Digital Commons Network^™

Assessing The Impact Of A Comprehensive Care Model On Reducing A1c Levels Compared To Primary Care Alone: A Comprehensive Study, Hector Trejo, Lizette Ingle, Karla Soberanis

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Diabetes significantly challenges the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), especially in low-income rural areas where prevalence and mortality rates are higher than in urban regions. Limited access to routine healthcare and specialists exacerbates these issues, delaying medical attention and reducing diagnostic testing and management adherence. Early diagnosis and lifestyle modification interventions show promise, but objective evaluation of these models by local organizations in the RGV. Further analysis is needed to assess their effectiveness in reducing diabetes prevalence and improving health outcomes in the RGV.

Methods: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the Comprehensive Care Model (CCM) on Improved Health Outcomes …

Home Health Program For Newly Hired Occupational Therapists, Benjamin Elliott, Rebecca King

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists working in the field of home health care are four times lower than other settings. The program was created for newly hired OTs outlining symptoms, assessments, precautions, and interventions relevant to common diagnoses seen in home health.

Reducing Compassion Fatigue On A Cardiac Telemetry Unit, Nicole Rocio Garzon

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Compassion fatigue (CF) among nurses is a significant concern affecting both individual well-being and patient care outcomes. Findings from a 2020 national survey found two-thirds of nurses (62%) struggle with CF and even a high rate for those nurses under the age of 25 years. Through a review of current literature and case studies, the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing stress, enhancing resilience, and improving overall job satisfaction among healthcare professional is examined. Practical implications for implementing these interventions in healthcare organizations are discussed, emphasizing the potential for creating supportive environments that foster emotional and mental well-being …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Hiv/Aids Interventions In Lesotho, Maya Gomez Velardez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Lesotho faces a severe HIV/AIDS epidemic, with one of the highest prevalence rates globally, impacting its public health, economy, and society. Despite numerous efforts, the country continues to struggle with persistently high infection rates, highlighting the need to thoroughly evaluate current interventions. This review examines the effectiveness of various HIV/AIDS interventions in Lesotho, focusing on multi-level strategies within the Social Ecological Model. The paper synthesizes literature from 2013 to 2023, concentrating on antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, community initiatives, and efforts targeting high-risk groups. Key strategies involve expanding ART coverage, strengthening community-based healthcare through community health workers (CHWs), and enhancing initiatives …

Increasing Breast Cancer Screening Rates Among Women Ages 40 To 74 In An Urban Safety Net Primary Care Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project, Wilder Pinnock

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Background and Problem Description: Breast cancer continues to be the most common and second most lethal form of cancer among women in the U.S. Although there have been improvements in breast cancer screening in the US, major disparities persist. The national breast cancer screening rate for the year 2021 was 75.6%; the rate for the underserved and minority population was 54%. This QI project took place at a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides medical care to medically underserved and vulnerable populations.

Purpose and Aim: This project aimed to increase breast cancer screening at the proposed site to optimize early …

Addressing The Impact Of Physician Burnout On Healthcare Delivery, Hannah Gutjahr

SIU Journal of Medical Science Scholarly Works

Physician burnout has emerged as a critical issue within the healthcare industry, significantly affecting the delivery of care. This paper comprehensively reviews the existing literature on physician burnout and its impact on healthcare delivery. This study aims to shed light on the multifaceted consequences of burnout and highlight its implications for healthcare organizations, healthcare professionals, and patient outcomes. The review reveals that physician burnout has profound effects on healthcare delivery. It leads to decreased job satisfaction, higher turnover rates, and workforce shortages, resulting in inefficiencies and disruptions in healthcare organizations. Burnout also contributes to diminished productivity, increased medical errors, and …

Improving Pressure Injury Nurse Awareness And Decision-Making In The Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project., Sarah G. Moreno

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Abstract

Background/Significance: Hospitalized patients with pressure injuries have 5 times greater death compared to a patient without a pressure injury. A needs assessment identified the problem of pressure injuries in the CVICU with the goal to improve nurse awareness and decision-making to decrease pressure injuries in the CVICU.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to increase nurse awareness of pressure injury prevention via an education workshop and evidence-based pressure injury decision tree in the Cardiovascular ICU.

Methods: A MeSH search was conducted to identify pressure injury interventions and nurse awareness of pressure injuries which resulted in 17 …

Focused Interventions To Decrease Inpatient Falls, Alyssa Nicole Watchmaker Smith

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background: Falls are the most commonly reported safety incidence in the hospital setting (Morris R. et al., 2017). Because falls may be a result of many factors, evidence shows that multicomponent fall interventions best reduce fall rates (Bargmann et al., 2020; Dykes et al., 2010; Dykes et al., 2020; Strini et al., 2021). In this project, a needs assessment identified a need for fall prevention strategies to reduce fall rates on inpatient units.

Setting: A step-down/telemetry Cardiovascular Intervention Unit (CVI) (15 beds) and Cardiovascular Unit (CVU) (12 beds) in a suburban private hospital.

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based project …

Examining The Cues To Action Of Christian Parents And/Or Guardians Who Are Hesitant To Vaccinate Pediatric Populations, Marcia S. Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As a result of skepticism related to vaccine administration, many newborns and children are without their standardized and recommended vaccinations due to parent and/or guardian beliefs. It is the parent and/or guardian who holds the power to vaccinate their children. Vaccine administration is one of the most successful achievements of public health intervention in the 20th century. The purpose of this study is to use a descriptive case study analysis approach to assess parents' and/or guardians' concerns, attitudes, beliefs, and intentions towards immunizations for their children (from birth to 18 years of age). Understanding the "why" and "how" concerns raised …

Beyond Rehabilitation: Exploring The Field Of Occupational Therapy And The Transformative Impact Of Care, Sierra C. Fox

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

As a profession that implements unique approaches to empower people of all ages and abilities to actively participate in activities that are meaningful to them, occupational therapy is an essential service for providing holistic healthcare (Darawsheh, 2018). As an undergraduate approaching graduation, the process for applying to graduate school programs has finally begun, and it has become obvious the lack of public knowledge there is regarding the profession. Even among other healthcare professionals, there is often an inadequate understanding of the field, which can be problematic and result in patients not being referred to receive the services that may benefit …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Abstract: Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child …

Nursing Interventions For Psychosis And Other Mental Health Crises: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study Of Nurses’ Experiences, Christopher Jasensky

Dissertations

The nursing profession experiences caring for patients suffering psychosis and managing crises events in a way that is unique to all other healthcare providers. A gap in research and literature exists related to this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of nurses caring for patients experiencing psychosis or some other severe mental health issue. By analyzing the common expressions and behaviors of nurses in situations involving care of psychosis, the meaning of the care giving experience and thus, an understanding of the interactions involved with caregivers in psychosis was revealed. Participants provided experiential, firsthand …

Enhancing Hospice Care: Integrating Altered Engagement In Occupations Through The Dimensions Of Doing, Being And Becoming, Heather Raible

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Evidence demonstrates engagement in occupation at the end of life is perceived as insignificant and disregarded, therefore, often absent from care. My capstone identified new avenues for facilitating meaningful engagement in occupations that fulfilled individual needs and desires during each stage of hospice through altered engagement in occupation.

Occupational Therapy And Human Trafficking Recovery: A Novel Educational Model, Jacklyn Voytko

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Human trafficking recovery frequently fails to address the complex needs of survivors. Occupational therapy is uniquely qualified to meet those needs, but is commonly overlooked. This capstone involved the development of an evidence-based educational model, emphasizing trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, to increase occupational therapists’ knowledge on their role in ending the cycle of exploitation.

Student-Athletes And Their Hidden Opponent: Assessing And Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Health And Well-Being, Dena Wenzinger

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

Suicide is now the second most common cause of death among college athletes in the United States. This capstone involved conducting an in-depth needs assessment of the mental health resources in the Athletics Department at Cleveland State University. There was a collaboration with the Student-Athlete Academic Services staff and the Athletics Counselor to provide mental health resources reported to be needed by the student-athletes (SAs). This population can benefit from occupational therapy intervention as occupational therapists are educated on mental health practices. Resources were created and made available to the SAs on their “Community for Student-Athlete Engagement” Blackboard course.

Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Toolkit To Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening In A Federally Qualified Health Center, Stephanie Mckithan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The change in payor fee-for-service to value-based care is creating an opportunity for primary care clinics nationally to adjust their focus to meeting key clinical quality measures during patient encounters. Colorectal screening is one of such quality measures. Previous research has shown that early detection saves lives. The guidelines have lowered the recommended age of initial screening to 45 due to the incidence of colorectal cancer in younger patients. But with all the objectives that need to be met in the limited time of the visit, how can nurse practitioners improve their efficiency? This evidence-based project assessed the implementation of …

Risk Factors Of Dental Anxiety And Exploration Of Interventions, Katelin Hancock

University Honors Theses

Within this literature review, the root causes of dental anxiety, current intervention methods, and possible preventative interventions are discussed. Dental anxiety affects millions of individuals across diverse backgrounds and can be detrimental to oral health. This issue can arise from various sources, however, different socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors can contribute to an individual's risk of developing dental anxiety. Understanding what predisposes certain populations to become more likely to develop dental anxiety is imperative to holistically address the concern. Investigating the relationship between lack of access, oral health, and anxiety levels allows for an understanding of the root causes of anxiety. …

Exploring Practices Of Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialst Physical Therapists In Addressing Needs Of Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Olga Chaikovsky

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

ABSTRACT

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition affecting multiple domains of development. Physical Therapists (PTs) are members of the interprofessional team addressing the needs of individuals with ASD. A lack of uniformity in evidence-based assessments and practices employed by therapists to address the needs of children with ASD exists in the literature. PTs often implement approaches that are not evidence-based but rather learned from more experienced professionals or discovered by trial and error.

Pediatric clinical specialist physical therapists (PCSPTs) are PTs who possess advanced education and clinical skills in Pediatrics. As pediatric experts, PCSPTs play a major …

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Bundle For Hypertension Outcomes In Adult Patients Receiving Care In Public Health Clinics, Christine Jennifer Victorian

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HTN) that is not adequately controlled leads to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart disease. It affects 116 million adults (47%) in the United States (U.S.). The HTN compliance rate in a South Texas public health clinic was 64%, below the national benchmark of 76%. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) was recommended in a joint statement by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Literature evidence revealed that the HBPM bundle increased BP control (<140/90 mmHg) compliance.

Methods: A quality improvement (QI) bundle was initiated to address the low HTN compliance rate from a quality management …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child within …

Intervention To Reduce Tobacco Use Among Prostate Cancer Patient And Informal Caregiver Dyads, Trupti Dhumal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in men. Continued tobacco use after prostate cancer diagnosis may affect a patient’s treatment outcomes, quality of life, and mortality. Despite the potential negative outcomes, 10-20% of prostate cancer patients continue to use tobacco after their cancer diagnosis. Considering risks associated with continued tobacco use, there is a lack of evidence-based tobacco cessation strategies to address tobacco cessation specifically in prostate cancer. Given the increasing prevalence of prostate cancer, the ongoing difficulty in tobacco cessation, and the limited evidence-based tobacco cessation interventions in the literature, it is important to prioritize reducing tobacco use in …

Increasing Education And Staff Knowledge Of Delirium Care: An Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Project, Serena Martinath

Master's Theses and Capstones

Introduction At a small, community hospital in Massachusetts a gap analysis was conducted leading to a quality improvement project to increase staff education and knowledge regarding delirium and evidence-based best practices for delirium care. Delirium is a growing, often under recognized medical condition that occurs in hospitalized patients (Loftus & Wiesenfeld, 2017). Delirium is characterized by acute changes in congnition, level of consciousness, and attention (Loftus & Wiesenfeld, 2017). A better understanding of this condition is expected to result in improved patient care.

Methods The clinical microsystem studied in this gap analysis project was assessed by using the AHRQ Gap …

Beating Diabetes: Somali Way Of Cooking, Shani S. Legore

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes, has increasingly become more prevalent in Black and Brown communities. More specifically, African descent groups, such as Somalis, who migrate to the U.S. face numerous health challenges, diabetes being one of the most common. Many research points to food insecurity, acculturation, and/or traditional eating behaviors as the main driving forces that lead to poorer health outcomes for Somalis; yet, very few have explored nutritional health interventions to curb or reverse diabetes. To address this gap, Somali cuisine was explored and culturally-centered and diabetes-friendly guidelines were provided.

Bridging Gaps: A Qualitative Inquiry On Improving Paediatric Rheumatology Care Among Healthcare Workers In Kenya, Angela Migowa, Sasha Bernatsky, Anthony Ngugi, Helen Foster, Peterrock Muriuki, Roselyter Riang’A, Stanley Luchters

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Due to the paucity of paediatric rheumatologists in Kenya, it is paramount that we explore strategies to bridge clinical care gaps for paediatric rheumatology patients in order to promote early diagnosis, prompt referral, and optimal management.

Purpose: To identify proposed interventions which can improve the ability of non-specialist healthcare workers to care for paediatric rheumatology patients across Kenya.

Methods: We conducted 12 focus group discussions with clinical officers (community physician assistants), nurses, general practitioners and paediatricians across six regions in Kenya. Interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using MAXQDA 2022.2 software.

Results: A total of 68 individuals …

The Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy Exercise Interventions For Concussions, Anna Altergott

Honors Capstones

This project was a systematic review exploring exercise interventions for individuals who sustain a concussion. While it has been suggested for many years that people with concussions should avoid physical and mental activity, there have been many findings and studies that indicated exercise training can reduce symptoms and improve function for those experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms. Aerobic exercise represents a potentially useful and clinically pragmatic rehabilitation technique if done in a safe and controlled manner as guided by a trained clinician, such as, a physical therapist. There are specific exercise interventions that are discussed below to find which intervention is …

Interventions For Care Partners Of Adults With Dementia: A Systematic Review, Makenzie Kay Homan, Azia Marie Ourada, Reannon Taylor Rieber, Grace Delaney Tynan

Student Systematic Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Interventions for Care Partners of Adults with Dementia: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE: It is estimated that 8.5 million people are informal care partners for people with dementia (Friedman et al., 2015), which is a challenging role associated with emotional strain, anxiety and depression, increased care partner burden, poorer quality of life (QoL), financial strain, and lack of support (Hellis & Mukaetova-Ladinska, 2023). It is important for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to use the most effective interventions that can be implemented to preserve informal care partners’ health, wellbeing, and quality of life (QoL) (Hellis & Mukaetova-Ladinska, 2023). The purpose of this …

The Effect Of Obesity On Comorbidities: A Benchmark Study, Kaley Nolen

MSN Capstone Projects

Obesity is distinguished by a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Tremmel et al. (2017) reports obese individuals are at a greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. In 2014, approximately 641 million adults were classified as obese (Zhang et al., 2018). This epidemic has drastically worsened over the last two decades resulting in obesity ranking as the fifth most common cause of death globally (Safaei et al., 2021). Okunogbe et al. (2021) states, slowing the incidence rate of obesity by 5% will save approximately $3.3 billion annually between 2020-2060. The pathophysiology and cause of obesity is …

Chronic Lower Back Pain Among Women In India: Evidence-Based Approach To Risk Factors And Interventions, Aelita Matosova

Master's Projects and Capstones

Chronic lower back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent issue worldwide, affecting about 1.71 billion people, with a significant proportion being women. CLBP is a major health concern in India, particularly among women, which were 80% reported experiencing this condition. Several factors, such as personal beliefs, sociocultural norms, restricted healthcare access, repetitive movements, and psychological aspects, contribute to this high prevalence leading to severe health and economic implications, including reduced work productivity and income. Although there have been several reports on prevalence and risk factors of CLBP, to our knowledge, there has not been enough work focusing on evidence-based interventions to …

Implementing A Bedside Rounding Tool To Reduce Inpatient Falls, Steven W. Garcia

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Each year, thousands of patients sustain falls while hospitalized, resulting in an increase in serious injuries or death. In a Neuroscience Step Down Unit (NSDU), fall rates in 2022 were higher than the NDNQI benchmark. Despite a thorough fall prevention policy, nurses inconsistently implemented preventative interventions, resulting in increased falls.

Context: The NSDU is a 15-bed inpatient unit providing intermediate-level care for patients with neurological and neurosurgical diagnoses. The unit is part of a 459-bed academic medical center and safety net hospital providing tertiary and quaternary care in southern California.

Interventions: A bedside safety rounds checklist for charge nurses …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Patients With Substance Use Disorders: A Practitioner Guide, Mary Barrett

Student eBooks

Occupational therapy interventions for treating clients with substance use disorders. 10 modules which include a section for education, skills instruction, therapeutic activities, goal setting, and assessment tools. The areas included are coping mechanisms, health management, medication management, mental health, occupational engagement, pain management, sleep hygiene, stress management, time management, and work readiness. This project was completed as part of a capstone project at Cleveland State University by an occupational therapy doctoral student.