Medical Humanities Commons^™

Ableist Ideologies Stifle Neurodiversity And Hinder Inclusive Education, Marie Adrienne R. Manalili

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This paper makes the case that ableist ideologies hinder trends towards inclusion on a broader global scale and beyond Anglo-American standpoints, as evidenced by key literature and legislations on inclusive education. I also discuss the issues, challenges, and dilemmas generated by these ableist ideologies in my professional context as an autistic speech-language therapist from the Philippines. I conclude with my reflection on how practitioners can help change the trajectory towards emancipatory inclusive practices that are informed by the neurodiversity paradigm. To respect the preference of the communities and the intersection of identities I represent, this paper uses inclusive identity-first language …

Analysis Of Racial/Ethnic Disparities And Language Barriers In Radiation Therapy, Carrie Warner

Honors Projects

It is important for every patient within healthcare to have access to and receive quality care no matter their race, ethnicity, and/or primary language. Focusing on cancer care in the United States, there are racial and ethnic disparities as well as language barriers, both within the English language itself and with foreign languages, that prevent patients from receiving high quality care. This meta-analysis provides evidence of current disparities within healthcare that can be applied to the radiation oncology department and reveals suggestions for advancements including the use of language-concordant physicians and medical interpreters. Some of the policies, plans, and resources …

Resource Allocation In Healthcare, Sydney Sprau

Honors Projects

The overall purpose of this research was to find ways that resources are allocated throughout the healthcare system. Resources are not always what we think of when it comes to healthcare. While it does include personal protective equipment, ventilators, and beds, it also includes the personnel that are required to deliver the care essential to survival. It is well known that many ethical issues revolve around the allocation of such resources in healthcare, but it is unknown what the best solution to sharing these resources is during pandemics such as COVID-19.

The History Of Early Modern Medicine In New Spain, El Primero Sueño, And Poet Sor Juana Inés De La Cruz, Daniel Hughes

Grand Valley Journal of History

This essay analyzes poetry and other writing by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz in the context of themes from Greco-Roman antiquity and the historical development of medicine in seventeenth century New Spain, now Mexico. Sor Juana’s El Primero Sueño, a Spanish language poetic silva, exhibits copious references to writers from classical antiquity, including Aristotle and Ovid. Establishing a context steeped in ideas from Greco-Roman antiquity, Sor Juana invokes the medical and philosophical legacy of foundational physician Galen of Pergamon. She also expands upon his ideas into the human anatomical realm, reflecting the increased early modern prominence of …

Occupational Therapy In Prisons, Amber Carmean, Amanda Boman, Katie Kowalski, Joselyn Walsworth

Community Based

This study investigates the needs of incarcerated individuals upon reintegration into the community. In this article, we use thematic analysis to dissect two prison documentaries in order to best assess the needs of these individuals to inform occupational therapy intervention. Occupational therapy seeks to empower individuals while analyzing needs and how the individuals can be best supported. Our analysis shows that there are many needs that go unaddressed prior to community reintegration leading to a higher chance of recidivism recurring. Through better understanding the needs of individuals, occupational therapy can become better informed on how intervention can benefit this specific …

A Family's Perception Of Occupation-Based Activity Sessions During Their Transition To Permanent Housing, Laura Opie, Lauren Goldstein, Ashton Roth, Ella Savalox

Community Based

This study aimed to evaluate families' perceptions of occupation-based activity sessions during their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. A phenomenological design was selected to identify families' perceptions. Results identified potential benefits of providing occupation-based activity sessions to families in transition and indicated the importance of empowering families to enact their own sense of agency to successfully resolve their transition to permanent housing.

Acute Lung Injury And Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Requiring Tracheal Intubation And Mechanical Ventilation In The Intensive Care Unit: Impact On Managing Uncertainty For Patient-Centered Communication, Robert F. Johnson Jr., Jillian Gustin

Peer Reviewed Articles

A 56 year-old male presented with symptoms of pneumonia and findings consistent with acute lung injury (ALI). Deterioration of respiratory function occurred over the first 24 hours of hospitalization leading to placement in an intensive care unit (ICU) followed by tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (ETMV). At that time criteria defining acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were present. The palliative medicine service was asked to address concerns expressed by the patient’s spouse reflecting uncertainty regarding outcome expectations.

When interacting with families of incapacitated critically ill patients, clinicians are advised to employ a patient-centered communication process to alleviate family distress and …