Mental and Social Health Commons^™

The State Of (Mis) Trust: Human-Centered Technology Development & Implementation In Intensive Mental Health Settings, Jessa Lin Westheimer, Ryan P Smith, Peter Iacobelli, Hyuntaek Oh, Lacey Tezino, Raheela Khan, Jared Broussard, Gordon Meltzer, Nadine Obeid, Stephanie Cunningham, Robert J Boland, Michelle A Patriquin

Staff and Researcher Publications

Innovative technology-based solutions in mental healthcare promise significant improvements in care quality and clinical outcomes. However, their successful implementation is profoundly influenced by the levels of trust patients hold toward their treatment providers, organizations, and the technology itself. This paper delves into the complexities of building and assessing patient trust within the intensive mental health care context, focusing on inpatient settings. We explore the multifaceted nature of trust, including interpersonal, institutional, and technological trust. We highlight the crucial role of therapeutic trust, which comprises both interpersonal trust between patients and providers, and institutional trust in treatment organizations. The manuscript identifies …

Global Impact Of Aging On The Hemodynamic Response Function In The Gray Matter Of Human Cerebral Cortex, Nooshin J Fesharaki, Amanda Taylor, Keisjon Mosby, Ruosha Li, Jung Hwan Kim, David Ress

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In functional magnetic resonance imaging, the hemodynamic response function (HRF) is a stereotypical response to local changes in cerebral hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism due to briefly (< 4 s) evoked neural activity. Accordingly, the HRF is often used as an impulse response with the assumption of linearity in data analysis. In cognitive aging studies, it has been very common to interpret differences in brain activation as age-related changes in neural activity. Contrary to this assumption, however, evidence has accrued that normal aging may also significantly affect the vasculature, thereby affecting cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism, confounding interpretation of fMRI cognitive aging studies. In this study, use was made of a multisensory task to evoke the HRF in ~87% of cerebral cortex in cognitively intact adults with ages ranging from 22 to 75 years. This widespread activation enabled us to investigate age trends in the spatial distributions of HRF characteristics within the majority of cortical gray matter, which we termed as global age trends. The task evoked both positive and negative HRFs, which were characterized using model-free parameters in native-space coordinates. We found significant global age trends in the distributions of HRF parameters in terms of both amplitudes (e.g., peak amplitude and contrast-to-noise ratio) and temporal dynamics (e.g., full-width-at-half-maximum). Our findings offer insight into how age-dependent changes affect neurovascular coupling and show promise for use of HRF parameters as non-invasive indicators for age-related pathology.

Reducing No-Shows In A Behavioral Health Setting: A Program Evaluation, Meagan Evans

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

Mental healthcare in America faces many significant challenges; this is especially true in rural regions like Southwest Virginia. When patients miss their scheduled appointments, it represents a lost opportunity to deliver the critical mental health services that other individuals in need could have benefited from. A significant access issue presents itself when patients are not able to get the mental health support they need. The lack of outpatient access leads to patients utilizing emergency rooms inappropriately for what could have been routine care visits. A multitude of factors can contribute to patients failing to attend their scheduled appointments, including transportation …

Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder In The Outpatient Indigenous Health Clinic Setting, Kylie M. Timmerman

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Alcohol use disorder disproportionately impacts American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations at higher rates of disease morbidity and mortality. In the primary care setting, few treatment resources are available to patients outside of medication-only options.

Local Problem: While the intervention site (rural Tribal Federally Qualified Health Center [FQHC]) was known to have a well-established medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opiate use disorder (OUD), the was a need for alcohol use disorder (AUD) resources.

Methods: A review of current evidence was conducted to explore best practices for addressing AUD in the AIAN outpatient clinic setting.

Intervention(s): A quality improvement …

Improving Health Equity: Integrating Mental Health Services Into Mobile Health Clinics For Unhoused And Low-Income Populations In The United States, Tiffany Lynn Wong

Master's Projects and Capstones

Mental health disparities among homeless and low-income populations in the United States highlight significant challenges in access and quality of care. This literature review explores the integration of mental health services into Mobile Health Clinics (MHCs) as a promising recommendation to address these disparities. I used various search engines, extracting 10 articles published from 2013 to 2023 focused on the U.S. MHCs show its effectiveness in improving healthcare access and quality of care, covering different services like mammography, reproductive health, COVID-19 testing, and diabetes care. Building on these successful models, this paper proposes extending MHCs to include mental health screenings, …

Somethin' I'M Tryin' To Work On, Ian P. Summers

Capstones

A filmmaker tells the story of the night he nearly committed suicide. Traveling from his home in Brooklyn, Ian tells three of his closest friends, Drake, Alec and Matt, about how they unknowingly helped him through the most difficult time in his life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87iUM31s-Eg

Improving Food Security To Decrease Hypertension At An Urban Community Clinic, Christine S. Villalta

Master's Projects and Capstones

Diet and lifestyle changes have been proven to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, and a key dietary approach aligned with this recommendation is the DASH diet, which includes consuming fruits and vegetables. Food insecurity, defined as lacking enough safe, nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life, is a growing crisis in the United States, affecting 13.5% of U.S. households in 2023. This is especially significant for those whose chronic disease management depends on the accessibility of healthy food. An urban community clinic implemented a Food Security Program to decrease food insecurity and reduce hypertension among their …

Utilizing Pupper, A Social Robot Dog, To Increase Happiness And Improve Mood In Pediatric Patients Of A Cardiac Step-Down Unit, Angela Feng Wu

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective The usage of social robots in pediatrics is an emerging field of study. Preliminary research shows that they are effective at improving the psychosocial well-being of pediatric patients. This quality improvement project focuses on Pupper, a newly developed quadruped social robot dog, and its ability in improving mood and happiness in pediatric patients of a cardiac step-down unit. Aim The aim of this project is to increase average mood scores of pediatric cardiac patients aged 3-25 years by 50% from their baseline of 3.75 to 5.63 on a six-point scale within a one-month time frame. Methods Before intervention and …

Ni Reprimir, Ni Rezar, Ni Traducir: Latinos En Nueva York Piden Cuidados De Salud Mental Incluyentes, Laura Rojas Aponte

Capstones

In New York City, only three out of ten Latinos diagnosed with depression receive treatment, compared to over half of white adults with the same condition, according to the latest Department of Health report. Despite the clear need for mental health care, access remains limited, with a lack of culturally competent services further widening the gap.

While mental health has become a more open topic in recent years, many Latinos still face significant barriers to therapy, including high costs, limited insurance coverage, cultural stigma, and disconnects between patients and providers. However, there are ongoing efforts to address these challenges, ranging …

Assessing The Reach Of Health Access Resources In Indianapolis For Populations With Low Income, Kyler A. Casbon, Kai J. Gatting, Simran Nadig, Isabella K. Peckinpaugh, Alexandre A. Sauquet, Kourtney A. D. Byrd, Megan E. Conklin, Gicella Garcia, Mitchell L. Struewing, Omolola A. Adeoye-Olatunde

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Two public health crises that the United States are contending with are diabetes and the prevalence of opioid overdoses, both of which have a significant impact on communities nationwide. Inequities in social conditions contribute to health disparities amidst these diabetes and opioid overdose public health crises nationally and locally. To address these health inequities in Indianapolis, Indiana, the the Purdue University Center for Health Excellence, Quality and Innovation (CHEQI) shaped relationships through their CHAMP (Community Health Access Model Partnerships) services with local food pantries and homeless shelters, providing Indianapolis residents pre-diabetes screening and resources and convenient access to and education …

It's Going To Be Okay: Experiences And Perceptions Of People Who Seek Reassurance At Work, Liana Bernard

Dissertations and Theses

This study examined the experiences and perceptions of people who seek reassurance at work using a mixed methods (focus groups and experimental) approach. Reassurance-seeking is an attempt to elicit supportive communication from another person to help one reduce experienced anxiety. First, using focus groups with 32 participants, this study found that people seeking reassurance at work develop complex cognitive structures to reduce the prospective negative impacts of reassurance-seeking behaviors, particularly for those with marginalized identities. Then, in a 3x2 between-person experimental design in which employee gender and reassurance-seeking were manipulated, participants read a transcript of an interaction between an employee …

The Relationships Between Binge-Watching Behavior, Content Familiarity, Depression, And Anxiety, Emma Miller

Master's Theses & Other Graduate Student Works

This December 2024 Master of Science in Psychology thesis at Lipscomb University analyzes how binge-watching has become a dominant media consumption behavior, yet its psychological impacts remain understudied. This thesis examines the relationships between binge-watching behavior, content familiarity, depression, and anxiety, with a focus on whether familiarity moderates mental health outcomes. A sample of 94 participants completed surveys measuring binge-watching habits, content familiarity, and mental health indicators using the CES-D and SCAARED scales. Results from multiple regression analyses indicated that age, content familiarity, and viewing context significantly predicted depression, while only age predicted anxiety. Notably, participants who binge-watched familiar content …

Understanding The Transitional Needs Of Servicemembers To Veterans: A Focus On Mental, Social, And Behavioral Health, Marieann C. Raguso

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to fill the gaps on the transitional American veterans’ lived experience using their own voice. The reconstruction of an American Veteran’s identity after transitioning back into civilian life is a process with many challenges. Transitional practices often fail to help veterans to acculturate back into the civilian world. This includes the formulation of identities and associations. There is a lack of consistency in military transitional practices leading to identity loss and the formulation of mental and behavioral disorders. The aim of this study is to examine the lived experiences of veterans who have transitioned back …

Association Of Unmet Social Needs With Disease-Related Outcomes In Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease, Molly Sonenklar, Sarah Marks, Cerelia Donald, Cecelia Valrie, Wally Smith, India Sisler

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Social determinants of health (SDoH) are socioeconomic factors that influence health and well-being, though when unmet can greatly contribute to health disparities. Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk of mortality, disability, and healthcare utilization. However, there are limited data linking specific social needs with disease outcomes in this population. Therefore, we sought to identify the unmet needs in one institution and their association with healthcare utilization. Methods: Children with SCD and their guardians answered demographic and SDoH questionnaires during routine Sickle Cell Clinic appointments. We defined an unmet social need as any positive answer to …

¿Qué Dijo El Médico?: Creating A Procedural Preparation Booklet For Spanish-Speaking Patients And Families In The Pediatric Hospital Setting, Caitlyn Bockbrader

Honors Projects

The purpose of my Honors Project is to demonstrate the need for and creation of a resource that supports Spanish-speaking children’s ability to cope through commonly stressful medical procedures. In developing this project, I conducted a literature review on the efficacy of preparation booklets in lessening pre-procedural anxiety, cultural considerations for the Hispanic community, and current barriers to equitable language access in healthcare settings. My final product was designed to answer the following question: How can the psychosocial outcomes of Spanish-speaking children in U.S. hospitals be improved through the use of Child Life procedural preparation materials? In answering this question, …

Comparison Of Quality Of Life, Anxiety, And Depression Levels Based On Acne Vulgaris Severity, Annisaul Husna, Satya Wydya Yenny, Desmawati Desmawati, Gardenia Akhyar, Masrul Masrul, Yulistini Yulistini

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit. Although acne vulgaris is not fatal, it can cause psychological effects. This study aimed to compare the quality of life, anxiety, and depression levels based on the severity of acne vulgaris among medical students at Andalas University.

Methods: This was an observational-analytic study with a cross-sectional design. It was conducted from May to June 2023. The population included the third-grade students of the Medical Study Program of the Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, who had acne vulgaris. The respondents were 70 people, recruited with consecutive sampling techniques. This research …

Transdisciplinary Collaboration Of Healthcare Professionals And The Emotional Connectedness With Working With Patients Coping With Death And Dying, Princess Nguyen, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores how an integrated approach to care for patients and families by transdisciplinary healthcare teams provides opportunities for a patient-centered care approach to support quality of life throughout one's chronic illness and at the end-of-life. Discussions and conversations about impending death or dying are often challenging and a complex task for healthcare professionals in whatever settings. While there is an understanding of aspects of collaborative care and transitions and processes to support patients and families about how to cope and communicate about death and dying, it is essential to recognize how best to support end-of-life care …

Disparities In The Pregnancy Experience: A Multi-Case Analysis, Tiffany C. Thomas, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Racial disparities in maternal healthcare continue to be a significant issue, with Black women experiencing worse outcomes compared to White women. Despite improvements in healthcare, Black women are still 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, and they face higher rates of preterm births, low birth weight, and insufficient prenatal care. This paper examines the experiences of three African American women from high socioeconomic backgrounds, focusing on where these negative experiences are most common throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. The study uses the Pregnancy and Maternity Care Patients' Experiences Questionnaire (PreMaPEQ) to explore different stages of care, …

Understanding Provider Competency In Gender Affirming Care, Vanessa Castle, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual plus (LGBTQ+) individuals, especially transgender patients, face many healthcare disparities. It is extremely important for them to have access to high-quality healthcare, particularly Gender Affirming Care (GAC), to support their well-being and mental health. However, many healthcare providers, including clinical social workers, NPs, PAs, and MDs lack proper training to offer GAC. The current training opportunities available are often basic and lack comprehensive, detailed information. To reduce healthcare barriers for the transgender and gender-diverse community, we must have comprehensive training on GAC available for providers so they can treat their patients with …

Benefits Of Meditation Practices In Alleviating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Symptoms For Individuals Already In Therapy, Jeanette G. Mann, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract

This study examines the impact of adding and incorporating a meditation practice into a treatment plan for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for three adult patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The cases involved included patients with persistent PTSD symptoms who had experienced limited improvement with standard therapies. Data from Electronic Health Records and clinician notes showed that adding an eight-week meditation practice enhanced emotional regulation and reduced anxiety. In all three cases, the meditation practice increased the benefits of the traditional therapy. This helped the patients have greater control over their PTSD symptoms and improve their quality …