Quality Improvement Commons^™

Improving Communication And Follow Up For Incidental Findings From Panscan Imaging, Makenzie Morrissey, Kristen Payne, Randall Rittmann, Chris Robert, Joseph Lim, Danielle Pigneri

North Texas Research Forum 2025

OBJECTIVE: Incidental findings in medical imaging pose a significant challenge in healthcare due to the potential for missed follow-ups, which can lead to adverse outcomes for patients. These findings, which are unrelated to the primary purpose of the imaging study, are increasingly common due to advances in imaging technology and its widespread use. The consequences of missed follow-ups can be severe. For instance, the rate of malignancy in incidental pulmonary nodule id about 5% and follow up fails in 30-70% of cases. This means for every 120 CT chest scans ordered, 1 lung cancer is missed (McWilliams et al., 2013). …

Assessment Of Patient Satisfaction Through The Introduction Of A Post-Procedure Pamphlet In An Outpatient Clinic, Mohammad Rashik, James Aston, Sajid Surve

North Texas Research Forum 2025

This quality improvement project aimed to create a patient pamphlet for the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) clinic at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. The pamphlet provides important post-procedure information for patients who undergo treatments like joint injections, platelet-rich plasma therapy, prolotherapy, hydrodissection, botulinum toxin injection, and nerve blocks. These procedures can lead to potential side effects, some of which patients may not be aware of. To address this, the pamphlet includes information on common symptoms, their causes, recommended next steps, and guidance on when to contact the OMM clinic or visit the Emergency Department. The pamphlet was …

Optimization Of Venous Thromboembolism (Vte) Prophylaxis In Pregnancy And The Postpartum Period, Sereena Jivraj, Isabella Sciacca, Sherrie Dixon, Timothy Kremer

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE) continues to be a leading cause of maternal mortality (MM) in the United States. VTE accounts for roughly 9-10% of all maternal deaths. Other countries have adopted anticoagulation protocols to reduce MM rates, but the US has yet to follow suit. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) all vary in their guidelines for thromboembolism prophylaxis. Patients who deliver by Cesarean section (C-section) have higher incidences of MM due …

Bridging Knowledge And Practice: Exploring The Medical City Arlington Internal Medicine Handbook, Laura Montoya, Evangelista Ezenduka, Shivani Agarwal, Mike Nguyen, Fatima Safi, Nikhil Madhav, Dallin Beus, George Yeung, Hayan Kundi

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Internal medicine residents face a wide range of challenging medical conditions during their training and need to be equipped with both the knowledge and flexibility to handle whatever comes their way. As part of a collaborative initiative, we present the Medical City Arlington Internal Medicine Handbook, a practical resource built by residents, for residents. This handbook brings together practical insights, evidence-based practices, and specialized clinical expertise, all with the goal of enhancing the diagnostic and treatment skills of internal medicine practitioners. It covers a broad spectrum of conditions, from common ailments to rare and complex diseases, and provides in-depth management …

Under-Utilization Of Non-Selective Beta-Blocker In Patients With Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension & Esophageal Varices, Sohaib Ahmed, Ana Moraga, Syed Usman Mumtaz, Varun Mehta, Boran Mao, Juan Pablo Meruvia, Amar Mandalia, Shamol Williams

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Breaking The Blockade: A Retrospective Analysis Of Pediatricconstipation In Hospitalized Patients, Yenamala Reddy, Jaicy Pottokaran, Eric K. Shaw, Aimee Behnke, Jean B. Wiggins, Lauren Hebert, Norman Taylor Parks

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Rx On The Rocks: Prescribing Solutions For Alcohol Use Disorder, Arisa Gonzalez, Laura Botero, Adlin Lawrence, Kenneth Jimenez, Eric Chen, Richard Henriquez, Shamol Williams

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Streamlining Stroke Care: Optimizing In-House Stroke Alert Order Set Utilization, Drashti Desai, Joshua Shultz, Yu Ya Nway, Hasib Ibne-Rasa

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Patients’ Postpartum Contraception Plans And Access To Postpartum Contraception, Rebecca Johnson, Timothy Kremer, Nicole Tenzel

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: ACOG recommends prenatal discussions with patients regarding their lifetime reproductive plans and postpartum contraception. Up to 40% of patients are not seen for postpartum visits and this rate is highest amongst populations with limited resources (ACOG Practice Bulletin: Optimizing Postpartum Care). By having consistent documentation amongst our clinic providers we aim to maximize patient education and choice in their postpartum contraception. Methods: The providers at our clinic were educated on where to document postpartum contraception discussions on the obstetric flow sheet under the “problems” tab. Providers were to document the discussion even if the patient declined postpartum contraception. Every …

Has The Elimination Of Mandatory Buprenorphine X-Waiver Increased Presciptions Of This Medication Upon Discharge From The Hospital?, Kendall Moore, Robyn Meadows, Robyn Hoelle, Matthew Calestino

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Improving Mmr Vaccine Administration Among Rubella Non-Immune Postpartum Women – A Quality Improvement Project, Renée Ricci, Erika Olsen, Final Patel, Stephanie Tootle, Dina Linfoot, Anthony Royek, Eric Shaw

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

From Trial To The Prescription Pad: Quality Improvement Of Sglt-2 Inhibitor Prescription Prevalence For Patients With Diabetes And Heart Failure, Grace Fawcett, Victoria Blaisdell, Riley King, William Hannah, Eric Shaw

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Introducing Transitional Care Management In Outpatient Setting For Emergency Department Discharge Follow Ups, Radhika Mohan, Sanket Patel, Deepa Nuthalapati, Michael Smith, Valerie Sinkler, Dennis Besong, Pooja Paunikar

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Education Interventions Implemented To Increase Lung Cancer Screening Rates, Arpit Arora, Crystal Bharat, Sophia Zia, Pooja Paunikar, Dana Simpson

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Daily Weights, Better Outcomes: The Positive Impact Of Daily Weight Tracking In Hospitalized Patients On The Telemetry Floor, Sophia Zia, David Ortega, Lailany Agront-Davo, Merid Moqattash, William Lopez, Sirin Khajaviyan, Yagmur Beaman, Michael Craig

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

No Patient Left Behind: Improving Transition Of Care In Coronary Artery Disease And Heart Failure Patients, Rebecca Schuyler, Gunjan Mundhra, Mubbasher Syed

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.