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Early Oral Feeding After Bowel Resection, Jennifer Strang

Theses & Dissertations

Research Focus: The primary purpose of this project was to determine if there was an association of factors with time to first solid meal in gastrointestinal (GI) surgery patients and the impact solid diet has on length of stay (LOS) in the hospital, GI symptoms, and incidence of post-operative ileus (POI). A secondary purpose was to observe and describe when an oral diet was started and the progression of diet after GI surgery.

Research Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, retrospective chart review of a convenience sample in a multi-centered hospital system conducted in 84 GI resection patients …

Assessment Of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale (Aitcs): Further Testing And Instrument Revision., Carole Orchard, Linda L Pederson, Emily Read, Cornelia Mahler, Heather Laschinger

Nursing Publications

INTRODUCTION: The need to be able to assess collaborative practice in health care teams has been recognized in response to the direction for team-based care in a number of policy documents. The purpose of this study is to report on further refinement of such a measurement instrument, the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale (AITCS) first published in 2012. To support this refinement, two objectives were set: Objective 1: to determine whether the items from the data collected in 2016 load on the same factors as found for the 2012 version of the 37-item AITCS. Objective 2: to determine whether …

Building Shared Values In The Community: Culture Of Health, Donnelle D. Storrs

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The zip codes where patients live are stronger determinants of health outcomes than the frequency of visits with a primary care provider. Providers have a unique opportunity to extend health care beyond the clinic walls and engage in efforts to improve the communities where their patients grow, live, work, and age. In order to impact the health of patients, a culture of health needs to be developed. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation culture of health action framework directed the build of a foundation of health as a shared value in a neighborhood with high morbidity and mortality rates in southwest …

The Implementation Of Obesity Guidelines In A Rural Clinic, Teresa M. Beard

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background Over 36% of Americans are obese. It is estimated that, by year 2030, 51% of the population will be obese. With the increased prevalence of co-morbidities associated with obesity, it is important to gain control of this disease. Method The aim of this project is to implement the 2013 American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, and The Obesity Society Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults in order to identify those patients who require treatment for obesity and provide them with appropriate resources. The primary interventions are to provide color-coded …

Diabetes Education And Management, Dina Balzano

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Purpose: Implementation of a diabetic self-management and education program based on the 2017 national standards of care.

Background: Empowering patients with the knowledge to manage their diabetes in conjunction with health care provider’s recommendations is essential. The American Association of Diabetes (2012) and American Association of Diabetic Educators (2017) have deemed the use of diabetic self-management education and support as the highest level of evidence based practice to prevent and effectively manage the long-term complications of diabetes (Burke, Sherr & Lipman, 2014).

Methods: The project was implemented at a family practice clinic in south San Antonio. A diabetic self-management and …

Anemia Management For Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis, Kenisha Marajah

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop an anemia management evidence-based intervention for patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to educate staff on implementation of the anemia management protocol in a PD clinic in a southwestern county in Texas. Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) resulting from the inability of the kidneys to produce erythropoietin needed for red blood cell production. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents such as Aranesp or Epogen may be administered to dialysis patients to stimulate erythropoiesis in the presence of kidney disease. Iron storage and iron availability remains imperative in effectively stimulating …

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates In Marshallese Mothers Residing In The U.S., Connor K. Otto

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: The largest population of Marshallese immigrants in the Contiguous U.S. resides in Northwest Arkansas. Despite adequate access to healthcare, the Marshallese face many health disparities, perhaps partly due to the language barrier they face in healthcare settings and education. Regarding breastfeeding rates, women in the Marshall Islands have a significantly higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding than in Marshallese women residing in the U.S. who face cultural barriers. Breastfeeding is positively correlated to many benefits for infants and is recommended exclusively for at least 6 months by pediatric policy organizations.

Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine breastfeeding …

Implementing The Hyperlipidemia Statin Use Guideline In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus, Ifeyinwa Eribenne

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Purpose. To implement an evidence-based hyperlipidemia guideline for statin therapy use with diabetic patients. Background. In the United States, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity for women and men with diabetes. Dyslipidemia is a modifiable risk factor for CVD and one of the leading drivers behind the development of coronary artery disease. In 2014, the American Diabetes Association issued a new recommendation guideline for using statins as a primary intervention for CVD in patients aged 40–75 with diabetes. Despite advances in prevention and treatment guidelines, the American College of Cardiology and ADA have …

Improving Adolescent Risk Behavior Screening: Implementation Of The I-Cloud Rapid Assessment Adolescent Preventive Screening (Raaps) Tool, Donna L. Rinker

Doctoral Projects

Adolescents are engaging in risky behaviors earlier contributing to 75% of adolescent morbidity and mortality with unintentional injuries listed as the most common cause of death among this population in the United States. It is reported that engaging in more than one risk behavior will lead to other risk behaviors resulting in the rise of indirect and direct costs in society today. The scholarly project was conducted in response to a midwestern Michigan primary care clinic need to improve the early identification and documentation of adolescent risk behaviors with evidence-based technology screening. The purpose of this quality improvement project was …

Care Of Adult Cancer Survivors, Kelsey Kloosterman

Doctoral Projects

As innovative cancer treatments emerge, more people are surviving cancer. Cancer survivors have multiple and unique healthcare needs due to their cancer and cancer treatments. Communication among those treating the cancer, primary care providers, and cancer survivors is necessary to coordinate care once treatment is finished. The development of a survivorship care plan that is reviewed with the cancer survivor is intended to facilitate communication among all stakeholders. This quality improvement project examined current practice in a survivorship clinic in a Midwestern health system cancer center that cares for a variety of types of cancer patients. By reviewing evidence in …

Effect Of Psychological Distress On The Emerging Cause Of Infertility, Faiza Kausar

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Infertility is a growing issue of the recent era, and it represents significant crises for most couples. Psychological distress has often been suggested as a cause of unexplained infertility. Male infertility accounts for 40% of all infertility problems, while female infertility accounts for 40% of all infertility problems; others are unexplained. Previous studies have indicated that stress and depression negatively impact various infertility parameters in both partners. To determine the relationship between infertility and psychological distress and the level of different types of stress among infertile couples, and to relate the significant stressors responsible for worsening infertility or …

Effective Measures Of Weight Gain Five Years Post-Kidney Transplantation, Tara Calico Cherry

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

BACKGROUND: Weight gain is commonly observed post-kidney transplantation and is associated with unfavorable health outcomes, such as graft loss, new onset diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective measure for assessing body composition after kidney transplantation.

DESIGN: The study was a descriptive correlational follow-up study from a single kidney transplant site.

SUBJECTS: A total of 45 eligible patients from a 2007-2011 parent study were selected, ages of 37 to 78.

MEASUREMENTS: Body composition was obtained 5–8 years posttransplant via anthropometric measures (waist circumference, body mass index, and dual energy X-ray …

Promoting Team-Based Exercise Among African American Breast Cancer Survivors, Linda B. Piacentine, Karen Marie Robinson, Leslie J. Waltke, Judy A. Tjoe, Alexander V. Ng

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Physical activity benefits the health and well-being of breast cancer survivors (BCS). Yet, many African American survivors do not routinely exercise and have increased risk of poor outcomes. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to identify motivational factors compelling African American BCS to participate in a 14-week team walking program and to intend to continue exercise after the intervention concluded. Focus groups were held with participants (n = 12) before and after training. Content analysis discovered themes before the intervention: Not wanting to go at it alone, exercise not a life or treatment priority, cancer treatment affected activity, …

Integrated Health Post For Child Health (Posyandu) As A Community-Based Program In Indonesia: An Exploratory Study, Agus Setiawan, Yodi Christiani

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Integrated Health Post for Child Health (Posyandu) has been endorsed since 1984 as a community-based health program in Indonesia. Despite its potential in improving child health outcomes, evidence related to its current implementation is lacking. This study aimed to explore the current implementation of posyandu in the country. Data of 638 posyandu surveyed in the 5th wave of Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) located in urban and rural areas were analyzed, applying chi-square and independent t-test method. Posyandu surveyed run a number of activities (mean type of activities=8.1 in rural vs. 7.4 in urban areas, p

Maternal And Infant Attributes And Antecedents Of Breastfeeding, Riyan Yanes, Jessie Lakota Dinelli

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) claim that breastfeeding rates are increasing in the United States. Surveys show that 81.1% of newborn infants started to breastfeed in 2013 (2016). Unfortunately, breastfeeding duration did not meet the recommended length and of the infants born in 2013, 51.8% were breastfeeding at 6 months and 30.7% at 12 months (CDC, 2016). Breastfeeding offers various health benefits to the mother and child, which is why the identification of antecedents and attributes to breastfeeding need to be addressed in order to impact mothers and infants.

Objectives: The goal of this study is to …

The Effects Of Exercise On Brain Function In Alzheimer’S Patients, Jasmine Perez

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

The Effects of Exercise on Brain Function in Alzheimer’s Patients

An Integrative Literature Review

Jasmine Perez, MS

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Hartman, PhD, RN

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 26 million people and is the fourth leading cause of death in people over the age of seventy worldwide. There have been enormous amounts of funding and resources invested in the study of Alzheimer’s disease and pharmacological treatment. However, there is currently no disease-modifying or preventative management for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers suggest that if exercise is integrated into the treatment regimen it may have the ability to mitigate or slow …

Addressing Standards Of Practice For Screening Youth For Onset Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, Nancy Garrett

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Addressing Standards of Practice for Screening Youth for Onset of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Integrative Review of the Literature

Nancy Garrett, MS

Faculty Sponsor: Alison DiValerio, MS, RN

Abstract

Background:Accompanying the epidemic of childhood obesity over the past few decades is the rapidly growing incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and prediabetes among the pediatric population. While expansive knowledge exists on diagnosing type 2 diabetes among adults, less is known regarding effective diagnosis of the disease in youth.

Objectives:To explore what standards of practice exist in screening pediatric patients for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:An …

Use Of Dietary Interventions To Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain In The Adult Population, Andrea Ohmer

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Use of Dietary Interventions to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain in the Adult Population

An Integrative Review of Literature

Andrea Ohmer, MS

Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Hartman, RN

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the joints, often leading to pain, permanent tissue damage, and joint deformity. Current conventional medicine can only slow the disease process, which has caused some people to seek alternative therapies, including dietary modification, in the treatment and management of RA symptoms.

Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to identify if dietary interventions can be used as adjunct therapy in …

Wic Professionals’ Adaptations In Clinical Practice To Better Assess And Address Household Food Insecurity In Participating Families, Kristal Kim

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: While research on Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participation and proximal health indicators has been considerable, literature on best practices for assessing and addressing household food insecurity in public health clinics remains limited. The purpose of this study was to examine WIC professionals’ knowledge and perspectives of household food insecurity among WIC program participants.

Method: During January 2018, we conducted four focus groups utilizing a semi-structured interview guide with public health staff (N = 24) across four public health districts in Midwestern counties. WIC staff included social workers, nurses, nutritionists and ancillary staff. …

Plant Based Diets Ability To Prevent Or Reverse Cardio-Metabolic Diseases, Alyssa Pollina

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Maternal Factors Of Childhood Obesity, Zachary Carwile

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the world has seen a dramatic increase in childhood obesity. It has been well documented that early childhood obesity predisposes children to being at risk for numerous comorbidities associated with obesity. Although evidence exists that relates activity levels and eating patterns, there is little research regarding the specific maternal factors that play a role in childhood obesity. It is believed that providing a concise document regarding such factors could prove to be a pivotal component of reducing the percent of overweight or obese children.

Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to utilize …

Food Insecurity And Its Effects On Cardiovascular Health, Rachel Vaca

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Over 23 million Americans live in food deserts, furthermore 49 million Americans have experienced food insecurity multiple times throughout the year. In the United States, especially compared to undeveloped countries, food insecurity usually means not having access to healthy, nutritious options. Food choices that are lacking proper nutrients can contribute to obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes which can then impact the cardiovascular system negatively.

Objectives: This study will examine how having access to adequate nutrition impacts overall cardiovascular health and risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. The studies selected in this review examine cardiovascular health by studying risk factors …

Eye Examination:Satisfying A Quality Care Measure In Diabetes, Meera Shekar

Dissertations

Abstract

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a microvascular complication occurs in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (DM). A known risk of increased visual impairment associated with DM occurs in patients when the glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1c) increases over 7.0%. Therefore, an annual retinal assessment as a quality care measure in diabetes management is necessary. The conducted study aimed to evaluate the documentation of an annual eye exam in all patients with DM in a private family practice clinic and to investigate any possible association between HbA1c level.

Method: This quality improvement study included a retrospective medical record review in …

An Evaluation Of Implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Throughout The Perioperative Phase: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Enhance Patient Outcomes After Colorectal Surgery, Jerica Hill Dnp

Doctoral Projects

Abstract: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol (ERAS) is a multimodal collaborative approach implemented throughout the perioperative phase to enhance patient outcomes. The key mechanism for effectiveness in the ERAS protocol is the attenuation of the surgical stress response combined with treatments that support the return of functions that delay recovery in traditional methods. The purpose of this scholarly project was to evaluate the results of the ERAS Pilot program currently initiated at Baptist Memorial Hospital to improve patient outcomes undergoing major abdominal surgery. Prior to the implementation of the ERAS protocol there was no standardized method in place at …

Effects Of A Visual Artwork Intervention And Personal Progress Factors On Maternal Attitudes Towards Breastfeeding Among Black Women, Erika L. Gathron

Nursing Theses and Dissertations

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is the recommended guideline, and the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding is a top priority for both national and international health organizations. The benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby reduces the burden of health disparity and promotes long-term healthful outcomes. Continued rates of low breastfeeding among Black women has brought forth the need for a methodological paradigm shift that enables nurses and researchers to explore creative, evidence-based, culturally relevant and population-specific interventions to enhance breastfeeding among Black women. This dissertation is an exploration of the use of art images of …

Evaluation Of Breastfeeding Interventions To Improve Duration In Women At Risk Of Breastfeeding Attrition, Anthonia Anukam

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

Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for infants, children, and mothers. These benefits are dependent on the duration of breastfeeding. To attain these benefits, the World Health Organization and the CDC recommends mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of the infant’s life and to continue breastfeeding while introducing complementary food until the infant is at least one year old. Research studies have reported a strong positive correlation between breastfeeding and reduced infant morbidity and mortality. Optimal breastfeeding practice could help prevent 823,000 child deaths. Globally, not breastfeeding or premature cessation of breastfeeding is estimated to result in economic losses …

Nursing & Midwifery: The Key To The Rapid And Cost Effective Expansion Of High Quality Universal Healthcare, Nigel Crisp, Sharon Brownie, Charlotte Refsum

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Nurses and midwives play a central role in all health systems. They support people in every aspect of their health and wellbeing – from health promotion to chronic disease management and specialist services. Together they make up half of the professional health workforce globally and account for about 90 percent of the contacts between patients and health professionals. This report argues that countries that invest in and develop their nursing and midwifery workforce can achieve a rapid, cost-effective expansion of high-quality UHC. This will also help to realize the World Health Assembly (WHA) target of 1 billion more people benefiting …

Nutrition Risk Among An Ethnically Diverse Sample Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Patricia M. Sheean, Isabel C. Farrar, Suela Sulo, Jamie Partridge, Linda Schiffer, Marian Fitzgibbon

Nursing: School of Nursing Faculty Publications and Other Works

Objective

To assess the prevalence of nutritional risk among an ethnically diverse group of urban community-dwelling older adults and to explore if risk varied by race/ethnicity.

Design

Demographic characteristics, Katz’s activities of daily living and health-care resource utilization were ascertained cross-sectionally via telephone surveys with trained interviewers. Nutrition risk and nutrition symptomology were assessed via the abridged Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (abPG-SGA); scores of ≥6 points delineated ‘high’ nutrition risk. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Setting

Urban.

Participants

White, Black or Hispanic community-dwelling adults, ≥55 years of age, fluent in English or Spanish, residing in the …

Faith Community Nursing In Community/Public Health Education: A Positive Student Nursing Experience, Pamela Preston

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Faith Community Nursing sites were recently integrated into a Community/Public Health Nursing course at a traditional Catholic baccalaureate college in New England. Junior and senior nursing students were randomly assigned to spend 10 clinical days at a site for their clinical experience. The students planned, participated in, and conducted diverse nursing and educational activities. At the end of the rotation, students completed evaluations rating the experience. The evaluations indicated that the clinical experience was positive. The diverse activities including support, health promotion, screening, and education in addition to the spiritual dimension allowed the students to participate in true holistic nursing …

Rules Of Engagement: Strategies Used To Enlist And Retain Underserved Mothers In A Mental Health Intervention, Maureen J. Baker Phd, Rn, Cnl, Beth Perry Black Phd, Rn, Faan, Linda S. Beeber Phd, Pmhcns-Bc, Faan

Patient Experience Journal

Patient engagement has been identified as both a goal and strategy to lower health care costs and improve health care outcomes. However, a lack of consensus and clarity exists as to how the process of patient engagement is implemented in clinical practice. Research addressing the underlying and crucial components of effective patient engagement is limited, leaving a significant gap as to how providers engage patients as active collaborators in their health and health care.

This study provides specific, detailed insight and description into the processes through which advanced practice mental health nurses engaged low-income depressed mothers in a mental health …