Health and Medical Administration Commons^™

Development Of A Continous Renal Replacement Therapy Protocol For A Midsize Community Hospital, Srinidhi Shyamkumar, Eric Riha, Crystal Ike, Rachel Wright, D Villareal, Justin Shanks, Damon Cao

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Real Time Non-Targeted Renal Biopsy Adequacy Evaluation: A Successful Quality Improvement Activity, Astrid Sacasa, Susana Ferra

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Introduction. Adequate renal biopsies are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of medical renal disease. This process requires a sufficient number of glomeruli for light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy evaluation. On-site microscopic evaluation of kidney biopsy specimens significantly improves sample adequacy and the ability to render a diagnosis, with studies showing a much higher rate of inadequate samples when on-site evaluation is absent. Inadequate biopsies can have a significant negative impact on patient care including delay of adequate diagnoses, worsening of the patients’ condition and complications, and increasing costs due to the need for repeat biopsies. A real time …

Quality Improvement Project To Increase Compliance With Standard 5.8: A Community Hospital Institutional Experience., Robert Bender, Nicole Sant 'Elia, Susana Ferra

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Background: The Commission on Cancer (CoC) was established by the American College of Surgeons in 1922. In 2020, they launched the Cancer Surgery Standards Program that introduced six operative standards. Standard 5.8 requires curative intent lung resections to include sampling from at least 1 hilar, and at least 3 mediastinal lymph node stations.

Goal: To increase our institution’s compliance with CoC standard 5.8 to greater than 80% overall adherence.

Method: Included in the study were patients undergoing curative intent lung resection for lung cancer. A protocol, including a documentation paper worksheet with metric requirements, was implemented in February 2024. Monthly …

Evaluating Impact Of Stress First Aid Programs In A Primary Care Setting, Ryan Marler

DNP Projects

Background: Prolonged stress in healthcare workers (HCWs) can lead to burnout and absenteeism. High stress also negatively impacts work productivity and healthcare quality. The Stress First Aid (SFA) program aims to improve recovery from stress among HCWs. Chronic stress is evident in primary care clinics, where absenteeism and burnout symptoms have increased.

Purpose: This project aimed to evaluate the SFA program's effectiveness in reducing burnout and absenteeism and improving healthcare workers (HCW) knowledge of stress and available resources at University of Kentucky Healthcare (UKHC).

Methods: A quasi-experimental quality improvement project included pre- and post-education surveys, an SFA education session, and …

Implementation Of Robotics And Artificial Intelligence To Oncological Surgery, Ian Ngo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background/ significance: Introduced in the late 20th century, robotic systems have enhanced surgeons’ capabilities by providing accurate and precise control of instruments. These systems helped minimize invasiveness in surgical procedures, providing greater precision, and gave flexibility to difficult-to-access areas of the body. Tools powered by AI help surgeons accurately identify and remove cancerous tissues, which can lead to better surgical outcomes and fewer complications. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to focus on evaluating how Robotic-Assisted Systems (RAS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) impact surgical precision, patient recovery, and to address economic efficiencies. associated with integrating said systems into the …

Implementing Gallup 12+ Employee Engagement Survey In A Critical Access Hospital, Catherine R. Hardwick

Honors Theses and Capstones

Objective: To utilize the Gallup Q12+ survey to assess baseline staff engagement among nurses and nursing assistants at a critical access hospital, implement direct education intervention, and evaluate its impact on staff engagement rates, with the goal of identifying micro and macro-problems.

Methods: This quality improved project was conducted at Littleton Regional Hospital, a level Ⅲ trauma center and critical access hospital. The PDSA cycle started on March 1 and ended May 10. The Gallup Q12+ survey was sent to Registered Nurses, Licensed Nursing Assistants, and Nursing Technicians to establish baseline staff engagement levels and areas that need improvement. Directed …

Improving Perinatal Outcomes With The Mood Disorder Questionnaire: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Identification And Referral, Elizabeth R. Bargardo

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health is a growing concern, with under identification and lack of access to mental health as contributing factors. Screening tools such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire are one way to increase identification of patients at risk for bipolar-spectrum disorders and subsequent postpartum psychosis and initiate referrals to appropriate mental health services.

Local Problem: One outpatient women’s health center has a 94% screening rate for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) for anxiety and depression but has not implemented a screening for bipolar disorder. In addition, while approximately one in five perinatal patients struggles with a mental …

Healthcare Consolidation: Effects On Corporate And Private Healthcare Facilities, Kaydence N. Mcdonald

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this thesis paper the concept of healthcare consolidation is discussed. The distinctions between small and large healthcare organizations’ structures and functions are explained first. Knowing the distinction between how the different sized healthcare organization’s function will give a better understanding to how consolidation occurs in the facilities. The benefits and challenges that small and large healthcare organizations offer is discussed next. After setting an understanding of the differences in healthcare organizations based on size this paper gives a definition of consolidation, and the forms used in healthcare organizations. It discusses vertical, horizontal consolidation, mergers, and acquisitions. Then the paper …

Rwanda's Natural Remedies: A Fresh Look At The Fight Against Malaria, Leandre Nsabimana Ndisanze

Pomona Senior Theses

Malaria remains one of the most devastating parasitic diseases globally, disproportionately affecting sub-Saharan Africa, where Rwanda continues to face high transmission rates and rising resistance to conventional interventions. Despite decades of control efforts, the emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and insecticide-resistant Anopheles mosquitoes threatens to reverse recent gains. This research responds to the urgent need for sustainable and culturally relevant alternatives by exploring the therapeutic potential of Rwandan traditional medicinal plants. These indigenous remedies, long used by local healers, offer an underexplored reservoir of bioactive compounds that may provide the basis for novel antimalarial drugs.

The central hypothesis of this …

The Potential Of Bioactive Foods In Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Distress, Haizhu Patterson

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Cancer continues to have a profoundly detrimental impact on global health, and chemotherapy is widely accepted and utilized as one of the most effective cancer treatments. Unfortunately, the downside of chemotherapy is its significant adverse effects, which often manifest as gastrointestinal (GI) distress, leading the patient to discontinue treatment. Recent research has increasingly focused on bioactive foods as a means to mitigate chemotherapy-induced GI distress. By identifying which bioactive foods can alleviate these distresses, nurses can offer valuable recommendations to cancer patients to help them reduce chemotherapy's adverse effects, enhancing their quality of life (QoL) and improving treatment adherence. …

Culturally Sensitive Nursing Care And Its Impact On Abuse Disclosure Among Immigrant-Origin Populations​, Jaspal Uppal

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Immigrant-origin patients often face many systemic barriers when accessing healthcare. Factors such as language barriers, fear of deportation, limited trust in healthcare providers, and lack of culturally sensitive care make it hard for patients to disclose abuse. These challenges contribute to poor health amongst vulnerable populations which highlights the importance of using culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care. Objective: This research aims to test whether culturally adapted, trauma-informed nursing care improves disclosure of abuse and access to support services. The objective is to strengthen safety and trust between healthcare providers and patients through culturally sensitive care. Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental …

The Effectiveness Of Botulinum Toxin Injections In The Management Of Chronic Neck And Shoulder Myofascial Pain: A Nursing Perspective, Jia Zhou

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners: Addressing The Shortage And Its Implications For Healthcare, Isabel Mary Mccarthy

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The increasing prevalence of sexual assault cases has highlighted the crucial need for trained healthcare professionals who can effectively provide sensitive care for survivors. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses specifically trained to perform forensic examinations and provide medical and emotional support to sexual assault victims. However, many nursing programs lack formal education on SANE practices, which can hinder students' preparedness to address such cases in their future careers. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training module integrated into an undergraduate nursing curriculum at Dominican University of California. By …

Developing A Nursing Early-Intervention Bundle To Decrease The Prevalence Of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, Aneesha Biju

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) has become an increasingly recognized challenge in critical care as more patients survive prolonged mechanical ventilation and lengthy ICU stays. Although lifesaving interventions support recovery from the primary illness, many patients develop new or worsened physical, cognitive, or psychological impairments after discharge. These complications often limit independence, slow recovery, and create long-term burdens for both patients and families. Research shows that early, consistent nursing interventions, such as delirium prevention, early mobility, mental health support, and family communication, can reduce the risk of PICS. The absence of a unified and standardized approach results in inconsistent practices and …

Developing An Educational Session And Epic-Based Tools To Help Nurses Provide Culturally Sensitive Care To Their Muslim Patients, Laila Albutmeh

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Islam is currently the fastest growing religion in the world. The chances of nurses getting Muslim patients are on a rise. Islam is not just a religion but a way of life that shapes/guides every aspect of human experience. With religion being such an important part in a Muslim's life, they need nurses to be able to provide them culturally sensitive care. Nurses can do this if they are equipped with the right knowledge and tools. Implementing educational resources on how to provide culturally sensitive care to Muslim patients for nurses to use will help them be able to provide …

Improvement Of Hpv Vaccination Rate In Pediatric Patients In A Clinic Through Implementation Of A Bundle, Macalah Jenschke

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of several cancers, and vaccination is a highly effective preventive measure. However, HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal, particularly in rural pediatric populations. This quality improvement (QI) project aims to enhance HPV vaccination rates through the implementation of a comprehensive vaccination bundle targeting provider education, patient and parent education, appointment reminders, and the use of a vaccine waiver when needed.

Method: This QI project was conducted over twelve weeks in a rural pediatric clinic with approximately 130 patients seen daily. The intervention bundle included provider education on effective communication regarding HPV vaccination, educational …

Improving Glucose Levels In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Kaitlin Castillo

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Type 2 diabetes is a growing health crisis, posing significant challenges not only to individual well-being but also to healthcare systems' financial sustainability. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise annually, contributing to increased medical costs, hospitalizations, and long-term complications. Houston, Texas, has a diabetes prevalence of 13.5%, exceeding the national average of 10%. A clinical gap exists in providers’ ability to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. Prioritizing prevention, early intervention, and improved patient monitoring can reduce incidence rates, lower healthcare costs, and enhance overall population health. A Plan Do Study Act model was utilized for the …

“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 …

Closed Vs Open Icu Models & Their Trauma Patient Outcomes A Level Ii Trauma Center & Community Hospital Perspective, Prabhleen Kaur, Amber Hendricks, Nicholas Druar, Roxanne Tapley, Carina Biggs

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Patient Safety Through Simulated Safety Event Analysis (Ssea) In Graduate Medical Education, Mustafa Tahir, Anthony Furiato, Salman Muddassir, Olu Oyesanmi

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Top Quality Metric Articles In Myocardial Ischemia: A Bibliometric Study, Abdullah Sahyouni, Amanda Feliciano, Vishakha Sharma, Maya Khodor, Christian Zellner, Michael Tedla, Robert Subbiondo, Yizhi Lin, Laura Murray

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Pre And Post-Distribution Outcomes Of The Intern Guidebook, Joyce Smith, Sam Mellits

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Clinical Outcomes And 30-Day Readmission Following Heart Failure Hospitalization In Patients Previously Treated For Obesity With Glp-1 Agonist Versus Bariatric Surgery, Nameer Ascandar, Bobby Malik, Waqas Qureshi, Aysu Erdemir, Eduardo J. Lazaro, Olu Oyesanmi, Sabry Omar, Robert J. Subbiondo, Michael Schandorf-Lartey

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

How Do Patient-Provider Relationships Affect Patient Satisfaction?, Rose D. Lightspeed

Anthós

This article reviews studies on patient satisfaction within the U.S. healthcare system to investigate how physicians’ behavior influences patients’ reported quality of care. Medical negligence, neglect, and cognitive biases are identified from the reviewed literature as physician behaviors that affect the patient-provider relationship and patient satisfaction. Emphasizing patient satisfaction and involvement in their care as important considerations when evaluating patient-provider relationships, Lightspeed underscores how the complex dynamic between patient and provider–including physicians’ reported feeling of inadequate interpersonal skills and patients’ sensitivity to dismissive communication–contributes to reduced satisfaction rates. Lightspeed argues that increasing physician awareness of these factors that influence patient …

Iimproving Discharges Within The Monitored Pod Units Of A Regional Health Center In Bryan, Tx, Paul R. Russell Iii

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

IMPROVING DISCHARGE RATES WITHIN THE MONITORED POD UNITS OF A REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER IN BRYAN, TX

Purpose

The purpose of this scholarly project was to improve discharges by 11:00 a.m. within the Monitored Pod Units located in a regional hospital in Bryan, Texas.

Background

The current discharge rate by 1100 for the monitored pod units at the regional health center was below the health system goal of 50%. The impacts of delayed discharges are broad and can be seen throughout the regional health center. Delayed discharges have a direct effect on staff satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and decreased revenue.

Methodology

This …

Financial Health Literacy Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Qualitative Research Study, Kimberly Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Financial health literacy (FHL) is an emerging concept with unique application to older adults. Multiple complexities converge in older age that create increased financial vulnerability (e.g., retirement, chronic disease). However, low financial and health literacy are common in older adults, impacting their ability to self-manage. The AWV’s focus on prevention offers an opportunity to incorporate a proactive approach to financial-related assessment. This study will explore the perceived value of assessing FHL in primary care settings and the financial-related barriers and facilitators to implementing the personalized prevention plan.

Methods: The conceptual framework was guided by the Individual and Family Self-Management …

Exploring Patient-Provider Communication In Indian American Populations: A Scoping Review, Pranav S. Nadella

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Effective provider-patient communication directly influences patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and health outcomes, yet the unique experiences of Indian Americans—one of the fastest-growing U.S. populations—remain underexplored in communication research. This scoping review, following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, systematically mapped the existing literature on provider-patient communication involving Indian Americans. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, with data extracted on methods, populations, and seven coded aspects related to communication.

Findings revealed a narrow focus on first-generation immigrants and women, leaving men’s experiences and second-generation voices largely unexamined. Communication was shaped by language discordance, cultural stigma, family involvement, trust dynamics, and health literacy. No studies …

From Tricare To Medicaid: Dental Insurance Disparities Among U.S. Veterans And Active Duty Service Members, Madeline K. Mcnutt Ms

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Oral health plays a critical role in systemic well-being, yet dental care access in the United States remains deeply unequal, particularly among low-income and historically marginalized populations. Among those significantly affected are military veterans, who frequently experience barriers to oral healthcare due to eligibility restrictions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. This study offers a comparative analysis of dental insurance satisfaction between recipients of Medicaid and the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP), two federally funded programs that reflect the divide between civilian and military healthcare access. While TRICARE ADDP provides comprehensive and uniform coverage for Active Duty …

Improving Safe And Effective Management Of Pain At Home, Alayna V. Olivarez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Pain is the most common clinical symptom in individuals with a cancer diagnosis. Additionally, home is the preferred place for cancer care which introduces numerous challenges for cancer pain management. The primary purpose of this literature review is to identify support interventions to enhance pain control, prevent exacerbations in pain, and optimize quality of life in individuals with cancer transitioning from the acute care setting to home. The secondary purpose of this review is to analyze patient-specific barriers influencing self-efficacy of pain management and overall health outcomes in the target population. A systematic literature search was conducted using CINAHL, EBSCOhost, …

Development And Validation Of An Accurate And Precise Skin Color Scale, Henry Lim, Christina Guo, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Ysabelle Martinez, Dana Olsen, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Utilization of the Fitzpatrick scale to describe skin color does not adequately account for variations in pigmentation that are reflective of skin color characteristics of persons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. This study aims to create a better way to describe skin color. Methods: We developed an 11-point color scale. This Skin Color Scale (SCS) was reproduced onto a physical card that could be placed onto a research participant’s inner arms for independent scale interpretation. Participants and two investigators selected the best matching scale interpretation value for each arm. Self-acquired and investigator assessed Fitzpatrick scores were taken. These …