Digital Commons Network^™

A Quality Improvement Project: Increasing Pre-Term Infant Safety By Enhancing Skin-To-Skin Time In The Nicu, Maureen A. Cassidy

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Skin-to-skin (STS) contact, also known as kangaroo care, is a critical intervention for preterm infants, especially for those in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It promotes neurodevelopmental outcomes, physiological stability, and parental bonding. However, STS often falls below recommended daily levels due to a variety of berries. Exploring aids like belly bands may help address these barriers and promote improved outcomes.

Local Problem: STS time in this NICU microsystem falls significantly below nationally recommended levels, with most preterm infants receiving less than one to two hours daily compared to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 8-24 hours per …

A Quality Improvement Project Reinforcing Nursing Education On Support Resources For Families In The Icu, Emily Siel

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is often a source of psychological, physical, social, financial, and spiritual distress for families of patients. Multidisciplinary support resources are available but are often underutilized. Nurses are uniquely positioned to assess needs and integrate resources into care. Therefore, enhancing nurses' ability to guide families to appropriate support resources may alleviate distress and promote holistic well-being for patients and their families.

METHODS: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was used to guide this project. A pre-intervention survey assessed awareness, utilization, and perception of ownership. Following dissemination of the intervention, a post-survey evaluated improvements in knowledge and integration. …

ปัจจัยคัดสรรที่สัมพันธ์กับพฤติกรรมการใช้สารเสพติดของผู้ใช้สารเสพติด หลายชนิดร่วมกันในภาคใต้ของประเทศไทย, เตชินี สิทธิอำนวย

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

การวิจัยครั้งนี้เป็นการวิจัยเชิงบรรยาย มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษา 1) สถานการณ์และรูปแบบการใช้สารเสพติดร่วมของผู้ใช้สารเสพติดที่รับการบำบัดสารเสพติดในโรงพยาบาลรัฐบาลในเขต ภาคใต้ และ 2) เพื่อศึกษาความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างปัจจัยคัดสรร ได้แก่ อายุ เพศ อาชีพ ระดับการศึกษา สถานภาพสมรส อายุที่เริ่มใช้สารเสพติด ระยะเวลาการใช้สารเสพติด การดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ การสูบบุหรี่ ภาวะซึมเศร้า ความวิตกกังวลขณะปัจจุบัน การวิตกกังวลประจำบุคคล การเผชิญความเครียดด้านการมุ่งแก้สาเหตุปัญหา การเผชิญความเครียดด้านการจัดการกับอารมณ์ และสัมพันธภาพในครอบครัว กับพฤติกรรมการใช้สารเสพติดของผู้ใช้สารเสพติดหลายชนิดร่วมกันในภาคใต้ กลุ่มตัวอย่างเพื่อตอบวัตถุประสงค์วิจัยข้อ 1 คือ ผู้ใช้สารเสพติด จำนวน 111 คน และกลุ่มตัวอย่างเพื่อตอบวัตถุประสงค์วิจัยข้อ 2 คือ ผู้ใช้สารเสพติดหลายชนิดร่วมกัน จำนวน 211 คน ทั้งเพศชายและหญิง ที่มีอายุ 20 – 59 ปี ที่ได้รับการคัดเลือกตามเกณฑ์คุณสมบัติที่กำหนดไว้ ซึ่งเข้ารับการบำบัดรักษายาเสพติดแบบผู้ป่วยนอก โรงพยาบาลรัฐบาลในเขตภาคใต้ ได้แก่ โรงพยาบาลธัญญารักษ์สงขลา โรงพยาบาลมหาราช นครศรีธรรมราช โรงพยาบาลสิชล และโรงพยาบาลพระพรหม จังหวัดนครศรีธรรมราช เครื่องมือที่ใช้ในการวิจัยมี 5 ชุด คือ 1) แบบสอบถามข้อมูลส่วนบุคคล 2) แบบสอบถามพฤติกรรมการใช้สารเสพติด 3) แบบประเมินภาวะซึมเศร้า 9Q 4) แบบวัดความวิตกกังวล STAI 5) แบบวัดการเผชิญความเครียต และ 6) แบบสอบถามสัมพันธภาพในครอบครัว สถิติที่ใช้ในการวิเคราะห์ ข้อมูลได้แก่ การแจกแจงความถี่ ร้อยละ ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน สถิติไคสแคว์ และค่าสัมประสิทธิ์สหสัมพันธ์เพียร์สันผลการวิจัยพบว่า 1. จากผลการศึกษาสถานการณ์และรูปแบบการใช้สารเสพติดในภาคใต้ พบว่า ผู้ใช้สารเสพติดเพียงชนิดเดียวมีเพียง 23 คน (ร้อยละ 20.7) และผู้ใช้สารเสพติดส่วนใหญ่มีพฤติกรรมการใช้สารเสพติดหลายชนิดร่วมกัน 88 คน (ร้อยละ 79.3) จำแนกเป็นใช้สารเสพติดสองชนิดร่วมกัน 76 คน (ร้อยละ 68.5) และใช้สารเสพติดสามชนิดร่วมกัน …

Community Health Worker-Delivered Tobacco Cessation In A Small Rural County, Ellen J. Hahn, Amanda Bucher, Amanda T. Wiggins, Kathy Rademacher, Whitney Beckett, Leeann Taylor, Audrey Darville, Jean Edward

BREATHE Faculty Publications

Purpose: We evaluated a Community Health Worker (CHW)-Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) model for delivering tailored tobacco treatment counseling and support in a rural, low-resourced county.

Methods: This was an exploratory, prospective study of people 18 years or older who used any tobacco product including e-cigarettes or vapes in the past 30 days. The CHW assessed tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure, and quit history; and collected an expired breath carbon monoxide sample and a brief health history before providing 4–6 in-person or phone-based sessions involving tailored tobacco treatment counseling and support. The CHW connected participants to a prescriber at a federally …

Implementing And Evaluating A Pilot Interprofessional Training Program To Engage Health Care Teams In Cost Of Care Conversations, Jean Edward, Kimberly D. Northrip, Mary Kay Rayens, Julia Costich, Andrea Welker, Rachel O’Farrell, John A. D'Orazio

Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction: This study evaluated the impact of Financial and Insurance Navigation Assistance-Training – a pilot interprofessional training program to facilitate cost of care (CoC) conversations and address health-harming social determinants of health in a pediatric hematology–oncology clinic.

Methods: A pre–post study design was used to evaluate the impact of Financial and Insurance Navigation Assistance-Training on an interprofessional health care team's (clinicians, social workers, financial navigator, and legal advocates) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to CoC conversations and screening, referring, and collaborating with interprofessional team members. Data were collected …

Diet Quality Mediates The Relationship Between Chronic Stress And Inflammation In Patients With Metabolic Syndrome, Junghee Kang, Debra K. Moser, Terry A. Lennie, Misook L. Chung, D. Travis Thomas, Martha J. Biddle

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background 

Chronic stress is associated with promotion of inflammation and development of metabolic syndrome, as well as deterioration of diet quality. Inflammation can be modified by changes in dietary intake.

Objective 

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that diet quality mediates the relationship of chronic stress with inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Methods 

Participants with metabolic syndrome (n = 73, 62 ± 12 years old, 71% female) completed questionnaires on chronic stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10) and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-2020). The Perceived Stress Scale-10 was dichotomized. The Healthy Eating Index-2020 score was used as …

Championing Reproductive And Perinatal Health With The Recovery Community: Improving Access To Healthcare And Health Promotion Resources To Support Recovery, Hartley C. Feld, Alex Elswick, Jeremy Byard, Whitney Beckett, Amanda Fallin-Bennett

Nursing Faculty Publications

Peer recovery support services are instrumental in the promotion of long-term recovery primarily by focusing on building the recovery capital of people with substance use disorders. Women may have specific health-related needs that are not generally part of recovery support staff training. Our team co-created a model by training people with lived experience as coaches to promote the health of women with SUD during the critical period of their reproductive years when mortality from overdose risk is high and can be compounded by issues surrounding pregnancy. We explored the outcomes of a small pilot test of this model to promote …

Evaluating Potential Determinants Of Health System Implementation Of A Virtual Oncology Financial And Legal Navigation Intervention To Address Cancer-Related Financial Toxicity, Jean Edward, Haafsah Fariduddin, Mackenzie Caldwell, Lori P Eisele, Joanna Doran, Monica Bryant, John A. D'Orazio, Anne E. Ray, Kimberly D. Northrip

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background

Integration of comprehensive oncology financial and legal navigation (OFLN) programs within health systems are needed to address cancer-related financial toxicity, however, implementation challenges exist.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess contextual factors that may influence implementation of a virtual OFLN intervention within a pediatric and adolescent and young adult oncology clinic and to inform necessary modifications to the proposed implementation strategies, pathways, and workflows.

Methods

We conducted 18 key informant interviews with healthcare team members, patients and caregivers. Data collection and analysis were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to provide a structured …

Degree Of Rurality Moderates The Association Of Sedentary Time With Cognitive Function In Rural Patients With Cardiac Diseases And Depressive Symptoms, Chin-Yen Lin, Jia-Rong Wu, Geunyeong Cha, Junghee Kang, Martha J. Biddle, Misook L. Chung, Ashmita Thapa, Mary Kay Rayens, Linda Gibson-Young, Debra K. Moser

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Prolonged sedentary time has been linked to impaired cognitive outcomes. However, the impact of sedentary time on cognitive function at different degrees of rurality is not yet well understood in patients with cardiac diseases and depressive symptoms.

Purpose: To determine whether degree of rurality moderates the relationship between sedentary time and cognitive function.

Methods: This study includes 135 coronary heart disease or heart failure patients, primarily residing in rural Kentucky, including Appalachian areas, United States. Sedentary time was measured by the average daily sedentary time (in minutes) using accelerometry (ActiGraph). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind. …

Challenges And Lessons Learned While Conducting A Diabetes Prevention Program Among Black Churches During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Erika R. Karle, Destiny Cozart, Bassema Abu Farsakh, Victor Afolayan, Treasure Ebikwo, Maranda Brooks, Lovoria B. Williams

Nursing Faculty Publications

We share our experiences conducting a 5-year randomized controlled diabetes prevention project among 20 Black churches in central Kentucky during the COVID-19 pandemic and offer strategies to inform future church-based interventions. Researchers have long recognized the potential to reach Black adults in church settings for health promotion interventions and have implemented trials within this socially rich setting. However, there is a dearth of literature that describes the challenges and lessons learned while conducting these trials. We describe the challenges we experienced and the strategies we used to overcome them to successfully conduct the trial. During the study, we maintained detailed …

Hpv Self-Sampling Promotion Among African American (Aa) And Sub-Saharan African (Sai) Immigrant Women: Adaptation And Usability Testing, Adebola Adegboyega, Gia Mudd-Martin, Nancy Schoenberg, Mark Dignan

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) rates have declined nationally but rates remain high in Black women with most cases occurring among unscreened and under-screened women. This paper describes the adaptation, acceptability, and useability of an education intervention, “Health is Wealth: A Cervical Health Intervention”, to promote cervical screening and reduce perceived barriers to CC screening among two subgroups of Black women: African American (AA) and sub-Saharan African immigrant (SAI) women.

Methods: In this paper, we describe the process of adapting the Health is Wealth intervention using the Barrera and Castro adaptation framework. The iterative adaptation process included formative focus groups (n …

Improving Lung Cancer Education And Screening Navigation Skills Among Hbcu Health Trainees: A Pilot Study Of Program Connect, Shanada Monestime, Erika L. Thompson, Monica Wilson, Tamara Mccants, Lovoria B. Williams

Nursing Faculty Publications

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, disproportionately affecting Black communities due to delayed diagnoses and low screening rates. While these disparities persist, few educational interventions aim to equip health professional trainees—particularly those at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—with the knowledge and confidence to address them. Empowering providers early in their training through culturally tailored education may help build a more prepared, equity-focused workforce. The purpose of this project was to evaluate a culturally tailored lung cancer education program, Program CONNECT, for health professional trainees at HBCUs. Program CONNECT was implemented in regions where lung cancer mortality …

Quality Over Quantity: Doula Perspectives On Equity, Access, And Quality Of Care In Black Maternal Health Outcomes, Terry-Ann E. Lynch

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

Black maternal mortality in the United States is a public health crisis. There are a plethora of reasons as to why maternal and fetal deaths disproportionately impact Black women. From a public health perspective, health disparities are an area of concern in marginalized communities, with Black maternal mortality being a risk factor. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black (subsequently, Black) women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for non-Hispanic White (subsequently, White) women (26.6)” Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021” …

Emotions And Cognition, Krystal D. Becks

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Cognitive functioning is linked to emotional processes, with this relationship shaped by various biological (e.g., age, sex, diseases, and genetics), psychological (e.g., emotional well-being, coping strategies, mental health), and sociological (e.g., income and education) factors. Understanding these interactions is critical for advancing research on cognitive-emotional health across diverse populations. Purpose: To examine the relationship between positive and negative emotions and cognitive functioning among healthy adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Aging Brain Cohort (ABC) study (n=434). The independent variables were subsets from the NIH toolbox emotional battery. The dependent variables were from the NIH …

Active Irb Approved Nursing Research Studies In 2025, Brooke Randol Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc, Cmsrn, Cws, Michelle Diss Msn, Rn, Np-Bc, Natalie Mclaughlin Bsn,Rn,Ncsn, April Didion Bsn, Rn, Amy Moord Asn, Rn, Janette Richardson Msn, Rn, Ag-Cns, Ccrn, Kellie Girardot Msn, Rn, Sarah Cook Msn, Rn, Jan Powers Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Alicia Floor, Andrea D. Conley Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc, Mscrn, David Franks Mads, Mha, Kelly Etnier Mba, Kayla Mcgee Ma, Pmp, Jennifer Esslinger Bsn, Rn, Cfrn, Ctrn

Nursing Active Studies

Assessment of a Connected-Health, Pressure Monitoring Technology for Improving Clinical Outcomes of Compression Therapy in the Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers  PI: Brooke Randol MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CWS, CMSRN 
  Exploration of Skin Failure Clinical Indicators 
PI: Brooke Randol MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN, CWS; Michelle Diss, MSN, RN, NP-BC 
  Addressing Knowledge Gaps Among Adolescents Regarding Infant Safe Sleep and Shaken Baby Syndrome 
PI: Natalie McLaughlin BSN, RN, NCSN; April Didion BSN, RN; Amy Moord ASN, RN 
 
  Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Dual Verification for Feeding Tube Placement 
PI: Janette Richardson MSN, RN, AG-CNS, CCRN 
  The Evaluation of the Elevate™ Turning …

The Impact Of A Planned Change To Nurse Staffing Levels In Emergency Departments: A Pre-Test, Post-Test Design, Vera J.C. Mc Carthy, Noeleen Brady, Ashling Murphy, Aileen Murphy, Jane Ball, Robert Crouch, Christine Duffield, Peter Griffiths, Anne Scott, Jonathan Drennan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To examine burnout levels, nurse perceptions of the work environment, job satisfaction, intention to stay and quality of care for nurses working in emergency departments before and following a planned change to nurse staffing levels. Design: A pre-post observational design. Methods: A systematic approach (Nursing Hours per Patient Presentation) was introduced to determine nurse staffing levels based on patient presentations resulting in adjustments to nurse staffing. Data on burnout, the work environment, intention to stay, job satisfaction and quality of care were collected from three emergency departments prior to and following the adjustments to nurse staffing. Results: An adjustment …

Australian Fathers’ Experiences Of Caring For Their Preterm Infants, Esther Adama, Eric Adua, Evalotte Mörelius, Annie Chang, Ravisha Srinivasjois, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Fathers and/or non-birthing partners are now actively involved in child-rearing globally; however some experience emotional difficulties during the perinatal period. With the birth of a preterm infant, parents experience additional stress beyond that normally engendered by having a baby, which can impact on parent-infant relationship and infant development. In Australia, there is limited evidence on fathers’ experiences of preterm birth. Thus, this study aimed to explore the experiences of Australian fathers of preterm infants including their emotional and physical wellbeing when they have a preterm infant. Narrative inquiry guided the study; 13 fathers whose preterm infant was admitted to Australian …

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander And Māori Nursing And Midwifery Academic Workforce Across Australia And Aotearoa New Zealand, Ann Bonner, Linda Deravin, Jan Dewar, Moira Williamson, Kerri Gillespie, Cheryl Atherfold, Karen Nightingale, Caryn West, Karen Strickland

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Promoting a representative and supportive industry for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori nursing and midwifery academic staff is a key tenet of Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand universities, and fundamental to strengthening the health workforce. Surprisingly, information about this workforce is unknown. Aim: The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori nursing and midwifery academic workforce. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey of organisations that provide accredited nursing and midwifery education within Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Demographic, academic and employment information relating to …

The Careful Project: Evaluating The Acceptability Of Local Virtual Reality Experiences As A Leisure Activity For Residents In Aged Care, Davina Porock, Patricia Cain, Christopher Young, Julieanne Hilbers, Maria Bomm, Manonita Ghosh, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: The aim of this project was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of virtual reality (VR) as a leisure activity for people living in residential aged care. Virtual reality experiences may offer alternatives for residents with limited mobility, or during times when older people are unable to leave residential care. Methods: The intervention used VR videos delivered via a head-mounted device. Video content was created by a local artist specifically for use with older Western Australian adults and used local content. VR sessions were videotaped for analysis. The evaluation included structured observation of video content to assess mood and …

Applying Hybrid Coding And Reflexivity In Qualitative Content Analysis: An Exemplar, Kunwar Kaur, Ma’En Zaid Abu-Qamar, Amineh Rashidi, Nilufeur Mckay, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) is a widely used method in nursing research for analysing textual data. Numerous authors have provided comprehensive explanations of this approach, including step-by-step guidelines. The coding methods employed in QCA are typically categorised as deductive, inductive, or a combination of both, often referred to as the abductive or hybrid technique. However, the hybrid coding technique remains under-utilised within nursing research. Further, trustworthiness, a cornerstone of qualitative research, has been extensively discussed in the literature, with reflexivity identified as a key component of ensuring rigor and credibility. This paper presents an example from nursing research where a …

Physiological Plateaus During Normal Labor And Birth: A Novel Definition, Marina Weckend, Kylie Mccullough, Christine Duffield, Sara Bayes, Clare Davison

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Diagnoses of labor dystocia, and subsequent labor augmentation, make one of the biggest contributions to childbirth medicalization, which remains a key challenge in contemporary maternity care. However, labor dystocia is poorly defined, and the antithetical concept of physiological plateaus remains insufficiently explored. Aim: To generate a definition of physiological plateaus as a basis for further research. Methods: This qualitative study applied grounded theory methods and comprised interviews with 20 midwives across Australia, conducted between September 2020 and February 2022. Data were coded in a three-phase approach, starting with inductive line-by-line coding, which generated themes and subthemes, and finally, through …

Of Scents And Cytokines: How Olfactory And Food Aversions Relate To Nausea And Immunomodulation In Early Pregnancy, Dayoon Kwon, Daniel M.T. Fessler, Delaney A. Knorr, Kyle S. Wiley, Julie Sartori, David A. Coall, Molly M. Fox

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: During pregnancy, the maternal body undergoes extensive physiological adaptations to support embryonic growth, including whole-body remodeling, that may induce odor and food aversions, as well as nausea and vomiting. The biological mechanisms behind odor and food aversions, as well as nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, remain largely unexplored. Our study investigated associations between these changes and cytokine profiles during pregnancy. Methodology: A cohort of pregnant Latina women in Southern California (n = 58) completed a structured questionnaire on pregnancy "morning sickness"-related symptoms and aversions. Maternal plasma cytokine levels were measured between 5 and 17 weeks' gestation. Results: About …

Psychotropic Medications Versus Non-Pharmacologic Approaches For Managing Behavioural And Psychological Symptoms In Australian Aged Care Residents With Dementia: General Practitioners’ And Physicians’ Perspectives, Hunduma D. Ayeno, Mustafa Atee, Gizat M. Kassie, Vijayaprakash Suppiah, Imaina Widagdo, Tuan A. Nguyen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Psychotropic medications are often inappropriately prescribed for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), posing significant risks such as falls, stroke and death. Although non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are the first-line treatment for BPSD, their use in practice remains limited. Objectives: This study explored general practitioners’ (GPs’) and physicians’ perspectives on using psychotropic medications compared to NPIs for managing BPSD in Australian residential aged care homes (RACHs). Design: Semi-structured online in-depth interviews were conducted with GPs and physicians managing BPSD in Australian RACHs. Methods: The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis, with transcripts coded using NVivo …

Sleep In Residential Aged Care: A Secondary Qualitative Analysis Of Data From The Australian Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality And Safety, Aisling Smyth, Patricia Cain, Sabine Pangerl, Christopher Gordon, Kasia Bail, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Sleep is a crucial healing and restorative component of older person care but is often negatively impacted through the effects of institutionalization in residential aged care (RAC). Currently, information about how sleep occurs is limited.

Methods:

Through the lens of person-centered care, this study examined submissions to the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Commission was established in 2018 with the aim of protecting and improving the safety, quality of life, and well-being of people receiving aged care. The commission received 10 000+ submissions from a range of stakeholders, including consumers, family members, expert witnesses, …

Evaluation Of A Virtual Home Health Heart Failure Program: Mixed Methods Study, Nilufeur Mckay, Rosemary Saunders, Helene Metcalfe, Sue Robinson, Peter Palamara, Kellie Steer, Jeannie Yoo, Miles Ranogajec, Lisa Whitehead, Beverley Ewens

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Heart failure is a prevalent and debilitating condition, affecting millions globally and imposing a significant burden on patients, families, and health care systems. Despite advancements in medical treatments, the gap in effective, continuous, and personalized supportive care remains glaringly evident. To address this pressing issue, virtual health care services delivered by interdisciplinary teams represent a promising solution. Understanding the outcomes and experience of remote monitoring–enabled interdisciplinary chronic disease management programs can inform resource allocation and health care policy decisions. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and behavioral outcomes of patients undertaking a Virtual Home …

Factors Influencing Emergency Department Utilization Among Heart Failure Patients In The Home Health Care Setting: A Secondary Data Analysis, Lynette Ramlogan

Theses & Dissertations

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition affecting over 6 million adults in the United States and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, contributing to approximately 380,000 deaths annually. Disparities in health outcomes for individuals with heart failure are further exacerbated by social determinants of health (SDoH), including socioeconomic status, healthcare accessibility, and availability of social support, particularly among vulnerable populations. Insurance coverage plays a critical role in influencing access to care, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes among patients with heart failure. For patients receiving home health care (HHC) services, limited caregiver support and inadequate socioeconomic resources …

A Mixed Methods Study: The Influence Of Educational Preparation, Clinical Experience, And Orientation On Nursing Professional Development Role Transition Experience, Lauren Elizabeth Moran

Theses & Dissertations

This study explored the role transition experiences of novice Nursing Professional Development (NPD) practitioners, examining how educational preparation, clinical experience, and orientation programs influence successful adaptation. NPD practitioners are essential in facilitating learning, mentoring staff, and advancing nursing excellence; however, transitions from clinical nurse to NPD practitioner are often marked by role ambiguity, limited confidence, and insufficient preparation. Despite the importance of this role, research on novice NPD practitioners’ transition experiences remains limited. This mixed-methods explanatory sequential study, guided by the Nurse Educator Transition (NET) model and From Novice to Expert frameworks, explored factors influencing the role transition of novice …

Exploring Lgbtq+ Competency In Healthcare, Jordan Whiteman

Honors College Theses

Marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community are known to face healthcare disparities that negatively affect their process of navigating healthcare systems. This project explores the perceived lack of representation and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community within healthcare settings, exposing the deficits in knowledge for unique challenges and inequalities these patients may face. By viewing the literature, a myriad of complications faced by LGBTQ+ people in clinical settings can be identified. They possess a generalized feeling of mistrust towards the healthcare system. Healthcare staff overall describe low confidence with caring for this demographic. Heteronormativity’s presence in the field of healthcare …

Exploring The Reassessment Of Palliative Home Care Clients: A Mixed Methods Study, Maya Canham

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Introduction: The timely reassessment of clients receiving palliative home care (HC) is critical for supporting clinicians with care planning and service delivery. However, there is little information on the frequency of reassessments and factors driving reassessment in palliative HC clients.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the proportion of palliative HC clients reassessed with the interRAI Palliative Care (interRAI PC) instrument, (ii) calculate the average interRAI PC reassessment interval, (iii) identify the key factors driving interRAI PC reassessment at various intervals, and (iv) explore the factors that influence palliative HC clinicians to reassess their clients in …

Methodological And Clinical Concerns In The Study On Postpartum Hypertension Management, Takaki Tanamoto, Kyosuke Kamijo, Yusuke Tsutsumi, Tetsuya Kawakita

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

[Introduction] We read with interest the recent study by Rosenfeld et al.¹ However, we have several clinical and methodological concerns about this study.¹

First, this study's propensity score matching (PSM) lacked key clinical confounders, including perinatal risk factors and the highest systolic/diastolic blood pressures. Smoking, alcohol use, and multifetal gestation, which influence blood pressure during pregnancy,²,³ potentially affect both primary and secondary outcomes. Additionally, the authors did not report standardized mean differences before and after PSM, which are essential for assessing balance.⁴