Health and Medical Administration Commons^™

Nutrition And Exercise Resources For Uninsured Patient Populations, Sabrina Marie Paparo, Samantha Plasner, Runi Patel, Wendy Briaguez

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Proper nutrition and exercise is integral for the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as type two diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. However, health care disparities in the United States, such as lack of access to primary health care, has been an ever growing problem. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between being uninsured and having worse health outcomes, and to determine if there is a need for accessible nutrition and/or exercise resources for this population. To conduct this research, a survey was distributed at the Cherry Hill Free Clinic …

Diabetes Health Education For South Jersey Communities, Heaven Chu, Sarah Tamous, Ashhabal Kavvi, Amin Khan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that hinders the body’s metabolic process using insulin to maintain glycemic homeostasis. It is prevalent worldwide, with about 10% of the global adult population affected. Socio-economic and cultural factors and determinants make diabetes and diabetes management more of a health risk for certain populations rather than others. The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is higher than the global average and the risk factors disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.

This study was designed to investigate health disparities in diabetes among a diverse population sample. The study included researching the disparities of diabetes patients in …

Determinants Of Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents And Caregivers, Priya Srivastava

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

•Vaccination efforts in the United States and globally are one of the largest contributors to pediatric preventative health

•Routine immunizations in the U.S for children ≤ 10 years old cover 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. As a result, an estimated 732,000 deaths, 21 million hospitalizations, and 322 diagnosed cases of diseases have been prevented between 1993 and 2013.

•Vaccines remain a point of contention with pediatricians and their patients' caregivers

•Many parents maintain hesitancy to give vaccines; to a number of reasons. Perceived risk and fear of side effects from vaccines more than the disease itself, can cause out-of-proportion concern

•Misinformation spread …

Health Disparities Among Adults With Disabilities, Kirsten Carlberg, Madison Plone, Chrismely Castro, Nayarith Lopez

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 27% of adults in the United States (US) live with a disability. These disabilities are often accompanied by poorer health outcomes with adults with disabilities reporting higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This review aims to characterize rates of disability among young adults in Camden County, New Jersey.

Methods: Data was collected from the CDC and United States Census and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 365.

Results: In 2022, 9.7% of residents of Camden County aged 18-34 were reported as disabled while the rate was 8.3% of US residents nationwide. …

Waiting For A Cure: Factors Influencing Melanoma Treatment Delays, Lisa Huang, David Rubin, Lothar Vidal, Jordan Riser, Christopher Jones, Samantha Hiester

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Melanoma, with a five-year survival rate of 94% in early-stage diagnosis, drops significantly when diagnosed at later stages, making identifying barriers to timely treatment crucial. This literature review examines factors influencing melanoma treatment wait times and their impact on patient outcomes. Elderly, male, and Medicare patients, along with those with higher Breslow thickness and severe melanoma stages, experienced longer wait times. Patients receiving intervention within 30 days had better survival rates. Lack of knowledge and misconceptions about melanoma contribute to delayed care, particularly in communities with lower incidence rates. Black patients faced longer waits from diagnosis to surgery, indicating disparities. …

Barriers To Healthcare Access Between English And Spanish Speakers In An Underserved Population, Adeena Javed, Dale Johnson, Gerardo J. Rivera-Colón, Nathaniel J. Byrnes, Kristin Bertsch, Anne C. Jones

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

• According to the NJ State Department of Health, Atlantic County has higher rates of smoking, respiratory disease, hypercholesterolemia, as well as death rates due to coronary heart disease, HIV, and all cancers compared to the NJ state average1,2.

• With over 20% of Atlantic County's population identifying as Hispanic, Spanish speakers encounter greater obstacles compared to their English-speaking counterparts in accessing healthcare services and improving health outcomes1,2 .

• Existing research indicates that various factors, including health insurance coverage, proximity to healthcare facilities, transportation options, health literacy levels, and trust in the medical profession, significantly influence access to healthcare …

Community Health Worker: High Risk Stabilization Study, Benjamin Infosino, Richard Jermyn, Jaimy Jabon

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Hypertension is a common health concern among Americans of all age groups. Unregulated hypertension can lead to complications such as atherosclerosis that contributes to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The identification of individuals with hypertensive blood pressures allows for the targeted distribution of health management advice and resources.

Methods: Blood Pressure measurements are obtained by Community Health Workers at public events through free health screenings

Results: Assessing the efficacy of CHW’s efforts to direct high-risk individuals to proper resources for control of their blood pressure relies on the presence of follow up BP measurements that can …

Cut The Pressure: Blood Pressure Screening In A Community Based Setting, Harold Kareem Knight Jr., Katharine Milani

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This study addresses the pressing issue of cardiovascular health disparities in African American males through community-based interventions, specifically blood pressure screenings and surveys conducted in a local barbershop setting. Despite a preference among participants for clinical settings, an overwhelming 97.7% expressed high comfort levels in the community-based environment, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in healthcare delivery. With 92.5% indicating willingness to return for future screenings, the study underscores the efficacy of non-traditional settings in fostering healthcare engagement. Findings suggest the potential for broader impact through scalable, community-centric initiatives, offering promising avenues for improving health outcomes in underserved populations.

Evidenced-Based Strategies To Increase Cervical Cancer Screening Rates, Tuong Cat Vo Bsn-Rn, Nada Salloukh Bsn-Rn, Tatiana Elena Swanson Bsn-Rn, Xiao Mie Cindy Zhu Bsn-Rn, Laura Taylor Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer affecting women worldwide (Staley et al., 2021). With cervical cancer being a preventable disease, an effective method of reducing healthcare costs and mortality is primary prevention, such as screenings. Financial burdens and barriers to accessing medical care may result due to the lack of proper cervical cancer screenings. Detecting cervical cancer includes screening women 21 to 65 years old with a Papanicolaou (PAP) test every three years. Women aged 30 to 65 years old can extend the screening of cervical cancer by having a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test along with …

The Financial Impact Of Correct Status Within Health Systems, Davin Evanson, Arveen Asghar, Eugene York, Michael S. Weingarten, Walter Bohnenblust

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

J Mich Dent Assoc April 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

In the April 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the landscape of practicing in rural settings. Original content includes:

• A cover story highlighting Michigan’s Donated Dental Service Program
• A feature on Michigan’s Revised Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Law
• A feature article on the origins, future, and use of the CDT Code
• Profiles of the 2024-25 MDA Officer, Trustee and ADA Delegation candidate
• An …

The New Professional: Prioritize Self-Care To Avoid Burnout, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this inaugural column, “The New Dentist”, Dr. Amrita Patel shares her journey of recognizing and combating burnout in dentistry. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, boundary-setting, delegation, and seeking support. By prioritizing these strategies, professionals can safeguard their well-being, enhance job satisfaction, and deliver quality patient care without falling victim to burnout's detrimental effects.

Use Of A Primary Care Dataset To Describe ‘The Real Picture’ Of Diabetes In Kimberley Aboriginal Communities, Caitlyn S. White, Kimberley Seear, Lorraine Anderson, Emma Griffiths

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Objective
Aboriginal communities are impacted by high rates of diabetes, however these are currently underestimated by national data sources used by policy and decision makers to inform allocation of health resources. We aimed to estimate diabetes prevalence and screening coverage using primary care electronic medical record data.

Methods
A cross-sectional audit was conducted using primary care data from Aboriginal regular Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) clinic attendees aged 15 years and over (n=1763) in five remote communities in the Kimberley region. Main outcome measures were overall diabetes prevalence; age-specific diabetes prevalence; prevalence of pre-diabetes; and screening rates among patients …

Why I Chose To Practice In Rural Michigan, Lisenia M. Collazo Dmd, Mph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the motivations behind dentists choosing rural practice, focusing on personal experiences and factors influencing career decisions. The narrative outlines the author’s journey from Pennsylvania to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, emphasizing a commitment to addressing oral health disparities in underserved communities. The discussion covers training experiences, financial considerations, community engagement, and the challenges of rural health care. The author also highlights the role of mentorship and advocates for building relationships with mentors in the profession, especially in rural settings. The essay underscores rural practice’s unique advantages, including professional growth, lower living costs, and a supportive community.

Market Realities For Rural And Small-Town Practices, W. E. Rupprecht Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the challenges rural dental practitioners face in Michigan, highlighting the struggle to find successors for practice continuity and the impact on patient care. Examining sales data and demographic trends reveals disparities in successful practice transitions, emphasizing the difficulty in attracting buyers to rural areas. The reluctance of potential buyers, influenced by family and professional considerations, underscores the need for strategic solutions. Initiatives by the Michigan Dental Association and innovative approaches such as mentorship and financial incentives aim to address these challenges. The article concludes by urging practitioners to act as stewards and plan for successful transitions in …

A Pharmacist’S Central Role In Improving Hormonal Contraceptive Access, Aleese Smith, Urvi Patel, Alexandra Arledge, Josie Young, Erin Johanson

Annual Research Symposium

In 2019, the roles of Utah pharmacists grew with the implementation of a statewide standing order allowing prescribing abilities for hormonal contraceptives. With the rates of unplanned pregnancies in Utah up to 1 in every 5; pharmacists have a new role in birth control distribution. Pharmacists and pharmacy interns across the state of Utah are able to prescribe self-administered hormonal contraceptive medications including: oral pills, vaginal insertion medications, and birth control patches. Pharmacists are entrusted with the responsibility to evaluate the patient and their needs to ensure all women receiving birth control are educated about the risks and side effects …

The National Status Of Pharmacists’ Ability To Prescribe Hormonal Contraceptives, Aleese Smith, Urvi Patel, Alexandra Arledge, Josie Young, Erin Johanson

Annual Research Symposium

The scope of practice for pharmacists first expanded in California and Oregon with the ability to prescribe hormonal contraceptives to patients in their communities. Since 2016, over 33 states now allow for pharmacist prescribing of birth control in their pharmacy practice laws.

90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a retail pharmacy, making community pharmacies an accessible resource who may otherwise be unable to access contraceptives. The gap in care experienced by certain patient populations is now being filled by pharmacists with their ability to prescribe birth control.

Effectiveness Of Antibiotic Stewardship For Healthcare Providers At Urgent Care Clinics, Helen T. Adewole

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine; however, the overuse in urgent care and primary care significantly contributes to the global burden of infections resistant to available antimicrobial medicines. Approximately 30% of the antimicrobials prescribed in acute care settings are unnecessary. Patient demand for antibiotics has seemingly skyrocketed following the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Practitioners must be knowledgeable about antibiotic stewardship initiatives, such as the wait-and-see approach, to reduce antibiotic overuse and improve the trajectory of antibiotic resistance and patient health outcomes. The gap in practice was the limited awareness of scientific evidence-based tools to partner with patients and improve antibiotic prescription patterns. …

A Case Study To Investigate Factors Influencing The Santa Clara County Getting To Zero Initiative’S Collective Impact Model, Harit Agroia, Rebecca Reno, Jenette Spezeski, Leyla Mousli, Richard Sarabia, Erin Starzyk

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Our objective was to explore how factors, such as backbone organization changes and COVID-19, affected a collective impact (CI) initiative’s progression through the five CI phases and its components of success. We conducted a case study using semistructured interviews with 17 representatives from the action committee, community-based organization, and health department between January and February 2023 in Santa Clara County, California. Participants were asked how internal and external factors affected their engagement and experiences with the CI initiative. We analyzed the data using structural and holistic coding. Results showed that the initiative’s progression was impacted by intersecting factors; overall findings …

A Quality Improvement Study On Increasing Rates Of Lung Cancer Screening, Arpit Arora, Crystal Bharat, Sophia Zia, Pooja Paunikar, Dana Simpson

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2024

No abstract provided.

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Bundle For Hypertension Outcomes In Adult Patients Receiving Care In Public Health Clinics, Christine Jennifer Victorian

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Hypertension (HTN) that is not adequately controlled leads to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart disease. It affects 116 million adults (47%) in the United States (U.S.). The HTN compliance rate in a South Texas public health clinic was 64%, below the national benchmark of 76%. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) was recommended in a joint statement by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Literature evidence revealed that the HBPM bundle increased BP control (< 140/90 mmHg) compliance.

Methods: A quality improvement (QI) bundle was initiated to address the low HTN compliance rate from a quality management perspective. …

Clinical Practice Guideline For The Management Of Depression In Primary Care, Estrella Catherine Villarreal

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: The prevalence of depression poses a significant challenge in primary care, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue during patient visits. Primary care providers are at the forefront of managing depression, yet they encounter difficulties in screening, diagnosing, assessing, and treating this complex condition. Clinical guidelines serve as valuable tools for primary care providers and practices, offering support in identifying and addressing depression effectively. An evidence-based approach to treating depression in primary care, with a focus on collaborative interventions with behavioral health to enhance depression management for American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) communities.

Methods: The descriptive analysis was conducted …

Role Of Social Determinants Of Health And The Renin- Angiotensin Aldosterone System In Risk For Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy And Related Adverse Outcomes., Esther Letushila Ndashaala

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) represent a significant public health issue, contributing to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or marginalized racial and ethnic groups face higher risks of HDP, which have been incompletely described. In addition, risk for HDP may be linked to a reduction in the normal activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This study investigates the role of socioeconomic factors and RAAS components in the risk for HDP and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of data from 180 pregnant individuals from a high-risk maternal-fetal …

Social Determinants Of Health: Evaluation Using Rates Of Vision Screening And Follow-Up Examinations, Madeline Dyer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Vision care is essential to the quality of life of young children, impacting them over the course of their lives. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) affect the likelihood of a child having access to appropriate care specified by the Bright Futures. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of SDOH on the completion of vision screening and the rate of follow-up with an eye care provider when applicable. In addition, rates of instrument-based vision screening and recommended ophthalmology follow-up were compared with COI, a metric assessing the quality of resources available and the conditions that matter for …

Improving Dental Students' Knowledge And Confidence In Treating Tobacco Use, Victoria Pierce

DNP Projects

Background: Tobacco use can lead to numerous chronic health conditions. Healthcare professionals in the dental field are in a unique position to broach this issue with patients. Research shows that dental students do not feel equipped to provide tobacco cessation care, citing lack of education on the subject among their top reasons for this.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate changes in dental students’ knowledge and confidence related to treating tobacco use after participation in an educational intervention about the 5A’s, behavioral counseling, and first-line prescription medications.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative utilized a quasi-experimental survey design …

Reducing Food Scarcity: The Benefits Of Urban Farming, S.A. Claudell, Emilio Mejia

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Urban farming can enhance the lives of communities and help reduce food scarcity. This paper presents a conceptual prototype of an efficient urban farming community that can be scaled for a single apartment building or an entire community across all global geoeconomics regions, including densely populated cities and rural, developing towns and communities. When deployed in coordination with smart crop choices, local farm support, and efficient transportation then the result isn’t just sustainability, but also increasing fresh produce accessibility, optimizing nutritional value, eliminating the use of ‘forever chemicals’, reducing transportation costs, and fostering global environmental benefits.

Imagine Doris, who is …

Evaluation Of A Community Based Teaching Hospital’S Geriatric Emergency Medicine Initiative, Josette Hartnett, Isabel Muronzi-Belfon, Suzanne J. Rose

Journal of Geriatric Emergency Medicine

INTRODUCTION: To accommodate the complex healthcare needs of the rising geriatric population, Stamford Hospital’s (SH) emergency department (ED) began a Geriatric Emergency Medicine Initiative (GEMI) in 2018 to improve our ED environment, practices, and focused assessments for our community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS: This retrospective program evaluation describes SH’s novel ED processes for at-risk older adults and compares GEMI and non-GEMI assessed patient outcomes using aggregate frequencies on throughput metrics such as length of stay (LOS), 72 hour and 30-day re-admission rates, and other outcomes of interest. Chi-square tests and group t-tests were used for all analyses with a p-value of …

Assessing Social Determinants Of Health In Primary Care, Vicki Carpenter

Doctoral Projects

The social determinants of health encompass the various circumstances and environments in which individuals reside, develop, labor, and experience aging (Social Determinants of Health, 2022). These variables significantly contribute to the existence of health inequities and disparities within populations. In order to effectively mitigate health disparities, it is imperative to consider the various determinants that influence health outcomes, as this consideration is crucial for advancing the goal of achieving health equity. This public health concern encompasses multiple sectors within our society, necessitating the collaboration of various organizations and communities to effectively address and mitigate its impact.

The fundamental …

Providing Optimal Resident Sleep Hygiene In Assisted Living Communities; Opportunities For Design And Operation Teams To Collaborate And Share Their Unique Knowledge, Beverly B. J. Miller

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Research is emerging relating sleep hygiene to disease pathogenesis including Parkinson's, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and increased cardiovascular risk. The application of circadian science as it relates to human wellness has intensified as a result. The quality of sleep significantly impacts the wellness of residents living in long term care, however sleep hygiene research is lacking in assisted living (AL) communities.

The thesis question inquires; How can operation and design teams collaborate to optimize sleep health for residents in assisted living communities? The research methodology utilized a two-phase process. Phase I identified three AL communities as test sites, providing case studies …