Health and Medical Administration Commons^™

Heads Up! Designing A Nursing Assessment Tool For Early Recognition Of Intracranial Hypertension Post Head Injury, Sergio A. Dondiego

Honors Capstones

This meta-analysis identifies noninvasive clinical predictors of intracranial hypertension (IH) post head trauma to develop a multi-criteria IH screening tool designed for nurses to wear on their badge reels. High-sensitivity predictors were prioritized to assist in early IH suspicion. Findings suggest that radiographic-measured abnormalities including an optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) 5.6 mm and signs of significant head trauma via computed tomography (CT) were highly effective for predicting IH and were therefore defined as major criteria for the assessment tool. Other significant examination findings include a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 8 and atypical pupillary reactivity. While age showed conflicting …

Evaluating The Impact Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists On Perioperative Aspiration Risk: The Role Of Preoperative Fasting Duration, Caitlin Maureen Carter Bsn, Rn, Adam Wade Johnson Bsn, Rn, Allison Whitney Jones Bsn, Rn, Joseph Kaesberg Bsn, Rn, Kelly Maura Watson Bsn, Rn, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faan, Faanp, Fnap

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are increasingly prescribed for diabetes and obesity due to their metabolic benefits; however, these medications delay gastric emptying, raising concern for increased residual content (RGC) and aspiration risk during anesthesia. Current perioperative fasting and medication management guidelines for patients taking GLP-1 RAs remain inconsistent, creating uncertainty for anesthesia providers. This scoping review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between GLP-1 RA use and perioperative gastric safety, with particular focus on fasting duration and aspiration risk.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were performed using the …

Measuring Disability Prevalence In Healthcare: A Study Comparing Two Disability Measures, Kristen L. Milefchik, Rhonda K. Dailey, Sharon Milberger

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with disabilities experience significant health disparities and interventions are needed to address them. Measuring disability prevalence is an essential aspect of designing effective, data-driven healthcare strategies. Accurately measuring disability prevalence is challenging given disability is a complex phenomenon, with biological, social, environmental, and cultural components. Previous studies have compared a variety of disability status measurements and found that measurements were incongruent with each other. This study examines the concordance between disability status using two different measures: the nationally recognized American Community Survey (ACS-6) functional difficulty questions and one disability identity question. We used data from 3,621 adult patients participating …

Evidenced-Based Practice Guideline Development: The Addition Of Adjunctive Dexmedetomidine In Brachial Plexus Blocks For Upper Arthroscopic Surgery, Mylene Louail

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist increasingly studied as an adjunct in brachial plexus blocks (BPBs) to enhance postoperative pain management. This project examines the efficacy of DEX as an adjunct in BPBs for upper extremity arthroscopic surgeries, focusing on its ability to extend analgesia duration, reduce opioid use, and enhance patient satisfaction. With analgesic and sedative properties, DEX can improve postoperative pain management with minimal side effects, providing shortened hospital stays, decreased costs, and better patient outcomes. Using the Iowa Model for evidence-based practice, baseline data on postoperative pain, analgesia duration, and opioid use will be collected from …

Remimazolam As A Sedative For Endoscopic Procedures: A Scoping Review, Hamzha Aysheh, Megan Henderson, Megan Hinkle, Sara Holton, Spencer Turner, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Ccrn, Faana

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Propofol is commonly used for procedural sedation during endoscopic procedures because of its rapid onset and short duration; however, its use is frequently associated with adverse effects such as hypotension, hypoxemia, respiratory depression, bradycardia, and injection site pain. As diagnostic endoscopic procedures continue to increase, particularly among older and medically complex patients, there is a growing need for sedative agents that provide effective sedation while minimizing perioperative risk. Remimazolam, a novel ultra–short-acting benzodiazepine metabolized by tissue esterases, has demonstrated favorable hemodynamic stability and a reduced adverse effect profile in recent literature. The purpose of this evidence-based quality improvement project …

Discharge Education Bundles And Evaluating The Effect On Readmission And Satisfaction Rates: A Scoping Review, Jane Campo Bsn, Rn, Charlotte Edwards Bsn, Rn, Mary Catherine Hall Bsn, Rn, Sarah Moore Bsn, Rn, Allison Walker Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Transitioning children with a chronic medical condition from hospital to home is a critical and difficult process, leaving many families feeling anxious and unprepared. Nationally, 1 in 7 pediatric patients are readmitted within thirty days, making readmission rates an important quality indicator with both clinical and financial implications. To address these challenges, multiple discharge bundles have been developed; however, their effectiveness has not been consistently evaluated. The aim of this project is to summarize the current literature and highlight its positive outcomes, with the intention of promoting further research, reducing 30-day readmission rates, and increasing parental satisfaction (Shermont et …

Impact Of Nitrous Oxide Analgesia On Labor Experience, Kierra Jones Rn, Bsn, Elyzabeth Morales Rn, Bsn, Lanitra Ray Rn, Bsn, Rhonda Johnson Dnp, Cne, Cnm, Facnm

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) has re-emerged in the United States as a labor analgesia option that supports mobility, autonomy, and patient-centered care. As nurses increasingly support low-intervention and physiologic birth approaches, understanding the effectiveness and safety of nitrous oxide for low-risk laboring individuals is essential. This scoping review examines current evidence on nitrous oxide use during labor, focusing on maternal pain management, satisfaction, and neonatal outcomes to inform evidence-based nursing and midwifery practice.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and the Cochrane Library between September and October 2023. Inclusion criteria consisted of English-language studies published within …

Building The Foundation For Equitable Diabetes Education: Examining Trust And Digital Access In Rural And Unreserved Population, Niasia Hazelton Smalls

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Disparities in patient portal use undermine equitable chronic disease management, particularly for adults with diabetes in rural and historically underserved communities. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study examined the associations among trust in the healthcare system and patient portal use among U.S. adults, using nationally representative data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2023 (N = 3,711), supplemented by semi-structured interviews with frontline healthcare providers. Bivariate analyses revealed that adults with diabetes reported lower trust (83% vs. 86%, p = 0.003) and lower portal use (62% vs. 66%, p = 0.014) compared to those without a diagnosis. Multivariate logistic …

The Effects Of Sugammadex Vs. Neostigmine On Intraoperative Heart Rate In Pediatric Patients Under Two Years: A Scoping Review, Saumel Abston, Jackson Cobb, Elle Dean, Tanner Dillard, Pauline Dinh, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Faana, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Fhrs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) reversal is a critical component of anesthesia care, particularly in infants under two years of age who have immature autonomic regulation and heightened vagal tone, predisposing them to bradycardia. Neostigmine, the traditional reversal agent, is associated with parasympathomimetic effects such as bradycardia, requiring anticholinergic co- administration. Sugammadex, a selective relaxant binding agent, offers rapid and predictable reversal of aminosteroidal neuromuscular blocking agents with less cholinergic side effects. Although the safety profile of sugammadex is well established in older pediatric populations, limited evidence exists regarding its cardiovascular effects in infants under two years of age.

Methods

A …

Improving Access And Early Identification Of Anxiety Disorders Through Annual Gad-7 Screening In High Schools: A Scoping Review, Joshua Richard Yumul Bsn, Rn, Cindy Thao Msn, Rn, Justin Doyle Borden Bsn, Rn, Rebecca Lizette Johnston Bsn, Rn, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faan, Faanp, Fnap

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Anxiety disorders affect nearly one-third of adolescents in the United States, yet many cases remain undiagnosed due to inconsistent screening and limited access to school-based mental health services. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) questionnaire is a validated screening tool, but its routine use in high school settings is not well established.

Purpose: This scoping review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the use of the GAD-7 in high schools to support early identification of anxiety disorders and improve access to mental health care.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. …

Mda Services: Don’T Get Bogged Down: Regulatory Compliance, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column encourages dental practice owners to utilize MDA-endorsed vendors to simplify business operations and ensure regulatory compliance. It specifically recommends Eagle Associates for HIPAA and OSHA training and Complete Dental IT for managing technology-related security risks. The author argues that using these pre-vetted services saves members time on vendor interviews and negotiation while providing favorable pricing that individual practices could not achieve on their own.

Your New Mda President: Dr. Melanie Mayberry, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature introduces Dr. Melanie Mayberry, the 2026-27 president of the Michigan Dental Association. An interview details her extensive background in private practice, DSOs, academia, and public health. Dr. Mayberry discusses the primary challenges facing dentists, specifically workforce gaps and flat reimbursement models. Her agenda for the upcoming year includes finalizing a new strategic plan, modernizing the Annual Session, and enhancing member engagement through mentorship programs for new graduates.

The Effect Of Facial Adiposity On Hypothetical Medical Treatments As A Function Of Disgust, Lindsey Duran

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Perceivers are capable of estimating the health of individuals through cues to facial adiposity, with such inferences having accuracy in recognizing worse chronic health among those exhibiting greater adiposity. Nonetheless, these inferences could extend beyond health assessments into subsequent anti-fat prejudice based on perceptions of such individuals as pathogenically threatening. Although potentially functional in ancestral contexts, modern healthcare settings could render this functional stigmatization a liability that results in worse medical care toward those with higher adiposity. In this study, I tasked medical workers to evaluate male and female hypothetical patients at high and low levels of facial adiposity, particularly …

The Effects Of Private Equity Ownership Of Acute Care Hospitals On Patient Experience, Abigail M. Huffman

Theses and Dissertations

In 10 years, private-equity firms' share of hospitals has grown from 2-3% to 8%.  Using data from two sources: the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient surveys and the Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP), I demonstrate a causal effect of private-equity ownership on patient satisfaction using difference-in-difference methods.

The Impact Of Glucose Exposure On Organic Cation Transporters (Oct) Function In A Corneal Epithelial Cell Line, David A. Garza

Theses & Dissertations

Organic cation transporters (OCT) facilitate the movement of neurochemicals and medications, contribute to the removal of cellular waste, and facilitate neuronal communication. Three subtypes of these high-capacity, low-affinity transporters (OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3) are differently expressed in peripheral tissues such as the liver, kidneys, as well as the central nervous system. OCTs are also expressed in ocular tissues. Chronic hyperglycemia is a complication commonly associated with diabetes that can lead to ocular diseases such as diabetic keratopathy, which affects the cornea. In this project, we expose immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-S) to various glucose concentrations to study their impact …

The Effects Of Administration Policies On Patient Care Quality And Healthcare Service Costs, Rajveer Kaur

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines how administrative policies in U.S. healthcare systems affect patient care quality and service costs. It addresses a gap by analyzing the combined effects of policy, leadership, and technology on both clinical outcomes and financial performance. Using a qualitative descriptive approach guided by the PRISMA protocol, the study systematically identified and analyzed eighteen peer-reviewed articles. The findings show that value-based purchasing policies relate to improved patient safety indicators. Standardized clinical protocols and workforce competency initiatives strengthen care consistency and reduce hospital readmissions. The use of digital health technologies, such as telehealth and predictive analytics, helps optimize resources and …

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1ra As A Public Health Interventions, Briana Sepeda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications have become a prominent topic of interest both in clinical medicine and broader societal discussions. Although the medication are relatively new and expensive, ongoing research continues to explore pharmacologic modifications aimed at improving therapeutic effectiveness and prolonged drug half-life. GLP-1RAs have gained significant traction due to their ability to lower glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) and blood glucose levels in individuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition to glycemic control, evidence suggests its associations with appetite suppression, weight loss, reducing cardiovascular disease, improved renal dysfunction, neuroprotective effects related to neurodegenerative disease …

What Is Transitional Care And Its Role In Reducing Readmissions, Decia Rodriguez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Thirty-day readmissions to hospitals creates significant clinical and financial burdens in healthcare systems and worsens patient outcomes. This project reviews transitional care programs as strategic interventions to minimize preventable readmission with a specific focus on pharmacist-led medication reconciliation. Due to the extensive literature review, this work proves that structured transitional care is effective in closing the gaps between acute hospital care and home-based recovery because it coordinates medication management, patient education, and follow-up care. As it has been shown, pharmacists are in a central position to minimize medication errors and enhance compliance, especially in chronic patients such as those with …

Addressing Substance Use Disorder In Rural Appalachia: Improving Access And Treatment Outcomes For Justice-Involved Individuals, Jessica Muldowney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) represents a critical public health crisis disproportionately affecting justice-involved (JI) populations, with approximately 65% of incarcerated individuals having substance use disorders (James & Beatty, 2006). Rural Appalachian communities face compounded challenges due to limited healthcare access, provider shortages, and cultural stigma surrounding addiction treatment. Despite evidence demonstrating that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces recidivism and overdose deaths, only 20% of correctional facilities offer these services (Klein & Seppala, 2019).

Objective: This mixed-methods study evaluated organizational readiness and infrastructure capacity for implementing evidence-based OUD interventions, specifically MAT programs across three rural counties in northwestern North Carolina.

Methods: …

Reducing Hospital Readmissions Through Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation At Discharge, Ambreen Moazzam

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

One of the ancient problems of the healthcare systems in the world is hospital readmission, which leads to increased costs, morbidity, and an unwarranted load on medical resources. One evidence-based intervention that can address this problem and improve medication accuracy and continuity of care is pharmacist-led medication reconciliation at discharge. The proposed project will identify the impact of pharmacist involvement in discharge pharmacy reconciliation on patient outcomes and readmission. The present paper is quantitative, descriptive study, where retrospective and prospective information was used to estimate medication discrepancies, readmission, and patient compliance in adult inpatients. The evidence substantiates pharmacist-led medication reconciliation …

Improving Documentation Compliance During Obstetric Massive Transfusion Events Through Implementation Of A Standardized Flowsheet, Kirstie Barrick

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a standardized MTP documentation flowsheet in a Level IV maternal Labor and Delivery unit and increase documentation compliance to ≥80% within one month of implementation.

Results: One-month post-implementation, documentation compliance reached 82%, exceeding the established goal of 80%. Compliance remained stable across monitoring periods, suggesting early adoption and short-term sustainability. Staff reported high usability ratings, improved workflow efficiency, and increased confidence in documenting MTP events following simulation-based education. Minimal missing data and consistent survey responses supported reliability of findings.

Background: Obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity. …

May 2026, Swosu Bulldog Wellness Committee

SWOSU BULLDOG WELLNESS

Mental Health Awareness Month

Stress Management Tips for Bulldogs

WELLNESS REMINDER

GET INVOLVED WITH BULLDOG WELLNESS

Bulldog Resources

The Bulldog Wellness Stress Relief Toolkit

Waring Library Society Newsletter, Spring 2026, Waring Library Society, Waring Historical Library, Medical University Of South Caroilna, Jude Arendall, Joann Livingston Zeise, Brooke Fox

The Waring Library Society Newsletters

In this issue, the Waring Library Society welcomes its new President and shares updates on recent and upcoming renovations to Waring Historical Library. Waring Historical Library's staff reflect on insights gained from a recent sabbatical, and highlight several events and engagements the Waring has been part of this season.

Reducing Hospital Readmissions Through Post-Discharge Follow-Up Programs, Gurjeet Singh

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Within 30 days of the discharge, hospital readmissions continue to be one of the significant problems in healthcare organizations and are commonly seen as the measure of care quality, coordination, and efficiency. The high readmission rates indicate the disconnect between inpatient and outpatient settings, patient education, medication reconciliation, and discharge planning. They also have high financial implications in value-based reimbursement settings. The proposed project will be a descriptive and analytical literature review studying the effects of structured post discharge follow up interventions such as scheduled telephone calls, telehealth visits, and home based outreach on preventing unnecessary hospital readmission and enhancing …

May 2026 News You Need, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This source provides comprehensive updates on organized dentistry, including the appointment of Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi as the new ADA executive director. It reports on the MDA's current membership market share, which remains high at approximately 70% despite national trends. Significant health topics covered include Mental Health Awareness Month resources like the Well-Being Index and a patient fact sheet linking oral health to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

An Innovative Model For Graduate Medical Education Faculty Development Through Physician-In-Training Delivery, Daniel A. Nguyen, Dustin Wilkes, Marshall Hall, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Faculty development is a core requirement for Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited residency programs. Successfully delivering content to faculty can be challenging. This pilot study aimed to assess expert-developed sessions delivered by resident physicians to faculty at the completion of their clinical rotations.

Methods

A prospective cohort project was conducted, involving precepting faculty and resident physicians in a dermatology residency program. Each resident, at the end of their rotation, delivered a faculty development program to their attending physician. Each resident participated in the program for 1-3 years. The faculty development programs were based on faculty development programs …

Building A Better Clinical Competency Committee: A Multi-Institutional Approach To Improving The Quality Of Resident Feedback Through Appreciative Inquiry, Nikita Khetan, Emma Omoruyi, Elizabeth Hanson

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires pediatric faculty to convene twice yearly as a Clinical Competency Committee (CCC) to review resident performance and provide feedback. Variability in review processes and limited feedback quality remain common challenges. Incorporating Appreciative Inquiry within a Deliberate Practice framework may enhance the quality of summative feedback provided to residents.

Methods

This project was conducted with pediatric residents and faculty during the 2019–20 academic year at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Health San Antonio (UTHSA) and during the 2021-22 academic year at The University of Texas Health Science Center …

Optimizing Antibiotic Strategies With A Clinical Pathway Approach: Enhanced Initiation And De-Escalation In Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Ahmad Behzadpour

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of hospitalization, mortality, and health care expenditure worldwide. Inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug events, and increased costs. Antibiotic stewardship and standardized clinical pathways are key strategies to improve prescribing practices.

Methods

This quality improvement (QI) initiative was conducted at a 240-bed tertiary care teaching hospital from January 2023 through January 2025. A CAP-specific digital clinical pathway was developed using Curbside Health® and integrated into the electronic health record (EHR), accessible through a structured order set to support real-time clinical decision-making. The intervention included provider education and …

Motivational Interviewing Vs. Educational Handouts For Caregiver Smoking Cessation In Pediatric Asthma Patients: A Scoping Review, Michael Stefano, Hannah Marsh, Tracy Mcclinton, Dnp, Aprn, Ag-Acnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Secondhand smoke exposure can significantly worsen asthma outcomes in pediatric patients, leading to increased exacerbations and healthcare utilization. Caregivers can play a critical role in reducing secondhand smoke exposure, however sustained smoking cessation can be challenging to achieve. Two powerful healthcare interventions to assist in caregiver smoking cessation include motivational interviewing and educational handouts, however their compared effectiveness has not yet been fully reviewed. This scoping review compared the effectiveness of motivational interviewing and educational handouts in promoting smoking cessation among caregivers of children hospitalized for asthma exacerbations over the course of 90 days.

Applying Lean Six Sigma To Optimize Pediatric Liver Transplant Workflows: An Investigational Quality Improvement Initiative And Process Improvement Framework, Sarah E. Auletta

Online/Hybrid MPH Integrative Learning Experience (capstone projects)

For children with end-stage liver disease, liver transplantation is the only cure. While organ scarcity is a national challenge, internal pre-listing processes remain within an institution's control. This quality improvement initiative applied Lean Six Sigma and mixed-methods process mapping to the pediatric deceased donor liver transplant pathway at Boston Children's Hospital. By integrating five years of electronic health record data with multidisciplinary interviews, the project developed a comprehensive process map and performance dashboard.

The study revealed a median of 65 days elapsed between referral and waitlist activation—a timeline entirely within internal operational control. This delay was concentrated in two specific …