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e-Newsletter for Alumni and Friends
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1-866-WARHAWK (927-4295)
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| May 2008 | ||
FACULTY NEWS
Zagar and ULM student pharmacists develop safer medication management methods for low vision patients
Understanding that patients with low vision problems may have difficulty or complete inability to read medication labels on prescription vials, ULM College of Pharmacy instructor Dr. Michelle Zagar assigned a project that would help her students relate to patients with visual impairments.
Zagar's students were assigned to wear goggles designed to simulate conditions of various low vision diseases. Low vision is an impairment that primarily affects people over the age of 65. The condition is usually the result of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration and currently affects more than 6.3 million Americans. Vision related conditions may contribute to patients taking incorrect doses, thus leading to overdoses or inadequate treatment of health problems.
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The goggles worn by students were actually welder's goggles with lenses altered or obscured in a manner to simulate conditions of various low vision diseases. Upon wearing the goggles, the students engaged in several medication-related tasks under the altered conditions for example, drawing water out of a bottle with a syringe to simulate drawing insulin, or pouring colored liquid into a spoon to simulate taking cough syrup.
Afterwards, the students were asked to design a device, technique, routine, or other way to help low vision patients adhere to their medication regimens.
Students from each group presented their projects to members of the Low Vision Support Group at the Ouachita Council on Aging Saturday, April 5.
These are some of the distinctive methods that the students came up with:
Vial Dial
This device is for patients with Diabetic Retinopathy (spotty vision). The Vial Dial requires that a pharmacist simply combine a standard pill container located in the pharmacy with an audio recording device. These devices can be found a number of ways, ranging from the toy aisles of local superstores to versions sold on the Internet and made specifically for custom use. The group chose their recording device from www.klockit.com because of the generic version¹s ease of use and purchase. When obtained in this manner, the voice recorder costs as little as $4. If the device were produced on a mass scale for this purpose, the price for each one would likely be even less.
Once the pharmacist obtains the audio recorder, he or she records the pertinent information for identifying which drug the diabetic retinopathy patient is about to take as well as the instructions for how to properly take the medication. The pharmacist does so by holding the device close to the mouth, pressing the record button, and speaking into the miniature microphone. Once an acceptable message has been entered into the apparatus by the pharmacist, the record button can be hidden to prevent the patient from accidentally recording their own message.
Lastly, the pharmacist attaches the recorder to the vial with any type of normal adhesive, preferably underneath the cap to avoid damage. With the playback button centered and distinctly raised on the device, diabetic retinopathy patients should have no trouble using the recorder to safely manage their medications.
For patients on multiple medications, a star or similar symbol will be placed on both the prescription cap and vial to avoid placing the wrong cap on the wrong vial at home. That way, patients will know the "star" cap goes with the "star" vial, the "heart" cap with the "heart" vial, and so on.
Third-year student pharmacist Dana Madaffari found the assignment increasing her empathy. "After this experience I was able to put myself in the patients' shoes. We came up with an inexpensive solution to a very debilitating vision problem."
Team members are:
- Madaffari - Baton Rouge
- Mark Landry - Metairie
- Leo LeBlanc - Slidell
- Darren LeBlanc - Slidell
Sticker Project
The sticker project will be used for patients with cataracts (blurred, yellow vision) and will involve highlighting the indication and daily doses of each medication taken by a single patient.
The indication will be designated by a black-and-white sticker on the side of the vial with a picture of the intended use. For example, a blood pressure or heart medication will be indicated by a black-and-white heart.
The number of times per day the patient is to take the medication is designated by a sun (if taken once daily in the morning), by a star (if taken once daily at bedtime), or by a number (if taken more than once daily).
A chart for quick reference will also be given to each patient. The two-column chart will have the following headings: "Why am I taking this medicine?" and "How often do I take this medicine?" Under the first heading will be a duplicate of each picture appearing on the vials of the individual patient along with a description of the intended use written in large black letters. Under the second heading will be a similar legend describing the daily dosing stickers.
As the pictures will all be drawn in black marker on white stickers, this will provide a clear contrast with minimal chance of color distortions. The legend provided to each patient will aid in understanding and help to prevent confusion.
Third-year student pharmacist Holly Little said, "Studies have shown that patients have increased compliance if they understand why they are taking the medicine. The sticker chart will help the patients understand what medication they are taking and why they are taking it. This activity will definitely cause me to have more patience with visually impaired patients and will increase my effort in helping solve their problems."
Team members are:
- Kayla Brown - Monroe
- Little - Winnfield
- Laura Trahan - Monroe
- James Thibodeaux - Lake Charles
Puff-Paint Project
In order to aid patients with cataracts, the group decided to use fabric paint to draw symbols on a prescription vial. On the cap, they used dots to denote how many times the medication should be taken in a day; for example, if the medication should be taken three times daily, three dots will be drawn on the cap.
The students also used the paint to draw lines on the bottom of the vial to let the patient know how many pills should be taken for one dose. If the patient is to take two pills, there will be two lines on the bottom of the bottle. If the prescription specifies that the drug should be taken in the morning or at night, a sun or moon will be drawn on the cap. If the drug must be taken with food, an "F" will be drawn on the cap.
Patients with cataracts experience blurred and distorted vision. They are still capable of seeing, but they have problems reading small details and distinguishing between colors. These methods will enable the patient to overcome the problems by allowing them to use their sense of touch to determine how the drug should be taken. In addition, the larger size of the drawings will be easier for the patients to see. The drawings make it simpler than reading the prescription label. This method eliminates the need for the patient to distinguish between pill colors, shapes, and sizes.
Team members are:
- Amy Jarreau - Erwinville
- Tien Nguyen - New Iberia
- Maghon Manuel - Monroe
- Tiffany Dauzat - Marksville
Flip-Cap and Recorder Vial Project
This group developed a device that will allow patients with macular degeneration to use their sense of hearing to help them manage their medications.
The students will first develop a vial with a flip cap attached to it so that the cap is never separated from the vial. This is important because on the cap there will be a button for the patient to press. When they press it, he or she will hear the name and strength of the medication, its indication, and the dosing regimen. The recording will be done by a pharmacist prior to dispensing.
The students intend to market the recorder to be used on over-the-counter medications as well, ensuring that the labels on these bottles will be done in a very large print, thus allowing the patient to have a better chance of deciphering what it says. The name of the drug would not only be large, but the letters would also be raised so the patient can use their sense of touch to feel each letter. This will serve as a way for the patient to double check that they are handling the correct bottle of medication.
The group feels that this device will help patients with macular degeneration because it would minimize medication errors and improve compliance. Rather than trying to guess how many times a day the label says to take their medication, these patients would now be able to hear the directions and do as told.
As a result, therapeutic results should be positive. For instance, if these patients take their medication when and how they are supposed to, they may get their blood pressure under control. Then, once they begin getting positive results when they visit their doctor, it should be encouraging; therefore, they will continue to take their medication regularly, and patient compliance will be enhanced.
Another way this device is beneficial for this population is that it may help them feel more independent and more comfortable when taking their medications on their own. By literally hearing their pharmacist tell them how to take their medication, there will be no doubt in their minds that they are doing everything correctly. This is perhaps the most important reason, because it would likely improve their quality of life, as many elderly individuals do not necessarily like other people to help them, feeling pleasure instead in being more independent.
Team members are:
- Hannah Brown - Jena
- Tamara Byrd - Rayville
- Ashley Decoux - Youngsville
- Jennifer Teat - Jonesboro
- Trey Turner - Eunice
ULM College of Arts and Sciences honors retiring faculty members
The ULM College of Arts and Sciences celebrated seven faculty members at a retirement reception Thursday, May 1, held from
2 – 4 p.m. in the Student Union Building.
Honored at the reception were:
- Dr. J. Fleming McClelland – English (1981-2008)
- Patricia N. Melton - Social Work (1986-2008)
- Mona A. Oliver – English (1968-2008)
- Dr. Davis W. Pritchett – Biology (1980-2008)
- Robert G. Ward – Art (1966-2008)
- Dr. G. Dale Welch - Gerontology & Sociology (1973-2008)
- Dr. L. Keith White - Visual and Performing Arts (2003-2008)
Dr. J. Fleming McClelland, an integral and involved faculty member in the English department, was personally singled out by President Cofer in his 2006 Envision speech as being a valuable asset to ULM’s academic integrity. McClelland served as interim head of the English department, his area of specialization being 19th century British literature.
Patricia N. Melton at one time served as the head of the ULM Department of Social Work before returning to full-time teaching in the classroom. Among her many distinguishing accomplishments, she is a respected professional administrator, social worker, and community advocate. She also at one time served as the department’s coordinator of field education, overseeing the critical component of each student’s internship portion.
Mona Oliver, a recipient of the Outstanding Professor Award at ULM for her excellence in teaching, research and service, taught English at the university since 1968 and English as a second language since 1990, instructing in composition and literature course as well as advanced grammar. She served as acting director of Freshman English for two years, as director of English as a Second Language for at least five, and served as the director of the Teaching and Learning Resource Center until her retirement.
Dr. Davis W. Pritchett has been tapped twice to serve as head of the ULM Department of Biology, putting his talents and experience to good use for the students’ welfare. He was the holder of the Kitty DeGree Professorship in Biology and taught a number of different courses, primarily in zoology and microbiology. Several publications have resulted from his work. For at least the past 12 years, he has been ULM’s primary premedical advisor and sponsor of Alpha Epsilon Delta.
Robert G. Ward is a multiple award-winning professor of art at ULM. He served as interim head of painting and continues to exhibit in several respected exhibitions and competitions each year. His work and expertise are sought after locally, regionally, and nationally. His student Megan Rushing credited him as one of the professors who has “made such a large impact on my growth as an individual and as an artist.”
Dr. G. Dale Welch was the holder of the Dr. William R. Hammond Professorship in Liberal Arts and served ULM with distinction as a professor of criminal justice, gerontology and sociology. He has served as department head and temporarily as assistant to the dean as well as acting as the internship coordinator for the university’s gerontology graduate degree program. He is a respected member of several professional organizations and has received significant honors from his peers. He was the recipient of another prestigious professorship at ULM, the Biedenharn Endowed Professorship in Gerontology, from 2001 – 2004. He followed this by becoming president-elect of the Louisiana Geriatric Society in December 2006.
Dr. L. Keith White made his mark during his five-year service as director of the ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts, bringing incredible talent, diversity, and sought-after productions to the university through such avenues as opera, musicals, theatre, dance, music, and art performance pieces, utilizing both dynamic local talent as well as celebrity visitors. White stated that “the mission of the School of Visual and Performing Arts is to provide student-centered training to students in the arts…and to provide cultural activities, special events and performances for the university community, area patrons, and people throughout the region.” In 2007 White pioneered the Louisiana Lyric Opera, the state’s only professional summer stock theatre and the professional resident company of the University of Louisiana at Monroe School of Visual and Performing Arts.
Boult to be published in August edition of “American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology”
Dr. Johanna Boult of the ULM Communicative Disorders Department has co-authored an article, scheduled to be published in the August 2008 Edition of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association journal “American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.”
Boult’s co-authors are Dr. Ida Stockman of Michigan State University and Gregory C. Robinson of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The article is titled “Multicultural/Multilingual Instruction (MMI) in Education Programs: A Survey of Perceived Practices and Outcomes.”
The survey targeted Communication Disorders faculty members in the 227 programs accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation in the United States and Puerto Rico and was the first of its kind to ask faculty members’ opinions about current practices of infusion of MMI into course content.
Results of the survey revealed that respondents tend to infuse MMI into non-MMI courses as opposed to offering a specific course on the topic. In addition, they report dissatisfaction with current infusion methods in terms of their own preparation and student-learning outcomes. Boult and her co-authors suggest that a more specific plan for infusion of MMI, as a topic that is integrally relevant to communication development and disorders, paired with a specific course on the topic, is likely the optimal model.
Boult said, “I am very excited about the publication of this study because it is my first, major, peer-reviewed work. It is my hope that the article will lead current faculty and program administrators to analyze their practices and inspire additional studies on topics such as pedagogical best practice, learning outcomes, and policy recommendations.”
Holloway presents paper at 26th Biennial Louisiana Conference on Hispanic Languages and Literature
Dr. Charles Holloway, a professor in the ULM Department of Foreign Languages, presented a paper recently at the 26th Biennial Louisiana Conference on Hispanic Languages and Literatures at Louisiana State University.
During the event on March 7, Holloway presented “The Canary Islanders of Ascension Parish: Community Attitudes, Cultural Awareness, and Language Shift.”
Those attending the special session included Consul General of Spain Daniel Chamorro, Education Advisor of the Ministry of Education of Spain Antonio Matarredona, and several Canary Islanders descendants.
Holloway’s work on the Canary Islanders appeared in his book “Dialect Death: The Case of Brule Spanish,” a text used by many universities throughout the country. He has published in several professional journals, including “Hispanic Linguistics” and “The Southwest Journal of Linguistics.” Holloway was also chosen as National Outstanding University Professor of the Year by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese in 2001.
Michael Echols joins ULM administration
Michael Echols joins the ULM administration as Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communications. Echols will serve on the ULM Cabinet alongside the senior leadership team.
A Monroe native, Echols earned his Bachelor and Master of Business Administration at ULM and until recently, worked as the Chief Operating Officer for Oglesby Financial Group while serving ULM as an adjunct professor of Marketing.
Echols is enthusiastic about joining the ULM team. "Over the last six years, ULM has made significant strides in image, environment and education. I look forward to continuing in that great effort by helping others realize - both regionally and nationally - the true gem we have," he said.
"I also feel honored to be a part of such an incredible institution that supports its students, faculty, staff and community partners while maintaining academic excellence."
In announcing Echols' addition as a member of the university's senior leadership team, Dr. Don Skelton, Vice President for Advancement, says, "Michael Echols has valuable experience in the marketing and communications area that will serve to promote the university regionally, nationally and internationally. We are fortunate to have Michael join our team."
Echols participates in several civic organizations including Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Monroe Symphony Orchestra Endowment, Leadership Louisiana Graduate, Monroe Kiwanis Club and more.
The Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communications position is pending approval by the UL System Board of Supervisors.
Echols can be reached at (318) 342-3683 or echols@ulm.edu
ULM's Greg Smith receives National Teaching Award
Greg Smith, assistant professor of construction at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, received the National Teaching Award at the 44th Annual Associated Schools of Construction Conference in Auburn, Ala. in April.
This honor recognizes a faculty member's contribution to construction education, excellence in teaching and dedication to the construction profession. Smith was chosen as the winner in Region 5, which includes construction programs in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
ASC Region 5 Director Richard Ryan said, "Greg is a strong representative for our region, with recognized dedication and ability. He is a great asset to his program and to his construction education."
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in construction from then-NLU and a master’s degree from Louisiana Tech in industrial/organizational psychology. He has taught at ULM for the past five years.
Of the award, Smith said, "It is a huge honor to receive this award, especially when you consider the knowledge and abilities of my colleagues."
Sutton and Jardine-Randel attend AAMFT national training conference
Dr. Jana Sutton, ULM Marriage and Family Therapy professor and president-elect of the Louisiana Marriage and Family Therapy Association, attended a national training conference for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists in Washington this month.
She was accompanied by Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Student Representative and incoming ULM Ph.D. student Robyn Jardine-Randel of West Monroe. The two met with legislative assistants from both Sen. David Vitter’s and Sen. Mary Landrieu’s office as well as with a legislative aide to Rep. Charlie Melancon (La-D).
Sutton and Jardine-Randel went to Capitol Hill to lobby on behalf of the AAMFT and its professional membership of Marriage and Family Therapists. Additionally, the two participated in the training effort, designed to more adequately prepare divisional leaders in conference planning, improving communication among members, and administrative tasks such as budgeting and staffing.
Sutton commented on the conference. “Meeting with the national board of directors for the AAMFT and other divisional leaders was a great experience.”
Jarine-Randel stated that there is a myriad of pending legislation that will be of weighty significance to the profession of Marriage and Family Therapists in the near future.
Clinical Laboratory Science Honor Society inducts members; celebrates National Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Week
The ULM Beta Delta Chapter of Lambda Tau National Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Honor Society held its annual Initiation Banquet April 23 in the ULM Student Union Building.
Lambda Tau is a national academic honor society that recognizes scholarship, professionalism and dedication to the profession of clinical laboratory science in college students majoring in that field. A 3.0 or higher grade point average is required to qualify for membership in this organization. The ULM CLS faculty advisor for Lambda Tau is Dr. Michael Ramsey.
The students inducted into provisional membership included Sarah Walters, Melinda Bennett, Emma McHenry, Christina Smith and LaToya Smith. Those students advancing from provisional membership to active membership included Laura Beth Harkness, Jessica Auston, Mandi Hollis and Michelle Thomas. Lambda Tau officers led the induction ceremony: Jordan Bivens, president; Kimberly Dupre, secretary; and Katelyn Moore, treasurer.
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Dr. Denny Ryman, dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, presented the keynote address. Ryman is a clinical laboratory scientist and was inducted into the Beta Delta Chapter as an honorary faculty member. He was also presented with a ULM Clinical Laboratory Science T-shirt.
The event was held during National Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Week, which provides the profession with a unique opportunity to increase public understanding of and appreciation for, clinical laboratory personnel. According to Debbie Wisenor, interim department head of Clinical Laboratory Science, “There are approximately 300,000 practitioners of clinical laboratory science in the United States. The clinical laboratory science professional plays a vital role in the diagnosis and prevention of disease and is a key member of the health care team.”
Smith serves as scholar for bilingual Prime Time Reading Time at local West Monroe library
Dr. Ruth E. Smith, head of the ULM Department of Foreign Languages, served as the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities scholar for the first bilingual Prime Time Family Reading Time at the Ouachita Valley Library in West Monroe. The series ran on Mondays March 17 – April 28.
Prime Time was developed by the LEH and is designed for families with children six to 10 years old who are at risk of experiencing difficulty in reading. The program targets parents who may have low literacy and who are concerned about their children's reading abilities.
The storyteller, Jennifer McSween, and scholar, Smith, presented several selections from children's literature in both English and Spanish. The discussion that followed was conducted in both languages, with the goal to provide an enjoyable interaction among participants, discussion leaders and staff, and to encourage children to read and parents to be involved in their development of reading skills.
The bilingual programs have been conducted in southern and western Louisiana, and the series in West Monroe was the first for this area of the state. A second program will take place in October at the main library on Stubbs.
ACHE invites ULM professor to serve
American College of Healthcare Executives Louisiana Regents Advisory Council invited Matthew Matusiak, assistant professor of health studies at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, to serve one term with the Louisiana Regent's Advisory Council.
The responsibilities of RAC members include:
- Expand the opportunities for affiliates to participate in College activities that are limited due to the small number of available
committee appointments
- Assist the Regent in the promotion of College programs and the recruitment/advancement of affiliates
- Broaden the commitment for professional growth, ethical conduct and College advancement within the jurisdiction and
- Increase the grassroots input and feedback for policy and program planning.
The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 30,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. ACHE is known for its prestigious credentialing and educational programs and its annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership, which draws more than 4,000 participants each year, according to their Web site.
Matusiak earned a Doctorate of Health Science, Masters Degree in Management, Certificate (with Distinction) in Emergency Management, Bachelor of Science and a Diploma in Medical Technology.
He is certified as a Medical Technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, Clinical Laboratory Scientist and a Clinical Laboratory Compliance Professional by the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel. In February of 2006, he was honored with an appointment as a Fellow to the Royal Institute of Public Health in London, England; in 2007 he was honored with an appointment as Fellow with the American Institute of Chemistry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Matusiak's interests include emergency preparedness in healthcare, healthcare management, and issues of public health.
Coyle presents at national conference
Brad Coyle, kinesiology instructor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, presented “Activating Connections Between Physical Activity, Self-Esteem, and Fitness,” at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance convention in Fort Worth, Texas. His presentation in April was sponsored by the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport.
Coyle talked about national studies that suggest young women, ages 11-14, suffer a loss of self-confidence and battle with poor body image. Correspondingly, daily participation in physical activity declines as all young women progress through grade levels, he said. Coyle offered strategies to increase the proportion of female adolescents who participate in daily physical activity. Coyle co-presented with Cathy Singletary of LSU Shreveport.
An instructor for three years at ULM, Coyle earned a B.S. in Health and Physical Education at East Stroudsburg University and a Master’s M.Ed (Health Education) at Pennsylvania State University. He is finishing his doctor of education at Oklahoma State University. Coyle's concentration is in Health and Human Performance.
Stories courtesy of ULM's Office of University Relations
Photos courtesy of Richard Lupo, University Photo Services
ULM MFT Ph.D. student Bill Riddle contributed to the AAMFT story.
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