Other Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Medical Interpreters' Work Impact On Their Lives: Understanding Medical Interpreters' Work Experience, Nicholas M. Herrarte Smith

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Medical interpreters in the US are crucial health workers that specialize in facilitating communication between non-English-speaking patients and English medical professionals. Although much research has been done regarding the positive impact of professional medical interpreters on LEP (limited English proficient) patients' health, it is less known how medical interpreters’ lives are impacted in this line of work. Thus, this study was aimed at gaining a better understanding on the impact that this line of work has on the lives of medical interpreters. For this study, a survey was created with questions regarding demographics, interpretation’s certification process, interpreter’s satisfaction/experience, and mental …

Referral Triage To Improve Neurology Access, Melinda Mata

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The demand for neurology consultation far outweighs the number of specialists, thus causing long wait-times for consultation. Other contributing factors to obtaining timely consultation include, quality of information sent with the referral, insurance authorization, triage process, and appointment availability. This retrospective quality improvement study explored the effects of a referral triage process on reducing appointment wait time. All referrals were sent to one fax number and a new standard referral and triage process was implemented with specific operators with defined roles and responsibilities. The initial results following intervention implementation did not show improvement in wait times. Comparing the new triage …

Pandemic Review: South Los Angeles, Madeline Carmella Acosta

Whittier Scholars Program

IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the discussion on social inequality and vulnerabilities of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. The understanding is that inequality is a multifaceted issue that stems from the historical mistreatment of BIPOC individuals—their sociodemographic and economic backgrounds are at the most risk in population studies. Many predictors of contracting COVID-19 included employment status (ability to work from home), education level, income (wealth), and housing conditions (environment) (Rozenfeld et al., 2020). Contracting COVID-19 in South Los Angeles was more likely to happen among those from racial and ethnic minorities and those living in …

Impact Of Personal, Familial, And Socioeconomic Factors On The Return Of Remotely Collected Samples For Genetic Testing, Jordan Zeiger

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

There are a multitude of barriers known to impact access to medical care in the United States. COVID-19 has changed and compounded these barriers and led to a shift in the setting of the genetic counseling (GC) appointment, and in sample types used for genetic testing, specifically with use of telemedicine and remotely collected saliva kits. Previous studies have described lack of patient follow-through in returning these kits. Though the understanding of barriers to medical care, including access to genetics services, is well described, there is little in the literature for how these barriers impact the return of remotely collected …

Prefrontal Activation During Inhibition Of A Balance Recovery Step, Ezinne Abugu

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The ability to quickly step is an important strategy to avoid a fall. However, real-world settings often constrain a stepping path. Such constraints necessitate response inhibition to prevent an inappropriate step and select a new course of action to ultimately recover balance. The present study investigated neural mechanisms that underlie this ability to stop a highly automatic balance recovery step. In the field of cognitive neuroscience, response inhibition has typically been researched using focal hand reaction tasks performed by seated participants. This approach combined with neuroimaging has revealed a neural stopping network, which includes the right Inferior Frontal Gyrus (right …

Storytelling At Board Meetings: A Case Study Of Co-Developing Recommendations, Dawn Richards, Kimberly Strain, Lisa Hawthornthwaite, Isabel Jordan, Carol Fancott

Patient Experience Journal

In healthcare, stories shared by patients often provide details and insights into experiences of illness and care. Stories are a way to educate healthcare providers and others to improve care and systems to become more patient and family centred and to better meet patients’ needs and priorities. Telling stories may bring benefits to both storytellers and audience members but also presents risks of harm. A reflective storytelling practice aims to honor stories and storytellers by ensuring there is time to prepare, reflect, learn, ask questions, and engage in dialogue with the storyteller to explore what went well and where there …

Book Review: The Paradox Of The Immune System: Protection, Chronic Inflammation, Autoimmune Disease, Cancer, And Pandemics, Lourdes A. Fortepiani, Md, Phd

Optometric Clinical Practice

Book Review:

Pandemics, Artificial Intelligence, Optometrists, COVID-19, Immune System Diseases, inflammation

Limitations Of Telemedicine Vs. Face-To-Face Eye Examination In A Patient With New Headaches, Joseph Hallak, Od, Danielle Kalberer, Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: During the emergence and rise of COVID-19, precaution directives and limitations on in-person eye examinations re-routed a significant portion of care to telemedicine and virtual modalities. While these technologies allowed for healthcare communications that otherwise could not occur during such trying times, there are major limitations to these sanctioned applications. This report will present a seemingly benign case that could have easily been re-routed from an in-person examination to a telemedicine version due to the patient’s seemingly “routine” vision complaints.

Case Report: A 50-year-old male patient contacted the eye clinic with a complaint of a minor, new, unexplained headache …

Lyme Disease Neuroretinitis: A Case Report And Review Of Immunologic Workup, Michael Wingard, Od, Jeffery Curry, Od, Jeffrey L. Weaver, Od, Ms

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacterial spirochete of the borrelia genus. The human vector is from a tick bite by an infected tick of the ixodes genus, commonly referred to as the deer tick or black legged tick. The incidence of Lyme disease is increasing in the United States. Once infected, Lyme disease manifestations usually depend on the stage of infection with late stage infection often causing debilitating illness.¹

Case Report: Neuroborreliosis refers to borrelia, causing neurological infection and can occur as acute or late manifestation of Lyme disease. Neuroretinitis is a rare …

Ocular Manifestations Of Septo-Optic Dysplasia, Rena Cappelli, Od, Tiffany Tucker Christiansen, Od, Danielle Vance Taylor, Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a congenital deformity of the brain which can result in neurologic, systemic, and physical malformation.Due to the proximity of these deformities to the optic chiasm and optic nerves, ocular manifestations are common.

Case Report: A 28-year-old male with a long-standing history of reduced vision presented for a routine eye examination. Upon examination he was found to have an afferent pupillary defect, bilateral optic nerve pallor with corresponding nerve fiber layer thinning by optical coherence tomography. Humphrey visual field testing revealed a bi-temporal visual field defect. Neurological imaging was obtained with a subsequent diagnosis …

Multimodal Imaging Reveals Bilateral Idiopathic Multiple Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachments: A Case Report, Diana H. Ho, Od, Joseph J. Pizzimenti, Od, Patricia C. Sanchez-Diaz, Dvm, Phd, Stephanie Schmiedecke-Barbieri, Od, Alexandra Zuercher, Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) is a nonspecific finding that is common in several ocular diseases; however, cases of bilateral idiopathic multiple RPEDs are rare. Less than 50 cases have been reported to date. Bilateral multiple RPEDs are usually idiopathic and benign in nature but can infrequently be associated with various ocular and systemic diseases, including central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). The potential role of genetic factors in this condition remains elusive. We present a case where multimodal imaging assisted in revealing the diagnosis as well as discuss the potential implications of some of the genetic findings for this …

Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis; A Case Report And Review, Kristin Wilson, Od, Amy Garbo Maxey, Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinopathy (ASPPC) is a rare but defining characteristic of ocular syphilis. Clinical findings are subtle, geographic, yellowish, macular lesions, affecting the outer-retina and inner choroid, and often associated with subretinal fluid in the early phase. This case report will review the clinical signs of ASPPC to aid the practitioner in identification and recognition of its clinical importance as it relates to early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Case Report: A 79-year-old African American male presented to clinic with a chief complaint of blur in the right eye for the past two days. Spectral Domain Optical Coherence …

Optic Disc Drusen Resulting In Disqualifying Field Loss, Robert C. Binkley, Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Optic nerve (or disc) drusen is the presence of hyaline bodies at the optic nerve head. The drusen may be visible upon funduscopic examination or may present as buried. Timely diagnosis and responsible imaging may help inform the patient of the potential for future concerns. The long-term prognosis is good for most patients, however, they may experience progressive peripheral vision loss that may reduce the patient’s quality of life. Neuroprotective options have previously been discussed with minimal clinical effectiveness, however, new medications may aid in future treatment.

Case Report: A patient presenting with mild and slowly progressing vision loss …

You Can Lead A Horse To Water, Paul B. Freeman, Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Letter from the Editor

Hipaa Vs. Medical Research: Improving Patient Care Through Integration Of Data Privacy And Data Access, Katherine D'Ordine

Honors Projects in Data Science

The purpose of this research is to understand the current relationship between data access and data privacy in the health care industry and attempt to find a way that important health care research can still be conducted amidst HIPAA regulations. There is a lack of extensive research on the impacts of data privacy on health care research due to access regulations, so a survey was created regarding current data processes and recommendations for creating a healthier relationship between privacy and access for research. It was distributed to anyone in health care, analytics, or research to get a variety of perspectives. …

Does Insulin Resistance (Ir) Have An Impact On The Reproductive And Fertility Potential In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) Women? : Review Article, Muhjah Falah Hassan, Mufedah Ali Jawad, Rabab Zahir Al-Yasiry

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Backgrounds: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine and reproductive disorder in the reproductive-age women. Among the pathological changes that are responsible for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperinsulinemia due to increased insulin resistance (IR) is common and usually associated with a higher rate of ovulatory dysfunction and sub-fertility. In addition, those women have poor quality oocytes with low fertilization capability and poor quality embryos. So, insulin has a role in the reproductive function and fertility potential of reproductive age women. Conclusion: Females with PCOS usually exhibit an extreme difficulty in achieving either a successful spontaneous or …

Understanding The Intentions Of Us Based Firefighters To Be Physically Active By Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Patricia Bermudez

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the intentions of Volunteer Firefighters in the USA to engage in physical activity. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs, including Attitudes, Perceived Behavioral Control, Actual Behavioral Control, and Subjective Norms, alongside three new constructs not linked to TPB—Habits, Environmental Factors, and lack of knowledge—as potential predictors of physical activity intentions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between TPB constructs and the newly emerged factors with the intentions of Volunteer Firefighters to be physically active. By understanding these factors, the study sought to shed light on …

Pre-Transplant Evaluation Period Efficiency Through The Use Of An Electronic Scheduling Template, Christy Dawn Byrd

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Candidacy for transplant evaluation is a complex and lengthy evaluation process. Delays in National Organ Registry have significant unfavorable impacts on patient outcomes as 22 people a day die awaiting a lifesaving treatment. Operational efficiencies can improve the pre-transplant evaluation period and significantly improve patient outcomes.

PICOT: In an outpatient transplant clinic (P), will leveraging an evidence-based scheduling template (I) compared to the current practice of first available appointment (C) reduce the evaluation period by 66% from a 3–4-week evaluation to a 1-week evaluation resulting in expedited listing on the National Organ Registry (O), when applied over …

Alumni Journal - Volume 94, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Medicine

Alumni Journal, School of Medicine

Editorials
2 | From the Editor
4 | From the President
6 | From the Dean

News
7 | This and That
10 | Alumni News
12 | Student News
14 | School of Medicine News
16 | AIMS Report
18 | Department Report: Radiation Medicine

APC 2023
20 | APC 2023 in Review

Features
34 | Alumni Association Celebrates 100 Years of Service
40 | Steps to Effective Spiritual Care
44 | Why I Pray With Patients
46 | Alumni Spotlight
47 | Life After Medicine

In Memoriam
48 | Alumni Remembered Featured Obituaries: James M. Phang '63, William …

Hk 711: Measurement Theory And Practice, Minsoo Kang

GMAS Course Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Update: Oral Health Equity And The Ada, Jessica A. Rickert Dds, Elizabeth Carmen Lense Dds, Msha

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The American Dental Association (ADA) defines "Health Equity" as the attainment of optimal oral health for all individuals, acknowledging oral health's crucial role in overall well-being. The article underscores the need for consistent and equitable access to oral care services, collaboration with other organizations to address societal health determinants, and enhancing diversity within healthcare providers and cultural understanding in dental teams to achieve Health Equity. Highlighting the impact of untreated dental disease on quality of life and productivity, the article discusses ADA's initiatives to promote Oral Health Equity, including advocating for comprehensive Medicaid benefits, promoting diversity in leadership, and supporting …

Effectiveness Of Vacuotherapy And Dry Needling As Adjunct Treatment For Musculoskeletal Cases: A Cohort In A Pt Clinic., Adnan N. Balisi, Vince Paul Lobaton, Dane Debulgado, Jhonas Jegira, Mae Adrinne Tumonong, Christian James Brillas, Ritchie Belle Gelito, Mychelle Rae Marasigan

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Usage of vacuum therapy and dry needling in physical therapy management of musculoskeletal cases have gained increasing usage but the literature regarding their effects is limited. This study determines the effect size of the interventions, which are vacuotherapy and dry needling as adjunct treatments to exercises, performed in a local PT clinic to musculoskeletal cases in three different treatment sessions with a week gap in between.

Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort where sampling was purposive in gathering historical patient charts. The numerical pain rating scales and relevant range of motion (ROM) in the musculoskeletal cases …

Exploration Of Data Science Toolbox And Predictive Models To Detect And Prevent Medicare Fraud, Waste, And Abuse, Benjamin P. Goodwin, Adam Canton, Babatunde Olanipekun

SMU Data Science Review

The Federal Department of Health and Human Services spends approximately $830 Billion annually on Medicare of which an estimated $30 to $110 billion is some form of fraud, waste, or abuse (FWA). Despite the Federal Government’s ongoing auditing efforts, fraud, waste, and abuse is rampant and requires modern machine learning approaches to generalize and detect such patterns. New and novel machine learning algorithms offer hope to help detect fraud, waste, and abuse. The existence of publicly accessible datasets complied by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) contain vast quantities of structured data. This data, coupled with industry standardized …

Relationship Between Treatment Comorbidities And Hiv Viral Suppression Among People Who Live With Aids In Johannesburg., Nwogo Immaculata Ekeji, Tolulope A. Osoba, Hebatullah Tawfik, Mehdi Agha

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

HIV has globally infected over 37.9 million people, of which 28.2 million (73%) are on antiretroviral treatment, and 66% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. In South Africa, however, low rate of viral suppression (47%) among people living with HIV is a major health problem that has continued to fuel HIV prevalence. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was used to investigate the relationship between treatment comorbidities and viral suppression among HIV-infected adults aged 18–49 who were diabetic, had cancer, or tuberculosis in Johannesburg. HIV Care Continuum formed the theoretical framework for this research. An existing HIV-infected patient de-identifiable dataset …

Development Of A Method For Identifying And Quantifying Epicatechin In Cinnamon Extract Supplement Capsules, Danielle Valls

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Clinical Effects Of Lactobacillus Reuteri Probiotic In The Treatment Of Chronic Periodontitis: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Josephine Ram, Shilpa Bhandi, Kamran H. Awan, Frank Licari, Shankargouda Patil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Modeling And Analysis Of The Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System In Closed-Loop Cardiovascular Control, Michelle M. Gee, Abraham M. Lenhoff, James S. Schwaber, Babatunde A. Ogunnaike, Rajanikanth Vadigepalli

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

The baroreceptor reflex is a multi-input, multi-output physiological control system that regulates short-term blood pressure by modulating nerve activity between the brainstem and the heart. The computational model by Park et al. (2020) is the most recent iteration in our exploration of the system. However, the contributions of”the little brain of the heart”, the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICN), to local control of the heart and to the integration of sensory information is unknown and has been overlooked in previous models. We have incorporated a high-fidelity representation of the ICN into a model of the baroreceptor reflex based on anatomical, …

From In-Person To Virtual: A Case Study Of An Animal-Assisted Visiting Program In A Pediatric Setting, Whitney Romine

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

This article focuses on the practical aspects of converting a successful in-person AAA program to a virtual program in a health care setting including human, canine, and physical resources; animal welfare considerations; training, infection control, and safety guidelines; and visit delivery procedures. In 1992, an interdisciplinary team at Akron Children’s Hospital founded the Doggie Brigade, an animal-assisted activities (AAA) program where volunteer therapy dogs and their handlers visit pediatric patients. The program has become a cornerstone of the hospital’s culture over its now 30-year tenure. In March 2020, the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic forced health care organizations to suspend …

The New Jersey Fee-For-Service Model: Evidence Of Social Entrepreneurship In A New Public/ Private Business Relationship, Christine Wiltsee

Full-Text Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on a shift in the case management function in New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities. The shift, predicated on the state operating within the Medicaid Home and Community Based Model, resulted in a restructuring from exclusively state operated services to a new public/private relationship. The focus of this study was the unique market opportunity that resulted and the engagement of social entrepreneurs. Using the framework developed by Dees (1998), the characteristics of a social entrepreneur were explored. Through semi-structured interviews with individuals who initiated new for-profit businesses in social services, data were collected that evaluated and compared …

The Scientific Study Of Positive Psychology, Religion/Spirituality, And Physical Health, Kevin S. Masters, Julia K. Boehm, Jennifer M. Boylan, Kaitlyn M. Vagnini, Christina L. Rush

Psychology Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Humans have long been interested in relations among religion/spirituality (R/S), positive psychological constructs, and physical health. Furthermore, many religions attempt to influence behavior through health-related prescriptions about food choices, sexual activity, substance use, and resting. Similarly, positive psychological constructs have been discussed in light of their presumed benefits on both mental and physical health (Ryff & Singer, 1998). However, R/S and positive psychological constructs have only recently become objects of scientific investigation of their associations with physical health.