7670 research outputs found
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Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Neuro ICU Patients
Full text linkOur poster focuses on advancing the prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs), with a specific focus on Neuro ICU patients. CAUTIs are a major concern, accounting for 25% of hospital-acquired infections. Neuro ICU patients are particularly vulnerable, facing a 2 to 5 times higher risk for CAUTIs due to frequent use of catheters and immobilization. These infections contribute to increased patient morbidity, mortality, extended hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. Our project aims to reduce CAUTI rates in the Neuro ICU by implementing the ANA CAUTI Prevention Tool exactly as outlined on the ANA CDC website, without any modifications. We are ensuring that nurses use it once per shift for all patients with a Foley catheter and document its completion in the EHR as well as attend training sessions for implementation of the tool. We outline a comprehensive plan for implementation, a sustainability strategy, a proposed budget, and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the initiative. Future implications of the project are identified
Advancing Study Abroad as a Marquee Offering in Graduate Programs
No full textThe purpose of our Scholarship, Performance, Art, Research, and Knowledge (SPARK) Symposium presentation is a direct ask to leadership about the incorporation of study abroad programming as a marquee offering of graduate programs, including Massey programs. The undergraduate study abroad program is much more robust and bringing attention to graduate programs is one of the desired outcomes of our presentation.
We believe that studying abroad is a solution that
1. Helps Belmont deliver on its 2030 vision to be the “leading Christ-centered university in the world”
2. Is critical AS business students to develop cross-cultural literacy fluency as a coveted skill sought after for employers
3. Builds and/or strengthens students’ entrepreneurial skills and mindsets by exposing them to entrepreneurial mindset developing activities (like the business case) in addition to visiting/hearing from entrepreneurs themselves (Positive Me)
Study Abroad prepares students as real-world leaders of today and tomorrow. It is not a nice to have, it is a must have
The Impact of High Deductible Health Plans on Mental Health Treatment
Full text linkProject Title: The Impact of High Deductible Health Plans on Mental Health Treatment
Background and Rationale: High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are designed to reduce overall healthcare spending by shifting more upfront costs to patients to discourage overutilization of care, yet HDHPs often increase financial burden, particularly in outpatient mental health care. Patients covered by HDHPs often face substantial out-of-pocket costs before reaching their deductible. This can lead to potential delays or discontinuation of psychiatric treatment. Financial transparency interventions by the mental health provider may mitigate these barriers through more-informed patient decision-making regarding payment options. This project evaluates the impact of a financial transparency intervention on reducing payment responsibility for HDHP patients in an outpatient psychiatric practice in Nashville, Tennessee.
SMART Aim: By December 31, 2024, 95% of patients aged 12 to 80 with HDHPs at Dambrino Wellness will experience a reduction in out-of-pocket costs through financial transparency interventions.
Methods: This quality improvement project followed the Iowa Model for evidence-based practice change and included a retrospective review of charts between August and December 2024. Data were collected from 145 patients who established care at Dambrino Wellness between January 1 and June 30, 2024, with a subset of 21 patients (14.5%) identified as having HDHPs. Financial transparency interventions included structured discussions led by a psychiatric nurse practitioner on insurance utilization, cash-pay options, and deductible impacts. Key outcome measures included the percentage of HDHP patients who experienced a reduced out-of-pocket (OOP) financial burden, provider time spent on financial transparency, and patient retention for the HDHP cohort.
Outcomes: Among HDHP patients, 81% (17 of 21) successfully reduced their payment responsibility, while 19% (4 of 21) did not meet the aim. Of those who did not meet the aim, three patients chose to continue using insurance despite higher OOP costs, and one discontinued care due to financial constraints. Financial transparency discussions accounted for 20.6% of provider working hours (95 out of 462 total hours). In 81% of cases, patients who opted for cash-pay over insurance achieved comparable or lower costs. One HDHP patient did not receive a financial transparency consultation and was therefore not included in the final data analysis.
Conclusion: While the project AIM was not met, the majority of HDHP patients at Dambrino Wellness experienced a reduced OOP payment responsibility following the financial transparency intervention. Barriers could remain for some HDHP patients who default to insurance-based payment or discontinue care due to cost concerns, while other HDHP patients could pay less over the course of the year due to meeting the deductible. These findings underscore the importance of financial literacy in mental health treatment. Mental health providers can play a key role in supporting patient decision-making and insurance utilization through financial transparency
Cell Size Sorting with Acoustically Aided Microfluidics
No full textMicrofluidic (MF) devices use the flow of fluids, like blood, through microscopic channels to test features of the fluid. Microfluidic devices have been adopted in clinical labs due to their conveniently small size, ability to analyze living matter, and their adaptability to many laboratory uses. Sorting cells by size is one application for MF devices, such as in cell purifying for biological research or sperm selection for in vitro fertilization. This work focuses on sorting particles by size using microfluidics and acoustical forces from an ultrasound transducer in a cost effective way. Specifically, the effects of frequency on the amount of particles correctly sorted were explored. The MF devices were created using the embossed foil method. Finished devices were then placed next to an ultrasound transducer for testing. A solution of polystyrene spheres of different sizes in the sub-millimeter range were flowed through the devices. We present a working set-up for particle size sorting
Analysis of Antioxidant Levels in Canned, Frozen, and Fresh Green Beans
No full textAs cancer rates continue to rise in the United States, determining prevention mechanisms has become increasingly important. Antioxidants react with free radicals and neutralize them, which is important because free radicals cause damage that leads to cancer. Free radicals are highly reactive species that can form both in the body and from external sources, causing cellular damage by reacting with DNA and other cellular structures. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables; however, typical processes for storing like canning and freezing could limit the function of these antioxidants. In this experiment, frozen, fresh, and canned green beans were tested for both antioxidant concentration and activity. The antioxidants were extracted and then assessed through the calibration of gallic acid to determine concentration and the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to quantify antioxidant activity. The results of this research indicate that fresh green beans had a higher level of antioxidant concentration when compared to frozen and canned green beans. The TEAC assay indicated that fresh and frozen green beans had relatively equal and larger amount of antioxidant activity compared to the canned green beans, while the DPPH assay indicated that the frozen green beans had the largest amount of antioxidant activity
Political Ideology & Attitudes Toward Higher Education
No full textI\u27m investigating how political beliefs, such as identifying as liberal or conservative, shape opinions on higher education. While some view college as essential for career and intellectual growth, others question its quality or perceive ideological bias in universities. Through surveys and data analysis, my research explores how political ideology influences these attitudes and why it matters. Understanding these connections can inform discussions on the role of higher education in society
University Gentrification: The University\u27s Contribution to Political District Shifts
No full textThe term “university gentrification,” coined by Davarian L. Baldwin seeks to examine the university’s effect on its surrounding neighborhood. ProPublica examines this idea, finding that this method of university expansion disproportionately displaces minority and low-income populations. Shifts in human geographical patterns have been highlighted by scholars as a factor contributing to political district shifts. Therefore, the interconnection between the university and the political district is imminent. This prompts a discovery in the role the university plays within the make-up of the political district, questioning whether the district is made more liberal or conservative as a result of Baldwin’s university gentrification. By examining 200 different public and private universities and their designated state House districts through one-way ANOVA testing, I will examine this relationship and the results that stem from it
Psychological Well-Being as a Function of Affectionate Communication
No full textPrior research has found that certain levels of care and closeness are expressed through affectionate communication and how it impacts emotional intelligence (Aloia, et.al, 2017). Additional research shows how health correlates with affection deprivation through emotions and personality disorders to affect an individual’s mental health (Floyd, 2017). We hypothesized that people who had low levels of affection will have lower scores on well-being. We administered a Qualtrics survey to college students between the ages of 18-24 to assess the effect of affectionate communication on well-being. These findings and their implications for students will be discussed
Musical Form in 6th Grade General Music
No full textThis portfolio showcases the application of diverse educational methods and adaptations to support concepts in musical form. By analyzing student outcomes over a three-day period, this portfolio provides measurable insights into student progress