Outpatient Physical Therapists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Eating Disorder Screening

Background & Purpose: Approximately 9% of Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime1 and these disorders can impact the recovery of patients receiving physical therapy services. Physical therapists (PT) should be aware if a patient has a history of, or current history of an eating disorder or nutritional deficiency as these can negatively impact a patient’s participation and optimal functioning. Minimal research has been performed related to physical therapy and eating disorders. Determining outpatient physical therapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards eating disorders and if they are screening for eating disorders is the first step in furthering research to help bridge the gap in the literature and improve patient care for this population This is a descriptive cross-sectional study investigating outpatient physical therapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding eating disorder screening as a part of physical therapy practice. Participants: 231 licensed physical therapists working in an outpatient clinic setting. Methods: Researchers created a survey based on current literature on eating disorder screening and three physical therapists reviewed it for clarity. Questions were structured to target three main topics: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of physical therapists on eating disorder screening. The electronic survey was created and distributed via employer emails, APTA listservs, and social media. Results: A total of 231 participants with an average age of 35.67 years old (±10.42 years) consented to participate in the study. The majority of the sample population, 63.06%, reported having no education on eating disorders. A total of 83.34% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that screening for eating disorders is within the physical therapists scope of practice. However, only 6.54% of participants routinely screen for eating disorders. Discussion: The vast majority of physical therapists surveyed did not screen patients for eating disorders. However, the majority of participants agreed/strongly agreed that screening for eating disorders is within the PT scope of practice and that they wanted to play a role in helping patients prevent poor eating habits. Educating patients about eating disorders should include providing appropriate resources to patients, whether that is a referral to another medical professional, a hotline/helpline, or general CDC nutritional guidelines. To identify patients with eating disorders screening is the first step. Physical therapists can then give education, refer to other professionals and modify the PT plan of care appropriately.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2023/1022/thumbnail.jp

Effectiveness of Internet Based Treatment Methods for Symptom Management of Vestibular Disorders: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of internet-based and blended therapy for patients with peripheral, central, or mixed vestibular dysfunction based on current research. Methods: Medline, CINAHL Complete, PubMed, and The Cochrane Library were searched from September 2022 to January 2023 using the search terms “vestibular,” “internet,” “computer,” “management,” “online,” “self-efficacy,” “vestibular disorder,” “rehabilitation,” “treatment,” “dizziness,” and “phys* ther*.”Studies were included if they used internet-based interventions for patients with diagnosed vestibular dysfunction caused by pure vestibular pathology. Three independent reviewers performed the selection process based on title, abstract, and full-text reading. In total, 8 studies were selected, three reviewers independently extracted data related to intervention technique, duration of intervention, symptoms relief, and overall outcome. The PEDro and hierarchy of evidence scales were used to assess the methodological quality of selected articles. Results: Of 8 articles, seven were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and one was a qualitative design study. Hierarchy of evidence rating scores ranged from level 2 to level 3. Six of the articles had a level 2 score, and two articles had a level 3 score. PEDro scores ranged from 2/10 to 8/10, including three 8/10, two 7/10, two 2/10, and one 3/10 scores. Primary outcome measures reviewed in this study include the Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Secondary outcome measures include Dynamic Gait Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, quality of life measures, and subjective reports. Discussion: Although PEDro scores ranged from poor to good, internet vestibular rehabilitation (IVR) was shown to be an effective form of improvement in reported dizziness, anxiety related to symptoms, and dynamic postural stability. IVR did not significantly improve quality of life or severity of symptoms. Conclusion: Based on present findings, IVR can be recommended to patients as a means to reduce chronic symptoms outside of the clinic.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2023/1007/thumbnail.jp

An Examination of Arterial Closure Devices

The intention of this poster is to provide information on the various devices and methods for achieving hemostasis after arterial access has been used for cardiac catheterization procedures. There are a multitude of closure devices being utilized to stop patient bleeding following a cardiac catheterization procedure, and keeping up with the information and data related to these devices can be complex. Suture based, collagen based, patch based, membrane based, pressure bands, as well as application of manual pressure are some of the devices and/or methods that will be examined within this project. A thorough overview of these closure devices currently being used within cath labs across the globe will be compared and contrasted. Some cardiac procedures that would require femoral and radial artery access will be listed, as well as a brief explanation as to why these access sites are preferred. Information and statistics on the usage, success rates, as well as likelihood of complications for each device/method will be included in the slides. Details regarding the specifics of complications that may occur will also be explained. Ultimately, this poster seeks to inform viewers about the plethora of options available to avoid post procedure bleeding should they ever find themselves in need of cardiac intervention, and to be able to discuss with their doctors what the safest of these options may be. Keywords: Cardiac Catheterization, Arterial Closure, Complications Associated With Arterial Closure, Hemostasis, Sutures for Arterial Closure, Collagen-based Arterial Closure, Patch-based Arterial Closure, Manual Arterial Pressure, Membrane-based Closure, Arterial Pressure Bandshttps://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/medimg_seniorposters/1048/thumbnail.jp

Artificial Intelligence in Interventional Cardiology

Artificial Intelligence in Interventional Cardiology Student Researcher: Aaron Hummer Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elaine Halesey, Ed.D, R.T.(R)(QM)(ARRT) Abstract This research project explains the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) and the ways that AI can be useful in interventional cardiology (IC), particularly in cardiac catheterization. In cardiac catheterization, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are two imaging devices that are used in interventional procedures, such as percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). While still early in the research phase, OCT combined with AI shows the most promising results for the future of IC. Presently, IVUS maintains the highest results during interventional procedures, but as more randomized, multicenter studies are performed using OCT, the paradigm shift that will occur in IC represents where the cardiology profession is headed in the future. Due to the number of advancements being researched in the use of OCT and AI, the application of this imaging device may happen sooner into departments than initially expected. Numerous studies being performed in Asia and Europe offer the most insight as to what the future may hold for this field. As with any novel technology, disappointment and disillusionment are bound to occur because of the unrealistic expectations that may be associated with this technology. While this technology might be new and exciting, the focus on improving and maintaining clinical outcomes during interventional procedures should be a current concern of the field of cardiology.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2023/1026/thumbnail.jp

Computed Tomography Simulation in Radiation Therapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

The purpose of this research is to educate readers on the role of computed tomography (CT) simulation in the radiation therapy process, specifically for patients with lung cancer. The goal of radiation therapy treatment is to maximize the dose to a target, usually a tumor, while minimizing the dose to the normal surrounding tissue. CT imaging creates cross-sectional images of the patient’s anatomy which can be used to create a treatment plan. In non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) there are four critical structures of concern including the spinal cord, esophagus, heart, healthy lung. CT simulation uses images to localize the tumor then define the size and shape of the treatment volume relative to the critical structures. For NSCLC treatment, a major concern in planning is breathing motion. The text utilized in the research included information on the principles of radiation therapy and CT simulation. Several studies are included to demonstrate the techniques used to manage motion including deep inspiration breathhold (DIBH) and four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT). 4D-CT uses advanced respiratory motion management techniques including respiratory gating and tumor tracking to measure the respiratory phase during simulation. A limitation to this research is the lack of research and studies on the topic of CT simulation in radiation therapy. Future literature should be published to highlight the importance of CT use in radiation therapy.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2023/1020/thumbnail.jp

Importance of Deep Inspiration Breath Hold for Left Breast Cancer Treatment

Abstract This project explains the importance of deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) technique for treating left breast and chest wall tumors. General statistics, definition of gating and DIBH, inclusion and exclusion criteria, dose reduction, differences of free breathing and DIBH techniques, and expected outcome are also discussed. Breast cancer is the leading cause of female deaths in the United States, and left breast cancer diagnosis is more common than right breast cancer diagnosis. Left breast cancer diagnosis accounts for 50.8% of breast cancer diagnosis and right breast cancer accounts for the remaining 49.2%. The risk of breast cancer diagnosis in a female\u27s lifetime is about 1 in 3 women. Radiation therapy utilizes techniques to help alleviate pain and can cure breast cancer cases. New radiation therapy techniques, such as the DIBH, offer greater potential for dose reduction and protection of vital organs from overexposure. Deep inspiration breath hold increases optimism for female patients with left breast cancer due to the reduction in chest wall complications and reactions from therapy treatments. Due to the prevalence of left breast cancer diagnosis, further research needs to be conducted to improve proper treatment and deep inspiration breath hold technique. Keywords: deep inspiration breath hold, free breathing, breast cancer, left breast cancer, radiation therapyhttps://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/medimg_seniorposters/1042/thumbnail.jp

Exploring the Transition from General Ultrasound to Veterinary Ultrasound: Challenges and Opportunities

Objective: The objective of the interview and research study was to identify the various challenges and opportunities that may be presented to an individual seeking a transition from human to veterinary ultrasound. Methods: An interview was conducted between two senior sonography students and one experienced veterinary sonographer. Results: The interview and research provided information and detail on the transition process, what a sonographer should know prior to the transition, and what benefits and obstacles a sonographer may encounter.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2023/1028/thumbnail.jp

Assessing Women\u27s Understanding of Mensuration: Knowledge Gaps and Educational Needs

The menstrual cycle is more complex than what seems to be taught in the education system. School systems focus on the basics of the menstrual cycle, like for example what to do when a young female gets her menstrual cycle for the first time and telling the young female that she can get pregnant but then do not go into detail on the timeframe when pregnancy can occur. It consists of more information than what is taught in the public school system and should be better taught to young females to prevent the unpreventable. The main objective of the study was to evaluate how much women know or think they know about the menstrual cycle, and where in their education they learned the information. In order to generate responses, a survey was created and sent out to women that asked multiple questions. The questions were regarding the menstrual cycle and were specific to the knowledge that they have obtained or have not obtained in their lifetime.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2023/1008/thumbnail.jp

Surface Guided Radiation Therapy versus Traditional Triangular Positioning

Surface-guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is a positioning monitoring system utilizing 3D nonionizing optical surface imaging. This system assists in patient set-up and allows for real-time monitoring of the patient’s skin surface during radiation therapy treatment. Surface-guided imaging can be used for many treatment sites such as breast, abdomen, head and neck, and extremities. SGRT is believed to have more advantages than the traditional triangular positioning including shorter set-up times, improved accuracy and reproducibility of treatment area, decreased dose, and improved patient comfort. Studies have also shown the planned dose delivery can also be monitored with SGRT and decrease dose to surrounding tissues.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/medimg_seniorposters/1043/thumbnail.jp

Comparing Work Related Injuries between Sonographers and Occupational Therapists: A Retrospective Analysis

Work related injuries are more prevalent in Sonographers compared to Occupational Therapists. Work-related injuries in ultrasound and occupational therapy are the result of multiple factors, including repetitive motions, heavy lifting or transfers, awkward postures, non-ergonomic work environments, and equipment. These risk factors have been identified as the main contributors to work-related injuries among Sonographers and Occupational Therapists. This research will continue the discussion of the differences and similarities between work-related injuries amongst Sonographers and Occupational Therapists, ergonomics, types of injuries, and the importance of injury prevention.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2023/1013/thumbnail.jp