Public Health Commons^™

The Power Of Patient Ownership: The Path From Engagement To Equity, Zal Press, Dawn Richards

Patient Experience Journal

Understanding patient engagement from the lens of a person who is suffering, who is in pain and anguish, who is wracked with fear of the impact of this pain on their body, their family, their career, and their mortality, is a complex undertaking. The authors provide an important patient perspective in acknowledging and highlighting efforts to shift the conversation on experience from one about patients and families to one with patients and families. They challenge us to consider the power that can be found in creating ownership for patients and suggest it may be the one true path to moving …

Reframing The Work On Patient Experience Improvement, Jocelyn Cornwell

Patient Experience Journal

In reframing the work on patient experience improvement Dr. Jocelyn Cornwell, chief executive of The Point of Care Foundation, challenges us to broaden our view on what is necessary to impact patient experience efforts. From a defined need to reduce avoidable suffering associated with health care delivery dysfunction, she suggests we extend the discussion in two ways: First, to include a concern for staff engagement, experience and well-being, and second, to position patient experience improvement as one type of quality improvement (QI) in healthcare, and urge practitioners to pay more attention to the lessons from QI in other domains. High …

Patient Experience Established: One Year Later, Geoffrey A. Silvera, Jason A. Wolf Phd

Patient Experience Journal

Scholars and administrators have long dedicated themselves to centering healthcare conversations and debates on the experiences of patients and their families. Patient experience advocates view these experiences as critical to evaluations of healthcare quality. There have been a great multitude of important contributions, yet, for decades, these calls for patient-centric care experiences and healthcare systems have been confined to the fringes of disparate health policy and reform debates. This bygone reality created a diaspora of scholars and administrators dedicated to understanding, evaluating, and improving the patient experience. This article begins to explore a coalescing around patient experience research efforts citing …

The Patient Experience Movement Moves On, Jason A. Wolf Phd

Patient Experience Journal

As we present Volume 2 of Patient Experience Journal (PXJ) we both recognize the contributions that helped launch this publication and acknowledge the work that helped build the foundation of the broader research exploration in the emerging field of patient experience. On this base of knowledge we have worked to establish a new home for expanding the exploration of new ideas and practices through this publication. The importance of building, supporting and sustaining an outlet for research in patient experience is grounded in the belief that positive patient experience is good for healthcare, it is good for the people who …

College Of Public Health News, Georgia Southern University

College of Public Health: News & Publications

• Karmen Williams Named Dr. E. Richard 'Rick' Brown Keeneland Conference Scholar

College Of Public Health News, Georgia Southern University

College of Public Health: News & Publications

• LHDs Approchaces to Deal with the Aftermath of Recession

Comparison Of Body Composition Assessment Techniques In Older Adult Females, Lauren Yacapraro

Honors Projects

Comparison of Body Composition Assessment Techniques in Older Adult Females

Introduction: As the aging population increases, the need for accurate assessment of chronic disease risk also increases. There is considerable debate over the best way to assess this risk. BMI is a weight-to-height ratio that is commonly used to assess adiposity and obesity related risk. However, it does not differentiate lean (i.e., muscle and bone) versus fat mass – the true predictors of obesity-related diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease and diabetes). This is prevalent in post-menopausal women who often experience age-related gains in fat mass and losses in lean mass.

Methods: …

Health Policy & Management News, Georgia Southern University

Health Policy & Community Health: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• LHDs Approaches to Deal with the Aftermath of Recession

Teen Perceptions Of Sexual Health Education In Marin County, Chaunte L. Mcmichael

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Sexual health education in the United States has generally been taught utilizing two approaches, Abstinence-only or Comprehensive sex education. Abstinence- only until marriage programs teach abstinence as the preferred option in expressing sexuality and reducing risk of negative outcomes. This type of education usually censors out information regarding contraception and other barriers for protecting against sexually transmitted diseases (advocatesforyouth.org). Comprehensive-sex education also teaches that abstinence is the best method in preventing unintended pregnancies but it additionally explores preventative methods for people who choose to engage in sexual behavior. Although larger studies have been conducted in comprehensive or abstinence education, it’s …

Stepping Away From The Path: A Transformational Journey Affirming Emic Food Security Practices On The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation In South Dakota, Beth E. Grund

Theses and Graduate Projects

This Doctor of Nursing Practice project concerns improving the level of food security on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Despite attempts by etic, or mainstream society, food security for the indigenous Oglala Lakota people who live there remains an elusive goal. Life expectancy for both men and women continues to decrease due to skyrocketing rates of chronic diseases related to malnutrition. Although the project initially focused on how effectiveness of etic food security solutions might be improved, unforeseen events prompted and examination of Pine Ridge food security from an emic, or Lakota, perspective. This more personal outlook …

The Girl With The Peanut Necklace: Experiences Of Infertility And In Vitro Fertilization In China, Ruoxi Yu

Student Work

A 2014-2015 William Prize for best essay in East Asian Studies was awarded to Ruoxi Yu (Berkeley College '15) for her essay submitted to the Department of Anthropology, “The Girl with the Peanut Necklace: Experiences of Infertility and in vitro Fertilization in China.” (Marcia Inhorn, William K. Lanman Jr. Professor of Anthropology, advisor; Susan Brownell, Professor of Anthropology at USML, secondary reader.)

Ruoxi Yu’s essay, “The Girl with the Peanut Necklace: Experiences of Infertility and in vitro Fertilization in China,” situates original research within the history of the one-child birth control policy and the tension between the …

Childhood Obesity, Jennifer E. Mac-Romero

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States. In 2012, more than one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Studies have suggested that obesity is greater in the low-income population than in higher income individuals (Wang, 2006). The literature review has provided evidence that suggest, Hispanic mothers contribute to the rising rates of childhood obesity due to parenting and Hispanic traditions. Although there are interventions created and being created to reduce the high rates of childhood obesity, there are still gaps in interventions that are culturally tailored for Hispanic mothers. …

Model Of Cost-Effectiveness Of Mri For Women Of Average Lifetime Risk Of Breast Cancer, Mckenna L. Kimball

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Background: Mammography is the current standard for breast cancer detection however magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a more sensitive method of breast imaging. Despite MRI’s increased sensitivity, MRI has more false positives and higher costs. The purpose of this study was to determine if MRI or MRI in conjunction with mammography was a cost-effective solution for breast cancer detection in women with average lifetime risk of breast cancer.

Methods: A mathematical model was used to compare annual mammography, annual MRI, and mammography and MRI on alternate years. The model included the natural history of breast cancer, screening by mammography …

United Way Of Southern Kentucky's Dolly Parton Imagination Library: A Program Evaluation, Simon Funge, Dana Sullivan

Social Work Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Detrimental Pitfalls Of Provider Documentation, Rosalind Crook-Duckett

Applied Research Projects

Electronic Health Records hold many benefits and clearly is a cut above maintain-ing paper records. Although, over the years we have learned that there are potential drawbacks that come with having an electronic health record. This review on EHR’s, is what could be, considered detrimental pitfalls of provider documentation (copying and pasting) and how this may affect the safety and quality of the physician documentation and patient care.

Traveling Exhibit Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts Of Health And Illness, Patricia Bradley, Laura J. Hall, Gale Hannigan

Posters and Presentations

This exhibit, organized by the National Library of Medicine and hosted at UNM, explores the intersections of health, illness, and culture among Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Through oral histories, healers, elders, and other key figures recount the impact of epidemics, land loss, and cultural disruption on Native health. The exhibit presents an inspiring narrative of resilience, endurance, and self-determination. Curated locally by Patricia Bradley, Laura J. Hall, and Gale Hannigan, it was displayed at the Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education. April 22, 2015 - October 18, 2015

Assessing Changes In Safety Net Providers Since The Passage Of The Affordable Care Act, Arlesia Mathis, Julia Burke, Gulzar H. Shah

Health Policy & Management: Faculty Presentations (2008-2022)

The passage of the Affordable Care Act presented opportunities and challenges for safety net providers. Significant investments in provider capacity promised much needed expansion of services; and in 2014, the law extended coverage to millions of previously uninsured Americans. However, safety net providers are concerned that changes to financing brought about by changes in the ACA may threaten their ability to provide services to millions more who still lack insurance. This is a preliminary study of changes occurring with maternal and child health services among safety-net providers.

Use Of Facebook By Local Health Departments: Activity And Focus Areas, Rakhi Trivedi, Gulzar H. Shah

Health Policy & Management: Faculty Presentations (2008-2022)

This presentation was given at the Keeneland Conference for Public Health Systems and Services Research.

Optimisation De Saturisk, L’Outil De Calcul Du Temps De Service Des Cartouches De Protection Respiratoire Contre Les Vapeurs Organiques, Ludovic Tuduri, Florence Janvier, Yves Cloutier, Josée Poulin, Daniel Cossement, Daniel Drolet, Jaime Lara

Rapports de recherche scientifique

L’exposition des travailleurs aux solvants, ou plus largement aux vapeurs organiques, doit être maîtrisée sinon maintenue en deçà des valeurs limites réglementaires. Lorsque l’ensemble des mesures administratives, d’ingénierie et de protection collective ne permet pas d’atteindre des niveaux d’exposition sans danger pour la santé, les travailleurs concernés doivent être équipés d’appareils de protection respiratoire (APR). En l’absence de situations de danger immédiat pour la vie et la santé (DIVS), les APR équipés de cartouches de filtration à base de charbon activé sont utilisés contre les vapeurs organiques. Se pose alors la question du temps de service de ces cartouches. Parmi …

Variations In Public Health Governance, Jeffery A. Jones, Ankit Bangar, Patrick Chang, Yelena N. Tarasenko

Epidemiology: Faculty Presentations (2000-2018)

Background: Studies of public health departments have found mixed results regarding the relevance of governance through local boards of health (LBOHs). Some studies find that LBOHs can be an important component in higher performance by local health departments. Other analyses, however, find no advantage for local health departments having or not having a LBOH. The hypothesis was that a typology of LBOHs nationwide can define different types of LBOHs based on their powers and responsibilities.

Methods: Using national profile sample data from the National Association of Local Boards of Health, LBOHs were categorized using 34 variables based on four domains …

A Brief Visit To Chiang Mai: Oral Public Health In Action In Northern Thailand, Arthur Cooper

College of Health Sciences Presentations

Thailand has become well-known in Asia for its innovative public health programs and has also made significant strides towards improving oral health. The Thai approach to providing accessible healthcare for all its citizens could serve as a potential model for other countries throughout Southeast Asia. Based on a 3 week visit to shadow a practicing public health dentist, I was able to gain an insight into how their universal healthcare system functions – both its successes and challenges. Brief interactions with 20 patients who were receiving oral care helped put a face to the system and provided an additional perspective …

The Relationship Between E-Cigarette Use And Quit Rates In Public Health Tobacco Cessation Programs, Sophia Brasil

College of Health Sciences Presentations

E-cigarette use is an emerging and fast-growing trend particularly among young people that has not been thoroughly researched in terms of quit rates. Previous research shows that people perceive e-cigarettes to be a safer alternative to assisting tobacco cessation, yet solid result supporting this claim have yet to be published. This research compiled in Fiscal Year 2015 analyzes quantitative evaluation data gathered from state-wide public health tobacco cessation programs in the Northwest. Understanding quit rates related to electronic cigarette use is important to implementing changes in clean indoor air policies, improving quit and abstinence rates in tobacco cessation programs, and …

Experiential Global Health Education For The Health Professions: Lessons Learned From Experience-Based Learning For Students And Healthcare And Population Health Professionals, Rob Simmons, Drph, Mph, Mches, Cph, James Plumb, Md, Mph, Lucille Pilling, Edd, Mph, Rn, Ellen Plumb, Md

College of Population Health Lectures, Presentations, Workshops

Purpose:

• Describe key components of developing and sustaining a global health experiential learning experience

• Global Health Education for the Health Professions
• An area for multi-disciplinary study, research, and practice that places priority on achieving equity in health for all people worldwide
• Emphasizes transnational health issues, determinants, and solutions that promote interdisciplinary collaboration providing a synthesis of population based prevention, often including individual-level education and healthcare

Pink Goes Red For A Day: Is Your Heart Healthy?, Quierra W. Jones

Honors College Theses

There is a major lack of public health education among college aged students at many colleges and universities across the country. Even further, many minority college students are unfamiliar with one of the most life-threatening health issues that affect them the most: heart health. As a nursing student and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., I strive to uphold our “service to all mankind” motto and also educate the public about important heart health matters. On February 4, 2014, I presented a program through my sorority entitled Pink Goes Red for a Day in which I educated the primarily …

The Effect Of An Antenatal Breastfeeding Intervention On Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy And Intention Among Inner City Adolescents, Jamie El Harit

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

According to Healthy People 2020, infants who are breastfed have improved nutritional, immunological, developmental, and social outcomes (USDHHS, 2014). Despite the benefits of breastfeeding and the focused international efforts to increase levels of breastfeeding, adolescents remain largely unaware and continue to have among the lowest levels of breastfeeding initiation (CDC, 2013; Spear, 2006). The purpose of this EBP project was to reduce the disparities of breastfeeding initiation by increasing breastfeeding self-efficacy and intention in an inner city specialty high school. Synthesis of the evidence demonstrated that needs-based, repeated antenatal education delivered by a lactation expert including breastfeeding peer counselor supports …

Illness And God's Will, John Sherret

Senior Honors Theses

Originally, God never put sickness on people. After the fall, the early history of man as recorded in the Bible further demonstrates Him refraining to use sickness. However, once the law was instituted God began to use sickness as a punishment. In the Old Testament, sickness was always defined as a curse and never a blessing. It was used by God to curse people for disobeying the law. In the New Testament, God was seen healing the multitudes instead of cursing them. Through the atonement of Jesus, believers have been redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). Healing …

Environmental Health News, Georgia Southern University

Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Environmental Health Sciences: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• Persistence of Enteric Markers in Sewage Polluted Water

College Of Public Health News, Georgia Southern University

College of Public Health: News & Publications

• Persistence of Enteric Markers in Sewage Polluted Water

Occupational Health Risk Factors For Schistosomiasis: Systematic Review And Analysis, Sarah Grace Sawyer, Amira Roess, Gisela Butera

GW Research Days 2015

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a parasitic flatworm which afflicts over 200 million people in the poorest regions of Africa. Carried by snails living in fresh, stagnant water, the parasite penetrates human skin upon contact, causing the victim to suffer a range of symptoms including diarrhea, blood in the urine, and eventual death. Despite its prevalence, schistosomiasis is preventable, treatable, and curable once a control program is implemented. Substantial reduction of schistosomiasis would relieve suffering and produce many socio-economic benefits, including higher productivity and higher school attendance rates. Disease transmission is directly tied to the environment, and …

Identifying Cases Of Undiagnosed, Clinically Significant Copd In Primary Care: Qualitative Insight From Patients In The Target Population, Nancy K. Leidy, Katherine Kim, Elizabeth D. Bacci, Barbara P. Yawn, David M. Mannino, Byron M. Thomashow, R. Graham Barr, Stephen I. Rennard, Julia F. Houfek, Meilan K. Han, Catherine A. Meldrum, Barry J. Make, Russ P. Bowler, Anna W. Steenrod, Lindsey T. Murray, John W. Walsh, Fernando Martinez

Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Many cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are diagnosed only after significant loss of lung function or during exacerbations.

AIMS: This study is part of a multi-method approach to develop a new screening instrument for identifying undiagnosed, clinically significant COPD in primary care.

METHODS: Subjects with varied histories of COPD diagnosis, risk factors and history of exacerbations were recruited through five US clinics (four pulmonary, one primary care). Phase I: Eight focus groups and six telephone interviews were conducted to elicit descriptions of risk factors for COPD, recent or historical acute respiratory events, and symptoms to inform the …