Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Breathing Life Into Life: A Literature Review Supporting Body-Based Interventions In The Treatment Of Trauma, Andrea Werbalowksy

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In the recent turn toward a more trauma-informed practice of mental health counseling, a glaring gap remains between the research validating that trauma is a somatic experience and the continued privileging of cognitive and behaviorist interventions commonly used to treat trauma. In an effort to explore this gap, this paper presents a literature review inquiry into the neurophysiological and overall life effects trauma can have on the people who experience it. The review further explores how Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory elucidates the benefits of using body-based therapeutic interventions in the treatment of trauma. The inquiry investigates the wide gap between …

Improving Nurse-Physician Collaboration: Building An Infrastructure Of Support, Marshall Blue

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Healthcare organizations have come to realize the 21st century brings many challenges. First and foremost is the challenge of improving patient satisfaction with their health care and their associated experience accessing this complex system. Other challenges are incorporating the patient perceptions of delivering high quality, safe, equitable care to the surrounding community while demonstrating cohesive teamwork. Healthcare professionals and organizations must find an effective and efficient pathway to provide excellent care to the patient within an extremely competitive market. Current research demonstrates a patient perceives they are receiving exceptional care when interdisciplinary conversations are noticed between the nurse and …

Health Care In The Caribbean: A Comparative Analysis Between Cuba And Puerto Rico, Matheus Moreira Sanches Peraci

Honors Projects

The paper at hand focuses on comparing the differences of the Cuban and Puerto Rican health care (HC) system and conditions. As this is a comparative research analysis, this was done by reviewing many different reliable sources and compiling the relevant information from Cuba and Puerto Rico. The factors that were taken into account are: (a) Political and Health Care Systems, (b) Natural and Artificial Disaster and (c) Country’s Demographics and Health Statistics.

Visual Art Therapy, Attachment, And The Adoption Constellation: A Literature Review, Caitlin Woodstock

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The following literary review is intended to synthesize existing data pertaining to art therapy and its application within adoption informed therapy. The adoption experience will be explored, and the basic tenants of trauma and attachment will be outlined. Current modes of trauma-informed therapy will be introduced and their compatibility with art therapy will be explored. The author will introduce a variety of art therapy interventions as presented through an assortment of theoretical lenses. These applications will be subdivided into their application with individual constellation members, families, groups, and will extend to immigrants and displaced individuals likely to enter into the …

The Effects Of A Yoga Intervention On Reactive Balance In Older Adults, Haley M. Hayes

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

Research into successful aging has shown that the ability to control balance is a key part of maintaining an independent lifestyle. Given the increased proportion of older adults in society, the development of effective strategies to promote successful aging are critical. One promising form of activity that could effectively sustain and/or improve balance in addition to other health markers is yoga. Although studies have been done showing yoga's benefits on mobility, mood and cognition the vast majority of these studies lack scientific rigor. The main purpose of this thesis project was to examine the efficacy of a 6-week yoga intervention …

Stimulating Interest In Medicine Assisted Manipulation (Mam)/Manipulation Under Anesthesia (Mua) As A Complementary Treatment Modality For Chronic Pain And Opioid Use, David Abend, Alexis Dunn, Guy K. Guibilato, J. Scott Lazaro, Bharani Pusukur, Teymur Aliyev, Anthony Ascione, Michael Mcaree

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The objective of this clinical review is to stimulate interest in medicine assisted manipulation (MAM), also known as manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). By providing evidence from published studies regarding the use of MUA, as well as identifying its benefits and limitations, our group hopes to increase awareness of this technique and contribute to its implementation to assist in overall pain reduction and reduce opioid medication dosing. A retrospective literature review was undertaken to investigate the extent of published information on the topic in order to compile evidence based data and provide the reader with a summary of both the benefits …

Mental Health Symptom Severity In Cannabis-Using And Non-Using Veterans With Probable Ptsd, Matthew J. Johnson, John D. Pierce, Shahrzad Mavandadi, Johanna Klaus, Diana Defelice, Erin Ingram, David W. Oslin

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND:

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disabling illness suffered by many veterans returning from war. Some veterans believe that cannabis may be therapeutic for PTSD. The purpose of this study was to better understand the association between cannabis use and PTSD symptoms.

METHODS:

The study was a matched case-control cross-sectional evaluation of the psychiatric and sociocultural associations of cannabis use in veterans with probable PTSD. Patient self-report measures were examined comparing cannabis users (cases) to non-users (controls) who were case-matched on age and gender.

RESULTS:

Results indicated that there were no significant differences between cases and controls in mean …

The Effect Of Omm On Opioid Users With Chronic Low Back Pain, Danielle Cooley, James Bailey, Deanna Janora, Catherine Fusco, Kishan Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In the United States, approximately 100 million adults are affected by chronic pain, which reduces their quality of life and productivity, while accounting for billions in health care costs and lost revenue. (1) Opioids are considered the gold standard in the pharmacological treatment for chronic pain conditions, and prescriptions for opiates/opioids increased by 400% from 1999 to 2010. (1,2) Although opioid treatment is warranted during postsurgical and active cancer pain, physicians still commonly overprescribe opioids, which has led to addiction, high deaths rates by overdose, and the spread of communicable diseases. (1)

Since chronic pain is sustained by noxious sensory …

Screening Of Crude Microalgal Extracts For Antimicrobial Activity, Patrick Matulich

Theses & Dissertations

Microbial biofilm associated infections are a significant threat to patients with medical devices and are partially responsible for the increased resistance seen in nosocomial infections. The biofilm chemical and physical properties restrict access of chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, there is a need to enhance the antimicrobial effects of current chemotherapeutic agents. Microalgae live in competitive environments that include film-forming, opportunistic pathogens S. maltophilia and C. albicans. Extracts from 5 diverse species of microalgae were screened for antimicrobial enhancing effects against established biofilms with two different extraction solvents, 3:1 hexanes and isopropyl (HIPA) and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF).

Three species, B. braunii, …

Integration Of Native American Medicinal Plants Into The Heber W. Youngken Jr. Garden, Emily Lyn Murray

Senior Honors Projects

Healthcare among Native American tribes was focused on all aspects of a patient’s life, such as physical, spiritual, and environmental elements. Healthy outcomes were obtained by maintaining a balance among all of these components. This “bio-psycho-socio-spiritual” approach to healthcare was thought to not only play a role in the health of a certain individual, but the health of the tribe as a whole. An illness was not only precipitated by a physical source, but by an imbalance of these components. Medicinal plants served as an integral role in direct physical healing, as well as an important element for the execution …

Non-Pharmacological Approaches To Stress Reduction And The Treatment Of Migraines, Megan O'Connell

Senior Honors Projects

Migraines are a disabling neurological medical condition that affects about 12% of the population. Traditionally, migraines are managed with medication however many patients still experience migraines even while on medication. Stress reduction methods such as meditation, deep breathing, reiki, yoga and hypnosis can help with the treatment of a variety of diseases. This study examines the effects of these non-pharmacological treatments on migraines. First, a systematic literature review was completed to explore the effectiveness of alternative treatment approaches. Twenty-four studies were included in the review and the literature concluded patients with migraines can benefit from psychological interventions. Second, a qualitative …

Survey Of Medical Student Perceptions And Preparedness On The Study Of Medical Cannabis During Medical School, Abraham Benavides, Mikhail Kogan, Nicholas Gregorio, Puneet Gupta

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Introduction: Professional education on medical cannabis lags behind growing public interest and increasing legal availability of medical and recreational cannabis; most US adults now have access to some form of legalized cannabis. The Cannabis as Medicine Interest Group (CANMIG) at GW SMHS believes that future physicians should be adequately prepared to handle patients’ questions about cannabis as it relates to their health and well-being. This study investigated the extent to which medical students wish to learn about medical cannabis and assessed their subjective preparedness to counsel patients on this topic.

Methods: One-hundred and five allopathic medical students completed an online …

Smartphone Ecological Momentary Assessment: Adherence, Stress, And Sleep Study, David Massabni

Honors Scholar Theses

It is known that lack of sleep correlates with more stress throughout the day. In this unique study, we utilize participants smartphones to complete surveys through a hyperlink via text message. The use of smartphones could help because stress and sleep can only be measured at a moment’s notice. A sample of 8 participants were assessed for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), College Student’s Stressful Event Checklist (CSSEC) along with their height, weight, and blood pressure at baseline. Next, participants were asked to respond to five scheduled surveys over the next two days where they completed …

An Integrative Approach To Mindfulness-Based Symptom Management For Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lisa Barer

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic health condition; its etiology is poorly understood, and treatment options are limited to management of symptoms. Current recommended treatment options are controversial, and evidence of effectiveness is limited. This paper proposes a novel model for symptom management of ME/CFS using mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and relaxation techniques. A comprehensive review of available evidence is used to support this approach. The idea is that, working synergistically, these three approaches, grounded by mindfulness-based principles, can address many of the symptoms of the illness and help patients better cope and manage their day-to-day …

Utilization Of Acupuncture Services In The Emergency Department Setting: A Quality Improvement Study, John R. Burns, Jessica J. F. Kram, Vashir Xiong, Jeanne M. Stark Casadont, Tiffany A. Mullen, Nancy Conway, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Patients often present to the emergency department (ED) for pain. As opioid fatalities rise, alternative treatments are warranted for pain management. Acupuncture, a nonpharmacological treatment involving the insertion of needles into skin or tissue at specific points within the body, may help to decrease acute pain. Our study aimed to assess the utilization and impact of acupuncture in the ED for acute pain management.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of purposefully collected quality improvement data. Patients who were ≥18 years old and who presented to the ED at an urban medical center in Wisconsin during 2017 were offered …

Professional Experience At Ohio Council For Home Care & Hospice, Emma T. Hill

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Why Doula Services Should Become An Essential Health Benefit In New York State, Jalisha Hanshaw, Amy White

Publications and Research

Doulas are birth workers who assist expecting mothers through pregnancy, birth and postpartum using holistic techniques. Techniques include: prenatal yoga, birth affirmations and induction acupuncture. Doulas are underrated healthcare providers who deserve the same respect as clinical and non-clinical providers. Doulas are well-rounded alternative care providers who focus on mental, emotional, and physical well being of mothers. Also, they know special alternative medical techniques that prevent mothers from maternal mortality among other negative health outcomes. The amount of time and effort doulas perform with expecting mothers are equal or more than the average medical healthcare provider and should be a …

2018 Guide Summer Research - Breast Cancer, Qur'annah Jones, Delawnia Comer-Hagans

Research Days

This research poster details the relationship between cancer treatments and alternative approaches, such as mindfulness. The purpose of this study was to determine the methodology used by doctors to treat breast cancer and their willingness to try a holistic approach. This study was conducted on site at the UIC Cancer Center as well as remotely within hospitals around the Chicagoland area. We determined that mindfulness is in fact a worthwhile asset to breast cancer patients and that the field of oncology could support further research.

The Ketogenic Diet: An Answer For Autism?, Anne Perez

BU Well

Lacking substantial evidence regarding its genetic identity, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a remarkably misunderstood condition with limited options for effective treatment. As the prevalence of patients with ASD increases, medical professionals continue to search for a solution. Could the ketogenic diet, a high fat, low carbohydrate nutrition plan, provide the relief that ASD patients are searching for?

Prescribing Exercise For Chronic Pain Management, Katie Hettinger

BU Well

In light of the opioid crisis, practitioners are looking for alternative ways to effectively treat pain. Utilizing exercise modalities as a method of pain management is becoming increasingly popular and more research is being done in this area than ever before. This article analyzes different research regarding exercise therapy for pain management, as well as what type of exercise has been found to be most beneficial for patients in pain.