Digital Commons Network^™

A Faith-Based Education Program To Reduce Stigma Associated With Hiv/Aids Among The African-Born Population, Besh Gichuhi, Alice Kindschuh

Group: Nebraska Methodist College

Background and Review of Literature: Faith-based organizations are important institutions with the potential to increase the reach of HIV knowledge and address HIV-related stigma in the African-born population. This population has a high incidence of HIV/AIDS and late diagnosis mainly due to the stigma. Faith based organizations can play an important role in addressing stigma by creating welcoming environments in the church for people living with HIV. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a faith-based education program in an African Church in Washington State to raise awareness, educate, increase early testing and linkage to care and as …

Increasing Readiness To Complete An Advance Directive In The Community, Marcella Sorrell, Hilary Applequist

Group: Nebraska Methodist College

Background and Review of Literature: Since the enactment of the Patient Self-Determination Act in 1990, advance directive completion rates remain low. Although interventions to increase readiness and completion of advance directives (ADs) have been studied, it is unclear which are most effective. Past research has established the importance of AD completion while an individual is well and more likely to make sound decisions. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement an evidence-based program to increase readiness for AD completion in adults during an hour-long, group-based discussion. Methods: Members of a local community center were invited to attend an …

A Walking Plan For Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes: A Feasibility Study, Brittney Whitney, Jennifer Santerre

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: To determine the feasibility of a structured walking plan among pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) within a maternal fetal medicine practice.

Summary: Physical activity in combination with nutritional therapy has been shown to achieve glycemic control in women with GDM (ACOG, 2015). Recommendations for physical activity in pregnancy include 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week (ACOG 2015; CDC, 2015; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2004). An innovative project was created to determine the feasibility of adding a walking plan into GDM care. The setting is a maternal fetal medicine …

Npwh Position Statement: Men With Breast Conditions: The Role Of The Whnp Specializing In Breast Care, National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) affirms the role of the women's health nurse practitioner (WHNP), as a member of a multidisciplinary breast care specialty team, in providing specialized breast care for women and men. Furthermore, NPWH supports the removal of any restrictions to the provision of male breast care that are based on the WHNP credential. WHNPs are educationally prepared to provide care for both women and men with benign and malignant breast conditions. The WHNP program curriculum includes breast pathophysiology, genomics/genetics, assessment and management of breast disorders, and risk assessment for hereditary breast cancers—all …

Facilitating Female Sexual Function Assessment, Kyle Mcdevitt, Denise G. Link

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to facilitate the conversation about sexual function at the annual visit. The goal was to create an efficient, standardized way for a provider to assess the patient's concerns regarding sexual dysfunction, in a clinic setting that currently did not assess women's sexual function.

Summary: The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the routine assessment of female sexual function because 43% of women suffer from sexual dysfunction. There is limited patient and provider discussion of female sexual dysfunction due to lack of training, perception of few treatment options, and visit time constraints. The …

Npwh Position Statement On Healthcare For Transgender And Gender Non-Conforming Individuals, National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) affirms each individual's right to quality, evidence-based sexual and reproductive healthcare and encourages each individual to strive for a healthy self-concept of sexuality and gender identity. Although NPWH has historically focused on the care of cisgender women, we recognize the importance of providing quality sexual and reproductive healthcare to all individuals, regardless of gender identity.

NPWH supports initiatives to address the healthcare needs of transgender and gender non-conforming (GNC) individuals and the implementation of policies and strategies to reduce barriers to inclusive, quality healthcare for these populations.

Npwh Position Statement: Prevention Of Alcohol Exposed Pregnancies [April 2021 Update], National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) advocates for the use of evidence-based strategies by women's health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide healthcare for reproductive-age women to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies (AEPs). Foremost is the strategy of universal screening for alcohol use in primary care settings for all adult patients age 18 years or older, including pregnant women. Strategies also extend to offering a brief behavioral intervention to individuals who screen positive for excessive alcohol use and referrals to specialty services as needed with appropriate follow up.

Implementing A Vaginal Self-Swab Protocol At A Teen Sexual Health Clinic, Kaylee Meilahn, Maria Ruud

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Problem Statement: Vaginal speculum exams (VSE's) can inflict discomfort, anxiety, and psychological traumatization in adolescents. Vaginal specimens that are patient-collected by self-swab are equivalent to provider-collected specimens during a VSE for diagnosing gonorrhea, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. Lacking a protocol for vaginal specimen collection by self-swab is a system barrier to providers consistently offering the option of specimen collection by self-swab.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to increase the number of vaginal specimens collected by self-swab, decrease the number of speculum exams performed, decrease barriers to screening, and increase patient satisfaction and empowerment.

Background: There has …

Npwh Position Statement: Human Sex Trafficking, National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) position statement on human sex trafficking was approved by the Board of Directors January, 2017. NPWH recognizes the critical role of nurse practitioners who provide healthcare for adolescent and adult females in identifying, assessing and responding to the needs of trafficked female individuals. NPWH supports a comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to meet sex-trafficked individuals' complex needs and help them address the challenges they face. Therefore, NPWH commits to provide leadership and collaborate with other organizations and agencies to deliver NP education, develop policies, and conduct or support research in a …

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Augmented Clinical Experience: A Program Evaluation, Bethany M. Tidwell, Kelley Stallworth, Eileen Meyer

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Augmented Clinical Experience (ACE) Program is a novel program that provides an enhanced clinical experience during the course of nurse practitioner (NP) education. It is designed to address concerns with the traditional preceptor model via a streamlined application and selection process, establishment of a formal school and health system partnership, availability of an administrative support system, and a structured, progressive clinical rotation schedule. The program is currently available to the Women's Health, Acute Care, Family, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP tracks. This project will seek to answer the question: Does the Women's Health …

Npwh Position Statement: Prevention And Management Of Opioid Misuse And Opioid Use Disorder Among Women Across The Lifespan [September 2020 Update], National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) supports the role of Women's health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) and other nurse practitioners (NPs) who provide healthcare for women across the lifespan in the provision of safe and effective treatment of pain. In certain cases, this treatment may include the prescription of opioid pain relievers (OPR). NPWH acknowledges that NPs must use evidence-based strategies to reduce harm from the misuse of OPR and to prevent the development of opioid use disorder (OUD). These strategies include screening for opioid use/misuse/ abuse, educating patients about the risks associated with OPR misuse, and …

Impact Of Community Breastfeeding Support Group On Duration Rates At 3 Months, Olivine Singh, Cheryl Robinson, Aimee Holland

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Problem: In Florida, 77% of mothers initiate breastfeeding; however, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at three months fall to 38.9% below the Healthy People 2020 goal of 46.2%.

Purpose/Aim: To examine the impact of community breastfeeding mothers support group on duration rates at three months among women discharged from the postpartum unit at University of Florida Health Shands Hospital.

Background/Significance: Successful breastfeeding is dependent upon several factors related to the mother, the infant, and a supportive environment. Breastfeeding women participating in a community support group align with the goal of Step 10 of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative; "to foster the …

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Increase Identification Of Oral Disease And Dental Care In Pregnancy, Carrie J. Kamp, Sandi Tenfelde

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: Oral health is an important part of overall health, and oral disease has been associated with poor perinatal outcomes. While it is widely recognized that oral healthcare is safe and important during pregnancy, less than one-half of pregnant women visit the dentist during their pregnancy. Limited evidence is available to support interventions to increase the number of pregnant women who visit the dentist during the course of their pregnancy. This quality improvement project seeks to implement and evaluate an evidence- based intervention aimed at identifying women at high risk for oral disease as well as increasing dental visits among …

Barriers To Use & Patient Perspectives On Managing Personal Healthcare In An Online World, Tamera Borchardt, Brian Jones, Roy Simpson

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: Significant resources and high expectations are associated with the adoption of online Patient Portals that integrate tightly with Electronic Health Records. Patient Portals are intended to improve disease management through greater patient engagement while achieving important economic efficiencies associated with scheduling appointments, communicating with providers, obtaining lab results, and ordering medication refills. Specialties like Women's Health where strong communication, managing privacy concerns, and maximizing engagement are priorities stand to benefit most from effective patient portals.

Methodology: This research assessed underlying demand for portal services by comparing current and desired methods for healthcare management of the scheduling, communicating, obtaining results, …

Implementation Of A Comprehensive Clinical Toolkit For Postpartum Depression Screening: Breaking Barriers In Women's Health Care, Liza Rivera

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: To address provider barriers to increase awareness of postpartum depression (PPD) and facilitate screening of PPD within eight weeks following introduction of the Postpartum Depression Screening Toolkit (PPDST).

Summary: A pre-test, post-test instruction program with materials (PPDST) was used. Physicians were invited to attend one of two in-services on use of the PPDST. The PPDST consisted of basic PPD education, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) a reliable and valid, 10 item questionnaire with an algorithm for follow up, counseling scripts for assessment and treatment, a pharmacological information chart, hospital admission protocols, reimbursement codes, an extensive resource/referral list, and …

An Educational Intervention To Increase Human Papillomavirus Awareness And Intent To Vaccinate, Deandra Mcduffie

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: The purpose of this health improvement project was to develop and evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on knowledge of HPV/HPV vaccine and intent to vaccinate or recommend HPV vaccination in African American women in a clinical setting. The Health Belief Model provided the theoretical framework.

Summary: Thirty eligible participants: women between 18-70 years' were recruited and completed the project. Educational tools (patient handout and four-minute video) were created using evidence based approaches gathered from the literature review. The educational tools were created with an integrated pre/post-education quiz. Eligible participants were recruited from the patient waiting area. Informed …

Care Of Women With Thyroid Disease: Guideline Update, Donna Williams, Kathryn Trotter

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Problem Statement: Endocrinology guidelines for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease differ in pregnancy and postpartum compared to the preconception state. Aim: NPs need to be aware of the management updates within the 2017 American Thyroid Association Guidelines. Hypothyroidism is second only to diabetes in endocrine disorders in pregnancy. Background: Due to the structural similarities of hCG to TSH and the increase in thyroxine binding globulin during pregnancy, nurse practitioners should understand the relative physiologic changes. These changes result in varied interpretation of free T4 values, forcing clarification in thyroid hormone laboratory assays. Population: Women across the lifespan were …

Mending The Mother: An Exercise Based Approach In The Management Of Postpartum Depression, Melissa Goble, Candace Short

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: PPD is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses or illnesses affecting women worldwide (Khan, 2011). An estimated one in seven women will experience PPD and the rate increases to 41% among mothers who suffered with PPD in a previous pregnancy (American Psychological Association, 2015). Unfortunately, screening for maternal depression is not a standardized process, and treatment does not always follow a diagnosis (National Institute for Health Care Management, 2010). The importance of non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise should not be excluded when considering treatment options. The purpose of this project was to improve maternal outcomes through standardized screening …

Npwh Position Statement: Trauma Informed Care, National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) asserts that a trauma-informed approach to delivery of healthcare is essential. Current or past experiences of trauma can have a powerful influence on all aspects of an individual's health and wellbeing. Knowledgeable and skilled women's health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses that provide women's and gender-related healthcare are key to creating physically and emotionally safe environments for patients and staff, recognizing signs and symptoms of trauma, and providing opportunities for trauma survivors to build a sense of control and empowerment through recognizing resilience and avoiding stigmatization. …

Vaginitis, Female Sexual Dysfunction, And Sexual Distress, Monica Maldonado, Shawana S. Moore, Jayci Knights

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose/Aim: The purpose of this doctoral project is to examine the relationship between vaginitis (BV and VVC), FSD, and sexual distress level on non-pregnant, sexually active women aged 18 to 44 using validated self-report survey tools, such as the Female Sexual Function Index Questionnaire (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R).

Methodology: The proposed study will use a cross-sectional design with paper and pen self-report questionnaires that will be administrated to participants the same day of visit at a federally qualified health center in Camden, N.J. The majority of patients seeking health care services are black and Hispanic. According to …

Npwh Position Statement: Intimate Partner Violence, National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) affirms that intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue that must be addressed at individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. Sectors that must work individually and together at each of these levels include but are not limited to healthcare, education, social services, government, and legal and justice services. NPWH endorses a comprehensive multilevel and multisector approach to prevent IPV, remove barriers to disclosing IPV and seeking services, promote universal screening to identify individuals who have or are currently experiencing IPV, provide trauma informed and culturally sensitive care, …

Npwh Position Statement On Hboc Risk Assessment, National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) supports the role of Women's health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) in providing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) risk assessment. At a minimum, HBOC risk assessment should include the woman’s personal cancer history; her maternal and paternal first-, second-, and third-degree relative cancer histories, with descriptions of the types of primary cancers and the ages of onset; any Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry; and the results of any cancer predisposition testing in any relative.This assessment should be reviewed and updated regularly. The goal of HBOC risk assessment is to identify women who may …

Toxic Stress In Preterm Newborns During Routine Nursing Care, Hiind Alsabti, Susan Ludington-Hoe, Mary Franklin

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: To describe the literature related to management of preterm infant toxic stress (an emerging concept) that is needed by mothers and health professionals. This literature review is part of an ongoing innovative clinical project observing 22 preterm infants having several measures of stress recorded over three consecutive routine nursing care (RNC) episodes each day for four days when the mother is present or absent during RNC.

Methodology: To describe the literature related to toxic stress, an extensive search of databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Google Scholar) was conducted to extract relevant literature reviews, pilot studies, and randomized controlled trials …

Npwh Position Statement: Human Sex Trafficking [June 2021 Update], National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) affirms the essential role of women's health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide women's and gender-related healthcare for adolescents and adults in identifying, assessing, and responding to the needs of trafficked individuals. Victims of trafficking include all ages and gender identities. However, adolescent and young adult females comprise the majority of trafficked persons in the United States and globally, most specifically as victims of sex trafficking.

A majority of victims of sex trafficking have had contact with a healthcare provider (HCP) while in captivity, …

Npwh Position Statement: Cervical Cancer Screening [June 2021 Update], National Association Of Nurse Practitioners In Women's Health

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) supports a concerted effort to continue to improve cervical cancer screening (CCS) rates and timely, appropriate follow-up and treatment when screening results are abnormal. The goal is to reduce cervical cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality. NPWH supports ongoing research to ensure that screening and treatment guidelines are based on the best evidence available. Furthermore, NPWH supports policies at the local, state, and federal levels that ensure access to CCS services and follow-up as needed.

Mother-Daughter Sexual Communication: How Whnps Can Help!, Randee Masciola

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: The goal of this study was to contribute to the body of knowledge on mother-daughter sexual communication and to develop a deeper understanding of the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge that mothers perceive as compromising or promoting mother-daughter sexual communication.

Methodology: A qualitative study which investigated mother-daughter sexual communication from the mother's perceptions. Ten mothers of adolescents' females were recruited via convenience sample and participated in one-on-one interviews. Interviews were semi-structured and focus on the research questions. The transcripts were analyzed for themes and categories using steps of Data Analysis and Interpretation outlined by Hesse-Biber and Levy. These steps included …

Improving Quality Of Care During Gynecological Examinations By Reducing Anxiety And Discomfort, Kristen Ransone

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: The purpose of this poster presentation is to describe the development, implementation and outcomes of a quality improvement project undertaken to address anxiety and discomfort felt by women during gynecological examinations.

Summary: This project was conducted in a single-setting military family practice clinic over a period of 2 months. All the women who presented for a routine gynecological exam were offered a choice of music to be played throughout their visits and their pelvic exams were conducted without the use of stirrups. At the completion of the visit, they completed an 8-question survey about the experience.

Outcomes: Using a …

Interdisciplinary Education: 5 A'S Model For Effective Weight Management Counseling, Kathleen Drum, Denise G. Link

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Purpose: To increase providers' usage of the two 'Assist' and 'Arrange' steps of the 5 A's Model in the areas of weight management action plans, dietitian referrals, and follow-up appointments. The 5 A's Behavioral Change Model, originally developed for smoking cessation, has demonstrated efficacy in weight management and is grounded in behavior modification theory.

Summary: In a military treatment facility in the Southwest US, the overweight and obesity rates of active duty, veterans, retirees, and dependents mirrored the national average. Clinicians within the women's health clinic assessed and advised obese clients using verbal and written information about diet and exercise, …

Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Reduced Missed Opportunities, Dynasty Stokes, Randee Masciola, Kathleen Drum, Jennifer Kue, Dianne Morrison-Beedy

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

The purpose of this project was to test an evidence-based bundle intervention within a military hospital-based outpatient clinic to improve HPV vaccination rates among military-affiliated females ages 11-26 years.

Postpartum Anxiety (Ppa) Screening: A Guideline Approach In Outpatient Clinic Setting, Bunmi Cordero

Group: National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH)

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) is a postpartum mood disorder with a prevalence of 2% to 45%. It often goes undiagnosed due to the lack of a universal psychometric tool screening the disorder. The issue of PPA has been largely overshadowed by the more researched and well-documented issue of postpartum depression (PPD). Currently, there is a lack of scientific evidence relating to best practices for screening for PPA, making it difficult for clinicians to diagnose and treat promptly.