Digital Commons Network^™

Physical Activity For Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Benchmark Study, Lauren Nicholson

MSN Capstone Projects

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that affects the joints; without proper treatment and management, RA leads to the destruction of joint function. The standard of care for RA includes medications such as biologic therapy and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. An often-overlooked area of disease management is the implementation of exercise programs for patients with RA. Exercise is known to decrease systemic inflammation, symptoms of depression, and combat fatigue – all common symptoms reported by patients with RA.

Standard of care for patients with RA does not currently include lifestyle management factors such as diet, exercise, and cessation of …

Pcos Lifestyle Management Change Project, Elizabeth King

MSN Capstone Projects

This paper proposes the Lifestyle Modification Change Project to help fulfill this lack of education and emphasis on lifestyle modifications that occurs with patients diagnosed with PCOS. This change project would include a 16-week lifestyle modification program that would evaluate pre- and post- participation data including: BMI, weight, inches, testosterone levels, menstrual cycle regularity numbers, and quality of life questionnaire.

Implementing A Loneliness Assessment Tool In An Older Adult Population, Marquette Leach

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Abstract

Loneliness is a subjective experience characterized by a profound decrease in the amount and the quality of desired social connectedness. Community-dwelling older adults are particularly vulnerable to loneliness because of age-related changes such as the loss of driving privileges, loss of a spouse, living alone, socioeconomic changes caused by retirement, and a lack of access to meaningful social activities. These factors diminish an older adult’s sense of belonging, the quality of their social relationships, and the degree to which they are socially engaged. Loneliness presents a significant threat not only to the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults, but also …

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Stacey Carey

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe and rare form of congenital heart disease with no known cause that decreases life expectancy and occurs during fetal cardiac development. Without treatment HLHS is fatal. HLHS consists of the underdevelopment of the left-sided heart structures leading to the failure of the left ventricle to support the systemic circulation resulting in single-ventricle physiology (Mussa & Barron, 2016). Prior to the 1980s HLHS was a universally lethal condition until 1982, when surgical management became available (Mussa & Barron, 2016). However, surgical management is not curative because the heart can never be “normal” (Mussa …

Evaluation Of Health And Wellness Education Components, Modalities And Timing On Srna Self Efficacy And Coping, Jessica Rogers, Amanda Hemple

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Health and wellness education is touted as a tool for improved self-efficacy and coping for student registered nurse anesthetists but the details of the effectiveness remain unclear. Objectives: Evaluate effects of content, modalities and timing of health and wellness education on the self efficacy and coping mechanisms of students in a nurse anesthesia training program. Method: Survey responses from 159 participants were collected online. Participants identified their General Self-Efficacy Score (GSE), Brief COPE score, average daily stress, health and wellness education components and the timing and modalities in which they were delivered, and if they assessed their education as …

The Skin Bundle, Jordan Bagby Adn, Rn, Ahema Mensah Bsn, Rn, Melanie Mosiniak Bsn, Rn, Katelyn Muraski Bsn, Rn, Shantel Sosa Bsn, Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Nursing Leadership During Covid-19: Enhancing Patient, Family And Workforce Experience, Anne Aquilia, Karen Grimley, Barbara Jacobs, Maryellen Kosturko, Jerry Mansfield, Charlotte Mathers, Peggie Parniawski, Laura Wood, Victoria Niederhauser

Patient Experience Journal

The global COVID-19 pandemic has challenged nurse leaders in ways that one could not imagine six months ago. Along with ongoing priorities of providing high quality, cost-effective and safe care, nurse leaders are also committed to creating environments that support excellence in patient and family experience. This article will provide exemplars of how nurse leaders used decisive decision-making, adapted to novel situations and issues, ensured reliable and safe delivery of care and engaged patients, families and their workforce to create excellent experiences of care during the pandemic. Throughout this crisis, nurse leaders have learned how to grapple with quick and …

Reducing Ageism: Changes In Students’ Attitudes After Participation In An Intergenerational Reverse Mentoring Program, S. N. Leedahl, M. S. Brasher, Dara Lobuono, B. M. Wood, E. L. Estus

Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing and Health Professions Departmental Research

Ageism is a societal concern that greatly affects the social, emotional, physical, and mental health of older adults. One way to decrease ageist attitudes and improve the treatment of older adults is to address and improve age stereotypes among young adults. Using data from students participating in an intergenerational digital-learning program, the present study investigated change in students’ stereotypes of older adults and aging. We examined change from pre- and post-scores in student attitudes toward older adults and the type of adjectives used to describe older adults. We also analyzed responses to open-ended questions about changes in perception of older …

Validation Of Activity Trackers In A Daily Living Setting In Young Adults, Jodi B. Wimmer

Theses and Dissertations

Sedentary behavior (SB) contributes to many negative health-related outcomes. Motivation to reduce SB and increase physical activity (PA) are necessary to reduce co-morbidities. Tracking SB and PA provides objective data to help promote wellness. The purposes of this quasi-experimental study were to 1) determine the accuracy of three commercially available activity trackers compared to research-grade accelerometers, and 2) explore whether using these activity trackers led to a change in activity level one week after gathering baseline data. Activity trackers used in this study were Apple Watch, Fitbit Surge, and Microsoft Band 2. A convenience sample of college-age students and community …

Educational Needs Associated With The Level Of Complication And Comparative Risk Perceptions In People With Type 2 Diabetes, Youngji Hwang, Dongsuk Lee, Yeon Sook Kim

Nursing Faculty Publications

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the educational needs of people with type 2 diabetes according to risk perceptions and the level of severity of complications. Methods: There were 177 study participants who were outpatients of the internal medicine department at a university hospital located in the Republic of Korea, who consented to participate in the survey from December 10, 2016 to February 10, 2017. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, ANOVA with post-hoc comparison, and multiple regression analysis. Type 2 diabetes complications were classified into 3 groups: no complications, common complications, and severe complications. …

A Systematic Review Of Interventions For Family Caregivers Who Care For Patients With Advanced Cancer At Home., Soojung Ahn, Rafael D. Romo, Cathy L. Campbell

Nursing | Faculty Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: To examine the characteristics of interventions to support family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS: Five databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for English language articles of intervention studies utilizing randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental designs, reporting caregiver-related outcomes of interventions for family caregivers caring for patients with advanced cancer at home.

RESULTS: A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Based on these studies, the types of interventions were categorized into psychosocial, educational, or both. The characteristics of interventions varied. Most interventions demonstrated statistically significant results of reducing psychological …

Creating A Quality Improvement Toolkit To Identify & Address Gaps In The Care Of Older Adults With Hip Fracture, Amanda J. Covell

Doctoral Projects

Introduction: Traumatic hip fracture remains a major cause of disability, decline, and mortality for adults over 65. Gaps remain in the consistency of care and services hip fracture patients receive during hospitalization and post-discharge, leading to adverse outcomes, including MI, surgical site infection, poorly managed pain, and increased mortality. To help address these inconsistencies, the AAOS released updated clinical practice guidelines for management of hip fracture care in the elderly in 2014. These guidelines examine the entire hospitalization process for this population and set forth evidence-based standards to assist with improving outcomes for hip fracture patients.

Objectives: Five of the …

Video Education For Improved Education Of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis Patients, Theresa Mccrumb

Doctoral Projects

Anxiety and depression are prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, especially those newly diagnosed. Receiving a diagnosis of MS can be overwhelming and impact patients in multiple areas including physical issues, cognitive changes and anxiety and depression (Kantor, Bright & Burtchell, 2017). This anxiety and depression can cause patients to be less engaged in their plan of care and thereby reduce their quality of life (Rieckmann, et al., 2015). According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), four of 10 MS patients are diagnosed with depression and anxiety, with the highest incidence at diagnosis (Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, …

Molecular Diagnosis Of Intestinal Parasites: Impact On Growth Among Preschool-Age Children In Rural Ecuador, Patricia Bryan

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites may have important influences on growth outcomes during early childhood. Previous studies investigating the effects of GI parasites on growth have predominantly used microscopy-based diagnostic methods with low sensitivity. Few accurate epidemiologic data are available on GI parasitic infections among rural Ecuadorian children. To investigate the impact of single and multiple GI parasite infections on growth during early childhood data from a longitudinal birth cohort in Ecuador were analyzed.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of GI parasites (soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa) and to describe associations between GI parasitic infections …

Employed Mothers’ Satisfaction With The Breastfeeding Provisions In The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act, Rebecca A. Penders

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Objective: Guided by the Conceptual Model for Nursing and Health Policy (CMNHP), the purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which employed mothers perceived satisfaction in their breastfeeding experiences after enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) breastfeeding provisions. Methods: The participants (N=507) were employed mothers who returned to work after the birth of their infants and reported hourly pay. Convenience sampling was used to recruit women via La Leche USA Facebook account (LLL USA). Participants completed the Penders Breastfeeding Survey in Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). The survey consisted of 39-items; including five …

Child Body Fat And Body Mass Index: Which Determinants Are Most Important?, Marilyn Frenn, Astrida S. Kaugars, Juanita Terrie Garcia, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine child and parent determinants of children’s body fat percentage (BF%) along with their body mass index percentile (BMIp). Children’s BF% and BMIp auger lifelong health risks when elevated, and one in five children are affected. Participants (N = 135) included 62% female children; 50.7% Caucasian, 31.7% Hispanic, and 8.5% African American. Children were aged 9–15 years (2% underweight, 47.9% normal weight, 19.7% overweight, and 24.6% obese). Parent BMI average was 30.67 (1.4% underweight, 20.4% normal weight, 23.9% overweight, 40% obese, and 7% extreme obesity); 77.5% of the participating parents were mothers. …

An Assessment Of The Utilization Of Geriatric Depression Screenings In Primary Care Providers, Ashleigh Flora, Devi Moon, Tiffine Prisock, Shelby Reeves, Rachel Romero

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the practices of primary care providers in relation to screening and treating geriatric depression. According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation (GMHF), depression and suicide are significant public health issues for older adults, noting that depression is one of the most common mental disorders experienced by elders. Research indicates the issue of geriatric depression is poorly approached by providers and patients do not receive appropriate care. Depression cannot be measured with lab or diagnostic tests; the only way to assess depression is to screen patients by asking questions. When screening for depression, …

Epigenetic Effects On Health And Behavior, Peter Seivers

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Epigenetics plays a vital role in one’s health and behavior starting in utero and lasting until death. We look at why epigenetics is important and the mechanisms in which epigenetics works on one’s DNA. We will also see several of the disease processes in which we have research linking their causation directly to an epigenetic influence. The topic of epigenetics is quite large and growing and hence we have not sought to provide an exhaustive picture of the current research that is available. We feel the most important piece of this work is being able to connect the original study …

Ultrasound Guided Intravenous Access In The Emergency Department, Lynieta Leisure

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

One-quarter of all emergency department visits in the United States results in peripheral intravenous line (PIV) placement for parenteral fluid administration (Fields, Piela, Au and Ku, 2014). When PIV access is delayed, critical care measures are also delayed. Meyer et al. (2014), reports the first attempt PIV access failure rate is approximately 25%. In the critically ill patient, timely PIV access may be the difference between survival and death. Difficult venous access is present in approximately one in ten ED patients requiring PIV access (Fields et al., 2014). The purpose of this scholarly project is to implement a quality improvement …

Empowering The Lowland Indigenous Community Through Child Health And Nutrition Program In Occidental Mindoro Province, Philippines, Artemio Morado Gonzales Jr

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

Nutrition and child health programs were integrated into the extension programs from 2016-2018 of the Occidental Mindoro State College, in partnership with the local government unit at the municipal and barangay levels. This paper presents the health extension tools and techniques used in preventative care and the promotion of child health services in the indigenous community of Sitio Bato Singit, in the Occidental Mindoro Province, Philippines. Health education, small group techniques, demonstrations, storytelling, informal talks, and open forums were the methods and techniques employed to implement the program. The common tools used were seating arrangements, flip-charting, props, social hours, and …

Adaptation To Sexual Dysfunction In Patients With Chronic Renal Failure, Akhyarul Anam, Lestari Sukmarini, Agung Waluyo

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

The prevalence of chronic renal failure in Indonesia tends to increase in the lower age group (45–54 years).Chronic renal failure may lead to impaired sexual function. A descriptive phenomenology study with in-depth interviews was carried out with 12 participants, and thematic content analysis was applied. Six themes were revealed, as follows: 1) adaptation process to sexual dysfunction experienced, 2) sexual dysfunction experience,3)importance of fulfilling sexuality needs,4) behavior in dealing with sexual dysfunction, 5) perception of the cause of sexual dysfunction, and 6) participants’ expectation of health service related to sexual function. The experience of adapting to sexual dysfunction became a …

Improvement In Patients’ Ability To Care For Anxiety And Impaired Body Image: A Case Report Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy And Family Psychoeducation, Rasmawati Rasmawati, Budi Anna Keliat, Herni Susanti

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Heart failure and hypertension are non-communicable diseases that are responsible for 70% of deaths world wide and cause anxiety and impaired body image. Nursing interventions(therapy in general) and acceptance and commitment therapy increase patients’ acceptance of the disease and commitment to alleviate anxiety and improve impaired body image. Meanwhile, family psychoeducation improves the family’s ability to care for the patient. This case report presents two patients with heart failure and hypertension. The two patients experienced a decrease in symptoms on the cognitive aspects(difficulty concentrating, focusing on self, and decline body changes), affective aspects (worry, shame, and despair), physiological aspects(sleep disorders …

A 2-Hour Diabetes Self-Management Education Program For Patients With Low Socioeconomic Status Improves Short-Term Glycemic Control, Michael G. Jakoby Iv, Melissa Schleder, Vickie Luff, Cynthia Yergler, Albert Botchway, Cheryl Burns

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Diabetes self-management education (DSME) improves glycemic control, but patients with low socioeconomic status face institutional and personal barriers to receiving DSME. A retrospective single cohort study of a 2-hour group DSME program prioritizing accessibility and completion of a tightly focused curriculum was performed to determine if glycemic control improved and whether a longer, more comprehensive, prospective evaluation of the program is indicated. All patients who participated in the program from September 2017 to December 2018 were included in the analysis. The primary study endpoint was change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline. A total of 58 out of 94 patients …

Assessing College Students’ Perceived Risk For Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Carletta Weatherspoon

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

This study assesses the effectiveness of an evidence-based educational intervention affecting the perception of the risk for developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in college students and examined relationships between demographic factors and perception of risk for T2DM. Seventy-seven students from the Georgia College Association of Nursing Students (GCANS) and the Personal Health and Fitness Class participated. Of these, 43 participants completed the post-educational email survey. Instruments measured demographic characteristics, perception of risk for developing diabetes, and diabetes risk. The Risk Perception Survey for Developing Diabetes (RPS-DD) assessed students’ perception of risk at baseline and one week post intervention. There was …

The Role Of Traditional Food In Jamaican Immigrants' Perceptions Of Health And Well-Being, Audrey Janice Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

Immigrants face many challenges when transitioning to life in a new country, and access to their traditional food can assist in facilitating a smoother transition. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact that access to traditional food has on the perception of health and well-being of Jamaican immigrants to the United States. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, twenty Jamaicans (10 in New York; 10 in Utah) participated in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed. Results: Participants expressed a preference for traditional food. New York participants had greater access to Jamaican food and rated their health …

Mitigating Suicide Risk Post-Discharge From Inpatient Crisis Stabilization: Safety Planning Intervention, Leighia M. Mcghee

Dissertations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this program evaluation is to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly implemented safety planning intervention (SPI) tool, comparing patient outcomes relating to suicide attempt rates, emergency department (ED) encounter rates, and inpatient rehospitalizations rates pre and post its integration to care in a suburban behavioral health hospital.

Methods: A descriptive cohort design utilizing a retrospective chart review was completed over six months, three months pre, and three months post implementation of the SPI program. A convenience sample of inpatient charts was reviewed to assess the rate of suicide attempts, ED encounters frequencies, and hospitalization rates …

Alzheimer’S Disease, Brandi Herman

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Alzheimer’s disease is a cause of dementia that affects older adults worldwide. There is a greater understanding of the disease but the cause remains unknown. Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain ultimately leading to cognitive decline. Although there are modifiable risk factors that could potentially decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s there is no definitive treatment. As numbers increase of Alzheimer’s patients in the United States, updated research and clinical trials are needed to find a cure. Education on managing Alzheimer’s patients along with treating their symptoms is essential.

Implementation Of A Wellness Program For Emergency Department Medical Professionals., Madeleine Chesney

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background: Current data from the ANA HealthyNurse Survey 2018-2019 states that 70 percent of nurses that were surveyed report putting the health, safety, and wellness of their patients before their own. Additionally, in a study conducted between 2011 and 2017 of over 5,000 physicians less than 50 percent stated that they had enough time for their personal and family life. This data supports the urgent need to focus on the promotion of self-care and wellness for medical professionals. Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to provide an opportunity for emergency department medical professionals to work toward improving …

Improving Delirium Management And Compliance On A Trauma/Surgical Universal Unit., Ardis Roederer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background: Delirium is an acute, reversible syndrome that may cause cognitive impairment, disorientation, perceptual disturbances, attention discrepancies, and fluctuating psychomotor activities. Health professionals may not recognize, treat, or prevent delirium. More than seven million hospitalized adults, with an estimated cost of $164 billion annually, suffer from delirium each year. Consequently, delirium commonly affects 15 to 37% of the older adult population, yet less than 5% of delirium cases are documented in the electronic medical records of older adult patients. Early detection, intervention, and compliance with best practices are critical for the reduction of hospitalized delirium incidence. Aim: This project aimed …

Expansion Of A Food Insecurity Scale In Primary Care., Andrea Gibson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

As a household-level economic and social condition defined by limited or uncertain access to inadequate food, food insecurity serves as a health threat. Food security impacts health by increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and several cancers (WHO, 2005). Expansion of the two-item food insecurity screening to a six-item short-form (USDA 6- SF) screening in primary care has the potential to identify and categorize households into three categories of food security, high/marginal, low, or very low. By differentiating food insecurity categories, clients received more appropriate referrals to services aimed at improving food security. During a recent …