Education
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12503/21653
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Browsing Education by Author "White, Annesha"
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Item Implementation of a Peer Writing Accountability Group to Improve Scholarly Productivity: A Quest for Protected Time(2018-03-14) White, Annesha; Yuet, ChengPurpose: The pursuit of scholarly activity is a well-described expectation of health sciences faculty given their role in the advancement of public health and patient wellness. Full-time faculty—who maintain clinical teaching sites and service responsibilities—have unique challenges when asked to focus on research. Recommendations for successful scholarly endeavors include formal mentoring, participation in clinical research programs, collaboration with faculty with proven research experience, and involvement in writing groups. A peer-to-peer writing accountability group (WAG) was established at the UNT System College of Pharmacy in June 2017. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the WAG on scholarly productivity among health sciences faculty. Methods: This study was approved by the UNTHSC IRB in June 2017. The WAG consisted of a small number of pharmacy faculty who met weekly from June 2017-August 2017 to work on scholarly activity. Pre- and post-surveys were administered to all participants. Descriptive analyses were performed to assess writing session duration and quantity of scholarly activity. A paired t test was used to determine differences before and after WAG participation. For all statistical tests, alpha level of significance was set at 0.05. Qualitative data based on responses to open ended questions was content analyzed to identify themes. Results:Ten (100%) faculty involved in the WAG completed pre- and post-surveys. Average writing session duration was 2.1 to 2.9 hours, while number of pages written, abstracts submitted, and presentations provided was 17-24, 1-2, and 1, respectively. Mean scores for the pre- and post-test were: average number of publications accepted (2, 1); writing frequency where 0=Daily and 3=Rarely (2.4, 1.6); current time management is sufficient (3, 1.7), current organization skills are sufficient (2.3, 1.5) where 0=Strongly Agree and 4=Strongly Disagree (p Conclusion: Participation in a peer-to-peer WAG increased productivity, time management, and organization skills with regards to scholarship. WAG could be an effective tool to improve scholarly productivity among health sciences faculty.Item Managing Safety and Efficacy In ADHD: A New Wave Of Approaching Treatment Options(2018-03-14) Hart, Renee; White, Annesha; Stone, KeeleyPURPOSE: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurologic disorder affecting approximately 9% of the population according to the National Center for Health Statistics. A variety of diagnostic and treatment guidelines exist, complicating the pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment options. The objective of the study was to summarize key aspects in the diagnosis and treatment options in children with ADHD through a systematic review of current literature. METHODS: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus for meta- analysis, randomized control trials, and other systematic reviews in English, children or adolescent study group, and published between 2007 - 2017. Two authors independently assessed the results of each database and disagreements were resolved through discussion. An algorithm was developed and EBM grading scales were utilized to evaluate quality. Five main topics were evaluated based on a preliminary relevancy search. Topics included: ADHD diagnosis, pharmacologic treatment options and safety profile, and efficacy of non-pharmacologic options including diet and cognitive behavioral therapy. Search terms included ADHD, stimulant, safety, diet, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Selection criteria for relevant studies included those with a control group, randomization, used an official ADHD rating scale to determine efficacy, and ADHD as a primary diagnosis. RESULTS: A variety of guidelines exist regarding ADHD diagnosis. Most follow DSM-IV (or updated DSM-V) although no clear consensus has been developed. However, based on a patient's age, stimulants are a typical first line therapy in treating children and adolescents with ADHD. Stimulants pose a variety of safety concerns including reduced appetite, insomnia, and cardiovascular events. Based on stigma regarding stimulant use, parents have sought nonpharmacologic options to therapy. The primary nonpharmacologic option is behavioral therapy (as an adjunct to medication or alone). Dietary changes and supplementation have shown potential additional benefits. CONCLUSION: ADHD remains a prevalent and growing topic among parents, teachers, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Individualization plays a key role in determining treatment. Depending on the patient’s current health status, medical history, and use of other medications, parents need to work with their physician and pharmacist to determine the best treatment.