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Context Matters: Evaluating The Influence Of Patient Demographics And In-Patient Care Parameters On Breastfeeding Outcomes Associated With The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Sarah Vivian Martin

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of the global Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) as an intervention to improve breastfeeding outcomes and to explore factors that are most supportive and predictive of exclusive breastfeeding.

Design: Program evaluation of the BFHI using a retrospective pre and post implementation electronic health record chart review.

Setting: A tertiary level hospital in WA. BFHI designation was achieved in November 2017.

Participants: Patients with a low-risk pregnancy, who gave birth (vaginal or cesarean) to a healthy term infant in Quarter one of 2015 (N=145) and Quarter four of 2018 (N=131).Patient and infant must have been discharged home …

Effect Of Exercise On Blood Pressure And Body Mass Index In At-Risk Populations, Jared Crum, Victoria Patterson, Riley Jarvis

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Higher blood pressure and basal metabolic rate (BMI) are health problems in the United States (U.S.), but particularly in high risk minority populations, in part because of limited access to adequate resources to help themselves become healthier. This Honors Paper aimed to examine the effect of an exercise intervention on blood pressure and BMI in high risk minority populations. The honors project is a part of the Finding A Better You (FABU) project by College of Health Profession faculty Dr. Murrock, Dr. MacCracken, and Dr. Juvancic-Heltzel. The FABU project assessed at risk individuals (lower income older adults) in Summit County …

Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, And Hemoglobin A1c In The Lower Income African Americans, Lisa Gabel, Joci Verb, Lauren Windham

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The Honors project is in conjunction with a larger, state funded, intervention study, the Finding A Better U! (FABU) project, by Carolyn J. Murrock, PhD, RN, Mary Jo MacCracken, PhD, Judi-Juvancic-Heltzel PhD, and Alex Holt. While the larger study focuses on the effects of a weekly exercise and nutrition intervention on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) outcomes, the honors project will analyze data to determine preliminary findings, specifically, the relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and hemoglobin A1C in the lower income African Americans (AA). The honors students will also assist the FABU team in …

Shu Altop News Issue #2, Spring, Dr. Susan L. Davis, Rn & Richard J. Henley College Of Nursing

News, Magazines and Reports

Updates from the Davis & Henley College of Nursing Sacred Heart University Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Grant.

Alternatives to Opioids for Pain (ALTOP) is a HRSA funded project to help combat the opioid epidemic in Connecticut.

Hospital Readmission After Major Abdominal/Colorectal Surgeries: A Mixed-Methods Study, Ansu Sebastian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Hospital readmission after major abdominal and colorectal surgeries is a complex phenomenon that impacts the quality and affordability of healthcare. A comprehensive review of the literature after implementation of the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program in 2012 revealed a paucity in studies that analyzed patients' perceptions regarding the phenomenon of readmission. In addition, there is a need for randomized trials that assess the impact of interventions on the rate of readmission among complex surgical patients. A mixed-methods study was conducted to combine descriptive factors impacting hospital readmission with patients' perceptions to produce meaningful data. The results indicated that although discharge education …

Resistance Training As Therapeutic Management In Women With Pcos: What Is The Evidence?, Pamela J. Wright Phd, Ms, Med, Rn, Cen, Cynthia F. Corbett Phd, Rn, Faan, Bernardine M. Pinto Phd, Fapa, Fsbm, Fabmr, Robin Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc

Publications

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common chronic endocrinopathy and the leading cause of infertility in women, has significant clinical consequences, including cardiovascular, endocrinological, oncological, and psychological co-morbidities. Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of PCOS recommend exercise and physical activity as first-line treatment to combat chronic disease risk. However, details about what type of exercise are not provided. Given the known beneficial effects of resistance training on the management of other chronic diseases, the purpose of this scoping review was to evaluate the scientific evidence about the physical and psychosocial effects of resistance training among …

Maternal Health Literacy On Mother And Child Health Care: A Community Cluster Survey In Two Southern Provinces In Laos, Sysavanh Phommachanh, Dirk R. Essink, Pamela J. Wright Phd, Ms, Med, Rn, Cen, Jacqueline E. Broerse, Mayfong Mayxay

Publications

RATIONAL:

Increased maternal health literacy (MHL) has contributed considerably to maternal and child health outcomes in many countries. Malnutrition, and low coverage of child vaccination and breastfeeding are major health concerns in Laos, but there is little insight into mothers' literacy on these issues. The aim of this study was to identify the level of MHL of Lao mothers and to explore factors influencing it, in order to provide evidence that can inform policies and planning of health services.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire on health literacy (ability to access, understand, appraise and apply health-related information) …

The Relationship Between Stress And Emotional Eating In Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Rachel Gasser, Sydney Dominek

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Nursing students consistently report high levels of stress. This replication study examined the relationship between stress and emotional eating in undergraduate nursing students and compared findings with the original 2012 study. The non-experimental study was guided by the Psychosomatic Theory. Sampling and data collection occurred using three waves of recruitment emails to all sophomore and senior nursing students in spring of 2021. Stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Tool. Emotional eating was measured with the Weight and Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire. Emotional eating was higher in seniors, there was no level difference in stress, and BMI was higher in sophomores, …

The Effect Of Nutrition Education On Dietary Knowledge And Fruit And Vegetable Consumption In Children, Colleen A. Thompson

DNP Research Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Physical Activity On The Mental Health Of Pre-Nursing Students And Undergraduate Student Nurses, Larinda J. Fandrich

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Mental health concerns are on the rise among the college-aged student. College students face a great deal of stress, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Nursing students, as a sub-group of college students, are under even greater stress related to rigorous course work and the responsibility of caring for other people, which can lead to greater depression and anxiety. This study aimed to determine what effect, if any, physical activity has on depression and anxiety scores using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 instruments in pre-nursing and nursing students. In this study, physical activity is defined as is “any bodily …

The Science Of Happiness And Its Effect On Professional Quality Of Life In Mental Health Providers, Mona E. Yeary

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The science of happiness is part of the field of positive psychology, which should not be confused with positive thinking, self-help, or religious beliefs, but is considered a scientific evidence- based practice. The purpose of this quantitative, descriptive, study was to examine the relationship of education on the science of happiness and a gratitude intervention on subjective happiness and professional quality of life of mental health care providers.

METHODS: The mental healthcare providers for this study included psychiatrists, advanced practice nurses, physician’s assistants, psychologists, social -work and registered nurses in a large medical system in Tennessee …

Atrial Fibrillation In Covid-19: A Descriptive Study Of Incidence, Mortality And Related Factors, Diana L. Taylor

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

This scholarly project determined the relationship of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrences in COVID-19, as it is the most frequent arrhythmia in the U.S. and is driven by inflammatory pathology. In COVID-19 positive patients with AF occurrences understanding the relationship between these conditions could help identify patients with poor prognosis, higher morality, and other factors earlier in the hospital course.

This single-center scholarly project was a retrospective descriptive chart review to determine the relationship between AF and COVID-19 over a 6-month timeline in Chattanooga, TN. Of the 565 hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients included, 82 (14.5%) had AF occurrences. A higher …

Implementing Tele-Coaching Diabetes Education To Improve Self-Care And Clinical Outcomes For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Sori Jung

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) requires initial and continuous patient education for lifelong management due to the complexity of the disease. However, diabetes education is not very well-supported in the office setting due to the providers’ limited time per patient. However, with the aid of technology-based intervention, patients can be more supported and educated, leading to better T2DM control.

Aims: The purpose of this scholarly project was to evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes education through tele-coaching in patients with T2DM for improved self-care and clinical outcomes, including hemoglobin A1c (A1c) and body mass index (BMI).

Method: A mixed-method, single …

The Impact Of A Sleep Training Program For Night Nurse Shift Workers, Adelaide C. Durkin

DNP Research Projects

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the NIOSH training on sleep quality scores, determine the association between intention to perform sleep improvement strategies and sleep quality, and identify strategies, barriers, and facilitators for implementation among night nurse shift workers. Methods: A pre-test and post-test design was used. Data were collected electronically between September 2020 and February 2021 before and after online intervention (NIOSH training). Participants who met the inclusion criteria were night shift nurses who worked full time in a hospital setting in the midwestern and southern United States (N = 42). After screening for risk of sleep apnea, …

A Mixed Methods Evaluation Of An Intensive Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Program For Nurses With Obesity, Theresa L. Free

DNP Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Aiding Screening, Diagnosis, And Management Of Prediabetes Among High-Risk Medicare Patients In A Primary Care Setting, Manaye Utaile

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose: Encourage prediabetes screening, testing, and referral to a CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) as a first-line treatment.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes incidence is highest among Medicare-eligible Washingtonian patients, with 19% and 16%, respectively. DPP results in a 71% reduction of diabetes incidence in 65 years and older. However, only 3% of healthcare sites screen, test, and refer to DPP.

Design: Quality assessment with a descriptive quantitative evaluation method was conducted using Retrospective Chart Review for patients who visited Franciscan primary clinics from 08/31/2019 to 08/31/2020. A total of 1250 Medicare patients were extracted from a convenient …

A Provider Toolbox On Cardiovascular Disease Prevention In Women Of Color In The Primary Care Setting, Ellerey C. Nelson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this practice improvement project was to increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) knowledge in women of color (WOC) in the primary care setting through enhanced provider to patient education through implementation of a provider toolbox.

Background: CVD is the number one cause of death in women in the United States. However, WOC have a higher incidence of CVD than White women. Additionally, WOC have been found to have a decreased knowledge and awareness of CVD, demonstrated by numerous national studies. Therefore, the primary investigator (PI) identified a need to increase CVD knowledge and awareness in WOC in order …

Implementing Eating Disorder Screening And Early Intervention In A Primary Care Clinic, Brandon Dukovic

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Eating disorders have a high mortality rate, increasing prevalence rate, and often go unrecognized and untreated. Primary care providers are uniquely positioned to intervene early in the development of these disorders yet screening for eating disorders in primary care is limited. This project looked to improve provider confidence and improve screening for eating disorders by introducing a provider education course focused on eating disorder screening, management, and resources, as well as implementing the SCOFF questionnaire into the annual health questionnaire completed by students utilizing a university health clinic. Pre-and post-intervention survey data showed an increase in provider self-reported confidence in …

Barriers For Individuals With Prediabetes From Enrolling In The Ymca’S Diabetes Prevention Program, Shokouh Pardakhtim, Negin Kourehpazan, Randal C. Claussen

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Introduction: This qualitative research study examined barriers to enrollment in YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and how to improve the enrollment and referral process. Methodology: This was a quality improvement project that used qualitative methods in the research design. Semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires were used to explore barriers in enrollment and to improve the referral and enrollment process from the perspective of participants with prediabetes referred to the DPP, YMCA staff who facilitate the DPP, and primary care providers who referred participant to the DPP. Results: A total of 10 interviews were conducted with the participants …

The Associations Among Parental Emotional States, Adolescent Emotional States, And A1c In Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes, Jennifer L. Yenke

DNP Projects

Background: This study examined depression and diabetes distress (DD) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and in their parents. Depressive symptoms and DD are associated with poor glycemic control.

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of parental and adolescent depressive symptoms and DD in the sample and to evaluate correlations among depressive symptoms, DD, and A1c in parent-adolescent dyads in which the adolescents have T1D.

Methods: Thirty-two parent-adolescent dyads completed measures assessing depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and DD (Problem Areas in Diabetes- Parent of Teen and Teen versions), self-reported socio-demographic and clinical variables, and responded to questions about living …

Promotion Of Most Forms Through Education About Importance Of Advance Care Planning In Seriously Ill Patients, Nidhi More

DNP Projects

Abstract

Purpose: To establish the importance of early Advance Care Planning (ACP) and improve the utilization of Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) forms in seriously ill patients by educating providers and nurses to identify patients who meet specified criteria. The goals of this intervention are reduction of readmissions and better quality of life for this patient population.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used for evaluation of an Educational intervention to promote MOST forms, Advance Directives (AD) and Palliative Care (PC) consults. A retrospective and prospective chart review was conducted to determine the number of patients who met criteria …

Improving Multidisciplinary Adherence To A Daily Goals Checklist In The Icu: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Chelsea Mccarty

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: In November 2019, the University of Louisville Hospital merged and assumed operations of all KentuckyOne facilities. During the transition, a spike in hospital acquired infection rates ensued at Jewish Hospital, notably amongst the critical care units. In January 2020, a daily checklist was introduced to the critical care department. A Daily Checklist is a tailored communication tool designed to reduce communication error and improve adherence to patient safety measures. There continues to be a gap in adherence to the U of L daily checklist from both nurses and providers. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to improve …

The Impact Of Identifying And Addressing The Social Needs Of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In A Primary Care Clinic, Shelby Roberts

DNP Projects

BACKGROUND: A key aspect of successful Diabetes management is addressing social needs. Patients prefer individualized care that is tailored to their specific needs.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project was to screen patients regarding their diabetes distress and social needs requirements to develop and implement individualized social needs interventions.

METHODS: Patients were included in the study if they had a Hemoglobin A1C >9. Patients were screened, provided additional check in points and social needs were addressed in conjunction with the patient’s primary care provider and onsite social worker. Post intervention …

Sustainability Of A Dnp Qi Project On Bmi Screening And Weight Management Documentation In Primary Care, Assal Moori Shir Mohammadi

DNP Projects

Background: Nurses with a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) degree are prepared at the highest level of expertise to provide safe and efficient health care to patients and help bridge the gap between research and evidence-based health care. Although DNP students invest significant effort, time and resources to implement quality improvement (QI) projects, the sustainability of the outcomes of these is not well studied and empirical evidence on sustainability of quality improvement interventions is very limited.

Objective: To assess the sustainability of the QI project titled: “Using Rapid Cycle Improvement to Improve Weight Management” over time and evaluate the characteristics of …

Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics And Parental Role In Physical Activity Of African American Youth, Kashica Webber-Ritchey, Elizabeth A. Moxley, Sungsoon Hwang, Desale Habtzghi, Sai Yalla

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Introduction: Lack of physical activity (PA) serves as one of the contributing factors to pediatric obesity in African American (AA) youth.

Objective: Further examination of the Social Ecological Model [SEM] influences on PA in AA youth is vital. The purpose of this pilot study is to explore environmental factors, built environment (BE) and parental role, in PA promotion.

Methods: Using mixed method data collection, a convenience sample of 28 AA parents/caregivers of school-aged children (6-12 years) enrolled in Chicago Youth Programs (CYP) completed an online survey. Parents/caregivers along with their child participated in focus group sessions (n=18 parent/child dyads). …

A Lesson Involving Nursing Management Of Diabetes Care: Incorporating Simulation In Didactic Instruction To Prepare Students For Entry-Level Practice, Elizabeth A. Moxley, Larry Maturin Jr., Desale Habtzghi

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Background: Diabetes is a global health problem requiring nursing students demonstrate a thorough understanding for NCLEX^® and entry-level practice, although clinical opportunities are increasingly limited, especially for Associate Degree Programs.

Method: A Simulation-based Education was incorporated in a didactic lesson to improve diabetes nursing care. Knowledge, confidence, application and relevance were measured using Wilcoxon signed-rank, Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis analyses.

Results: Student (n=46, 85% female) perceived knowledge of glycemic management (post > pre, p < 0.0001), confidence administering insulin (post > pre, p < 0.0001), and clinical relevance improved. Confidence increased among three cohorts per Kruskal Wallis H test (² = 7.76, p = 0.021). Increased confidence correlated with relevance (² = 30.965, p = 0.009) and prior understanding of therapy ( …

The Lived Experience Of African American Young Adult Men With Hiv And Self-Care Collaborative Management, Barbara A. Moore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAfrican American young adult (AAYA) men living with HIV often lack interventions that address the influence that HIV has on their quality of life, especially their relationships. Self-care collaborative management (SCCM) concerns related to disclosure and stigmatization complicate social, psychological, and SCCM behaviors. Intervention programs addressing these concerns should be based on relevant, accurate information, but this information is lacking for AAYAs. The purpose of this research was to explore and describe the lived experiences of male AAYAs with HIV and their use of SCCM. The study method was qualitative; Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology was the design. The individual family self-management …

Increasing Fall Awareness Through Nursing Staff Education, Evelyn Ahiante Dennis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Patient falls are a significant healthcare concern, with the highest risk being among older adults aged 65 and older. A lack of nursing knowledge can contribute to patient falls. This DNP project was conducted in the medical-surgical trauma unit of a 137-bed local rehabilitation center in Northern Georgia. The intention of the project was to understand if a nursing staff education program would increase knowledge regarding falls prevention. Kurt Lewin’s change theory provided the framework for the project. The project participants were nine medical surgical nurses. Using the analysis, design, development, implementation (ADDIE) model, a falls prevention education program was …

Diabetes Education For Nursing Staff In Primary Health Care, Artemio Pontejos

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The nature of the DNP project was a staff education program for staff nurses and other clinic personnel on diabetes self-care management in a primary health care setting. The goal of this educational program was to improve and update the knowledge on self-care management of primary health care nurses. This education program followed the Walden University DNP Project Manual for Staff Education guidelines. The purpose of this continuing education of professional nurses was to improve nurses’ patient education on self-care management. After a 3-day face-to-face 90-minute lecture, improvement of knowledge was measured with a comparison of a pretest and a …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Integrative Group Medical Visits For Low-Income Patients With Anxiety Disorders In Primary Care, Annamma Udaya Thomas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High utilization of the emergency department (ED) by patients with anxiety symptoms has brought attention to mental health access disparities among low-income racially/ethnically diverse populations. The health system in this study attempted to increase access to mental health care with integrative group medical visits (IGMVs), a nonpharmacological intervention with biomedical care consultation, health education, and peer support. The purpose of this retrospective comparative analysis, guided by integrative health equity in primary care framework, was to determine whether patients with diagnoses of anxiety who attended four or more IGMVs had reduced nonemergent ED utilization, reduced prescribed doses of benzodiazepine (BZD), and …