Public Health Commons^™

Does Cognitive Frame Affect Clinical Reasoning Among Medical Students? A Cross-Sectional Study, Xiao C. Zhang, Sara A. Belko, Andrew J Monick

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

Background Diagnostic errors affect patient safety and lead to high costs. Cognitive bias is a key source of diagnostic error, and the framing effect poses a particular clinical challenge. The extent to which individual factors affect susceptibility to the framing bias is unclear, and the role of expertise in particular is contested across the literature. Objectives This study investigated the effects of framing bias on diagnostic reasoning among medical students. We hypothesised that the effects attributable to framing would be mediated by the number of years of medical education completed. Methods Participants were randomly assigned on an automated basis with …

Eye On The Prize: Expanding Student Awareness Of Optometry As A Profession, Lorena Flores-Hernandez

MedEd Teaching Certificate Program

The proposed Doctor of Optometry program at UTRGV has the potential to positively enhance the ocular health of our communities. Implementing an outreach program highlighting a career path in optometry will be essential for the future of eyecare in the Rio Grande Valley.

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the optometric workforce is projected to grow over the next decade. The increased demand for optometrists is related to multiple factors including an aging population with chronic diseases and a nationwide shortage of ophthalmology practitioners.

Nationally, the Optometry Gives Me Life campaign, launched by the Association of …

Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding Community Water Fluoridation, Roopwant Kaur, Herminio Perez, Mark Moss

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Since the 1950s, community water fluoridation (CWF) has stood as a cornerstone of dental public health. However, a growing amount of public scrutiny necessitates reflection on the ethical basis for coming to a firm position on the topic. Aside from CWF, fluoride in the form of ingestible supplements has recently been identified as a concern by the US Food and Drug Administration. Indeed, it is challenging to wade through the facts, opinions, misinformation, and policy shifts. This article examines the ethical dilemmas that surround CWF through the lens of the American Dental Association (ADA) Principles of Ethics and Code of …

J Am Coll Dent 2025 92 1

Journal of the American College of Dentists

The Journal of the American College of Dentists (JACD) publishes scholarly articles, editorials, essays, and reflections addressing the ethical, professional, and social dimensions of dentistry. The Journal serves as a forum for advancing ethics, professionalism, leadership, and excellence within the dental community. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, JACD provides readers with insights that encourage ethical, professional practice, lifelong learning, and service to the public, reinforcing dentistry’s commitment to advancing oral healthcare and the common good.

Orthostatic Hypotension In Older Adults And Its Economic Impact On The Healthcare System: A Systematic Literature Review, Olushola E. Ilogho, Jennifer Broyles, Viet Le, Denise Rizzolo

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) has been shown to lead to poor quality of life, falls, and death. Literature suggests that falls from OH may be preventable, therefore opportunities to reduce its associated cost to the healthcare system exist. This literature review aims to evaluate the importance of diagnosing and treating OH in older adult patients. OH is the drop in blood pressure upon changing to an upright position. This acute hemodynamic drop in blood pressure causes hypoperfusion in the brain, leading to dizziness, syncope, and falls. An extensive literature search for publications in PubMed and Cumulative Index in Nursing and …

America's Physician Shortage: Look To Pas, Not Abroad, Raquelle Akavan, Laura Juarez

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The United States has long addressed physician shortages by recruiting international medical graduates (IMGs), often from low- and- middle income countries. This "brain drain" deprives already fragile health systems and adds to worldwide health disparities. New state legislation has eased licensing standards for IMGs and generated variable training pathways creating patient safety risk in underserved groups. At the same time, the U.S. has a sustainable, highly trained, and proven ready workforce: physician associates (PA). Created in the 1960s to address physician shortages, PAs undergo intensive graduate-degree education, uniform clinical education, and national certification on par with physicians. Nonetheless, obsolete laws …

What Community Members With Chronic Illness Teach Future Healthcare Professionals In A Longitudinal Interprofessional Education Program: A Focus Group Study, Rachel White, Maria Brucato, Amber King, Anne B. Mitchell, Nethra S. Ankam

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Nearly 50% of Americans have at least one chronic illness. Preparing future healthcare providers for interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) and person-centred care through community-based interprofessional education (IPE) can improve outcomes for this growing population. Partial programme theories predict that patients' participation as teachers in health professions education contributes to students' development of patient-centredness. Role theory asserts that behaviours are shaped by assigned roles; therefore, community members with chronic illness who assume roles of health mentors in an IPE curriculum are predicted to teach students about their patient experiences. Yet, this teaching outcome and the lessons health mentors teach in …

Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma Of Liver In A Child : A Case Report, Neha Devendra Bhongale, Sumeet Baheti, Poonam Wade, Omkar Khandkar, Meenakshi Balasbramanian

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of liver (UESL) is a rare malignancy of liver originating from primary mesenchymal tissue with overall poor prognosis. Around 220 pediatric cases of UESL have been reported in the literature. The lack of characteristic clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and imaging studies pose a diagnostic challenge and the preoperative misdiagnosis rate is high. Historically, treatment was limited to surgical resection with poor survival rate. In recent times, combination of chemotherapy and surgical resection has improved survival.

Case Presentation: We report a case of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of liver in a 6 years old boy who presented …

Dermatological Primary Health Care Services For Older Adults In Thailand, Chinmanat Lekhavat, Jiruth Sriratanaban

Journal of Health Research

Background: The increasing population aging worldwide poses challenges to accessibility to dermatological care, especially in rural areas with limited dermatologist availability. Establishing dermatological primary health care (PHC) services for older adults is crucial for improving access, efficiency, and equity. However, no study has systematically explored such a system.

Method: This mixed-methods study employed a participatory action research (PAR) model to identify structural and procedural requirements, patient journeys, health needs, and expectations. Data were collected through focus groups, in-depth interviews, and surveys. Design thinking workshops, guided by PAR principles, were used to develop dermatological PHC services. A survey was conducted across …

Study Of Clinical And Bacteriological Profile Of Culture-Positive Neonatal Sepsis At A Tertiary Care Hospital, Qudsiya Ansari, Vaibhav Pawar, Kailas Randad, Poonam Wade

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a significant global health challenge, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality among neonates. Its clinical manifestations and causative agents show regional and temporal variations, necessitating localized studies to guide effective management. This study aimed to assess the clinical features, bacteriological profile, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in culture-positive neonatal sepsis at a tertiary NICU. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed records of 131 inborn neonates with culture-proven sepsis admitted between April 2019 and March 2020. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, causative organisms, and treatment outcomes were examined. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were also evaluated. Results: Of the …

Medical Students’ Perspectives On Dobbs V Jackson Women’S Health Organization, Victoria Lazarov, Cecilia Mastrogiacomo, Mikaela Koch, Kirsten Wohlars, Tova Ablove, Student Perspectives On Reproductive Rights Research Group

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

Background: In June 2022, the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling overturned the previously upheld constitutional right to abortion. The resulting impact on medical training and student decision-making remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the nationwide impact of the Dobbs decision on medical students’ geographic residency preferences, specialty selection, and level of concern regarding civil and criminal charges for physicians providing abortion and fertility care.

Methods: An anonymous IRB-approved REDCap survey was distributed to American accredited medical schools across the United States and Israel between December 2022 and May 2023. Participants indicated specialty interests and geographic preferences for …

Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Towards Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Aged 20 Years And Above In Mysuru, India, Sneha Manosh Kumar, Rashmi S, Amogha Shree

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in India. Despite being largely preventable through screening, uptake remains suboptimal due to socio-cultural and systemic barriers.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 women aged ≥20 years residing in urban and rural areas of Mysuru. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 30.

Results: Awareness of cervical cancer was reported by 90% of participants and of screening methods by 80%. However, only 21% had ever undergone screening and 17% within the preceding …

Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Artificial Intelligence Among Healthcare Professionals: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey, Nikhil R, Divya K L, Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur, Harshwardhan S Patil, Shashirekha B, Hema Sameera Pinnam, Purna Bansal

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Deep learning-powered Artificial Intelligence-driven assistance offers enormous potential to improve healthcare by facilitating administrative work, diagnosis, and the treatment of chronic diseases. The gap between clinical values and the day-to-day realities of primary care practice might widen if AI is not successfully incorporated.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate healthcare professionals' perceptions and understanding of AI within a clinical setting. The study was conducted among 456 Health care Workers from May to November 2024.

Results: Among 456 participants, 55.7% were MBBS students/interns, and 37.9% were postgraduates/professionals. More than 50% supported AI integration, and 62.3% of MBBS …

Personalised Learning In Medical Education – A Futuristic Model For Individual Learning Styles, Sujatha Mahadevarao Premnath, Ashwin Chand Ravichandran, Sivaa Rajendran

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Medical education is transitioning from the traditional teacher-centred to a student-centred model, and an approach that caters to the diverse needs of the learner is necessary to meet these needs. Personalised learning is one such strategy that offers learning content based on individual profiles, learning styles, pace, and competency gaps. Here, the individual student receives content based on their preference, where the content can be created by educators leveraging technology, an adaptive learning platform, and artificial intelligence. It provides an inclusive and efficient learning platform that helps in creating more efficient medical graduates. This article explores the concept of personalized …

Enhancing Patient Outcomes: Developing A Comprehensive Database For Tracking Post- Dural Puncture Headache Incidence And Contributing Factors, Meredith B. Auge, Brittany Bogonovich

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a debilitating complication following labor analgesia, often resulting from unintentional dural puncture (UDP). While national incidence is approximately 1.5%, institutional rates may vary due to provider experience, documentation practices, and patient factors. This Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) quality improvement project aimed to improve identification and monitoring of UDP and PDPH through a revised tracking tool, retrospective review of 2024 data, and planning for an electronic registry. A multidisciplinary team of anesthesiologists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs), and IT and quality specialists revised an existing tracking tool to better …

Understanding Challenges Faced By Female Graduate Medical Education Trainees: A Qualitative Content Analysis Of Physician Coaching Requests, Nathalie Dieujuste, Adrienne Mann, Kimiko Dunbar, Pari Shah Thibodeau, Tyra Fainstad, Brooke Dorsey Holliman

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Physician burnout, particularly among female graduate medical education (GME) trainees, is a growing concern that affects physician wellness and patient safety. Professional coaching has shown promise in improving physician wellness. The Better Together Physician Coaching program (BT) is a web-based, group-coaching program, piloted using female GME trainees, aimed at improving key indicators of well-being, including burnout and impostor syndrome. In this qualitative study, we aimed to understand the challenges faced by female physician trainees shared in the pilot of the BT coaching intervention.

Methods

A total of 101 female physician trainees participated in the BT pilot. A sample of …

A Developmental Evaluation Of A Dental Hygiene Program And A Community Health Partnership, Laura Jacob

Higher Education: Doctoral Research Projects

Today, dental hygiene education commonly occurs in community college settings which are removed from dental schools thus dental hygiene students graduate with relatively little to no exposure to dentistry or directly with a clinically practicing dentist. With dental hygiene workforce shortages at an extremely high level, locally and nationally, it is imperative to matriculate students who are poised to be successful in the changing landscape of healthcare.

The purpose of this program evaluation was to investigate via the developmental program evaluation model, the perceived benefits of a potential collaboration between the Colorado Mountain College (CMC) dental hygiene program and a …

Enhancing Cataract Surgery Outcomes: Optimal Use Of Pre- And Post-Operative Eye Drops, Keith Skolnick M.D., Anu Valiaveedu

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Many preoperative and postoperative cataract patients struggle with comprehending the use of prescription medication as directed. Language barriers and low health literacy levels are major factors contributing to improper use of prescriptions. To increase patients comprehension, the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute employed an educational intervention consisting of a live presentation and an instructional video. Results found that 44% of patients were hesitant to ask questions to clinical staff, 32% felt overwhelmed, and nearly 70% lacked confidence in using their prescribed eye drops. Following the intervention, 91% of patients reported increased confidence in their medications, and most indicated that the video …

The Impact Of Physician Precepting On Medical Education And Healthcare Delivery: A Qualitative Secondary Analysis, Hannah E. Gutjahr, Steven A. Fasko

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

This qualitative study investigates the impact of physician precepting on medical education and healthcare delivery, prompted by the need for consistency in precepting practices across various institutions and specialties. Physician preceptors, who bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, play a critical role in shaping competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. However, inconsistencies in precepting quality and challenges such as time constraints, inadequate training, and balancing clinical duties with teaching responsibilities necessitate a comprehensive evaluation of precepting's effectiveness.

A systematic literature review was conducted to explore these issues, focusing on secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, case studies, and policy …

Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Treatment Guide For African-American And Hispanic People With Eating Disorders, Desere N. Cooper

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone project addressed the critical need for a culturally responsive approach to occupational therapy in the treatment of African-American and Hispanic with eating disorders (EDs) in the United States. Although EDs impair physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning, these communities often encounter systemic barriers such as cultural stigma, food insecurity, and inadequate assessment tools rooted in Eurocentric norms—that contribute to underdiagnosis, limited access to care, and poorer outcomes. The central issue addressed was the absence of clear, culturally relevant guidance for occupational therapy practitioners working with these underserved populations. The project was informed by a comprehensive literature review and synthesis …

Increasing Implementation Of The Comfortable Cafeteria Program To Promote School-Age Children’S Mental Health And Well-Being, Reinecka Mondesir, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Every Moment Counts (EMC) is a positive mental health promotion initiative that offers several initiatives to create inclusive environments that support student participation and emotional well-being throughout the school day. Comfortable Cafeteria, part of EMC, fosters positive mealtime experiences supporting peer interaction, emotional regulation, and inclusion. Many SBOT practitioners lack the resources to implement Comfortable Cafeteria, despite its benefits. This capstone project addresses the need for practical tools to help school-based occupational therapy (SBOT) practitioners integrate the Comfortable Cafeteria program into daily practice. Using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, the project developed and disseminated an interactive, evidence-based video …

A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Educational Initiative For Improving Hand Hygiene, Lyanna L. Chan

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a persistent concern in assisted living facilities, often resulting from inconsistent hand hygiene practices. Although national guidelines exist, adherence remains suboptimal, especially where staff training and compliance monitoring are limited.

Context: This project took place in a 53-bed assisted living facility without a formal system to track or reinforce hand hygiene. The aim was to improve staff knowledge and promote infection prevention through education.

Interventions: A Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) led an evidence-based hand hygiene education program. The intervention included interactive training, visual reminders, personal sanitizers, and leadership support during clinical huddles.

Measures: Pre- …

Partnership, Collaboration, And Co-Production To Improve Patient Experience Beyond Conducting Surveys – Lessons From The Quebec Model, Canada, Marie-Pascale Pomey, Catherine Wilhelmy, Myriam Fournier-Tombs, Vincent Dumez, Cécile Vialaron, Monica Nelea Iliescu, Karina Prevost, Simon Courtemanche, Louise Normandin, Geneviève David

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: The objectives of this article are to present how, in the province of Quebec (Canada), healthcare and service partnerships have been implemented, to take stock of the current situation and to suggest ways to continue strengthening the model over the coming years, in Quebec and elsewhere in the world. Methods: Three methods were mobilized: (1) a review of the literature and reports published in recent years on implementations of partnerships in Quebec; (2) a survey sent to the persons responsible for partnerships in Quebec’s health and social services establishments; and (3) a working committee comprised of patient experts, partnership …

Peer Mentoring, Camaraderie, And Support (Pmcs) Of Southern New Jersey: Suicide Prevention Using Human Experience And Social Determinants Of Health, Ali A. Poorani, Matthew Jacobs, Patrick Carney, Jaclyn Tomasetti

Patient Experience Journal

Suicide prevention is a high priority for Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Recent data show an increase in suicide rates, especially among Veterans that had not used VHA health services and nor had received any VHA benefits. Meanwhile, data collected for the past two decades reveals a decline in suicide rates among Veterans who were recent VHA users with mental health or substance use disorders. The objective of the Peer Mentoring, Camaraderie, and Support (PMCS) Program was to explore novel ways to reengage and reintegrate Veterans into their earned VA healthcare benefits, and examine the effectiveness of this new initiative by …

“All Together”: A Case Study Demystifying Patient And Public Involvement (Ppi) In Brief Psychological Interventions Within A Community Mental Health Service For Adults In The Uk, Molly H. Nadel, Katherine Parkin, Stephanie Casey, Rachel Maciag, Alice Xie, Mu-Yin Chang, Youngsuk Kim

Patient Experience Journal

The importance and value of involving patients and the public in the decision-making processes within services designed to support them, and research projects aimed at understanding and improving those services, have long been established. This is often referred to as Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). However, establishing good quality involvement work in practical terms is often less well understood and therefore, the uncertainty surrounding this can lead to hesitation by clinicians in practice. In this paper, we will share our lessons learned and the practical outcomes of PPI when applied in an NHS community mental health service for adults. We …

The Implementation Of A Telehealth Patient Advisory Council In A Network Of Federally Qualified Health Centers, Jessica Korins, Lisa Schaffer, Nandini Shroff

Patient Experience Journal

Patient input is recognized across the healthcare field as essential for tailoring innovations and quality improvement initiatives to meet the needs of intended patient populations. This paper describes the implementation of a patient advisory council (PAC) established to provide feedback on telehealth innovations and quality improvement initiatives at a network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in New York State (NYS). We report on the implementation process, success and challenges, and reflections shared by PAC members regarding their experiences.

Understanding Online Reviews Of Geriatricians: Correlations Within A Dataset Of 53,210 Physician Reviews, Yizhong Wu, Eric Reuben Smith, Nick Shaffer, Hanh Dieu Trinh, Becky Powers

Patient Experience Journal

Introduction: Online reviews are increasingly influential in how patients find and choose physicians. Patients appreciate the transparency of online reviews, and they offer an avenue for physicians to receive feedback. This cross-sectional study aims to provide insight into correlations between provider level information such as wait times or physician demographics, and the reviews patients submit online for geriatricians.

Methods: ParseHub software was used to extract and pool data from 6,631 provider profiles categorized under “geriatric medicine” on the popular open-source physician review website Healthgrades.com. Physician race or ethnicity was modeled by profile last name based on 2010 US census data. …

Family-Centered Care In Pediatric And Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review Of Effects On Parental Satisfaction And Length Of Stay, Vincenzo Andretta, Valentina Cerrone, Veronica Strini, Angela Prendin

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Family-centered care (FCC) is essential in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units (PICUs), potentially increasing parent satisfaction and reducing length of hospital stay, but evidence of its effectiveness is inconsistent. Objective: To assess the effects of FCC interventions on parent satisfaction and length of hospital stay in PICUs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, with 17 studies meeting the established inclusion criteria. The McMaster tool was used to assess the methodological quality of studies, along with an assessment of risk of bias. Results: The review identified a wide range of FCC interventions, including promoting parental …

I Felt More Confident That It Would Work For Me: A Grounded Theory Of Person-Centered Interprofessional Collaboration Based On Patients’ Lived Experiences, Katherine Hope Morgan, Cristina S. Barroso, Kathleen Conroy Brown, Michael R. Bleich, Soghra Jarvandi, Elizabeth B. Strand, Shaun Rowe

Patient Experience Journal

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is considered the highest standard of practice for delivering care to patients with multiple, complex, and chronic conditions. Despite reported benefits of IPC, the voice of the care receiver and how or whether they experience IPC is underexplored. Our objective was to examine patients’ experiences with IPC in two rural primary care settings in the U.S., where the burden of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) is coupled with lower life expectancies and reduced access to care. We used a semi-structured interview to assess patients’ experiences within 72 hours after an IPC healthcare visit. This study, conducted in two …

Role Of Patient-Reported Measures (Prms) In Addressing Ethical Challenges During Telemedicine Consultation: A Narrative Review, Asiya Attar, Kasturi Shukla

Patient Experience Journal

Introduction: Telemedicine has revolutionized medical care delivery by emphasizing on Patient-Centred Care (PCC). Patient Reported Measures (PRMs) can assist in providing PCC since it assesses the treatment outcomes and patient experience. However, using PRMs is not just limited to gauging clinical efficiency; it can also play a role in addressing the ethical challenges in telemedicine. Yet this aspect of PRMs remains underexplored. Method: Literature search was conducted using a combination of keywords from the Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. 126 peer-reviewed journal articles in English from 2015 to 2024 were screened, and 34 relevant full-text …