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Naloxone Prescribing At Hospital Discharge: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Timothy Ford

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

Opioid overdose deaths remain one of the largest public health challenges in the United States. Naloxone allocation is an important tool to help combat opioid overdose deaths. The literature supports that hospitalized patients are generally receptive to receiving naloxone and opioid education and interdisciplinary teams working together can help facilitate identification of high-risk patients for naloxone allocation. This quality improvement change, guided by the IHI Triple Aims and Model for Healthcare Improvement frameworks, sought to increase the rate of patients leaving the Hospital Medicine Service with naloxone. To accomplish this, during the target units’ daily interdisciplinary rounds, providers were prompted …

Implementation Of A Standardized Screening And Referral Process For Social Determinants Of Health For Families With Children Within Two Rural Health Clinics, Laura Britton Stace

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

Abstract

The American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures Guidelines recommends social determinants of health (SDOH) screening at well-child checks (WCCs). Social determinants of health are environmental factors, including food accessibility, mental health, and substance use, that can affect quality of life.

Rural health clinics (RHCs) in a county in Virginia did not routinely use a standardized screener to identify pediatric SDOH risks, nor did they have a standardized referral process for identifying SDOH risks. A hospital community needs assessment found that over 20% of the county households were below the federal poverty level. It is estimated that many children in …

Adolescent Suicide Prevention Techniques, Kaitlyn R. O’Malley

Honors Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to understand prevention techniques for adolescent suicide. Suicide is defined as death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds (WHO). From 2021 to 2022, the number of suiciderelated deaths increased by 2.6%. 48,123 people died from suicide in 2021 alone. (CDC) From 2011-2021, 13% of high school girls tried to commit suicide, and 30% of them considered trying (Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary and Trends Report: 2011–2021). Suicide is very preventable in society, which is why, with how many people try …

Msw Portfolio, Andrea E. Anderson

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

The portfolio narrative includes a brief introduction to my academic journey including field related work. The ten social work competencies are used as a guide while I reflect on the required appendices, theoretical frameworks and orientation to practice throughout the narrative.

Improving Mood Scores With Social Robot Dog ‘Pupper’ In Pediatric Cardiovascular Patients, Alyssa Lopez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective Pediatric hospitalization has been shown to increase the risk of developmental delays, social isolation, and mental health disorders. Consequently, decreased happiness also results from hospitalization, leading to reduced motivation and less engagement in their care. Aim The aim of this project is to improve the mood of pediatric patients aged 3-25 years by 50% from the patient’s baseline level within one month, from October 16, 2024 to November 13, 2024, on a pediatric cardiac step down unit by utilizing a social robot dog to motivate patients in engaging in their care. Methods Twelve participants between the ages 4-18 years …

Integrating The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (Bmat): Increasing Compliance With Assessments And Charting In Medical Surgical Units, Khaterah Sayed

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Decreased patient mobilization is associated with poor patient recovery and increased hospital costs. Complications include decreased functional capacity, pressure injuries, deep vein thrombosis, and infections. Aim: The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) is a mobility assessment tool designed to help healthcare providers safely mobilize patients (Boynton et al., 2020). In a 244-bed California hospital, preliminary data from three medical-surgical units indicate an average daily patient census of 23.7 of which only 31.3% were assessed using the BMAT. This quality improvement intervention aims to increase compliance with the BMAT by 10%. Interventions: Over a six-week period, staff received …

Senior Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Their Effectiveness In The Utilization Of De-Escalation Techniques: A Phenomenological Study, Chinelo N. Anadu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored senior nursing students’ perceptions of their effectiveness in utilizing de-escalation techniques. The theories that guided this study were Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and Kolb’s experiential learning theory. Self-efficacy is one’s ability to organize, conduct, and successfully perform a task. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory focuses on individuals’ perception of their ability to perform a task, not the action’s result. Kolb’s theory emphasizes that learning is a process, and modifying experiences creates knowledge. The participants for this study were senior nursing students from two medium-sized universities in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. A sample of 11 senior …

¿Qué Dijo El Médico?: Creating A Procedural Preparation Booklet For Spanish-Speaking Patients And Families In The Pediatric Hospital Setting, Caitlyn Bockbrader

Honors Projects

The purpose of my Honors Project is to demonstrate the need for and creation of a resource that supports Spanish-speaking children’s ability to cope through commonly stressful medical procedures. In developing this project, I conducted a literature review on the efficacy of preparation booklets in lessening pre-procedural anxiety, cultural considerations for the Hispanic community, and current barriers to equitable language access in healthcare settings. My final product was designed to answer the following question: How can the psychosocial outcomes of Spanish-speaking children in U.S. hospitals be improved through the use of Child Life procedural preparation materials? In answering this question, …

The Relationship Between Religious Coping Styles And Eating Disorder Risk In Christians In A University Setting, Meghan E. Aubuchon

Honors Theses

Existing research on eating disorders and religion is beginning to gain momentum in the present day, but research is lacking on the topic of religious coping and eating disorder risk. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between two known styles of religious coping—positive and negative—and eating disorder risk in University of Mississippi students, faculty, and staff who identify as Christian. A survey consisting of basic demographic questions, the EAT-26, and the Brief RCOPE was distributed via emails sent by the office of IREP to students, faculty, and staff at the University of Mississippi. A total of 330 participants were …

Transdisciplinary Collaboration Of Healthcare Professionals And The Emotional Connectedness With Working With Patients Coping With Death And Dying, Princess Nguyen, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores how an integrated approach to care for patients and families by transdisciplinary healthcare teams provides opportunities for a patient-centered care approach to support quality of life throughout one's chronic illness and at the end-of-life. Discussions and conversations about impending death or dying are often challenging and a complex task for healthcare professionals in whatever settings. While there is an understanding of aspects of collaborative care and transitions and processes to support patients and families about how to cope and communicate about death and dying, it is essential to recognize how best to support end-of-life care …

Disparities In The Pregnancy Experience: A Multi-Case Analysis, Tiffany C. Thomas, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Racial disparities in maternal healthcare continue to be a significant issue, with Black women experiencing worse outcomes compared to White women. Despite improvements in healthcare, Black women are still 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, and they face higher rates of preterm births, low birth weight, and insufficient prenatal care. This paper examines the experiences of three African American women from high socioeconomic backgrounds, focusing on where these negative experiences are most common throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. The study uses the Pregnancy and Maternity Care Patients' Experiences Questionnaire (PreMaPEQ) to explore different stages of care, …

Benefits Of Meditation Practices In Alleviating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Symptoms For Individuals Already In Therapy, Jeanette G. Mann, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract

This study examines the impact of adding and incorporating a meditation practice into a treatment plan for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for three adult patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The cases involved included patients with persistent PTSD symptoms who had experienced limited improvement with standard therapies. Data from Electronic Health Records and clinician notes showed that adding an eight-week meditation practice enhanced emotional regulation and reduced anxiety. In all three cases, the meditation practice increased the benefits of the traditional therapy. This helped the patients have greater control over their PTSD symptoms and improve their quality …

Breaking The Yoke: A Systematic Unmasking Of Challenges To Sustainable Rural Development In South Sudan, Gai Chol Paul

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

South Sudan, a young nation grappling with the legacy of protracted conflict, faces significant challenges in fostering sustainable rural development. While the immense potential of its vast agricultural lands remains largely untapped, the persistent triple threat of insecurity, deficient infrastructure, and the absence of robust government policy actively hinders progress. The ongoing armed conflict, characterized by inter-communal violence and sporadic attacks, casts a long shadow over rural areas in South Sudan. Thus, I developed this mixed-method multiple-case study, grounded in the sustainable livelihoods framework, to explore challenges that hinder sustainable rural development in South Sudan. I collected data through document …

Educating Providers On Effective Prescribing Of Benzodiazepine, Juliana Nwakamma

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The goal of this initiative is to increase provider confidence, improve patient outcomes, and foster constructive societal change by teaching healthcare professionals how to prescribe benzodiazepines safely and effectively. Many doctors prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, and seizures, but using them comes with serious hazards, such as dependence, withdrawal, and overdosing, particularly when taken with other drugs like opioids. Taking these concerns into consideration, my study intends to close gaps in prescribing practices by creating an evidence-based education program specifically designed for healthcare professionals. The course emphasizes effective prescribing techniques, methods for weaning chronic users, and benzodiazepine substitutes such …

Allostatic Load, Educational Attainment, And Risk Of Cancer Mortality Among Us Men, Cynthia Li, Sydney P Howard, Charles R Rogers, Sydney Andrzejak, Keon L Gilbert, Keith J Watts, Malcolm S Bevel, Myles D Moody, Marvin E Langston, Judah V Doty, Adetunji T Toriola, Darwin Conwell, Justin X Moore

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Health disparities among racial and ethnic minoritized populations, particularly for cancer mortality rates, remain a major public health concern. Men from underrepresented backgrounds (Black and Hispanic men, specifically) face the pervasive effects of discrimination in their daily lives, which also contribute to the complex associations among allostatic load (a marker of chronic stress), educational opportunities, and elevated risks of cancer mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the associations among educational attainment, allostatic load, and cancer mortality risk among men.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally …

Major Depressive Disorder And Driving Behavior Among Older Adults, Ganesh M Babulal, Ling Chen, Jean-Francois Trani, David C Brown, David B Carr, Beau M Ances, Eric J Lenze, Drives Project

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Depression and antidepressant use are independently associated with crash risk among older drivers. However, it is unclear what factors impact daily driving that increase safety risk for drivers with depression.

OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in naturalistic driving behavior and safety between older adults with and without major depressive disorder (MDD).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted among older adults (≥65 years) from the Driving Real-World In-Vehicle Evaluation System Project collected from July 1, 2021, to December 30, 2023. The sample included 85 participants with MDD and 310 participants without. Neurological, clinical, mood, and neuropsychological …

Improving Outcomes Of Patients Being Seen In The Emergency Room For Mental Health Crisis, Kimberly Hudson

Doctoral Projects

Mental health is a significant problem, especially in males aged 20 to 50 years old (Omary, 2019). Lack of a primary mental health care provider, lack of proper treatment and follow up appointments for this population, and bottlenecking patients in the emergency room are all factors that contribute to the problem. As a result, these patients experience negative outcomes such as not receiving proper care and/or causing harm to themselves or others. In this doctoral project we will explore the option of patients having better outcomes if seen immediately by a psychiatric health care provider.

Having psychiatric healthcare providers in …

About The Mcnair Scholars Program, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Impact Of Mindfulness Practice On Quality Of Life And Anxiety Levels In College Students, Ope L. Oyeyemi

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Anxiety disorders are becoming more common among college students, seriously affecting their academic performance and overall well-being. This study sought to investigate how current mindfulness practices and willingness to engage in mindfulness relate to psychological outcomes in college students. Participants (N=432) were students ≥ 17 years old recruited from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Analyses compared differences in levels of anxiety, quality of life, depression symptom severity, cognitive dysfunction, and stress based on participant self-reported willingness to engage and current time spent engaging in mindfulness practices. It is expected that students who currently engage in more mindfulness will …

Postpartum Depression In North American Ghanaian Women, Natalie Bawuah

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Personal Protective Equipment For Minoritized U.S. Agricultural Farmworkers: Community-Based Efforts During The Pandemic & Implications For Extension, Helen Trejo

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

There are an estimated 2 million farmworkers who are essential to the food system in the United States; however, they are exposed to hazardous environmental conditions with limited access and/or use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The primary purpose of this research is to evaluate community-based organizational efforts to provide farmworkers with apparel-textile basic needs, such as face masks. A primary goal is to address the research gap regarding common environmental factors that impact farmworkers, including pesticides and the pandemic, their use of available PPE, and community-based efforts to improve access to face masks as basic PPE. We consider the …

Full Issue, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Lgbtq+ College Students’ Willingness To Access Campus Health Services At A Midsized, Urban Christian University: A Study On Disparities, Samual J. Piatt, Christian Williams, Frecia Gonzalez

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Introduction

LGBTQ+ college students face inequitable health outcomes in both mental health and physical health versus non-LGBTQ+ counterparts (The Trevor Project, 2023), (Brittain et Dinger, 2015). LGBTQ+ students experience higher unwillingness and disparities in care access due to negative perceptions of and experiences with UHS providers (Hood et al, 2019). Research indicates that better provider LGBTQ+ cultural awareness contributes to a more affirming space which in turn benefits LGBTQ+ healthcare (Parmenter et al, 2020), (Prasad et al, 2023).

Methods

A 2024 cross-sectional study assessed the comfort levels of LGBTQ+ college students in accessing student health services, explore how affirming healthcare …

The Impact Of Hospital Protocol For Severe Alcohol Use Disorder, Meredith Jones

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Alcohol use disorder remains a prevalent condition within current society. For a smaller, but ever growing population, alcohol use evolves into a severe, addictive disease process. Individuals managing this disorder can suffer from acute withdrawals and further comorbidities causing eventual detriment. Medical institutions attempt to combat withdrawal with varying forms of treatment, utilized to manage symptoms and further issues “as needed.” As this condition becomes increasingly more pervasive within casual society, hospitals’ fragmented attempts to manage this disease process proves to be ineffective for this patient population.

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze current methods …

Young Adults’ Perceptions Of Adverse Childhood Experiences As Context And Causes Of Mental Health Conditions: Observations From The United States, Kathryn Sabella, Ian A. Lane, Murron O'Neill, Natalie Tincknell

Faculty Publications (Peer-Reviewed)

Background

Objective

Participants and setting

Methods …

Psychological Distress Among Family Caregivers Of Persons With Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias In Uganda, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) present growing global health challenges, especially in aging populations, such as Uganda. In Uganda, familial caregiving, predominantly undertaken by female relatives, is the primary form of support provided to patients with ADRD. Cultural stigma around dementia and limited access to support services amplify caregivers' challenges. This study examined psychological distress, depression, and quality of life (QoL) among family caregivers of patients with ADRD in Wakiso District, Uganda. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 90 caregivers from three sub-counties in Wakiso, selected through purposive sampling to capture diverse experiences. Participants included caregivers aged 18 years …

Self-Rated Interprofessionalism Between Allied Health Professionals, Courtney Andrews

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Preventable deaths due to medical errors are a significant cause of death in the United States. Decreased communication and collaboration has been cited as a potential reason for these preventable medical errors. Interprofessional practice (IPP) is a service delivery method where medical professionals from different disciplines intentionally work together in order to provide collaborated and collective care for patients. Interprofessional education (IPE) training programs are becoming more common in healthcare education, and have been cited as one way to improve IPP among healthcare providers. However, gaps exist in the literature regarding how to best structure and implement these programs so …

Promoting Mental Health For Graduate Students: The Mind Matters Initiative, Kelly Donahoe, Marissa Marchman, Anna Ramos, Silvia Reyes

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio, Dallin C. Ball

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Exploring Intensive Care Registered Nurses’ Perceptions Of The Family Support Person During Family-Witnessed Resuscitation, Carmen Petersen, Martha O. Morales, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrests are common occurrences that family members may be present for. Family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR) is a well-studied, evidence-based practice with positive outcomes for family members. However, some nurses disagree with FWR because of the potential for family member disruptions. The presence of a hospital-employed family support person (FSP) dedicated to providing care to family members during FWR may be beneficial in improving nurses’ perspectives on FWR. While evidence shows the benefits of the FSP for family members during FWR, there is little evidence related to nurses’ perceptions of the FSP. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive …