Students: Alfreda Young, Kelli Craig, Jalyn Smith (1245), Bernadette Serebour
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD, Hossein Mohit, PhD
Industry Sponsor: WellStar Health Systems
Background: Predictive modeling within a deterioration index is essential for forecasting the decline in a patient, enabling proactive maintenance and informed decision-making (Smith,P 2020). Understanding the integration of data, real-time monitoring, and the limitations and benefits of predictive modeling within the deterioration index is crucial for effective patient care and management.
Objective: This paper aims to educate end users on the principles and applications of predictive modeling within a deterioration index, focusing on understanding predictive modeling, data integration, real-time monitoring, proactive care, limitations and benefits, and validation and performance. This paper will also underscore the importance of overcoming these barriers to fully realize the potential of predictive modeling. Furthermore, it will discuss the steps required to ensure that predictive models are accurate, fair, and applicable across diverse patient populations. Looking to the future, this paper will provide insights into how predictive modeling is likely to evolve.
Methods: The study utilizes the review of existing literature and case studies to explain the fundamentals of predictive modeling. It explores the integration of historical data, clinical assessments,
labs, and vital signs, real-time monitoring techniques, along with strategies for proactive care. The paper also discusses the limitations and benefits of predictive modeling within the deterioration index and outlines validation and performance metrics to ensure model reliability.
Conclusion: By understanding the key elements of predictive modeling within a deterioration index,
clinicians can make informed decisions about patient care, optimize resource use,
reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes.
Smart Patient Room Design: WellStar Health System
Students: Katherine Wolz, Macy Roy, Michaelia Jonas, Kiera Hughes, La鈥橩ea Kelly Chris Graff
Faculty: Maria Valero de Clemente, PhD, Luisa Valentina Nino de Valladares, PhD
Industry Sponsor: Wellstar Health Systems
Introduction: Wellstar Hospital aims to improve its Smart Patient Rooms to enhance patient care, reduce readmissions, and ease nurse workload.
This study explores how advanced technologies can optimize these rooms for better outcomes.
Our goal is to integrate these solutions to improve both patient satisfaction and
healthcare efficiency. By leveraging real-time data, automation, and personalized
care features, Smart Patient Rooms can create a more responsive and supportive healing
environment.
ERAS 鈥� Antibiotic Timing Data Science App
Students:Jalyn Smith (766), Ilhem
Touati, Adama Diallo
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD
Industry Sponsor: WellStar Health Systems
Introduction: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary approach that optimizes preoperative care to improve patient recovery and surgical outcomes. This project aims to analyze the impact of antibiotic timing on patient outcomes within WellStar's ERAS program.
A Data-Driven View of Virtual Nursing Productivity Using MicrosoftPower B
Students: Sydney Lindsay, Jalyn Jackson, Jasmine Johnson, Shania Fernandes
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD, Soo Il Shin, PhD
Industry Sponsor: WellStar Health Systems
Introduction:
What is Virtual Nursing?
Virtual nursing uses telehealth and digital tools to support remote patient care,
aiming to enhance safety, access, and patient experience.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges
It helps overcome limitations such as geography, financial constraints, and staffing
shortages.
Wellstar Healthcare System Innovative Approach
Wellstar is leading virtual nursing efforts, with a piloted program launched at Paulding
Hospital in early 2024.
Tech-Driven Integration
EPIC and Power BI are used to track and visualize performance data to implement a
customized dashboard.
91青青草 Collaboration
The Impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) on Maternal Health Outcomes
Students: Andrea Armstrong, Brandon McKie
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD
Industry Sponsor: WellStar Health Equity
Introduction: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) like economic security, healthcare access, education,
and social
support significantly impact maternal health, including prenatal care, birth quality, and maternal mental health. Inequities in these areas can lead to adverse outcomes such as maternal death, low birth weight (LBW), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and preterm birth (PTB). Addressing SDOH is crucial for reducing health disparities and improving prenatal health outcomes.
Key Issues
Maternal Mortality: Black women face a maternal mortality rate 2.6 times higher than
White women (69.9 vs. 26.6 per 100,000 live births).
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Economic hardship, healthcare access, and racial disparities
contribute to LBW, FGR, and PTB.
SDOH Factors: Housing instability, education, mental health, and social isolation
are major contributors to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Impact of Interventions
Multidisciplinary Approaches: Combining medical care with socio-economic interventions,
such as financial support and housing stability, can mitigate the negative effects
of SDOH.
Policy Improvements: Long-term interventions are needed to address the root causes
of maternal health disparities, including economic instability, healthcare access,
and mental health care.
Methods
This study utilized a mixed-methods approach to examine the impact of SDOH on maternal
health outcomes in rural Georgia counties (Spalding and Butts).
Investigating Mental Health Crisis Response and the Potential of Co-responders
鈥婭苍迟谤辞诲耻肠迟颈辞苍: This study explores the effectiveness of the *988 mental health hotline and the protocols used in mental health crisis response, comparing it with *911 services. Initial findings indicate that *988 is not effective unless the individual in crisis is willing to cooperate, often leading people to call *911 for immediate assistance. To examine these patterns, interviews with at least 15 individuals who have experienced mental health crises and interacted with emergency services will be conducted. Participants will be recruited through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), with data anonymized for confidentiality.鈥�
Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Telemedicine Utilization in NW Georgia
Student: Maryann Mugo
Faculty: Oyebisi Oladeji, PhD
Industry Sponsor: Atrium Health Floyd
Introduction: Atrium Health Floyd serves a predominantly rural population in Northwest Georgia, providing over 4,000 individual telemedicine visits annually. While existing research has demonstrated that perceptions of telemedicine鈥檚 ease of use and perceived usefulness significantly influence utilization鈥攑rimarily in urban and acute care settings鈥攖his project seeks to explore additional factors influencing telemedicine adoption in rural communities. Specifically, we aim to assess the impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDH) on the intention to utilize telemedicine services in a setting where telemedicine is employed for both acute and chronic care management.鈥�
Emerging evidence suggests that individuals from lower-income households, those with
limited educational attainment, and those facing transportation barriers are less
likely to seek healthcare services, including telehealth. These disparities pose a
significant risk to achieving equitable healthcare access through telemedicine.
Healthcare Leadership/Cert
Students: Constance Briggs, Seher Syed
Plain Language Integration in Electronic Health Record Systems
Student: Paris Carter
Faculty: Dominic Thomas, PhD
Abstract: Despite the rapid digitization of healthcare systems, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) continue to present medical information in complex, technical language that many patients
struggle to understand. This communication barrier is especially detrimental for individuals
with limited health literacy, older adults, people with cognitive impairments, and those from diverse linguistic or educational backgrounds.
When medical information is not conveyed in a clear and accessible way, it leads to
serious consequences. Patients often leave clinical visits confused about their diagnoses, medication instructions,
or discharge plans. This misunderstanding frequently results in misdiagnoses, avoidable complications, unnecessary readmissions, and poor treatment adherence.
In many cases, patients are provided with overwhelming or overly technical educational
materials that exceed their literacy capabilities. The gap in comprehension between clinicians and patients not only jeopardizes patient
safety but also contributes to delayed care and increased healthcare costs. These issues highlight the urgent need to redesign patient-facing healthcare communication using plain language principles and AI-driven tools.
This research addresses this critical need by integrating plain language translation
into EHR systems using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques, making healthcare information more accessible, actionable, and patient-centered.
Investigating Opioid Misuse through AI/ML to Identify New Opportunities and Gaps to
Combat the Opioid Crisis in Northwest Georgia and Southern Appalachia
Students: Tevin Craft, Will Mikel
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD, Evelina Sterling, PhD
Industry Sponsor: AIM-AHEAD
Introduction: This project explores how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be leveraged
to better understand and address the ongoing opioid crisis in rural regions. Areas
like Northwest Georgia and Southern Appalachia face significant challenges when it
comes to healthcare access, behavioral health services, and the broader social and
economic conditions that contribute to substance misuse. These factors have created
a landscape where opioid misuse continues to rise, despite national efforts to curb
it.
Our research examines how data-driven technologies can uncover patterns in prescribing
behavior, identify underserved populations, and highlight critical gaps in service
delivery. Through AI and ML models, we aim to bring clarity to where resources are
most needed and how interventions can be tailored to meet the specific needs of rural
communities.
In developing our framework, we reviewed a range of literature and real-world applications
that emphasize the potential of digital health tools to improve care delivery in rural
environments. These include discussions around social determinants of health, the
limitations of rural mental health systems, and the ethical considerations involved
in applying emerging technologies to vulnerable populations.
By combining insights from existing research with data analytics, this project offers a new perspective on how technology can support more effective, equitable responses to the opioid epidemic. Our goal is to contribute to the broader dialogue around rural health innovation and to highlight the potential for AI and machine learning to drive meaningful change where it鈥檚 needed most.
Our goal is to merge technical, clinical, and financial expertise to enhance patient
outcomes, streamline operational efficiency, and promote strategic innovation across
healthcare systems.
How Our Certifications Translate Into Action?
EHR Optimization:
Using RHIA knowledge to evaluate and improve electronic health record workflows that
support accurate billing and documentation.
Agile Health IT Projects:
Leveraging Scrum to lead cross-functional teams during software updates, system migrations,
and telehealth implementation.
Financial Health Strategy:
Applying HFMA principles to develop budget forecasts, perform cost analysis, and support
reimbursement initiatives tied to patient outcomes.
Regulatory Readiness:
Ensuring compliance with HIPAA, CMS rules, and ICD/CPT coding systems through a joint
understanding of clinical and financial operations.
Certifying Success: Navigating Revenue Cycle Careers with Professional Healthcare
Certifications
Students: Deanna Watkins, Jerrika Washington
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD
Introduction: The healthcare revenue cycle is a critical financial process, encompassing all administrative
and clinical functions that contribute to the capture, management, and collection
of patient service revenue. Professional certifications play a vital role in validating
expertise and enhancing career prospects within this complex field. This poster highlights
the certification journeys of Jerrika Washington and Deanna Watkins, exploring how
strategic certification choices align with their distinct career aspirations in revenue
cycle. Partnering with the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) has
provided invaluable resources and guidance in pursuing these credentials.
Advancing Healthcare Excellence: A Journey Through Certifications in Management &
Analytics
Students: Salud Lopez, Jack Taube
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD
Certified Success: CPC & CCS
Students:Dalisia Brown, Mubeen Tariq
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD
Training & Curriculum at the Intersection of Cybersecurity & Healthcare
Student: Maranie Brown
Faculty: Maria Valero de Clemente, PhD
The threat of cyberattacks continues to drive a sense of urgency across hospital systems
and providers. According to a study from the Ponemon Institute, 89% of healthcare
security officials who participated said that their organizations had experienced
43 cyberattacks, on average, in the past year.
In addition, more than 20% of the organizations had experienced one or more of the
four most common attacks: cloud compromises, ransomware attacks, supply chain disruptions,
and business e-mail compromises.
This increase can be attributed to the data infrastructure, lack of protection standards,
the increase in telehealth and medical devices, and more.
Current reports of medical devices being hacked to run batteries down or even alter
their ability to operate illustrate the severity of these attacks, making them a matter
of life or death.
Purpose: To develop engaging and educational content for high school students to introduce
them to the importance of medical records and security.
Neurodivergent Inclusion in Corporate Workplace Environments: A Literature Review
Integrating AI and Data-Driven Strategies
Student:NeCole Smith
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD
Abstract: As corporate environments evolve toward greater inclusivity, the imperative to support neurodivergent employees鈥攊ndividuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations鈥攈as gained traction. This literature review synthesizes current research on neurodivergence inclusion in the workplace, emphasizing both systemic barriers and emerging solutions. A key focus is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven strategies in HR, employee experience, and organizational design.
This review highlights how tools like natural language processing, machine learning,
and analytics can support equitable hiring, training, and workplace accommodations.
Findings point to the need for human-centered, ethical, and intersectional frameworks
when deploying AI to build truly neuroinclusive cultures.
Understanding Clinician Perceptions of Augmented Response Technology in Epic
Students: Hannah Baker, Kayla Adams
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD Industry Sponsor: Northeast Georgia Health System, Inc.
Background:
Augmented Response Technology (ART), an AI-powered feature designed to generate draft responses to patient messages within the MyChart portal. 鈥�
Epic provides quantitative metrics on ART usage, such as;鈥�
Clinician adoption rates 鈥�
Time spent reviewing drafts鈥�
Time editing the drafts鈥�
Goals and Purpose:
Understand how clinicians feel about using augmented response technologies鈥�
Investigate how the technology influences clinical workflows鈥�
Determine what encourages or discourages clinicians from using augmented response
features regularly.
Data Collection in Applied Behavioral Analysis
Student: Ajah Rountree
Faculty: Sweta Sneha, PhD
Industry Sponsor: Elevation Autism Center
Abstract: This project explores the vital role of data collection in ABA therapy, emphasizing its impact on early intervention for children with developmental delays or ASD. It examines data methods, analysis, and data driven decision-making to improve behavioral outcomes and skill development, highlighting ABA鈥檚 evidence-based approach to personalized treatment and progress tracking.
KNOWYOURMEDS app (using open databases and python)
Students: Chandra Rekha
Faculty: Dominic Thomas, PhD
Why consumers prefer self - medication using OTC drugs?
Minor Conditions
Convenience
Perceived Safety
Time Saving
Do consumers use OTC medications responsibly?
Choosing OTC medications can be challenging due to:
Number of products available
Look-alike medication names
Incorrect drug label information
Unaware of drug recalls
These challenges highlight the need for digitized drug label information.
Through KNOWYOURMEDS app consumers can access FDA-compliant, digitized drug labels
relevant to the searched condition. The app also allows the user to explore detailed
drug information with a single click on the name.
Glucose Guardian: A Digital Guide for living with Diabetes
Students:Tanika High, Zoe Luter, Elisabeth Federici, William White, Nathaniel Phillips
Faculty: Dominic Thomas, PhD
What makes Glucose Guardian different?
Glucose Guardian offers an integrated, user-centered approach that goes beyond basic
glucose tracking. Unlike many other apps that focus solely on numbers, Glucose Guardian
supports the whole person living with diabetes.
Functions as an all-in-one personal health organizer
Holistic support system
Designed with the real-life user in mind
Built for usability and consistency
Future directions:
AI integration for further customization of the user experience:
Personalized Health Insights
Adaptive Health Reminders
Emotional Health Monitoring
Community & Resource Matching
Flex Posture - 鈥淔ix your posture, boost your health鈥�
Welcome to the future of posture care with Flex Posture! In today's fast-paced world,
poor posture often sneaks up on us, leading to discomfort, fatigue, and long-term
health issues. Our innovative app aims to turn the tide by providing a smart solution
to monitor, correct, and improve posture effortlessly. With Flex Posture, users can:
Track posture patterns in real-time.
Receive reminders to adjust misalignments.
Gain personalized tips for long-lasting improvement.
Whether you're at your desk, on the move, or unwinding at home, Flex Posture keeps your well-being at its core. It's more than an app鈥攊t's a lifestyle shift toward confidence, comfort, and health. Are you ready to stand tall and thrive? Let's explore how Flex Posture works!
Project Goal
We aim to promote better posture habits and prevent long-term health complications.
Flex Posture is designed to seamlessly integrate into your daily routine, making posture
correction effortless.
OpenEMR
Students: Nitika Bhandari, Rebecca Awo, Lawrence Kumah
Faculty: Oyebisi Oladeji, PhD
The adoption of open-source EMRs like OpenEMR reflects a broader movement toward transparency,
accessibility, and innovation in healthcare IT. While proprietary systems like EPIC
offer robust enterprise features, they come at excessive costs and limit customization.
OpenEMR, by contrast, allows users to freely modify code, integrate third-party tools,
and optimize features for local clinical needs. Leveraging technologies like PHP,
MySQL, and Docker, and aligning with FHIR standards, OpenEMR supports secure, scalable
healthcare delivery. As interoperability and AI integration become increasingly critical,
OpenEMR provides a promising pathway toward more equitable and effective global healthcare
solutions.
Resistance Training in Adolescents: Landscape of the Metro Atlanta Area
Over the last 30 years, there has been increased research related to resistance training
for adolescents and its related benefits.
There has been lack of access for adolescents to receive highly qualified training
professionals that deliver structured and safe resistance training.
What are the misconceptions?
There have been outdated concerns related to resistance training being harm to growth
plates.
Evidence has shown that with proper instruction and training, resistance training
is not only safe but may also be beneficial for growth.
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to analyze the overall effects of resistance training on adolescents. This study seeks to address the misconceptions about the safety of resistance training and to highlight the importance of professionals being qualified in supplying correct instruction to the adolescent population.
The goal of this research project is multi-faceted and covers many different aspects
associated with the physical, sociological, and psychological aspects of resistance
training on adolescents.
