Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Using Randomization To Compare Ai And Expert-Generated Formative Assessment Questions In Medical Education, Akshat Kumar, Katie Stinson, Litao Wang, Elizabeth Nugent, Yongsu Lee, Mark Hormann, Latanya Jones Love, Toufeeq Ahmed Syed

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: AI-generated content is being used across the education spectrum and is beneficial for creating complex multiple-choice questions, such as those used in medical education. However, evaluating AI-generated content is challenging, and existing testing and evaluation methods are falling short. This study uses randomization to compare medical students' performance on and subjective evaluation of AI versus expert-generated questions. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in student performance or subjective evaluation of AI vs expert-generated questions.

Methods: We designed a single-center, randomized study where medical student participants received either one AI- or expert-generated question per day over four weeks. …

The Unacknowledged Challenge Of Moral Distress For Nurse Academics, Adam Burston, Glenna Mae Guiriba, Meena Gupta, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The pluralistic nature of healthcare presents nurses with situations challenging their moral values which nurses must navigate. Challenges to moral values can result in the experience of moral distress, a problem that is common within the clinical nursing context. Moral distress is a known and well-researched phenomenon within nursing and has long contributed to detrimental effects such as frustration, anger, anxiety, decreased job satisfaction, burnout and ultimately attrition. However, despite extensive research in clinical environments, minimal research exists detailing this concept within the context of nursing academics and educators. Nurses can experience moral distress if they are in or exposed …

Re-Education On Chlorhexidine (Chg) Bathing Protocol Affects Patient Chg Bathing Compliance And Surgical Site Infection (Ssi) Rates, Mary Samantha Ross

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Surgical site infections (SSI) are considered a hospital-acquired infection, leading to increased hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission rates, increased cost, morbidity, mortality rates, and poor postoperative outcomes. The literature review demonstrated the benefits of preoperative Chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing, but called for standardized protocols, improved education, and patient compliance. Research and clinical experience supported the need for improved patient compliance with CHG bathing. Consistent SSI rates even after protocol changes called for re-education of nursing staff in addition to addressing patient compliance issues. Therefore, providing re-education on the updated protocol, which addresses patient compliance issues, can lead to a reduction …

Use Of Simulation In Interprofessional Education In U.S. Physical Therapist Programs: A Multiple Case Study, Sarah Ross

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) is a cornerstone of healthcare professional education, facilitating professions learning about and with each other. Simulation-based learning (SBL) is teaching and learning modality that is frequently used to incorporate IPE into curricula. Current research shows that physical therapist (PT) education programs are increasingly using SBL for IPE purposes. However, there is little research outlining how programs are using simulation.

Method: The data in this study were pulled from a larger qualitative study looking at how US PT programs use simulation because of the heavy emphasis on IPE. Three programs were selected from a pool of volunteers …

The Perceived Benefit Of A Degree Requirement In Emergency Medical Services Education And Success, Joseph H. Wood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: This study sought to assess how graduates of Wallace Community College's paramedic program impacted their readiness for the NREMT Paramedic examination and entering the workforce, specifically comparing those who completed an associate degree to those who completed the certificate program. Methods: This qualitative study analyzed the perspectives of graduates from the paramedic program using a phenomenological approach. Using a purposive sampling technique, nine graduates were chosen for one-on-one interviews, and six were selected for a focus group. Results: Analysis of participant responses revealed three main themes: the perceived value of a degree, student preparedness for the NREMT exam and …

Improving Advanced Care Planning Conversations And Documentation Through App Education And Standardized Epic Workflow: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Michelle N. Rutter, Emily Goldstein

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Student Projects

Background & Significance: Advance care planning (ACP) is essential for ensuring (GOC), particularly in acute care settings, defined in this paper as inpatient hospital environments, including critical and intensive care units (ICU), where a patient’s decision-making capacity could become impaired. ICU patients are often critically ill and may lose the ability to make health care decisions. Family uncertainty regarding patient preferences frequently exacerbates psychological distress regarding GOC. Restricted access to ACP may result in non-concordant medical care, as well as elevated healthcare expenditures driven by the underutilization or inappropriate allocation of critical resources. Despite the recognized importance of ACP and …

Improving Diabetes Self-Management Through A Partnership Between Clinical Providers And Community Educators In Appalachian Communities, Soghra Jarvandi, Lydia Hoskins, Karen Carver, Andrew May

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The burden of diabetes is an increasing public health challenge, especially in the Appalachian Region.

Purpose: This study assessed the impact of a community-based diabetes education program on glycemic control.

Methods: Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) is a 4-month diabetes education program offered by Extension educators in collaboration with clinical providers. Participants’ data were collected via phone interviews at baseline and after completing the program. Assessments included self-reported HbA1c, socio-demographics, diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-management behaviors. Data were analyzed by SAS software using paired analyses.

Results: Of the 105 participants in the program, 87 (83%) completed the post-assessment. Among …

Secondary Infertility: A Personal Story Of Loss And Grief, Ben Hughes

Patient Experience Journal

An increasing number of people worldwide are experiencing fertility and this trend is reflected in the data from the United Kingdom. However, most research focuses on the experiences of women and so the male perspective is largely missing from the literature. This narrative is an account of my personal journey of secondary infertility. Presenting a male perspective of infertility provides a point of view which is rarely explored and is about a topic which feels largely a societal taboo. I chart how infertility has changed me, what it has meant to me through my years of trying to come to …

Disability-Related Educational Content In Nutrition And Dietetic Programs: An Exploratory Study, Wendy Medunick, Allison Gomes, Joachim Sackey, Laura Byham-Gray, Jane Ziegler

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Health disparities experienced by people with disabilities (PWD) are partly attributed to inadequate knowledge, training, confidence and competence regarding disabilities among health professionals. While registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are key members of the healthcare team, it is unclear how pre-professional nutrition and dietetics (ND) programs prepare future RDNs to care for PWD. This study examined the status of disability-related education within ND programs in the United States. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to 570 directors of accredited ND programs. The survey, which adapted questions from a previously validated instrument and published studies, included questions assessing disability-related …

Assessing And Addressing Cultural Competence And Cultural Humility In Dietetic Education, Zoe Duran, Nicholas Slagel, Lisa Caldwell, Katie Kage

Journal of Dietetic Education

Limited theory-informed, dietetic-specific resources are available to guide the development, evaluation, and refinement of culturally competent (CC) curricula. This pilot study used a mixed-methods, theory-informed approach to evaluate CC integration within an undergraduate dietetics curriculum and examine the applicability of existing CC self-assessment tools for dietetic students. A senior-level undergraduate community nutrition curriculum was evaluated using the Tool for Assessing Cultural Competence Training (TACCT), guided by the Campinha-Bacote Model of Cultural Competence in Healthcare Delivery. James Banks’ Model of Multicultural Curriculum Reform was then applied to refine curricular content and learning activities. In addition, 74 students enrolled in a didactic …

Virtual Reality: The Future Of Didactic And Experiential Education For Nutrition And Dietetics, Michael Holik, Dexter Richardson

Journal of Dietetic Education

The integration of virtual reality (VR) into nutrition and dietetics education provides an innovative answer to challenges in accessing experiential learning. This study examined student perceptions of immersive VR experiences designed to simulate hospital foodservice operations and nutrition counseling sessions, guided by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI). A quasi-experimental design involved 55 participants who engaged with 360° VR modules featuring interactive elements, avatars representing key healthcare roles, and embedded critical-thinking questions. Results demonstrated strong support for VR’s educational value across DOI’s five key attributes: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Participants reported enhanced understanding of registered dietitian roles, …

Integrating Oncology Into Entry-Level Physical Therapist Curricula, Shana Harrington, Christopher M. Wilson, Morgan Zaranec, Lori Boright

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Print issue available for $25.

Background: Cancer and its treatments commonly result in adverse effects that impair function, well-being, and quality of life, necessitating access to skilled physical therapists (PTs). Although oncology is an essential component of physical therapist practice, entry-level education in cancer rehabilitation has historically been limited. In 2025, the Essential Competencies for Physical Therapy Entry-Level Education in Oncology were developed through a mixed-methods, modified Delphi process, establishing 19 competencies across six domains and defining minimum expectations for new graduates. To support translation of these competencies into academic curricula, a practical implementation resource was needed.

Purpose: To …

Supporting Mental Health Through Occupation: Education For Women Living With And Beyond Breast Cancer, Rebekah Nicole Trammell, Lakeisa Boykin, Rebekah Jarrar

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, and these women experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and disruption to daily routines and meaningful occupations. Evidence shows that education on self-management strategies, mindfulness-based interventions, and targeted occupational therapy interventions can support the mental health of women experiencing breast cancer. Furthermore, remaining engaged in meaningful occupations is essential to improving overall well-being and quality of life. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and deliver accessible, evidence-based education in digital and print formats that specifically target identifying mental health challenges, self-management strategies, and …

Supporting Occupational Engagement And Regulation For Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis, Robert E. Oehl 3rd, Zeida Gutierrez

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children diagnosed with pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) can face cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms. The symptoms they experience can be barriers to participation in occupations and activities of daily living. For occupational therapy, there is very limited resources for pediatric MS specifically, and it is almost an unknown diagnosis. Occupational therapy in management can help ensure that children reach their developmental milestones in mobility, grasp, social, cognitive, and academic circles. This capstone project was meant to improve awareness and comprehensive treatment and resources through program development. The capstone experience resulted in a project featuring a webinar about pediatric MS and …

Unleashing Potential: Educating Ot Practitioners On Animal-Assisted Therapy For Children With Cp, Karley B. Smith, Lakeisa Boykin

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop and evaluate the efficacy of an animal-assisted therapy educational package for occupational therapy practitioners treating children with cerebral palsy. This educational package serves as an adjunctive occupational therapy service to address the ongoing need for engaging, holistic interventions that support motor development and participation. The primary focus of this project is practitioner education and training to promote safe, structured, and clinically sound integration of animal-assisted therapy into occupational therapy practice. The methods for this project included a literature review, informal needs assessment, development of an educational package, QR code video demonstrations, …

The Legacy, Importance, & Impact Of Lend: Evidence And Personal Stories, Emily Zalimeni, Emma Stone, Alexa Fortier, Leia Getchell, Nataliya Kloyzner, Asha Abdullahi, Elizabeth Barkoudah, Meghan Chapman, Meredith Close, Heather Engholm, Melissa Levin, Aanchal Sharma, Sarah Sparks, Patricia Rissmiller, Amy Szarkowski, Jason M. Fogler

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) programs offer an interdisciplinary/interprofessional training opportunity for medical and allied health professionals, and individuals impacted by disability, including family members and self-advocates. Toward the aim of advocating for the enduring need of LEND and similar training programs, this article centers the voices of a subset of our alumni who have advanced the rights and improved the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These stories are intended to illustrate the key lessons and principles of LEND training, including attending to disability issues in education, growing skills within and between individuals working …

Exploring The Motivations And Educational Needs For Undergraduate Nursing Students To Enter Into Critical Care: A Qualitative Study., Christina S. Pradhan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Critical care nursing is a specialty that demands a high level of skill and dedication. In this high-stress, fast-paced environment, nurses must think fast and act decisively with sound clinical judgment and knowledge. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study was to understand the motivating factors that cause nurses to enter the field of critical care, as well as to explore the ways in which undergraduate nursing studies may be improved to better prepare future critical care nurses. Knowles’ adult learning theory was well suited for nursing students bound for a critical care path. Students at two different baccalaureate …

Self-Reported Confidence Of Dpt Students In Assessing And Treating Different Body Regions Within Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Practice, Scott W. Lowe, Jennifer Wiley

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Introduction

This study examined Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students' self-reported confidence in assessing and treating musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions based on body regions. We hypothesized that there would be identifiable differences in self-perceived confidence across the different body regions. Most literature assessing DPT students' readiness for clinical practice has come from the perspective of educators and clinicians, whereas student perspectives have not been reported.

Methods:

The study is a descriptive, observational online survey.  Participants were final-year DPT students in the United States. Participants rated their comfort level in assessing and treating patients with MSK complaints, both in general and specifically …

A Multifaceted Approach To Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Vaccine Uptake Among Adolescents Ages 10-14 In A Public Health Clinic, Amy T. Norris

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and a leading cause of several preventable cancers. Although the HPV vaccine is safe, highly effective, and routinely recommended for adolescents, vaccination rates remain below national targets, particularly in rural and public health settings. Multiple internal and external factors contribute to low HPV vaccination rates in public health settings.

Purpose: The Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to increase HPV vaccine uptake through the implementation of a multifaceted, evidence-based intervention.

Project Design: Guided by Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, …

Calm, Confident, Capable: An Educational Manual To Support Effective Oral Care For Children With Autism, Jared D. Morgan, Leah I. Stein Duker, Carrie Alvarado, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Dental health professionals report limited confidence, perceived competence, and preparedness when providing oral health care to autistic children, which can significantly impact patient participation, quality of care, and overall dental experience. Autistic children are more likely to have dental conditions compared to their neurotypical peers. The methods of this project consisted of four phases being development, preview, revision, and dissemination. The purpose of this project was to develop an educational manual that provides dental health professionals with practical knowledge, skills, and abilities to address the needs of autistic children, to ensure effective oral health care. The expected outcomes of this …

Development Of An Educational Curriculum For The Surgical Implantation Of Dbs Systems, David Bieber, Rany T Abdallah, Alaa Ab-Elsayed, Adam R Burkey, Dario J Englot, Kunal Gupta, Charles N Munyon, Casey H Halpern, Kai J Miller, Joshua M Rosenow, Ahmed M Raslan, Konstantin V Slavin, Jennifer A Sweet, Sameer Sheth, Nestor Tomycz, Ashwin Viswanathan, Chengyuan Wu, Jeffrey S Raskin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) systems are implanted for movement disorders, epilepsy, and psychiatric conditions. Neurologic surgery remains the only discipline credentialed to implant DBS devices, although significant practice variation exists, partly due to heterogeneous training. The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) education committee offers a granular recommendation for the progression of an early learner through the practitioner level. It is contextualized within the six-core competency rubric for the surgical implantation of DBS devices.

Materials and methods: Guided by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies, a subcommittee of the NANS education committee met virtually and in-person over …

Current Adoption Of The Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index For Clinical Care-A Cross-Sectional Survey Study, Esther O Kuyinu, Joseph B Breitman, Arthur Nimmo, Jay S Patel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: To assess current utilization of the Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index (PDI), identify perceived benefits and limitations, and evaluate support for future updates.

Materials and methods: A survey regarding the use of the PDI was made available through email invitations to 68 US dental school prosthodontic/restorative department chairs (PD), 48 graduate prosthodontic program directors (GP), and 1834 private practice prosthodontists (PP) from the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) member database. The results of this initial survey were inconclusive due to low response rates. The survey was also administered during the 2024 ACP Annual Session with an improved response rate for educators. …

Nursing Students' Evaluation Of Primary Health Care Clinical Placements - A Cross-Sectional Study, Debbie Procter, Megan Lee, Debbie Massey, Kylie Mccullough, Karen Strickland

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: Evaluate quality and satisfaction of nursing students' Primary Health Care clinical placements. Background: There is growing recognition of the need to expand the Primary Health Care nursing workforce, with positive clinical placement experiences considered essential for preparing and inspiring future careers in these settings; however, few graduate nurses choose this career path. Design: A cross-sectional study design using purposive sampling. Participants: Data were sourced from National Placement Evaluation Centre's 2023/2024 dataset using the validated PET–Nursing survey. The tool includes 20 items across two subscales - Clinical Environment and Learning Support, with the final item assessing overall placement satisfaction. Surveys …

Exploring Primary Care Providers’ Compassionate Care And Their Evidence-Based Practice With Death, Grief, And Loss: Patient Experience And Perspective, Kathryn Krzykala

Dissertations

Research on primary care providers’ (PCPs) education regarding Death, Grief, and Loss (DGL) remains limited. Specifically, data is lacking regarding patients' perceptions and opinions on what they need and expect from their PCPs regarding grief and loss. This exploratory mixed-method study comprised 146 participants who had experienced death and non-death loss. It examined participants' perceptions of 1) PCP compassion, 2) PCP utilization of evidence-based grief and loss practices, 3) their own level of comfort discussing DGL with their PCPs during medical visits, and 4) their personal grief and loss experiences. The findings revealed that PCPs' grief-informed evidence-based treatment, as reflected …

Optimistic And Ambivalent Attitudes Toward Clinical Artificial Intelligence, Sevi̇l Uygun İli̇khan, Si̇nem Ülke, Mahmut Özer, Matjaž Perc, Yavuz Ayhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare systems; however, healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding AI remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare professionals’ perceptions of AI in clinical practice.

Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 260 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and healthcare technicians working at a tertiary public hospital in Türkiye. Participants completed the Healthcare Professionals and Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire, which assessed demographic characteristics, AI knowledge, workplace AI use, attitudes toward AI applications, ethical and legal concerns, perceived professional impact, and educational needs.

Results: Most participants reported limited AI knowledge; …

Beyond Coiling: A Comparative Analysis Of Survey-Reported Preferences For Endovascular Cerebral Aneurysm Occlusion, Sanjana R Salwi, Thilan Tudor, Oleg Shekhtman, Georgios S. Sioutas, Pious D. Patel, Irina-Mihaela Matache, Mohamed Salem, Sonia Ajmera, Sandeep Kandregula, Jan-Karl Burkhardt, Visish M. Srinivasan

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Aneurysm treatment options are rapidly evolving, as evidenced by the recent introduction and widespread adoption of flow diversion and intrasaccular devices. However, there is a need to understand how these newer technologies are used for difficult-to-treat aneurysms. The main aims of this study were to investigate the variation in aneurysm treatment recommendations among neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, and interventional neurologists and to generally describe trends in endovascular treatment.

METHODS: In this survey-based study conducted from June to September 2024, participants were presented with clinical vignettes and asked to choose preferred treatment options, with responses analyzed based on demographic variables including …

Integrating Structural Analysis In The Pre-Appe Curriculum: Experiences From Three Institutions, Jennifer Ko, Sharon E. Connor, Emily K. Frederick, Katherine Foley, Emiline Snook, Ava Romah, Katie F. Leslie

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Educational activity

Evaluation findings

Transforming Student And Patient Lives In Guatemala, Ryan J. Grippo, Jarett C. Worden, Lawrence B. Stack, Kamini V. Kabilan, Aakanksha S. Khadye, Edison Nwobi, Sydney G. Wisnefski

Cumberland Medica

Abstract: Interprofessional healthcare service-learning experiences provide the environment for transformative growth of students. Belmont University’s faculty from the Frist College of Medicine and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences created an interprofessional healthcare service-learning experience for medical students and pharmacy students. This experience includes providing hands-on care in community health clinics in Guatemala as well as touring healthcare facilities in Guatemala. This reflection article highlights the details of the inaugural session of this experience and the transformative quality of this experience from the student perspective.

The Feasibility Of A Single Educational Intervention To Improve Caregiver Confidence In Stroke Rehabilitation, Angelica Fedorchak, Jennifer E. Lape

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Caregivers play a critical role in providing support to stroke survivors during recovery, but they often face emotional, physical, and educational challenges that can lead to caregiver burden and burnout. Despite the significant impact education can have on caregivers, rehabilitation professionals in inpatient rehabilitation settings often struggle to provide comprehensive training due to time constraints and strict productivity standards. This feasibility study aimed to evaluate whether an individualized one-time caregiver education session, integrated into the discharge planning process, could enhance caregiver confidence and whether the necessary education could be practically integrated into the existing staffing, reimbursement, and organizational structure …

“Thrown To The Fire”: Exploring The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Education And Self-Efficacy In New Graduate Physical Therapists, Michael Furtado, Gregory Brusola, Dana Wild

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education and practice, leading to emergency transitions to online learning and interruptions in clinical experiences across the United States. These disruptions raised concerns about their impact on new graduate DPTs' self-efficacy and professional readiness. The current issue addressed by this study is the effect of these disruptions on new graduate self-efficacy and confidence in their professional role. This mixed-method study aimed to assess the extent of clinical education disruption, evaluate its effects on self-efficacy, and explore the lived experiences of new graduate DPTs during the pandemic. Method: A survey …