View All Items

Title: Les Temps Roulent: An Analysis of Emergency Medical and Police Response Times to Shootings and Lethality in New Orleans.
Creator: Sacra, Sarah, Corzine, Harold, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Gay, David, McCutcheon, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Lethality of aggravated assaults has long been discussed in terms of weapons used, location of assault, demographics of victims, and regions of the US in which the assault occurred. However, dating back to the 1950s, medical response times have been discussed as a mediating factor, but minimally explored in analyses. The current study assesses the lethality of shootings with a primary focus on emergency medical and police response times in New Orleans, LA. Along with routine activities and...
Show moreLethality of aggravated assaults has long been discussed in terms of weapons used, location of assault, demographics of victims, and regions of the US in which the assault occurred. However, dating back to the 1950s, medical response times have been discussed as a mediating factor, but minimally explored in analyses. The current study assesses the lethality of shootings with a primary focus on emergency medical and police response times in New Orleans, LA. Along with routine activities and social disorganization indicators, 102 shootings that occurred in 3 months are analyzed to establish response time patterns of lethality. Results indicate that neither medical nor police response times impact the odds of a victim surviving a shooting, but instead, it is the days on which the violent encounters occur and the socioeconomic characteristics of the neighborhood that have a stronger influence on life or death, although not statistically significant. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005881, ucf:50877
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005881

Title: Technical Illustration: The Changes and Challenges Presented by Advancements in Technology.
Creator: Caudill, Cindy, Jones, Daniel, Flammia, Madelyn, Young, Beth, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis investigates the changes and challenges technology has created in the field of technical illustration. Technical illustration includes the fields of technical drawing as well as scientific and medical illustration. Previously, technical illustrators learned and used traditional illustration methods, without the aid of computers. However, technology has rapidly entered the field and has changed the education, work environment, skills, and role of the technical illustrator. I note...
Show moreThis thesis investigates the changes and challenges technology has created in the field of technical illustration. Technical illustration includes the fields of technical drawing as well as scientific and medical illustration. Previously, technical illustrators learned and used traditional illustration methods, without the aid of computers. However, technology has rapidly entered the field and has changed the education, work environment, skills, and role of the technical illustrator. I note both the benefits and disadvantages that current technical illustrators are facing in their work. I explore both sides of the digital media and traditional art debate while focusing on the technical illustrator's role, tools and methods used in the illustration process, education, idea-generation, and the future of technical illustration. By emphasizing the issues associated with the incorporation of digital media into traditional methods, I hope to bring awareness to the transformation of technical illustration and the future of this discipline.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005145, ucf:50681
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005145

Title: A Framework for Measuring Return on Investment for Healthcare Simulation-Based Training.
Creator: Bukhari, Hatim, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Goldiez, Brian, Andreatta, Pamela, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In the healthcare sector, providing high-quality service in a safe environment for both patient and staff is an obvious and ultimate major objective. Training is an essential component for achieving this important objective. Most organizations acknowledge that employee simulation-based training programs are an important part of the human capital strategy, yet few have effectively succeeded in quantifying the real and precise ROI of this type of investment. Therefore, if the training is...
Show moreIn the healthcare sector, providing high-quality service in a safe environment for both patient and staff is an obvious and ultimate major objective. Training is an essential component for achieving this important objective. Most organizations acknowledge that employee simulation-based training programs are an important part of the human capital strategy, yet few have effectively succeeded in quantifying the real and precise ROI of this type of investment. Therefore, if the training is perceived as a waste of resources and its ROI is not clearly recognized, it will be the first option to cut when the budget cut is needed.The various intangible benefits of healthcare simulation-based training are very difficult to quantify. In addition, there was not a unified way to count for the different cost and benefits to provide a justifiable ROI. Quantifying the qualitative and intangible benefits of medical training simulator needed a framework that helps to identify and convert qualitative and intangible benefits into monetary value so it can be considered in the ROI evaluation.This research is a response to the highlighted importance of developing a comprehensive framework that has the capability to take into consideration the wide range of benefits that simulation-based training can bring to the healthcare system taking into consideration the characteristics of this specific field of investment. The major characteristics of investment in this field include the uncertainty, the qualitative nature of the major benefits, and the diversity and the wide range of applications.This comprehensive framework is an integration of several methodologies and tools. It consists of three parts. The first part of the framework is the benefits and cost structure, which pays special attention to the qualitative and intangible benefits by considering the Value Measurement methodology (VMM) and other previously existing models. The second part of the framework is important to deal with the uncertainty associated with this type of investment. Monte Carlo simulation is a tool that considered multiple scenarios of input sets instead of a single set of inputs. The third part of the framework considers an advanced value analysis of the investment. It goes beyond the discounted cash flow (DCF) methodologies like net present value (NPV) that consider a single scenario for the cash flow to Real Options Analysis that consider the flexibility over the lifetime of the investment when evaluating the value of the investment. This framework has been validated through case studies.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006859, ucf:51750
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006859

Title: How does brief cognitive behavioral therapy work? Potential mechanisms of action for veterans with physical and psychological comorbidities.
Creator: Deavers, Frances, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Bowers, Clint, Eldridge, Gloria, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Depression and anxiety are commonly comorbid among patients with chronic medical conditions. These comorbidities are associated with negative outcomes including poorer quality of life and worse physical functioning. Evidence that traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is less effective for these populations has led to the development of brief CBT protocols that incorporate physical health self-management skills and are delivered in primary care. To continue refining treatment packages...
Show moreDepression and anxiety are commonly comorbid among patients with chronic medical conditions. These comorbidities are associated with negative outcomes including poorer quality of life and worse physical functioning. Evidence that traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is less effective for these populations has led to the development of brief CBT protocols that incorporate physical health self-management skills and are delivered in primary care. To continue refining treatment packages, it is important to understand how brief CBT works. The present study used the transactional model of stress and coping as a framework for investigating potential mechanisms of action of brief CBT. Veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or heart failure and elevated symptoms of depression and/or anxiety were randomized to receive brief CBT (n =180) or enhanced usual care (EUC; n = 122). At 4-month follow-up, depression and anxiety symptoms were significantly lower in veterans who received brief CBT, compared to EUC. Multiple mediation analyses revealed that brief CBT was associated with higher self-efficacy and less avoidant coping at 4-month follow-up, which were in turn associated with less depression and anxiety symptoms. Illness intrusiveness was also a significant mediator of the relationship between brief CBT and anxiety symptoms, but not depression symptoms. In contrast, increases in active coping attributable to brief CBT were not associated with improvements in depression or anxiety symptoms. These results demonstrate the utility of the transactional model of stress and coping as a framework for understanding mechanisms of action of brief CBT in patients with comorbid physical and psychological conditions.
Show less
Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006733, ucf:51884
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006733

Title: Afro-Caribbean Parental Influence: Family Chronicles of the Educational Journey From Child to Medical Student.
Creator: Grant, Carlene, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, J. Thomas, Munyon, Matthew, Meehan, Kevin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Many ethnic groups in the United States have struggled for the opportunity to be identified as an individual group. In academia, these students are often aggregated into a larger category, with little acknowledgment for the difference in their cultural heritage. Along with these cultural differences, Afro-Caribbean parents and their children are met with other challenges in the pursuit of lifelong goals (Sowell, 1978). The decision to become a medical doctor is one that can often not be made...
Show moreMany ethnic groups in the United States have struggled for the opportunity to be identified as an individual group. In academia, these students are often aggregated into a larger category, with little acknowledgment for the difference in their cultural heritage. Along with these cultural differences, Afro-Caribbean parents and their children are met with other challenges in the pursuit of lifelong goals (Sowell, 1978). The decision to become a medical doctor is one that can often not be made alone. Using the framework of Cultural Ecological Theory and Social Construction (Ogbu 1990, 1992; Berger (&) Luckman, 1991) this study was conducted to determine whether Afro-Caribbean parents influence their children to become medical doctors. The research results in this qualitative study identified major themes, among others, to include: (1) collaborative efforts in pursuit of dreams and goals, (2) surpassing parental achievements and (3) the ability to cope with negative experiences. Afro-Caribbean parents, students, faculty and administrators in higher education can gain from the findings of this study, an awareness of the importance of trusted relationships and early exposure to health careers.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006110, ucf:51198
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006110

Title: A Case Study of the Self-efficacy of High School Aged Underrepresented Minority Women Entering the Medical Pipeline.
Creator: Dames, Jennifer, Jeanpierre, Bobby, Butler, Malcolm, Hopp, Carolyn, Beverly, Monifa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study focused on the self-efficacy and experiences described by a purposively sampled case (n = 8) of high school-aged underrepresented minority women (URMW) as they entered the medical career pipeline through their participation in a formal medical pipeline program. The study was framed by three theories: intersectionality, positionality, and self-efficacy. Research questions were analyzed qualitatively, using case study methods, and quantitatively, using a paired sample t-test. Study...
Show moreThis study focused on the self-efficacy and experiences described by a purposively sampled case (n = 8) of high school-aged underrepresented minority women (URMW) as they entered the medical career pipeline through their participation in a formal medical pipeline program. The study was framed by three theories: intersectionality, positionality, and self-efficacy. Research questions were analyzed qualitatively, using case study methods, and quantitatively, using a paired sample t-test. Study data revealed that participants came into the program with high levels of self-efficacy in several self-efficacy factors. Yet, participants in the pipeline program made significant improvements in their self-assertive efficacy.Analysis of other data revealed that students remained motivated and persisted in the pursuit of their aspirations in spite of challenges they encountered because of their ethnicities and gender. Also, students described a lack of engagement with science courses, indicated poor relationships with science instructors, and revealed inadequate understanding of important high science content that, along with ethnic and gendered factors, caused them to negatively position themselves in science. This study provides valuable information to K-12 science educators, medical education institutions, and policy makers concerned with extending science education and healthcare-related career opportunities to minority women.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005321, ucf:50522
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005321

Title: The conceptual field of proportional reasoning researched through the lived experiences of nurses.
Creator: Deichert, Deana, Dixon, Juli, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, Andreasen, Janet, Hunt, Debra, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Proportional reasoning instruction is prevalent in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schooling. The concept of proportional reasoning is used in a variety of contexts for solving real-world problems. One of these contexts is the solving of dosage calculation proportional problems in the healthcare field. On the job, nurses perform drug dosage calculations which carry fatal consequences. As a result, nursing students are required to meet minimum competencies in solving proportion...
Show moreProportional reasoning instruction is prevalent in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schooling. The concept of proportional reasoning is used in a variety of contexts for solving real-world problems. One of these contexts is the solving of dosage calculation proportional problems in the healthcare field. On the job, nurses perform drug dosage calculations which carry fatal consequences. As a result, nursing students are required to meet minimum competencies in solving proportion problems. The goal of this research is to describe the lived experiences of nurses in connection to their use of proportional reasoning in order to impact instruction of the procedures used to solve these problems. The research begins by clarifying and defining the conceptual field of proportional reasoning. Utilizing Vergnaud's theory of conceptual fields and synthesizing the differing organizational frameworks used in the literature on proportional reasoning, the concept is organized and explicated into three components: concepts, procedures, and situations. Through the lens of this organizational structure, data from 44 registered nurses who completed a dosage calculation proportion survey were analyzed and connected to the framework of the conceptual field of proportional reasoning. Four nurses were chosen as a focus of in-depth study based upon their procedural strategies and ability to vividly describe their experiences. These qualitative results are synthesized to describe the lived experiences of nurses related to their education and use of proportional reasoning.Procedural strategies that are supported by textbooks, instruction, and practice are developed and defined. Descriptive statistics show the distribution of procedures used by nurses on a five question dosage calculation survey. The most common procedures used are the nursing formula, cross products, and dimensional analysis. These procedures correspond to the predominate procedures found in nursing dosage calculation texts. Instructional implications focus on the transition between elementary and secondary multiplicative structures, the confusion between equality and proportionality, and the difficulty that like quantities present in dealing with proportions.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005781, ucf:50058
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005781

Title: Inversion of the Broken Ray Transform.
Creator: Krylov, Roman, Katsevich, Alexander, Tamasan, Alexandru, Nashed, M, Zeldovich, Boris, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The broken ray transform (BRT) is an integral of a functionalong a union of two rays with a common vertex.Consider an X-ray beam scanning an object of interest.The ray undergoes attenuation and scatters in all directions inside the object.This phenomena may happen repeatedly until the photons either exit the object or are completely absorbed.In our work we assume the single scattering approximation when the intensity of the raysscattered more than once is negligibly small.Among all paths that...
Show moreThe broken ray transform (BRT) is an integral of a functionalong a union of two rays with a common vertex.Consider an X-ray beam scanning an object of interest.The ray undergoes attenuation and scatters in all directions inside the object.This phenomena may happen repeatedly until the photons either exit the object or are completely absorbed.In our work we assume the single scattering approximation when the intensity of the raysscattered more than once is negligibly small.Among all paths that the scattered rays travel inside the object we pick the one that isa union of two segments with one common scattering point.The intensity of the ray which traveled this path and exited the object can be measured by a collimated detector.The collimated detector is able to measure the intensity of X-rays from the selected direction.The logarithm of such a measurement is the broken ray transform of the attenuation coefficientplus the logarithm of the scattering coefficient at the scattering point (vertex)and a known function of the scattering angle.In this work we consider the reconstruction of X-ray attenuation coefficient distributionin a plane from the measurements on two or three collimated detector arrays.We derive an exact local reconstruction formula for three flat collimated detectorsor three curved or pin-hole collimated detectors.We obtain a range condition for the case of three curved or pin-hole detectors and provide a special caseof the range condition for three flat detectors.We generalize the reconstruction formula to four and more detectors and find anoptimal set of parameters that minimize noise in the reconstruction.We introduce a more accurate scattering model which takes into accountenergy shifts due to the Compton effect, derive an exact reconstruction formula and develop an iterativereconstruction method for the energy-dependent case.To solve the problem we assume that the radiation source is monoenergeticand the dependence of the attenuation coefficient on energy is linearon an energy interval from the minimal to the maximal scattered energy. %initial radiation energy.We find the parameters of the linear dependence of the attenuation on energy as a function of a pointin the reconstruction plane.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005514, ucf:50324
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005514

Title: Down in the Mouth: Homelessness and Oral Health.
Creator: Kleinberger, Jessica, Wright, James, Rivera, Fernando, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The burden of dental disease in American has been termed a (")silent epidemic,(") affecting the most vulnerable populations in society. Poor oral health has been linked with general health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as decreased mental health and impairments in social functioning. This burden weighs particularly heavy on the homeless, who are not only denied access to private systems of care, but are further rejected by an inadequately supported public safety...
Show moreThe burden of dental disease in American has been termed a (")silent epidemic,(") affecting the most vulnerable populations in society. Poor oral health has been linked with general health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as decreased mental health and impairments in social functioning. This burden weighs particularly heavy on the homeless, who are not only denied access to private systems of care, but are further rejected by an inadequately supported public safety net. Despite the recognition of social inequalities and the call for further scientific research, oral health care has not been extensively recognized within sociology. The aim of this research was to uncover how Central Florida's homeless adults cope with oral health issues in the face of barriers. This study intends to begin closing the gap by exploring the ways in which structural inequalities are embodied in the teeth of the homeless. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with homeless individuals in the Central Florida area in regards to their oral health and coping mechanisms. Results indicate that without conventional access to dental care, homeless are forced to rely on emergency departments, alcohol, illegal drugs, home remedies, and over-the-counter medications. When treatment was received, only emergency services were provided. This led to an extraction-denture treatment model which left many homeless individuals edentulous, with continued complications in their ability to eat, work, and talk.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005192, ucf:50640
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005192

Title: THE EFFECTS OF WESTERN MEDICINE ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF ZULU TRADITIONAL HERBAL HEALERS IN SOUTH AFRICA.
Creator: Bahamonde, Holly, Reyes-Foster, Beatriz, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The majority of South African citizens experience inadequate healthcare due to underfunding, mismanagement, staff shortages, and infrastructure problems. Before a healthcare system was created, the sick turned to traditional herbal healers for care. South Africa's Zulu healers possess specialized knowledge of local plants and medicine thought to have physical and spiritual healing properties. The country's increasing reliance on Western biomedicine has created a current concern from...
Show moreThe majority of South African citizens experience inadequate healthcare due to underfunding, mismanagement, staff shortages, and infrastructure problems. Before a healthcare system was created, the sick turned to traditional herbal healers for care. South Africa's Zulu healers possess specialized knowledge of local plants and medicine thought to have physical and spiritual healing properties. The country's increasing reliance on Western biomedicine has created a current concern from indigenous medicine conservationists regarding the future of this kind of knowledge. In order to assess the effects of Western medicine on traditional healing practices, I collected data on the various uses of traditional medicine, the frequency in which it is used relative to Western medicine, and how it is maintained in the community. The data identified the various uses and potential problems of Western medicine and Zulu traditional herbal practice in helping the community. The traditional herbal healers revealed close connections between the informational, spiritual, physical, and cultural components of the practice that characterize its livelihood and practice for generations to come. This information allows for a greater understanding of how culture and medicinal knowledge can be entwined together and the positive or negative effects of biomedicine interacting with traditional medicine to help solve sicknesses in not only South Africa, but potentially in our global community.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004892, ucf:45419
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004892

Title: Examining the influence of personal and environmental factors on treatment outcomes in opioid dependent medication-assisted treatment patients.
Creator: Placide, Vierne, Unruh, Lynn, Atkins, Danielle, Chisholm, Latarsha, Scott, Blake, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Opioid abuse has become a global epidemic and is now a huge public health concern here in the US. Non-medicinal use of opioid prescription drugs is at the forefront of the epidemic and considered the (")gateway(") drug to other illicit opioid use. As opioid prescribing has increased over the last decade in the US, so has opioid-related deaths, surpassing car accidents and suicide as the leading cause of injury-related deaths. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is fundamental in decreasing...
Show moreOpioid abuse has become a global epidemic and is now a huge public health concern here in the US. Non-medicinal use of opioid prescription drugs is at the forefront of the epidemic and considered the (")gateway(") drug to other illicit opioid use. As opioid prescribing has increased over the last decade in the US, so has opioid-related deaths, surpassing car accidents and suicide as the leading cause of injury-related deaths. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is fundamental in decreasing opioid abuse overdose and mortality. Therefore, the research study aims to determine if counseling adherence, opioid abstinence, and retention in MATs are influenced by personal characteristics, socio-economic factors, readiness to change, social support, and integrated care. Guided by social cognitive theory, transtheoretical model, and theory of reasoned action, the study will employ a retrospective cohort design utilizing opioid dependent patients from a MAT Program in West Florida. Analysis of three cox regression models indicated for personal factors: an increase in age was associated with patients being more likely to adhere to counseling (p=.001) and retention (p=.034), full-time employment (p=.043) was positively associated with opioid abstinence, whereas part-time employment (p=.037) was positively associated with retention, having insurance (public: p=.000) was positively associated with counseling adherence, opioid abstinence (public: p=.000, private: p=.035) and retention (public: p=.000, private: p=.000). With regards to environmental influences, social support was positively associated with opioid abstinence (p=.022) and integrated care was positively associated with opioid abstinence (p=.027) and retention (p=.000). Examining these factors are necessary to improve treatment adherence and expand MAT programs. Additionally, providing funding is crucial for practitioners to continually create educational intervention strategies to engage patients in treatment, thereby reducing the opioid overdose epidemic. This study extends the literature contributing to understanding personal factors and environmental influences in MATs.
Show less
Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007074, ucf:52018
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007074

Title: UNDERSTANDING THE FEMALE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF SEXUAL ADDICTION AND THE ROLE OF ADDICTION TREATMENT.
Creator: Douglass, Megan, Mishtal, Joanna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Beginning with the diagnosis of nymphomania in the 19th Century, there has been widespread and continued interest across the mental health and bio-medical realm of what constitutes normality of female sexual behavior, and of the boundary at which sexual desire is deemed to be excessive, and thus abnormal. However, research questions that specifically investigate the subjective female voice and perspective in considerations of so-called hypersexuality or sex addiction remain understudied. This...
Show moreBeginning with the diagnosis of nymphomania in the 19th Century, there has been widespread and continued interest across the mental health and bio-medical realm of what constitutes normality of female sexual behavior, and of the boundary at which sexual desire is deemed to be excessive, and thus abnormal. However, research questions that specifically investigate the subjective female voice and perspective in considerations of so-called hypersexuality or sex addiction remain understudied. This research project proposes to examine the cultural pathways and systemic foundations which have historically in the West problematized female sexuality by investigating womenÃ‚Â's own perceptions of sexual addiction and their experiences in seeking (or not) addiction treatment. In addition, this research project proposes to investigate the perceptions of therapists (psychologists and psychiatrists) who treat hypersexual female patients, in order to examine their beliefs about the cultural and biological genesis of the disorder, and its appearance in female patients. Theoretically, this project aims to move away from the concept of individualized bodies suffering singularly from (dis)ease and abnormality, and investigate the ways in which Western cultural notions of normal female sexuality shape womenÃ‚Â's self-perceptions and notions about sexual deviance.
Show less
Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003138, ucf:48641
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003138

Title: Mobile Phone Short Message Service (SMS) to Improve Malaria Pharmacoadherence in Zambia.
Creator: Steury, Elinda, Sole, Mary Lou, Bushy, Angeline, Conner, Norma, Haiduven, Donna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACTMalaria significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality rates in Zambia. The currently accepted malaria treatment is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT); it is more than 97% effective when the regimen is strictly adhered to. However, the mean ACT adherence rate in sub-Saharan Africa is only approximately 38-48%. Poor pharmacoadherence remains a significant barrier to malaria control and elimination.The purpose of this study was to determine if adherence rates to a six...
Show moreABSTRACTMalaria significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality rates in Zambia. The currently accepted malaria treatment is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT); it is more than 97% effective when the regimen is strictly adhered to. However, the mean ACT adherence rate in sub-Saharan Africa is only approximately 38-48%. Poor pharmacoadherence remains a significant barrier to malaria control and elimination.The purpose of this study was to determine if adherence rates to a six-dose ACT antimalarial treatment differ between patients in Zambia who received short message service (SMS) reminders and those who did not. An experimental, randomized, controlled trial was conducted to collect data from a sample of 96 adult patients with malaria who presented to Fisenge Clinic in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Participants were randomly assigned to a control or intervention group. The intervention group received SMS messages to remind them to take their medication according to the regimen. An electronic pillbox was used to measure pharmacoadherence for both groups, and patients were classified as probably adherent or probably non-adherent.Data were analyzed using Chi-square for association between the SMS intervention and pharmacoadherence, and logistic regression used for predictors of adherence. No significant association was found between SMS reminders and pharmacoadherence among malaria patients being treated with ACT when evaluated with respect to those who received the SMS reminders and those who did not (?2=0.19, df=1, p=0.67). Binary logistic regression indicated that there were no variables associated with adherence (p(>)0.05).Findings from this study contribute to the research regarding the use of mobile phones to promote adherence. This is the first study of its kind using SMS directly to the patient for ACT adherence in sub-Saharan Africa known to the author. It is possible that the use of the electronic pillbox and/or the novelty of participating in a research study contributed to higher levels of adherence than previously found in this geographical area. While data suggested that there was no association between SMS and adherence, further research is needed to explore the value of this intervention.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005421, ucf:50430
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005421

Title: Augmentative-Alternative Communication Access for Individuals with Communication Disorders in Medical Settings.
Creator: Amundsen, Stephanie, Kent-Walsh, Jennifer, Hoffman Ruddy, Bari, Rivers, Kenyatta, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study surveyed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in medical settings in the state of Florida in order to: (a) assess the availability of AAC devices, related materials, and services in acute, sub-acute, long-term care, and outpatient medical facilities, (b) examine barriers and supports in providing AAC services to patients with complex communication needs (CCN) in the aforementioned settings, and (c) determine perceived levels of AAC knowledge of health care practitioners. One...
Show moreThis study surveyed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in medical settings in the state of Florida in order to: (a) assess the availability of AAC devices, related materials, and services in acute, sub-acute, long-term care, and outpatient medical facilities, (b) examine barriers and supports in providing AAC services to patients with complex communication needs (CCN) in the aforementioned settings, and (c) determine perceived levels of AAC knowledge of health care practitioners. One of the study's major findings was that 97.59% of SLPs served at least one patient they identified as having CCNs, and 94.1% of respondents indicated that their patients could benefit from increased access to AAC devices and service delivery. A notable finding relating to the need for increased AAC-related communication partner instruction (CPI) is as follows: 97% and 100% of respondents indicated that increased CPI for medical practitioners/staff and family members, respectively, were important elements in order to ensure functional communication for individuals with AAC needs in the medical setting. Major barriers to providing AAC services related to device access (i.e., lack of AAC supports / devices, lack of funding for equipment, length of time of device funding). Other barriers were related to the nature of medical settings (i.e., frequently changing caseloads, limited time with patients) and demands of the job (i.e., lack of time to prepare AAC materials / devices). Supports to providing AAC services included low-tech AAC options and mobile technologies. In terms of practitioner knowledge, 57.6% of respondents rated themselves not at all or somewhat knowledgeable regarding AAC. Physicians, nurses, and other rehabilitation professionals were rated as less than knowledgeable by 95%, 97%, and 84.3% of participants, respectively. Overall, the findings of this study suggests there is a high prevalence of patients in medical settings with AAC needs, and some face unmet communication needs resulting from barriers related to the setting itself, lack of access to AAC devices and materials, and limited time spent on AAC service delivery.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005455, ucf:50370
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005455

Title: Catholic Healing Masses: Intersections of Health and Healing in Yucat(&)#225;n.
Creator: Draper, Suzanne, Reyes-Foster, Beatriz, Mishtal, Joanna, Matejowsky, Ty, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The conception of illness and healing in contemporary Mexican Catholic discourse highlights both particular and ubiquitous instances of a health experience perceived locally and widespread. Catholic healing masses are utilized as supplemental methods of individual health restoration coupled with Western medicinal techniques in Catholic dramas. Aside from the spiritual and religious significance of this practice, the use of healing masses as an additional means to achieving an optimal health...
Show moreThe conception of illness and healing in contemporary Mexican Catholic discourse highlights both particular and ubiquitous instances of a health experience perceived locally and widespread. Catholic healing masses are utilized as supplemental methods of individual health restoration coupled with Western medicinal techniques in Catholic dramas. Aside from the spiritual and religious significance of this practice, the use of healing masses as an additional means to achieving an optimal health status implies that something is lacking in current biomedical models. The purpose of my research is to explore the humanistic terms under which healing masses operate and translate these terms into a biomedical conversation towards enhanced secular medical care
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005484, ucf:50332
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005484

Title: FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMISSION OF ERRORS AND OMISSION OF STANDARD NURSING PRACTICE AMONG NEW NURSES.
Creator: Knowles, Rachel, Gibson-Young, Linda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Every year, millions of medical errors are committed, costing not only patient health and satisfaction, but thousands of lives and billions of dollars. Errors occur in many areas of the healthcare environment, including the profession of nursing. Nurses provide and delegate patient care and consequently, standard nursing responsibilities such as medication administration, charting, patient education, and basic life support protocol may be incorrect, inadequate, or omitted. Although there is...
Show moreEvery year, millions of medical errors are committed, costing not only patient health and satisfaction, but thousands of lives and billions of dollars. Errors occur in many areas of the healthcare environment, including the profession of nursing. Nurses provide and delegate patient care and consequently, standard nursing responsibilities such as medication administration, charting, patient education, and basic life support protocol may be incorrect, inadequate, or omitted. Although there is much literature about errors among the general nurse population and there is indication that new nurses commit more errors than experienced nurses, not much literature asks the following question: What are the factors contributing to the commission of errors, including the omission of standard nursing care, among new nurses? Ten studies (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-mode) were examined to identify these factors. From the 10 studies, the researcher identified the three themes of lack of experience, stressful working conditions, and interpersonal and intrapersonal factors. New nurses may not have had enough clinical time, may develop poor habits, may not turn to more experienced nurses and other professionals, may be fatigued from working too many hours with not enough staffing, may not be able to concentrate at work, and may not give or receive adequate communication. Based on these findings and discussion, suggested implications for nursing practice include extended clinical experience, skills practice, adherence to the nursing process, adherence to medications standards such as the five rights and independent double verification, shorter working hours, adequate staffing, no-interruption and no-phone zones, creating a culture of support, electronically entered orders, translation phones, read-backs, and standardized handoff reports.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004439, ucf:45103
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004439

Title: The influence of perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support (&) debriefing on work-related compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress in Florida public safety personnel.
Creator: Miller, Anastasia, Unruh, Lynn, Zhang, Ning, Wharton, Tracy, Liu, Albert Xinliang, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, and debriefing on the one hand, and compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress on the other hand in Florida law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and dispatch public safety workers. In order to explore the relationships between these constructs, the research questions examined the relationships of the work environment of Florida...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, and debriefing on the one hand, and compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress on the other hand in Florida law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and dispatch public safety workers. In order to explore the relationships between these constructs, the research questions examined the relationships of the work environment of Florida public safety by administering surveys gauging perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, psychological resilience, and debriefing activities that the personnel participate in. The Professional Quality of Life: Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue Version 5 was also sent out to establish the self-reported levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. The study found that there were differences in the levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress between the public safety fields. It also found that there was a positive relationship between the presence of perceived organizational support, perceived coworker support, psychological resilience, and debriefing activities on at least one of the constructs of compassion satisfaction, burnout, or secondary traumatic stress within the different public safety fields. This study furthers the literature by being the first study to compare the four different public safety fields in the state of Florida and with regards to those constructs.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006357, ucf:51533
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006357

Title: THE IMPACT OF MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS IN THE ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH LITERATURE ACROSS FIVE DISCIPLINES.
Creator: Routhier-Martin, Kayli, Killingsworth Roberts, Sherron, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Mindfulness meditation programs, benefits, and outcomes were examined through research previously conducted and published by professionals within five differing disciplines: health and wellness, psychology, elementary education, exceptional education, and medicine. The goal was to find common themes within the differing disciplines in order to gather information about the effectiveness of a mindfulness meditation program to be used in an elementary classroom. In this thesis, the chapter of...
Show moreMindfulness meditation programs, benefits, and outcomes were examined through research previously conducted and published by professionals within five differing disciplines: health and wellness, psychology, elementary education, exceptional education, and medicine. The goal was to find common themes within the differing disciplines in order to gather information about the effectiveness of a mindfulness meditation program to be used in an elementary classroom. In this thesis, the chapter of Health and Wellness is a review of literature that tells the benefits found within meditators, which are not found within non-meditators. The chapter of Psychology explains the social-emotional needs of students, the causes of stress and anxieties amongst students, and the benefits that meditation provides in order to counter the negative effects of stress, anxiety, poverty, etc. The chapter of Elementary Education reviews research literature on the existing mindfulness meditation programs within the United States. This chapter also describes the implementation of such a program in an elementary school, as well as the documented data of the outcomes of the programs. The chapter of Exceptional Education is a review of the research literature on the benefits mindfulness meditation has on students with exceptionalities, such as specific learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. The chapter of Medicine is a retelling of previously published scholarly articles that list the neurological benefits of meditation, and also references the negative side effects to the currently prescribed medications that are being used in the treatment of ADHD.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004877, ucf:45424
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004877

medication (4)	+ -
nursing (4)	+ -
medical (3)	+ -
ADHD (2)	+ -
Medical Education (2)	+ -

Patient Safety (2)	+ -
adherence (2)	+ -
awareness (2)	+ -
cardiac (2)	+ -
college students (2)	+ -
cultural anthropology (2)	+ -
culture (2)	+ -
education (2)	+ -
emergency medical services (2)	+ -
health (2)	+ -
medical anthropology (2)	+ -
medical imaging (2)	+ -
medical malpractice (2)	+ -
medical school (2)	+ -
medical simulation (2)	+ -
medical sociology (2)	+ -
medical training (2)	+ -
medication error (2)	+ -
medication errors (2)	+ -
patient safety (2)	+ -
ADD (1)	+ -
Addiction (1)	+ -
Affect (1)	+ -
Africa (1)	+ -
Afro-Caribbean (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (37)	+ -
Honors Collection (21)	+ -

English (57)	+ -
Engilsh (1)	+ -

University of Central Florida (57)	+ -
Bagci, Ulas (3)	+ -
Bushy, Angeline (3)	+ -
Kincaid, John (3)	+ -
Mishtal, Joanna (3)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Topical Subject

Collection

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner