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The Effects Of Dietary Interventions On Gut Microbial Balance In Healthy Adults: An Integrative Review, Miranda Demars

Senior Honors Theses

The goal of this review is to answer the question: What dietary changes are most effective in restoring gut dysbiosis in healthy adults? The gut microbiome (GM), a community of microorganisms that colonizes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, can become imbalanced, a condition known as dysbiosis, which is associated with an increased risk of dysbiosis-induced disease. Dysbiosis-induced diseases include GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity (Shen et al., 2025). Pharmacologic interventions are often not …

Identifying And Addressing Burnout Among Nurses In Cache Valley And The Surrounding Salt Lake Metropolitan Area, Teegan Alma Martinez

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Background: Nursing burnout has emerged as a critical issue within modern healthcare systems, with widespread implications for nurse well-being, patient safety, and organizational performance. Characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, burnout affects an estimated 30% to 60% of nurses, particularly in high-acuity settings. The persistence of burnout highlights the need to better understand its contributing factors, consequences, and effective strategies for mitigation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and contributing factors of nursing burnout, evaluate its impact on nurses and patient care, and identify effective interventions. Additionally, this study aimed …

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Interdisciplinary Care In Nursing Education Through Simulation, Anna Williams

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential in preparing nursing students for effective teamwork and communication in clinical practice and is supported by the literature as improving these outcomes. However, limited faculty training in interprofessional simulation design contributes to reduced IPE opportunities within nursing curricula. A needs assessment at the project site identified a lack of structured, hands-on training for simulation faculty, resulting in decreased faculty confidence and limited implementation of IPE simulations. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate whether a structured training intervention improved simulation faculty self-efficacy in developing and implementing IPE simulations. Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory guided …

Quality Improvement Project : Educating Critical Care Nurses On Braden Scale And Sskin Care Bundle To Impact Pressure Injuries, Andrea Garrett

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) increase patients' risk of infection, prolonged hospitalization, death, and healthcare costs. The Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ) has shown that implementing a standardized skin assessment process and a care bundle helps prevent skin injuries. A critical care unit (CCU) at an acute care 339-bed hospital in Southaven, MS, has seen an increase in HAPIs. This quality improvement project aimed to educate CCU nurses about the Braden Scale and the SSKIN care bundle to impact pressure injuries in the CCU within 8 weeks. Education on the Braden Scale and the Skin, Sensory, Keep Moving, Incontinence, …

Examining Nurse Burnout During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Causes And Mitigation Strategies, Melanie Sena

Honors Projects

Nurse burnout is a multidimensional occupational syndrome that predates the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the pandemic served as a catalyst that intensified its scope and severity in ways that the healthcare system was profoundly ill-equipped to manage. Characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, burnout among nurses accelerated dramatically between 2020 and 2022 as clinical workloads surged, personal protective equipment remained scarce, and moral distress became a near-universal experience across care settings. This review examines the primary systemic and individual contributors to nurse burnout during COVID-19, explores the consequences of burnout for both nurses and patients, …

Frailty And Fall Risk In Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study, Hatice Yılmaz, Nazmiye Çıray

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to examine the effect of frailty on the risk of falls in older adults aged 65 years with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: The study is cross-sectional and correlational. The sample included 146 individuals aged 65 years who had type 2 diabetes and visited the internal medicine outpatient clinic of a state hospital in Türkiye. The participants were assessed based on a personal information form, the Mini-Mental State Examination, Edmonton Frail Scale, Morse Fall Scale, and Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 was used for data analysis. …

Community-Based A1c Screening Initiative To Improve Diabetes Risk Identification Among People Experiencing Homelessness, Rebecca Drake, Deedee Long, Mariita Carter

Student Works

Abstract

Purpose: People experiencing homelessness (PEH) experience high rates of undiagnosed diabetes yet face significant barriers to preventive screening. This quality improvement project aimed to improve access to diabetes screening for PEH through on-site hemoglobin A1C (A1C) testing in a trusted community setting.

Methods: On-site A1C screening was implemented at the Utah County Food and Care Coalition (F&CC) using a low-barrier, community-based approach. Screening was conducted during routine service hours and integrated into existing workflows. Process, outcome, and balancing measures were used to evaluate feasibility, reach, and unintended effects.

Results: The intervention primarily supported identification of diabetes risk and referral …

Gamification As A Strategy For Interprofessional Learning, Chisom S. Enebechi, Aislinn M. Dorko

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Background: A Community-based, student-led clinic provides free health services to underserved areas, bringing together students from allied health disciplines to promote interprofessional collaboration and health promotion. Previous orientation sessions were lecture-based with a team-building activity providing limited opportunities for active learning. To address this, a gamified orientation activity was developed using realistic, scenario-based cases designed to exemplify common community health situations. Purpose: This quality improvement project aims to evaluate whether gamification improves students' perceived ability to communicate, collaborate, and understand roles and responsibilities when delivering team-based care. Methods: The project was guided by Bandura's Social Learning Theory and implemented using …

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Diet And Contributing Factors: A Narrative Literature Review, Rachel Joseph, Ashley Tharpe, Sherri Ann Walker

Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal

Objectives: The purpose of this narrative literature review is to explore the relationship between Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and dietary habits, and identify factors that contribute to the development, progression, and potential management of NAFLD.

Methods: Search terms such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diet, and nutrition, including plant-based and vegetarian diets, were used to identify 45 peer-reviewed publications published within the last five years.

Results: Dietary factors, biological, environmental, obesity, mental health, and genetic factors can contribute to the development of NAFLD. This multisystem problem can have economic, social, and psychological consequences that affect a person’s quality …

Care, Capitalism, And Croissants: Interprofessional Students Take On Business Of Healthcare In Paris, Beth A. Komay, Phoebe S. Enebechi, Selma Dzamalija, Nicole A. Sharp

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The Business of Healthcare in Paris is a faculty-led study-away program that unites business, nursing, and other healthcare students in an immersive experience of global healthcare systems. The primary design of this course is around interprofessional learning that integrates coursework and cultural experiences from within the Midwest United States (US) and France. Students begin the course by visiting healthcare facilities and small alternative-therapy businesses in the US, gaining initial exposure to diverse care environments. They then travel to Paris and surrounding areas to explore comparable sites, including hospitals, an art therapy center, a residential rehabilitation facility, and small businesses providing …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Prenatal Care In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery Phd, Cnm, Aprn, Shelby Greene Bsn, Rn, Lauren Griffin Bsn, Rn, Destiny Lewis Bsn, Rn, Lauryn Lewis Bsn, Rn, Bryleigh Newberry Bsn, Rn, Brittany Scott Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: This paper examines the historical development of prenatal care in the United States, tracing its evolution from informal, home—based management to structured, evidence-based systems that are central to maternal and fetal health.

Aims: The specific aim of this project was to determine how prenatal care evolved in the United States.

Methods: A historical methods approach was used. Historical documents were reviewed using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to find relevant resources. Relevant articles were reviewed by the research team and analyzed for components regarding the development of prenatal care. All members of the research team reviewed the articles and …

Quality Improvement Project Enhancing Maternal Health Outcomes: Evaluating The Impact Of Universal Social Determinants Of Health (Sdoh) Screening In An Interdisciplinary Pregnancy Care Model, Shannon Morgen

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Social determinants of health (SDOH), including housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, and interpersonal violence, significantly influence maternal outcomes and contribute to disparities such as preterm birth and maternal morbidity. Despite national recommendations for universal SDOH screening, implementation in prenatal care remains inconsistent, limiting opportunities to identify and address social needs. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate a standardized SDOH screening and documentation process to improve referral completion and examine its impact on hospital readmissions among obstetric patients. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Socio-Ecological Model and the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, the project …

Impact Of Provider Self-Efficacy On Caring For Patients With Prediabetes, David R. Knight

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Prediabetes affects millions of adults in the United States, yet inconsistent provider knowledge and confidence limit evidence-based screening and management in primary care, a gap well-documented in the literature. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate whether a structured educational intervention improved provider self-efficacy related to prediabetes identification and management. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory and the Transtheoretical Model, with implementation guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle, this project asked: among family practice providers, how does prediabetes education affect provider self-efficacy over four weeks? A quasi-experimental pre/post design was used. Four asynchronous educational modules focused on evidence-based screening, …

Gut Health Interventions On Major Depressive Disorder, Hannah Beckloff, Ellie Erickson, Olga Furmanova, Hailey Van Dyken, Ashtyn Wobig

Celebration of Research

This evidence-based project aims to evaluate the potential benefits of probiotics, stress management, and a healthy diet for adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder at Promise Community Health Center. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the project examines how interventions related to gut health can help alleviate depressive symptoms and implements the necessary tools to support this population at Promise. Our research findings suggest that combining probiotics, stress relief, and diet changes, along with adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder, may reduce depressive symptoms and encourage a more holistic lifestyle for these individuals.

Examining Outcomes Of Client Education Interventions To Reduce Caffeine Intake In The College-Age Population, Mackenzie Leonard, Mikayla Evans

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

This scoping review aimed to explore health interventions that address excessive caffeine consumption in college students aged 18–23 years. Excess caffeine intake is associated with a range of health concerns, including neurological, cardiovascular, and behavioral issues, highlighting the need for effective interventions to mitigate its impact on overall wellness. The literature exploring interventions aimed at modifying health behaviors among the college student population is notably limited. Furthermore, there has been a lack of studies replicating interventions aimed at reducing caffeine intake. These gaps suggested the need for further investigation and exploration of reports pertaining to health promotion. The results of …

Perioperative Pressure Injury Prevention Education Program, Stephanie M. Reed

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Pressure injuries (PIs) are localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, resulting from sustained pressure including pressure associated from shear. Surgical patients are estimated to represent 42% of hospital acquired PIs. PIs result in poor patient outcomes, increase length of stay, add billions to heath care costs are no longer reimbursed by Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services. Prevention of PI is different in the perioperative setting due to the complexities of surgery. This project focused on developing, delivering, and evaluating a robust education program for perioperative staff on PI prevention in the perioperative setting. The …

A Regional Scoping Review Of School-Based Nutrition Interventions Conducted Across Nordic Countries, Basil H. Aboul-Enein, Stephen Gambescia, Nada Benajiba, Norah Eid Aljohani, Teresa Keller, Patricia J. Kelly

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: While Nordic countries have a relatively high socioeconomic status population, they are challenged by the health deficit of rising obesity and overweight among young people. The aim of this regional scoping review is to identify best practices for designing and implementing effective school nutrition programs in Nordic countries and identify gaps for further research.

METHODS: Using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review was conducted across nine academic databases between 1980 and May 2025.

RESULTS: Fifty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, from small pilot interventions to large national or international cohorts involving thousands of students across the five …

The Significance Of Vaccine Education In Vaccination Status, Emma Webb

Honors College Theses

In recent years, more of the general population of the United States has become skeptical about vaccines and overall vaccination numbers have declined. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccines have become somewhat of a controversial topic due to varying opinions about the adverse reactions and effectiveness of vaccines. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between a person’s overall knowledge of vaccinations and a person’s vaccination status by asking a series of questions about the science used in vaccines and identifying the participant’s vaccination status in regards to influenza and Covid-19. This study also asked …

An Evidence-Based Educational Intervention To Enhance Nurses' Knowledge Of Metabolic Syndrome In Residential Care Facilities, Marie Tanyi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The project addresses a critical gap in nursing education by implementing a structured, evidencebased educational intervention led by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to improve nurses’ knowledge of metabolic syndrome in residential care facilities. The purpose was to determine whether this intervention could significantly enhance nurses’ understanding and management of metabolic syndrome, a complex cluster of disorders present in adult populations. Nine nurses participated in targeted educational sessions focusing on definition, diagnosis, complications, and evidence-based prevention and management strategies. Each participant completed the Metabolic Syndrome Knowledge Scale (MSKS) questionnaire before and after the intervention to assess changes in knowledge. …

Analyzing Pressure Injury Trends Among Hospitalized Older Adults From Tarrant County, Oluwafunto M. Olorundare

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Pressure injuries occur when skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to unrelieved pressure that reduces blood circulation to the affected area. Hospitalized older adults are vulnerable to pressure injuries due to factors such as limited mobility, physiological changes associated with aging, chronic conditions, and longer hospital stays. Despite multiple studies on the prevalence and incidence of pressure injuries at the national and global levels, there is limited research that analyzes trends among hospitalized older adults at the county level, specifically Tarrant County. This research aims to examine pressure injury trends among hospitalized older adults residing in Tarrant County. Using …

Implementing Hypertension Guidelines Into Clinical Practice, Misti Michele Mays

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hypertension is a complex chronic disease process, and it is essential to educate the patient on the disease process, as well as on all aspects of self-management. It is essential that providers choose an evidence-based guideline by which they will manage their hypertensive patients. In addition, providers must schedule regular follow-up appointments with their patients, along with a wide variety of other multifactorial components in regard to the management of patients diagnosed with hypertension. In addition, providers have a responsibility to stay informed on new approaches to blood pressure management by reviewing the professional literature on a regular basis. Much …

The Predictive Ability Of Child Characteristics And Parenting Factors On Four Developmental Domains In Toddlers, Melly Latifah, Dwi Hastuti, Neti Hernawati, Reisi Nurdiani, Raihan Ainun Hasanah

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Stunting is a chronic condition that has a significant impact on child development. This phenomenon is primarily caused by prolonged nutritional deficiency, especially during the first 1,000 days of life. In addition, as family factors also play a crucial role in children’s development, this study aims to analyze the influence of child and family characteristics, mother–child attachment, parenting practices, and the nutritional status of children (stunted/non-stunted) on children’s gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal–social skills. This study used a quantitative design with an explanatory approach involving 202 mother–child pairs with children aged 12–36 months. The findings show that healthcare …

Association Of Central Obesity And Hypertension In An Urban Area, Chandrayani Simanjorang, Diva Anita Churiana Sudrajat, Ulya Qoulan Karima

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Hypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases in Indonesia that is closely related to obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between central obesity and hypertension in a cohort study group in Bogor City, West Java from 2011 to 2021. A retrospective cohort study design was employed, with multivariate Cox regression analysis performed using secondary data from the Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (FRPTM) Cohort Study. Among 3,586 samples, 879 incident cases of hypertension were observed by the end of follow-up, accounting for 24.5% of the at-risk population. The incidence rate of hypertension was 28 cases per 1000 …

Ventilator Weaning Through Spontaneous Breathing Trials In Children With Tetralogy Of Fallot In The Picu: A Case Report, Megah Fitrian, Kadek Ayu Erika, Muhammad Yunus

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect that causes chronic low oxygen levels, increased right ventricular workload, and a higher risk of complications. Weaning mechanical ventilation in patients with TOF is particularly challenging due to right ventricular dysfunction, muscle weakness, and the risk of heart failure. This study evaluates the use of a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) strategy with pressure support ventilation (PSV) mode for mechanical ventilation weaning in pediatric patients with TOF. An observational study was conducted on a six-year-old pediatric patient with TOF and a cerebral abscess who underwent mechanical ventilation weaning using the SBT technique …

The Role Of Health Workers In Interprofessional Collaboration For Cancer Patient Navigators: A Scoping Review, Agung Subakti Nuzulullail, Aulia Diah Rahayu, Rury Nindya Taluphyta, Ika Arif Lidiyana, Mohamad Rusdiyansyah, Petrus Paris Rumsori, Riyati Riyati, Suci Wahyu Hariyanto, Wa Ode Umi Kalsum, Sri Hartini

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. The complexity of cancer care demands strong interprofessional collaboration (IPC), particularly within cancer patient navigator (CPN) programmes. However, research examining IPC in the context of CPN implementation is still limited. This scoping review aims to explore the various roles of healthcare workers in the IPC process within cancer navigator programme interventions. The review was conducted using four databases: PubMed, Clinical Key, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect. The Arksey and O'Malley framework was used to address the research question: “What is the role of health workers in interprofessional collaboration within cancer patient navigation?” Study selection …

Bio 230 - Microbiology, Sarah Moroianu

Open Educational Resources

This open educational resource (OER) syllabus is designed for BIO 230: Microbiology at Lehman College, City University of New York (CUNY), a single-semester introductory microbiology course for non-biology majors such as Nursing, Dietetics, Health Education, and Physical Education. The course reviews microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, and microbial ecology, with applied emphasis on infectious disease, antimicrobial drugs, host immune defenses, and microbial diseases. The syllabus aligns course content with the freely available OpenStax Microbiology textbook (Parker et al., CC BY 4.0) and reflects accessibility best practices consistent with CUNY guidelines.

Associations Between Reported Use Of Nutritional Labels And Calorie Intake In Us Adults: Findings From Nhanes 2017–2020, Ariana M. Chao, Nancy Greene, Alexandra Paul, Paule V. Joseph

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Objective: Caloric information is commonly displayed on nutritional fact labels and food menus. Yet evidence is limited on whether label use is associated with a reduced-calorie diet. This study examined the associations between the use of caloric information on nutritional facts and menu labels and daily caloric intake. Methods: We used data from adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020 to conduct a cross-sectional study. Calorie label use on nutritional labels and menus was assessed using the Flexible Consumer Behavior Survey telephone interview. Caloric intake was evaluated using the mean of two 24-h diet recalls implemented …

Creating A Culture Change Around Stroke: Integrating Process Improvement To Reduce Door-To-Needle Time, Shayna Brewer, Benedict Pereira, Rose Bisellach, Jason Greenspan

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury Prevention Bundle In Icu, Ana Bantug

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Rural Georgia Hospital Covid-19 Virus Patient Outcomes, Susan P. Smith, Neeraj Dayama, Morgan E. House, Debra Flores, Sharon Hunt, April Dukes, Steven Gautney

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to over 1.2 million deaths in the United States. Given the staggering scale of the pandemic, rural hospitals faced heightened challenges due to limited resource availability and underlying patient characteristics.

Methods: In this context, we examined patient and hospital-related factors associated with inpatient mortality due to COVID-19. This study is a retrospective chart review of patient outcomes of patients who were hospitalized in a Southwest Georgia rural hospital with COVID-19 during the initial onset of the outbreak and over the following 23 months of the pandemic. Patient demographics, other characteristics, …