RSS 1.0Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services
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The MRI Dilemma: Exploring the Impact of Technician ShortagesThe shortage of MRI technicians is becoming a critical issue in healthcare, impacting diagnostic capabilities and patient care. This presentation explores and dives into the many issues that are causing this shortage, which can include an aging workforce, burnout, competition with other medical fields for skilled workers, as well as others. This presentation explores the impact of these shortages, ranging from longer wait times to increased strain on healthcare providers. This presentation proposes recommendations to aid this issue such as targeted workforce development, improved education pathways and retention strategies to address this shortage and ensure efficient MRI services in the future.
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Innovating Healthcare Compliance: Redesigning HIPAA Patient Authorization to Enhance Operational EfficiencyThis internship project focused on the development and implementation of a standardized HIPAA Patient Authorization form for the Beth Israel Lahey Hospitals (BILH). Recognizing the vital role that compliance and operational efficiency play in healthcare settings, the project aimed to enhance patient trust while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. A comprehensive approach was taken to design the authorization form, emphasizing the inclusion of all necessary elements as outlined by HIPAA and CFR42 Part 2. The objective was to achieve at least 90% compliance with existing regulations. To inform the design process, stakeholder engagement was prioritized, and feedback was gathered through at least three rounds of consultations. The results of this project indicate that a thoughtfully designed authorization form can significantly streamline the process of handling sensitive health information, thereby improving operational workflows and enhancing the overall patient experience at BILH. Ultimately, this initiative not only aims to boost compliance but also fosters a culture of trust and transparency between the hospital and its patients.
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Women's Experiences with Postpartum Depression During the Covid-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review of the LiteratureAim: The aim of this integrative review of literature was to assess the correlation between the rates of Postpartum Depression (PPD) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: Risk factors of PPD include social isolation and stressful life events that were both occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: An integrative review of the information provided by ten scholarly articles from the EBSCO databases CINAHL and MEDLINE. These articles were then synthesized by theme in the literature review section. Analysis: Three major themes were used to separate the articles used for this integrative review. These themes included "The Importance of Social Support", " Significant Increase in Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic", and "Other Risk Factors During the Pandemic." Conclusions: Postpartum depression is a devastating mental health issue that many women deal with in the United States. Factors brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of PPD. There must be new pandemic-related implementations and more research done on PPD.
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Exploring Techniques To Help The Premature Infant Transition To Oral FeedingPremature infants are subject to experiencing many complications as they are underdeveloped and require special care. One issue they experience are feeding difficulties and often have to be started on tube feeding. This integrative review aimed to explore different techniques to help the premature infant transition from tube feeding to oral feeding and evaluated the effectiveness of those techniques. A literature search using the databases CINAHL and Medline were used and seventeen articles from 2018-2023 were examined. Two techniques were discussed: non-nutritive sucking (NNS) and oral motor stimulation (OMS) and various variables were assessed to determine how effective they were on the premature infants and their readiness to transition to oral feeding. Both techniques were shown effective and showed positive results on the different variables that were evaluated. The results demonstrate that new mothers and nurses can use these techniques; however, a limitation to the studies was that there were more randomized studies compared to longitudinal studies.
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A Study Of School Personnel’s Preparation And Training To Recognize And Report Child MaltreatmentThe topic of my honors thesis is child maltreatment in school settings, specifically the training and preparation that school personnel have received to respond and report this maltreatment. Using survey methods, this project surveyed teachers and other school staff (N= 87) at public schools in Massachusetts. Findings indicate that most participants have only received Mandated Reporter training, but many said they wished they would have received more training before a student disclosed to them. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that teachers and other school staff want and need supplemental training for recognizing and reporting child maltreatment.
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The Effects of Kangaroo Care Pertaining to the Attitudes and Values of Fathers Caring for Their Premature NewbornSkin-to-skin contact also known as “Kangaroo Care” (KC) is a practice used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to care for premature newborns. Premature newborns are a vulnerable population as these babies are not yet fully developed leading to breathing, feeding, and heart complications. Placing the newborn on the parent’s bare chest addresses these problems to help with thermoregulation, stabilizing glucose levels, and helps with sleep as a few benefits. Kangaroo care is centered among mothers to help promote breastfeeding while fathers will have the opportunity to do the practice later on. In some countries around the world, Kangaroo Care is limited to fathers due to hospital protocols and cultural views. There is a gap in research for maternal kangaroo care and paternal kangaroo care that needs to be discussed to populate this practice. An Integrative Review based on the Russell Model will be used to explore kangaroo care from the paternal aspect and bridge the gap in nursing care.
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Beverly Hospital Virtual OrientationThis project focused on matching two-delivery systems and revising the Beverly Hospital Virtual Orientation, by mirroring the Beverly Hospital in-person orientation. Dedicated leaders at Beverly Hospital know the importance of excellence and innovation. When work was moved to online virtual learning, orientation became essential for continuing to achieve hospital goals. The updated Beverly Hospital Orientation will allow for future new employees to be presented with equivalent information on documents, policies, and procedures. By creating orientation folders and organizing the informational packets supported at in-person orientation, it has assisted in identifying topics, documents, policies, and procedures that required updates and revisions.
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Utilizing Alternative Healing Methods: Assessing the Clientele of Massage Therapy ServiceBody & Soul Massage is an alternative healing center. Providing therapeutic massages, Thai massage, Swedish massage, and more. The objective of this senior internship project was to assess the demographics of the people who are utilizing massage therapy versus those who are not. And how to reach new clientele through advertisement (blogs and social media posts) and education. A 20-question (including demographic and client satisfaction questions, etc.) client survey was emailed. The survey yielded over 30 respondents. Overall responses were positive and showed that middle to older-aged women who reside locally utilize the massage therapy services at Body & Soul. The results also showed a need for advertisements and social media marketing targeting young people and males to increase clientele within these demographics.
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Enhancing Academic Accessibility And inclusion: Integrating The Center For Accessible Academic Resources (CAAR) Into Campus ServicesThis poster presents the integration of the Center for Accessible Academic Resources (CAAR) into campus services following the merger of the previous Disability Services. The project focused on maintaining and enhancing academic accommodations, disability access, peer tutoring, and supplemental instruction. The project aimed to raise awareness about CAAR and its services among students through surveys and gather feedback on accessibility barriers and student perceptions. Data collected from these surveys were analyzed to understand student needs and inform future improvements and planning for CAAR services. This initiative highlights the commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.
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Food Accessibility and Affordability in Salem: Promoting Healthier Food Options through HIPThis senior internship project aimed to increase awareness of the Healthy Incentives Program [HIP] and its benefits. HIP provides access to healthier food options and significantly boosts community engagement. Flyers were created, translated from English to Spanish, and distributed at the Salem Farmer’s Market and on various social media platforms. Data was available that represented the average HIP households and new beneficiaries by month. However, due to limited time and resources available to Salem farmers, no comprehensive data was available on their HIP beneficiary usage.
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Boosting Heart Health Through Active Living: The Benefits of Exercise for Cardiac PatientsAnna Jaques Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation program provides an amazing opportunity for patients with cardiac problems to help reach their exercise goal and get back to a normal lifestyle. Many of these patients struggle with gaining back their strength and confidence post recovery of their cardiac episode. Rehabilitation helps them achieve these goals. By the end of the 12-24 sessions patients during this study were feeling noticeably stronger and more confident. Patients know when their exercise goal is reached and they feel less exerted with exercise.
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Independent Care: How The Quality Of Life Is Expanded Within Independent LivingFor older persons and people with disabilities, independent living in assisted living facilities offers a mix between independence and support, letting them have control over their daily routines and decisions while getting the help they need. In addition to offering individualized care plans and private living areas, these facilities also offer a range of services like housekeeping, transportation, medical attention, and meal preparation. They improve inhabitants' quality of life, physical and mental health, and life satisfaction by encouraging independence. This concept increases longevity and general satisfaction by empowering people to actively engage in decision-making and fostering a sense of community.
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Ticks & Health: A Shared ConcernThis project aims to raise awareness about tick-borne diseases, focusing on the rising cases of Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses affecting both pets and their owners. Tick-borne diseases/illnesses are spread through the bite of an infected tick, causing illnesses. Because of this, ticks present a shared risk, as they can easily infect both animals and humans, leading to health complications in stages that can be lethal. The increasing prevalence of Lyme disease highlights an urgent need for effective prevention strategies. We promote preventative measures, including Lyme vaccinations, oral tick preventatives, DEET repellent, and detection methods for both pets and people. Additionally, we advocate for improved yard and garden management to minimize tick habitats around your home. A flyer was developed to spread essential information and data collected via a google form to assess public awareness and practices. By boosting understanding and implementation of preventative measures, this project aims to reduce the counts of tick-borne diseases in our communities.
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Benefits of Strengh Training for Stroke SurvivorsTraumatic brain injuries can change ones life forever both physically and cognitively. The purpose of this project was to observe progress towards short and long term goals for two stroke survivors and implement five new exercises into their program to help them achieve those goals. Each participant had a goal of strengthening their affected side as well as improving posture and balance. After researching beneficial exercises for each participant, five new exercises were added to their program. They worked on these new exercises for six weeks. Each participant was then assessed on how the new exercises feel, if they feel as though they have progressed, and if they believe these exercises will help them achieve their goals. Adding these exercises to their workout program has not only benefited them strength wise, but their confidence has improved greatly.
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Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Curriculum: Empowering Young AdultThis research project was designed to assess the effectiveness of implementing a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education curriculum for young adult males in a residential program at Wayside Youth and Family Support Network. The curriculum was designed to enhance knowledge and skills related to sexual health, decision-making, and healthy behaviors among both staff and clients aged 18 to 22. Using pre- and post-training assessments, the study evaluated the impact of the curriculum on knowledge scores, confidence in discussing sensitive topics, and awareness of available resources. This project demonstrated the importance of ongoing sexual education and support in promoting informed decision-making and healthy relationships among young adult males in residential programs.
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Updating Documentation Storage at Bridgewell: Physical Files Converted to Digital FormatBridgewell offers a wide array of different services to several populations including individuals who struggle with addiction, individuals who are experiencing housing instability and individuals with physical and mental disabilities. The organization is complex, with many branches and over one thousand employees. The majority of employees are in direct contact with clients, making it essential that Bridgewell dutifully maintains all filing associated with their personnel. This includes state mandated background checks for individuals who work with vulnerable populations. The objective of this project was to improve Bridgewell’s file keeping by creating a framework for the conversion of physical files into a digital format allowing for seamless retrieval and auditing of said files in the future.
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Enhancing Student Awareness and Engagement: Bridging SSU Disability Services Office with Campus Community Through Tabling EventsThe objective of this project was to raise awareness of the accommodations and services provided by the Disability Services Office for students that can further enhance their academic success in higher education. Two table events were held on Salem State University's South and North Campus to provide information on the office’s location, accommodations, and services to an array of students in all majors. Flyers, postcards, QR codes of the office Instagram page, giveaway opportunities, and much more were offered to all students who wanted to participate and learn more about the office. Tabling proved to be a successful way to interact and educate students on campus.
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On Boarding and Training Processes in the Volunteering Department; Scheduling and OrganizationThis project focused on creating the on-boarding process for volunteers to be more organized and efficient. By assessing and re-organizing the process, it will be more efficient and smoother for both the volunteer joining and the person on-boarding the volunteer. The re-created process goal is to have five volunteers on-boarding at a time and have the training take just over a month to complete. Working with five new volunteers at a time allows for more individualized training and attention to insure that they have everything they need. This process would consist of applying to be a volunteer, interviewing, completing to be medically compliant, and orientation, leading to training.
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Mastering Mindfulness: North Shore Education ConsortiumThe North Shore Education Consortium SOAR & EMBARK Programs provide a unique opportunity for students with disabilities to further their education while simultaneously strengthening their social & life skills. Many of these students struggle with concentration, emotional regulation, and staying grounded, especially in the classroom. The implementation of providing students with mindfulness strategies is imperative in aiding students with this challenge, and the benefits of these exercises were observed and evaluated while students utilized the techniques. These coping skills are useful to anybody, but are especially helpful in assisting these young adults with disabilities as they prepare to be more functional in the professional working world, which represents a major component of the mission of the North Shore Education Consortium.
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Comprehensive Board Of Health Intern Inspection Checklist: Intern’s Guide to Ensuring Community Health and SafetyThis project aims to enhance public health standards by developing a comprehensive checklist for food interns. Through meticulous assessment and guidance, interns will ensure compliance with hygiene protocols, food handling practices, and regulatory requirements. By nurturing a culture of diligence and accountability, we strive to safeguard consumer well-being while fostering culinary excellence. This initiative not only elevates Salem's food industry but also strengthens community trust in the quality and safety of our gastronomic offerings. Ultimately, our goal is to create a vibrant and sustainable food ecosystem that benefits both residents and visitors alike.
