College of Health Sciences
Research

Technology to Improve Care

Next-Generation Equipment

» Simulation Labs

LTU’s simulation lab provides an immersive learning experience for students training for the healthcare field. Whether hanging IV bags, listening to lung sounds, or assessing pressure ulcers, the use of realistic mannequins and medical equipment provide an opportunity to gain knowledge and hone crucial problem-solving skills in an environment that allows for reflection, conversation, and critique.

» Essenz Heart-Lung Machine

LTU students were among the first in the world to train on the Essenz heart-lung machine, which takes on the functions of the heart and lungs for patients. The new heart-lung machine reduces systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and improves patient hospital stay time. The features allow professionals to better manage cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), especially in critical patients, which helps reduce stroke risk factors while decreasing hospital stays and costs. Members of the LTU faculty first patented and published these novel techniques. And access to hands-on experience with the newest technology helps LTU students start their careers at the front of the pack.

Research Areas

The College of Health Sciences at LTU advances clinical practice, addresses health inequities, and fosters educational innovation across Nursing, Physician Assistant (PA), and allied health fields.

» Healthcare Worker Safety and Workplace Well-being

Driven by LTU’s Healthcare Violence Reduction Center, this initiative focuses on protecting those who care for others. 

  • Data-Driven Insights: Examining incident reporting gaps using data from Michigan Hospitals via the MHA.org.
  • Strategic Testing: Beta-testing risk-reduction strategies and securing grants to implement best practices in clinical environments.
  • Tech Infrastructure: Developing secure, expansive computing systems to handle complex healthcare data.

Healthcare Violence Reduction Center

The Healthcare Violence Reduction Center aims to address the rising issue of violence in U.S. healthcare settings by leveraging multidisciplinary research and innovative solutions. We provide healthcare providers with strategies to reduce violence, enhance safety, and improve patient care.

Vision

To create a safer healthcare work environment where every provider can deliver exceptional patient care without fear of violence.

» Forensic Nursing and Social Responsibility

Advocating for vulnerable populations through a lens of social justice.

  • SDOH Impact: Studying how Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) affect populations impacted by violence.
  • Professional Advocacy: Equipping nurses with the training to recognize SDOH and champion systemic change.

» Diabetes Management and Self-Care

Targeting chronic disease management through culturally aware research.

  • Focused Demographics: Studying type 2 diabetes self-care practices specifically within African American communities.
  • Holistic Factors: Analyzing how spirituality, self-efficacy, and health literacy influence patient education and long-term health outcomes.

» Acute Care and Educational Innovations

Merging high-touch patient care with high-tech classroom solutions.

  • Clinical Improvement: Enhancing palliative care protocols in acute care settings, with a specific focus on stroke patients.
  • AI in Education: Evaluating tools like ChatGPT to support nursing education, streamline essay grading, and actively mitigate grading bias.

» Interprofessional Collaboration and Community Health

Bridging the gap between classroom learning and community impact.

  • Local Engagement: Supporting free clinics, organizing health expos, and mentoring students in grassroots community health projects.
  • Team Based Care: Evaluating tools like ChatGPT to support nursing education, streamline essay grading, and actively mitigate grading bias.

» Professional Development and Continuing Medical Education (CME)

Ensuring healthcare providers stay at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field.

  • Targeted Training: Providing critical workshops on opioid prescribing, implicit bias, and diagnostic imaging.
  • Scholarly Leadership: Faculty actively serve as research proposal reviewers and industry thought leaders.

Find Your Passion

As the need for specialized healthcare professionals grows, our programs are carefully crafted to ensure students have the skills to succeed.

Caring About Student Outcomes

With small class sizes and a supportive learning community, LTU’s Health Sciences faculty are deeply invested in supporting student success.