The Power Of Play: Enhancing Caregiver Engagement In Play-Based Development Through Educational Gym Signage At We Rock The Spectrum - Franklin, Elise Yeager

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with We Rock the Spectrum - Franklin. We Rock the Spectrum is a network of indoor sensory play gyms that provide children of all abilities with the opportunity to play, develop sensory and motor skills, and engage in social interaction in a supportive environment. The purpose of this project was to develop guided play experiences that educate caregivers on the benefits of play and offer practical play ideas. Evidence-based gym signage was developed for various equipment and areas of the gym, providing key information, suggestions, and QR codes for further resources. Additional …

Empowerment Of Patients Through Sexual Wellness Programming, Carly M. Busby

OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract:

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Dr. Jenny Archer with Archer Physical Pelvic Floor Therapy. This project highlights empowerment of Dr. Archer and her team through administrative tasks and empowerment of clientele through education materials. The primary deliverable of my project is a six week ‘course,’ addressing pelvic pain through evidence-based therapy practices. Other deliverables include education materials that cover an expanse of pelvic floor and pregnancy related topics. The prominent goal of this capstone project was empowerment through education.

Exploring The Role Of Cine-Virtual Reality In Empathy And Awareness Of Social Determinants Of Health Among Occupational Therapy Students, Leah M. Stade, Madison Mckeever, Emma Gardner, Jana L. Wardian Phd

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Understanding social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial for Occupational Therapy students to develop empathy and deliver optimal healthcare. This study explores using web-based 360° cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) simulations in Level I fieldwork to address SDOH education and occupational engagement before community-based exposure.

This mixed methods study involved surveys and thematic analysis of written reflections from fifty students in a distance-based program at a Midwest university. Students viewed 12 web-based immersive cine-VR modules about a client experiencing multiple SDOH impacts. Surveys were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-weeks post-intervention, measuring empathy using the Jefferson Empathy Scale and attitudes toward …

Roy Stevens Hall Dedicated, Vincent Toney

Documents

Dedication of the Education/Nursing building as Roy Stevens Hall--The TimesDaily

A Blueprint For Success, Una Publications Office

Documents

Brochure for the Education-Nursing Building at UNA

Transition To Parenthood, Angel D. Kietzer

Honors Projects

The transition to parenthood is an exciting and life changing moment for any family, especially first-time parents. This moment may be full of excitement, joy, and overwhelming emotions but may also include significant challenges. Parents may struggle with emotions as they learn how to adapt to this shift in family roles, and can be overwhelmed with the amount of new information they need to know in order to take care of their newborn. This paper will examine how the transition to parenthood is physically and emotionally challenging, as well as the educational needs regarding newborn growth and development, infant safety, …

Building Qualitative Research Capacity In The Global Health Workforce And Developing A Community Of Practice In Parts Of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study, Jack Lumsdon, Catherine Dotchin, Albert Akpalu, Benedict Calys-Tagoe, Dilraj Sokhi, Momodou Cham, Njideka Okubadejo, Richard Morton, Violet Naanyu, Richard Walker

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background Qualitative research offers unique insights into the lived experience of individuals with chronic conditions which can tie directly into public health priorities and identifying the need for additional support. More participatory approaches and qualitative data surrounding chronic diseases are needed in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Valuable “insider” insights are often missing as the conceptualisation of research often overlooks the value of such interactions. For successful and meaningful global health research, it is imperative to involve in-country experts and strengthen the capacity of research teams with qualitative skills.

Methods To address this, two hybrid qualitative research skills workshops were conducted in …

The International Pediatric Headache Didactic Series: A Novel Curriculum Innovation, Sara Pavitt, Sruthi Ilangovan, Zoë Allen, Samantha L Irwin, Irene Patniyot

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: The International Pediatric Headache Didactic Series (IPHDS) was developed to provide free, comprehensive pediatric headache education to healthcare professionals worldwide. The objective of this study was to describe the design, implementation, and impact of this prospective educational intervention.

Background: Headache is the most common neurological symptom within the pediatric population. Yet, only nine fellowships are offered in pediatric headache medicine. Limitations in access to education and training are often cited as reasons for diagnostic and management barriers. To address this gap, the IPHDS was established in July 2022.

Methods: IPHDS is a recurring series consisting of 23 biweekly lectures. …

A Market Of Care Skills: Profiting From Professional Education And Practice, Yasmin Y. Ortiga

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Who profits from the commodification of care and how does such accumulation occur? Focusing on the case of the nursing care market, this paper shows how professional schools and local hospitals within source nations like the Philippines profit from nurses seeking the credentials to qualify for jobs overseas. While existing studies show how nursing skills are exploited and undervalued, this paper argues that it is the process of skilling itself that allows for the accumulation of profit, regardless of whether nurses leave their origin countries to work abroad. This study reveals how global care economies are tightly linked to local …

Perspective In Biomedical Sciences Field: Education And Career, Fitra Adi Prayogo, Mellyaning Oktaviani Sonya Kirana Sari, Isy Royhanaty, Poppy Fansisca Amelia, Heni Wijayanti, Ni Nyoman Maryaningtyas Adinatha, Dyah Wulandari, Anto Budiharjo

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Abstract

Background: The biomedical sciences represent a dynamic and multidisciplinary field pivotal to advancing human health through research, education, and innovation.

Objective(s): This review explores the evolving landscape of biomedical education and career pathways, driven by technological advancements, interdisciplinary integration, and global health demands.

Methods: We examine the distinctions between biomedical science, biomedicine, and biomedical engineering, highlighting their historical origins and contemporary roles. The education and career trajectories of biomedical laboratory scientists (BLS) are analysed, emphasising diverse competencies, core curricula, and the impact of regional policies on professional qualifications. Emerging trends and ethical/regulatory challenges are discussed.

Result(s): Key trends include …

Improving Awareness Of Physician Ergonomics In Gynecologic Surgery, Priyanka Raju Md, Annika Eveland Md, Tamara Lalovic Do, Dominic Cammarano Do

Transformative Medicine

Introduction:
Surgeons experience disproportionately high rates of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders due to prolonged static postures, repetitive motions, and suboptimal instrument design. Gynecologic surgery, in particular, involves sustained non-neutral positioning and physical strain, yet formal ergonomic education is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate gynecologic surgeons’ awareness of ergonomic principles and determine whether targeted education improves knowledge and recognition of ergonomic risk factors during surgery.

Methods: A quality improvement intervention was implemented at a large teaching hospital. Eighty-three recorded gynecologic surgeries (open, laparoscopic, and vaginal) were analyzed for common postural deviations based on ergonomic guidelines. The most frequent errors were …

Cervical Dilation Assessment Simulation For Development Of Student Nurse Competency, Ashley Romans

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Assessment of cervical dilation is an important component in care for the pregnant and laboring patient. However, nursing students frequently encounter barriers to acquiring this assessment skill in the clinical setting. Through application of the ACE Star model, a simulation-based teaching trainer is utilized to promote achievement of student competence while respecting the limitations of the hospital clinical experience. Varied opportunities for purchasing or constructing these simulation tools allows for beneficial learning experiences at different price points, promoting the implementation of this important tool in the most appropriate method for an individual setting. Implementation of the cervical dilation simulator allows …

What Factors Influence Health Professions Trainees’ Preferences For Employment In Rural Appalachia? A Qualitative Study To Inform The Design Of A Discrete Choice Experiment, Chris Gillette, Jan Ostermann Ph.D., Aylin A. Aguillar, Sarah O'Neal, Chris Everett, Dawn Caviness, Esita Patel, Laiton Steele, Dawn Goel, Quazi Minhaz Tabassum

Faculty Publications

Optimizing the geographic allocation of health care providers has the potential to improve health care access and health outcomes for rural populations. To inform the design of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey to elicit health professions trainees' preferences for rural practice, this formative research aimed to: (1) elicit factors that influence job selection among health profession trainees, including medical residents physician assistant (PA) and nurse practitioner (NP) students, (2) identify how these trainees evaluate trade-offs for rural job placement and (3) inform attribute selection for inclusion into a future DCE to identify health professions trainees’ preferences for rural practice. …

Γδ T Cells At The Interface Of Innate And Adaptive Immunity In Cancer, Arnau Solé Casaramona, Martin F Bachmann, Eva Sevick-Muraca, Mona O Mohsen

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

γδ T cells are unconventional lymphocytes that bridge innate and adaptive immunity by combining recognition of stress-induced ligands independently of classical major histocompatibility complex molecules with the capacity to undergo clonal expansion and long-term adaptation. Their unusual ability to detect malignant transformation using semi-invariant T-cell receptors, butyrophilin recognition and natural killer-like receptors positions them as powerful effector cells in tumors that evade classical immune escape mechanisms. Furthermore, distinct γδ subsets have distinct phenotyping and specific tissue-residencies, which could be leveraged to modulate immunological responses. We evaluate engineered therapies and different experimental platforms for studying γδ T cell biology. We conclude …

Chatgpt Versus Uptodate In Preclinical Medical Education: Cross-Sectional Analysis Using Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency Cosine Similarity, Shankar S. Thiru, Nicholas E. Aksu, Matthew Chiang, Daniel O. Gallagher, Mary Furlong, Elizabeth R. Prevou, Akhil Jay Khanna

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly used by medical students for self-directed learning. Although these models demonstrate linguistic fluency, their reliability as supplementary resources for preclinical education remains uncertain. In particular, comparisons with evidence-based references such as UpToDate are lacking.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the similarity between responses generated by ChatGPT (with GPT-4o mini) and those from UpToDate to preclinical medical education questions to assess ChatGPT's potential as an adjunctive learning tool.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional comparison study using 150 first-order questions derived from a preclinical question bank at a single allopathic institution under the …

Trust Before Treatment: Educating Nurses On Trauma-Informed Care For Sex Trade Survivors, Matthew George Ditchik, Monserrat Castaneda, Daniela Tirado Osorio, Emily Haynes, Dani Salazar Tuparan, Joie Ikuzwe Mburu

Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement Projects

Trust Before Treatment: Educating Nurses on Trauma-Informed Care for Sex Trade Survivors

Survivors of the sex trade often seek healthcare during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives, yet many report experiences of judgment, dismissal, or re-traumatization within clinical settings. Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the lasting impact trauma can have on a person’s physical and emotional well-being and calls healthcare professionals to adjust their practices to promote safety, trust, autonomy, and empowerment. Research shows that implementing trauma-informed care improves patient well-being, enhances staff collaboration, and reduces the risk of further harm (Huo et al., 2023). …

What Numbers Don't Tell Us: Can Sociodemographic Factors Identify Grit, Resilience, And Imposter Phenomenon In Hybrid Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students?, Benton Lindaman, Marlena Calo, Brandon Ness, James Smoliga, Moyo B. Tillery, Suzanne Trotter, Liana Wooten, Shefali Christopher

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To determine whether routinely collected sociodemographic admissions criteria (e.g., first-generation status, race, government assistance, youth employment) could serve as proxies for non-cognitive traits such as grit, resilience, and imposter phenomenon in hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-year students (N=100) across three accelerated, hybrid DPT programs. Students completed validated instruments measuring grit (Grit-O), general resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), academic resilience (Academic Resilience Scale), and imposter phenomenon (Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale) during their first semester. Sociodemographic data were obtained from admissions applications. Between-group comparisons were analyzed using independent t-tests and …

Balancing Education And Health Among Rural Schoolchildren During Prolonged Heat Wave In The Philippines, Elias Olapane

Kesmas

Intensifying heat waves disrupt learning environments in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas where schools often lack adaptive infrastructure. Many rural classrooms are built with heat-retaining materials, such as concrete, which trap excessive heat, leading to indoor temperatures exceeding safe comfort levels. These conditions lead to dehydration, fatigue, and reduced cognitive function, directly impairing students’ focus and academic performance. Schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable due to their developing thermoregulatory systems, higher metabolic demands, and potential preexisting health conditions. These risks are further amplified in rural communities with limited access to cooling, healthcare, and adaptive resources. These challenges require practical, context-specific interventions. …

Changing Minds And Lives: A Substance Use Awareness Campaign, Alyssa Collins, Claire Wolfer-Jenkins, Rachel Isaac

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Introduction: In 2024, 48.4million Americans experienced a substance use disorder (SUD),with opioid use disorder representing a significant concern. In 2024, an estimated 8 million individuals misused opioids, contributing to 54,743 fatal overdoses. College students are particularly vulnerable, with 20% reporting illicit substance use within the past month, highlighting the urgent need for focused interventions in this population.

Project Overview: Boiler Substance Awareness Network (BSAN) is a campus initiative funded by the Lead Forward Fellowship grant. BSAN educates the Purdue community about SUD to reduce stigma and foster a recovery-friendly environment. The focus is on two objectives: preparing students to respond …

Understanding The Benefits Of Sustainable Ir Fellowship To A Large Public Hospital In Kenya, Abigael Gebremariam, Kevin Anton

Phase 1

In 2021, Kenya had 10 interventional radiologists for a population of about 54 million. RAD-AID, a non-profit organization improving global radiology, partnered with the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta National Hospital to establish the first IR fellowship program in Kenya in 2021. Through the program, the number of practicing IRs in Kenya has nearly doubled; however, their practice is limited by capital and supply resources. This study will demonstrate the benefit of the program to the hospital system and the patient population in Kenya.

The project employed a retrospective and comparative analysis of IR services at a large public hospital …

A Virtual-Reality-Based Dental Simulator For Endodontics With Automated Formative Feedback, Yousef Salah Abo El Ela

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in virtual reality (VR) and haptic technology are transforming the landscape of medical and dental education, offering new avenues for safe, immersive, and repeatable training experiences. Within dentistry, endodontics presents unique challenges for preclinical education due to anatomical complexity, limited access to extracted teeth, ethical concerns, and the shortcomings of conventional plastic models. Despite endodontics specific plastic teeth being available, they fall short of replicating the hardness of real extracted teeth, are relatively costly compared to generic plastic teeth, and are ultimately a disposable item which makes them inadequate as a sustainable long-term solution. Extracted teeth do a much …

Reflection On ‘Adolescence’ And Mental Health, Souraha Longo

Introduction to Public Health

A brief summary & reflection of the Netflix Drama Adolescence (from a Public Health perspective).

Public Policy Education: Insights From Graduate Dietetics Students, J. Mitchell Vaterlaus, Lindsay Ganong, D. Coleen Kaiser, Emily Patten

Journal of Dietetic Education

Objective: To examine graduate dietetics students’ experiences completing a public policy course outside of their discipline. Methods: Participants were 40 graduate dietetics students at a university in the Western United States. At the conclusion of a public policy course offered through another department, students completed online surveys with fixed-response and open-ended items. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t tests, and qualitative responses were examined using codebook thematic analysis. Results: Three themes included (1) Recognizing the interconnection between policy and dietetics practice, (2) From policy hesitancy to policy understanding; and (3) Humanizing policy: public policy and holistic client care. Students …

Professional Standards As Gateways, Not Barriers, In Occupational Therapy, Ryan Thomure

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Perceived Educational Value Of Different Types Of Simulation In Occupational Therapy Education: A Mixed-Methods Study, Marie-Eve Bolduc, Barbara Shankland, Bernadette Nedelec

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Simulation is an important instructional method in occupational therapy (OT) programs. However, it remains unclear if the various types of simulation hold the same educational value. The objective of this study was to determine the perceived educational value of three different types of simulations (role-play between students, live scenarios with simulated patients [SPs] and tele-simulation with SPs) and the factors that contributed to a higher educational value. This cross-sectional study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. An online questionnaire was used, and two focus groups were conducted to develop a richer understanding of the answers obtained in the questionnaire. Forty-two …

Preferences Of Health Professions Learners: A Scoping Review Of The Use And Role Of Dces In Health Professions Education, Sarah O'Neal, Natalie Smith, Jan Ostermann Ph.D., Binbin Zheng, Laiton Steele, Chris Gillette

Faculty Publications

While discrete choice experiments (DCE), have increasingly been used in the medical literature, little is known about the use of these methods for eliciting preferences from and about students and trainees in health professions. The objectives of this scoping review are to (1) describe the extent to which DCEs have been used in health professions’ education, (2) identify which health professionals have been studied, and (3) identify thematic areas of research in which these methods have been used thematic areas. Between June and September 2024, we conducted a scoping review of the PubMed/Medline, EconLit, Web of Science, and Global Index …

Va Dent J January, February And March 2026

Virginia Dental Journal

The January-March 2026 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal highlights key updates and initiatives from the Virginia Dental Association (VDA). It addresses Virginia’s dental workforce shortage with a proposed three-step legislative solution to expand access to care and strengthen the dental workforce pipeline. The issue features upcoming events, including the VDA Legislative Reception, Lobby Day, and the Virginia Dental Showcase. It also provides educational opportunities, such as the Dental Assisting II Program and the Virginia Dental Journal Excellence Awards. Advocacy updates focus on legislative efforts, Medicaid budget cuts, and AI regulations in dentistry. Resources for members include discounts through VDA …

Pathways, Outputs And Impact Of Nih-Supported Bioinformatics And Genomics Graduate Trainees In Africa, Daudi Jjingo, Andrew Walakira, Suhaila Hashim, Cisse Cheickna, Ronald Galiwango, Caleb Kibet, Florence N Kivunike, Gerald Mboowa, Fredrick Elishama Kakembo, Babajide Ayodele, Jean-Baka Domelevo Entfellner, Santie De Villiers, Karen Wambui, Segun Fatumo, Tinashe Chikowore, John Mukisa, Alfred Ssekagiri, Nicholas Bbosa, Julius Mulindwa, Samuel Kyobe, Mike Nsubuga, Grace Kebirungi, Eric Katagirya, Savannah Mwesigwa, Ibra Lujumba, Rogers Kamulegeya, Samuel Kirimunda, Stephen Kanyerezi, Shahiid Kiyaga, Ivan Sserwadda, Davis Kiberu, Bernard S Bagaya, Julius Okwir, Patricia Nabisubi, Grace Nabakooza, Mugume Twinamatsiko Atwine, Ricard Sserunjogi, Rolanda Julius, Mariam Quiñones, Meghan Mccarthy, Phillip Cruz, Karlynn Noble, Christopher J Whalen, Darrell Hurt, Maria Y Giovanni, Michael Tartakovsky, Deogratius Ssemwanga, John M Kitayimbwa, Steven J Reynolds, Christopher C Whalen, Andrew Kambugu, Neil A Hanchard, Li Jian, Peter Amoako-Yirenkyi, Graeme Mardon, I King Jordan, Samson Pandam Salifu, Mamadou Wele, Ezekiel Adebiyi, Jeffrey G Shaffer, Seydou Doumbia, David Patrick Kateete, Michelle Skelton, Nicola Mulder, Jonathan K Kayondo, Daniel Masiga, H3africa Consortium

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Global biomedical and health research is increasingly relying on genomic and computational approaches, largely driven by the increasing volumes of nucleic acid sequencing. Concurrently, epidemiological studies and clinical records are generating enormous amounts of data amenable to disease modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence techniques. Bioinformatics and data science expertise is therefore essential for improved population health. Accordingly, in 2012, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) in partnership with the Wellcome Trust, and with support from the African Society for Human Genetics, initiated the H3Africa (Human Heredity and Health in Africa) consortium. One of its key goals was to …

Fall Prevention Strategies And Fall-Related Outcome Measures Used For Inpatients In Mental Health Settings: A Scoping Review, Min Zhang, Gideon Di Ji, Irene Ngune, Khairul Dzakirin Bin Rusli, Maggie Zgambo, Rosemary Saunders, Seng Giap Marcus Ang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Patients in mental health settings are at risk of falling and sustaining injury due to the unique risk factors related to their mental illness and its accompanied treatment. Objective To examine the literature on the fall prevention strategies used, and fall-related outcome measures reported for inpatients in mental health settings. Methods A literature search was conducted using Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and sources from the Grey Literatures. Peer-reviewed research studies that examined fall prevention strategies for inpatients in mental health settings were included. The fall prevention strategies and fall-related outcome measures were extracted and grouped using …

Nurse Practitioner Students' Perceptions Of An Artificial Intelligence Differential Diagnosis Tool: A Pilot Study, Nilufeur Mckay, Peter Palamara, Adam Mccavery, Kaoru Nosaka, Wai Hang Kwok

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess nurse practitioner students' perceptions and engagement with Isabel's artificial intelligence (AI) based differential diagnosis tool to support their decision-making skills during their theoretical and clinical placement training. Design: This pilot study used a cross-sectional design. Methods: Twenty-six nurse practitioner students provided feedback on their use of an AI differential diagnosis tool in both academic and clinical contexts. This survey used the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire to assess the engagement levels and usability of the AI tool. Additional questions were included to evaluate the usage patterns, adequacy in training and confidence in …