Geriatric Nursing Commons^™

Animal-Assisted Therapy And Oncology Hospice Patients, Lauren Anderson

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: If there are more ways to induce comfort during hospice care, all options should be explored, which is why animal-assisted therapy (AAT) could be a viable, non-pharmacological option for oncology hospice patients.

Objectives: The aim of this research is to show that the use of AAT with oncology patients receiving hospice care will result in enhanced comfort and diminished pain. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects on pain for oncology hospice patients receiving AAT compared to oncology hospice patients who do not receive AAT.

Method: This study is performed as an integrative …

Interventions In Hospice Caregivers’ Coping Mechanisms, Ollie Urbanski

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: There is an increasing awareness, and need for, hospice services in the United States. While some may choose to receive their care in an inpatient setting, many prefer the comforts of home. When they receive their care at home, their loved ones end up shouldering many of the burdens of that care. There is a noticeable lack in support for this specific population of caregivers.

Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to investigate current best practices in regards to coping mechanisms for informal hospice caregivers and to analyze potential areas for development of research in …

Compassion Fatigue And Coping Icu Nursing: An Integrative Review Of Literature, Kamila Barnak

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Compassion fatigue and burnout are significant issues among intensive care unit nurses. Many nurses leave their job in the ICU after a few years due to their negative experiences. This is an issue, as many baby boomers are aging and need to be cared for; at the same time many ICU nurses are retiring and need to be replaced. However, there are not a lot of young nurses willing to take their place and the ones who do, leave after a short period of working.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that contribute …

Health Benefits Of Pet Ownership For Older Adults, Molly Cook, Sydney Busch

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Over the last few decades, life expectancy has increased causing a significant rise and rising number of senior citizens. This has resulted in greater demand and spending in healthcare for this growing population, due to, the increase risk for health problems that are associated with older age.

Objectives: The purpose of this literature review is to examine the health benefits of pet ownership for older adults. This study will provide information on what health benefits come with pet ownership, and how this can affect the elderly population.

Method: A computerized integrative review was conducted using various combinations of the …

Opioid Vs Antidepressant Efficacy In Treatment Of Comorbid Chronic Pain And Depression In Older Adults: An Integrative Literature Review, Elizabeth Swanson

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Complexity of treatment of older adults frequently suffering from comorbid chronic pain and depression necessitates a further understanding of how best to focus treatment for these conditions to increase functional ability, quality of life, social, physical, and emotional well-being. Nurse practitioners should be aware of how to best treat these patients. The question whether to treat the pain directly, treat the depression, or using combined treatment for both conditions is a barrier to effective treatment by clinicians.

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to compare the pharmacological treatment strategies and explore their differences, similarities, and effectiveness in improving …

Grace Peterson Research Colloquium, Emma Pfeiffer

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Mental illness is commonly under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, or untreated, particularly in the elderly population. An expected population increase for those 65 years and older, increased in health care expenses coupled with the moral and ethical obligation of health care providers to promote quality of life at all ages makes investigation to alternative treatments in this population is worth investigating. The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize existing studies to clarify the following questions: What are the effects of pet therapy on those experiencing signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety? Why is pet therapy still lagging in validated studies, …

Reframing The Conceptual Model Of Telehealth Nursing For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Luz Rivera

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Of the huge influx of retirees expected in the next 10 years, the vast majority prefers aging in place; a concept commonly used to refer to the practice of remaining in a community-based setting as the changes of life unfold with age. Extant health systems currently fail to provide the structure to promote staying at home when increasing health care assistance or monitoring is needed. Clinical pilot studies using telehealth are providing evidence for improving patient healthcare provision and outcomes from the setting of the patient’s choice. As the landscape of healthcare changes with technological advances, nursing practice also …

Delirium Rates Increasing In Elderly Hospitalized Patients, Sarah Jane Soffel

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Delirium commonly affects hospitalized elderly patients, and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, among other detrimental outcomes. Delirium is increasing in prevalence, yet remains under detected. Many of the negative effects of hospitalization, such as immobility, dehydration, and polypharmacy, increase the risk for developing delirium. Early detection of delirium remains an important factor for treatment and reversal. The aim of the integrative literature review was to determine whether delirium rates are increasing among elderly hospitalized patients, as well as to identify risk factors associated with delirium and nursing interventions that may prevent the increasing prevalence of delirium. The study …

Alumna's Dedication To Nursing Spans 50 Years

DePaul Magazine

2014 marked the 20th anniversary of Professional Healthcare Resources for founder and president Eileen DeCesare (LAS MS ’78). Her home health care, hospice and personal care services organization in Washington, D.C. that was one of a handful of agencies preapproved to take affected patients when a health care fraud crackdown in 2014 closed 10 agencies. DeCesare talks about her nursing career and the legacy she hopes to leave.