Geriatric Nursing Commons^™

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Adolescent Caregivers, Abbigale Laurentius

Honors Theses

In today’s society, the population is aging, and any member of the family could find themselves in the role as an informal caregiver. Adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years old may have these caregiving responsibilities, and it is imperative that healthcare professionals recognize and support this change of roles. A literature review revealed a general lack of research from within the last five years regarding adolescent caregivers. Those studies that were analyzed in the review presented themes of depression, anxiety, lack of education, and insufficient social supports for the adolescent. An unfolding case study was then designed …

Assisting Nursing Students In Their Development Of Empathy: A Guide To Fostering Requisite Skills For The Art Of Empathetic Communication, Susan Mee

Open Educational Resources

This 7-week lesson plan is designed for use in clinical nursing courses. It is designed specifically for use by Nursing faculty teaching in the absence of state required patient facing clinical opportunity due to COVID restrictions. The lesson plan describes pedagogical techniques and provides video and education OER resources designed to help support the development of empathetic communication skills over 7 weeks. Refection and video debriefing techniques will be employed. Role play will culminate in the group presentation project of a brief video modeling effective therapeutic empathetic communication.

Life Satisfaction: Aging Female Informal Caregivers Of Persons With Dementia, Deborah Ann Monson

Dissertations

Purpose/Aims

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between aging female informal caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) and care recipients’ PWD demographic factors, aging female informal caregivers of PWD social support factors, positive and negative feelings, a sense of flourishing, stress, and life satisfaction.

Background/Rationale

Older adults with dementia are living longer and the majority are receiving care by aging female informal caregivers. Dementia incrementally worsens over time impacting informal caregiver life satisfaction. Most studies have focused on negative aspects of informal caregiving. Therefore, this study investigated both positive and negative aspects of caregiving.

Conceptual Basis …

How Providing Care For Individuals With Dementia Affects How A Caregiver Changes Their Lifestyle: A Focus On The Positives, Veronica Joy Vodola

Senior Theses

Background/significance Caregivers of individuals with dementia (e.g. Alzheimer’s Disease) may change their day-to-day life, especially self-care, to meet the needs of the person with dementia, which can be detrimental to their health. Caregivers for individuals with dementia experience both primarily negative and primarily positive effects on physical and mental health through exposure to the effects of dementia. Caregivers often report substandard self-care practices and unpleasant impacts on mental health. Others report notable beneficial influences within different aspects of their life. The positive effects have not been widely researched in literature.

Purpose The objective of this research study is to understand …

Improving Caregivers’ Perceived Involvement In Care Through Facilitating Communication With Hospital Providers, Heather Manolas

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Involvement of family in care-planning for prevention of delirium in acute care settings is crucial, yet remains underutilized in those who are cognitively impaired. Despite the incidence of delirium in acute care worsening during COVID-19, many factors have led to it being placed on the back burner.

PICOT: In caregivers of cognitively impaired individuals, can implementation of an evidence-based, best practice tool that advocates for evidence-based delirium prevention strategies tailored to their loved-one and facilitates family involvement in care planning for these strategies during a healthcare experience as compared to no other intervention improve confidence in, and …

Preventing Insulin Storage And Administration Errors, Makena Reddick

Scholars Week

■The research problem was discovered when nurses were observed storing and administering insulin improperly. The objectives of this project were to find the correct policies for these procedures, obtain research that backed these policies, and present this information to nurses to create a safer habit. In researching, it was found that reducing the physical distance between a person completing work and the materials required to do so increased compliance (Gibbs & McLernon, 2017). In a second study, the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality care for patients with diabetes in the community is dependent upon (district) nurses having appropriate knowledge …

Understanding The Meaning Of Well-Being In Older Adults: A Mini-Phenomenology, Francesca Ezeokonkwo, Rick Zoucha, Kathleen Sekula

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Title: Understanding the Meaning of Well-being in Older Adults: A Mini-phenomenology

Background and Objective: Loneliness is a major concern in older adults, the fastest-growing segment of society, due to age-related losses. As the aging population continues to rise, so will their vulnerability to loneliness. Previous studies suggest that promoting well-being is a potential strategy to prevent or reduce loneliness. The aim of this mini-study was to explore the meaning of well-being in older adults.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive mini-phenomenological research design was utilized for this study. Four older adults ages 72 to 78 (mean age of 74.3) participated in the …

Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes Of Social Isolation In Older Adults, Megan Friesen, Madeline M. Christensen

Nursing DNP Projects

Purpose and Rationale

The aim of the evidence-based practice (EBP) project is to improve psychological outcomes for socially isolated older adults enrolled in a Homebound Program (HP) through the implementation of an EBP intervention. Social isolation has a multitude of negative consequences, including impacting the psychological health (e.g. depression, loneliness, anxiety) of the older adult population.

Synthesis of Evidence

Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials addressing the clinical problem of social isolation were identified. Through critical appraisal of the evidence, physical activity, psychotherapy, and socialization interventions have shown to decrease depression and loneliness in older adults. There were mixed …

Home Point Of Care Inr Testing In Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients: A Clinical Evaluation, Emily Corsentino

DNP Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the complications and adverse events in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients when comparing those using home point of care (POCT) international normalized ratio (INR) testing versus lab testing. Additionally, the time in therapeutic window for both these groups was studied. A cost benefit analysis was performed. All this data was compiled into a provider education evaluated by a pre and post-survey design.

Methods: The project is a single-center study that will occur at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center. It is a cross-sectional, pre/post-test design. Data will be collected …

The Evaluation Of An Amino Acid- Oral Re-Hydration Solution (Enterade®) To Improve Quality Of Life In Solid Tumor Cancer Patients By Reduction Of Chemotherapy Related Diarrhea, Holly Chitwood

DNP Projects

Background: Chemotherapy related diarrhea (CRD) is a common adverse effect of many chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer. CRD negatively affects quality of life (QOL) for cancer patients and often results in treatment delays, hold, dose reductions, and hospitalizations affecting morbidity and mortality. Proper management of CRD with novel therapeutics is needed to improve the quality of life and patient outcomes for this population.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a proprietary amino acid-oral rehydration solution (AA-ORS) known as Enterade® to reduce the severity of CRD, to improve patient reported QOL among patients over …

Improving Recognition Of Delirium In Elderly Patients Hospitalized For Hip Fracture, Jennifer Synnott, Mary Val Palumbo

College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications

Background:

Delirium is a frequent, yet often under recognized, condition affecting elderly patients hospitalized with hip fracture. In the literature, delirium rates vary for this population.

Objective:

This project aimed to determine the delirium rate in elderly patients hospitalized for femur fracture and improve recognition through use of a screening tool at an academic medical center.

Methods:

The pre-intervention delirium rate in elderly hip fracture patients was determined via retrospective chart review with a validated instrument for patients hospitalized during a 3-month window. To improve delirium recognition, nurses completed training covering delirium and using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), a …

Implementation Of Cognitive Testing Via Video-Telemedicine, Lindsay Mills Holland, Rosemary Dale, Mary Val Palumbo

College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications

Background: Early diagnosis and timely follow-up of cognitive decline are essential to preserve individual function and memory, improve quality of life, and decrease healthcare costs. Many barriers to in-person assessment exist, the most recent one being COVID-19. Video-telemedicine has been studied as a solution with promising results. Most notably, research shows that the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) administered via video-telemedicine has comparable results to in-person assessment.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement cognitive testing via video-telemedicine for follow-up management of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Methods: A protocol for conducting the MMSE via Zoom was developed. Next, …

Can Nurses Predict Transitions Of Care In Assisted Living?, Emma M. Blair

Honors Theses and Capstones

The older adult population is rising exponentially due to medical advances and the aging of the Baby Boomer Population (Wister, 2005). Many of these older adults are choosing to live in assisted living facilities due to the increased independence and decreased cost of living compared to nursing homes (Grabowski, Stevenson, & Cornell, 2012). Since nurses are the primary directors of care for those in assisted living, the question was asked if they can predict a resident’s length of stay based on their knowledge and clinical judgement. A prospective study was performed at an assisted living facility in Oakland, California to …

Elearning Module For Nursing Students To Improve Delirium Identification, Prevention, And Management, Shannon Baker

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background and Review of Literature: Delirium is a serious, acute alteration in cognition and consciousness, which is common amongst older hospitalized patients and has an overwhelmingly negative impact on patient outcomes. Under-recognition by healthcare providers poses a barrier and contributes to poor patient outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality.

Purpose: To reduce the incidence of delirium amongst acutely ill patients via internet-based education for student nurses on delirium prevention, assessment, and management.

Methods: An eLearning intervention consisting of a virtual lecture with an unfolding case study for undergraduate nursing students. This project utilized the Nurses’ Delirium Knowledge Assessment (NDKA) …

Differences In Smoking Behaviors And Readiness To Change For Patients With Copd And Differing Categories Of Depression, Jessica M. Floyd

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the world. Depression is a common comorbidity of COPD and affects patient outcomes and smoking cessation. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe factors influencing smoking behaviors and readiness to change in patients with comorbid COPD and depression.

Aims: The research question that guided this study was, “What are the relationships among smoking, COPD, and depression?” The following aims stemmed from the research question: to describe the characteristics of a convenience sample of people living with COPD and differing categories of depression who …

Reframing: A Grounded Theory Study Of Postmenopausal Women Following Osteoporotic Fracture, Ashley D. Barber

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a chronic disease resulting in low bone mass and increased bone fragility. Most often seen in women age 65 and older, osteoporosis is usually diagnosed following osteoporotic fracture. Despite numerous treatment options many women continue to remain untreated for osteoporosis and are at increased risk for subsequent fractures and complications. PURPOSE: The initial purpose of this classic grounded theory study was to explore the decision-making process women aged 65 and older experience when considering osteoporosis treatment following osteoporotic fracture. Following the tenth participant interview the researcher discovered a new main concern that emerged from participant interviews. Participants …

Attitudes And Work Preferences Toward Older People Among Malay Undergraduate Nursing Students, Sharifah Munirah Syed Elias, Nor Faeziah Jaafar, Lee Siew Pien

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The aging population is increasing globally and requires a high demand for healthcare services in several countries. As a way of preparing future nurses in aged care, substantial incorporation of gerontology courses in the nursing program to meet future needs is required. The present study aimed to investigate the association between attitudes and work preferences toward older people among undergraduate nursing students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 291 nursing students at a Malaysian public university. A set of questionnaires was used that comprised the following three parts: (1) Part A: Sociodemographic background, (2) Part B: …

Filial Piety Expectations And Loneliness Among Older People In Kuantan, Pahang, Aniawanis Makhtar, Nor Hafizah Samsudin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Filial piety plays a vital role in combating loneliness among older people. Older adults have a high tendency to feel lonely when affection toward and from their children decreases. This study aimed to determine the association between filial piety expectations and loneliness among older people in Kuantan, Pahang.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 198 older people in Kuantan, Pahang. Filial piety expectation and loneliness were measured by the Filial Piety Expectation Scale and UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) Loneliness Scale questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22.0.

Results: The results …

Factors Influencing Health Service Utilization Among The Elderly In Insein Township, Yangon Region, Sandar Min Min Hlaing, Naw Clara, Aye Nanda Han

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: With the increasing needs of the aging population and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, assessment of the equity and accessibility of health care among the elderly has become important.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from December 2018 to December 2019 among 225 elderly to describe the factors influencing health service utilization. Multistage sampling was applied, and structured questionnaire was used to interview the elderly. Chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression were performed in data analysis.

Results: The average age of the respondents was 71.7 ± 8.17 years old, and 68.4% of the respondents …

The Use Of Life-Like Robotic Animals In The Acute Care Setting To Assist In The Care Of Patients With Dementia, Abby Denby

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

The purpose of this pilot project was to describe the effect of life-like robotic animals on the nurses’ ability to provide care, patients’ level of agitation, use of antipsychotic medications, restraint and sitter use for patients with dementia in an acute care setting. Nurses report challenges and feelings of helplessness while caring for patients with dementia. Dementia may cause depression, agitation, aggression (physical or verbal) and a decrease quality of life. Animal Assisted Therapy (ATT) is a growing therapy in many healthcare settings but there is a lack of literature specifically related to the use of AAT in the acute …