Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Does The Addition Of Digital Care Along With Standard Chemotherapy Teaching That Is Provided At City Of Hope Increase Patient Satisfaction And Confidence?, Sheridan Wendy Lomeli, Brooklin Mize, Tatyana Franco, Daniela Naemi

Master's Projects and Capstones

Chemotherapy education is critical when it comes to improving patient confidence, reducing anxiety, and enhancing symptom management. However, there is still a variety of patients who begin their infusion therapy with a limited understanding of what to expect. This quality improvement project was conducted at an outpatient infusion center, exploring whether combining traditional nurse-led chemotherapy education calls with a digital care platform would enhance patient satisfaction and confidence compared to standard care alone. A total of forty-one adult oncology patients participated in an educational survey at the end of each follow-up phone call, which was completed three days after their …

The Impact Of Culturally Grounded Breastfeeding Programs On Black Maternal And Infant Outcomes: A Scoping Review, Kelsey B. Green

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Background: The lack of culturally grounded breastfeeding programs and understanding of their impact on Black breastfeeding initiation, duration, and health outcomes hinders improving Black breastfeeding rates in the U.S.

Research aim: This scoping review examines the impact of culturally grounded breastfeeding programs on Black mothers' and infants' health, and factors contributing to their success.

Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using the CINAHL and SCOPUS databases. In the end, 34 scholarly articles were chosen for this review because they examined the impact of culturally grounded breastfeeding programs on Black breastfeeding rates and health outcomes.

Results: Culturally …

Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Receipt Of Guideline-Concordant Pancreatic Cancer Care Among Older Adults In The United States, Joshua Herb, Kai-Ping Liao, John K Lin, Kever A Lewis, Sharon H Giordano, Matthew H G Katz, Rebecca A Snyder

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Patients racialized as Black experience a higher mortality from pancreatic cancer (PC). Worse survival outcomes may relate to differences in delivered treatment. This study examined differences in receipt of guideline-concordant care (GCC) among older adults with PC according to race and ethnicity.

Methods: Patients 65 years and older with incident PC racialized as non-Hispanic White (NH-White) or racialized as NH-Black or of Hispanic ethnicity were identified in the SEER-Medicare database from 2004 to 2019. The primary outcome was receipt of stage-specific GCC. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with GCC. Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition examined the contribution of measured and unmeasured …

Sport Specific Postural Deviations: An Analysis Of Influence, Intervention, And Long Term Postural Health In Athletes, Thomas J. Mcguire Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigated sport-specific postural deviations in college-aged individuals aged 18–21 by comparing those who participated in a high school sport for at least four consecutive years with their non-athletic peers. The study aimed to identify prevalent postural deviations and explore their implications for long-term musculoskeletal health. Drawing from biomechanical and ergonomic literature, the study employed a quasi-experimental static-group comparison design to evaluate 60 participants (30 athletes, 30 non-athletes) using the PostureScreen mobile app. Postural deviations were measured in both the frontal and sagittal planes across four regions: head, shoulders, pelvis, and knees. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to examine …

Lead Like Jesus For Healthcare - Improving The Culture Of Healing Through Biblical Leadership Training, James Michael Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Lead Like Jesus is a 501(c)(3) ministry founded in 1999 that aims to reshape leadership through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. The organization promotes leadership development that integrates servant leadership principles into a transformational leadership model, applying these ideas in secular settings where success is often linked to authority, control, and power. The principles behind the Lead Like Jesus movement are rooted in the Scriptural accounts of Jesus' life and teachings, emphasizing a leadership style characterized by humility, empathy, and genuine care for others. A review of offerings from professional associations, consulting firms, and other sources of leadership …

The Exploration Of Self-Management Support Programs For African American Adults Ages 18 To 75 In Harnett County, North Carolina, Moya Camille Henny

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the health needs and self-management experiences of African American adults ages 18 to 75 living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Harnett County, North Carolina. The study aimed to understand how self-management support programs could be better tailored to meet the cultural, social, and behavioral needs of this population, who face a disproportionate burden of these chronic conditions. Guided by Critical Care Theory, Chronic Care Model, and Social Cognitive Theory, the research examined how systemic inequalities, community resources, and personal beliefs shaped participants’ ability to manage their health. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews …

Development Of A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (Pbpk) Model And Evaluation Of Antioxidant Capacity For Polypodium Leucotomos Extract, Christopher L. Basel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop an equation to calculate the approximate concentration of active components in orally administered Polypodium leucotomos fern extract (PLE) and to develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for an active component of PLE or its metabolite to address the need for human pharmacokinetics (PK). Model differences based on ethnic groups were also investigated. This was a quantitative study using secondary data. It has been estimated that skin cancers account for approximately 40% of all human cancers and that approximately 13,000 people will die of skin cancer in 2024. People with darker skin experience …

Building Culture And Enhancing Patient Safety: A Readability Analysis Of Internal Healthcare Communications, Trevor M. Kinsey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Effective internal communication is essential to creating a shared organizational safety culture, improving knowledge diffusion, and delivering high quality patient care. This study examined the readability of internal healthcare communications, including policies, procedures, and internal newsletter articles, at a mid-sized healthcare system in Michigan. Readability significantly influences cognitive load, information retention, and knowledge diffusion. Poor readability hinders these items, limiting engagement and knowledge transfer. By utilizing established readability tools, including the Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level scales, this quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether internal healthcare documents meet the readability standards recommended by the American Medical Association. …

Improving The Medication Communication Domain Of The Hospital Consumer Assessment Of Healthcare Providers And Systems Survey In A Pediatric Hospital, Bailey N. Godwin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Patient education is a key responsibility of nurses. Providing education is the most effective when the teach-back method is used in combination with tangible education materials. Patient satisfaction in the pediatric setting is measured using the Child Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey (Child-HCAHPS). This evidence-based practice project aimed to improve patient/caregiver satisfaction scores for medication education on the Child-HCAHPS survey through comprehensive medication education and improved usage of patient education materials at discharge. Three pediatric units within an academic health institution in central North Carolina were identified for participation in the intervention by their managers and …

Growth, Maturation, And Selection Of Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players, Ryan Podell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Maturity status may influence the selection of elite youth ice hockey teams in the United States. Assessing biological maturity status could provide insight into the prevalence of maturation related selection biases. Thus, the purpose of this study was to establish normative maturity status ranges, determine if maturity or relative age effect selection biases existed, and compare levels of agreement between methods to predict maturity status for elite youth ice hockey players in the United States. Part one of this study assessed the biological maturity status and birth months for 126 athletes, ranging 9-16 years of age, from an elite youth …

Telepsychiatry In The Management Of Chronic Mental Illness: A Quantitative Study, Jason Andrew Lam

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The use of emergency departments for chronic mental illness is a growing problem and contributes to overcrowding. Preventing psychiatric patients from using an ED for their chronic mental illness is a key part of reducing this problem. Telepsychiatry allows patients to access psychiatric care from wherever it is convenient to them with shorter wait times for appointments. This study compared emergency department use between in-person and telepsychiatry utilizers to determine if one group had fewer occurrences than the other. Through an anonymous online survey, data was collected and analyzed using quantitative analysis techniques. This study concluded that patients using telepsychiatry …

The Experiences Of University Health Science Students Participating In A Short-Term Medical Mission Trip, Peggie L. Williamson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of university health science students who participated in a short-term medical mission trip (STMMT). Student participation in a STMMT was generally defined as active involvement in an 8-day healthcare initiative undertaken by supervised university health science students who provided medical care and education to underserved regions. Purposeful criterion and convenience sampling were used to select ten participants from a group of university health science students registered for a STMMT to Belize in 2025. The two theories guiding this study were Husserl’s Transcendental Theory, designed to provide a …

Phenomenology Of Dissociation During (R/S)-Ketamine/(S)-Ketamine Therapy For Depression, Daniel William Cable

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the dissociative experiences of patients who are receiving ketamine-assisted therapy for depression. This research was guided by the principles of phenomenological inquiry and focused on the subjective experiences of individuals and sought to explore the nuances of dissociative experiences and offer insight into its potential therapeutic implications.

The research used a qualitative methodology involving participants who have experienced ketamine-assisted therapy for depression. The setting was a controlled clinical environment where the therapy sessions were conducted. To collect data, open-ended, semi-structured interviews as well as follow-up interviews were conducted with the participants in …

Review Of Alcohol Use Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Peoples: Patterns, Impacts And Community-Led Responses, Teagan J. Weatherall, Ks Kylie Lee, Annalee Stearne, Monika Dzidowska, Nicole Hewlett, Lynette Bullen, Taleah Reynolds, Summer Loggins, James H. Conigrave

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

This review provides an overview of alcohol use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples using the latest research available. It has been designed to update the evidence published since the previous review conducted in 2018 on this topic (Review of the harmful use of alcohol among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by Prof Dennis Gray, Dr Annalee Stearne and colleagues) (Gray et al., 2018).

In this updated review, we discuss the historical context and scope of alcohol use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, impacts on individuals and whole communities, relevant national policies and strategies, present …

Saudi Heart Association Position Statement On Troponin Use For Cardiovascular Risk Screening In Asymptomatic Populations, Waleed Alhabeeb, Abdulhalim Jamal Kinsara, Fahad Alnouri, Hussein Alamri, Owayed Alshammeri, Turki Albacker, Khalid Al Faraidy, Wail , Alkashkari, Shukri Alsaif, Mohammed Balghith, Anwar Abdullah Borai

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death and disability globally. In Saudi Arabia, the burden of CVD is exceptionally high, with age-standardized mortality and prevalence rates that far exceed global averages. The current CVD risk prediction tools have several limitations, and those classified as low to intermediate risk still experience cardiovascular events, underscoring the urgent need to address CVD through effective screening and prevention strategies.

Methods: A panel of Saudi experts reviewed evidence on the use of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) to enhance cardiovascular risk assessment among seemingly healthy individuals. Consensus recommendations tailored to the Saudi context …

Reframing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Me/Cfs): Biological Basis Of Disease And Recommendations For Supporting Patients., Priya Agarwal, Kenneth J Friedman

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a worldwide challenge. There are an estimated 17-24 million patients worldwide, with an estimated 60 percent or more who have not been diagnosed. Without a known cure, no specific curative medication, disability lasting years to being life-long, and disagreement among healthcare providers as to how to most appropriately treat these patients, ME/CFS patients are in need of assistance. Appropriate healthcare provider education would increase the percentage of patients diagnosed and treated; however, in-school healthcare provider education is limited. To address the latter issue, the New Jersey Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association (NJME/CFSA) has developed …

Effect Of Gait Retraining In Minimalist Footwear Or Barefoot On Running Footstrike And Cadence: A Systematic Review, John Desrochers, Alexis Chow, David Rubin, Altamash Raja

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Gait retraining programs take a structured approach to altering a runner's gait, often with the goal of decreasing footstrike angle and increasing cadence, as these outcomes have been correlated to a reduced rate of injury and optimal performance. Minimalist footwear, or running barefoot entirely, has been explored as a tool for gait adjustment in runners, largely due to the increased feedback from ground forces experienced by the runner. This systematic review aims to decipher the effect of gait retraining with minimalist footwear or barefoot running on footstrike angle and cadence. The comparison group included runners that underwent gait retraining in …

Enhancing Caregiver Support: Tailored Education For Families Of Veterans With Polytrauma, Riley J. Pullen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Addressing The Occupational Therapy Faculty Shortage: A Capstone Experience In Academic Administration At Nova Southeastern University, Tiesha N. Henley

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The project aimed to address the critical shortage of occupational therapy faculty by understanding and mitigating factors that contribute to this shortage, ultimately strengthening recruitment pipelines and supporting long-term faculty development within a graduate-level occupational therapy program. I developed a pamphlet outlining concrete resources and strategies to attract and retain qualified educators. Additionally, I engaged in the daily responsibilities of a full-time OT faculty member by contributing to course instruction and creating graduate-level learning materials.

Occupational Therapy’S Impact On Heart Failure Readmission Rates In The Acute Care Setting, Morgan Breen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Posture And Balance In Fall Prevention For Older Adults: Implications For Daily Living Activities, Julia L. Otoski

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a falls prevention program within a community-based organization to help reduce fall risk and maintain independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), among older adults. The project focused on assessing fall risk using evidence-based tools, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 4-Stage Balance Test, which identified all participants as being at risk for falls. Individualized treatment sessions were then implemented, emphasizing balance, posture, and the safe performance of ADLs and IADLs. The Otago Exercise Program was adopted and integrated …

Occupation-Based Foster Caregiver Toolkit, Jane L. Donat

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Rapid And Sustainable Deep Testosterone Reduction Predicts Effective Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer., Ze Wang, Haiyang Xiao, Chongliang Zheng, Jian Chen, Qiming Chen, Zhenzhen Chen, Dianzheng Zhang, Luofu Wang, Weihua Lan, Qiuli Liu, Jun Jiang

PCOM Scholarly Works

The testosterone (TT)/androgen receptor axis plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). We aimed to investigate the predictive value of serum TT levels on metastatic PCa progression. A total of 219 patients with metastatic PCa were included in this study. Analyses performed included Pearson's correlation test, Wilcoxon rank test, Chi-square test, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. High serum TT levels (> 405 ng/dL) before ADT treatment, deep testosterone reduction (DTR) within the first year of ADT, rapid DTR within 3 months of ADT, and sustained DTR in the first year of ADT are associated …

Establishing Operational Foundations In A Faculty-Led Clinic: Workflow Design, Role Development, And Service Planning, Rebecca Wensmann

DNP Projects

A Central Minnesota College, in collaboration with local community partners, sought to provide access to medical care for an underserved population while offering opportunities for graduate and undergraduate nursing education. They achieved this by establishing a faculty-led clinic in a high-poverty level area in Central Minnesota, where nearly 7% of the population under the age of 65 lacked health insurance (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). Research was completed on clinic workflows and processes, as well as many interviews with clinics and community members throughout Minnesota. With this data, a clinic workflow, job description list, and services offered were created. This information …

A Dosimetric Comparison Of 6 Mv And 10 Mv Beam Energies For Adrenal Sbrt, Mariel A. Lewis

Masters Projects

Purpose This study aims to compare the dosimetric performance of 6 MV and 10 MV photon beam energies in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for adrenal tumors. Given the anatomical complexity of the adrenal region and its proximity to critical organs, optimizing beam energy selection is essential to maximize tumor control while minimizing normal tissue toxicity. Methods and Materials A retrospective study analysis was conducted using treatment plans from ten patients with adrenal metastases. Each case was planned with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using both 6 MV and 10 MV beam energies. Dosimetric metrics assessed included target coverage, conformity …

Staff Education To Improve Staff Knowledge On Preeclampsia, Doris Wanmban Fombo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Preeclampsia is a disorder that usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can lead to serious adverse outcomes or death for the mother and fetus if not promptly diagnosed and managed. Hence, a staff education project was designed and implemented to enhance staff knowledge of preeclampsia. The practice problem was limited staff knowledge of preeclampsia a pregnancy complication that can affect both the mother and fetus. The practice-focused question explored whether a staff education project on preeclampsia affected office staff knowledge. The purpose of the project was to develop and implement a staff education program to improve staff knowledge …

Comparison Of 10 Mv Flattening Filter And Flattening Filter-Free Volumetric Modulated Art Therapy (Vmat) Radiation Plans In Partial Breast Irradiation: Evaluating Dose Sparing To The Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery, Jillian Beliew

Masters Projects

Importance Minimizing radiation dose to the heart, particularly the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), is essential in left-sided partial breast irradiation (PBI). Flattening filter-free (FFF) beam configurations may improve organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing and treatment efficiency.

Objective To compare dosimetric outcomes between 10 MV flattening filter (FF) and 10 MV flattening filter-free (FFF) VMAT plans in patients receiving accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), focusing on LAD dose sparing.

Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective dosimetric study included 10 patients with early-stage, left-sided breast cancer. Each patient had two VMAT plans generated using identical geometry and constraints in Eclipse v16.01: one …

Implementation Of A Standardized Onboarding Program, Sarah J. Wall

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of a standardized onboarding program on Advanced Practice Provider (APP) retention and productivity within an academic department.

Background: High APP turnover in specialized settings disrupts care and leads to financial losses. Previously, onboarding lacked structure, leading to early attrition and delayed productivity. A 24-week phased, competency-based orientation program was developed to improve retention, job satisfaction, and clinical performance.

Methods: The program, implemented in April 2024, included clinical precepting, didactic modules, and mentorship. Retention and Relative Value Units (RVUs) were measured before and after implementation. Qualitative data was collected through mentorship surveys and APP focus groups. …

Socioeconomic Determinants Of Depression And Anxiety Disorders In Puerto Ricans Living On The Island And The Mainland, Herman Alvarado

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research shows that, among Hispanics, depression and anxiety disorders are the two most prevalent mental disorders, particularly for Puerto Ricans. The socioecological model approaches mental health conditions from a perspective where multiple levels in society influence health-related behaviors. Based on this approach, this quantitative study looked at how socioeconomic factors - marital status, education, employment, and residential status were related to a diagnosis of depression or anxiety in Puerto Ricans. This study also explored whether there were differences between two groups of Puerto Ricans: those living on the island compared to those living in the 50 states. Analysis was conducted …

Three Positively Charged Binding Sites On The Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus E2 Glycoprotein Coordinate Heparan Sulfate- And Protein Receptor-Dependent Infection, Maria D H Alcorn, Chengqun Sun, Theron C Gilliland Jr, Tetyana Lukash, Christine M Crasto, Saravanan Raju, Michael S Diamond, Scott C Weaver, William B Klimstra

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Naturally circulating strains of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) bind heparan sulfate (HS) receptors and this interaction has been linked to neurovirulence. Previous studies associated EEEV-HS interactions with three positively charged amino acid clusters on the E2 glycoprotein. One of these sites has recently been reported to be critical for binding EEEV to the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), an EEEV receptor protein. The proteins apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) isoforms 1 and 2, and LDLR have also been shown to function as EEEV receptors. Herein, we investigate the individual contribution of each HS interaction site to EEEV HS- and protein …