Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Current Trends And Future Perspectives Of Oral Pathology: Indian Scenario, Yeshwant B. Rawal

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Follow-Up Nurse Telephone Calls For Heart Failure Patients: A Case Study, Danielle M. Schievelbein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Follow-up care is essential when trying to avoid readmissions for patients who have recently been discharged from a healthcare facility. As evidenced by the literature, multiple strategies have been implemented to help manage the care of heart failure patients; however, readmissions continue to be higher than desired, which implies the current strategies utilized should be reviewed and revised. It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of methods when providing follow-up care that prevents readmissions and is also beneficial and convenient for the patient. The qualitative case study explored a heart failure follow-up protocol completed by a registered nurse using the …

Giving Voice To Adults Living With Cystic Fibrosis: A Phenomenological Study, Brandon M. Varilek

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most difficult chronic diseases to manage long-term because of the numerous challenges faced on a day-to-day basis. Historically, these challenges have primarily been studied using quantitative methods given the desire to prolong life. However, simply increasing the quantity of life does not mean that quality of life will improve. It is entirely possible that new treatments may worsen perceived quality of life. What is missing from the current research is the person’s voice regarding the experience of living with cystic fibrosis, especially as they continue to age. The primary purpose of this study was …

Digilego For Peripartum Depression: A Novel Patient-Facing Digital Health Instantiation, J Rodin, C Timko, S Harris

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Digital health technologies offer unique opportunities to improve health outcomes for mental health conditions such as peripartum depression (PPD), a disorder that affects approximately 10-15% of women in the U.S. every year. In this paper, we present the adaption of a digital technology development framework, Digilego, in the context of PPD. Methods include mapping of the Behavior Intervention Technology (BIT) model and the Patient Engagement Framework (PEF) to translate patient needs captured through focus groups. This informs formative development and implementation of digital health features for optimal patient engagement in PPD screening and management. Results show an array ofPPD-specific Digilego …

Does Crizotinib Work Better In Reducing The Chest Pain Of Alkpositive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Compared With Chemotherapy?, Qian Sun

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not crizotinib works better in reducing the chest pain of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients compared with chemotherapy.

Study Design: This paper evaluates three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which were all published in peer-reviewed journals in English after 2013.

Data Sources: Three RCTs comparing the efficacy of crizotinib in reducing the chest pain in ALKpositive non-small cell lung cancer patients with chemotherapy including pemetrexed and docetaxel. Articles were selected via PubMed based on the outcomes of the studies mattered to patients (POEM).

Outcomes Measured: The European …

Do Resistance Training Exercises Help Improve Symptoms Of Depression Or Depression Scores?, Michalia Humphrey

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not resistance training exercises help improve symptoms of depression and/or depression scores.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized control trials (RTCs), all published from 2009 to present and all written in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources included peer reviewed articles that were published on PubMed and were selected based on their relevance to the research question and patient outcomes measured.

OUTCOME MEASURED: The clinical outcome of depression symptom improvement with resistance training exercises was measured in these studies using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression …

Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effective In Decreasing The Severity Of Distress In Abnormal Auditory Perception Of Sound?, Samantha Crago

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective review is to determine whether or not cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in decreasing the severity of distress in abnormal auditory perception of sound.

STUDY DESIGNS: Review of two randomized controlled trials and one open trial, published in the English language in 2008, 2014, and 2017.

DATA SOURCES: The three studies used in this review were published in peer-reviewed journals, in English and found in PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Decrease in severity of distress by the patient after receiving treatment. Recording methods included the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90-R), The Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI), …

Does The Administration Of Curcumin, Compared To Placebo, Change Cognitive Function In Adults Older Than 40?, Rachel L. Hawkins

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of curcumin, versus a placebo, is effective in changing cognitive function.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 randomized control trials with blinding in English from 2008 to present.

DATA SOURCES: Articles were selected from Cochrane and PubMed databases based on relevance to the selected research question and patient-centered outcomes.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: The outcome measured is cognitive change, evaluated by mean score changes in the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

RESULTS: Two of the studies demonstrated no change in cognitive …

Is Bimatoprost Effective In Increasing Satisfaction In Patients At Least 12 Years Old With Eyelash Hypotrichosis?, Crystal Boyer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not bimatoprost 0.03% improves satisfaction in patients at least 12 years old with eyelash hypotrichosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three multicenter, double-masked, randomized, parallel group studies, all published in English between 2015 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: All three studies used in this review were researched via PubMed and were published in peer-reviewed journals.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Patient satisfaction was measured using the Eyelash Satisfaction Questionnaire (ESQ) in all three studies.

RESULTS: Wirta et al. (J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8:11–20.) found a statistically significant relationship between bimatoprost 0.03% and …

Are Foot Orthoses Effective At Reducing Pain In Adults With Foot Osteoarthritis?, Jacob T. Kemmerer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Are foot orthoses effective at reducing pain in adults with foot osteoarthritis?”

STUDY DESIGN: A review of two randomized controlled trials and one case series from peer-reviewed journals published between 2010 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials and one case series were found using PubMed.

OUTCOME MEASURED: Reduction of the subject’s foot pain was the patient-oriented outcome measured in each of these three articles. The subject’s pain was scored on a Likert scale and evaluated at baseline and at 12 weeks to assess their …

Are Binaural Beats Effective At Reducing Anxiety In Patients Undergoing Medical Intervention?, Cory German

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not binaural beats are effective at reducing anxiety in patients undergoing medical intervention.

Study Design: Literature review of three English peer-reviewed studies, published on or after January 1, 2008.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found using a search via the Cochrane Collaboration. These studies were selected based on relevance to binaural audio being used for reduction of anxiety and that the outcomes mattered to patients.

Outcomes Measured: The outcomes addressed in this study include patient anxiety levels preand post-operatively. Outcomes were measured using the …

Does Aerobic Training On A Treadmill Improve Symptomatic Control And Quality Of Life In Patients With Asthma?, Brianna Bracy

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does aerobic training on a treadmill improve symptomatic control and quality of life in patients with asthma?”

STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review of three randomized control trials (RCTs) published between 2013 and 2016 in peer-reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials (RCTs) were found using PubMed. All articles were published in peer reviewed journals and selected based on their relevance to the topic and evaluation of outcomes that mattered to patients.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Symptomatic control was measured by recording occurrence of symptoms in …

Are Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Effective At Reducing Pain In Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis?, Jessica Sebastian

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “platelet-rich plasma injections are effective at reducing pain in adults with knee osteoarthritis?”

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of two double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one single-blind randomized controlled trial published after 2015. All studies were published in English.

DATA SOURCES: The two double-blind randomized controlled trials and one single-blind randomized controlled trial were found via PubMed. All sources were published in peer-reviewed journals and were chosen based on their relevance to the clinical question.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Pain reduction was the outcome measured in all …

Is The Use Of Eccentric Training In Combination With Traditional Acl Rehabilitation Programs More Effective Than Traditional Acl Rehabilitation Programs Alone At Improving Overall Knee Function In Post-Acl Reconstruction Patients?, Jensen Dunkling

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not eccentric training in combination with traditional ACL rehabilitation programs is more effective than traditional ACL rehabilitation programs alone at improving overall knee function in post-ACL reconstruction patients.

Study Design: A systematic review of three randomized control trials (RCTs) published between 2009 and 2018. The studies were all written in the English language and located in peer reviewed journals.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the effectiveness of eccentric exercise as better rehabilitation in combination with traditional ACL rehabilitation for post-ACL reconstruction patients as …

Is There A Mortality Benefit With The Use Of Aspirin In The Primary Prevention Setting In Adults Without Cardiovascular Disease?, Lauren Bernardi

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not there is a mortality benefit with the use of aspirin in the primary prevention setting in adults without cardiovascular disease.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review of three double blind randomized controlled trials published in 2018. All three trials compared 100 mg of aspirin with placebo and were published in English.

DATA SOURCES: All three articles were identified and published through peer-reviewed sources using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Mortality was the outcome measured through various death identification steps such as review of death certificates, notification from …

Is Triple Combination Cftr Modulator Therapy Effective In Improving The Quality Of Life Of Patients With Cystic Fibrosis Who Have One Phe508del Allele?, Gia Avallone

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is triple combination CFTR modulator therapy effective in improving the quality of life of patients with cystic fibrosis who have one Phe508del allele?”

Study Design: A systematic review of three, double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2018 and 2019.

Data Sources: All RCTs were found using PubMed. All articles were published in peer-reviewed journals and selected based on credibility, relevance to the clinical question, date of publication, population, and evaluation of patient-oriented evidence that matters (POEMs).

Outcome measured: All three studies utilized the CFQ-R respiratory …

Is Aquatic Therapy Effective In Improving Motor Activity In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease?, Kayla F. Argudo

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not aquatic therapy is effective in improving motor activity in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three English language primary studies, one of which published in 2011 and two in 2017.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials (RCT); two single blind and one controlled, open-pilot trial published in peer-reviewed journals analyzing if aquatic therapy is effective in improving motor activity in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Articles were found on PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome measured was motor activity using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease …

Are Probiotics Effective In Improving Quality Of Life In Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome?, Lauren O. Bruce

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence-based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not probiotics are effective in improving quality of life in adults with irritable bowel syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) written in the English language, published between the years 2016 and 2018.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials were published in peer-reviewed journals and found using PubMed and GoogleScholar databases.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: All three of the included studies measured the quality of life in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) utilizing the self-reported IBS-QOL questionnaire.

RESULTS: Each of …

Does Onabotulinumtoxin-A Decrease Frequency Of Headaches In Adults With Chronic Migraines?, Evangela Bouikidis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not onabotulinumtoxin-A decreases the frequency of headaches in adults with chronic migraines.

Study design: A review of two randomized controlled trials and one observational cohort that were published in peer-reviewed journals between 2010-2016.

Data sources: The study reviews were searched through PubMed and were selected based on types of studies, years they were published, relevance to the clinical question, and outcomes that were patient oriented.

Outcomes measured: Patient recorded headache diaries and telephone diaries were used to record the frequency of headaches. Any headache lasting >4 hours …

Is Yoga Therapy Effective In Reducing Chronic Lower Back Pain In Adults?, Stephen G. Osowski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is yoga therapy effective in reducing chronic lower back pain in adults.”

Study Design: Systematic review of 2 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 1 randomized clinical trial, published after January 2017, and in English language.

Data Sources: Both RCTs and the randomized clinical trial were published in peerreviewed journals, found through the PubMed database, and were selected based on relevance to the clinical question and if outcomes were patient oriented (POEMS).

Outcome(s) measured: All 3 studies measured pain, using a variety of pain measurement scales such as …

Is Vitamin D An Effective Treatment Method In Reducing Mortality In Patients Who Have Cardiovascular Disease?, Teira Pendleton

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not vitamin D is an effective treatment method in reducing mortality due to cardiovascular disease.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of two double blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one randomized open-label study published in the English language after 2008. The articles compared oral, intramuscular, or oil drops of vitamin D to a placebo group.

DATA SOURCES: One double-blind randomized controlled trial, one randomized control trial that was not blinded, and one randomized open-label study were found using PubMed, Medline, Embase, or Cochrane. The articles were selected based …

Is Secukinumab Effective In Improving Physical Function In Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis?, Ania M. Krawiec

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not secukinumab is effective in improving physical function in patients with active psoriatic arthritis.

Study Design: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2016 and 2017. All studies were published in the English language.

Data Sources: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals comparing the efficacy of secukinumab as an injectable medication for improving physical function in patients with active psoriatic arthritis. All studies were found using PubMed and Alt HealthWatch.

Outcomes Measured: In all three studies, improvement in physical function in …

Is Psilocybin An Effective Treatment To Reduce Depression And Anxiety In Cancer Patients With A Diagnosis Of An Anxiety Disorder, Mood Disorder, And/Or Stress Disorder?, Brooke Reichenbach

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not psilocybin is an effective treatment to reduce depression and anxiety in cancer patients with a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and/or stress disorder.

Study design: Systematic review of three cross-over randomized placebo-controlled trials published in peer reviewed journals between 2010-2016.

Data sources: All articles were published in English and were selected from Cochrane Collaboration and PubMed based on if they were relevant to my clinical question and included patient-oriented outcomes (POEMs).

Outcomes measured: Outcomes measured included self-reported anxiety and depression via the State-Trait Anxiety …

Is The Use Of Dry Needling In One Or More Active Myofascial Trigger Points In The Trapezius Muscle Effective In Decreasing Pain In Adults?, Alexandria Kwapinski

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of dry needling in one or more active myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle is effective in decreasing pain in adults.

Study Design: Review of three randomized control trials.

Data Sources: All articles were published in English between 2014 and 2016. Articles were obtained from peer-reviewed journals and databases using Cochrane Collaboration and PubMed.

Outcomes: The outcome measured was level of pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The VAS asked participants to rate their pain on a scale of 0 (no pain) …

Is Virtual Reality Training Effective In Improving The Quality Of Life For Adults With Parkinson’S Disease?, Judy Le

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not virtual reality training is effective in improving the quality of life for adults with Parkinson’s disease.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one case series published between the years of 2017 and 2018.

DATA SOURCES: All articles were published in English and were taken from peer-reviewed journals using CINAHL Plus. All articles were selected based on relevance to clinical question, evaluation of patient-oriented outcomes, and date of publication.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three articles analyzed the effects of virtual …

Is Sertraline Effective At Reducing The Symptoms Of Anxiety In Those Diagnosed With Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Gad)?, Kristina N. Kassis

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not sertraline is effective at reducing the symptoms of anxiety in those diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review of three randomized control trials (RCTs) published between 2008 and 2015, all in the English language and published in peer-reviewed journals.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials that study the effects of sertraline for reduction of anxiety symptoms in patients with GAD, obtained using PubMed, CINAHL Plus and Academic Search Premier.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The primary outcome measured in each study was patient-reported …

Is Spironolactone An Effective Method For Reducing Lesion Count In Individuals With Acne Vulgaris?, Alana M. Waters

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is spironolactone an effective method for reducing lesion count in individuals with acne vulgaris?”

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three English language studies published after 2009 in peer-reviewed journals, including two randomized, controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study that evaluated spironolactone as a treatment for acne vulgaris were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Reductions in total lesion counts (TLC).

RESULTS: All three studies supported the efficacy of spironolactone in reducing lesion counts in …

Is Oral Zinc Supplementation Effective In Reducing Mortality Rate In Neonatal Sepsis?, Abigail R. Smucker

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is oral zinc supplementation effective in reducing mortality rate in neonatal sepsis?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of one randomized, double blind, controlled trial, one randomized controlled trial and one randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial published in English between 2013 and 2018.

DATA SOURCES: All three studies were gathered from peer-reviewed journals and found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Patient mortality rate, defined as during hospitalization for treatment for Mehta el al. (Indian Pediatr. 2013;50(4):390-393. doi: S097475591200127 [pii]), within 1 month of birth for Newton et al. (Indian J …

Is Raloxifene Effective As An Adjunctive Schizophrenia Medication In Reducing Schizophrenia Symptoms In Women With Diagnosed Schizophrenia?, Alexandra E. Wilcox

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not raloxifene is effective as an adjunctive schizophrenia medication in reducing schizophrenia symptoms in women with diagnosed schizophrenia.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of three peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2016.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials. Using PubMed and Cochrane Collaboration, studies were chosen if they were peer-reviewed, related to the topic question, published after 2014, and if they had results containing POEMs.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Decrease in schizophrenia Symptoms, as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale (PANSS).

RESULTS: Two studies found a statistically significant …

Is A Modified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Dbt) Regimen Effective In Reducing Ptsd Symptom Severity In Adult Women With Comorbid Ptsd And Bpd?, Caroline H. Kearney

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “a modified dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) regimen is effective in reducing PTSD symptom severity in adult women with comorbid PTSD and BPD?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one case study published in English between 2013-2015.

DATA SOURCES: Two RCTs and one case study found via PubMed and Google Scholar evaluated the benefit of a modified dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in reducing PTSD symptom severity in patients with comorbid PTSD and BPD.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: PTSD Symptom severity was measured via the Clinician- …