Digital Commons Network^™

Implementation Of A Palliative Care Program In Rural Minnesota, Barbara Lenarz

Nursing DNP Projects

Background: Rural areas have higher percentages of older adults with multiple chronic illnesses yet disparities exist with access to palliative care (PC) in rural areas. Palliative care can improve quality measures that positively impact care and health outcomes.

Objective: The evidence-based project’s (EBP) objective was to implement a community-based PC program in a rural primary care clinic in rural Minnesota, US and evaluate quality metrics to further support program sustainability.

Design: The project developed and implemented a community-based PC program in rural Minnesota. A tool kit was created for use for the site’s care providers and leaders.

Setting/Subjects: …

Childhood Obesity Long-Term Effects Into Adulthood, Alexis Behl

Honors Capstones

Childhood obesity has reached an epidemic level in the United States and is close to becoming a pandemic. Approximately eighteen percent of US children are obese; this is more than double the percentage from three decades ago. Obesity is commonly associated with other chronic health conditions which makes it not only a concern for adolescents but adults. Chronic conditions often seen in combination with obesity are hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, sleep apnea, poor self-esteem, and depression. In addition, studies done on adolescents to adulthood showed increase likelihood to suffer from cardiovascular disorders and digestive disease. The combination of childhood obesity and …

The Experience Of Friendship Between Individuals With And Without An Intellectual Disability., Rebecca Clark

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Practitioners and researchers are concerned about the limited social inclusion and social networks of individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ID) (Amado, 2014; Bigby & Craig, 2017; Hall, 2010; Hardman & Clark, 2006; Knox & Hickson, 2001; McConkey & Collins, 2010; Tipton, 2011). Friendships between those with and without an ID are viewed as opportunities for greater inclusiveness with and connection to the mainstream society (Amado, 2014; Bigby & Craig, 2017; McConkey & Collins, 2010). However, little is known about the development of friendships between those with and without an ID. The purpose of this study was to fully explore the …

Dietary Regulation Of Successful Aging, Aubree L. Hawley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The current growth of the older population is unprecedented in U.S. history. Chronic disease and functional limitation commonly develop prior to old age, leading to prolonged physical disability and decreased well-being. The development of chronic disease and loss of independence is associated with lean body mass (LBM) loss and fat mass gain beginning in middle age. Therefore, it is important to identify modifiable factors to mitigate deleterious shifts in body composition to promote successful aging (SA). The concept of SA is associated with longevity, the absence of disease and disability, and subjective components of well-being, however, an operational definition has …

Exploring Quality Of Life Perceptions Among Pre-Clinical And Clinical Phases Saudi Medical Students, Olfat Gushgari

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: Medical students are widely recognized as a high-risk population for poor quality of life (QOL). Various studies have highlighted that medical students have a lower QOL than, compared to other students from different specialties tend to exhibit; specifically, the QOL of Saudi medical students is of growing concern, and it is imperative that Saudi medical schools recognize and address the QOL of these students.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the QOL of Saudi medical students during the pre-clinical and clinical phases of their studies. In addition, this study explored the QOL perceptions according …

Exploring The Effects Of The Cycling Without Age Program On Older Adults Living In Long-Term Care, Victoria Cotnam

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The Cycling Without Age program, offered in long-term care homes around the world, allows residents to experience the feeling of a bike ride in the trishaw as a volunteer pedals the electrical bike. The purpose of this pragmatic observational study was to measure the effects of an existing program in a Canadian long-term care home on residents’ happiness, quality of life, pain and functional status (using Resident-Assessment Instrument Minimum Data Set 2.0). A convenience sample of 39 residents participated in two groups, a biking group (n=23) and a strolls group (n=16) over the period of 12 weeks. Findings show that …

Rumination And Quality Of Life Among Northern Plains Indians, Devon S. Isaacs

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Native Americans (NAs) share unique risk factors for poor mental health. In response, mental health providers must address barriers to treatment while making the most of low resource situations. One way to increase usefulness of treatment is to address the mechanisms underlying multiple mental health disorders. Rumination is a style of thinking marked by repeated thoughts about distress and is well-recognized as a diagnostic factor for underlying disorders in the general population. Secondary data from the Mood Disorder Assessment Validation with Northern Plains Indians (NPI) pilot study was used to examine the relationship between rumination and anxiety, depression, and substance …

Differential Effects Of Buprenorphine/Naloxone Vs. Methadone On Quality Of Life Over Time: A Subset Of The Bravo Study (Buprenorphine To Improve Hiv Care Engagement And Outcomes: A Randomized Trial), Ali Mirzazadeh Javaheri

University Honors Theses

Health-related Quality of Life (QoL) is generally poorer in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) in comparison with those suffering from other chronic diseases. Little is known about the difference each buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NX) or methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) may make in the QoL for the HIV-infected people with OUD who are new to HIV care. The objective of this study is to evaluate the difference in the impact that BUP/NX and MMT treatment delivery models make on the QoL of the HIV-infected participants with OUD in Vietnam.

This study was a subset of the BRAVO study, buprenorphine to improve HIV …

Benefits Of Palliative Care In The Intensive Care Unit, Stephen Swenson, Stephen M. Swenson

Nursing Masters Papers

Abstract

The use of palliative care is often overlooked until the terminal phase of serious illness when life-prolonging interventions are deemed futile and death is considered imminent.

Alongside the well regarded Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care (National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care, 2018), numerous critical care societies including the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (Medina & Puntillo, 2006), American College of Critical Care Medicine (Davidson et al., 2008), American College of Chest Physicians (Selecky et al., 2005), American College of Surgeons (2017), and the American Thoracic Society (Lanken et al., 2007) have each published individual policies highlighting …

The Association Between Intimate Partner Violence And Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders And Symptoms Among Adult Women: Systematic Review, Ohud Shawqi Banjar

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and symptoms have been identified as possible health consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, whether specific types of abuse (i.e., psychological, physical and sexual) affect the health of women in different ways, and the mechanisms that explain how these forms of abuse affect their health and quality of life are not well understood. The aims of this systematic review were to examine the association between the different types of IPV and the risk of FGIDs and symptoms among adult women, identify the factors that mediate and/or moderate these health effects, and assess the impact of …

Family Support In Relations To The Well-Being Of Dialysis Patients, Fabiola Rodriguez, Yesenia Ornelas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

When recently diagnosed with a chronic illness, individuals face various challenging events that require social support. Nephrology social workers are expected to increase the psychosocial functioning and adjustment of individuals diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Limited studies are available regarding patients with ESRD, social support, and quality of life. This research was intended to explain the effect of familial support on the quality of life of patients diagnosed with ESRD. The research was measured by utilizing a mixed method design with convenience sampling of nephrology social workers employed at inpatient dialysis centers. Participants engaged in the study by …

Enhancing Chronic Pain Management: Motivational Interview Among Lower Back Patients –Phase Ii, Valerie Gates, Melissa Hines-Antico

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purpose: Chronic low back pain in adults is difficult to manage and can lead to clinical, psychological, and social consequences. Providers often have restricted clinic time that prevents patient education regarding self-care and non-pharmacological therapies.

Design: This nurse practitioner-led, evidence-based project incorporates monthly telephone calls to improve patient pain, enhance quality of life, decrease opioid usage, increase physical activity, and promote the utilization of non-pharmacological multimodal therapies.

Methods: Implementing a monthly telephone call utilizing motivational interviewing and a 5 A’s guided questionnaire assisted in providing individualized treatment plans. Data outcomes include pain scores, quality of life scores, number of opioid …

Restorative Urbanism: Redefining Socio-Ecosystems In Manila, Kaixin Zhang

Masters Theses

This thesis explores coastal cities and the narrow zone lying between their developing urban areas and the waters of the open sea. Worldwide, there are more than 14 cities with populations over 10 million are situated along endangered coastlines. The fact that many of these continue to experience rapid growth, are economic centers of international importance, and are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, is a matter of global concern. In this work I examine the implications and possibilities of restoring urban coastline defenses and ask how I can learn from past efforts while adapting such strategies to …

Optimizing Dry Skin Management Utilizing Np Led Phone Follow-Up, Christine Vazquez Bsn, Rn, Dnp - Fnp/Agnp Student

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to evaluate the impact of a healthcare provider-led standardized dry skin protocol for outpatient geriatric patients to promote overall well-being and improve quality of life.

Background: Current literature supports using the dry skin protocol to help primary care teams identify patients that require xerosis cutis skin care, particularly of the lower extremities. The primary focus of this project will be timely detection of patients with the dry skin condition that will be identified with the standardized Overall Dry Skin (ODS) scale. When the patient meets the ODS criteria, a timely discussion will be …

Dance/Movement Therapy And The Quality Of Life For Individuals With Late Stage Dementia: A Clinical Method, Brianna Berg

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dementia is a global healthcare concern, and while there is currently no cure for the disease, there are several major approaches used to slow its progression and improve the quality of life of people and families who live with dementia. Dementia impacts mostly older adults, and currently there is little evidence is known about how Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) may impact the pace or quality of life in such individuals. This study explored the impact of a DMT method developed for this study was based on principles established by one of the founders of DMT, Marian Chace and implemented in …

How Can Art Therapy Be Utilized To Improve The Mental Health And Quality Of Life Of Pediatric Oncology Patients?, Emily Golubowski

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Pediatric oncology patients and survivors endure multiple obstacles related to physical health and recovery during and after their treatment time. In addition, mental health complications related to adjustment, anxiety, depression, and stress can complicate the overall quality of life and functioning of individuals who have endured this diagnosis and treatment. As an intervention, art therapy can provide relief from physical symptom management, relieve mental health symptoms and stressors, and improve overall quality of life. Art therapy directives and professional work can assist in teaching appropriate coping skills, enhance emotional intelligence, improve communication, restore a sense of control, and improve overall …

The Quality Of Life For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Adults In Saudi Arabia, Alaa Mohammad Alsabei

Doctoral Dissertations

This study investigates the quality of life (QOL) for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) adults in Saudi Arabia. It is an opportune time to investigate the QOL among this population because of the recent movement to provide college programs for DHH. Education has long been an indicator of QOL for individuals (Corsaro, 1997; Ross & Willingen, 1997; Whaley, 2018). QOL has been studied for a long time among hearing persons; however, there is sparse research addressing it among DHH communities around the world. Furthermore, it is exceptional to find a researcher addressing QOL among DHH in the Arabs region. …

Barriers To Patient-Centered Care For Dementia Clients In The Long-Term Living Setting, Shaina Gaba

Nursing | Senior Theses

When caring for people with severe dementia, the concept of the person being central is increasingly advocated in clinical practice. Person-centered care acknowledges autonomy in all facets of care. Recent studies examine behavioral changes in individuals with dementia and how health care teams address these alterations. Health care providers are vital for effective holistic management. Therefore, this review focuses on the current knowledge regarding care goals, practices, and perceptions of the client battling with cognitive decline. A literature review ascertains that clients with dementia respond to interventions and have decreased negative health outcomes, when providers ensure values and needs are …

Factors Associated With Quality Of Life And Dialysis Compliance, Viviana Garcia Guerra

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation study explored the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and dialysis compliance with family support, spirituality, age, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES) among people with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Utilizing the Biopsychosocial Spiritual Framework, this study pursued to inform mental health professionals working with people undergoing dialysis about the factors that influence QoL and dialysis compliance. This descriptive quantitative dissertation study included 79 participants who self-identified as persons receiving either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Participants were members from closed social online forums and the National Kidney Foundation.

The current study found that family support and SES predicted …

The Effectiveness Of Implementing A Collaborative Mental Health Approach On Quality Of Life For Individuals Of Low Socioeconomic Status, Tyler Z. Tooley

MSU Graduate Theses

The ultimate purpose of this study is to provide insight and education to mental health clinicians, politicians and the general public of the numerous effects poverty has on mental health, in addition to the most beneficial ways to combat those insidious effects. The specific barriers met by individuals of low socioeconomic status severely affect psychological and physical health, as well as social and environmental relationships, which therefore diminish overall quality of life. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of implementing a collaborative mental health approach for low income individuals on length of engagement in services and …

Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life In Us Adults With Type 2 Diabetes., Giang Truong Vu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focused on the relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the factors associated with this relationship in the US. The objectives of the dissertation research were a three-part process: (1) to understand the relationships of T2DM with poor OHRQoL, clarify risk and preventive factors that affect this association, and identify research gaps in the literature, (2) to analyze risk factors associated with poor OHRQoL in US adults with T2DM using a nationally representative random probability cluster sample, and (3) to apply structural equation modeling (SEM) to a simplified Andersen’s Behavioral Model …

An Investigation Into The Reasons Behind Quality Of Life Perception In Individuals With Hnpp As Compared To Individuals With Cmt1a, Caitlin Walsh, Sophia Rodriguez

Human Genetics Theses

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) and Charcot-Marie- Tooth Disease type 1A (CMT1A) are autosomal dominant hereditary neuropathies caused by different mutations in the PMP22 gene. The chronic features of CMT1A and HNPP are almost identical, leaving electrodiagnostic testing to assess nerve conduction as the vital distinguisher between these two diagnoses. Differing onset, duration and recovery, as well as genetic testing, can also help distinguish the diagnosis. Patients with CMT1A often have chronic and progressively worsening symptoms, whereas patients with HNPP experience transient, acute symptoms that may or may not be associated with pain and with possible milder …

Expectations Of Aging And Goals As Motivation For Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management In Individuals With Early Diagnosis, Lisa M. Blohm

Theses and Dissertations

Type 2 diabetes continues to plague the United States as a major cause of disability, mortality, and healthcare cost. Engagement in self-management before complications develop is the goal for individuals in early stages of the disease. Those newly diagnosed often do not engage in health behaviors to improve their prognosis. Reasons for their lack of engagement vary widely. The purpose of this study was to understand relationships between aging expectations, personal goal setting, perceived quality of life, and self-efficacy on motivation to engage in type 2 diabetes self-management. Social Cognitive Theory provided the framework. Using a cross-sectional design, 99 newly …

Oral Health And Quality Of Life: A Clinic-Based Sample, Kinan M. Al-Bitar

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Attachment loss due to periodontal diseases is associated with functional limitations as well as physical pain and psychological discomfort, which may lead to a reduced quality of life. This manuscript is intended to answer the question, if periodontal status has an effect on oral health related quality of life. Survey data were collected in an U.S. dental school clinical setting from n=97 adults (54% females, average age 51 years) in a cross- sectional study. Quality of life related to oral health was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49). Additional measures using the DMFT index, periodontal status, dental anxiety, …

Using Multi-Faceted Validated Tools To Evaluate The Functional Outcomes And Quality Of Life In Patients Undergoing Elective Spine Surgery And Associated Referral Patterns For Post-Hospital Rehabilitation: A Quality Improvement Project, Mercy Oigbokie, Msn, Agnp-C, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background/Significance: A lack of validated multi-facet assessment tools to assess postoperative patients’ functional ability and quality of life may result in untimely or no referrals to rehabilitation.

Objective: The objective of the DNP project was to introduce the use of validated multi-facet questionnaires in assessing patient-reported outcomes and to assess effect on the time in generating prescriptive rehabilitation therapies and the type of therapies following elective spine surgery evaluated in the outpatient neurosurgery clinics.

Methods: This was a quality improvement (QI) project comprising of 100 patients (50 pre and 50 post the intervention). After the introduction of baseline data, the …

Self-Management And Quality Of Life In Young Adults After Healthcare Transition, Jennifer Fay Herbert

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare has become healthcare concern of increasing importance as more adolescents with chronic conditions survive to adulthood requiring continuing care. In order to understand the current status of healthcare transition (HCT), we identified the HCT services received by young adults, their existing healthcare self-management skills and how skills correlated with their quality of life. A correlational and retrospective cross-sectional online survey of English-speaking young adults in the United States ages 18-26 with at least one pediatrically diagnosed chronic condition was conducted August-October 2019. Participants completed a healthcare transition feedback survey, the TRANSITION-Q self-management skills …

Life Satisfaction In Division Iaa And Division Iii Football Players, Krista Haunani Francisco

Dissertations and Theses

Level of life satisfaction is not something of which many sit down and take appraisal. However, levels of life satisfaction, especially low levels of life satisfaction, can have a direct effect on health. Low levels of life satisfaction cause an increase in self-reported stress. Inversely, high levels of stress cause a decrease in life satisfaction. This decrease in life satisfaction is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes. A majority of student-athlete healthcare is centered around the physical aspects of health, with mental health just recently becoming a concern. It was apparent through the research for this study that …

To Study Drug Utilization And Qol In Patients With Bronchial Asthma, Kanav Khera Dr

Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Theses and Dissertations

Background: Bronchial Asthma (BA) is a chronic inflammatory of the airways.[1] It is generally known that asthma can cause an impact on a patient’s Quality of Life (QoL), mostly in a negative manner. To perceive the impact it has on the population, ‘Questionnaires on Quality of Life’ in asthmatic patients were made. Improving the QoL of patients with asthma mainly aims at reducing the risk of exacerbation and preventing morbidity related to asthma. Drug Utilization studies are important in order to assess the current prescription patterns against standard guidelines and can help in rationalizing the management. The economic burden of …

Factors Associated With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy And Quality Of Life Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients In Saudi Arabia, Awatef Ibraheem

Dissertations

Evidence has suggested that diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is associated with decreased quality of life (QoL) and impaired physical and emotional health. About 82% of the diabetic population in Saudi Arabia show signs of DPN. However, it is under-recognized and undertreated. Further, DPN is linked to several clinical and metabolic risk factors. However, there is minimal evidence from Saudi Arabia on the impact of DPN on the individual's QoL. The aims of this current study were to (1) examine the impact of DPN symptoms on functioning, health perception, and QoL and (2) explore the biologic and individual factors associated with …

The Portrayal Of Epilepsy In Meena Meets Her Match, Gabriel Onate

EDUC 13: Disability in Children's Literature

Epilepsy is a spectrum disorder characterized by random and unprovoked seizures that affects approximately 470,000 children living in the U.S. (Epilepsy Foundation, n.d.). Despite this prevalence, few contemporary, middle-grade books reflect the experiences of children with epilepsy. Books that appropriately reflect diverse experiences are validating and important in a multicultural world (Bishop, 1990). Not only should books represent students with multiple diverse experiences (such as living with epilepsy), but also they must do so in an empathetic, inclusive, and informative way. This Book Analysis Project critically considers how epilepsy is portrayed in Meena Meets Her Match (Manternach, 2019), a contemporary, …