Health Services Research Commons^™

Impact Of Cde Referral On A1c Control In Adult Type 2 Dm Patients., Alivia Watts Bsn, Rn, Yesica Sanchez Bsn, Rn, Morgan Hilliard Bsn, Rn, Laura Reed Dnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Type II Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic health condition impacting many adults in Tennessee. Certified Diabetic Educators (CDEs) are specifically trained in educating and addressing the health care needs of patients with diagnoses of Type I or Type II Diabetes. Research has shown that education conducted by CDEs leads to improved outcomes and self- care in those with diabetes (Bowen, et al., 2016, King et al., 2019). Not only are CDEs cost effective services leading to a decrease in healthcare costs, but they also aid in the improvement of hemoglobin A1C (Hgb A1C) levels and decrease complications associated with Type …

Primary Place To Go For Health Care And Its Association With Hpv Prevalence In Us Adults: Results From Nhanes 2013-2016, Amy L. Mcveety, Miyuki Sun

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Annual Conference

Background: While access to health care is a known risk factor for many infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections, little research has investigated the relationship between access to primary care services and prevalent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Given HPV’s prevalence in the general population and lack of available treatments, it is necessary to understand possible risk factors to identify areas for intervention. This study uses primary place to go for health services as a proxy measure for access to care, in order to understand which sources of health care are serving patients with the highest prevalence of HPV infections and …

Physiotherapy In Community-Based Rehabilitation In Middle And Low-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Er D. Petil Jr., Napoleon R. Caballero

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a widely recognized approach to address the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role within CBR programs. This study aimed to synthesize the current state of literature regarding the integration of PT in CBR programs in LMICs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, examining key characteristics, reported outcomes, and challenges to implementation.

Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, focusing on studies published in the past decade. Data were extracted and synthesized in matrix format to compare and contrast findings across the …

Advancing Pandemic Response: Integrated Strategies For Testing, Prediction, And Bias Mitigation, Tianshu Gu

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The COVID-19 pandemic, along with prior outbreaks such as SARS and Ebola, has revealed critical gaps in global pandemic preparedness, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to infectious disease management. This dissertation addresses three key areas of pandemic response: developing scalable screening strategies, constructing reliable predictive models, and mitigating demographic biases in artificial intelligence (AI) models used for healthcare decision-making.

The first study introduces a global screening strategy designed to optimize resource use and increase testing capacity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources are limited. This study leverages pooled testing methods, where multiple samples are combined into …

Shifting Healthcare In Rural South Carolina: A Study Of Media Coverage Of The Effects Of Hospital Closures, Morgan Harper

Senior Theses

Rural hospital closures have become an increasingly urgent issue in healthcare across the United States. These closures have impacted access to healthcare, the job market, and general community health. Most hospitals have been forced to close due to low patient volumes, financial struggles, and corporate ownership. Immediate implications of closures include the displacement of healthcare workers, community concern about lacking a central healthcare facility, and increased travel times to access care.

This thesis examines South Carolina’s healthcare landscape in areas with hospital closures since 2012 and explores the effects of and responses to these closures as discussed in newspapers and …

Addressing Informal Caregiver Burnout In The United States: Policies, Interventions, And Recommendations, Michael Blampye

Master's Projects and Capstones

Informal caregiver burnout has been and will continue to be a significant public health concern in the United States, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of initiatives and policies to reduce its negative impacts. This paper provides an overview of existing approaches to address caregiver burnout at the individual, community, and national level, identifying critical gaps in policies and programs. By highlighting successful approaches in other developed countries, this paper presents comprehensive program and policy recommendations to strengthen informal caregiver support systems in the United States. Prioritizing these proposals can guide policymakers in creating a more supportive environment that values the crucial …

A Preventionist Framework For Reducing Drowning: A Case For Parenting Interventions, Miriam G. Clark, Linda Quan, Patricia Chamberlain

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is preventable but still claims the lives of over 300,000 people worldwide every year. The purpose of this theoretical review paper is threefold: 1) discuss the theoretical framework for a multi-faceted system of prevention; 2) discuss the importance of parenting, a crucial area where current drowning prevention research is falling short in this multi-faceted approach; and 3) discuss how evidence-based practices from psychosocial parenting research could be used to create drowning prevention interventions that support parents to implement water safety practices in their families. Practical ideas for integrating psychosocial parent interventions with drowning prevention knowledge are discussed. Such interventions …

Impact Of Drug Addiction On Oral Health: Unveiling The Link Between Substance Abuse, Rahi [email protected], Kamran Awan

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Perspectives Of African American And Hispanic/Latino Individuals On Hiv Molecular Cluster Detection, Maxwell Richardson, Brendan H. Pulsifer, Jane Yoon Scott, David Holland, Eleanor W. Garlow, Pascale Wortley, Daniel Mauck, Jenna Gettings, Valeria Cantos, Masonia Traylor, Eric Rangel, David Folkes, Carlos Saldana

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Responding to HIV clusters detected using molecular data has been shown to reduce transmission and improve testing, treatment, and prevention. However, there are varied opinions about the use of cluster detection activities, and some advocates have raised concerns about patient consent, data security, and the potential for HIV criminalization. Incorporating the perspectives of marginalized populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV is essential to understanding the diversity of those perspectives, yet it is often overlooked in the literature. Thus, our study seeks to highlight the perspectives of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino individuals in the Southern United States on HIV …

Clinician Attitudes And Experiences In Screening Patients For Social Determinants Of Health Using Prapare, Pranav Rane, Mathew B. Weimer M.D., Adam Baus

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. SDOH significantly influence health outcomes; as such, healthcare systems should screen for patients’ social needs. PRAPARE is standardized screening tool designed to assess and address patients’ social needs.

Purpose: This study examines SDOH screening at Valley Health Systems, a federally qualified health center based in Huntington, West Virginia. The aim of this research is to assess clinician attitudes and experiences in using the PRAPARE tool to screen for SDOH.

Methods: A self-administered online survey was conducted from April to May 2022 …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Experiences And Impacts Of A Hospital-Based, Spanish-Language Teaching Kitchen And Garden On Staff And Participants, Sarah E Roth, Benjamin Gronowski, Heidi Davis

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Oregon Doula Workforce Analysis, Aisha K Gilmore, Apoorva Somayazulu, Lindsay Dickey, Rosemelty Jimenez Medal

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Researching Dementia Indicators Among Rural Populations, Justin S. Yount

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

The study explored potential dementia indicators and risk factors among older adults residing in rural areas who are actively engaged in farming operations. Data was collected in three components a questionnaire, an audiogram test, and a memory impairment screening. 104 people responded to the questionnaire, 133 participants took the audiogram test, and 94 participated in the memory impairment screening. The findings revealed that 80.9% of participants showed no sign of cognitive impairment while 19.1% showed signs of possible impairment. Participants reported moderate levels of physical and social activity, but common risk factors such as elevated BMI, diabetes, hearing loss, and …

Understanding The Impact Of Language Barriers And Visit Duration On Caregiver Satisfaction In Pediatric Primary Care, Gavin Miller, Liz Vazquez, Joyce Ho, Emma Maynor, Emily L. Allen, Marley F. Fradley, Julian Ruiz, Ana J. Bridges

2025 Honors Symposium

Abstract:

Problem. Children from households that speak languages other than English (LOE) face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, which can lead to poorer health outcomes and inadequate medical care (Flores et al., 2005). Language barriers contribute to these disparities, often resulting in diminished communication between healthcare providers and families (Ramirez et al., 2023). In pediatric primary care, visit duration—defined as the amount of time between when a patient is checked into and out of the clinic—may play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication and improving patient satisfaction (Tsiga et al., 2013). Physicians experience significant time pressure and productivity expectations, …

Understanding The Impact Of The Care Connect Washington Program, Hannah Cohen-Cline, Dan Fish, Taylor Doren, Abby Bush

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

At The Crossroads: Initial Findings And Lessons Learned From A Medicaid Housing Benefit Pilot, Cat Livingston, Megan Holtorf, Benjamin Gronowski, Alyssa Cragie

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Structural And Interpersonal Determinants Of Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake In Vulnerable Populations Of The United States, Alyea Wood

Capstone Showcase

Since its introduction in late 2020, the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine has had the lowest rates in marginalized populations like minorities, elderly, and those of low socioeconomic status. Decreased rates of vaccination uptake in these groups has resulted in increased burden of disease and subsequently higher rates of hospitalization and death. Many inequities in poor COVID-19 health outcomes can be explained by examining common predictive factors that determine vaccination rates in these United States populations. This special article research aims to explore these various predictive factors with the goal to provide targeted strategies to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates, especially …

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

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Abstract

Chairperson: Matthew Schertz, Ph.D.

Committee Member: Morgen J Alwell, Ph.D.

Committee Member: Jill Davis, M.Ed.

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

State Of The States: Blueprints For Building Age-Friendly Futures, Megan Stubbs-Richardson, Lauren E. Etheredge, Tockie V. Hemphill, Zaccheus J. Ahonle, Danielle K. Nadorff

Publications

Executive Summary:

Mississippi’s aging population growth mirrors national trends and suggests a need to establish equitable and sustainable age-friendly policies and programs. This report offers an overview of the best practices from age-friendly states, which can be adapted to meet unique challenges and opportunities for Mississippi’s aging population. We highlight five age-friendly policy areas that can improve Mississippi’s livability.

• Aging in Place: Best practices from California, Florida, and Massachusetts can be adapted to promote aging in place through structural changes to homes via universal design and home modifications, or through supportive housing programs and home care.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: …

Non-Profit Hospital Spending On Community Health Improvement: Catalysts, Impediments, And Opportunities In New York State, Isaac H. Michaels

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This dissertation assesses the distribution and determinants of spending by non-profit hospitals in New York State on community health improvement services and community benefit operations. Utilizing the Social Ecological Model of Health, this study considers multiple levels of influence on this spending, including organizational and community characteristics. Using quantitative analysis, it examines cross-sectional, spatial, and longitudinal patterns in spending and identifies organizational and community-level factors influencing it. Qualitative analysis investigates operational factors affecting spending, including individual and interpersonal influences. The results of this mixed-methods study can inform hospital administrators, public health officials, policymakers, and communities in optimizing policies and decision-making …

Facility-Based Uptake Of Colorectal Cancer Screening In 45-49-Year-Olds After U.S. Guideline Changes, Alyssa H. Harris, Hannah Murphy, Madeleine Mcdowell, Margaret E. Wright, M. Courtney Hughes

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Determinant Factors Of Unmet Need In Family Plannung (Fp): A Systematic Review, Titin Ifayanti

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Unmet Needs in family planning (FP) remain a concern in many countries worldwide and can, therefore, adversely affect women, families, and society. Around 12 percent of women worldwide have an unmet need. Such effects include widespread disease, increased maternal mortality, and psychological disorders among women. This study aimed to elucidate the factors associated with the unmet need for family planning. The research approach used was a systematic review, literature was identified through Google Scholar, PubMed, and (NLM): National Library of Medicine. A systematic review and literature analysis of 9 articles was carried out, which utilized secondary data and cross-sectional study …

Strategy For Improving Smoking Cessation Services In Primary Health Care, Evita Rosdiana Hutapea, Risky Kusuma Hartono

Preventia: The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

Amidst the rising numbers of smokers in Indonesia and the increasing burden of smoking-related diseases on the country, the Smoking Cessation Services (SCS) still fail to operate optimally. The aim of this research is to develop a more effective strategy for the SCS model based on the challenges encountered during its implementation. The research method employed qualitative study with a case study approach. The research location was in Depok City, chosen as a national exemplary of SCS. Research period from February to May 2024. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews and observations at Community Health Centers who involved in …

Bio-Preparedness In A Global Context: Multi-Site International Study Investigating Global Health Security Challenges In Egypt, Oman, And The United States, Rima M. Al Balushi

Theses & Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed myriad vulnerabilities globally within public health systems, from inadequate bio-risk management in laboratories to overwhelming utilization of hospital resources and disparities in vaccine access and uptake. The Global Health Security Index (GHSI), which critically evaluates health security domains including health systems and risk environments, reports serious weaknesses in global health security. This dissertation aims to investigate critical aspects of global health security domains by examining factors impacting biosafety and biosecurity capacities in laboratories in Egypt, healthcare resource utilization in hospitals in Oman relating to acute respiratory infections (ARI), and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the United States. …

Reflections From The Pandemic: Is Connectivism The Panacea For Clinicians?, Jennifer Benjamin, Tyson Pillow, Heather Macneill, Ken Masters, Anoop Agrawal, Neil Mehta

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent increased interest in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) highlight the need for interprofessional communities' collaboration to find solutions to complex problems. A personal narrative experience of one of the authors compels us to reflect on current approaches to learning and knowledge acquisition and use solutions to the challenges posed by GenAI through social learning contexts using connectivism. We recognize the need for constructivism and experiential learning for knowledge acquisition to establish foundational understanding. We explore how connectivist approaches can enhance traditional constructivist paradigms amid rapidly changing learning environments and online communities. Learning in connectivism includes …

Service Provider Perceptions Of Systems Serving Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: A Needs Assessment And Strategic Plan In Johnson City, Tn, Opal Frye-Clark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) investigates service providers' perceptions of Johnson City, Tennessee's homelessness services, aiming to inform a city-wide strategic plan for reduction. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study gathered qualitative data through in-depth interviews with service providers in 2022 and quantitative data via a 2024 survey. The research focused on those directly involved in serving or significantly influencing the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH). Three key aims guided the investigation: (1) To analyze provider perspectives to identify community assets, opportunities, barriers, and unmet needs, informing a comprehensive needs assessment; (2) To refine these findings through SWOT analysis …

Comprehensive Community Medicine, Alexander Walther

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Comprehensive Community Medicine (CCM) is a theoretical framework designed to address the complex needs of individuals with dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance use disorders (SUDs). Dual diagnosis is highly prevalent, particularly among populations experiencing homelessness, and is associated with poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare service utilization. Structural inequities, including a fractured healthcare system, exacerbate the challenges faced by this vulnerable group. Research indicates that effective care for dually diagnosed individuals requires a layered approach addressing clinical, systemic, legal, and housing barriers.

The development of CCM has been informed by interviews with local stakeholders, including County EMS board …

Quality Of Outpatient Care In Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Georges Choueiry, Anna Maria Henaine, Rayan Darwish, Pascale Salameh

Patient Experience Journal

Patient experience is an important driver of healthcare improvement. Yet, in Lebanon, there is a lack of studies focusing on the satisfaction of outpatients with healthcare quality. This study aims to assess the quality of outpatient care in Lebanon from the patient’s perspective and identify its determinants. A cross-sectional survey was administered, between December 2023 and January 2024, to 265 participants over 18 years old who consulted a healthcare provider, excluding dentists. We used linear regression to determine factors affecting consultation quality as perceived by the participants. Waiting time before consultations typically ranged from 5 to 15 minutes, the average …

Evaluation Of A Trauma-Informed Care (Tic) Training Program Across Community Health Centers In Texas: A Qualitative Study, Jihye Choi, Efrat K Gabay, Aimee Rachel, Aniela Brown, Roxana Cruz, Qiheng Yan, Paula M Cuccaro

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: In April 2019, Texas Association of Community Health Centers launched the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) program in community health centers across Texas. This initiative aimed to transform organizational culture for consistent delivery of TIC by providing training and coaching opportunities for Trainers and Champions in each health center. This study is an interim qualitative evaluation to gain participants' insights into their experiences of and perceptions about TIC training as part of the TIC initiative.

METHODS: We conducted semi-structured key informant interviews via Zoom with Trainers across four cohorts of participating health centers between February 2020 and April 2023. We used …