Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Utilizing Trauma-Informed Universal And Targeted Occupational Therapy Interventions In A School Setting, Maciah L. Nobles

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This project aimed to provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 trauma-informed occupational therapy interventions to a rural elementary school. Project components included implementing the “Just Right!” Sensory Curriculum (Wiggins & Wild, 2020) with students grades preK-6th, education to staff about trauma-informed classroom strategies, development of a sensory room for the elementary school, and creation of centers to be used in the classrooms. Key findings included a significant decrease in hyperactivity/inattention (p=0.00) on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, a 1.13 point average increase in staff members’ knowledge of trauma-informed classroom strategies on a 5-point Likert scale, and students reporting increased understanding …

Early Intervention For Adulthood: Occupational Therapy’S Vital Role In Secondary Transition Services, Carolyn A. Blatchford

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Transition to adulthood is an essential stage of development, especially for those with disabilities. Occupational therapy practitioners are qualified to play a vital role in a young adult’s transition to adulthood within school settings, yet the majority of therapists are not serving transition-aged youth. This capstone utilized the Zarrow Institute on Transition & Self-Determination, specifically the “ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness & Self-Advocacy” and “TAGG Lesson Plans” lessons as a programming intervention foundation within a school-based setting to support transition-aged young adults currently served by the school district’s special education program, and classified as in a regular classroom at least …

Chronic Care Connections: Occupational Therapy In Rural, Primary Care, Jayden Renee Bormann

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Rural healthcare faces a unique set of challenges including fewer primary care providers compared to urban areas, (Dobis & Todd, 2022). Occupational therapy has become more frequently part of the staff in a primary care clinic. An occupational therapy practitioner brings a unique perspective to the care of clients in a holistic manner and looking at the client from their specific context to create specific goals (Koverman et al., 2017; Donnelly et al., 2014). If a client with a chronic condition receives individualized care from an occupational therapist as part of their primary care visits, they may experience improved self-efficacy …

Serving Rural America: Occupational Therapy's Role In Agriculture, Kaiya R. Gieseke

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Occupational therapy can provide a vast variety of roles to individuals in the agricultural industry. Although there is a lack of knowledge regarding the topic of occupational therapy in agriculture, there is room for research to be conducted and relationships to be made. The profession’s role in being involved in the agricultural industry is largely unexplored. The purpose of this 14-week capstone project was to advocate and educate on occupational therapy’s role in agriculture. Additionally, this project worked to create a program for individuals involved in agriculture to promote preventative care and lifestyle management. A variety of goals and objectives …

Mind Over Matter: A Theory-Based Approach To Enhancing Functional Cognition With Occupational Therapy, Amanda Marx

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Functional cognition is comprised of an individual’s performance skills and patterns to result in successful completion of an occupation (Giles et al., 2020). Functional cognitive deficits are prevalent across various client populations and diagnoses of neurological, psychosocial, and/or developmental etiology (AOTA, 2019). Literature has shown metacognitive strategy training and individual- and group-based mindfulness practice promotes improvements in functional cognition and prevents decline in occupational performance (Ahn et al., 2017; Borujeni et al., 2019; Nagelkop et al., 2021; Reitano et al., 2023). This capstone project utilized theoretical principles from the Multicontext Approach and Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance theories to complete …

Making A Splash: Exploring The Effectiveness Of Aquatic Occupational Therapy For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Avery Brockberg

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

According to the American Psychiatric Association, autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common developmental disabilities in the world. Approximately 90% of children with ASD experience atypical sensory processing which can lead to increased difficulties in daily occupations including play, academic activities, feeding, self-care, and sleep. Aquatic therapy (AT) is an effective intervention that has a role in addressing social, emotional, physical, and sensory needs in children with ASD. There is limited research on the role of occupational therapy in providing AT for children with ASD. The purpose of this capstone was to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic occupational …

Efficacy Of Menstrual Cycle Awareness In The Identification Of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Rachel Brothers

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is characterized by identifiable psychological and physical symptoms that are present in the week before menses and is estimated to affect 3-8% of women of reproductive age globally. The identification of women who meet criteria for PMDD is important both clinically, to provide proper support and treatment, and for advancing research by identifying appropriate study participants. This literature review aims to investigate the efficacy of current and prospective tools to screen for symptoms of PMDD by comparing a common depression screening tool, the PHQ-9, to tools that enhance menstrual cycle awareness. A literature review was conducted …

Treatment Of Adult Adhd, Megan Bryn

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly considered a childhood disorder diagnosed and treated in adolescents. Options for management of adverse symptoms associated with ADHD are primarily pharmaceutical therapy, most commonly stimulant therapy. There has been significantly less research regarding the management of adult ADHD in contrast with children diagnosed with ADHD. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to determine in adults with ADHD if nonpharmaceutical therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and mindfulness behavioral therapy are effective alternatives to pharmaceutical therapy. Current research provides significant data supporting the use of pharmaceutical therapy for the management of adult ADHD, as …

Efficacy Of Low-Dose Naltrexone Compared To Gabapentinoids In Fibromyalgia, Dillon Boen

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder and often a diagnosis of exclusion characterized by widespread non-specific pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. Despite fibromyalgia’s significant prevalence, optimal clinical management remains uncertain because of its uncertain pathophysiology. This literature review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) compared to gabapentinoids, including gabapentin and pregabalin, in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. A literature review of studies published between 2005 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed's electronic search base. Specific keywords included LDN, low-dose-naltrexone, fibromyalgia, pregabalin, and gabapentin. Specific criteria were set to include all clinical trials and randomized controlled trials …

Efficacy Of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy For The Treatment Of Children With Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Sarah Herman

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition in children, characterized by persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning and overall quality of life. Anxiety disorders are considered the most common psychiatric disorders among children. The trajectory of untreated anxiety in early life can result in more resistant and chronic presentations in the future, complicating both therapeutic engagement and outcomes. Parent- Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has emerged as a potential alternative treatment for children displaying anxiety symptoms, particularly those diagnosed with GAD. This literature review endeavors to assess the effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy as an …

Comparative Efficacy And Preference Of Estrogen Cream Or Gel Vs. Vaginal Ring Estrogen For Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Individuals, Clara Burkman

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Menopause is a natural, nonpathological event that occurs due to decreasing estrogen levels that may be achieved naturally or through surgical means. One of the most commonly reported and often painful symptoms of menopause is urogenital atrophy, also known as vaginal atrophy. Symptoms include vaginal pruritus, dyspareunia, dryness, vaginal irritation, dysuria, and tightness associated with thinning and reduced elasticity of the vaginal mucosa. These symptoms can negatively impact the quality of life. Local estrogen therapy is the preferred treatment option due to its minimal systemic absorption, potential as a safe option for menopausal patients with hormone-sensitive conditions, and ease of …

Impact Of Altering Gut Microbiota With Multinutrient Supplementation On Neuropsychiatric Symptoms In Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Benjamin Hinkle

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition affecting children, often characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between gut microbiota composition and neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, through the gut-brain axis (GBA). A literature review of studies published between 2017 and 2024 explores the efficacy of multinutrient interventions on influencing gut microbiota to treat the core symptoms of ADHD in children ages 6-12 years old. Findings indicate that multinutrient supplementation may modulate gut microbiota and subsequently impact neuropsychiatric symptoms, offering a promising adjunctive treatment for ADHD. However, variability in study methodologies and small sample sizes …

Telemedicine Vs. Clinic Monitoring: Adherence In Hypertension Management, Kimberly Hinkle

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Hypertension affects over a billion adults worldwide and remains a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and mortality. Effective management requires consistent medication adherence and lifestyle changes, but barriers such as limited healthcare access often hinder follow-up. This literature review evaluates the efficacy of home blood pressure (BP) monitoring combined with telemedicine follow-up in improving medication adherence among adults with hypertension compared to traditional clinic-based follow-ups. A literature review was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of six studies that examined interventions such as telepharmacy, remote BP monitoring, bidirectional text support, and mobile health applications. Results demonstrated that telemedicine significantly enhances BP …

Efficacy And Safety Of P2y12 Inhibitor Monotherapy Versus Dual Antiplatelet Therapy In Patients Who Have Received Drug Eluting Stents Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome, Jordan Saxerud

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

According to the American Heart Association, there are approximately 1.4 million people who are hospitalized and 700,000 deaths attributed to acute coronary syndrome on a yearly basis in the United States. It is standard therapy for patients to receive a drug eluting stent and dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent occlusion of the stent and other coronary arteries. Dual antiplatelet therapy typically consists of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor. Dual antiplatelet leads to an increased risk of bleeding. This literature review aims to investigate if earlier initiation of P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy decreases the risk of bleeding while maintaining adequate protection against …

Pharmacological Treatment Options For Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Resmetirom Vs Glp- 1 Receptor Agonists, Debbie Zabel

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

The incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is continually rising and has now emerged as one of the leading causes of cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (Maurice et al., 2018). Until recently, the management of this disease has been limited to lifestyle modification and treatment of comorbid risk factors. In March 2024, the FDA approved resmetirom, the first and only medication for the treatment of this condition. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the efficacy of GLP-1 and dual GLP/GIP or GLP/GCGR receptor agonist medications for the reduction of liver fat content in comparison to resmetirom. A literature review …

Oral Nsaids Vs. Topical Anesthetics For Pain Management During Iud Insertion: A More Effective Standard Of Care, Hannah Ulven

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) option for patients from menarche until menopause. Despite its effectiveness, pain associated with IUD insertion remains a significant barrier to IUD insertion use. Unrelieved pain during the procedure may lead to serious complications, such as vasovagal shock and cardiac arrhythmias, which may negatively impact patient experience and adherence to contraceptive methods. To this day, there is no standard, effective recommendation for pain management during IUD insertion. This literature review aims to compare the efficacy of oral NSAIDs, which are commonly used due to their nonspecific analgesic property, and …

Comparing The Efficacy And Safety Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists Versus Gastric Bypass Surgery In The Treatment Of Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes, Abir Oliver

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are interconnected global health challenges, contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This literature review compares the efficacy, safety, and applicability of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and bariatric surgery as treatment options. A literature search with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria was conducted using PubMed and EBSCOhost from May to July 2024, resulting in 14 randomized controlled trials for evaluation. This literature review supports the efficacy of both GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, and bariatric surgery as effective interventions for weight loss and glycemic control in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. …

D-Mannose Efficacy In Preventing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In Women, Miah Lee

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a significant health concern for women, affecting their quality of life and requiring effective and safe prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. This literature review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of D-mannose, a natural sugar, in preventing and treating UTIs. This review is based on a structured search and selection of randomized controlled trials and pilot studies identified through databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Evidence from assorted studies, including randomized controlled trials and pilot research, indicates that D-mannose may reduce UTI recurrence rates and alleviate acute symptoms with comparable efficacy to standard …

Benefits Of Succession Planning In Medical Laboratories, Christina Jones, Samantha Peterson, Robert Porter

Medical Laboratory Science Independent Study Projects

This discussion examines the potential impact of implementing a succession plan in the laboratory to reduce survey deficiencies. It highlights the importance of understanding the determinants of quality in the lab, addressing staffing shortages and turnover, and the role of succession plans in improving workplace quality. Quality encompasses various aspects from quality control to quality management. Accreditation and inspection processes, such as those required by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ‘88), play a crucial role in ensuring quality laboratories.

However, frequent turnover, including leadership changes, poses challenges to maintaining quality. The laboratory workforce faces high turnover rates …

Efficacy Of Menstrual Cycle Awareness In The Identification Of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Rachel Brothers

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) impacts 3-8% of women of reproductive age globally. • PMDD is characterized by psychological and physical symptoms that occur in the week before menses. • This literature review aims to investigate the efficacy of menstrual awareness in the identification of women who meet criteria for PMDD versus the commonly used PHQ-9 depression screening tool. • Studies were all peer-reviewed and included randomized control trials and cross-sectional studies. • Findings of this review suggest that while the PHQ-9 may be a sufficient screening tool for identifying severe symptoms of PMDD, it would need to be administered in …

Effects Of Nsaids On Bone Healing Time In Orthopedic Patients, Alayne Brekke

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Use of NSAIDs in adults recovering from orthopedic injury or surgery has been found to be largely inconclusive when it comes to determining significance in delay of bone healing. The purpose of this review is to determine whether use of NSAIDs is detrimental to bone healing after orthopedic injury or surgery. A literature review was performed using electronic databases PubMed and SportsDiscus from May to July of 2024. There were fifteen studies that met final inclusion criteria. Research overwhelmingly acknowledged that selective COX-2 inhibitors are not recommended in a post injury or post operative state. However, when it comes to …

Efficacy Of Low-Dose Naltrexone Compared To Gabapentinoids In Fibromyalgia, Dillon Boen

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• . This literature review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) compared to gabapentinoids, including gabapentin and pregabalin, in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. • Pilot studies on LDN highlighted its potential anti-inflammatory benefits and its ability to reduce pain severity and improve quality of life, with minimal side effects. Gabapentinoids demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy in pain reduction and sleep quality improvement but had adverse effects, including dizziness and sedation, which may limit their tolerability. • The findings underscore the need for more extensive, long-term research to confirm the therapeutic potential of LDN and refine the clinical …

Efficacy Of Once Weekly Insulin And Lowering Hba1ccarly, Carly Gilbertson

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• The purpose of this literature review is to determine if patients with diabetes mellitus taking once weekly insulin injections compared to once daily insulin injections offer the same, or better, effectiveness at lowering their HbA1c. This is critical in the management and progression of the disease. • The electronic databases PubMed, Clinical Key and Embase were searched and there was 92 articles found. Inclusion criteria included articles published within the past 5 years, randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis. Seven studies met final criteria for inclusion. Current research provides data supporting the use of once weekly insulin is just as …

Outcomes Of Blood Flow Restriction Training In Comparison To Traditional Strength Training In Patients Undergoing Acl Reconstruction, Alex Lange

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• ACL injuries are common in athletes and active individuals with a significant impact on knee stability, function and strength. The ACL is crucial in activities involving jumping, cutting, and pivoting which places the ligament under increased stress, increasing the risk of rupture. ACLR surgery is often necessary, especially in younger, active individuals, to restore knee stability, function and strength • The purpose of this literature review is to explore the effectiveness of BFR-RT as an alternative or adjuvant to traditional rehabilitation techniques following ACLR surgery. The electronic databases PubMed and Embase were searched, and the seven studies chosen for …

Disparities In Gdmt In Rural And Underserved Hfref Patients, Shawn Mcclaughry

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) continues to be a substantial public health challenge, thus optimal management through guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) continues to be vital. Evolving GDMT has established four pillars of first-line optimal treatment with expeditious and maximized titration of established target dosing of pillar medications. GDMT has been shown to decrease mortality among HF patients. Although continuing advancements in treatment efficacy prevail, studies demonstrate that vulnerable populations, particularly rural, Black and Hispanic individuals, exhibit significantly lower rates of GDMT optimization, leading to increased hospitalization and mortality. This literature review evaluates disparities in GDMT implementation among urban, …

Glp-1 Vs Gastric Bypass In Treating Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes, Abir Oliver

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are interconnected global health challenges, contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This literature review compares the efficacy, safety, and applicability of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and bariatric surgery as treatment options. A literature search with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria was conducted using PubMed and EBSCOhost from May to July 2024, resulting in 14 randomized controlled trials for evaluation. This literature review supports the efficacy of both GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, and bariatric surgery as effective interventions for weight loss and glycemic control in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. …

Efficacy Of Stem Cell Therapy Versus Standard Drug Therapy In Adults With Heart Failure, Evie Reynolds

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Myocardial infarction (MI) or other damage to the heart tissue may result in ischemia, and because cardiomyocytes have limited regenerative capacity, this often leads to the development of heart failure (HF). Typical symptoms of HF include dyspnea, edema, cough, fatigue, and chest pain, which arises from fluid overload and congestion. Current medical treatments focus on alleviating these symptoms through loop diuretics, which reduce fluid accumulation but do not treat the underlying ischemic damage. Recent studies have shifted focus towards stem cell therapy, which have shown potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes and regenerate ischemic heart tissue. A comprehensive search of databases …

Pre-Procedural Anxiolytic Use In Pediatric Laceration Repair, Mackenzie Weis

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Pediatric laceration repair is a common, yet anxiety-inducing procedure for those who must undergo them. With limited research analyzing the different types of pre-procedural anxiolytic medications, the purpose of this research and literature review was to explore two distinct but commonly used intranasal (IN) anxiolytics, dexmedetomidine and midazolam, and to compare their efficacy, adverse effects, and overall pediatric anxiety and parental satisfaction. Databases including PubMed, GoogleScholar, and ClinicalKey were searched to find articles investigating clinical trials using pediatric participants. Meta-analyses, animal studies, dental procedures, imaging procedures, full sedation procedures, and ongoing studies were excluded. In terms of effective anxiolysis, intranasal …

Pharmacological Treatment Options For Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Resmetirom Vs Glp-1 Receptor Agonists, Debbie Zabel

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is rising and becoming a leading cause of cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (Maurice et al., 2018). • Historic management with lifestyle changes and treatment of comorbidities. • March 2024: FDA approved resmetirom, the first medication specifically for the treatment of NASH. • Comparison of GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP/GIP/GCGR receptor agonists with resmetirom for hepatic fat reduction. • Database search of PubMed and Embase yielded 11 studies from an initial 698 articles after filter application for randomized controlled trials and studies published no earlier than 2014. • Resmetirom is superior to GLP-1 agonists for …

A Neuroimmune Circuit Mediates Chemo Brain Pathology, Daniel Ahmadi

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Chemotherapeutic agents, while effective in targeting malignant tumors, often reduce the patients’ quality of life by inducing fatigue, pain, and motivational deficits. These symptoms are collectively referred to as “chemo brain.” The mechanisms underlying these adverse effects, and specifically whether fatigue and motivational impairments share a common etiology, remain poorly understood. The neural–immune substrates of these symptoms remain obscure, in part because standard preclinical regimens either bypass key systemic signals or introduce local toxicity confounds. Here, I establish and validate a three‑day, low‑dose intravenous cisplatin protocol that avoids peritoneal inflammation and severe renal injury yet produces robust, reversible fatigue and …