Health and Medical Administration Commons^™

Integrating Workplace Violence Prevention Into Nursing Curriculum: Preparing Future Nurses For Safer Practice ​, Noah Briere, Sarah Kegerreis, Molly Lasyone, Savannah Orris

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Nurses are under attack. 80% of nurses have experienced some form of workplace violence (WPV), which is seen as “part of the job.” Unfortunately, the agency responsible for protecting nurses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), only offers voluntary guidelines. We have determined that nursing students are the best group to educate about WPV prevention in healthcare. Including this teaching to fit within their pre-clinical requirements, only needing one faculty to teach with an average salary of $80k, to further help set what should be foundational skills. By adding WPV de-escalation techniques and adequately preparing students prior to graduation. …

Unveiling The Stigma: Doctor Mental Health And Intervention Strategies, Joseph Heirigs

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Background

The mental health of physicians is a pressing issue that has received increasing attention in recent years. The alarmingly high suicide rates for physicians underscores the critical need to address the mental health challenges that doctors face. Physicians are exposed to stressors that are unique to their profession, including high-stakes decision making, long work hours, traumatic patient situations, and the emotional toll of patient care. These challenges contribute to high rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health issues. However, despite these factors, physicians are often reluctant to seek mental health treatment due to fears of professional repercussions, …

Hospital Admissions Of Patients Experiencing Housing Instability, Rizwan M. Siddiqui, Jainaha K. Srikumar, Andrew S. Leavitt, Luke R. Siedhoff, Jenenne Geske, Jennifer Liu

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Hospital Re-Admission, Length Of Stay, And Chief Complaints Of Patients Experiencing Housing Instability, Andrew S. Leavitt, Jainaha K. Srikumar, Rizwan M. Siddiqui, Luke R. Siedhoff, Jennifer Liu, Jenenne Geske

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Crossing The Chasm: Engaging Black Men Survivors Of Gun Violence In Mental Health Services, Erin Major, Celina Thomas, Charlotte Healy, Amy Vanderstoep, Joseph B Richardson, Thomas M Scalea, Melike N Harfouche

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Despite being high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder, Black men survivors of gun violence, and particularly young men aged 18-24, seldom participate in mental health services after injury. The aim of this study was to identify barriers to participation in mental health services for this population.

METHODS: Over a 2-year period, 1 hour-long focus group was conducted with three counselors of the local hospital-based violence intervention program and 21 individual, semistructured in-depth interviews were held with Black men who were hospitalized for a firearm-related injury. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded using open coding and grounded …

Arts In Medicine: Created To Heal, Gbemisola Johnson, Dusk Gosney, Jessica Klingensmith, Akil Augustus

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Poner En Práctica Las Regulaciones Federales: Habilitando A Los Pacientes Dominio Limitado Del Inglés, Caitlyn Gailey

World Languages and Cultures Senior Capstones

This paper examines the gaps in the U.S. healthcare system that affect the Hispanic community, focusing on language barriers and cultural competence. It highlights the challenges faced by Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients, who may struggle with medical terminology, leading to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. The paper advocates for culturally sensitive language services, including qualified interpreters, translated documents and signage in order to improve communication, patient satisfaction, and reduce medical errors. It calls for systemic changes to ensure equitable care for all patients, regardless of language or cultural background.

Burnout In The Emergency Room: Corrective Measures Vs. The Absence Of Solutions, Zane Walters, Zachary Woodall

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Physician burnout has become an increasingly prevalent and critical issue in healthcare systems worldwide, particularly among emergency room physicians who face high-stress, high-demand working conditions. Burnout manifests as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, leading to negative outcomes for physicians’ mental health, job satisfaction, and overall career longevity. This phenomenon not only threatens the well-being of physicians but also compromises patient care quality and contributes to costly turnover within healthcare organizations.

Purpose of the Study: The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the impact of burnout interventions on emergency room physicians. …

Addressing The Opioid Epidemic Across The United States And In West Virginia, Kailyn Smith, Addison Hughes

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The opioid crisis had a profound impact on public health across the United States and West Virginia, with overdose deaths reaching unprecedented levels by 2021. Traditional abstinence-only rehabilitation programs demonstrated limited success, largely due to high relapse rates and insufficient mental health support. These programs often overlooked the complex relationship between opioid addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are common among those with substance use disorders. In contrast, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), when supplemented with behavioral therapies and antidepressant medications, has shown greater success in improving recovery outcomes and reducing relapse rates. This …

Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women Of Color In New York City: Biological And Systemic Impacts, Kaylin Peña

Pitzer Senior Theses

Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women of Color in New York City: Biological and Systemic Impacts

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore how racial health disparities, underrepresentation in gynecology, and socioeconomic barriers contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes among women of color in New York City. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines resources from medical anthropology and human biology, this research will examine the biological implications of chronic stress, specifically HPA axis dysregulation, and its role in maternal health outcomes. With the idea of intersectionality, as conceptualized by Kimberlé Crenshaw, the study analyzes the various effects of systemic inequities and social …

“What We Say Matters”: Reducing Drug Use Stigmatization By Healthcare Professionals Through A Narrative-Based Awareness Campaign, Adam M. Traugott

DNP Projects

Background: Stigma towards substance use has been identified as a contributor to poor care and health outcomes amongst people who use drugs (PWUD), a vulnerable population. Healthcare worker stigma negatively affects the outcomes of individual patients and may have greater public health implications. Methods of addressing drug-use stigma have previously been implemented in a variety of clinical settings. Presenting the lived experience of PWUD to healthcare workers via emotionally compelling narratives has been found to be an effective means of stigma reduction.

Purpose: This study utilized two psychometrically validated tools to measure (1) the baseline prevalence of drug use stigma …

Navigating Sexual And Gender Diversity: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Provider Cultural Competencies For Sexual And Gender Minorities In Mental Health Outpatient Facilities, Shermeen Chandani

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations experience healthcare disparities related to stigma, discrimination, and limited provider cultural competency. In outpatient psychiatric settings, non-affirming practices can negatively affect patient engagement, trust, and continuity of care. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance staff sexual and gender minority cultural competency (SGMCC) and strengthen affirming clinical processes.

Background: The project was implemented across two outpatient psychiatric clinics with approximately 28 multidisciplinary staff members. At baseline, no formal SGM cultural competency training or standardized documentation practices for preferred names and pronouns existed.

Methodology: A Plan–Do–Study–Act framework with a pre/post-test design was used. The …

Comparison Of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Intrathecal Clonidine In Lower Segment Caesarean Section - A Prospective Observational Study, Christy Maria Paul, Dr Somsundar R G Associate Professor, Dr Archana B N Assistant Professor, Dr. Shivakumar G Pofessor And Hod

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Comparison of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block versus Intrathecal Clonidine in Lower Segment Caesarean Section - A Prospective Observational Study

Background and Objective: In the majority of abdominal procedures, transverse abdominis plane block, one of the fascial plane blocks, has been used extensively to treat post-operative pain. Ultrasound has gained popularity in the management of cesarean patients due to its ease of use and reduced adverse effects.To assess the effectiveness of ultrasound guided transverse abdominus plane block with intrathecal clonidine for post surgical pain control in lower segment cesarean patients.

Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was done in …

Exploring Stress, Fatigue, Burnout, And Resilience Among Healthcare Personnel In Southeast Asia: A Scoping Review, Kelsey Trulik, Vijaya Arun Kumar, Wendy Wu, Muralidhar Varma, Mauli M. Patel, Kajol Manglani, Trini A. Mathew

Global Health Research Collaborative

This study aims to compare methods used to measure burnout, fatigue, stress, and resilience, as well as resilience-building interventions among healthcare personnel (HCP) in Southeast Asia. Even before COVID-19, HCP faced high levels of burnout and stress, exacerbated by the pandemic. Identifying effective resilience-building strategies is essential to supporting a healthier workforce. Studies published from January 2016 to December 2021 focusing on burnout, stress, fatigue, and resilience in HCP in Southeast Asia. A comprehensive literature search of seven databases (Jan 2016-Dec 2021), using terms related to resilience, HCP, and Southeastern Asian countries identified relevant English-language studies. COVIDENCE software was used …

Quality Over Quantity: Doula Perspectives On Equity, Access, And Quality Of Care In Black Maternal Health Outcomes, Terry-Ann E. Lynch

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

Black maternal mortality in the United States is a public health crisis. There are a plethora of reasons as to why maternal and fetal deaths disproportionately impact Black women. From a public health perspective, health disparities are an area of concern in marginalized communities, with Black maternal mortality being a risk factor. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black (subsequently, Black) women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for non-Hispanic White (subsequently, White) women (26.6)” Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021” …

Analysis Of Public Opinion Polls About Covid-19 Vaccines: Theoretical And Policy Implications For Vaccine Communication And Campaigns To Address Vaccine Hesitancy, Muhammad Ittefaq, Hong Tien Vu, Ali Zain, Tayyeb Ramazan, Gary L. Kreps

School of Communication Studies - Faculty Scholarship

This study analyzed 1432 questions asked in 19 surveys (N = 43,014) on COVID-19 vaccines between January 2020 and August 2022 using dimensions including (1) information sources about COVID-19 vaccine, (2) information about the access, effectiveness, and side effects of COVID-19 vaccine, (3) COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (i.e. false perception, skepticism, and vaccine refusal), (4) motivations to get the COVID-19 vaccine (i.e. to perform routine activities, convenience, incentives, influences, and travel requirement), (5) false perceptions caused vaccine refusal, and (6) intentions to get vaccinated. Our results show that vaccine refusal was rampant throughout the pandemic and mostly attributed to the …

Reducing No-Shows In A Behavioral Health Setting: A Program Evaluation, Meagan Evans

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

Mental healthcare in America faces many significant challenges; this is especially true in rural regions like Southwest Virginia. When patients miss their scheduled appointments, it represents a lost opportunity to deliver the critical mental health services that other individuals in need could have benefited from. A significant access issue presents itself when patients are not able to get the mental health support they need. The lack of outpatient access leads to patients utilizing emergency rooms inappropriately for what could have been routine care visits. A multitude of factors can contribute to patients failing to attend their scheduled appointments, including transportation …

Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder In The Outpatient Indigenous Health Clinic Setting, Kylie M. Timmerman

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Alcohol use disorder disproportionately impacts American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations at higher rates of disease morbidity and mortality. In the primary care setting, few treatment resources are available to patients outside of medication-only options.

Local Problem: While the intervention site (rural Tribal Federally Qualified Health Center [FQHC]) was known to have a well-established medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opiate use disorder (OUD), the was a need for alcohol use disorder (AUD) resources.

Methods: A review of current evidence was conducted to explore best practices for addressing AUD in the AIAN outpatient clinic setting.

Intervention(s): A quality improvement …

Comparison Of Quality Of Life, Anxiety, And Depression Levels Based On Acne Vulgaris Severity, Annisaul Husna, Satya Wydya Yenny, Desmawati Desmawati, Gardenia Akhyar, Masrul Masrul, Yulistini Yulistini

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit. Although acne vulgaris is not fatal, it can cause psychological effects. This study aimed to compare the quality of life, anxiety, and depression levels based on the severity of acne vulgaris among medical students at Andalas University.

Methods: This was an observational-analytic study with a cross-sectional design. It was conducted from May to June 2023. The population included the third-grade students of the Medical Study Program of the Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, who had acne vulgaris. The respondents were 70 people, recruited with consecutive sampling techniques. This research …

Providing End-Of-Life Counseling: A Narrative Inquiry, Carol Hecht, Sibyl West

Adultspan Journal

This qualitative study aimed to address the gap in the research related to end-of-life counseling by exploring the experiences of counselors working with clients at end of life. While counseling literature and education are lacking regarding end of life, many counselors will work alongside clients approaching death. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to better understand the nuanced experiences of counselors providing end-of-life counseling and (b) to explore the supports and preparations helpful for counselors to provide end-of-life counseling. A narrative approach, using the Listening Guide (Gilligan, 2015), was employed to analyze and present the stories of three …

Considerations Of Medicare Telehealth Services With Older Adults, Sonah Kho, Amanda Dediego

Adultspan Journal

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic set in motion a rapid expansion of mental health services offered via telehealth. With this rapid expansion came the need to examine how policy and practice should be shaped in a future where telehealth is considered common in counseling practice. For counselors to understand how to support older adult clients in using telehealth services, they must understand telehealth policy. Following the eligibility of licensed counselors to participate in Medicare, counselors need to stay abreast of regulatory changes regarding restrictions and regulations on use of telehealth for mental and behavioral health services, including video and …

Utilizing The 4ms Framework To Create A Structure And Process To Support Voluntary Health Assessments In Affordable Housing, Elyse Perweiler, Jennifer Degennaro, Sherry Pomerantz, Marilyn Mock, Margaret Avallone, Aaron Truchil, Stephen Singer

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: A growing number of older adults live in senior affordable housing, many with limited support systems and representing underserved or disadvantaged populations. Staff in these buildings are in a unique position to identify and address the healthcare and biopsychosocial needs of their residents and link them to services and supports.

METHODS: Staff in four affordable housing sites received training on the 4Ms approach to caring for older adults and conducting resident health assessments. They learned to collect comprehensive health information using a 4Ms Resident Health Risk Assessment (4Ms-RHRA) and results are entered into a customized electronic database. Embedded flags …

Assessing The State Of Obesity Care: Quality, Access, Guidelines, And Standards, Lee M Kaplan, Caroline M Apovian, Jamy D Ard, David B Allison, Louis J Aronne, Rachel L Batterham, Luca Busetto, Dror Dicker, Deborah B Horn, Aaron S Kelly, Jeffrey I Mechanick, Jonathan Q Purnell, Ximena Ramos-Salas, Assessing The State Of Obesity Care Writing Group

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: An international panel of obesity medicine experts from multiple professional organizations examined patterns of obesity care and current obesity treatment guidelines to identify areas requiring updating in response to emerging science and clinical evidence.

AIMS: The panel focused on multiple medical health and societal issues influencing effective treatment of obesity and identified several unmet needs in the definition, assessment, and care of obesity.

METHODS: The panel was held in Leesburg, Virginia in September 2019.

RESULTS: The panelists recommended addressing these unmet needs in obesity medicine through research, education, evaluation of delivery and payment of care, and updating clinical practice …

Self-Harm In Female Youth With Undiagnosed Adhd: Implementing American Academy Of Pediatrics Screening Guidelines, Roselie M. Woodard

Dissertations

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If undiagnosed or untreated, ADHD can lead to severe psychosocial issues such as academic failure, substance abuse, unplanned pregnancy, and incarceration. The financial burden in the U.S. from diagnostic errors creates an immense, rising fiscal impact. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent these complications.

Females with ADHD, particularly those with the inattentive subtype, often face diagnostic challenges due to symptom masking and over-compensation. This results in poorer cognitive functioning and self-esteem compared to males with ADHD. ADHD is linked to autonomic nervous …

Bridging The Gap: Psychopharmacologic Education And Side Effect Screening For Non-Prescribing Mental Health Professionals, Elaine Fitzgerald

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The United States is experiencing a growing demand for pediatric mental health support. Surges in mental health diagnoses and psychotropic medication prescriptions have occurred, compounded by a shortage of psychiatric providers. Non-prescribing mental health professionals are well-positioned to recognize psychotropic medication side effects. However, psychologists and counselors lack formal pharmacology education.

Methods: The quality improvement (QI) initiative was guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. The evidence-based psychopharmacologic education for non-prescribers utilized a quasi-experimental pre- and post- test design. Data collected from clinicians included knowledge, confidence, and skill concerning psychotropic medications. The Psychotropic Medication Monitoring Checklist (PMMC) screen clients …

Learning From Health Care Counselors’ Perspectives On Health Care Worker Distress: A Qualitative Analysis, Nancy Downs, Judy Davidson, Angela Haddad, Sidney Zisook

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Health care provider stress and emotional distress were well documented long before the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is growing data suggesting these have increased in response to the pandemic. The goal of this study was to take advantage of the unique experiences of licensed mental health (MH) clinicians working with health care trainees and clinicians before and during the pandemic to identify how this crisis affected both ongoing as well as new sources of stress. The Healer Education, Assessment and Referral Program (HEAR) provides MH screening, support, and MH referrals to ~19 000 health care students, trainees, staff, and …

Reimagining Health: Calling For Reform Of The Canadian Healthcare System Through Afrofuturism And Speculative Design, Diane Oyedeji Ms, Stephanie J. Kiggundu Ms

Bridges: An Undergraduate Journal of Contemporary Connections

This exploratory essay addresses the health inequalities currently affecting the African/Black diaspora in Canada and proposes a healthcare system reform to address the inequalities. Despite the Canadian healthcare system’s goals of being universal and accessible, there are disparities in African/Black patient representation. This essay proposes a healthcare system reform through incorporating African/Black patient input through the implementation of collaborative design through the lens of Afrofuturism and its values such as inclusivity and empowerment. The goal is to implement a Canadian healthcare system that is equitable, and patient-centered through emphasizing African/Black voices in technological design, clinical practices, and promoting a more …

Determining Factors For Improved Uptake Of Harm Reduction Services In The United States: A Study Of Inclusive, Culturally Sensitive Messaging, Lauretta Ekanem Omale

Dissertations

Harm reduction refers to public health policies and programs aimed at decreasing the adverse consequences associated with drug use. While harm reduction services (e.g., syringe exchange programs) can mitigate health risks, marginalized groups face barriers to service access and utilization, partially due to ineffective messaging approaches that fail to align with cultural values and experiences. A one-size-fits-all approach to messaging can negatively impact service utilization, health outcomes, and health disparities. Ineffective communication can lead to poor adherence to treatment, poorer health outcomes, and increased adverse events.

Culturally insensitive communication contributes to stigma, mistrust, and lack of perceived relevance, discouraging service …

Insurance Coverage During Transitions: Evidence From Medicaid Automatic Enrollment For Children Receiving Supplemental Security Income, Stephanie Rennane, Danielle Sobol, Bradley D Stein, Andrew Dick

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVES: To analyze relationships between Medicaid automatic enrollment for child Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and health insurance coverage during transitions.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING: Medical Expenditure Panel Study, 2000-2020 and National Survey for Children with Special Health Care Needs, 2001-2010.

STUDY DESIGN: Leveraging variation in SSI-Medicaid automatic enrollment status across regions and over time, we estimate a regression model to quantify associations between automatic enrollment and insurance coverage. We validate our findings in the NS-CSHCN.

DATA COLLECTION: Our sample includes children receiving SSI for a disability. We also analyze a subsample of children newly enrolled in SSI.

PRINCIPAL …

A Visual Journey Of Diseases, Joanna Ni

Honors Theses

Patient journey maps serve as invaluable tools in healthcare to comprehend and enhance the patient experience. This research explores the significance of patient journey maps in understanding the diverse interactions between patients and healthcare systems. By visualizing each stage of the patient’s experience, from initial symptoms to post-treatment care, the journey maps offer insights into patient needs, preferences, and pain points.

Of the eight patient journey maps identified, most examined a patient’s journey through cancer, and concerned a Canadian patient. Evaluation of these maps revealed that there are many factors that can challenge and facilitate a patient’s journey through the …