Paw Prints (University of Arkansas - Fort Smith)
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Breast Implants and the Associated Risk of Breast Implant Illness and Cancer
No full textSpring 2024 Graduate Project/Thesis/Capstone in Healthcare Administration
Student ID redacted.One of the most popular cosmetic procedures is breast augmentation through the use of breast implants, giving women an opportunity to enhance their physical appearance and well-being. However, this new appearance also brings the associated health risks regarding Breast Implant Illness (BII) and the development of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This abstract comprehensively reviews the literature review and information on the associated risk between breast implants, Breast Implant Illness (BII), and Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). In the current market, there are various types of breast implants, including saline and silicone made with a silicone shell with either a smooth or textured surface. We look at current information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to understand the information given to patients and physicians to help women make the best decisions for them with all the information given. Breast augmentations were up 44% to about 365,000 performed in 2021 and roughly were up to 32% to about 148,000 having them removed. While implantation is still a popular elective surgery, implant removal is also growing at an increasing rate (The Aesthetic Society, 2022).Dr. Cheryl Holden, Executive Director, Associate Professor
MHCA 6104: Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration-Faculty Dr. Jim Dockin
Evaluating the Impact of Telemedicine on Survival Rates for Patients with CKD in Rural Areas
No full textSpring 2024 Graduate Project/Thesis/Capstone in Healthcare Administration.
Student ID redacted.According to Domislović et al., (2022), chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major global health burdens due to the high prevalence and associated risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). CKD disproportionately affects rural areas, where access to specialized care is limited. This study evaluates how telemedicine interventions improve survival rates among rural CKD patients. Telemedicine addresses CKD challenges by enabling remote access to nephrologists and regular monitoring. Through telecommunication technologies, patients receive timely diagnoses and interventions, overcoming geographical barriers. Remote monitoring and teleconsultations empower patients to actively engage in their healthcare, leading to better outcomes and preventing disease progression. By bridging gaps in access to specialized care, telemedicine reduces health disparities in rural areas. Previously underserved patients now have comprehensive CKD management through telehealth platforms. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces healthcare costs associated with hospitalizations and emergency care. Telemedicine transforms CKD management in rural areas by delivering timely interventions, empowering patients, and mitigating geographical barriers to healthcare access. This research contributes to understanding telemedicine's role in addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing outcomes for rural CKD populations.Dr. Cheryl Holden, Executive Director, Associate Professor
MHCA 6104: Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration-Faculty Dr. Jim Dockin
Addressing Physician Shortages Throughout Rural America and Exploring Effective Recruiting Strategies Within Rural Hospitals to Increase Physician Supply and Retention
Full text linkSpring 2024 Graduate Project/Thesis/Capstone in Healthcare Administration.
Student ID redacted.The recruitment and retention of physicians in rural areas present critical challenges to healthcare delivery, compounded by geographic isolation, resource limitations, and workforce shortages. This capstone project delves into the intricate landscape of rural physician recruitment and retention, aiming to unearth effective strategies and interventions to mitigate these challenges. This essay meticulously examines the current state of rural physician shortages, underscoring their profound impact on healthcare access and quality within rural communities. Health disparities stemming from physician shortages are explored, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative approaches to enhance recruitment and retention efforts. An array of quantifiable practice models and innovations are scrutinized for their potential to bolster physician retention in rural locales. Collaborative care models, telehealth advancements, interdisciplinary teams, alternative payment structures, and mobile health units emerge as promising avenues, offering distinct advantages to support physicians. Federal policies emerge as pivotal mechanisms for bolstering physician retention endeavors in rural areas. Initiatives such as the Rural Health Clinic program, Medicare Telehealth Services Benefit, National Health Service Corps, and Rural Physician Training Grant Program provide essential resources and incentives to fortify recruitment and retention initiatives. In addition to the quantitative research used to address physician shortages and recruitment initiatives, qualitative research was collected to add valuable information about the freedom providers have that is not portrayed before or during the recruitment process that could add valuable knowledge to future recruitment and retention efforts. Notwithstanding progress, persistent challenges hinder physician recruitment and retention in rural regions. Workforce pipeline constraints, financial disparities, professional isolation, and limited career progression opportunities are formidable barriers to surmount. In conclusion, a comprehensive and collaborative approach to rural physician recruitment and retention is paramount. By prioritizing interdisciplinary collaboration, technology-driven care, community engagement, opportunities to practice beyond the scope, and policy advocacy, stakeholders can forge a path toward improved access to quality care and the promotion of rural population health.Dr. Cheryl Holden, Executive Director, Associate Professor
MHCA 6104: Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration-Faculty Dr. Jim Dockin
A Persistent Issue: High Turnover Rates In Nursing Homes
No full textFall 2024 Graduate Project/Thesis/Capstone in Healthcare Administration. Includes both capstone paper and presentation slides. Student ID redacted. Presentation slides dated October 2024.An analysis of current literature was conducted to better understand why nursing staff turnover remains high in the nursing home setting and the factors causing these high rates. Factors include wages below federal poverty levels for direct care workers, lack of benefits, and poor employee satisfaction and decreased emphasis on employee wellness. With this analysis, the severity of the effects of turnover and the impact on the healthcare system are discussed. An analysis of current strategies being implemented to improve high turnover rates, as well as how the nursing home care sector fairs currently, has also been discussed. Suggestions of potential policies to change the current state of the nursing home sector is critical in retaining and attracting potential long term care nursing staff in nursing homes.
Keywords: long term care, turnover, high turnover rates, nursing home, nursing staff, direct care workers, healthcareDr. Cheryl Holden, Executive Director, Associate Professor MHCA 6104: Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration-Faculty Dr. Jim Dockin
Instrumental Music and You | Barriers-to-Entry for Non-Classically Trained Musicians and What Can Be Done Against Them
No full textThis work was originally presented as a poster presentation in the UAFS Student Research Symposium of Spring 2024 (includes poster and working paper.)
It was presented by its author, James Estrada, B.M.E, and sponsored by UAFS Director of Bands/Professor of Music-Low Brass Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, D.M.A.All too often, individuals that are not classically trained in music will view the world of instrumental music at an angle of what “should have” and “could have been” rather than at an angle of what could become. There are high costs from owning and maintaining many of the single traditional classical instruments; there is a large amount of time and dedication required to acquire technical mastery in many traditional classical instruments; there is a misalignment in priorities that creates confusion and a loss of commitment for newcomers. Many challenges come in the way of people that want to become classically trained musicians or want to engage with the world of instrumental music beginning in adult life. Unfortunately, these individuals sometimes never experience the pleasures of composing and performing with traditional classical instruments. This presentation touches on the circumstances that cause the separation between non-classically trained adults and classical instrumental music. It also provides potential solutions for non-classically trained adults to enter the world of instrumental music as composers and musicians.UAFS Director of Bands/Professor of Music-Low Brass Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, D.M.A
Analysis of the Nursing Shortage Since The Affordable Care Act of 2010
Full text linkSpring 2024 Graduate Project/Thesis/Capstone in Healthcare Administration
Student ID has been redacted.The nursing shortage in the United States spans well beyond the dates of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, since the ACA's inception in 2010, the need for qualified, available nurses continues to make headlines. This demand for nurses remains a hot topic in every administrative board room because it is linked to quality, safety, and efficiency in all healthcare settings. As healthcare became more accessible, the need for healthcare professionals increased. This paper aims to identify the key components that have formed historical barriers to meeting nursing demands and how this affects patient care quality. Results from statistical data show that a high number of nurses continue to inch closer to retirement. At the same time, the luster and appeal of nursing faculty have become a challenge for academic institutions. Further literature review of adverse events demonstrates a potential correlation between the number of available nursing staff and the safety and quality of patient care, reflecting on medication errors, readmission rates, infection, and even death. Identifying the reason for the shortage is only the beginning, finding solutions has been an ongoing challenge.Dr. Cheryl Holden, Executive Director, Associate Professor
MHCA 6104: Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration-Faculty Dr. Jim Dockin
Recruitment and Retention Factors for International Medical Graduates Versus American Born/American Trained Physicians
Full text linkFall 2024 Graduate Project/Thesis/Capstone in Healthcare Administration. Includes both capstone paper and presentation slides.Physician recruitment and physician retention are two of the most important factors in the continued success of the US healthcare system. Recruitment involves the initial contract commitment of an individual physician and a healthcare system to fill a community need and a need of the physician. Physician retention is how a healthcare system works to keep physicians practicing in an area through different ideas and programs. This paper seeks to look at the different factors that influence recruitment and retention for International Medical Graduates versus American born/American trained physicians.Dr. Cheryl Holden, Executive Director, Associate Professor
MHCA 6104: Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration-Faculty Dr. Jim Dockin
Comparitive Analysis of Obesity and Diabetes Rates in Arkansas
No full textSpring 2024 Graduate Project/Thesis/Capstone in Healthcare AdministrationThe study delves into the intricate interplay between obesity and diabetes, examining how socioeconomic variables, specifically income and education, influence their prevalence patterns in Arkansas. It uncovers a significant difference in diabetes rates based on education level, but further data did not demonstrate a significant influence of income and education on obesity prevalence. These findings emphasize the need for targeted efforts to address health inequities associated with educational attainment. Policies should prioritize equitable access to healthcare resources and services while adopting comprehensive approaches covering management, early identification, and prevention. Future research should incorporate qualitative data, longitudinal analysis, and broader geographic comparisons to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play and guide focused actions to reduce health disparities and promote health equity. Additionally, exploring the influence of cultural factors, lifestyle choices, and healthcare access barriers could enrich the analysis and provide deeper insights into the complex relationship between socioeconomic status and health outcomes. Collaboration with community stakeholders, healthcare providers, and policymakers can foster innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of diverse populations, contributing to a more effective and sustainable approach in addressing the obesity and diabetes epidemic in Arkansas and beyond.Dr. Cheryl Holden, Executive Director, Associate Professor
MHCA 6104: Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration-Faculty Dr. Jim Dockin
Total Joint Infection Rates
No full textSpring 2024 Graduate Project/Thesis/Capstone in Healthcare Administration.
Student ID redacted.Each year, millions of Americans undergo surgical treatments with orthopedic procedures ranking among the most common. Total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) are a significant part of these procedures, as they involve replacing damaged joints with artificial components to alleviate pain and restore joint function. However, total joint arthroplasties carry certain risks, the most notable being surgical site infections (SSIs), which can lead to more extended hospital stays, additional surgeries, increased healthcare costs, and decreased patient well-being. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and surgical techniques influence the incidence of SSIs following TJAs. As total joint arthroplasties are predicted to become increasingly more prevalent, research also forecasts a rise in SSIs, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems and patient outcomes. Understanding the factors contributing to SSIs, implementing evidence-based preventative measures, and developing strategies to enhance patient safety to reduce these risks is critical. Therefore, exploring the correlation between total joint arthroplasties and postoperative infection rates, identifying risk factors, and assessing the effectiveness of preventative measures are crucial steps in reducing SSIs. All efforts aim to improve patient outcomes and optimize surgical practices for the benefit of patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations. Although providers cannot complete prevention surgical site infections from occurring, there are several ways to minimize contribution. Such prevention methods include antibiotic prophylaxis, proper surgical site preparation, surgical technique, wound closure techniques, and preoperative evaluation of patient health. The more healthcare providers understand the risk factors, the better equipped they are to prevent SSIs.Dr. Cheryl Holden, Executive Director, Associate Professor
MHCA 6104: Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration-Faculty Dr. Jim Dockin
Automating Prior Authorizations for Medications to Potentially Solve a Nursing Shortage
Full text linkSpring 2024 Graduate Project/Thesis/Capstone in Healthcare Administration
Student ID redacted.The United States has had a shortage of nurses for years. It began before COVID-19 and worsened during the pandemic due to burnout. Pre-COVID reasons for the shortage are heavily related to the aging of baby boomers. This caused a sharp increase in demand as baby boomers required more healthcare services due to advanced age. At the same time, there were supply issues as baby boomer nurses began retiring. Adding to the issue, in recent years, insurance companies have begun requiring far more prior authorizations (PAs) before they will pay for medications. These authorizations are a burden as they are time consuming and are completed primarily by nursing staff. This study investigates one healthcare system’s nursing shortage and explores automation of PAs for medications as a potential remedy. The idea behind this is that removing this task from nursing duties will allow them more time for direct patient care. This in turn will allow the organization to provide excellent care with fewer nurses.Dr. Cheryl Holden, Executive Director, Associate Professor
MHCA 6104: Graduate Project in Healthcare Administration-Faculty Dr. Jim Dockin