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Hypertension Prevention Program And Its Effects On Blood Pressure Levels Among Young Adults In A Christian Community In Southwest Michigan, Cindel Hollancid

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Although the majority of patients who present are adults over the age of 40 years old; with blood pressures ranging from 140/88 – 190/110 and many times higher readings, it was intriguing and important to assess whether a direct intervention, teaching young adults ages 18 – 39 years the benefits of lifestyle choices would be beneficial as a preventative measure to implement for hypertension reduction patterns as one ages. According to Hinton et al. (2019), hypertension affects 1 in 8 adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years old and is thus common among young people; with the …

Effects Of Aromatherapy On Promoting Sleep In Patients With Neurological Deficits, Cherylle R. Reed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Reliance on sleep aids in neurological patient population can lead to negative side effects and compromise patient safety. The purpose of this doctoral nursing project was to determine if the implementation of McDonnell and Newcomb’s aromatherapy process will reduce the incidence of sleep-promoting medication administration as compared to the current practice in neurological deficit patients over 4 weeks. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design evaluated effects on sleep quality and pharmacological sleep aids by using McDonnell and Newcomb’s aromatherapy combination of lavender, bergamot, and ylang ylang essential oils placed on a cotton ball at the patient’s bedside each night. The sample included …

Staff Education To Enhance Therapeutic Communication In Community Clinic Settings, Marian Allen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

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Psychoeducation For Community Support Workers To Decrease No Call And No-Show Rates In An Outpatient Mental Health Facility, Promise Lum Ngongwashi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Missed appointments remain a critical issue in health care, as they contribute to poorer patient health outcomes, treatment discontinuity, and increased system costs. Improving staff knowledge in this area is essential for ensuring timely, equitable, and effective patient care. This doctoral project was a staff education initiative designed to enhance community support workers (CSWs’) knowledge of methods for encouraging patient adherence to clinic appointments through psychoeducational training. The practice problem addressed was the inconsistency in staff use of evidence-based strategies to motivate and support patients in maintaining clinic attendance. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: Does psychoeducation improve CSWs’ …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Additions To Nursing Education: Accommodating The Complexity Of Today’S Populations And Assuring Evidence-Based Pathways Of Patient-Centered Care, Jamie Anne Marcus, Bonnette Villalba Webb, Abigail Pauline Batin Villarroya

FDLA Journal

Predicted demographic changes in the rising older than 65 populations with possible declining mental and physical health mandate adaptations to new professional nursing roles that will incorporate technology, and changing policy environments. Nursing experience, knowledge, and skills will transition to new cognitive pathways to think and process information. Nurses will be supported by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and become information integrators, health coaches, and continue to be deliverers of human caring. New transition pathways in nursing education to meet the needs of these diverse populations, and patient complex presentations will transcend to synergizing and optimize digital-age healthcare environments and assure …

Self-Management Experiences Of Heart Failure Patients Who Received Telehealth Services During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Christie Devine

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the utilization of telehealth in managing chronic conditions such as heart failure. Existing research has primarily focused on patient experiences with specific telehealth platforms or settings, limiting generalizability within the diverse United States healthcare system. The purpose of this qualitative study, guided by the health promotion model, was to describe patient experiences with self-management of heart failure while receiving medical care through any type of telehealth service (e.g., telephone, video calls, remote monitoring) in the United States. Twenty-two participants were interviewed who met the criteria of having a diagnosis of heart failure and using telehealth since …

Sociocultural Factors Influencing Excess Gestational Weight Gain In Pregnant Puerto Rican Women, Sonia O. Roselló Aponte

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

More than 50% of women experience excessive weight gain during pregnancy or are overweight at the start of pregnancy, increasing their risk of short and long-term maternal and fetal complications. The literature highlights the relationship between sociocultural factors and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) and the need to explore these factors in ethnic subgroups. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study, guided by Nola Pender’s health promotion model, was to explore the sociocultural factors that influence EGWG for pregnant women living in Puerto Rico. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants recruited from public and private prenatal clinics in Puerto …

Relationship Of Job Demands And Perceived Usefulness Of Virtual Nursing Technology Among Bedside Nurses In Acute Care Settings, Oluponle Olubajo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Bedside nurses in acute care settings face intensified job demands amid persistent low nursing staff census and rising patient acuity. The purpose of the study, guided by the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, was to examine the relationship between job demands, years of nursing experience, and perceived usefulness of virtual nursing technology among bedside nurses in acute care settings. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to bedside registered nurses (N = 102) currently using virtual nursing technology. Measures included the Intensification of Job Demands Scale and the Perceived Usefulness Scale. Data analyses indicated that the multiple regression was not statistically significant, …

A Quality Improvement Project To Standardize Sexual Dysfunction Screening In Primary Care, Ashley M. D’Anna

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall well-being but is often overlooked in primary care due to provider discomfort, time constraints, and lack of standardized screening protocols. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to implement a consistent approach to screening for sexual dysfunction using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), a validated five-item tool assessing sex drive, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. Guided by Swanson’s Theory of Caring and Pender’s Health Promotion Model, the project emphasized compassionate, patient-centered care and the promotion of health-enhancing behaviors.

Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the ASEX tool was incorporated into annual wellness visits following …

Improving Cauti Prevention In Long-Term Care: An Educational Intervention To Enhance Staff Confidence And Reduce Infection Rates, Diana Meseha

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a common preventable healthcare-associated infection in long-term care. knowledge gaps and inconsistent catheter care by staff and increased catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates. The purpose of this quality improvement project aims at testing whether using a structured educational intervention led to improved confidence of staff and reduced catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates. The project employed Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and Lewin's change model in guiding the behavior and organizational change. A quasi-experimental pretest post-test design was used with the enrolment of nursing employees such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants …

Experiences Of A Simulated Medical Malpractice Lawsuit On Nursing Students' Documentation Practices: A Transcendental Phenomenological Approach, Heide Thorne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the perspectives of first semester nursing students participating in a simulated medical malpractice lawsuit and documentation practices. The theory guiding this study is Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT), as it explains the relationship of learning and knowledge transfer through a simulation-based learning activity (SBL). Data collection approaches included observations, anonymous reflective journals, and individual interviews or questionnaire capturing students’ personal experiences and emerging themes. Bracketing enhanced reflexivity, reduced bias, and strengthened the study’s credibility and dependability. Results of the study support the efficacy of a specific, powerful SBL activity …

Empowering Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners To Address Nutritional Deficits: An Educational Quality Improvement Study, Beatrice Joan Richards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Psychiatry is a complex and multifaceted discipline, and treatment approaches often vary based on provider preference and philosophy. Some focus heavily on pharmacotherapies, while others use psychotherapeutic methods, and still others take a more holistic approach involving full-body wellness. All three strategies are beneficial, and providing psychiatric care with a combination of them all can address the full spectrum of factors that influence one’s mental health. Much research, education, and clinical focus have been put on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutics. However, there is a marked lack of understanding regarding the holistic realm of psychiatric care, specifically the role of nutrition, amongst …

Implementation Of The Sbar Tool Among Nurses And Providers In An Assisted Living Facility To Increase Patient Safety, Caroline Shirima

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

After-hours communication is common for patient management, as patients often need support or answers after hours, and miscommunication can lead to frustration or even compromised care. The Picot question that guided this quality improvement project was: For nursing staff and healthcare providers in an assisted living facility, does implementing an educational program on the use of an SBAR tool during phone calls, compared to previous practice, increase staff knowledge and utilization of the tool to increase patient safety over a 12-week period? The purpose of this scholarly project is to implement the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) tool within a …

Nurse Confidence In Mental Health Communication: Examining The Effect Of An Educational Intervention In Outpatient Specialty Departments, Joy-Ruth Mathews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The global prevalence of mental health illnesses has prompted a growing need for healthcare professionals to be prepared to identify and address these concerns. Many nurses in outpatient specialty departments report feeling underprepared and lacking confidence when communicating with patients about mental health concerns. This scholarly project utilized an educational intervention to improve nurse confidence in mental health communication, the application of therapeutic communication techniques, and resource identification. A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest/posttest design was implemented, with nurses from outpatient specialty departments at Duke Health’s Kernodle Clinic completing pre- and post-Likert scale surveys to assess changes in their self-reported confidence. The …

Overview Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grace Ann Steiner

The Kabod

Traumatic events are often unexpected and can be experienced in a variety of ways; individuals may directly be involved, witness the event, or hear about traumatic events occurring to people that they know. Traumatic events can be due to human actions (such as war, terrorism, violence, or sexual abuse), but can also be secondary to nature (such as hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, or flooding); the event itself does not determine if an event is traumatic, but rather, the individual’s perception and experience of such an event. Thus, trauma can occur at any developmental age and vary between individuals due to personal …

Individuals’ Experiences Of Care Partner Involvement In Heart Disease Management: A Pilot Study, Elizabeth Richards

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction: Heart disease impacts both those diagnosed and their families, often due to lifestyle modifications that can alter family dynamics. While existing literature focuses on men and married individuals, understanding care partner involvement for both men and women independent of marital status is important, given gender disparities in heart disease experiences, caregiving roles, and widowhood rates. We explored differences in characteristics of men and women with heart disease, with and without a care partner. Additionally, we explored involvement of care partner beyond spousal relationships. We further examined gender differences in these experiences. Method: Cross-sectional Prolific survey pilot data of persons …

Keys For Success When Using An Integrative Interprofessional Teaching Model: A Synergistic Approach, Hon-Vu Quang Duong, Nina Marcellus, Sandip Thanki

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This study presents a longitudinal analysis of the qualitative experiences and quantitative outcomes associated with integrative, interdisciplinary teaching in the context of a specific nursing course, Pathophysiology (NURS 337), at a public, 4-year, state college (now university). Spanning an 8-year period, from 2014–2022, the research compares two distinct student cohorts: one exposed to collaborative interdisciplinary teaching methods, the other to traditional non-collaborative instructional approaches. The findings reveal that integrative, interdisciplinary teaching yielded significant benefits across multiple metrics. Notably, integrative, interdisciplinary teaching contributed to a more normalized distribution of grades, higher student retention rates, and an elevated cumulative GPA at the …

Improving Icu Nurses’ Knowledge Of Early Mobility Through An Educational Intervention, Mohini Chand

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This doctoral project sought to close a critical knowledge gap in the implementation of early mobility (EM) practices among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. Guided by the ADDIE instructional design model, the initiative centered on developing and delivering a six-week educational intervention aimed at enhancing nurses’ comprehension and application of EM strategies for critically ill patients. Despite robust evidence supporting EM’s role in mitigating ICU-acquired weakness, reducing delirium, and improving functional outcomes, its clinical adoption remained inconsistent prior to this intervention. The project was anchored by the practice-focused question: “To what extent does an educational intervention improve ICU nurses’ knowledge …

Implementation Of The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 As A Screening Tool For Depression, Nathalie Teboh Njofri Bih

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression is a common mental health issue that is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed in primary care practice due to a lack of appropriate screening. The practice problem addressed by this project was the inconsistent use of standardized tools, like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which hinders timely and accurate depression diagnosis. The practice-focused question was: Does educating staff impact their knowledge of the recommended use and interpretation of the PHQ-9 and their confidence in administering the tool? I aimed to enhance depression screening practices by educating nursing staff on administering, scoring, and integrating the PHQ-9 into routine patient care. For …

Staff Education Program To Increase Staff Knowledge On Evidence-Based Practices To Reduce Falls, Ariella Carrenan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Falls among older adults in long-term care facilities constitute a pressing concern, affecting 30% to 40% of residents each year due to physiological changes associated with aging. Such incidents precipitated injuries, extended hospitalizations, elevated healthcare costs, and increased the potential for legal liabilities. This project investigated the effect of a structured educational intervention on nursing staff knowledge of fall prevention strategies in a long-term care facility where the fall rate of 3.4% exceeded the state average of 2.5% and the national average of 3.3%. The project explored the question: In a long-term care facility, does staff education increase staff knowledge …

Reducing Falls In Medical-Surgical Patients, Braelyn Bailey Bsn, Rn, Haylee Paione Bsn, Rn, Elizabeth Young Bsn, Rn

Nurse Residency

PICO: In adult patients at risk for falls on Med Surg units, how does the implementation of fall-reducing interventions compare to standard fall precautions impact inpatient fall rates?

Advancing University Student Health And Wellbeing Through Peer-Led Health Promotion: A Quality Improvement Project​ ​, Rojeda Merani, Elizabeth Page, Elizabeth Roth

DNP Projects

Background: Peer-led health promotion is widely recognized as an effective strategy for increasing engagement, trust, and health literacy among university students. However, few frameworks guide development and implementation of these programs.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, implementation process, and perceived effectiveness of a peer-led health promotion model supported by Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) mentorship at a mid-sized private university.

Participants: Thirteen undergraduate students from a diverse set of academic programs were recruited as Peer Health Ambassadors (PHAs) and paired with DNP student mentors.

Methods: Guided by the Implementation Research Logic Model, the project used a four-phase QI process: targeted …

The Efficacy Of Emdr Therapy Compared To Tf-Cbt In Adopted Children To Manage Post-Traumatic Stress: An Integrative Review, Grace Ann Steiner

Senior Honors Theses

This integrative review examines the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy compared to trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adopted children. Children adopted from foster care tend to experience more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and maladjustment issues when compared to the general population, which necessitates effective therapeutic interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms and emotional dysregulation. Through analysis and comparison of the data, it was determined that both EMDR and TF-CBT effectively alleviated trauma-related symptoms, although one technique is not necessarily always more effective or efficient than the other. Along with reviewing …

The Science Of Sound: Studying The Cognitive, Emotional, And Physiological Effects Of Frequency, Genre, And Music, Jett Yarborough

Senior Honors Theses

Music influences emotion, physiology, and cognition, yet little is known about how the frequency it is tuned to affects these influences. Prior research has shown that music tuned to 432 Hz can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep. My colleagues and I conducted two studies to investigate this. Our research found that music tuned to 432 Hz promotes a significant increase in memory retention and induces a state of focus and relaxation. These results suggest that shifting from the standard tuning frequency of 440 Hz to 432 Hz could have a profoundly positive impact on our daily lives. …

Program Evaluation Of Tms Treatment For Patients With Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder And Ptsd, Alec Wilson

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Nearly six million in the U.S. experience symptoms associated with the diagnoses of comorbid Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many with these diagnoses fail to respond to first line treatments that include medication and psychotherapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for individuals who fail to respond to first line treatments.

Methods: This program evaluation completed a retrospective chart review of adult patients with comorbid MDD and PTSD, who received TMS treatments at a private practice clinic between the time frame of September 2024 and October of 2025.

Results: All …

A Program Evaluation Of An Integrated Mental Health Model In A Rural Primary Care Clinic, Shelley Rickett

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Mental health issues are not unique to Eastern Montana, in February 2021 there were 44,000 adults in Montana diagnosed with a serious mental illness (NAMI,2021). Access to mental health services in Eastern Montana is challenging due to the number of small rural towns that have a significant distance between them. There is an insufficient number of mental health providers and counselors to cover this large geographical area, significantly impacting access to mental health services. In an attempt to impact mental health access, primary care clinics are integrating these services into an integrated mental health model.

Purpose: The …

Myplate For Healthy Diet And Physical Activity: A Pilot Project, Christin Sullivan

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background: Over 100 million American adults are obese. This has increased from 38.5% in 2013-2016 to 41.8% in 2017-2020 and is predicted to keep rising. Significant health risks are linked to obesity, prompting weight loss movements at the local, national and global level. Recently, Semaglutide has been favored in weight loss programs but must be augmented by education on healthy diet and physical activity for weight reduction and maintenance.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to pilot the MyPlate method on healthy diet and physical activity and determine its effects on patient knowledge of healthy diet and physical …

A Five-Country Comparison Of Midwifery Students' Confidence In Facilitating Normal Labor And Birth, Juliet Wood, Jalana Lazar, Barbara Baranowska, Clare Davison, Debora Dole, Cindy L. Farley, Jane Fry, Maria Healy, Felicity Agwu Kalu, Urszula Tataj-Puzyna, Emma Ritchie, Maria Wegrzynowska

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Midwifery students need confidence in recognizing and supporting normal birth, the backbone of the midwifery professional role. Developing this confidence in the face of decreasing rates of physiological birth worldwide is a critical challenge. Midwife researchers from Australia, England, Northern Ireland, Poland, and the USA investigated midwifery student confidence for supporting normal birth and explored enhancing and detracting factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was undertaken with 570 midwifery students at 8 academic midwifery programs across 5 countries The Student Confidence for Supporting Normal Birth Questionnaire with free text and Likert-type questions on a 1 (least influential) to 4 …

I’M Here Whether I Like It Or Not: A Focused Ethnographic Description Of Transition Into Residential Aged Care, Stacey Scott, Annette Raynor, Julie Dare, Jennifer Grieve, Leesa Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Transition into residential aged care (RAC) is a challenging process, often characterised by vulnerability, fear, and isolation. This study aimed to provide a contextualised description of transition within a care-facility in Australia to deepen our understanding of this major life event. A focused ethnography was conducted, which included formal interviews with residents during their first 6 months of living in RAC. The findings provide an account of the participants’ views on acceptance, highlight the challenges of loss, and showcase the coping practices new residents used. This paper provides a type of report card for the sector, which reveals that there …

Woman-Centred Ethical Grid For Midwifery Education: A Content Analysis, Kate Buchanan, Darcie Bygraves, Emma Ritchie, Krystyl Toneycliffe, Sara Bayes, David Seedhouse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Midwives across the world are required to practice in accordance with an internationally agreed set of ethical principles. Midwifery education for many students includes ethics theory content, but this does not necessarily provide them with the skills toward ethical competence in practice. Aim: To understand students' perception of ethical issues and to use these findings as foundational information with which to create an ethical deliberation tool for practice. Methods: Qualitative Content Analysis was used for this study. Purposive sampling provided twenty-one ethics-focused reflective assignments from one Western Australian university. Ethical considerations: Institutional review board approval was obtained. Findings: Three …