• No cervical, thoracic, or shoulder conditions affecting shoulder ROM
• Right hand dominant

Methods

• Kinesio ® tape …

Vestibulo-Oculomotor Function Following A Competitive Season Versus A Non-Competitive Season In Collegiate Football Players, Megan Dowdal-Osborn Pt, Phd, J. Gersh Spt, S. Glade Spt, K. Hill Spt, A. Ladue Spt, G. Yackly Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

Background

• Football athletes experience a high number of head impacts during competitive play that do not cause immediate observable signs or symptoms.
• Research shows that exposure to repeated subconcussive impacts has a negative effect on the vestibulo-oculomotor (V-O) system and can result in long term neurologic dysfunction.
• Little is known about the ability of the V-O system to recover if an athlete is given an extended time away from subconcussive impacts.

Purpose

• To investigate the difference in V-O function following a non-competitive (due to COVID-19) vs. a competitive season in cleared-to-play football players.

Methods

Participants

• 32 Division II football …

Effects Of External Vibration Stimulation On Internal Rotation Range Of Motion And Hamstring Strength, Shani Johnson Pt, Dscpt, Comt, A. Aiello Spt, M. Beranek Spt, S. Goos Spt, R. Kelly Spt, C. Klemme Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Whole body and localized vibration therapy have gained increased use in the fitness community, clinical setting, and research
• Efficacy as a modality option is yet to be determined

Objective

• Evaluate the effects of localized vibration treatment (LVT) to the sacral region on shoulder internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM) and isometric hamstring strength

Participants

• 50 Concordia University DPT Students
  • 28 females
  • 22 males
  • Age: 22-33 (Avg. 24)

Methods

• Baseline dominant extremity shoulder IR ROM measured in supine with manual goniometry
• Baseline hamstring strength measurements in prone using MicroFET^TM (hand held dynamometer), taken post 1 practice test
• Therapeutic …

The Effect Of An Instructional Video On Scoring Agreement Of The Asq-3 Between Parents And Spts, Erin Simunds Ms Pt, Bekah Staley Spt, Breanna Mahoney Spt, Alexis Noel Spt, Reilly Peterson Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• 1 in 5 children have developmental delays, yet half are not identified until kindergarten
• Parent-completed tools, like the Ages and Stages Questionnaire version 3 (ASQ-3), provide valuable insight on children’s performance of milestones
• Previous findings demonstrated low agreement between parental and student physical therapist (SPT) scoring of the ASQ-3
• Parents receive no training on administration of formal screening tools

Objective

• Investigate the effect of an informational training video (ITV) for parents on the level of agreement in ASQ-3 scoring between parents and SPTs as a proxy for healthcare providers

Participants

• 10 parents with preschool-aged children in the Hand in …

Cognition And Academic Performance Of Division Ii Football Players During Noncompetitive And Competitive Seasons, Jeanne Lojovich Pt, Phd, Megan Dowdal-Osborn Pt, Phd, T. Butler Spt, K. Cromwell Spt, P. Jennings Spt, K. Martin Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

Background:

• Repetitive head impacts (RHIs) are multiple sub-concussive forces that may result from either a direct or indirect impact to the head or body over a period of time that result with no presence of symptoms immediately following the mechanism.
• Football players are at an increased risk of repeated head injuries.
• Athletes who have experienced RHIs are hypothesized to have increased negative effects on their academic tolerance, mental health, and cognition compared to their peers.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this study is to compare the cognition, mental health, and academic tolerance of Division II football players during a non-competitive …

Using Research, Innovation And Collaboration To Link Undergraduate And Dpt Students, Lyndsey Vandenberg Pt, Dpt, Edd, Bethany Fransten Spt, Molly Stark Spt, Katelink Keating Spt, Elisabeth Thom Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Purpose

Research demonstrates a lack of connectedness between undergraduate (UG) and graduate students at universities around the U.S. This stems from:

• A lack of awareness of available resources and programs
• A lack of mentorship
• Insufficient face-to-face interaction
• COVID-19 Pandemic.

UG students have reported receiving little information surrounding their prospective fields of study,2 including the field of physical therapy (PT). Establishing continued relationships among faculty and students aids in retention rates,3 and graduate mentorship programs reduce feelings of isolation.4 The purpose of this work was to develop systems to increase connectedness for UG students in alignment with the PT Moves Me …

Final Report For The Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership Telehealth Project, Center For Human Services Research, University At Albany, Annis Golden, Amy Williams

Health and Healthcare Services Reports and Research Briefs

Executive Summary:

This report describes the history and achievements of the Northern Manhattan Maternal Action Network (NMPP) Telehealth Project (“the Telehealth Project”) and identifies opportunities for program improvement and sustainability.

Objective:

The Northern Manhattan Maternal Action Network (NMPP) Telehealth Project received funding from the New York Health Foundation (NYHF) in 2021 to build a patient-driven model for perinatal care delivered through telehealth. In particular, the project sought to identify ways to enhance patients’ access to and use of a patient portal, MyChart/Connect1 and video visits with providers accessed through MyChart.