Medical Specialties Commons^™

The Impact Of Nicu Death On Bereaved Mothers, Jennie Terranova

University Honors Theses

Infant loss in the United States occurs 5.6 per 1,000 live births. This paper examines risk factors that contribute to neonatal death. Prematurity is a risk factor for NICU admission. A portion of premature babies receiving care in the NICU will die. The stressful nature of the NICU has been studied widely in journals. The impact of NICU death on hospital staff and bereaved parents has been studied less. Mortality studies suggest that bereaved mothers are at a high risk of dying within the first 5 years after their child has died. Despite the frequency of maternal death post-child loss, …

Surveying Management Strategies For Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis, Lillie Baca

University Honors Theses

Pediatric autoimmune hepatitis (PAIH) is a long-term condition that requires ongoing treatment and regular monitoring. It is characterized by its elevation of liver enzymes, interface hepatitis, and the specific presence of circulating autoantibodies. There is a general lack of consensus on appropriate measures of diagnostic criteria, treatment medication, and beneficial practices for monitoring the disease. The existing literature contains several subtle discrepancies that challenge a practitioner's judgement for care management of children with autoimmune hepatitis. This study is a retrospective chart review aimed at understanding the current diagnostics, treatment, and long-term management strategies of PAIH at a single center. Also, …

Can Tanzanian Neurosurgeons Access Tanzanian Neurosurgical Literature? A Systematic Review And Survey Of Neurosurgical Publications, Sabas Romani R, Woodfield Julie, Ikwuegbuenyi Chibuikem Anthony, Cadieux Magalie, Shayo Consolata, Shabhay Zarina, Rabiel Happiness, Beverly Cheserem, Bwemelo Joel, Wright Drew N

General Surgery, East Africa

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Free and open access to research data and findings promotes equity in access to healthcare knowledge and equity in patient care and treatment. To benefit the health care of the population studied, research findings must be accessible to clinicians, academics, and policymakers serving those populations. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of published Tanzanian neurosurgical data and its accessibility to those practicing within the country.

METHODS: A systematic review of all published neurosurgical studies from Tanzania was conducted. Authorship, funding, and open-access status were recorded. Tanzanian neurosurgeons were surveyed by telephone …

The Relationship Between Lifetime Trauma Exposure And Psychosis In A Multi-Country Case-Control Study In Africa, Anne Stevenson, Supriya Misra, Engida Girma, Dickens Akena, Melkam Alemayehu, Amantia Ametaj, Bizu Gelaye, Stella Gichuru, Symon Kariuki, Lukoye Atwoli

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Exposure to traumatic events is a known risk factor for psychosis. Additionally, psychosis may be a risk factor for exposure to traumatic events. There are little data on the relationship between traumatic events and psychosis in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in large, cross-country samples using the same instrument.

Methods: In a case-control study, 21,606 adults were recruited with psychosis (cases) and 21,329 adults without any history of psychosis (controls) in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda from 2018 to 2023 (n = 42,935). Lifetime trauma exposure was assessed using the Life Events Checklist-5. Regression models included the: i) prevalence of …

Supporting The Mental Health Of Adolescent Mothers In Kenya And Mozambique: Pilot Protocol For The Thriving Mamas Programme, Tatiana Taylor Salisbury, Maria Suzana Bata Maguele, Fernando Chissale, Málica De Melo, Margrette Hanselmann, Kethakie Lamahewa, Evaline Chepchirchir Langat, Flávio Mandlate, Lucy Nyaga, Marleen Temmerman

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: Poor mental health among adolescent girls during pregnancy and the year after birth (the perinatal period) has been found to have a significant detrimental effect on girls and their children. The Innovative approaches to adolescent perinatal wellbeing (INSPIRE) project co-designed an intervention (Thriving Mamas) to improve adolescent perinatal mental health in Kenya and Mozambique. The aim of the current study is to pilot test the co-designed intervention to understand how it can be adapted for further testing or scale-up.

Methods :A mixed-method, pilot cluster-randomised, efectiveness-implementation Hybrid Type II trial will be conducted among 80 adolescent girls (aged 15–19 years) …

The Evolution Of Sprinting Performance: Technological And Regulatory Influences From 1976 To 2024, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Joanna Motowidło, Petr Stastny, Adam Maszczyk, Grzegorz Trybek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study examines the progression of sprinting performance across the 100m, 200m, and 400m events from 1976 to 2024, highlighting the influence of technological advancements and regulatory changes. Over the past decades, sprinting has been significantly shaped by developments in track surfaces, footwear technology, training methodologies, and regulatory frameworks. Understanding these factors is essential for assessing how sprint times have evolved and what future trends might emerge. Materials and methods: Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from international athletics federations, this research applies time series analysis, regression modeling, and variance testing to assess trends, gender disparities, and performance variability. Data sources …

Navigating Crisis: A Qualitative Exploration Of Parents' Journeys With Suicidal Adolescents In Australian Emergency Departments, Demee Rheinberger, Lauren Mcgillivray, Fiona Shand, Sally Ann Pollard, Susanne Oliver Armstrong, Julia Lessing, Katherine Boydell

The Qualitative Report

Rates of emergency department (ED) presentations for suicide crisis (thoughts, feelings, plans and behaviours) in adolescents are increasing. Parents play a key role in supporting adolescents during and after the ED presentation, however little is known about parental experiences in the ED. Interviews with 20 parents from across Australia were undertaken to help understand this experience. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted, resulting in three themes which explore the impact of the suicide crisis and ED presentation on the parents’ sense of identity. First, parents’ identity was threatened as they were faced with the juxtaposition between the role of protector …

Unpacking Violence: Examining Socioeconomic, Psychological, And Genetic Drivers Of Gun-Related Homicide And Potential Solutions, John Menezes, Kavita Batra

Department of Plastic Surgery Faculty Research

Background: Gun-related homicide remains a persistent public health crisis in the United States, with over 48,000 firearm-related deaths reported in 2022, including 19,651 homicides and 27,032 suicides. Despite frequent calls for tighter gun control, firearm access alone does not explain the complexity of violence. Objective: This commentary aims to unpack the socioeconomic, psychological, and biological drivers of gun-related homicide and propose integrative, evidence-based solutions that extend beyond legislative reform. Methods: We synthesized data from peer-reviewed literature, national crime and health databases (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Federal Bureau of Investigation), and international reports. We examined patterns related …

Cultivating Workplace Wellness: An Evaluation Of Gratitude Card Interventions Among University Faculty, Jeffrey Druck, Patrick Ockerse, Jamal Jones

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: There has been a growing interest in understanding the role of gratitude in promoting well-being. Gratitude, defined as a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation in response to receiving a benefit from someone else, has been shown to improve mood, increase social support, and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. This research paper explores an innovative intervention using gratitude cards for faculty members and measures the emotional impact of this intervention.

Methods: The study involved 32 clinical physicians from the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Utah. Participants were invited to write a gratitude card to …

Neuroanatomical And Morphometric Differences In Children Who Stutter, Mohammad A. Khan

Honors Scholar Theses

Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder commonly known as stuttering is a neurodevelopmental speech disorder characterized by disruptions in speech fluency. While genetic and neurobiological factors are implicated, the structural brain differences underlying stuttering remain unclear. This study investigated neuroanatomical alterations in children who stutter (CWS) compared to typically fluent children (TFC), focusing on gray matter volume, cortical thickness, and surface area in speech-related regions; the Inferior Frontal Gyrus, Middle Temporal Gyrus, and Pre-motor Operculum. High-resolution MRI data from 100 children (48 CWS, 52 TFC) aged 3–12 years were analyzed using FreeSurfer. Group comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in cortical thickness, surface …

Interprofessional Collaboration Between Primary Care And Occupational Therapy, Ellen Modlin, Phd, Otr/L, Bcp, Caps, Deana Shevit Goldin, Phd, Dnp, Arnp, Fnp-Bc

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: This article explores the utilization of occupational therapy (OT) in interprofessional health care teams in adult populations. Primary care settings are typically the first point of contact for individuals seeking health care services; therefore, primary care practitioners (PCPs) are in a unique position to initiate collaboration with specialty clinicians to optimize the use of health care resources.

Method: Peer- reviewed literature from primary care and OT research was reviewed and summarized. The search focused on barriers and potential opportunities for collaboration between primary care and occupational therapy in adult populations.

Results: Occupational therapy (OT) is underutilized, as lack of …

Icanfeel: A Digital Art Activity To Support Distress Detection In Adult Oncological Patients, Marie J. Deschamps

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

Considered the 6th vital sign, distress, a combination of hopelessness, anxiety, fear, and depression, can impact patients’ quality of life, treatment adherence, and mortality. While screening is required in oncological centers, distress remains under-detected. This study examined the use of Icanfeel, a novel digital art-based tool, to complement traditional psychometric assessments such as Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), to support patients’ expressions of symptoms and distress detection. Hospitalized adult oncological patients (N = 22) engaged twice with Icanfeel and with an active control condition. At various time points during the protocol, patients self-reported symptom burden using ESAS, self-disclosure …

Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities In The Treatment Of Antimicrobial-Resistant Infections: The Role Of Pharmacists In Mitigating Barriers, Arin Wade, Danielle Egbujor, Anna Spalvieri, Owen Fox, Marisa Petrunich, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Kasie Landin

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Antimicrobial resistance is an escalating global threat driven by inappropriate antibiotic use and shaped by socioeconomic disparities. Social determinants of health, including limited healthcare access, poverty, low health literacy, and environmental conditions, contribute to higher rates of resistant infections and poorer treatment outcomes in underserved populations. Barriers such as pharmacy deserts, self-medication, and inadequate stewardship infrastructure amplify these risks. Pharmacists, as accessible and highly trained healthcare professionals, play a critical role in combating antimicrobial resistance by optimizing antibiotic use, delivering culturally competent education, and leading antimicrobial stewardship programs across settings. Community and clinical pharmacists are especially well positioned to bridge …

Misused And Misunderstood: Examining The Inappropriate Use Of Stimulant Medications, Connor Dains, Madilyn Paphanchith, Makayla Eversole, Chaehyeon Jin, Minhwan Yang, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Kayla Petkus

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorses stimulant medications as the first-line treatment option. When combined with behavioral therapy, this pharmacologic class can improve focus, executive functioning, and the overall quality of life. While stimulant prescriptions can have a positive effect when used as directed, there is concern for the potential of provider overprescription and patient misuse related to these medications. Consequently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised the boxed warning and prescribing information for stimulant medications. Healthcare providers must educate …

Integrating Social Work In An Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Primary Health Care Setting: The First Three Months Of Data, Ines Sofia Zuchowski, Erin Waters, Albert Kuruvila, Brodie Kuhn, Rebecca Lee

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Background

Social work within General Practice is an emerging contributor to primary healthcare aiming to address social determinants of health. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of health inequity and racism than non-Indigenous Australians. The Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service [TAIHS] is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service [ATSICCHS] whose mission is to deliver culturally appropriate services to achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Objective

This article reports on the first three months of data collection of a social worker employed at TAIHS as part …

Observed And Reported Outcomes Following Experiential Cultural Capability And Clinical Yarning Training For Clinicians Treating Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People With Persistent Pain, Stuart Ekberg, Renata F. I Meuter, Ivan Lin, Roslyn Rowen, Angela Kinnell, Eva Malacova, Tania Waring, Kushla Houkamau, Marayah Taylor, Matthew Bryant, Jermaine Isua, Andrew Claus, Paul Gray, Joseph Kluver, Christina M. Bernardes, Greg Pratt

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Communication is recognised as crucial to culturally safe healthcare, and poor communication remains a major reason that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not access healthcare. This pragmatic, pre-post comparison study employed mixed methods to evaluate cultural capability and clinical yarning training delivered to 57 clinicians supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at three persistent pain management services in Queensland, Australia. Observable outcomes of the training were evaluated by video recording clinicians’ training experiences and seven consultations with patients that occurred either pre- or post-training. Reported outcomes were evaluated by using a modified Cultural Safety Survey (CSS), which …

Food Insecurity In Adolescent Athletes, Andrew Donaldson, Shannon Margherio, Jay Roberson, Kevin Latz

Research Days

Background: The prevalence of food insecurity among children in the United States is estimated at 21%. Food insecurity during childhood leads to worse school performance, more emotional and behavioral health concerns, and increased suicide attempts. Further, food insecurity has been noted to have multiple deleterious effects on the collegiate student athlete, including lower GPA, disordered eating, and substance use.

Hypothesis: Food insecurity is prevalent in the adolescent athlete population and exists across demographics.

Methods: Voluntary surveys were distributed to parents at all sports medicine clinics at our institution. Demographic data was collected including athlete age, race, school and school district, …

Pcsk-9 Inhibitors Treatment: The Cardiovascular Disparity, Julia Lees, Seana-Pierre Williams, Tahir Razzaq, Michael B. Roberts

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Introduction: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This phenomenon disproportionally affects the African American population, who have a 31% higher mortality rate than non-Hispanic Caucasian individuals. A retrospective review of PCSK-9 medication use, specifically in a patient population that had minimal representation in the large, landmark clinical trials, can lead to better understanding about the therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease reduction and patient outcomes attributed to medication use. Education regarding this novel drug class, medication access and patient support, …

Burnout And Self-Efficacy: Exploring The Rewards And Challenges Faced By Crisis Counselors Working In Emergency Department Settings, Ellen Dotas

Dissertations, 2020-current

This dissertation explores burnout and self-efficacy in counselors who work with clients in crisis in emergency department settings. Mental health and emergency departments are two areas that tend to report higher levels of burnout than are reported in other occupational fields. While much research has been done on the topics of burnout and self-efficacy, limited information is available about counselors who work in these crisis roles. This dissertation follows a three-manuscript format and includes a conceptual, qualitative, and quantitative manuscript. The conceptual manuscript explores the nature of the crisis assessment itself, focusing on the area of risk assessment. The qualitative …

Family-Based Health Promotion To The Early Phases Of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment: A Qualitative Review, Anna Van Asselt, Renee Gilbert, Hide Okuno, Ann M. Davis, Keith J. August, Carolyn R. Bates, Robert C. Gibler

Research Days

Introduction: Excessive weight gain during early phases of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatment elevates risk for long-term morbidities, late effects, and secondary cancers. Behavioral factors including physical inactivity and poor diet quality play a significant role in weight outcomes. Existing health behavior and obesity interventions do not address challenges that children and families face during cancer treatment. The current study qualitatively investigated caregiver, child, and multi-disciplinary expert perspectives on health behavior engagement and intervention content for the future adaptation of NOURISH-ALL.

Method: Caregivers (N=11) and youth with ALL (N=6) in the first year of treatment completed semi-structured interviews …

"Bridging Research, Outreach, And Care: Advancing Community-Driven Cancer Solutions", Rachel M. Ceballos Phd​, Angie Fausett Agnp-C, Dnp​, Allison Foust Mha, Mches​

Utah Conference on Community Engagement

"This panel will provide an overview of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s (HCI) collaborative efforts to enhance cancer care through innovative community outreach and local treatment programs, with a specific focus on rural outreach and care. Panelists will discuss HCI’s approach to fostering partnerships with community champions, integrating regional outreach through initiatives like the Mountain West Cancer Collaborative (MWCC), and expanding local treatment options to increase accessibility and equity in care, especially in rural areas. By highlighting how these initiatives align with HCI’s mission to reduce cancer disparities, the panel will emphasize strategies for improving cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship in underserved …

Asking About Gender Identity In Pediatric And Adolescent Gynecology Clinic: Patient, Family And Provider Perspectives (The Reflective Study), Madeline Ross, Hariye Sema Baghaki, Hannah Suffian, Lauren Roth, Jeanette Higgins, Tazim Dowlut-Mcelroy

Research Days

Background

The provision of medical and psychosocial support requires the identification of gender diverse individuals in health care settings. However, in primary care settings, some adolescents and parents expressed that gender identity screening (GIS) was offensive and clinicians expressed that GIS negatively affected their workflow. We sought to assess the acceptability and feasibility of GIS in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) clinics of a large tertiary care children’s hospital in the United States (US) Midwest.

Methods

A GIS survey developed in the US West Coast was modified with permission. After IRB approval, the anonymous single-site cross-sectional survey was administered to …

Integrating Positive Psychology And Spirituality To Foster Meaning And Well-Being In Older Adults, Crystal Morris

Adultspan Journal

This perspective article explores the integration of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and spirituality in therapy to foster meaning and well-being in older adults. It highlights exercises such as the positive introduction, positive legacy, character strengths, mindfulness, mindful-based yoga, and a manifestation prayer journaling. The interventions presented are tools to support older adults that may experience depression, difficult life transitions, and the search for renewed meaning. Therapists who integrate PPIs and spirituality into therapy can promote a holistic, non-pathological approach to treatment.

A Clinical Review Of Suicide Risks In Dermatology, Rahib K. Islam, Victoria T. Tong, Shari R. Lipner

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Patients with visible skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, face heightened risks of psychological distress, depression, and suicidal ideation, often exacerbated by social stigma and reduced quality of life. This review explores the intersection between dermatology and suicide, highlighting the psychosocial impact of visible skin conditions and the controversies surrounding treatment-related risks, including isotretinoin and biologic exposure. Current evidence suggests that while isotretinoin has been historically linked to mood changes, robust studies do not support a direct association with suicide. Incorporating mental health screenings into dermatological practice is essential for early identification and management of at-risk patients. By …

Small Steps For A Big Change: A Longitudinal Project To Enhance Well-Being Of Internal Medicine Residents, Vandana Nagpal, Benjamin Tanenbaum, Christine Runyan

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Residency training is demanding and often leads to burnout. In 2017, Internal Medicine (IM) residents at our institution reported a poor collective residency experience. In response, we launched a longitudinal wellness program in 2018, featuring multi-pronged interventions to improve residents' well-being. The program, still active today, has undergone iterative modifications with ongoing input from residents.

Approach: The resident-led Wellness Committee was established in 2018, and the following no to low-cost initiatives were implemented sequentially: quarterly group sessions with an institutional health psychologist, bi-annual self-checks, peer buddy support for incoming first-year residents, weekly 5-minute reflection sessions, and volunteer dog visits. …

Is Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion More Expensive At Quaternary Care Centers? An Application Of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing, Jay Trivedi, Advith Sarikonda, Adam Leibold, D. Mitchell Self, Nikolaos Mouchtouris, Steven R. Glener, Ashmal Sami, Kavantissa M. Keppetipola, Emily Isch, Joshua Pelta-Heller, Srinivas Prasad, Ashwini Sharan, James Harrop, Alex R. Vaccaro, Ahilan Sivaganesan

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Hospital setting is postulated to be a key driver of cost variation for neurosurgical procedures. Limitations in contemporary costing methodologies have led to the development of time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC). This study applies TDABC to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to compare intraoperative costs at quaternary care centers versus satellite hospitals affiliated with the same health network.

METHODS: Nine hundred and fifty-eight ACDF cases performed at two quaternary care hospitals (n = 806) and six satellite hospitals (n = 152) were reviewed. Process maps were created to map the intraoperative episode, and TDABC methodology was used to calculate …

Making Training Stick: Transferring Learning Back To The Job, Amanda Woods Herron, Phoebe Hessen, Katelyn J. Cavanaugh, Wykesha C. Hayes, Victor Hassid, Courtney L. Holladay

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Communication remains a central priority in healthcare, making it a key component of many training efforts. The positive impacts of communication training in healthcare settings have been well-established; however, the linkage of communication training to key organizational outcomes (e.g., engagement, performance, retention) remains underexplored. The present study investigated a training program targeting interpersonal communication within a large academic oncology center. We drew from Cognitive Load Theory and Social Cognitive Theory to evaluate the impact of the training on participant learning (retention and utilization), transfer (communication, decision-making, performance), and results-level outcomes (engagement and turnover). The program centered around a personality framework …

Long-Term Care Services And Support In The Mountain West, 2023, Taylor Volk, Ivan Sun, Miguel Soriano Ralston, Kristian Thymianos, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet presents data from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) report, “Long-Term Services and Supports 2023 State Scorecard Report,” comparing Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) systems across multiple dimensions of performance for older adults, people with physical disabilities, and family caregivers for all 50 states. This fact sheet focuses on state-level LTSS system data for the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

A Tobacco Treatment Training Program Expands The Number Of Healthcare Providers Trained To Use Evidence-Based Practices And Methods, Alex Hurst, Maher Karam-Hage, Jennifer Cofer, Mehwish Javaid, Diane Beneventi, Janice Blalock, Tiffany Winter, Paul M. Cinciripini, Ernest Hawk

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Tobacco-use disorder remains a global health challenge, despite declining rates, and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among special populations that disproportionally do not have access to comprehensive treatment services. The lack of trained providers and slow dissemination of new tobacco treatment knowledge are obstacles to accessing comprehensive evidence-based treatments. Less is known about the impact of specialized training programs on healthcare professionals' ability to effectively treat tobacco use. This paper reports on the evaluation of the tobacco treatment training program, training methodology, and the demographics of the specialists trained.

MD Anderson’s Tobacco Treatment Training Program (TTTP) …

Beyond Opioids: The Role Of Polysubstance Exposure In Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Treatment And Hospitalization, Caelyn Harrison

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis explores the impact of prenatal polysubstance exposure, specifically focusing on the need for pharmacological treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and the duration of their hospital stay. A retrospective analysis of 462 infants, including 121 exposed to polysubstances during pregnancy, showed significant associations between polysubstance exposure and adverse neonatal outcomes. Infants with prenatal polysubstance exposure were more likely to require pharmacological treatment for NAS (52.8%) compared to non-exposed infants (38.7%), as determined by chi-square analysis (χ²(1, N = 462) = 7.36, p = .007). Additionally, infants exposed to polysubstances experienced longer hospital stays on average (M = 14.88 …