Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evaluating The Self-Efficacy Of Novice Educators In Nursing And Allied Health Care Programs As It Pertains To Faculty Development, Amanda Doneski, Martin S. Rice

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Career choices in nursing and allied health include but are not limited to nursing, radiologic technology, dental hygiene, respiratory therapy, and occupational therapy.¹The majority of health care professions require the practitioner to hold certain required credentials. These credentials are obtained upon successful graduation from an accredited curriculum, passing some sort of board exam, and applying for and obtaining a state license to practice in their designated area of expertise.² Advancement opportunities in management, sales, and education are attainable for many healthcare professionals.³ Individuals who transition from the role of a health care provider to educator …

Assessing Student Physical Therapists' Metacognition In A Foundational Course In An Accelerated Curriculum, Dalila Dias, Cheryl J. Hill, Annie Burke-Doe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: This study addressed the problem of limited empirical evidence on the effective assessment and implementation of metacognitive strategies in accelerated health programs. Certainty-based markings have been implemented in health education to cultivate students’ self-monitoring and regulating skills; however, they have not been evaluated in a foundational course in an accelerated healthcare program. The theoretical framework that grounded this study was the metacognitive theory. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching ProQuest, PubMed, EBSCO, and CINAHL databases Using a one-group pre-posttest study design, the research questions explored whether certainty-based markings improved student physical therapists’ test performance, …

Knowledge And Perceived Barriers About Hand Hygiene Among Interns In A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Riddhi Soni, Pradeep Jadhav (Corresponding Author), Rekha Mane

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose

Good hand hygiene is a significant factor in preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAI) and antibiotic resistance. The concepts of hand hygiene need to be evaluated among healthcare interns who are in the training stage.

Aim

To determine the knowledge of hand hygiene and associated barriers among dental, medical, and physiotherapy Interns.

Methods

A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 healthcare interns (50 each from Dentistry, Medicine, and Physiotherapy) selected using a 4-block randomization method. Participants who did not provide consent, undergraduate students, postgraduate residents, and faculty members were excluded. Data were collected using a structured survey comprising two sections: …

Developing Empathy In Paramedic Students Using Didactic And Deliberate Practice Education Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study, Nick J. Waltrich, Jade Sheen Phd, Mathew Ling, Melissa O'Shea

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Paramedics often attend to patients presenting with a mental illness, however research suggests paramedics have difficulties when attending to this patient cohort. Conversely, clinical psychologists receive training that focuses on developing strong therapeutic relationships with their patients through the use of empathy. As research has highlighted that paramedic students are known to demonstrate low levels of empathy, this study aimed to investigate the utility of two education methods used in clinical psychology training, didactic teaching and deliberate practice (DP), to develop the skill of empathy in paramedic students. Method: Students currently enrolled in an Australian paramedic university degree were …

Generational Differences In Factors Affecting The Vitality Of The Athletic Training Profession, Kalynn M. Condrey, Lindsey E. Eberman, Kenneth E. Games, Matthew J. Rivera

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Athletic trainer (AT) turnover intention remains a challenge to the profession. Generational conflicts have emerged in employment culture across professions and may impact AT retention. This study aims to examine the impact of generational differences on measures that have been linked to the vitality of the profession. Methods: An online (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) cross-sectional survey was sent to 5,937 ATs through the NATA (5.8% response rate). Most participants identified as Millennial (227, 69.4%), European American (280, 85.6%) women (208, 63.6%) working in the secondary setting (136, 41.6%). The survey consisted of demographic questions, the Turnover Intention Scale-6 (TIS-6), Professional …

Impact Of An Educational Workshop On Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions Of People With Experiences Of Addiction, Averie E. Robertson, Bianca A. Chapa, Samantha J. Dooley, Jillian K. Paguiligan, Emily K. Simpson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As a result of stigma, people with experiences of addiction are subjected to discrimination by health professionals and students, including within occupational therapy (OT). Education and exposure can improve care and empathy. The purpose of this study was to determine if a workshop for OT students impacted their attitudes towards people with experiences of addiction. Methods: Electronic surveys were conducted with OT students before (n=58) and after (n=22) the workshop and included questions on knowledge and attitudes. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Two focus groups (n=5) were also conducted. Results: There were significant changes in …

Preparing Rural Physiotherapists : Addressing Climate Change Through Entry-Level Education, Kerstin Mcpherson, Christopher Myers

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Climate change is set to profoundly impact community health and access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas of Australia, which already experience limited access to health services like physiotherapy. The implications of climate change on physiotherapy practice underlie the urgent need to prepare future health practitioners. Entry-level education plays a pivotal role in equipping physiotherapists with the knowledge and skills to address climate-related health challenges effectively. This study aimed to explore the perspectives, awareness, and educational needs of rural physiotherapists in Australia regarding climate change. Methods: A survey was designed and distributed via rural physiotherapist via social media using …

Patient- And Proxy-Reported Outcome Measures For Use In Pulmonary Hypertension: Study Protocol For A Cosmin-Based Systematic Review, Meredith T. Yeung, Melissa Y. Chan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe and progressive disease that significantly affects patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Despite advances in medical therapies, managing PH remains challenging, and the need for practical, patient-centred tools to evaluate therapeutic outcomes is critical. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and proxy-reported outcome measures (proxy ROM) are pivotal in assessing the therapeutic impacts of interventions, including symptom relief, treatment efficacy, and quality of life. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of these tools in PH, hindering their optimal use in both clinical practice and research. This protocol outlines …

Evaluating The Impact Of Sit-On-Top Pelvic Stimulator And Pelvic Exerciser On Pelvic Floor Function And Quality Of Life Among Postpartum Women, Veenakirthika S, Kayathri M, Senthilnathan C.V, Selvaraj Sudhakar, Mohankumar G, Ramachandran S, Senthil Kumar Natarajan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), affecting up to 50% of postpartum women, can lead to conditions like pelvic pain, incontinence, bowel issues, and even prolapse. Standard treatments for PFD include surgical options, medications, and physical therapy. However, non-invasive alternatives, such as sit-on-top pelvic stimulators and pelvic exercisers like Kegel devices, are showing evidence based results for their ability to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve quality of life. This research evaluates the impact of these devices on pelvic floor function and overall well-being in postpartum women. Method: The study was conducted as an experimental trial with 30 postpartum women aged …

Preparedness And Engagement Of Rehabilitation Professionals In Disaster Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Ots, Pts, And Slps In Florida, Rebecca I. Estes, Shari Rone-Adams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health professionals, specifically, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are under-recognized and underutilized in disaster management. The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, prevalence of engagement, interest level, roles, perceptions, and training of rehabilitation professionals in the disaster management cycle. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to OTs, PTs, and SLPs, licensed in Florida, a convenience sample. Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: Respondents believe that licensed clinicians have a role in disaster management. Respondents had little familiarity, …

A Cross-Sectional Study On Teenage Pregnancy And Its Associated Factors In A District Of Eastern India, Ashifa Sultana, Jayita Pal, Purnashree Mandal, Manoj Ghosh

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Teenage pregnancy is a global public health concern with wide-ranging consequences for adolescent mothers, their families, and society at large. By investigating sociodemographic factors, contraceptive knowledge, and family dynamics, this study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in Nadia district, West Bengal, India.

Materials & method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 232 pregnant women of Chakdaha block. The study participants were selected by simple random sampling from the line list available at the sub-centres. The Chakdaha block of Nadia district was chosen by multistage sampling. All the pregnant women thus included …

An Overview Of The Health And Fitness Benefits From Sauna Exposure, Nicholas Smith, Ashley Wilson, Danica Buse, Alessandra Mondelli, Steven Vish, Morey J. Kolber

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This review provides an overview of the health and fitness benefits attributed to sauna exposure. The specific focus explores muscle performance and flexibility, heat acclimation for performance, cardiovascular and respiratory health parameters, all-cause mortality, endocrine response, inflammatory modulators, and exercise recovery. The overarching mechanisms underpinning the health and fitness benefits attributed to sauna use stem from hyperthermia, which activates thermoregulatory cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and cytoprotective responses that promote homeostasis and adaptation to stress. Muscle performance improvements are attributed to plasma volume expansion, enhanced thermoregulatory efficiency, and upregulation of heat shock proteins. These adaptations enhance muscle contractility, strength, and rate of force …

Printing The Future: A Collaborative Approach To Integrating 3d Printing In Physical Therapy Education, Amanda L. Thomas, Teresa Munecas, Andreina Lander, Amber Sivalls, Abigail Tong, Tyler Turner, Lauren Butler

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Integrating 3D printing into healthcare education presents an opportunity to enhance learning, foster innovation, and address challenges in patient care. This study explores a collaborative approach to incorporating 3D printing into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program through interdisciplinary partnerships with biomedical engineering, architecture, and immersive studio technologies. The study's primary aim was to provide DPT students with hands-on experience in designing and creating 3D printed adaptive devices for individuals with unique healthcare needs while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance innovation and problem-solving. The initiative was structured around a series of pilot projects embedded in the DPT curriculum, focusing …

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Rehabilitative Setting, Corbit Franks, Madison Wellborn, Matthew A. Chatlaong, Daphney M. Carter, William M. Miller, Matthew B. Jessee, Robert E. Davis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood flow restriction refers to a training/rehabilitation method consisting of an external pressure system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the tissues. Though much research has been conducted concerning the use of blood flow restriction, there is limited research concerning why clinicians may or may not utilize it. Objective: The current qualitative study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to investigate why clinicians may or may not implement blood flow restriction in the clinical setting. Methods: A semi-structured interview addressing twelve implementation constructs within four domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Characteristics …

The Feasibility Of Virtual Reality To Provide Visual Feedback To Correct Lower Extremity Biomechanics: A Descriptive Retrospective Case Series, Margaret R. Klausing, Kylie Scott

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study explored the feasibility of using the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) to enhance visual biofeedback for patients with lower quarter pain, aiming to improve awareness of faulty movement patterns. Methods: Six patients aged 19-66 (3 males, 3 females), with lower quarter pain involving the ankles, knees, or hips completed one session in an outpatient orthopedic setting using CAREN. The motion capture system projected an avatar onto a 180-degree screen, providing visual biofeedback from sagittal and frontal planes. Joint angles, Knee dominant squat (KDS), and Dynamic Q-Angle (DQA) were compared pre- and post-biofeedback during gait and squats. KDS …

Prevalence, Patterns, And Factors Influencing Decision To Sport Specialize During High School In Current Division-I And Sport Club Ice Hockey Athletes, Emily C. Srygler, Eric A. Caloud, Laura A. Zdziarski-Horodyski, Masaru Teramoto, Madison N. Renner, Stephanie N. Adler, David R. Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Young athletes are continuing to choose high levels of sport specialization despite growing evidence of associations with chronic injury. Perceptions of specialization leading to greater athletic success have been found to be a motivator for these athletes and their parents, but little is known about its prevalence in ice hockey. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence, patterns, and factors influencing sport specialization during high school in current Division-I and sport club ice hockey athletes. This information can assist in filling in the knowledge gap in high school sport specialization in ice hockey athletes, specifically …

Concussion Management In Equestrian Athletes: A Cross Sectional Survey Of Scat6 Data, Nicole Scarpino, Kerstin Palombaro, Annette M. Willgens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe concussion symptomatology, frequency, and management by equestrian athletes. Although the International Equestrian Federation (FEI.org) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF.org) have implemented new Return to Sport Strategies, it is unknown how equestrian athletes manage concussion symptoms and whether more robust recommendations are warranted. Methods: A Qualtrics survey was used to collect data from January 1 to February 1, 2025. It was posted on equestrian Facebook groups to target athletes who practiced their sport more than 3 times per week in 1 of 3 disciplines. Respondents reported falls from a horse …

A Case Series: Effectiveness Of Nintendo Ring Fit In Improving Balance And Stability Deficits After Recovery From Acl Reconstruction, Emma C. Lord, Melissa A. Tolbert, Whitley J. Stone

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 10, 2025. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a gaming system in improving balance, strength, and power after recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Existing bilateral deficits were also assessed among patients.

Four participants between the ages of 18-24 years were recruited for this case-control study. Participants must have had an ACLR in the last 2 years, been discharged from formal physical therapy, and have a continued history of participating in physical activity at least three times a week. Participants were assigned to either the …

Va Dent J October 2025

Virginia Dental Journal

This issue introduces Dr. Marlon Goad as the new VDA President, detailing his journey, goals, and vision for addressing workforce shortages, reimbursement challenges, and increasing membership among young dentists. It also features the opening of the Dr. Roger Wood Special Care Clinic at VCU School of Dentistry, aimed at providing specialized care for adults with disabilities and training future oral health professionals.

The journal includes updates on legislative advocacy, such as the VDA PAC's fundraising progress and the 20th anniversary of Virginia’s Medicaid Dental Program. It explores the integration of artificial intelligence into dental practices, emphasizing accessible tools for patient …

Awards & Recognition

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Through The Looking Glass, Sarah Glass

Virginia Dental Journal

This document explores three unique oral pathology cases presented by Dr. Sarah Glass and Jared Bergman, a dental student. Diagnoses include candidiasis, peripheral giant cell granuloma, and osteoma associated with Gardner’s syndrome. Each case highlights clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and management strategies, emphasizing the importance of medical history and histopathological analysis.

Vcu School Of Dentistry Opens Dr. Roger Wood Special Care Clinic, Olivia Trani

Virginia Dental Journal

The VCU School of Dentistry inaugurated the Dr. Roger Wood Special Care Clinic to provide accessible dental care for adults with disabilities and train future oral health professionals. Equipped with adaptive features, the clinic aims to address barriers to care, serve 500 patients annually, and expand its capacity in a planned new building.

Making A Life-Changing Difference: Volunteering With Missions Of Mercy In Wise, Charlene Rothkopt

Virginia Dental Journal

The 2025 Wise Missions of Mercy (MOM) event provided life-changing dental care to underserved patients, including a 14-year-old boy with severe dental decay. Through the dedication of volunteer dentists, his smile was restored, boosting his confidence. Since 2000, MOM events have delivered over $23 million in donated care, transforming countless lives.

You Have Access To Savings On Dental Supplies! New Vda Member Perks Partnership With Method, Karen Wood

Virginia Dental Journal

VDA Member Perks has partnered with Method to offer Virginia dental practices access to advanced procurement and inventory management software. Method streamlines supply ordering, automates inventory tracking, and reduces costs by up to 30-40%. Members benefit from discounted pricing on over 900,000 products, enhancing efficiency and supporting patient-focused care.

The Battle Of Fluoride Vs. America, Gary Thomas Dmd

Virginia Dental Journal

The article discusses the controversy surrounding fluoride in community water systems, highlighting its proven benefits in reducing tooth decay and minimal risks at recommended levels. Despite being a top public health achievement, fluoride removal is debated due to concerns about neurotoxicity and fluorosis. The ADA advocates for maintaining fluoridation to promote public health and equity.

Virginia Board Of Dentistry Meeting Notes September 12, 2025, Ursula Klostermyer Dds, Phd

Virginia Dental Journal

The document contains meeting notes from the Virginia Board of Dentistry, detailing discussions on board member introductions, regulatory updates, disciplinary reports, and upcoming conferences related to dental practices.

The Dental Oenophile, Zaneta Hamlin Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Wine recommendation.

The Importance Of Internal Communications In A Dental Office, Michaela Mishoe

Virginia Dental Journal

Strong internal communication is vital for a dental office’s success, impacting efficiency, employee satisfaction, and patient experience. Strategies include defining roles, creating clear procedures, holding daily and regular team meetings, leveraging technology, and reinforcing office culture. Prioritizing communication fosters teamwork, reduces stress, and ensures consistent, high-quality patient care.

From Chairside To Boardroom: Dr. Frank Iuorno Reflects On His First Year At Delta Dental Of Virginia, Chris Pyle

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Frank Iuorno reflects on his first year on the Delta Dental of Virginia Board, emphasizing patient care, provider relations, and simplifying insurance communication. He highlights challenges like competitive pressures and reimbursement models while advocating collaboration between insurers and dentists. Dr. Iuorno aims to shape dentistry’s future through practice and policy alignment.

Vda Academy Graduates Second Class Of Certified Dental Office Professionals Announces New Affiliate Membership Category For 2026, Elise Rupinski

Virginia Dental Journal

The VDA Academy celebrated the graduation of its second cohort of Certified Dental Office Professionals at the Virginia Dental Showcase. Participants completed a year-long program featuring in-person courses and webinars on topics like medical billing and employee retention. Starting in 2026, the program transitions to a virtual format under the new Affiliate Membership category.