Geriatric Nursing Commons^™

Reducing Readmission (And Mortality) For Older Patients & Survivors Of Life-Threatening Conditions: A Study Using The Staarr Protocol, Akhenaten Amun

Symposium of Student Scholars

Readmission rates for patients admitted for heart failure, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, a myocardial infarction, a hip or knee arthroplasty, or coronary artery bypass surgery tend to have high readmission and mortality rates within 30 days of their discharge from a hospital. Starting in October 2012, the Healthcare Reimbursement Reduction Program enforced penalties on Medicare reimbursements for hospitals with readmission rates, for patients with the conditions above, were higher than averages based on facilities with similar characteristics and patient populations. Teach-back and verify (Klingbeil & Gibson, 2018), interdisciplinary teams that engage in patient care and support (Reiter-Palmon et al., …

The Effects Of Hospital Policy And Procedure On Cauti Occurrence, Kevin Kaga, Michaela Morrison, Daniel John

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: Clients that require indwelling catheterization often get bacterial infection causing catheter-associated urinary tract infections. These infections lead to longer hospital admissions and poorer outcomes for clients.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the use of suggested hygiene methods from hospital policy/guidelines in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Methods: Using the Kennesaw State Library search system, 10 articles were found to support that the use of consistent evidence based practices can prevent urinary tract infection occurrence.

Results: Our articles identified appropriate and inappropriate indications for catheterization and effective hygiene techniques used by nurses in the prevention of CAUTIs. These …

Unmasking The Leading Injuries In Hospitals And A Promising Change, Taylor Karisny

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

The problem that will be studied is the increased development of pressure ulcers among hospitalized intensive care unit patients. The incidence of pressure ulcers is increasing due to our aging population and the increase in the elderly living with disability. Learning how to manage pressure ulcers appropriately and effectively is increasingly important for all professionals in wound care. The review of the literature shows, hospital-acquired pressure ulcers are expensive to treat with the U.S. median cost at $39,000 per patient stay and costing U.S. health care system $3.6 billion per year. Several interventions and preventive measures are current used …

For Bedside Nurses In Acute Care, Can Additional Education Contribute To Adequate Performance Of Prevention And Treatment For Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries?, Hannah Ly

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are common preventable medical issues among patients receiving acute or critical care, such as cancer, spinal cord injuries, or heart disease. Despite the rapid development of healthcare, HAPIs remains one of the biggest challenges that affect patient outcomes, breach patient safety, and become an economic burden for many healthcare facilities worldwide. The healthcare members, especially nurses, often underestimate the harms because the issues are not a life-threaten concern in the inpatient setting. However, HAPIs can lead to emergency conditions such as sepsis. This study aims to access and provide additional education that acknowledges and improves …

Risk Assessments In The Reduction Of Medication Errors In Older Adults With Polypharmacy, Jacquelyn Blackwell

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: An increasing number of people are on multiple medications which is referred to as polypharmacy. Research has shown that polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse events related to medication errors, especially among elderly patients who are more sensitive to the effects of medication due to physiologic changes that occur due to aging. Information also exists on interventions that may decrease the likelihood of medication errors. However, there is a lack of research on the success of said interventions in preventing medication errors. This project aims to identify, develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed interventions, …

Repositioning Patients To Prevent Pressure Ulcers, Janeth Covarrubias

Symposium of Student Scholars

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate whether alternating between the nurse and certified nurse aid (CNA) to reposition immobilized patient’s every two hours, as opposed to being repositioned solely by one person, will reduce pressure ulcer development.

Background: Nurses and CNAs work together to turn patient’s every 2 hours, but some patients have stated that they have not been turned all day; consequently, they’ve developed new pressure ulcers or are not healing from previous ones. Without interventions, patients are at risk for developing severe infections, lengthening their hospitalization, and increased pain levels.

Literature review: Like the registered …

Nursing Management To Reduce Hospital Readmissions After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions- Integrative Review, Jeena S. Daniel, Doreen Wagner

Master of Science in Nursing Final Projects

Abstract

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are considered life-saving techniques in the event of myocardial infarction and remain the standard of care for managing acute heart attack. Given the success of the procedures, decreased complications, and the economic advantage over open-heart surgery, coronary interventions continue to be the preferred treatment choice. However, amidst the growth and success of these procedures, readmissions after percutaneous coronary interventions have been identified and still prevail among hospitals. Hence, the goal was to conduct an integrative review to identify and synthesize literature on the interventions that help reduce readmissions after percutaneous coronary interventions and illuminate nurses' …

Identifying And Evaluating Pain Management In Hospitalized Older Adults With Hip Fractures: An Integrative Review, Monique Guinocor

Master of Science in Nursing Final Projects

Hip fractures are known to have the highest health morbidity and mortality, especially in the aging population. Having a hip fracture comes with insurmountable pain. Older adults experiences pain differently from other populations due to physiological changes, but this population experiences an undertreatment and mistreatment for pain, resulting in negative outcomes. Current methods for pain control include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. Exploring different interventions for pain management is necessary so providers can implement methods that are effective in pain relief without inducing complications. The aim of this integrative review is to identify current pain management interventions and determine their effectiveness …

Life Course In Hearts: Enhancing Telehealth Resilience And Mindfulness Intervention In Older Adults Experiencing Abuse And Trauma-A Conceptualization, Mary Dioise Ramos

Faculty Articles

Advances in research and evidence-based practice improve the prevention and treatment of diseases, but the marginalized seems to be left behind. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a telehealth intervention aimed to improve the health and health span of older adults. More particularly, we articulate the conceptual framework underlying our intervention, Telehealth Resilience Mindfulness (TRM) Intervention, which will be delivered via text messaging (for those who have phones or smartphones), video conferencing such as Zoom (for those with internet connectivity), or in-person (when it is practical) to older adults to enhance HEARTS (health, experiences of abuse and trauma, …

How Various Exercise Modalities Impact Quality Of Life, Physical Activity, And Program Adherence In Patients With Copd, Hannah Brookshire, Sarah Barnes, Natalie Cagle, Nancy Starnes, Elia Schaefer

Symposium of Student Scholars

How Various Exercise Modalities Impact Quality of Life, Physical Activity, and Program Adherence in Patients with COPD

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases that causes breathing difficulty due to airway obstruction. Adherence to physical activity recommendations for those with COPD is often problematic and leads to worsening dyspnea and quality of life. Due to the prevalence of COPD, it is important to understand how different exercise modalities impact quality of life and adherence to physical activity.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine if patients with COPD have a better quality of …

The Effect Of Alternative And Personalized Therapy In The Treatment Of Depression In Older Adults Living In Long-Term Care Facilities, Amber Davis, Olivia Gilbert, Kayla Kelley, Mitch Elliot, Deanna Hebert

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Title: The effect of alternative and personalized therapy in the treatment of depression in older adults living in long-term care facilities

Background: In older adults, depression can lead to changes in memory, physical pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and even suicidal ideations. Due to the shortage of healthcare workers in long-term care facilities, older adults have a difficult time receiving treatment. Therefore, alternative treatment methods and personalized therapy are becoming more important when treating patients in long-term care facilities.

Objectives: This systematic review set out to determine whether personalized therapy and alternative treatment methods may significantly reduce the symptoms of …

Interlace: Designing An Inclusionary Architecture For Alzheimer's Sufferers, Alexander Fashinasi

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis intends to address the increasing challenges the Alzheimer’s disease poses for our growing American population. The research begins by looking at the brain as a combination of components which make up the individual. Following this, the research compiles information on the Alzheimer’s disease and its symptoms, followed by an analysis of the built environments effects on the condition.

Through analysis of precedent cases and the combined Alzheimer’s research, I chose to propose an experimental community in which those with Alzheimer’s can live a life with greater autonomy while simultaneously slowing the progression of the disease. I place this …