Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Rare Pediatric Venolymphatic Malformations: Pericardial Cyst Mimickers, Shelby E Walcott, Joseph Burns, Juan Pablo Sandoval Jones, Neil Cambronero, David Brennen, Thomas M Glenn, Betul Yilmaz Furtun

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Pericardial cystic masses are rare, and exceedingly so in pediatrics. The clinical course of such masses in children is poorly described.

Case summary: We report 2 cases in 3- and 7-year-old children. Both were initially thought to represent pericardial cysts on imaging, but surgical excision and histopathology confirmed diagnoses of a venolymphatic malformation and an epicardial cyst, respectively. The first patient presented with abdominal pain, and the second patient was asymptomatic. Both recovered well after an uncomplicated surgical intervention.

Discussion: A small number of patients with pericardial masses will have symptoms thought to be related to compression of adjacent …

Rare Pediatric Venolymphatic Malformations: Pericardial Cyst Mimickers, Shelby E Walcott, Joseph Burns, Juan Pablo Sandoval Jones, Neil Cambronero, David Brennen, Thomas M Glenn, Betul Yilmaz Furtun

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Pericardial cystic masses are rare, and exceedingly so in pediatrics. The clinical course of such masses in children is poorly described.

Case summary: We report 2 cases in 3- and 7-year-old children. Both were initially thought to represent pericardial cysts on imaging, but surgical excision and histopathology confirmed diagnoses of a venolymphatic malformation and an epicardial cyst, respectively. The first patient presented with abdominal pain, and the second patient was asymptomatic. Both recovered well after an uncomplicated surgical intervention.

Discussion: A small number of patients with pericardial masses will have symptoms thought to be related to compression of adjacent …

Neuroanatomical And Histological Insights Into Central Nervous System Abnormalities Of A 3-Year-Old With Progressive Encephalopathy, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Micrencephaly, And Infantile Spasms, Haley Nation, Omid B. Rahimi, Rachel Morgan-Armbruster, Andrea R. Gilbert

The Journal of Integrative Physiology

Introduction: This case study presents a comprehensive neuroanatomical and histological analysis of the central nervous system from a 3-year-old donor with a rare complex neurological condition characterized by progressive encephalopathy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, micrencephaly, and infantile spasms. Method: This analysis was conducted using a combination of detailed gross dissection and histological examination to assess structural and neuronal abnormalities across multiple brain and spinal cord regions. External and internal analysis of the central nervous system revealed profound developmental and atrophic changes across various brain structures, including absent central sulci, abnormal gyration patterns, and severe cerebellar and cerebral atrophy. Key Findings: Key findings …

American Dental Association And American Board Of Dental Examiners Advance Dental Licensure Examinations Through New Agreement

New Orleans Dental Association News

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) have finalized an agreement to license the ADA’s Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DLOSCE) for incorporation into the ADEX Dental Examination, marking a significant step forward in modernizing dental licensure and advancing patient safety.

Noda News May 2026

New Orleans Dental Association News

New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) News includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New Orleans membership including: columns from the President and Executive Director, feature articles relating to the field of dentistry, association events and upcoming activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Artificial Intelligence Policy Development In A Hybrid, Accelerated Dpt Program: Planning For Academic Integrity, Jennifaye V. Brown, Keiba Shaw, Otis L. Owens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative forms like ChatGPT, has rapidly grown across higher education. Institutions are developing policies for responsible/ethical use to preserve academic integrity, while acknowledging AI’s role in healthcare to confirm diagnoses and create personalized plans based on social determinants. In physical therapy education, AI can serve a valuable purpose despite documented misuse by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students during admissions and curricular activities. This paper describes the development of an AI policy following identified misuse and demonstrated knowledge gaps from student orientation essays. Methods: An AI task force was convened. Policy development was guided by …

Appropriate Use Of Medical Billing And Coding Procedures After Classroom Instruction: Knowledge And Confidence In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Student Across Two Universities, Jamie S. Way, Breanna Reynolds, Teresa Elliott-Burke, Kristina M. Latva

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Accurate billing practices are essential for clinicians, insurance payers, patients and employers. Proper documentation ensures high-quality care, justifies medical necessity, and protects stakeholders. Existing literature covers ethical dilemmas and inadequacies in healthcare educational programs. The purpose of this study was to assess Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student knowledge and confidence in the application of medical billing and coding. Methods: Prospective analysis of written exams and self-reported confidence before and after classroom instruction in two DPT programs. Instruction covered documentation, common physical therapy CPT code selection and application of units billed based on payor guidelines (Medicare, private insurance). Results: …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In A Hybrid Dpt Program: Student Opinions On Use, Cheating, And Plagiarism, Jennifaye V. Brown, Keiba Shaw, Otis L. Owens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To prepare students with digital competencies needed for modern clinical practice, AI should be responsibly integrated into healthcare education programs. However, concerns exist about students misusing AI for admissions statements and academic assignments. This study examined Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students' perceptions of ChatGPT use and whether they consider its use cheating or plagiarism. Method: This retrospective multi-methods analysis compared two DPT student cohorts' online essay responses to the following questions: 1) Is using AI or specifically, ChatGPT considered cheating and/or plagiarism? and 2) What are students' opinions on ChatGPT use in the DPT curriculum? One hundred forty-seven …

Prevalence Of Hyperprolactinemia And Its Association With Menstrual Abnormalities And Hypothyroidism Among Infertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Study From Saudi Arabia, Aseel Y. Alwahhabi, Rahaf H. Labban, Maryam Y. Alshaikh, Amal M. Alanazi, Samaher S. Alfaraj, Fahad M. Alsalman, Hayat A. Alrabiea

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia among infertile women and assess its association with menstrual irregularities and hypothyroidism in a tertiary-care setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and August 2023 at the Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh. Electronic medical records of 480 infertile women who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics, infertility type, thyroid status, and serum prolactin levels were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Hyperprolactinemia was identified in 27.7% of infertile women, …

Polysomnographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Narcolepsy In Saudi Arabia: A 12-Year Retrospective Study, Banan Almalki, Omar Kanbr, Ghufran Bin Afeef, Shaimaa Hawsawi, Ranya Alshumrani, Faris Alhejaili, Siraj Wali

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the clinical features, polysomnographic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of narcolepsy type 1 and type 2 patients in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Narcolepsy is a neurological condition marked by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and associated symptoms, including cataplexy and disrupted nighttime sleep. Data on narcolepsy in KSA are still limited.

Methods: Forty-three patients diagnosed with narcolepsy from 2012 to 2024 were included in this retrospective study. Diagnosis followed the International Classification of Sleep Disorders criteria and incorporated clinical features, the epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), overnight polysomnography (PSG), and multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT). Data on demographics, clinical …

Lived Experiences And Perceptions Of People With Knee Osteoarthritis In Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study, Sultan A. Alanazi, Amjad S. Alhabishi, Rana O. Alawafi, Samia A. Alamrani

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore how people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) perceive and live with their condition, how they self-manage symptoms, and how they experience physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were undertaken with individuals with knee OA who are aged ≥ 45 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, de-identified and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with investigator triangulation.

Results: Twenty-seven (19 females) participants aged 45–74 years (mean = 61) from different regions of KSA shared lived experiences of knee OA. Four themes describing participants' experiences …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Surgical Site Infections In Hospitals Across Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Atheer M. Aljohani, Danah O. Sandaqji, Rana A. Alahmadi, Raha Z. Ishqi, Manal A. Alanazi, Shouq N. Aloufi, Husain I. Sandugji

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and identify associated risk factors in hospitals in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 363 adult surgical patients from major hospitals in Madinah between 2023 and 2024. We analyzed medical records using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: The overall SSI rate was 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3–7.9%). Infection types comprised superficial incisional (57.9%), deep incisional (36.8%), and organ/space infections (5.3%). Significant risk factors included younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.94 per year, p = 0.014), …

A Predictive Model For Cytomegalovirus Infection Using Routine Hematological And Biochemical Parameters: A Pilot Study, Ahmad A. Shaikh, Mofareh H. Alabdaly, Nabil A. Ageeli, Sultan Z. Alasmari, Adel M. Abo Mansour, Mohammed H. Makkawi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine whether hematological and biochemical parameters assist in diagnosing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and differentiating between CMV-G and CMV-M. Cytomegalovirus causes distinct hematological changes that can serve as markers for diagnosis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients infected with CMV (25 CMV-G and 29 CMV-M) and 82 healthy controls. Age, gender, and routine hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Results: In comparison to controls, laboratory findings of patients with CMV-G revealed characteristic decreases in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and …

Safety And Efficacy Of Adalimumab Biosimilar In Psoriasis And Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Clinical Experience, Raneem H. Najjar, Sarah O. Alrashid, Rnda F. Almahfouz, Hadeel T. Alzahrani, Majed Y. Aleissa, Alanoud R. Hakami

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical experience, safety, and effectiveness of adalimumab biosimilars in patients with psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center observational study between March and September 2024 using electronic medical records from King Abdulaziz Medical City and King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pediatric and adult patients with psoriasis or hidradenitis suppurativa who switched to adalimumab biosimilars between 2016 and 2022 were included. Variables included demographics, disease characteristics, prior therapies, biosimilar use, and adverse events.

Results: A total of 57 (93% adults; 50.9% female) patients were included. Obesity was present in 35.1%, and …

Immunoinformatic Based Development Of A Multi-Epitope Precision Vaccine Targeting Glycoprotein And Rdrp Of Oropouche Virus: An Innovative Approach To Counter Emerging Public Health Threats, Mohammed Alissa, Muhammad Suleman

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To design high immunogenic vaccine against the Oropouche virus (OROV). The OROV is a neglected arbovirus endemic to Central and South America, causes oropouche fever, which can progress to severe complications such as meningitis and hemorrhagic symptoms.

Methods: We utilized immunoinformatic and molecular dynamic simulation approaches to design highly immunogenic vaccines against OROV. This observational study, carried out between January and August 2024 in Saudi Arabia. As it involves an in-silico method, ethical consent was not required.

Results: Docking analysis confirmed the stable interaction of the designed vaccines with human toll-like receptors (TLR)-3, producing binding scores of –300.78, –306.19, …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Incubator And Radiant Environments On Physiological Criteria And Pain-Stress Levels During Heel Lance In Neonates In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sezin Gürsu, Birsen Karaca Saydam, Oğuzhan Kalkanl\I

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To compare the effects of incubator and radiant heat on physiological criteria and pain-stress levels during heel prick procedures in newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: This randomized controlled quasi-experimental study was conducted between June and December 2023 with newborns diagnosed with IHB hospitalized at a NICU in Turkey. Prior to the heel prick procedure, 72 newborns (gestational age: 37–41 weeks) were randomly and equally assigned to either a radiant heater or an incubator setting. Physiological parameters (temperature, SpO₂, heart rate [HR]) and pain-stress scores of the newborns were measured and compared in both …

Etiology, Management, And Outcomes Of Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients: A Single-Center Study, Adil I. Jumani, Ghada A. Rashwan, Hadiza O. Ibrahim, Safaa M. Almohdar, Khaled M. Alfakih

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics, etiologies, management patterns, and outcomes of hospitalized heart failure patients in a tertiary care military hospital in United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to benchmark guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) uptake and care models against regional and international registries.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of heart failure between January and December 2024, at Zayed Military Hospital, UAE. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. The GDMT adherence was assessed according to the 2022 American Heart Association (AHA)/ American College of Cardiology (ACC) and 2023 European Society of …

Identification Of Risk Factors For Renal Insufficiency In Primary Membranous Nephropathy, Lin Qi, Bolong Fang, Xiao Fang, Yamin Yu, Yunqiang Wang

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To identify possible evidence linking certain characteristics associated with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) to renal failure progression in patients diagnosed with PMN and to establish probable evidence of an association between PMN and other risk factors leading to end-stage renal failure.

Methods: A historical investigation was carried out including 436 subjects with PMN, with or without renal insufficiency, who were treated at the No. 82 Division Defense Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army and Liaocheng People's Medical Center during January 2020 and December 2023. Binary logistic regression study was applied to determine possible hazard elements. Binary logistic regression …

Evaluation Of Raqeem Health Information System In Primary Healthcare Centers In Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Using The Delone And Mclean Information System Success Model, Ali M. Alzahrani, Holly C. Felix

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the implementation of Raqeem, a new Electronic Health Information Systems (EHIS) implemented at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Makkah. Implementing EHIS requires huge investments, making evaluation of systems success important.

Methods: In this cross-sectional survey design study, a developed questionnaire guided by DeLone and McLean Information System success model (D&M model) was used to collect data from PHCs' providers. Descriptive and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques were performed to describe and examine the association between the model's constructs and assess Raqeem success.

Results: A total of 490 providers submitted completed records and were included in this study. …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma And The Complexities Of Tumor Development, Wael I. Alzahrani

Saudi Medical Journal

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most prevalent aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, exhibits substantial molecular heterogeneity and arises from germinal center or post-germinal center B cells through recurrent genetic and epigenetic dysregulation of critical signaling pathways. Aberrations involving BCL6, MYC, MYD88, and components of B cell receptor and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κ B) signaling play central roles in lymphomagenesis, treatment resistance, and clinical outcomes. Gene expression profiling has defined major molecular subgroups in DLBCL, including germinal center B cell–like and activated B cell–like tumors, that show distinct pathogenesis and prognosis. High-risk entities, such as double- and …

Integrating Traditional And Complementary Medicine Into Saudi Primary Care: A Literature Review In Light Of The Who 2025–2034 Strategy, Abeer Al Shahrani

Saudi Medical Journal

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely practiced in Saudi Arabia, particularly for health promotion and chronic diseases management. Despite cultural acceptance and high utilization, CAM remains largely unintegrated within the formal healthcare system, particularly in primary care settings. The newly adopted World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) Strategy 2025–2034 offers a global framework for evidence-based, culturally appropriate integration of TCIM into national systems. This review evaluates the status of CAM in Saudi Arabia in light of strategic objectives outlined in the WHO Strategy: building the evidence base, ensuring quality and safety, integrating into health systems, …

Interleukin-6 Inhibition For Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mohammed Y. Alasmary, Mohammed J. Almalki, Faisal H. Almalki, Waleed D. Khubzan, Mohammed H. Rajab, Mohammed S. Almalki, Hussam A. Almalki, Omar M. Alsuwat, Hussam M. Alghannami

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To explore the outcomes associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway blockade, using tocilizumab, in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non (NSTEMI). Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) denotes myocardial necrosis due to ischemia and presents in distinct electrocardiographic phenotypes. Inflammation driven by IL-6 contributes to ischemia-reperfusion injury, with tocilizumab showing promise in reducing myocardial damage and improving outcomes.

Methods: This work followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Framework and was registered in international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). Relevant studies were identified through structured searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up …

Effect Of Anesthetic Agents On Middle Ear Pressure: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Nasser Almujaiwel, Reem Alkublan, Latifah Almakoshi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To assess and compare the effects of these agents on middle ear pressure (MEP). Anesthetic agents can significantly alter MEP, which is a critical factor in middle ear surgeries that require stability to prevent complications. Different anesthetics, including inhalational and intravenous agents, have varying effects on MEP.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus, following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies that evaluated MEP changes before and after anesthesia using tympanometry were included. Relevant data, such as anesthetic type, patient demographics, MEP measurements, and reported complications, were …

The Impact Of Exercise Intervention On Pulmonary And Physical Function In Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review, Abdullilah Alghamdi, Muroj Al-Attas, Abrar Radhi, Amnah Alfaqih, Bashair Aljabri, Rawan Alharbi, Sumayyah Alsubaie, Raneem Aljawaied, Sarah Alenazi, Ahlam Mazi, Ebtehal Qulisy

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the effect of various exercise interventions on lung function, specifically forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), as well as on cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake [VO₂peak]), and muscle strength (handgrip strength). The review also considers factors such as patient adherence, follow-up duration, and statistical significance to inform clinical practice.

Methods: This systematic review followed preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and was prospectively registered in international prospective register of systematic reviews. PubMed, Google Scholar, OVID, and Web of Science …

Cure Sickle Cell Initiative Recommendations On Common Data Elements For Sickle Cell Disease Gene Therapy Trials, Sophie Lanzkron, Victoria H. Coleman-Cowger, Alexis A. Thompson, C. Patrick Carroll, Traci Clemons, Michael Debaun, Julie Kanter, Punam Malik, Deepa Manwani, Francis John Pierciey, Mark C. Walters, Sherita Alai

Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research

The Cure Sickle Cell Initiative (CureSCi), created by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, has developed data standards to increase interoperability and meta-analysis of studies specifically investigating gene therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD). The aims of the CureSCi Common Data Elements (CDE) initiative are to facilitate the development of safe, effective, and accessible gene therapies. Five working groups (WGs) comprising people living with SCD, stakeholders, clinicians, and researchers reviewed current definitions used for SCD clinical studies, including those from the American Society of Hematology, US Food and Drug Administration, PhenX catalog of consensus measures for phenotypes and exposures, …

Disability Rates Among South Asian Immigrants In The U.S. Vary By Country Of Origin, Sobia Mushtaq, Marc A. Garcia

Population Health Research Brief Series

South Asian immigrants are often grouped together in U.S. health data, masking significant differences in health outcomes across subgroups. This brief uses data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (N = 6,643,738; 2020–2024) to describe disability rates among foreign-born adults from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh residing in the U.S. The authors find that while South Asian immigrants as a group have lower disability rates than U.S.-born adults, this average is driven largely by Indian immigrants, who make up about 79% of South Asians in the U.S. Among adults aged 65 and older, Bangladeshi immigrants have …

Investigation Of Electrochemical Transport, Gate Leakage, And Transconductance Behavior In Pedot:Pss Organic Electrochemical Transistors, Vinay Bhudhraja, Bilal Khan, Abijeet Mehta

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Organic Electrochemical Transistors (OECTs) are promising candidates for low-voltage bioelectronic systems due to their high transconductance, mixed ionic–electronic transport, and compatibility with flexible substrates. In this work, we investigate the electrochemical transport, gate leakage, and transconductance behavior of screen-printed PEDOT:PSS OECTs, with emphasis on the relationship between ionic coupling and output characteristics. Key electrical and electrochemical parameters—including drain current modulation, transconductance evolution, gate current behavior, and capacitance–voltage response—were systematically analyzed to elucidate the mechanisms governing device operation. The results reveal clear trade-offs between parasitic resistance, volumetric electrochemical capacitance, and effective gate control, which in turn influence signal integrity and amplification …

Comparative Analysis Of Leaflet Materials, Stent Materials, And Stent Cell Density For Bileaflet Transcatheter Mitral Valve Design, Joseph Chibuike Nwokeafor, Joshua D. Hofmeister, Breandan B. Yeats, Lakshmi Prasad Dasi, Charanjit S. Rihal, Juan A. Crestanello, Leigh Griffiths, Mohamad A. Alkhouli, Hoda Hatoum

Michigan Tech Publications

Background: The biomechanical performance of bileaflet transcatheter mitral valves (TMVs) depends on complex interactions between leaflet material behavior and stent design. However, the contributions of leaflet materials and constitutive models, stent materials, and stent geometry to valve function and durability remain poorly understood. Methods: A parametric finite element study was conducted using a CAD model of a bileaflet TMV subjected to physiological pressure loading. Five leaflet material models were evaluated: 3 glutaraldehyde-fixed tissues—bovine pericardium (BP; FBP1, FBP2) and porcine pericardium (PP; FPP)—and 2 unfixed tissues—bovine (UBP) and porcine pericardium (UPP). BP was modeled as a linear elastic (FBP1) and Ogden …

Flourishing, Social Participation And Reintegration Difficulties: A 2-Year Cohort Study Of Us Military Veterans With Invisible Injuries, Nicholas A. Rattray, Mindy Flanagan, Richard M. Frankel, Marina Kukla

Health Services and Informatics Research

Introduction:

Longitudinal research examining community reintegration among military veterans with invisible injuries remains limited, despite widespread recognition that post-separation adjustment encompasses multiple interconnected domains including mental health, physical health, social functioning, and overall well-being. This study investigated associations between changes in reintegration outcomes and changes in health-related quality of life, social support, and flourishing over a two-year period among U.S. military veterans with invisible injuries who separated from service within the previous five years.

Methods:

Seventy-five veterans diagnosed with invisible injuries (post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, or adjustment disorder) completed assessments at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and …

The Role Of Project Managers And Pmp Principles In Improving Operational Efficiency In Healthcare Organizations, Karan Thakkar

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

Healthcare organizations operate in increasingly complex, regulated, and resource-constrained environments while managing a growing volume of projects tied to digital transformation, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure development. Despite the project-intensive nature of healthcare operations, many organizations do not formally employ trained project managers or consistently apply Project Management Professional (PMP) principles; project responsibilities are frequently absorbed by clinical or administrative leaders whose primary expertise lies outside formal project management. This qualitative study examined how the project manager role and PMP principles contribute to operational efficiency in healthcare organizations. The study was conducted as a qualitative document analysis and thematic …