Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

No Difference In Static Postural Stability Bilaterally Or Versus Control At 12 Weeks After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction., Alessa R Lennon, Carolyn Killelea, Mallory S Faherty, Timothy C Sell

OhioHealth Research Institute Articles

BACKGROUND: Comparing static postural stability between the involved and uninvolved legs in individuals 12 weeks after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), and against healthy controls, may provide insight into rehabilitation progression.

PURPOSE: To compare static single-leg postural stability between the injured and uninjured legs of individuals 12 weeks post ACLR, and to a control group of healthy, physically active individuals.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study.

METHODS: Twenty-nine participants (17 male, 12 female; age = 20.9 ± 5.0) 12 weeks post ACLR and 87 healthy controls (51 male, 36 female; age = 19.4 ± 1.2) volunteered. Static single-leg postural stability was assessed using an …

Exploring Factors Influencing Posttraumatic Growth Among Nurses: A Path Analysis, Shinhi Han, Hee Sun Kang, Koun Eum, Kathleen Karsten, Faith Armstrong

Publications and Research

Introduction: Persistent exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic has subjected frontline nurses to heightened levels of collective traumatic syndromes, including stress, burnout, and emotional distress. Resilience and self-compassion may serve as protective factors in mitigating stress and burnout stemming from the pandemic. Moreover, these factors may contribute to posttraumatic growth (PTG), which has been recognized as a potential outcome for nurses caring for patients. This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to PTG among registered nurses, with perceived stress, burnout, resilience, and self-compassion.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational survey used convenience sampling with 228 registered nurses from New York. Data were …

Health Science Book Club For Cultural Competency, Yu X. Liu

Library Research Scholars Program Spring 2025

This Library Research Scholars project was designed to supplement cultural competence in health science education by developing a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-focused library collection and book club for Binghamton University’s health science programs. The project begins with a comprehensive literature review to identify how DEI resources can enhance cultural competence in health science education.

Based on this literature review, a curated book list will be developed using criteria that prioritize diverse authorship, representation of historically marginalized communities, and coverage of topics in cultural humility, health equity, and inclusive clinical practices. To further promote the collection, a library guide will …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Supporting Sustainable Trauma-Informed Wellness Practices In A Surfing Program For Women, Margaret J. O'Hara

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals living with trauma-related mental health conditions are often less participatory in meaningful occupations. Additionally, women are two to three times as likely as men to experience a trauma-related mental health condition or event (Olff, 2017). A local surf therapy organization was founded to provide local women who have experienced trauma an empowering community and meaningful activity to heal. The purpose of this quality improvement capstone experience was to enhance the sustainability of the skills taught within clinics through the creation and dissemination of a user-friendly resource platform. The skills specifically addressed are 1) Mindfulness, 2) Growth Mindset, 3) Comfort …

Developing Staff Training Modules To Enhance Neurodiversity-Affirming Care In An Inpatient Psychiatric Setting, Haley Morris

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are admitted to psychiatric hospitals at higher rates and for longer durations compared to neurotypical individuals (Kuriakose et al., 2018). Externalizing behaviors, such as aggression and self-injury, significantly increase hospitalization risk, yet standard psychiatric interventions (e.g., traditional process groups) are often ineffective for this population. A key barrier is the lack of ASD-specific training among hospital staff (Siegel & Gabriels, 2012). This capstone project aimed to address this gap by developing and implementing an educational training program to improve patient-centered, neurodiversity-affirming care across all inpatient psychiatric units. The primary aims were to: …

Empowering Families In A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Grace A. Avin

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

In the U.S., it is estimated that at least 239,000 children were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the year 2019 (Killeen et al., 2023). Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) describes the adverse impacts that patients suffer from after the ICU, and children are especially vulnerable in the critical period of growing and developing (Smith & Rahman, 2023). The Sleep, Play, Heal (SPH) program is a pediatric ICU liberation movement at a local children’s hospital aimed to decrease PICS and improve outcomes for children and families. Through team interviews, the need for educational resources to maintain a continuum …

Navigating Barriers: Challenges And Strategies For Adopting Artificial Intelligence In Qualitative Research In Low-Income African Contexts, Kahabi Isangula

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction:

 AI is transforming qualitative research. It enhances efficiency, accuracy, and depth in studies. Technologies like machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and large language models (LLMs) simplify tasks like transcription, coding, and thematic analysis. However, in low-income African settings, there are barriers to AI adoption. These include ethical concerns, infrastructure limitations, financial constraints, and technical skill gaps. Issues around data privacy and the dehumanization of research also add challenges.

Methods: 

This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of AI in qualitative research in low-income African contexts. It uses a descriptive approach, reviewing literature and personal experiences from rural …

Artificial Intelligence In Radiology, Olivia Sweeney

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly transformed radiologic practice by improving diagnostic accuracy, streamlining workflows, and reducing interpretation errors. As AI integration has expanded across imaging modalities, questions have emerged regarding its effectiveness compared to traditional radiologist-only interpretation.

Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the impact of AI-assisted radiology on diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and error reduction, while also assessing clinician perceptions of AI as a collaborative tool in imaging analysis.

Methodology: This qualitative study has used a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025, following PRISMA guidelines, combined with an interview …

The Cost Of A Playing Surface: Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass, Tyler Whitaker

Emerging Writers

The debate between whether artificial grass or natural grass is better has recently gained popularity among sports advocates and athletes. The immediate explanation for this surge of popularity can be indicated by the increased concerns regarding environmental conservation, health concerns, and growing costs. Previous research has shown that the choice between the two surfaces often depends on specific needs and preferences, each having their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Natural grass is often portrayed as being the safest option when it comes to playing because of its longevity in use and other factors. This has contributed to the overall discussion …

Pedestrian Safety South Of Brigham Young University Campus, Emma Mayo, Alisha H. Redelfs

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

8,500 crossings happen on 800 North every day. In Provo last year, 57 car crashes involved pedestrians. A pedestrian’s view of the road is obstructed by cars parked on the right hand side of the road causing them to walk in the crosswalk to see if there is a car coming. Sidewalks on connecting streets are uneven and cracked. Multiple blocks on 800 North without a stop sign to slow drivers down. Currently no posted speed limit signs on 800 North. Drivers can’t see pedestrians crossing on 200, 300, 400, or 500 East because of inadequate lighting. Cars obstruct areas …

Maternal Health Predictors In Ohio, Sritha Donepudi, Humza Khan

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Ohio has continued to have a maternal mortality rate higher than the average which has posed the question of how geographic location, socioeconomic status, and demographics affect these rates.
Objective: This paper aims to investigate the relationship between variables affecting maternal mortality rates in Ohio such as teen birth rates and primary care physician access with where one lives between Rural and Urban areas and their household income in order to provide more information for future research.
Methods: This paper utilized County Health Rankings and statistical and correlation analysis with SPSS to analyze rates across counties in Ohio.
Results: …

Reducing Colonoscopy Cancellations Saves Lives, A Quality Improvement Project, Jennifer L. Brosnan

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

One of Healthy People 2030’s objectives is to increase the proportion of adults screened for colorectal cancer. To address this objective, a quality improvement project was completed within an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC). An evidenced-based committee was formed with the primary goal to decrease the number of cancelled colonoscopies. The committee aimed to answer the PICOT question: For patients who cancel their colonoscopy, how does the development and implementation of an evidence-based practice (EBP) committee’s nursing interventions reduce cancelled colonoscopy rates and increase reschedule rates, compared to no implementation of an EBP committee’s nursing interventions, over three months?

Nursing interventions …

Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotics For The Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infections, Megan A. Carullo

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in women and are often a reason for prescribing antibiotics. Appropriately treating these infections is vital to prevent significant health concerns such as pyelonephritis or sepsis. Providers commonly prescribe antibiotics as a preventive measure, but incorrect usage can lead to unnecessary use of antibiotics. This is a large concern for the medical community, given the increased rates of antibiotic resistance. This quality improvement project aimed to answer the following research question: In women with recurrent UTIs (rUTIs), does presumptive treatment compared to standard treatment upon confirmed infection increase the number …

Exploring Perceptions Of Accommodations In Ot Fieldwork: A Mixed Methods Study, Courtney A. Gohean, Courtney Gohean

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to explore the perceptions and experiences of occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork educators, academic fieldwork coordinators (AFWCs), and Level II OT students with disabilities regarding accommodations during fieldwork. Quantitative data were collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire completed by 45 fieldwork educators. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with seven AFWCs and seven OT students/new graduates who had used Section 504 accommodations during Level II fieldwork. Thematic analysis revealed key themes among students and AFWCs, including barriers to disclosure, variability in support and communication, the need for proactive planning, and concerns regarding …

Assessing The Effect Of Increasing The Frequency Of Copd Assessment Test Utilization On Rehospitalization Rates For Home Health Patients, Rebecca Goldberg

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Abstract

This evidence-based practice Process Improvement (PI) project involves using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) to decrease rehospitalization rates for home health patients with a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The project includes having therapy clinicians complete the CAT during their in-home skilled visits, between home health nursing visits to increase the frequency of completion. The goal is to recognize symptoms of exacerbation early, engage patients in their own care, encourage communication with providers, initiate early intervention at home, and prevent rehospitalization. Patients with COPD experience frequent symptom exacerbations leading to anxiety, poor quality of life, and challenges …

Decreasing Charting Errors On An Antepartum Testing Unit, Morley Mullins

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Abstract

This evidence-based quality improvement project addresses problematic documentation noted on a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Antepartum Testing Unit. The quality of patient care and billing practices can be impacted by minor “typos” that exist in electronic medical records (EMRs), creating a significant challenge for those who use them. This project evaluates key areas contributing to inaccuracies in medical records using chart audits to identify frequency and types of errors. Educational sessions via PowerPoint were used to discuss charting practices. A designed framework for ongoing training and support emphasizes the importance of accurate documentation and specific areas of concern via audits to …

The Impact Of Health Promotion Home Visits On Loneliness In An Older Adult Population, Jean M. Herb

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Loneliness among older adults is a significant public health concern associated with adverse physical, emotional, and cognitive outcomes. Despite widespread recognition of the issue, effective interventions remain limited in clinical practice. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented and evaluated a Health Promotion Home Visit (HPHV) intervention designed to reduce loneliness in community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older. A quality improvement initiative using a pre-post design was conducted at a community outreach division of a home health agency. Patients received HPHV every other week over an eight-week period. The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) was used to assess loneliness …

Cus+E: Creating A Culture Of Safety Through Improved Communication Within Perioperative Services, Sunilka Thompson

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

The Department of Perioperative Services identified ongoing communication and cultural challenges that compromised team dynamics, psychological safety, and patient care. A culture of safety survey revealed a significant disconnect: while many staff felt comfortable raising safety concerns, nurses and ancillary support staff reported widespread experiences of disrespectful behavior—perceptions not shared by providers. In response, the department implemented the CUS+E (I’m concerned, I’m uncomfortable, this is a safety issue + Explanation) communication tool to enhance the real-time escalation of safety concerns. Project goals included increasing safety reporting, reducing adverse events, and improving staff confidence in raising concerns. Post-implementation surveys indicated that …

Understanding The Experience Of Survivorship: Self-Efficacy, Emotional Wellbeing, And Post-Traumatic Growth Across A 6-Month Period In Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, Shannon N. Hiscock

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Diagnosis and treatment can be traumatic, leading to declining physical and psychological health, but also a process of psychological evolution known as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Self-efficacy is a factor that is associated with positive outcomes in breast cancer, including emotional well-being and post-traumatic growth. The purpose of this study was to examine changes across 6-months in biopsychosocial variables (self-efficacy, PTG, and emotional well-being), as well as the relationships between these variables, in an effort to identify areas for intervention early in breast cancer treatment to promote positive mental …

Changing The Narrative For University Students With A History Of Aces: Campus Assets And Student Well-Being, Hailey Ellingson

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

College students often report high levels of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which are linked to poor mental and physical health and lower academic success. While some positive experiences in childhood can lessen the risk outcomes associated with ACEs, limited research has explored how this applies to college students. This study examined how assets – specifically, college climate and resources – relate to student well-being and whether these assets buffer the impact of cumulative ACEs, which refers to adverse experiences within the home (e.g., abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence) and community (e.g., bullying and neighborhood violence). Undergraduate students (n …

Time To Measure: A Proposed Theoretical Model For Head And Neck Cancer Intervals Of Care, Mary Jue Xu, Hannah Decker, Arianne Abreu, Rolvix H. Patterson, Hirwa Nteyumwete, Pier-Luc Beaudoin, David W. Hamilton, Aslam Nkya, Willybroad Massawe, Nicholas Correia, Furahini Yoram Paulo, Katherine Van Loon, Susan D. Emmett, Christina Reaves, Samuel Okerosi

Otolaryngology (ENT) Resident Research

Head and neck cancer care delays are challenging, given the complexity of cancer care pathways, which leads to delays throughout the patient journey, from the symptom onset to treatment completion. Current models and literature addressing cancer care are limited by heterogeneous definitions of care intervals, a focus on specific aspects of the patient journey instead of the whole care continuum, and limited use of implementation science to target gaps in implementing evidence-based interventions. Here, we propose the Head and Neck Cancer TImely aCess TO Care Model as an approach to conceptualize, measure, and address delays in diverse health systems.

Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress: The Effects Of A Medical Trauma On Development, Psychological Well-Being, And Interventions For Prevention, Emilee M. Stevens

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Background Pediatric medical traumatic stress (PMTS) is a syndrome of physiological and psychological responses that occur in children following exposure to stressful or traumatic medical events. Experiences such as painful procedures, admission to pediatric intensive care units (PICU) or neonatal intensive care units (NICU), and acute injuries may be traumatic to some children. This integrative review aims to identify risk factors associated with PMTS, examine its impact on child development and psychological well-being, and outline nursing interventions for prevention. Methods A search of ProQuest and PubMed was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2020 and 2025. Inclusion …

Comparison Of Apixaban And Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion Device (Watchman) In Preventing Stroke And Systemic Embolism In Atrial Fibrillation Patients, Sreeja Konatham

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac arrhythmia associated with increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism. Apixaban, an oral anticoagulant, and the Watchman, a left atrial appendage closure device, are the currently used therapeutic treatments for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation patients. However, a direct comparison of these two treatments with respect to safety and effectiveness remains limited. This research evaluates Apixaban and the Watchman device by analysing the clinical trial data and full regulatory approval pathways. Apixaban has been approved through New Drug Application process, and the Watchman device is approved via the premarket approval …

Patient-Centric Barriers To Clinical Trial Participation In Developing Countries: A Retrospective Analysis, Kirandeep Kaur

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The underrepresentation of developing countries in clinical trials limits the applicability of research findings to a significant portion of the global population. This study addresses this gap by conducting a retrospective analysis of published literature to identify patient-centric barriers to clinical trial participation in developing countries. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases yielded four relevant studies, which were subjected to thematic analysis. The study identified 12 key emerging themes, with safety and efficacy concerns and trust issues being the most prevalent. The thematic analysis partially supported the hypothesis: While trust issues were found in …

Injection-Related Infections And Self-Treatment Practices Among People Who Inject Drugs In Rural Appalachia, Laura C. Fanucchi, Jennifer R. Havens, Matthew Fahmy, April M. Young

Center on Drug and Alcohol Research Faculty Publications

In this study of self-reported serious injection-related infections among people who inject drugs in rural Appalachia (n = 463), 50% reported reusing syringes/needles, 70.6% ever had an injection-site abscess, and 44.4% of those with a recent abscess took nonprescribed antibiotics. The study identifies opportunities to improve harm reduction services.

Caregiver Perceptions Of Gobabygo Car Usage, Sierra L. Hays, Erin L. Hefner, Richelle Gray, Carrie Smith-Bell

Graduate Student Scholarship

This qualitative study aims to understand caregiver perceptions of their child’s play using a modified ride-on toy car (MROC). Caregivers of children with disabilities participated in a semi-structured interview and a photo-elicitation interview to better understand their beliefs, attitudes, values, and feelings about their children’s play with a MROC. A directed content analysis was used based on constructs of the model for the Process for Establishing Children’s Occupations (PECO; Wiseman et al., 2005). Most constructs of the PECO model, including stages of play and influences on play, were identified within the caregivers’ descriptions of children's play with the MROC. Additional …

Institute Of Public Health Newsletter, January - December 2025, Institute Of Public Health (Iph)

Institute of Public Health Newsletter (IPHNL) and Other Publications

No abstract provided.

Treatment Of Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma: A Case Of Successful Management With Targeted Therapies., Sydney Pence, Kellie Rath, Aine Clements

Women’s Health Articles

No abstract provided.

Reduction Of Wrong Blood In Tube Events: Improving Practice One Tube At A Time, Amy Taff Msn, Rn, Ni-Bc

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Multidisciplinary Emergent Control Of Traumatic Neovaginal Bleeding After Foreign-Body Insertion In The Early Postoperative Period After Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty., Tanisha S Kashikar, Christopher D Mcclung, Michal A Radomski, Anand K Joshi, David C Evans

Trauma and Acute Care Articles

As gender-affirming surgery becomes more widespread, it is important that healthcare providers recognize complications related to gender-affirming surgery. Although rates of postoperative bleeding after gender-affirming vaginoplasty are relatively low, it is imperative that this potentially life-threatening complication is recognized and managed quickly. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of neovaginal bleeding that was unable to be controlled intraoperatively by suture ligation.