The Impact of Annual Preventive Visits on Long-Term Patient Outcomes

National policies and state Medicaid programs have removed financial barriers and increased incentives to expand the utilization of preventive services in the U.S. However, utilization of annual preventive visits and other preventive services remains low for many populations. Numerous research studies have shown the short-term benefit of annual preventive visits that lead to higher utilization of other preventive services such as vaccinations and cancer and chronic disease screenings. The literature on the long-term benefits of annual preventive visits remains sparse and primarily focused on young children and Medicare-enrolled adults. This study aims to fill in part of that gap by analyzing the long-term health outcomes of annual preventive visit utilization for older children and working-age adults enrolled in Medicaid. Utilizing administrative enrollment and claims data, the researcher completed a propensity-score matched case-control study to determine the impact of annual preventive visits on acute care and emergency care utilization as well as total costs of care. The study found that utilization of annual preventive visits was associated with significantly lower acute inpatient care utilization. However, there was not a significant reduction in emergency care utilization or total costs of care among participants with annual preventive visit utilization versus those without it. This study provides evidence of the long-term benefits of annual preventive visit utilization among older children and working-age adults enrolled in Medicaid. Further research should continue exploring the benefits of preventive care for this population

Students in Cafeteria, undated

This photo features students checking out the food options in the cafeteria at the Student Services Center.https://fuse.franklin.edu/studentservices/1004/thumbnail.jp

Student Services Lobby, undated

This photo features the lobby of the Student Services Center.https://fuse.franklin.edu/studentservices/1012/thumbnail.jp

Franklin University Sign, undated

This photo features the Franklin University sign located at the intersection of South Grant Avenue and East Rich Street.https://fuse.franklin.edu/campusscences/1003/thumbnail.jp

Rendering of Phillips Hall, undated

This photo features a group looking at a rendering of Phillips Hall before construction.https://fuse.franklin.edu/phillipshall/1004/thumbnail.jp

Student Services Staff, undated

This photo features staff posing in the Student Services Associate Area.https://fuse.franklin.edu/studentservices/1007/thumbnail.jp

Fall Prevention in Long-Term Care

Problem: Falls among older adults residing in long-term care facilities continue to rise, resulting in injuries that contribute to adverse outcomes, a reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Despite existing safety interventions, falls persist, indicating a gap in effective, sustainable fall prevention strategies. Repeated failures to reduce falls among adults aged 65 years and older highlight the need for a structured, evidence-based approach aimed at addressing this critical patient safety issue. Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to reduce falls and fall-related injuries by 25% for older adults residing in a long-term care facility over a 10-week period through the implementation of an evidence-based fall prevention bundle. Review of the Evidence: A comprehensive literature review supported that multifaceted fall prevention bundles with demonstrated effectiveness exist in long-term care settings. Studies emphasize that fall prevention interventions are more successful when combined with the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) model for quality improvement (QI) during implementation in clinical settings. Project Design: This project utilized a QI model aimed at addressing practice challenges in healthcare in conjunction with the OhioHealth Change Management model to facilitate stakeholder engagement. The interdisciplinary team coordinated the planning, education, and implementation of the evidence-based bundle. PSDA cycles were used to drive small tests of change to implement the updated fall prevention bundle. Each successive PDSA cycle strengthened staff engagement, increased the effectiveness of the fall intervention bundle, and fostered continuous improvement in patient safety practices. Intervention: The evidence-based approach used for this project employed three nursing and team strategies: (1) hourly rounds to ensure the four P’s (pain, placement, potty, and positioning) were addressed, (2) all patient needs were met before leaving the room, and (3) proactive team collaboration to prevent additional falls when patients experience a functional decline or when safety concerns were identified. These strategies promoted consistent care delivery and a safer environment by addressing risks in real time. The team collected data weekly on falls and staff compliance, allowing real-time evaluation and strategy adjustments. Significant Findings/Outcomes: The evidence-based fall bundle and teamwork contributed to a 32% reduction in falls over 10 weeks and eliminated major injuries. The QI project aligned with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) Six Aims for Healthcare Improvement by improving safety, outcomes, and care quality through evidence-based strategies. Sustainability requires ongoing engagement, interprofessional collaboration, and adoption into daily practice. The team continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to sustaining these improvements through active participation, shared accountability, and continued focus on patient safety

When Moral Codes Fail: The Problem of Moral Entanglement: A Call for Critical Thinking

The problem of moral entanglement has to do with moral rules/principles that have been found to be entangled so that no matter which one the moral agent chooses (whether as an act of free-will or obedience) to follow or do, an inconsistency will inevitably follow (within the context of a moral system/theory). This presentation will consider a subset (of at least two applicable elements) of a set of accepted strictures of a moral code (purportedly with the general goal to do good and avoid evil) to show that what is moral is not always a function of the applicable elements of a moral code one chooses. And, because this moral entanglement is logically inconsistent with the general goal to do good and avoid evil, such moral codes fail. Moreover, since this overarching set of moral rules/principles is meant to guide a person’s or group’s decision-making, establish standards for moral behavior, and promote what is valued, this presentation also shows that the moral system/theory that advocates for such a moral code (with such an applicable subset) is logically flawed. And, as a Reductio ad Absurdum, the moral system/theory ought to be abandoned. Accordingly, such standards to which moral agents aspire and by which their actions can be judged clearly undercut the individual’s or group’s ability to deal consistently and ethically with moral dilemmas

Instruction in a Classroom, undated

This photo features a speaker addressing a group of students in a classroom.https://fuse.franklin.edu/ymca/1018/thumbnail.jp

FUSE Annual Report 2025

Learn about FUSE\u27s performance during the August, 2024 - July, 2025 Academic Year in the Franklin University Library\u27s annual report