Medical Humanities Commons^™

Strategic Balance In Healthcare Organizations, Corey Spraberry

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this dissertation was to assess the relationship between service mix offerings relative to competitors and firm performance. Specifically, this study explores if an optimal point of service offerings in the competitive market is associated with financial performance. This study is important to both researchers and healthcare leaders as it helps understand the relationship between optimal service mix and firm performance. The results find a relationship that suggests a differentiated service mix compared to a generalized service mix is associated with financial performance. Additionally, hospital characteristics are associated with service duplication and differentiation. The findings of this research …

Quantitative Analysis Of The Impact Of Automatically Generated Normal Tissue Contours On Knowledge-Based Planning Model Quality, Samuel Christopher Baker Arnold

All ETDs from UAB

While radiotherapy has become one of the primary standards of treatment for cancer in areas such as the brain, treatment plans are limited by the time it takes physicians to contour CT images used for dose distribution calculations. Automation of the contouring process can not only improve the rate of plan formation but establish an improved standard of care. With the development and implementation of knowledge-based planning (KBP) in radiation oncology, information derived from treatment plans provide machine learning models with years of experience to assess and create future treatment plans. Since KBP model quality rely on contouring from training …

I Would Be Shocked If Someone’S Not Depressed With That Diagnosis”: An In-Depth Exploration Of The Manifestation And Management Of Depression And Anxiety In Patients With Cancer, Carmen Rainey Brown

All ETDs from UAB

Patients diagnosed with cancer experience depression and anxiety at higher rates compared to the general population. Most individuals diagnosed with cancer will experience symptoms of depression and anxiety at some point during their cancer trajectory and not seek care leaving their mental health conditions undiagnosed and untreated, which impact quality of life and cancer outcomes. Patient and providers perspectives are vital to understand the manifestation, care-seeking behaviors, and provider management of depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. This study sought to explore the manifestation of depression and anxiety among patients with cancer and their care seeking behaviors for mental …

Resilience And Vulnerability: The Impact Of Deprivation, Social Capital, And Distance Sensitivity On Mental Health In Covid-19 Vaccine Seekers, Cesar Ivan Landeros

All ETDs from UAB

The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted profound challenges upon California, exacerbating disparities in care, access, and health outcomes within vulnerable and deprived communities. Especially, this crisis has led to a surge in mental health issues, with anxiety and depression emerging as predominant psychopathologies, and the rates of anxiety and depression are alarmingly high in disadvantaged communities. In California, the strikingly high prevalence of these symptoms at 31.7%, compared to the national average of 32.3%, sounds a critical alarm. Despite empirical investigations into anxiety and depression rates across a range of demographic groups worldwide—such as survivors, healthcare professionals, children, adolescents, and adults—the …

The Effects Of Mobile Shielding On Scatter Radiation In The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Lancer Smith

All ETDs from UAB

This research evaluates the effectiveness of a Specialized Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Shielding Device (SCCLSD) compared to traditional shielding methods in reducing occupational exposure to scattered x-rays, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of radiation safety in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) setting. The upper component of the SCCLSD comprises a mobile, transparent barrier with lead-equivalent malleable drapes designed to conform to the patient's body contours. It is height-adjustable, creating a protective shield against scatter radiation generated during CCL procedures. The lower portion of the SCCLSD replaces traditional lead-lined drapes, extending further down the table and incorporating additional shielding for staff protection.An …

Senior Executive Experience And The Performance Of Healthcare Organizations, John Patrick Walsh

All ETDs from UAB

SENIOR EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE AND THE PERFORMANCE OF HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS JOHN P. WALSH HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION ABSTRACT The healthcare industry has become increasingly complex over the past two decades causing concern for stakeholders of hospitals and health systems regarding the future viability. Given the tumultuous times, understanding who is best suited to lead these organizations is essential. While some work has been done studying certain characteristics of the Senior Leaders of these organizations, none have looked at the relationship between the Senior Leader’s work experience comparing those with for-profit experience and those without and performance. Using Upper Echelon’s Theory as a …

The Influence Of A Low Glycemic Load Diet On Appetite In Women With Pcos, Sarah Et Hoover

All ETDs from UAB

Dysregulated appetite may contribute to weight gain and high prevalence of comorbid obesity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet dietary recommendations to promote satiety and facilitate weight maintenance in this population remain scarce. The objective of this dissertation was to determine if women with PCOS have alterations in appetite-regulating hormones that can be manipulated by low glycemic load diet habituation to improve satiety. This was tested by secondary analyses of two randomized controlled dietary intervention trials in women with and without PCOS. First, we explored differences in women with and without PCOS during a standardized liquid meal test …

Patient-Driven Payment Model And The Covid-19 Pandemic External Environment Impact On Nursing Home Industry In The Last 5 Years, Gregory N. Orewa

All ETDs from UAB

Nursing homes face an ever-changing environment and must adapt to achieve organizational success. Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) reimbursement policy have disrupted nursing homes. PDPM put pressure on nursing homes to change their operations and billing practices. The reimbursement policy changed from Resource Utilization Group (RUG) under the Prospective Payment Model (PPS), to PDPM. PDPM, which encourages more value in skilled nursing facility (SNF) spending, has been explored by various studies with respect to nursing home’s reaction in reducing therapy staffing. Three studies follow that examine PDPM and COVID-19 …

Understanding The Impact Of Hospital Price Transparency Initiatives On Consumer Decision-Making To Purchase Healthcare Services, Neel Pathak

All ETDs from UAB

This study examined the influence of hospital list price information on individuals' decision-making to purchase healthcare services. The study collected quantitative data from 550 individuals by administering a hospital price transparency survey. Findings indicate that awareness of hospital list prices and quality outcomes metrics was high, but utilization rates were relatively low among survey participants. Demographic variations were explored with respect to the awareness and utilization of hospital list prices. Quality outcomes and recommendations from friends, family, and physicians emerged as the most important attributes influencing decision-making to purchase healthcare services whereas hospital list prices and social media had a …

Effects Of Dietary R, S-1, 3-Butanediol Diacetoacetate On Components Of Energy Balance And Hepatic Health, Kelsey A. Rushing

All ETDs from UAB

Objective: Exogenous ketone administration presents a possible treatment strategy for obesity and obesity-related diseases. The exogenous ketone ester, R,S-1,3-butanediol diacetoacetate (BD-AcAc2) decreases adiposity and hepatic steatosis in high-fat dietinduced obese mice. In our previous work, carbohydrate energy was removed and replaced with the ketone ester to produce isocaloric diets. The current investigation aimed to determine whether BD-AcAc2 decreases markers of hepatic steatosis and inflammation in lean mice on a high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet without removing carbohydrate energy. Methods: Sixteen 11-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to one of two groups for 9 weeks (n = 8 per group): 1) Control …

Helpless Observation Of The Unforgotten Trauma, Camilla Reimer

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Utility, Safwan K. Elkhatib

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

The Scream, Lina Adwer

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Connection And Time, Caroline Spethman

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Attending, Ben Mcintire

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Unmc Sunset, Stephanie Dong

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Thoughts From A Med Student, Alicia Phillips

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Sherman Shakes: An Aquatic Story About Living With Seizures, Garrett Sacco

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Untitled, Tony Le

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Ragù Alla Bolognese, Susan Greni

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

I Can't Fix That, Audrey Lane

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Untitled, Mary Pearson

The Art of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Eliminating The Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness In Healthcare Settings: Examining Provider Training Using Anti-Oppressive Instruction And Contact (Aoic) Training, Janice M. Knapp

DSW Capstone Projects

Disparities in healthcare settings for individuals with mental illness is a pervasive issue that can create dire circumstances for one’s health. However, research into ways in which to eliminate the biases and stigma that lead to these disparities has not yet been thoroughly studied. Innovative interventions using effective strategies combined with a theory such as the anti-oppressive approach are poised to address the biases and stigma that surround mental illness, thereby reducing or eliminating entirely the disparities that exist in healthcare today.

The first product is a systematic literature review that focused on primary research that evaluated the effectiveness of …

A Study To Examine The Relationship Between Ceo Characteristics And Organizational Performance In The Us Pharmaceutical And Biopharmaceutical Industries, Wafick K. Mohamed

All ETDs from UAB

This study examined the relationship between CEO tenure, sex, level of education, and organizational performance across 229 U.S. publicly traded pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. The Upper Echelons Theory was used to guide this research on how CEO characteristics could impact organizational performance. Fifteen hypotheses were developed and tested to evaluate the statistically significant relationship between CEO tenure, sex, level of education, and the organizational performance demonstrated in the abnormal stock return valuation and the number of FDA-approved drug products in clinical trial phases (phases 1, 2, and 3) for each company. This quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional study was completed by …

Assessing Visual Function In Young And Medically Complex Children With Cerebral Visual Impairment, Kathleen Mary Weden

All ETDs from UAB

Cerebral Visual impairment (CVI) has become the leading cause of vision impairment in children worldwide. Early identification of CVI has been shown to improve visual function outcomes and improve developmental outcomes and quality of life. However, children with CVI are difficult to identify and assess because the medical conditions that cause CVI can also cause impairment across domains of function. A scoping review was first conducted on interventions and outcome measures used for children with CVI. The sources identified (n=20) were grouped into five types of interventions. The review confirmed the need for quantitative, standardized methods for measuring visual function …

Organizational Climate And Its Association With Eth Perceived Permanence Of An Evidence-Based Decision-Aid For Patients With Lupus, Aizhan Karabukayeva

All ETDs from UAB

It is increasingly evident that seemingly good ideas do not always result in changes in practice, and it is challenging to sustain evidence-based innovations, even if they are backed by substantial research. Long-term use of innovations seems more likely where favorable contextual conditions are in place, yet relatively little empirical research has taken up the question of how evidence-based practices are sustained and become established in day-to-day practice. This question of sustainability is crucial if the gains in patient care that derive from organizational innovations are to be maintained. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the relationship between …

Physical Activity Promotion In Persons Newly Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis, Le Thao Trinh Huynh

All ETDs from UAB

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent immune-mediated, neurodegenerative disorder, affecting approximately 1 million people in the United States. MS onset is commonly between 20 and 40 years of age, and persons with MS often live a long life with the disease resulting from the early initiation of disease-modifying therapies and comorbidity-managing approaches. Notably, physical activity is promising for disease modification and symptoms and comorbidity management in MS. Yet, physical activity has been initiated quite late during the disease course. Further, early MS could be a “window of opportunity” for initiating physical activity to maximize its health benefits for symptom management …

Advanced Applications Of Existing Technology And Their Influence On Quality Outcomes In Federally Qualified Health Centers, Ali Riza Demirbas

All ETDs from UAB

Increasing competition in the healthcare industry is compelling organizations to adopt new strategies to obtain and/or maintain a competitive advantage. To obtain a competitive advantage, healthcare organizations may need either more efficient processes or offer new or improved products and services through the utilization of these strategies. In competitive market environments, technological innovations can be a key competitive advantage to reduce expenses, improve quality, attract more customers, or a combination of all. All healthcare organizations can benefit from technological innovations, especially those with limited resources. One type of healthcare organization that highlights the disparity in resources is the Federally Qualified …

Mechanisms Of Simulated-Spinal Manipulative Therapy In Animal Models Of Low Back Pain, Carla Rigo Lima

All ETDs from UAB

Low back pain (LBP), a condition characterized by pain experienced between the 12th rib margin and gluteal folds, is a prevalent health problem that affects an ever-increasing population worldwide. First-line treatment for LBP often involves non-pharmacological approaches, including spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), which has demonstrated mild-to-moderate clinical efficacy. However, despite its therapeutic benefits, the physiological mechanisms underlying the analgesic effects of SMT in LBP are still not well understood. Recent evidence suggests that sensitization of peripheral and central nervous system structures contribute to the progression and maintenance of LBP with inflammatory cytokines, reactive glial cells, and/or aberrant muscle spindle activity …

Contributions Of Off-Season Training And Food Security Status On Body Composition And Performance In Collegiate Football Players, Kathryn Lee Stowers

All ETDs from UAB

Body composition measurements are collected periodically in the collegiate athletic setting to evaluate health and predict athletic performance of individual athletes. However, the effects of remote training and food insecurity on body composition have yet to be fully investigated in this population. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of remote training and food security status on body composition and performance changes during off-season training. Aims 1 and 2 focus specifically on how factors affect body composition changes in collegiate football players during off-season training. Data were collected from routine body composition testing and food security screening …