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Improving Early Detection And Treatment Of Chlamydia By Implementing A Routine Chlamydia Screening And Testing In Females Between The Ages Of 18–24, Isabelle Vikumitsi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Chlamydia Trachomatis is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States. One in 20 sexually active females between the ages of 15 and 24 have chlamydia. Most people with the infection are asymptomatic and do not seek treatment. Chlamydial infections in women, especially if untreated, increase the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy, leading to higher medical costs.

Purpose: The project aimed to implement early screening for chlamydial infections in the young adult population to increase early detection of the disease.

Methods: A pre-post design was used for this project to compare chlamydia diagnosis rates …

Standardization Of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing: A Quality Improvement Project In Central Line Bloodstream Infection Prevention, Faustina Muruako

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) are severe healthcare-related infections that can lead to sepsis, organ failure, and even death. Several healthcare agencies provide guidelines to prevent CLABSIs, with Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing (CHGB) as one of the preventive measures for individuals with central venous lines (CVL).

Purpose: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aims to standardize CHGB procedures for maintaining CVLs on a specific unit for CLABSI prevention through evidence-based practice.

Methods: A quality improvement project was implemented at a Central Alabama hospital to standardize CHGB procedures for CVL patients utilizing a CLABSI unit champion monitoring system to establish …

Ekg Is Key: A Quality Improvement Project To Decrease Door-To-Ekg Time In A Rural Emergency Department, Amanda Southwell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Electrocardiograms (EKGs) are the priority when evaluating patients with chest pain who present to the Emergency Department (ED). The American Heart Association and other governing bodies suggest a 10-minute door-to-EKG (DTE) time. The target facility displayed a delay in DTE times.

Purpose: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aimed to decrease the average DTE time for patients over 18 years old with chest pain who presented to the ED registration area.

Methods: The DNP project consisted of an EKG suite to perform EKGs near the ED registration/triage area. Registration and ED staff were educated on …

Increasing Lung Cancer Screenings In A Family Medicine Clinic, Ashley Williams

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although lung cancer screening is an established guideline for intervention in primary care, eligible patients do not receive it. Patients at high risk of developing lung cancer are aged 50 to 80 and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years. Obtaining an annual low-dose computed tomography for patients at high risk of developing lung cancer helps detect lung cancer earlier and, therefore, improves patient outcomes.

Purpose: The Doctor of Nursing (DNP) project aimed to increase lung cancer screenings in patients at high risk of developing …

Implementing A Comprehensive Tobacco-Cessation Program For Patients With Tobacco Use Disorder, Jalen Eaton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Individuals who use tobacco are at an increased risk for the development of heart disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Tobacco use is one of the most preventable causes of death in the world.

Purpose: The focus of the quality improvement project was to improve access to tobacco cessation resources in patients with tobacco use disorder at a primary care clinic.

Methods: Weekly stakeholder meetings were held to ensure the validity of the project. The plan, do, study, act (PDSA) model of continuous quality improvement guided the project. A comprehensive tobacco-cessation program including informational materials and …

A Quality Improvement Project: Improving The Clinical Practice For Assessing Hemoglobin A1c On Admission In Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patients Admitted To The Intensive Care Unit, Tiara Lawson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening problem that affects people with diabetes. Early treatment and adherence to guidelines are crucial in preventing DKA. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) publishes annual guidelines for effective DKA management, and the Education Recognition Program National Benchmarks program can help maintain adherence to the published guidelines. Improving the intensive care unit (ICU) admission process enhances the quality of care to DKA patients and improves progress towards national benchmarks.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to improve Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) evaluations in DKA patients admitted to the ICU.

Methods: The intervention of triggering HbA1c orders …

Reducing No-Show Rates In An Outpatient Gi Endoscopy Lab, Mwaba Chisela

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Patients who do not attend their scheduled appointments cost the healthcare industry approximately $150 billion annually. They are at higher risk of missed diagnoses, delay in care, and increased morbidity and mortality.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to determine the effectiveness of serial reminders using phone calls and electronic messaging to reduce no-shows for patients scheduled for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.

Methods: No-show data was retroactively analyzed from June 2023 to December 2023 and compared to post-implementation data from February 2024 to March 2024. For eight weeks, a trained staff team called patients scheduled for endoscopic procedures seven days …

Use Of Waffle Mattresses To Prevent Pressure Injuries, Brenda Kinning, Antonieta Laguna, Marian Mationg, Kimberly Martinez, Mary Pena, Divya Prakash, Norma Torres, Stephanie Wunderlich

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

Examining Risk Factors For Early-Onset Breast Cancer, Jennifer Grace Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: There have been great advancements in screening and in the identifying of risk factors associated with breast cancer, however, there is a lack of information of these factors in women with breast cancer occurring under the age of 45, known as early-onset breast cancer (EOBC). EOBC is often found at later stages, negatively impacting young women’s careers, family planning, and mental health. Additionally, because of the health disparities that exist within the U.S. health care system, women belonging to racial and ethnic groups, specifically young Black women, tend to have poorer outcomes and higher mortality rates of EOBC …

The Experiences And Perceptions Of Healthy Siblings Of Children With A Long-Term Condition: Umbrella Review, Julie Blamires, Mandie Foster, Shayne Rasmussen, Maggie Zgambo, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Problem: The lives of healthy siblings living with a sibling with a long- term condition are often shaped by the family, type of illness, length of illness, age of the child, caregiver demands, and support provided to the family, ill sibling, and healthy sibling. While the experiences of healthy siblings are documented in the literature by parent proxy, literature on healthy siblings self-reported experiences of living with a sibling who has a long-term condition remains scarce. Purpose: This umbrella review aims to synthesize reviews on the self-reported experiences of healthy siblings of children living with a sibling who has a …

Parental View On Hpv Vaccination, Rebecca Elaine Rhodes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection widely seen in the United States. Millions of Americans are affected by it each year, especially those in their late teens and early 20s. Although most infections will resolve on their own, 1 in 10 will lead to health problems such as cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of associated precancers and cancers. However, uptake of the HPV vaccine and its completion among adolescents are significantly lower than other recommended adolescent immunizations, falling short of the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80% coverage. Understanding parental attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions …

Examining Risk Factors For Early-Onset Breast Cancer, Jennifer Grace Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: There have been great advancements in screening and in the identifying of risk factors associated with breast cancer, however, there is a lack of information of these factors in women with breast cancer occurring under the age of 45, known as early-onset breast cancer (EOBC). EOBC is often found at later stages, negatively impacting young women’s careers, family planning, and mental health. Additionally, because of the health disparities that exist within the U.S. health care system, women belonging to racial and ethnic groups, specifically young Black women, tend to have poorer outcomes and higher mortality rates of EOBC compared …

Exploring The Impact Of Neonatal Transport On The Health Of Black Preterm Infants And Psychosocial Challenges Faced By Parents In Relation To Social Determinants Of Socioeconomic And Racial Inequities, Karen Faye Warren

Theses and Dissertations

Neonatal transport is a unique aspect of preterm birth. This descriptive, exploratory dissertation study used a multiple-case study design, and mixed methods approach to describe the trajectory of Black preterm outborn infants and their mothers from birth, through transport to a referral center through NICU hospitalization until discharge, for a detailed analysis of each case. The specific aims were 1) Describe each infant's transport trajectory, including baseline characteristics of the community hospital of birth (size, level of care, birthing resources), transport characteristics (mode, distance, personnel), and infant health from birth to arrival of regional referral neonatal intensive care unit; 2) …

Evidence-Based Strategies For Fall Prevention, Angelia Palmer

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Patient falls represent the largest category of preventable adverse events in hospitals, with 700,000 to 1,000,000 falls occurring annually in U.S. hospitals and 30-35% resulting in injuries. The cost of fall-related injuries exceeds $50 billion globally, with an average of $14,056 per fall.

The aim of this project was to introduce a standardized fall prevention approach to improve performance and reduce falls in the medical-surgical department.

A comprehensive literature review indicates multifactorial bundled approaches, clinical pathways, purposeful rounding, and patient and family engagement as effective fall prevention strategies.

This quality improvement (QI) project design was based on the Plan, Do, …

Reducing Patient Falls In A Skilled Nursing Facility, Mariah De Los Santos

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Falls in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) pose a significant safety risk, causing injuries, extended stays, and increased morbidity mortality. With a fall rate 6.08 per 1,000 patient bed days, exceeding the national benchmark of 5.3, this project aimed to reduce falls using an evidence-based prevention bundle in a facility lacking a comprehensive fall prevention program. A literature review indicated multifaceted fall prevention bundles reduce falls in SNFs. Key components include risk assessment tools, patient education, post-fall huddles, and purposeful hourly rounding. This quality improvement project used Deming's Model for Improvement and the OhioHealth Change Management Model. An interprofessional team of …

A School-Based Asthma Initiative To Improve Student Self-Management Behaviors, Jenni R. Newland

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: In a Midwest public school system, students received robust academic education. Health education programs, specifically asthma management, were not offered. Over 400 elementary students with asthma lacked the knowledge and skills to effectively recognize and manage their asthma symptoms resulting in increased school clinic visits and absences, highlighting the urgent need for targeted intervention.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to improve students’ asthma self-management skills by providing education based on the Open Airways for Schools (OAS) curriculum. Improving asthma self-management skills reduces student absences and time away from the classroom.

Review of Evidence: A …

A Quality Improvement Project To Reduce Facility-Acquired Pressure Injuries, Carolina Rosario

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Facility-acquired pressure injuries (FAPIs) pose significant risks to patient outcomes and healthcare costs ($500 to $70,000 per PI) in subacute rehabilitation (SAR) facilities. An assessment in a SAR identified a concerning pressure injury (PI) rate of 15.3%, exceeding the national benchmark of 10% for such facilities. This prompted an evidence-based quality improvement (QI) initiative.

Aim of the Project: This project aimed to reduce FAPI rates by 30% or greater among patients 65 and older using a PI prevention bundle called SSKINS (Skin, Surface, Keep moving, Incontinence/moisture, Nutrition/hydration, Self-management).

Review of the Evidence: A comprehensive literature review indicated that PIs …

Sexual Quality Of Life In Sexual And Gender Minority Women After Cancer, Heather Schneider Miles

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a critical aspect of well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, and social dimensions. For sexual and gender minority women (SGMW)—lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer—cancer presents unique challenges. This dissertation examined the relationships between cancer treatment symptoms, social support, and communication with the cancer care team (CCT) on SQoL among SGMW survivors of breast, gynecological, and colorectal cancers. Quantitative data from 37 participants were collected using PROMIS® measures, assessing demographics, treatment history, post-treatment symptoms, perceived social support, and communication with the CCT. Additionally, in-depth interviews with five participants provided qualitative insights into their experiences and the meaning …

Sleep Quality And Quantity Assessment Among African American Survivors Of Lung Cancer With And Without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), Amanda Rae Myhren Dyer

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Improving the quality of life of survivors of early-stage lung cancer (NSCLC, Stages I - IIIa) requires attention to persistent, burdensome symptoms, including sleep disturbances. While research exists regarding sleep quality, sleep quantity, and sleep disturbances in cancer survivors, minimal research targets this minority survivor population. The purpose of this study was to measure and assess sleep quality, sleep quantity, and sleep disturbances among African American survivors of lung cancer. Based on the Symptom Management Theory, our comprehensive assessment focuses on a racial minority group and multiple diagnostic groups (COPD vs. No COPD). Methods: This two-group, cross-sectional, descriptive study …

Assessing Nurse Practitioner Student Competence Using A Modified Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument, Katie L. Mcdermott

Dissertations (1934 -)

Nursing education programs are faced with urgent demands to transition to competency-based education (CBE) to address the limitations of the nursing workforce. The AACN (2021) has developed the Essentials, or the core competencies for graduating entry- and advanced-level nurses to inform CBE. A concept analysis of Foundational Competence was developed by this researcher offers a refined perspective on the definition (McDermott & Dreifuerst, 2022). Foundational Competence is the competence of nursing student graduates at the end of an education program at the time of transition to practice. Assessment of competence has been identified as the biggest challenge facing CBE operationalization, …

Sexual Well-Being And High-Risk Behaviors : An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study For Questionnaire Development, Stephan R Smith

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

The Impact Vein Finder Utilization May Have On Patient Satisfaction, Judith Bautista, Vicky Loren Dela Cruz, Ervieneth Martin, Gisele Bazan

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

Q2 Roller Implementation In Medical Icu: A Quality Improvement Project, Kelsey Sawyer

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Compassion Fatigue And Burnout On Overall Patient Outcomes: An Integrated Research Review, Stephanie Pigg

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Rehab Among Stroke Patients Affecting Anxiety And Depression; Faith 4 Neurosurgical Icu, Stephanie Pigg, Stephan R Smith

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

Do Hourly Neuro Exams Lead To Sleep Deprivation And Icu Delirium: A Research Review, Toni Gafford

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

Sharps Injuries Among Healthcare Workers In Liberia And Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Laura Jean Ridge, John Arko-Mensah, Josh Lambert, Lydia Aziato, G. Clinton Zeantoe, Henry Ofori Duah, Marjorie Mccullagh

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

There are little data on sharps injuries among healthcare workers in West Africa despite the region’s high rate of hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus. The purpose of this study is to investigate healthcare workers’ history of sharps injuries in Liberia and Ghana. An electronic cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Liberia and Ghana from February to June 2022. A link to the survey was texted to participants through professional association membership lists, including nursing, midwifery, and physician assistant organizations in both Liberia and Ghana and a physician organization in Ghana only. Five hundred and nine participants reported …

Optimal Fat-Modified Diet Duration For The Treatment Of Postoperative Chylothorax In Children, Melissa M. Winder, Stephanie Schwartz, Jason R. Buckley, Kristi L. Fogg, Megan Matiasek, Alissa Lyman, Alisa Tortorich, Kathy Holmes, Deborah U. Frank, Mandy Nasworthy, Piyagarnt E. Vichayavilas, Rebecca A. Bertrandt, Cam Kasmai, Jill C. Kuester, Tia T. Raymond, Lawrence E. Greiten, Ron W. Reeder, David K. Bailly

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Dietary modification is the mainstay of treatment for postoperative cyclothorax in children. However, optimal fat-modified diet (FMD) duration to prevent recurrence is unknown. Our aim was to determine the association between FMD duration and chylothorax recurrence.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study conducted across 6 pediatric cardiac intensive care units within the United States. Patients aged < 18 years who developed chylothorax within 30 days after cardiac surgery between January 2020 and April 2022 were included. Patients with a Fontan palliation, who died, or were lost to follow-up or within 30 days of resuming a regular diet were excluded. FMD duration was defined as the first day of a FMD when chest tube output was < 10 mL/kg/d without increasing until the resumption of a regular diet. Patients were classified into 3 groups (< 3 weeks, 3-5 weeks, >5 weeks) based on FMD duration.

Results

A total of 105 patients were included: < 3 weeks (n = 61) 3-5 weeks (n = 18), and >5 weeks (n = 26). Demographic, surgical, and hospitalization characteristics were not different across groups. In the >5 weeks group, chest tube duration was longer compared with the < 3 weeks and 3-5 weeks groups (median, 17.5 days [interquartile range, 9-31] vs 10 and 10.5 days; P = .04). …

The Impact Of Prone Ventilation Among Patients Diagnosed With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Mary Steward, Kimberly Loomis

Nurse Residency

Background Mechanical ventilation is a commonICU intervention for patients in respiratory distress. Proning is a form of mechanical ventilation that has been recently studied which improves gas exchange and lung perfusion among patients specifically diagnosed with ARDS.

Using Implementation Science To Improve Short Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Outcomes, Mary Hook, Aimee A. Woda, Kelsey Bohr, Cailin Ford, Maharaj Singh

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Short peripheral intravenous catheters (short PIVCs) are commonly used in acute care, guided by evidence-based policy with interventions to limit premature failure. Research on how nurses use evidence and change processes to optimize outcomes is needed. The study objective was to use a theory-based implementation science approach to evaluate and improve short PIVC insertion and care processes and reduce removals for adverse outcomes in acute care. This mixed-methods study was conducted with inpatient nursing units (n = 23) at a large urban quaternary medical center. Units identified and implemented one PIVC care intervention that could lower catheter removals for adverse …