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Exploring the Lived Experiences of Junior U.S. Air Force Military Members: A Phenomenological Journey of Morale
No full text2025This Dissertation in Practice is a qualitative study of junior military members’ morale and its effect on work satisfaction, work effectiveness, resiliency, and the potential to offset the stress of serving in the United States military. The research question answered in this study was: How do junior military members experience morale in the work environment? This phenomenological study gathered data from junior members of the United States Air Force (USAF) employed between 2- to 7-years using a semi-structured open-ended question protocol. Study participants were asked how they experienced morale, and the perceived effects on their work satisfaction, work effectiveness, and resiliency. The key finding was that leadership is the cornerstone of morale and that it affects multiple areas of a junior enlisted member’s work and family life. The proposed solution is for the U.S. Air Force to implement additional training and education on morale and its vital importance across the force. A recommended path for implementing the proposed solution is provided along with suggestions for future research
Implementation of an Outpatient PTSD Screening and Referral Protocol for Trauma Patients: A Framework for Holistic Recovery
No full textPurpose: To improve the delivery and quality of care provided to trauma survivors through the development, implementation, and evaluation of a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk assessment tool and mental health intervention protocol for trauma patients in the outpatient setting.
Background: Current literature affirms that traumatic injuries can significantly impact mental health and consequently lead to poorer patient outcomes. A persisting gap remains in the identification and treatment of psychological complications secondary to trauma in the outpatient setting.
Sample/Setting: All individuals, ages 18 and older, who received treatment for traumatic physical injuries and attended a follow-up visit at a trauma clinic in southeastern Nebraska.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to document compliance of PTSD screening, mental health referrals, and patient education. Follow-up phone calls were utilized to identify any patient barriers to accessing mental health care.
Results: Over the nine-week implementation period, 40 patients were seen in the trauma clinic. Of these, 28 patients (70%) were screened for PTSD. 11 of the screened patients (39%) tested positive for the risk of developing PTSD, and all 11 (100%) were offered referrals to the Counseling Center. Additionally, 30 patients (75%) received PTSD education.
Conclusion: The success of this quality improvement project demonstrates the significant impact of the implemented protocol in providing trauma patients with continued monitoring and support after hospitalization.
Keywords: traumatic injury, trauma patients, post-traumatic stress disorder, early screening, screening tools, and interventions
Utilizing Clinical Guidelines and CDC Antibiotic Stewardship in Cases of Upper Respiratory Infections in the Urgent Care Environment: A Quality Improvement Project
No full textOverprescription of antibiotics in adult patients with upper respiratory infections (URIs) continues to be an ongoing concern in the outpatient care setting. Current evidence-based practice guidelines are available for treatment recommendations. Despite most causative agents being viral in nature, antibiotics continue to be prescribed. To assist with overprescription of antibiotics antibiotic stewardship programs have been adopted to assist in reduction of unnecessary antibiotic usage.
To reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescription a quality improvement project was completed to enhance antibiotic stewardship by reducing the number of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics for URIs in adult patients presenting to the UC with URI symptoms over an eight-week period. Evidence-based antibiotic prescribing practices aligning with the CDC and AAFP guidelines for outpatient care providers were used to guide quality improvement project.
Keywords: upper respiratory illness, adults’ upper respiratory illness, viral respiratory illness, antibiotics primary care, rural, provider education, nurse education
Effectiveness of Electrical Stimulation on Improving Upper Extremity Function for Adults with Spinal Cord Injury
No full textBackground: Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) affect up to 500,000 individuals worldwide annually, with significant physical, psychological, social, and financial implications. The physical limitations that come with SCIs, such as decreased upper extremity (UE) function, can lead to decreased participation in society and daily activities. Decreased independence in meaningful activities can lead to a lower quality of life for individuals with SCIs.
Aim: The aim of this critical analysis topic (CAT) is to highlight the critical role of occupational therapy in SCI recovery and analyze the research on the use and effectiveness of electrical stimulation techniques in facilitating recovery of upper extremity function and promoting independence in desired activities.
Method: Articles included in this review were peer-reviewed, published in 2013 or later, categorized as Level IB and Level IIB studies, composed of articles with a study population of individuals that have sustained a spinal cord injury, and included electrical stimulation techniques as a component of the intervention. Students critically analyzed articles using the inclusion criteria to synthesize the information. Students then used the information to develop implications for occupational therapy practice.
Results: Protocols for electrical stimulation will vary based on the individuals' strengths, areas of improvement, and goals, but research indicates that use of electrical stimulation in adjunct with task-specific training, massed practice, or other purposeful client-centered interventions can lead to improved upper extremity function in individuals with SCI. Electrical stimulation in conjunction with other therapies can promote increased participation in self-care activities by improving upper extremity strength, dexterity, range of motion, and sensation. Further research on electrical stimulation for patients with SCI should incorporate larger sample sizes in order to generalize results
