Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services: Recent submissions
Now showing items 1-20 of 269
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Bridgewell; "Small Changes, Big Impact: Encouraging Healthier Lifestyles"This project aims to promote healthier lifestyles among residents at Bridgewell through the implementation of structured meal planning and calorie monitoring. By working directly with residents, particularly Rob, the project introduces healthier food substitutions such as using real mashed potatoes instead of powdered versions, ground turkey instead of beef, and adding vegetables to improve nutritional value while still keeping meals enjoyable. The project emphasizes portion control and encourages meal preparation as a strategy to prevent overeating. Progress is tracked through calorie data and weight monitoring, providing measurable evidence of improvement. By engaging residents in healthy cooking activities and making informed food choices, this initiative seeks to support long-term well-being and empower individuals to manage their diets independently.
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Bridgewell Direct support: The Benefits of Quality Time and Interactions in Someone’s Daily LivingBridgewell is a comprehensive support organization that provides services to individuals with varying needs, from minimal to full assistance. With over 100 programs across multiple communities and more than 1,400 staff members, Bridgewell offers community homes, day programs, outpatient services, and rehabilitation support. Their mission is to “inspire hope and empower people to achieve their fullest potential.” While working with adults in these programs, it’s important to remember that each person has their own voice and preferences. My role involved encouraging choice whether residents wanted to color, play games, go outside, or cook a favorite meal. Bridgewell’s commitment to person-centered care creates a space where individuals are respected, supported, and given opportunities to lead fulfilling, empowered lives.
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You're With Us Summer Prefrence Assessment: Searching for Inclusive and Informed ProgrammingParticipant satisfaction in community based day programs is crucial. To ensure the diverse needs of the adults with disabilities that You're With US serves are met then there needs to be a way to study the preferences of this unique population. The purpose of this internship project was to determine what activities the participants would prefer to do this summer. After creating a Summer Preference Assessment Tool and gathering data with it there were activities that were more prefered than others. This valuable data will inform the activity planning for the You're With Us's DEN Program summer activities.
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Evidence-Based Programming for the NAN Project: Insights for the Second Annual Empowering Youth Voices SummitThe NAN Project, based in Massachusetts, is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention among young people through a peer-to-peer model. Founded by Ellen Dalton after the tragic loss of her daughter, Nan, the organization works to open up conversations around mental health, reduce stigma, and provide support to those struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. The project offers educational programs in schools, aiming to provide hope and empower students to seek help. The senior leadership team includes professionals with diverse backgrounds in mental health, education, and advocacy, all working to create a safer and more supportive environment for youth.
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Exploring the Variety and Importance of Safety Trainings in Residential Services at Northeast Arc: Understanding the resources necessary for Quality In Person Training Programs within the Residential Disability Services at Northeast ArcExploration of the residential safety training plan at Northeast Arc (NEArc) focused on improving the effectiveness of and expanding the resources necessary for quality in-person training programs within the Residential Disabilities Division. The initiative centered on enhancing the quality and consistency of in-person safety education for staff supporting individuals with disabilities across approximately 30 residential homes. Its primary goal was to boost knowledge retention and elevate training standards to better prepare staff for both emergency situations and daily safety practices. A key finding was the critical need for a full-time trainer dedicated exclusively to in-person safety training—ensuring greater consistency, engagement, and depth of instruction. Strengthening this safety training framework is vital to maintaining a safe, supportive, and responsive environment for the individuals served by NEArc’s residential programs.
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Navigating Care Decisions: How Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer's Manage Their Well-beingNavigating care decisions for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's face unique challenges that impact their cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. As cognitive decline progresses, individuals often rely on caregivers, healthcare professionals, and family members to make informed choices about daily care, living arrangements, and treatment plans. Strategies such as person-centered care, routine establishment, and support. Understanding and implementing these practices can significantly improve the well-being of seniors affected by these conditions. Personalized care plans and early intervention techniques have proven especially beneficial in slowing cognitive decline. Through a holistic approach, seniors can maintain a sense of dignity, independence, and purpose despite the progression of their condition.
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The Peaceful Path: Which Individuals at Bridgewll Have a Burial PlanThis project explored whether individuals receiving services at Bridgewell have existing burial plans in place. The initiative saught to identify the level of preparedness among clients for end-of-life arrangements and to uncover gaps in planning that may exist. By gathering this data, Bridgewell can better support individuals in making informed decisions about their future needs and potentially connect them with resources for planning. This effort reflects a broader commitment to dignity and person-centered care, ensuring that clients’ wishes are known and respected. The findings will also help guide future service offerings and policy considerations within the organization.
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Embark Program:The Benefits of Disability Programs For StudentsThe purpose of the analysis was to review the importance of disability services and how it provides important life skills and academic assistance. The analysis was completed at Embark Disabilities Program in Salem, Massachusetts. The objective of the project was to research the benefits of the program for disabled students and to analyze how the staff and students felt about the program. There were two surveys completed by students and employees. The surveys analyzed the benefits of the program for the students and if the program was sufficient. After the surveys were completed, the results were expanded into graphs that analyzed the results. In all, there are numerous benefits to disability programs throughout the country, but specifically here in Salem, Massachusetts at Embark Program. The students enjoy the environment, the teachers, and the program. More so, the employees at this program see the benefits of the program within their students. The special education program has been extremely successful.
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Massage Therapy as a ProfessionDuring my internship at Body and Soul Massage in Salem, MA, I interviewed massage therapists about what inspired them to join the field, how they’re doing financially, and how they plan to grow in their careers. Many shared that they were drawn to massage therapy because they enjoy helping people and are interested in natural healing. Financial situations varied, some had steady clients and felt financially stable, while others were balancing multiple jobs. Most therapists talked about the importance of continuing education, like taking new courses or earning certifications, to keep improving their skills and staying up to date in the field.
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Enhancing Accessibility: Empowering Marginalized Students To Utilize Academic Support ServicesThis project focused on improving accessibility and encouraging marginalized students to engage with academic support services at Salem State University. Working alongside the Center for Accessible Academic Resources (CAAR), awareness events were held on both North and Central campuses, where students were invited to complete a brief survey about their knowledge and use of available resources. The survey responses revealed common barriers, such as limited awareness, cultural stigma, and concerns about judgment. These in-person interactions not only boosted the visibility of CAAR but also provided meaningful insight into student needs. The findings highlight the value of direct outreach and inclusive practices in making academic support more approachable and accessible for all students.
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The Role of Exercise in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation : Enhancing Mobility, Balance, and cognitive Function at Neuro-FitThis poster highlights Neuro-Fit's evidence-based approach to neurorehabilitation through individualized exercise programming for individuals with neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). Developed by Supportive Living Inc., Neuro-Fit provides adaptive fitness training that targets physical, cognitive, and emotional recovery. By tailoring each program to the participant's unique functional capacity and goals, Neuro-Fit supports measurable improvements in mobility, balance, and quality of life. The poster also examines clinical observations, client outcomes, and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing neuroplasticity and functional independence. This project underscores the importance of accessible, community-based rehabilitation for long-term recovery and reintegration.
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Career Fair Flyers for High School Students: Exploring Healthcare CareersThis project focused on implementing healthcare career paths and opportunities for students during career fairs held at High Schools surrounding the areas of Beverly, MA in the cities of Revere, Peabody and Lynn. With the resources of the Human Resource department, flyers were created to provide information on various entry-level career paths while also providing insight on higher education requirements. This opportunity provides the chance for the organization to connect with students in different communities to share information and help them learn more about healthcare fields in a clinical and non-clincal setting. The flyers created provided a wide range of career paths students can pursue with an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, Master's degree and/or PhD. By providing entry level job opportunities with certification requirements and higher education requirements it enhances students to seek interest and encourage healthcare career advancement after high school.
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Salem Hospital Radiology Department; Observations From the Spanish Speaking PopulationThis project focused on the comfortability of the Spanish-speaking population in healthcare settings and how critical this issue to ensure safe and effective care for this population. The objective was to garner truthful data from Spanish-speaking patients through the use of a brief electronic survey. The research explored responses from various patients about their experiences as well as their recommendations as Spanish-speaking patients receiving care from healthcare professionals. These patients reported specifically on Salem Hospital's Radiology Department and their interpreter services received there. Responses provided transparency for participants and provided a space for them to reflect on their thoughts and ideas about the situation. The overall results of the survey indicated that patients were satisfied and confident with the Spanish translation services provided at this healthcare facility.
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Using Shaping Techniques to Help a Student Tolerate Medical DevicesThis project focuses on helping a student at the Recreational Education Center (REC) tolerate a blood pressure cuff using a structured shaping procedure. Many students experience discomfort or anxiety during medical procedures due to sensory sensitivities or behavioral challenges. Using positive reinforcement and gradual exposure, the student was taught to tolerate a blood pressure cuff over several weeks. Each week, the cuff was moved higher on the arm—from hand to wrist, forearm, and eventually the upper arm—while reducing interfering behaviors such as non-compliance and fidgeting. Results showed increased tolerance and cooperation. This project demonstrates how shaping techniques and reinforcement strategies can be applied in clinical and educational settings to support medical readiness and promote behavioral growth.
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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.