Improving Safe And Effective Management Of Pain At Home, Alayna V. Olivarez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Pain is the most common clinical symptom in individuals with a cancer diagnosis. Additionally, home is the preferred place for cancer care which introduces numerous challenges for cancer pain management. The primary purpose of this literature review is to identify support interventions to enhance pain control, prevent exacerbations in pain, and optimize quality of life in individuals with cancer transitioning from the acute care setting to home. The secondary purpose of this review is to analyze patient-specific barriers influencing self-efficacy of pain management and overall health outcomes in the target population. A systematic literature search was conducted using CINAHL, EBSCOhost, …

The Effects Of School-Based Menstruation Education Programs On Anxiety And Self-Efficacy In Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Review, Hannah C. Hart

Honors Undergraduate Theses

A significant global knowledge gap exists for adolescent girls regarding what constitutes a healthy menstrual cycle, proper menstrual hygiene practices, and the implications of reproductive maturity that is ushered in by menarche. This limited understanding can lead to poor health outcomes and the development of negative sentiments and beliefs surrounding the normal experience of menstruation.

This systematic review aims to comprehensively investigate the current state of research regarding the effects of school-based, formal menstruation education programs on adolescent girls, particularly the effects on anxiety and self-efficacy related to the management of menstruation. Furthermore, this work aims to take a stance …

Enhancing Empathetic Dementia Care Through Cognitive Training: A Holistic Approach To Improving Patient Outcomes, Truyen Do, Yasmin Khouri, Millie Patel, Levan Petrossian

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Integrating Lifestyle Medicine Into Undergraduate Nursing Education, Lyndsay Wright

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

Objective: Lifestyle Medicine (LM) effectively addresses the lifestyle-related diseases that contribute most to global morbidity, mortality, and healthcare spending. However, nurses and nursing students struggle with maintaining healthy lifestyles themselves, with LM and health behavior change strategies insufficiently taught in nursing education. Method: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design examined the effects of an LM educational intervention on undergraduate nursing students’ knowledge of LM and intentions for health behavior change. Data were collected using demographic questions, an LM knowledge (LMK) questionnaire, the Lifestyle Medicine Assessment (LMA), and a modified Intention to Change Behavior Scale …

Uplifting Youth: An Adolescent Mental Health Promotion Intervention, Adriana Cornejo

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

The Lift Project™ is an initiative that combines positive psychology and lifestyle medicine to promote mental health. This DNP project investigated the effectiveness of The Lift Project™ in enhancing mental health outcomes in adolescents for the first time. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with participants aged 12 to 17 who attended The Lift Project™ workshop over 10 weeks (n = 22; age M = 15.3 years, SD = 0.99; 68.2% female, 100% Hispanic). Quantitative mental health assessments measuring anxiety, depression, stress, vitality, emotional well-being, flourishing, and life satisfaction were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results revealed a 30% reduction …

The Impact Of Nutrition On Depressive And Anxiety Symptoms In Adults, Joseph P. Galabit

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

The Potential Of Vitamin D As An Adjunct Therapy For Eczema, Kimberly Hill

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

บทบาทพยาบาลผู้สูงอายุในการส่งเสริมสุขภาพและป้องกันภาวะเปราะบางของผู้สูงอายุในคลินิกผู้สูงอายุ, แพรศิริ อยู่สุข, วราภรณ์ ทิพย์สุมานันท์

Journal of Nursing Research, Innovation, and Health

บทความฉบับนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อนำเสนอบทบาทพยาบาลผู้สูงอายุในการส่งเสริมสุขภาพและป้องกันภาวะเปราะบางของผู้สูงอายุในคลินิกผู้สูงอายุ ภาวะเปราะบางเป็นกลุ่มอาการสูงอายุชนิดหนึ่งซึ่งเป็นผลของร่างกายเปลี่ยนจากสภาพที่แข็งแรงสู่ภาวะอ่อนแอ เป็นปัญหาสุขภาพสำคัญที่พบได้บ่อยในผู้สูงอายุ ส่งผลให้ผู้สูงอายุมีความสามารถในการทำกิจวัตรประจำวันลดลง ต้องพึ่งพาผู้อื่น รวมทั้งมีความเสี่ยงต่อการหกล้ม กระดูกหัก และอาจนำไปสู่ภาวะทุพพลภาพและเพิ่มอัตราการเสียชีวิต อย่างไรก็ตามภาวะเปราะบางมีสาเหตุการเกิดที่เกี่ยวข้องหลายปัจจัยร่วมกัน ซึ่งการป้องกันที่มีประสิทธิภาพจะต้องอาศัยการป้องกันที่หลากหลายทั้งด้านร่างกาย จิต และสังคม พยาบาลผู้สูงอายุเป็นหนึ่งในทีมสหวิชาชีพที่ช่วยดูแลสุขภาพผู้สูงอายุ ดังนั้นพยาบาลจึงมีบทบาทสำคัญในการส่งเสริมสุขภาพผู้สูงอายุและครอบครัวป้องกันภาวะเปราะบาง โดยบทบาทหลัก ประกอบด้วย 1) บทบาทผู้ประเมินภาวะสุขภาพ 2) บทบาทผู้จัดการการดูแล 3) บทบาทผู้สอนและให้คำแนะนำ 4) บทบาทผู้ให้คำปรึกษา และ 5) บทบาทผู้ประสานงาน ทั้งนี้การส่งเสริมสุขภาพและป้องกันภาวะเปราะบางจะช่วยชะลอภาวะพึ่งพิง นำมาซึ่งสุขภาวะที่ดี

ปัจจัยที่สัมพันธ์กับคุณภาพชีวิตด้านสุขภาพของผู้สูงอายุโรคมะเร็งลำไส้ใหญ่และทวารหนัก, ชมพูนุช ไชยยะ, ศิริพันธุ์ สาสัตย์

Journal of Nursing Research, Innovation, and Health

วัตถุประสงค์: การวิจัยครั้งนี้เพื่อศึกษาความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างปัจจัยที่เกี่ยวข้องกับคุณภาพชีวิตด้านสุขภาพของผู้สูงอายุที่ป่วยด้วยโรคมะเร็งลำไส้ใหญ่และทวารหนัก

แบบแผนงานวิจัย: เชิงพรรณนาและหาความสัมพันธ์

วิธีดำเนินการวิจัย: กลุ่มตัวอย่างประกอบด้วยผู้สูงอายุจำนวน 94 คน ซึ่งเข้ารับการรักษาในโรงพยาบาลรัฐระดับตติยภูมิในกรุงเทพมหานคร โดยเลือกกลุ่มตัวอย่างด้วยวิธีสุ่มแบบหลายขั้นตอน เครื่องมือที่ใช้ประกอบด้วย แบบสอบถามข้อมูลส่วนบุคคล แบบประเมินภาวะโรคร่วม แบบสอบถามอาการวิตกกังวลและซึมเศร้า แบบสอบถามกิจกรรมทางกาย แบบประเมินกิจวัตรประจำวัน แบบประเมินการสนับสนุนทางสังคม และแบบประเมินคุณภาพชีวิตสำหรับผู้ป่วยมะเร็งลำไส้ใหญ่และทวารหนัก ซึ่งผ่านการตรวจสอบความตรงเชิงเนื้อหาและความเที่ยงตามมาตรฐาน การวิเคราะห์ข้อมูลใช้สถิติเชิงพรรณนา ได้แก่ ค่าความถี่ ร้อยละ ค่าเฉลี่ย ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน และค่าสัมประสิทธิ์สหสัมพันธ์ของเพียร์สันและสเปียร์แมน

ผลการวิจัย: พบว่า คุณภาพชีวิตอยู่ในระดับปานกลาง ( = 2.26, SD = 1.24) ภาวะโรคร่วมมีความสัมพันธ์เชิงลบกับคุณภาพชีวิตอย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติที่ระดับ .05 (r = –.134) ระยะของโรค กิจกรรมทางกาย การสนับสนุนทางสังคม และความสามารถในการปฏิบัติกิจวัตรประจำวัน มีความสัมพันธ์เชิงบวกต่อคุณภาพชีวิตอย่างมีนัยสำคัญที่ระดับ .05 (r = .757, .323, .608 และ .222 ตามลำดับ) ส่วนภาวะวิตกกังวลและซึมเศร้าไม่พบความสัมพันธ์กับคุณภาพชีวิต

สรุป: ภาวะโรคร่วม ระยะของโรค กิจกรรมทางกาย ความสามารถในการทำกิจวัตร และการสนับสนุน
ทางสังคมเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญที่ส่งผลต่อคุณภาพชีวิตด้านสุขภาพของผู้สูงอายุที่เป็นโรคมะเร็งลำไส้ใหญ่และทวารหนักอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ

Nursing Students' Clinical Placement Experience In A Residential Aged Care Facility: A Comparative Study, Nitasha Aarni Narayan

Theses

Nursing education programs play a significant role in preparing future nurses to care for the growing number of older people who will require health care. A key component of this preparation is the learning that nursing students acquire through clinical placement experience in a residential aged care facility. This clinical placement provides them with opportunities to experience caring for older adults. However, many students are reportedly reluctant to accept clinical placement in aged care and are ill-prepared for the challenges of the residential aged care facility environment. Hence, it is important for the development of future nursing programs and the …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Progressive Mobility Protocol Among Adult Icu Patients, Clayton Chroust

DNP Projects

Background: Many intensive care unit (ICU) patients are critically ill and require ventilator support, and they often do not receive any progressive mobility interventions until after they are liberated from the ventilator or receive transfer orders out of the ICU. Current literature suggests that patients in the ICU face deconditioning, increased ventilator days, development of deep vein thrombosis, pressure ulcers, pulmonary embolism, muscular atrophy, and increased days in the ICU which can be attributed to a lack of mobility. Current evidence-based research identifies that utilization of a progressive mobility protocol is one way to improve patient outcomes and reduce …

Utilizing Integrative Medicine Services For Yoga To Reduce Cancer Related Fatigue, Leah R. Yeager

DNP Projects

Background: Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent and distressing side effects experienced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment. In fact, many patients report CRF as more debilitating than pain itself. CRF is characterized by persistent, severe exhaustion that is not alleviated by sleep and is not linked to prior exertion. Despite its widespread impact, the options available to manage CRF are limited, typically including practices like good sleep hygiene, balanced nutrition, mindfulness, and supplements. Integrative medicine, particularly yoga, has emerged as a promising intervention for reducing CRF. However, yoga is underutilized as a therapeutic approach to combat …

The Effect Of A Hospital Community Garden On Healthcare Workers’ Professional Quality Of Life, Madelyn Renee Cline

DNP Projects

Background: Healthcare professionals experience a variety of stressors which negatively impact their professional quality of life (ProQOL) potentially leading to increased turnover and nurse shortages in hospitals. There are growing studies addressing ways to improve healthcare ProQOL, yet few have examined the impact of alterations to the workplace on these outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of a dedicated outdoor green space for nurses during shift breaks on their ProQOL.

Methods: This project used a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data analysis was completed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. The Professional Quality of …

Implementation Of A Pilot Post-Code Debrief Tool Initiated By The Chaplains And Unit Lead Nurses Within The Medicine Intensive Care Unit, Sarah Stigall

DNP Projects

Background: Post-code debriefs are shown to improve teamwork and communication, increase performance, and reduce burnout. According to the University of Kentucky HealthCare (UKHC) policy, teams are to perform a post-code debrief immediately after an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). However, the current policy does not provide guidance on what to include during a debrief session. At UK post-code debrief sessions are documented as occurring 60-72% of the time; however, personal observation and discussions with other bedside and rapid response nurses suggest that post-code debriefs are underperformed when compared to the documentation. Purpose: This study aimed to explore barriers to post-code debriefs …

Nurse-Led Cbt For Depression In Heart Transplant Patients: A Feasibility Study, Matthew R. Wallace

DNP Projects

Background: Heart transplant recipients are at an elevated risk of experiencing depressive symptoms compared to the general population. Those with depression post-transplant face increased complications, e.g., infection, organ rejection, prolonged hospitalization, and higher mortality rates. However, specific psychotherapeutic interventions tailored for heart transplant recipients remain limited. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of various interventions for adults with heart failure, a condition frequently diagnosed in these patients. This suggests that successful strategies for managing depressive symptoms in heart failure patients could be adapted for heart transplant recipients.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate …

Effectiveness Of A Multi-Departmental Nursing Tiered Orientation Model On Service Line Culture, Self-Efficacy Of Nurses, Positive Patient Outcomes And Nurse Satisfaction, Kimberly Thompson

DNP Projects

Abstract
Background: Nurses who transition into specialty practice areas in healthcare settings may demonstrate a lack of confidence and a high level of stress. Decreased levels of nursing engagement, self-efficacy, and interdepartmental team collaboration may also be seen. Multi-departmental tiered orientation models can help facilitate the development of increased confidence and competence and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this doctoral project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-departmental tiered orientation model for nurses hired into a specialty area. The specific objectives included were to a) determine the effectiveness of the model on service line …

Evaluation On The Effectiveness Of A Virtual Reality (Vr) Guided Meditation Intervention On Pre-Procedural Anxiety In An Outpatient Dental Clinic, Anansa Thompson

DNP Projects

Background: Mental health issues, particularly anxiety, represent a significant public health concern in the United States, with dental anxiety affecting anywhere between 50% and 80% of adults (White et al., 2017). Pre-procedural anxiety in outpatient dental clinics complicates patient care and can lead to avoidance of necessary dental treatments, impacting both oral and overall health. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as immersive virtual reality (VR) guided meditation, offer promising solutions to address anxiety in healthcare settings.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR guided meditation on pre-procedural anxiety among adults undergoing painful dental procedures at an outpatient …

Screening For The Unseen: Depression Detection Through Phq-9 And Provider Education In Pain Management, Veronica Shaw

DNP Projects

Background: Depression leads to significant economic and health burdens, causing 200 million lost workdays and costing employers $17 to $44 billion annually (CDC, 2022). It accounts for 4.3% of the global disease burden and is a leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2021). Chronic pain, affecting 20.9% of United States adults, often exacerbates depression, creating a vicious cycle of physical and emotional suffering (Rikard et al., 2023). Despite the availability of effective treatments, depression is frequently missed in primary care settings, with 50% of cases undiagnosed (Hawkes, 2019). Addressing both depression and chronic pain through improved screening and holistic care …

Evaluating The Effect Of A Mindfulness App On Pediatric Nurses Caring For Adolescent Patients Diagnosed With Disordered Eating, Kaitlyn Green

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background. The health and wellbeing of nurses are affected by the demands of their workplace and the people that they care for. In turn, nurses’ wellbeing affects their work and patient outcomes. There are opportunities to address certain workplace structures, systems, and policies that create stressors and lead to burnout, fatigue, and poor mental and physical health. For nurses to continue to provide quality care in environments that have increasing demands, they must first feel healthy, well, and supported themselves. Healthcare leaders have a role in ensuring the wellbeing of their nursing staff. Compassion fatigue is a large focus …

The Impact Of Code Lavender On Compassion Fatigue And Burnout Of Pediatric Bedside Staff, Sara L. Castle

DNP Projects

Background: Compassion fatigue is a significant problem in healthcare that can impact staff retention, job satisfaction, and patient outcomes. Code Lavender combats compassion fatigue by serving as a crisis intervention tool using evidence-based relaxation techniques, paired with increased support from Leadership.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of Code Lavender on reported levels of compassion fatigue and burnout amongst pediatric bedside staff working on a 12-bed progressive care unit at a Children’s Hospital in a large Academic Medical Center.

Method: This study employed a pilot evaluation design, consisting of pre- and post-surveys utilizing questions from …

Evaluation Of A Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention Of Work-Related Stress, Job Satisfaction, Retention, And Quality Care: A Quality Improvement (Qi) Project, Laura M. Bragg

DNP Projects

Burnout among advanced practice providers (APPs) remains a significant concern nationally and within the University of Kentucky Healthcare system, with post-COVID evidence showing persistently elevated stress and emotional exhaustion. This quality improvement (QI) project implemented and evaluated a brief, app-based mindfulness intervention using the Headspace “Learn the Basics of Meditation” program for work-related stress, job satisfaction, mindfulness, and retention intentions among APPs. A one-group pre-post design was implemented, with 45 APPs completing the pre-intervention survey and four completing both the pre- and post-intervention surveys. Although no statistically significant improvements were observed, nonsignificant decreases in emotional exhaustion, fatigue, and turnover intention …

Navigating Sexual And Gender Diversity: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Provider Cultural Competencies For Sexual And Gender Minorities In Mental Health Outpatient Facilities, Shermeen Chandani

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations experience healthcare disparities related to stigma, discrimination, and limited provider cultural competency. In outpatient psychiatric settings, non-affirming practices can negatively affect patient engagement, trust, and continuity of care. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance staff sexual and gender minority cultural competency (SGMCC) and strengthen affirming clinical processes.

Background: The project was implemented across two outpatient psychiatric clinics with approximately 28 multidisciplinary staff members. At baseline, no formal SGM cultural competency training or standardized documentation practices for preferred names and pronouns existed.

Methodology: A Plan–Do–Study–Act framework with a pre/post-test design was used. The …

Understanding Emergency Department Utilization By African Americans For Routine Diabetes Care: Are We Asking The Right Cultural Questions?, Melissa Scollan-Koliopoulos

Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction: The emergency department is a source of routine care for many African Americans. Afrocentric cultural characteristics may serve as a better proxy than race for understanding preferences for emergency department use over primary care for diabetes management. Methods: A literature review was conducted including key terms related to transitional healthcare, emergency department recidivism, Afrocentric cultural characteristics, racism and health disparities, and diabetes in African Americans. An example of tailoring talking points using Afrocentric cultural characteristics is proposed using Jone’s TRIOS Model, a Afrocentric Self-enhancing and Protective Theory. Results: The literature includes evidence to support a complex explanation for emergency …

To Be Soft Again: A Phenomenological Study Of Uncertainty And Resilience In Childbearing During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Marcianna Nosek

Nursing and Health Professions Faculty Research and Publications

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty was exacerbated in experiences of pregnancy and childbirth as people navigated through uncharted territory. Building resilience may be one effective way to cope. However, for those who carry a heavier burden in upholding others, a societal expectation of “toughness” and the ability to endure may lead to an appearance of resilience, while on the inside, well-being may be compromised.

Objectives:

This study is part of a larger phenomenological study that explored the broad research question: What is the lived experience of childbearing during the COVID-19 pandemic? Specific themes of uncertainty and resilience are reported …

Application Of Root Cause Analysis For Fall Prevention: A Quality Improvement Initiative For Older Adults In A Skilled Nursing And Long-Term Care Facility, Terrence Ranjo

Doctoral Projects

Falls in older adults are common and often have severe outcomes. They are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among people aged 65 and older and continue to increase. Half of residents in nursing facilities fall annually, and one in every ten falls will lead to a severe injury. Federal regulations like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services require long-term care (LTC) facilities to incorporate quality assurance performance improvement initiatives to address identified quality concerns in LTC facilities. Root cause analysis (RCA) can help clinicians identify several root causes of falls and guide clinicians in developing personalized …

Nursing Simulation For Pediatric Communication: An Integrative Literature Review, Jayla R. Call

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The aim of this thesis is to explore literature focused on enhancing nursing students' communication skills with pediatric patients through simulation. Effective communication is key to building rapport and trust, which are essential for improving patient outcomes. However, nursing students may experience anxiety when interacting with pediatric patients due to limited training in communication techniques. Simulation offers a valuable opportunity for students to practice and refine their skills in a risk-free environment, allowing them to build confidence and competence. An integrative literature review was conducted, utilizing three databases and PRISMA guidelines (Page et al., 2021) to gather relevant studies for …

Complementary And Alternative Therapies To Improve Quality Of Life For People With Chronic Pain And Addictions, Nicole K. Smith

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

There is a known opiate crisis prevalent in the United States. There is similarly an addiction crisis in the United States that saw a marked increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, there are many Americans who experience a connection between chronic pain and the onset of addiction. This project sought to introduce the idea of complementary therapies such as square breathing, mindfulness, and essential oil (EO) aromatherapy that could improve the quality of life for people who have chronic pain and/or addiction. The project consisted of a pre-test prior to education about square breathing, mindfulness, and EO aromatherapy, followed by …

Increasing Awareness And Support For Women With Anxiety Disorders In Rural Communities, Candice C. Jones

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, disproportionately affecting women, particularly those in rural communities with limited access to care. Many women experience perinatal, postpartum, or generalized anxiety, often suffering in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate mental health education. This project focused on increasing awareness and understanding of anxiety disorders among women in rural Randolph County, North Carolina. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to assess the scope of anxiety disorders in women, identify community education needs, and explore evidence-based interventions. Ten relevant studies were analyzed, including randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, and …

Affecting Test Anxiety In Nursing Students, Michelle S. Porterfield

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing students often face significant test-taking anxiety, which negatively impacts both their academic performance and overall well-being (Samuel et al., 2022). This project aims to explore the effects of mindfulness coloring with mandalas on reducing pre-test anxiety among pre-licensure nursing students. The intervention, spanning one semester, will assess changes in anxiety levels and student academic test performance. The anticipated outcome is a reduction in pre-test anxiety, leading to improved academic performance and enhanced mental well-being. The findings will provide valuable insights into non-pharmacological strategies for managing anxiety in students.

A Quality Improvement Project: Increasing Nurse Satisfaction With Patient Educational Material Related To Pain Management Options During Labor, Madison Grant

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND:

Pain management is a large portion of what nurses manage during the patient’s time on the labor and delivery unit. The primary forms of pain management that is available to women during this time includes epidurals, nitrous oxide, stadol/diphenhydramine, and nonpharmacological options such as breathing techniques. It is essential that patients are aware of all pain management options prior to entering the unit for delivery, however sometimes nurses have to help to close the educational gap.

LOCAL PROBLEM:

Within the microsystem, it was acknowledged that many patients lacked the education of their pain management options prior to delivery which …