Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Access To Healthcare: Addressing Barriers For Autistic Patients, Jess Mcgough

NURS 502: Critical Inquiry and Scholarship in Nursing Practice

As the collective awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow in the world of western medicine, there has been an increase in recognition of the autistic population. Estimates suggest that around 1% of individuals identify as autistic (Dückert et al., 2023). Despite this noteworthy portion of the population belonging to this category, there continues to be a lack of consistent awareness and equitable access to health services regarding the needs of autistic individuals. One common challenge in healthcare is communication barriers with autistic patients, which may arise from difficulties in expressing emotions or conveying information effectively (Greenwood et al., 2023). This …

Improving Effective Communication: A Practice Centered Approach To Language Barriers In Mental Health Care, Cassandra Zhou

NURS 502: Critical Inquiry and Scholarship in Nursing Practice

To move towards equitable mental healthcare practices for non-English speakers, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review on the current procedures regarding diagnosing and treating non-English speakers to better explore possible recommendations.

Exploring The Impact Of Covid-19 On Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: Increased Incidence, Severity, And Contributing Factors, Alex Martin

NURS 502: Critical Inquiry and Scholarship in Nursing Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic has had dramatic, wide sweeping effects on global healthcare. In addition to the challenge of adapting care to an unfamiliar, rapidly spreading respiratory infection with unknown impacts on human health, healthcare officials and researchers noticed a worrisome uptick in both the incidence and severity of pediatric diabetes (Prosperi & Chiarelli, 2022). This review explores the relationship between COVID-19 and the significant increase in the rate and severity of pediatric type 1 diabetes during the pandemic, focusing on the impact of delayed treatment and the potential direct effects of the COVID-19 virus on pancreatic function and glucose homeostasis.

Transgender Men And Cervical Cancer Screening: Barriers And Solutions, Rourke Shipman

NURS 502: Critical Inquiry and Scholarship in Nursing Practice

This paper explores systemic barriers and their influence on personal barriers to cervical cancer screening among transgender men and outlines practical solutions to improve access to care by implementing changes within institutional and educational practices.

Providing Exceptional Nursing Care To Children With Down Syndrome, Brooke Glendenning

NURS 502: Critical Inquiry and Scholarship in Nursing Practice

Comprehending the needs of children with Down syndrome leads to a better and safer quality of care, and there is a need for reform within our healthcare system to give workers the tools that are required to provide the best care possible. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the unique challenges that children with Down syndrome face in healthcare settings and emphasize the importance of nurses understanding how to care for this population effectively.

Overcoming Language Barriers: Improving Healthcare Equity For Limited English Proficiency Patients, Carolina Suarez-Amador

NURS 502: Critical Inquiry and Scholarship in Nursing Practice

The effective delivery of patient care depends on two main factors: improved cultural competency training and an understanding of language barriers as vital health components. The requirement for language service at hospitals exists by federal law but numerous healthcare facilities are lacking in support, due to hiring unqualified interpreters and missing vital documents in multiple languages, leading to growing disparities in patient care (Diamond et al., 2010). Global trends, combined with growing population migrations have increased the probability for nurses and patients to face dilemmas from language barriers. Nurses shouldn’t have to master every language, but a comprehensive understanding of …

Guided Imagery: The Effects On Perioperative Anxiety And Postoperative Pain And Sleep Quality, Emma Webb

NURS 502: Critical Inquiry and Scholarship in Nursing Practice

Anxiety is the emotional and physiological response to stimuli perceived as threatening and is a common feeling experienced by many individuals in the time surrounding surgical operations (Gonzales et al., 2010). Perioperative anxiety has the potential to elevate pain levels, increase the prevalence of postoperative complications, and increase the duration of stay in the recovery period (Celik & Edipoglu, 2018). Guided imagery is a nonpharmacological intervention that utilizes visualization tactics to achieve a state of relaxation, and is an effective method for improving mind-body healing processes (Topan et al., 2024). While guided imagery has been found to impact pain, stress, …

Thoughts From The Frontline - March 2025, Tennessee Center For Nursing Advancement, East Tennessee State University

Thoughts from the Frontline Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Gatekeeper Perspectives On Suicide Prevention, Anne Woolston

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Suicide is a profound public health problem across the United States that has lasting effects on individuals, families, and their communities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.b). Suicide affects all ages and is a serious concern across the life span. However, rates of suicidality are higher among youth. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death among people 55 to 64 years of age, the fourth leading cause of death for people 35 to 54 years of age, and the second leading cause of death for people 10 to 34 years of age (CDC, n.d.a). Recently, more attention …

Associations Among Shopping Methods, Diet Adherence, And Nutrition Knowledge Of Employed Primary Grocery Shoppers In Households With Children, Baylee Schneider

Master's Theses

Obesity is a prominent risk factor for chronic disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Obesity and chronic disease rates continue to rise, requiring a need for prevention and intervention efforts. The future role of dietetics is to provide treatment and prevention through holistic approaches, by understanding individuals’ habits that contribute to the onset of disease, specifically their food choices, grocery shopping methods, and influences that waver these selections. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between grocery shopping methods (online or in-store), Mediterranean diet adherence, nutrition knowledge, and food purchase patterns …

Children Suspected For Developmental Coordination Disorder In Hong Kong And Associated Health-Related Functioning: A Survey Study, Kathlynne F. Eguia, Sum Kwing Cheung, Kevin K.H. Chung, Catherine M. Capio

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have motor difficulties that interfere with their daily functions. The extent to which DCD affects children in Hong Kong has not been established. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of children suspected of DCD (sDCD) in Hong Kong and to examine the relationship between motor performance difficulties and health-related functioning. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents of children aged 5 to 12 years across Hong Kong (N = 656). The survey consisted of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) and short forms on global health, physical activity, positive affect, and …

Developing Humanistic Clinicians: A Review Of Literature, Andrew Taylor, Willie Capers

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

Humanistic clinicians possess scientific and technical competence and demonstrate essential virtues like empathy, compassion, patience, love, and courage. Humanistic clinicians are trained with an emphasis on the sciences and the humanities. The humanistic clinician is therefore better equipped to care for patients, the patient’s family members, other clinicians, and themselves. Defining empathy can be problematic due to a lack of consistent definition. Relevant literature regarding empathy was reviewed before settling on a working definition. Several pedagogical approaches encourage the moral development of clinicians. The methods and purpose of those approaches are explained. Illness narratives or pathography is a particular type …

Nurses’ Perceptions And Expectations Of Patient Violence: Language Matters, Darcy Copeland, Mary Potter, Susan Tipton, Debra Culter

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Patient violence is a serious occupational risk for nurses. Some professional rhetoric presents this risk as not part of nursing work, discounting widespread exposure. There is a disjunction between nurses’ experiences and the discourse they are exposed to. There is little to no evidence indicating whether nurses think it is possible to eliminate patient violence or whether their expectations of exposure to patient violence align with the significant risk they face. Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to examine nurses’ perceptions related to the elimination of, expectations of, and desired state regarding exposure to patient violence. Methods: This …

The Present And Future Of Ai: Ethical Issues And Research Opportunities, Ankita Srivastava, Marco Marabelli, Danielle Blanch-Hartigan, Jeffrey Moriarty, Evan Carey

Philosophy Faculty Publications

Healthcare is currently a fast-changing industry with AI and generative AI (GenAI) playing a prominent role in the transformation of clinical as well as managerial practices. Clinical practices involve AI to diagnose diseases and develop new drugs and compounds, while managerial practices concern AI-supporting processes such as billing patients and insurance companies, handling electronic medical records, and supporting remote connections with patients, increasingly using virtual and augmented reality. Yet, all these opportunities offered by AI come with challenges involving potential ethical issues, such as discrimination, bias, lack of accessibility, and privacy issues. In March 2024, we organized a panel with …

March 2025: Region 10 Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (Resptc) At Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’S Hospital, Providence - Special Pathogens Program

Special Pathogens Newsletters

REGION 10 SPECIAL PATHOGENS NEWSLETTER

Himmelfarb Library Liaison Letter - March 2025, The George Washington University, Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library

Himmelfarb Library Liaison Letters

No abstract provided.

From Past To Present: Tracing Africa’S Path To Universal Health Coverage, Evaline Chepchirchir Langat, Paul Russell Ward, Hailay Abrha Gesesew, Lillian Mwanri

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

At the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005, the international community charted a course for universal health coverage (UHC), aiming to ensure access to health care for all in need, of sufficient quality, and without causing financial hardship. At the time, barriers to accessing health care were overwhelming, particularly in low-and middle-income countries like Africa. Currently, 50 of Africa’s 54 countries are in various phases of UHC implementation. Some are developing national UHC agendas, while others have made significant progress but still face gaps in meeting UHC targets. This mini review comprehensively examines the literature to understand the temporal and …

Evaluating The Effect Of Consumption Of Fermented Foods On Glycemic Control And Markers Of Cardiometabolic Risk Amongst Pre-Diabetic And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Adult Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Alex Makau Muia

Master of Medicine in Family Medicine

Introduction 

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a major global health challenge, particularly in resource limited countries where conventional treatments are often inaccessible or unaffordable. While lifestyle interventions can reduce diabetes risk, their efficacy is moderate, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Fermented foods (FFs), which are widely available and affordable, have been shown to improve glucose metabolism and may offer a promising adjunct in the prevention and management of T2DM and prediabetes.

Methods 

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the effects of fermented food consumption on glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk markers in adults with prediabetes …

African Guidelines For Diagnosis And Management Of Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Paflar Initiative, Mohammed Hassan Abu-Zaid, Angela Migowa, Hanna Lishan Kassa, Wassila Messadi, Yassmine Taha, Yaninga Halwani Fuseini, Madeleine Ngandeu, Yasser El Miedany, Michael Hofer, Wafa Hamdi

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatologic disease of childhood. The Existing guidelines for polyarticular JIA are typically based on data from non-African populations and may not fully address the unique challenges faced in African settings. We aimed to produce updated African guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (poly-JIA).

Methods This study was conducted with the aim of reaching a consensus among African experts on the diagnosis and treatment of poly-JIA using the Delphi technique. The frst scientifc committee identifed a total of 15 key clinical questions according …

Neurocognitive Gains Among Ugandan Children With Sickle Cell Anemia On Hydroxyurea: 18-Month Trial Interim Results, Shubaya Kasule Naggayi, Dennis Kalibbala, Vincent Mboizi, John M. Ssenkusu, Zhezhen Jin, Caterina Rosano, Deogratias Munube, Bill Wambaka, Ruth Namazzi, Robert Opoka

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) frequently develop progressive neurocognitive impairment. We aimed to determine effects of hydroxyurea therapy on neurocognitive function in Ugandan children with SCA by comparing levels at enrollment to a planned 18-month interim assessment. Ugandan children (N=264) ages 3-9 years were enrolled from a SCA clinic and treated in a 30-month singlearm open-label trial with escalation to maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Primary outcome was the effects of hydroxyurea on cognition, attention and executive function, along with transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) blood flow velocity. Sibling controls (N=110) without SCA underwent neurocognitive testing in parallel to establish age-normalized …

Nursing News & Views - March 2025, Brenda Rocha Rn, Cno

Nursing Newsletters

Nursing News & Views Newsletter - March 2025

Mycoplasma Hominis–Associated Septic Arthritis Masquerading As Gouty Arthritis, Angelina Liddy, Carolyn Kramer, Devin M. Weber

Division of Infectious Diseases and Environmental Medicine Faculty Papers

Septic arthritis caused by M. hominis is exceptionally rare. Here, we report on a 62-year-old man with a medical history of gout and renal cell carcinoma who presented with persistent knee pain and swelling following partial nephrectomy complicated by an abdominal abscess. Arthrocentesis revealed monosodium urate crystals, leading to the initial diagnosis and treatment of gouty arthritis using intra-articular steroid injections, allopurinol, and colchicine. Initial cultures yielded no growth. However, faint transparent colonies grew after discharge, which were eventually identified as M. hominis. Initial antibacterial therapy targeting suspect Mycoplasma spp. was begun with doxycycline, and the patient ultimately completed 12 …

Risk Factors And Public Health Interventions Associated With Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Among Females Aged 10–19 Years In Kenya: A Scoping Review Protocol, Kimbley Asaso Omwodo, Abdu Mohiddin, Danielle Denwood, Augustine N. Gitonga

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background ; Adolescent pregnancy is associated with multifaceted challenges that impact countries’ health, education and economic stability. Despite ongoing interventions, in developing countries such as Kenya, adolescent pregnancy rates continue to be high. There is a need for more synthesised evidence on regional-specific risk factors to support tailored prevention strategies.

Objective; This scoping review aims to explore what is known about the risk factors and intervention strategies focused on adolescent pregnancy prevention in Kenya.

Methods and analysis; Using the Arksey and O’Malley framework combined with a three-step search strategy as recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute, relevant articles will be …

Impact Of Proviq Process Confirmations And Daily Management Systems On Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection Rates, Missy Thingelstad, Caitie Van Eerden, Travis Scott, Tiara L. Benson, Allison Engle, Shih-Ting Chiu, Ma Fe Chase, Melissa Scheck, Cecilia Malama, Brooke Higgins

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Problem Statement: Our 539-bed tertiary care center observed an increase in the Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) from 0.88 to 1.28 when comparing October to December of 2023 to 2024. CAUTIs are associated with increased patient discomfort, mortality, morbidity, length of stay, and cost. Methods: Using ProvIQ methodology, process confirmation cards were introduced in eight pilot units, including critical care, medical-surgical, and maternal-child specialties, from October to December 2024. ProvIQ is an evidence-based quality improvement methodology including a basket of measures from Lean, Six Sigma, and change management. This program was developed by Quality Management …

New Dentist News (March 2025), Ada Committee On The New Dentist

New Dentist News

New Dentist News offers timely information on scientific, social, educational, political and economic developments affecting new dentists. This collection is historical and items may not reflect current standards. For up-to-date information contact the ADA. The New Dentist News was alternately titled ADA Lifeline, 1997-June 2001.

A Preliminary Report Of The Carotenoid Assessment In Adults 50 Years Of Age And Older In Louisiana, Mary-Catherine Feazell

Master's Theses

Fruits and vegetables are at the core of a healthy, balanced diet. They assist in preventing the development of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer (Fadnes, et al., 2022). Aging is a natural biological process followed by disease, cognitive impairment, and a natural decline of the body’s ability to perform at its best. The older adult population is currently the fastest-growing population globally (El-Shebiney et al., 2022). Vitamin A is crucial for several parts of the body to function correctly. Despite the positive effects of Vitamin A on the body, the recommended dietary intake is not …

Violence Against Healthcare Workers In Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Sub-Analysis Of The Global Vishwas Study, Reena Shah, Jasmit Shah, Rakhtan K. Qasba, Ruman K. Qasba, Annastacia Mbithi, Eric Njenga, Akshat Banga, Rahul Kashyap, Salim Surani

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Background: Global concern exists for workplace violence against healthcare workers (HCWs), especially in low and middle-income nations. This violence includes physical, verbal, or sexual abuse and has a significant impact despite initiatives like Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. We conducted a study in Kenya to address this issue.

Methods: We did a cross-sectional survey that collected responses during June 6th to August 9th, 2022, focused on healthcare professionals in Kenya within the global ViSHWaS study. Violence against healthcare professionals in multiple Kenyan counties was analysed, The study reached participants through social media, emails, and other channels using a …

Effect Of Social Determinants Of Health On Clinic Visit Attendance In Patients With Hemophilia, Shailly Gaur, Brian Lee Phd, Mph, James Anderst Md, Msci, Katie Foote Lscsw, Lcsw, Osw-C, Andrea Bradley-Ewing Mpa, Ma, Shannon L. Carpenter

Posters

Background Social determinants of health (SDOH) create barriers to seeking care regularly, especially for patients with chronic disease. Patients with moderate-severe hemophilia A and B (factor 8 and 9 deficiencies respectively) have a life-long higher risk of bleeding and require chronic therapies. Specialized care is offered through hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs); however, these can be difficult to access for some individuals. Previous SDOH research in this patient population has been limited; therefore, it can be difficult to identify the barriers to care that exist. There is a need to examine SDOH more thoroughly to create patient-directed interventions to improve access …

The Pediatric Ecmo Diary: Strengthening Communication, Family Coping, And Staff Engagement, Sarah P. Jimenez, Johanna I. Orrick, Kari L. Davidson

Posters

Bedside diaries have been used in Adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Europe since the 1970s. These journals encourage clinicians to record a patient’s progress, illness narrative, and daily occurrences. Adult ICUs in America are beginning to implement and study the benefits of ICU journals. Bedside journals have been shown to increase staff engagement and aid in psychological recovery for patients and families following their illness. These diaries improve communication between the healthcare team and families, and help patients make sense of ICU stays by filling in memory gaps. Studies on ICU diaries have shown that a bedside diary kept …

Addressing Health Literacy For Procedures And Treatments In Dermatology, Elizabeth Botto, Lilia Correa-Selm, Laurie Temiz, Nicole Natarelli, Emily Coughlin

USF-LVHN SELECT

No abstract provided.