Other Medical Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Invigorating And Relaxing Music On Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, And Heart Rate Variability, Matthew Joshua Faur

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Heart-rate variability (HRV) has been documented to correlate with several health measures, including autonomic nervous system longevity and athletic performance (Zulfiqar, 2010). While increasing age does not affect heart rate, there is a steady decline in HRV, which is a biological marker of aging and the decline of autonomic nervous system function. Furthermore, men who exercise regularly tend to have increased HRV, suggesting a mitigation of the typical age-dependent loss of HRV (Kristal-Boneh et al., 1995). Previous studies have suggested that music may have a physiological effect (e.g., fluctuating vitals, emotional changes) on cardiovascular parameters. However, little is known about …

Establishing A Conventional Linac-Based Electron Flash Beam, Justin Defrancisco

Theses and Dissertations

Problems: A rediscovered radiotherapy technique, FLASH, involves increasing the dose rate to >40 Gy/s. For a given dose, FLASH is shown to decrease the normal tissue complication probability without affecting the tumor control probability. More preclinical studies are necessary to confirm and enable these desirable properties on humans. Current preclinical investigations have diverse constraints, requiring FLASH apparatuses with flexible parameters and accurate control. However, there are limited FLASH platforms available, the existing ones are costly. Our institution is not in possession of any such infrastructure. Even if available, dosimetry and beam control in FLASH are extremely lacking. There is …

The Impact Of State-Mandated Certification Of Surgical Technologists On Surgical Site Infection Rates: Evaluating Policy, Practice, And Patient Outcomes, Katherine E. Geiger

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Abstract

Chairperson: Matthew Schertz, Ph.D.

Committee Member: Morgen J Alwell, Ph.D.

Committee Member: Jill Davis, M.Ed.

As a surgical technology instructor, I have witnessed firsthand the impact that certified surgical technologists (CSTs) have on patient safety, particularly in the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs). This professional paper investigates the relationship between state-mandated certification of surgical technologists and SSI rates, with a focus on how standardized education and credentialing influence clinical outcomes. SSIs remain a significant concern in surgical environments, contributing to increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and greater healthcare costs. The research presented here examines certification requirements across various …

Unmasking The Nexus Of Race, Ethnicity, And Health: An Intersectional Analysis Of The Epistemology Of Race In Medicine, Medical Curricula, And Health Disparities, Antoinette Leonard-Jean Charles

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The persistent health disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the United States are deeply rooted in systemic racism embedded within medical education and clinical practice. Historical acceptance of racial supremacy in the United States has shaped both the foundations and continued practices of medical education, leading to entrenched biases that affect healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. This dissertation critically examines the intersection of race, education, and health by analyzing how historical and contemporary understandings of race and ethnicity shape medical curricula, healthcare practices, and patient care. Through the integration of Critical Race Theory (CRT), Social …

Reassessing Hourly Neurological Assessments: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Haley Lynne Johnson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Reassessing Hourly Neurological Assessments: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Haley Lynne Johnson, BSN, RN

Background: Stroke and brain injuries remain among the leading causes of mortality in the United States, accounting for 162,890 deaths in 2021 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Although frequent neurological assessments are essential for monitoring patient status, limited evidence supports the prolonged use of hourly neuro-checks (LaBuzetta et al., 2022). Excessive neuro-check frequency has been linked to sleep deprivation, an increased risk of delirium, and inefficient resource utilization (Kishore et al., 2021).

Purpose: This project aimed to assess the impact of …