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Improving Patient Safety And Continuity Of Care By Educating Nurses About Standardized Handoffs In The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project, Remi Dos Santos

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Effective communication during patient handoffs is crucial for ensuring patient safety and continuity of care. The I-PASS handoff tool has been identified as an effective method to standardize communication and reduce errors during these critical transitions.

Local Problem: In the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) of a hospital in New England, the lack of standardized procedures for nurse handoffs posed a risk to patient safety and care quality.

Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to implement and evaluate an educational intervention aimed at improving PACU nurses' proficiency with the I-PASS handoff tool. Pre- and …

Lessons Learned From The Nh Pdg Community School Planning Grants, Nh Preschool Development Grant

Preschool Development Grant

No abstract provided.

Interpreting For Boris Pilnyak In New York City During 1931, Albert Parry

Faculty Publications

The following text is an excerpt from Albert Parry’s hitherto unpublished memoirs, Ask That Your Way Be Long: An Autobiography. As becomes evident from reading his obituary in the New York Times (May 8, 1992), Professor Parry led a very colorful and highly interesting life. Having escaped from his hometown of Rostov-on-Don in the midst of the Russian Civil War, and then emigrating to the United States in 1921, he proceeded to develop a successful career for himself as a writer and journalist in New York City during the 1920s and early 1930s, before moving to the Midwest to …

The Intersection Of Gender, Caregiving, And Research Productivity During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Method Study, Elizabeth A. Moschella-Smith, Sharyn J. Potter

Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic differentially impacted the productivity of women researchers with children compared to men, with and without children. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between gender, caregiving responsibilities, and research productivity before and during the pandemic. We quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed survey (n=227) and follow-up interview data (n=44) collected from faculty and staff at a Carnegie Classification Research 1 public university. Findings suggest that women researchers with children faced increased caregiving demands and diminished research productivity during the pandemic, compared to men with children and researchers without children. As illustrated by the qualitative data, …

Strafford County 2023 Annual Report Of The Commissioners, Treasurer, Other County Officers, And The Strafford County Delegation For The Year Ending December 31, 2023, Strafford County Representatives

Strafford County, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a county in the state of New Hampshire.

Annual Report Of The Officers And Committees Of The Town Of Brookline, New Hampshire For Year Ending December 31, 2023, With Reports Of The School Districts For Year Ending June 30, 2023., Brookline Town Representatives

Brookline, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

257th Annual Report Of The Selectmen And Other Town Officers, Cornish, New Hampshire, Year Ending December 31, 2023., Cornish Town Representatives

Cornish, NH Annual Reports

This is an annual report containing vital statistics for a town/city in the state of New Hampshire.

Implementing Change: Training For Adult Emergency Assessment, Recognition, And Stabilization For Novice And Non-Critical Care Nurses, Shannon C. Clancy-Burgess

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background At a macrosystem in New England hospital nurses are requesting more training for better preparedness in situations of clinical deterioration in the patient. Current education offerings were focused on cardiac and respiratory arrest situations. Review of the literature reveals the need for training in recognition and response to clinical deterioration. Simulation training can be a useful training tool.

Methods Several assessments were conducted to determine the need for a new course that focuses on recognition and response for stabilization. These assessments included an AHRQ Gap Analysis, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, Stakeholder feedback using Qualtricsä, …

Enhancing Chest Pain And Oxygen Supplementation Protocol Adherence Through Nurse Education In The Emergency Department For Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome And Unspecified Chest Pain: A Quality Improvement Project, Leah Gamble

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract Background: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and unspecified chest pain are common presentations in the Emergency Department (ED). Proper management, including appropriate oxygen supplementation, is crucial for optimal patient outcomes. However, discrepancies between current practice and evidence-based guidelines have been identified, highlighting a need for targeted educational interventions.

Local Problem: In the ED, knowledge gaps among nurses regarding the correct administration of supplemental oxygen for patients with ACS and unspecified chest pain have been observed. This inconsistency with the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines may lead to poor patient outcomes.

Methods: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) …

Increasing Pediatric Vaccination Rates Through Parental Education At A Federally Qualified Community Health Center: An Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Project, Dayna Dicola

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Childhood immunization rates for children aged 2 years and under at a community health center were assessed and determined to be below optimal levels. Immunizations protect against preventable diseases (Hill, 2023). The project assessed the microsystem to understand low immunization rates and to guide strategies for improvement.

Methods: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was used. In the planning phase, key stakeholders were consulted to assess current rates and barriers contributing to immunization rates. The chosen intervention was placed simplified immunization schedules in pediatric exam rooms to educate parents and promote adherence.

Intervention: A visual guide detailing the recommended vaccination schedule …

Using Education To Confidently Identify And Report Concerns Of Child Abuse And Neglect: A Qualitative Improvement Initiative Through Staff Development, Sarah E. Neilson

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Pre-licensure education on child abuse and neglect is crucial for nurses in the healthcare field. It helps to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, report, and intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect. Having this education available and understanding the signs and effects of child abuse and neglect, empowers nurses to take quick and decisive action in early intervention and prevention. Within the microsystem of a local Operating Room (OR), this quality improvement (QI) project will determine the muchneeded addition to the healthcare curriculum.

METHODS: The Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) framework was …

Improving Postpartum Depression Education Within The Microsystem, Mackenzie A. Sturdevant

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health issue affecting a substantial percentage of new mothers, ranging from "baby blues" to severe forms like postpartum psychosis. Maternity nurses play a crucial role in early detection and education due to the gap in postpartum care follow-up appointments, which can delay necessary interventions.

LOCAL PROBLEM: Despite the critical role of maternity nurses, there is variability in their preparedness to educate and support patients regarding PPD during the immediate postpartum period. This study aims to enhance maternity nurses' knowledge and confidence in providing PPD education through a quality improvement (QI) project within …

Improving Patient Handoff In The Emergency Department Microsystem, Alahna V. Kinney-Sandefur

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Gaps in communication in the patient handoff process have been directly linked to patient safety errors and unwanted patient outcomes. The reviewed literature highlights multiple factors impacting the handoff process and unanimously conclude that a standardized handoff process is necessary in maintaining a high standard of patient safety and a minimization of safety errors.

Methods: This intervention took place in an 86-bed, acute care facility, a level III trauma center macrosystem with implementation of this project taking place in the emergency department and medical/surgical microsystems. Utilizing the Plan, Do, Study, Act framework over a total of eight weeks, …

Sensory Modulation Training To Reduce Restrictive Interventions On An Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit At A Secure Psychiatric State Hospital: A Clinical Nurse Leader Quality Improvement Project, Fionna Norman

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Symptoms of severe mental illnesses can result in Personal Safety Emergencies (PSE’s) in the acute in-patient psychiatric setting. As part of treatment of PSE’s, restrictive interventions such as seclusion are utilized in current practice to maintain the safety of the patient, peers, staff, and the environment. Evidence-based research has shown restrictive interventions can cause physical and psychological harm to both patients and staff. Reducing restrictive interventions continues to be a priority to create the most therapeutic environment possible. Evidence-based research has shown that sensory modulation is a non-restrictive intervention that can reduce the use of restrictive interventions, decrease …

Improve Dysphagia Screening In Patients With Neurological Conditions Through Education: A Quality Improvement Project, Kendra Mcintosh

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: A macrosystem in Southern Massachusetts faces challenges in patients with neurological conditions recieveing a dysphagia screening prior to anything enter the patients mouth in the Emergency Room.

Local Problem: The educational gap identified in Registered Nurses regarding the frequency of screening being completed and the knowledge of the indications for a dysphagia screening.

Methods: Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, an educational intervention was implemented. An educational poster was displayed in the microsystem. Data was collected pre-and post-intervention through a survey to measure change.

Interventions: The educational poster was displayed in high-traffic areas of the microsystem. This educational poster included …

Using Education To Improve Glycemic Management Within An Emergency Department, Rebecca Olson

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) frequently visit acute care facilities for a variety of reasons. Proper management of this comorbidity increases patient safety, satisfaction, and quality care. Patients with persistent dysglycemic events in acute care facilities have an increased risk of complications and death during their stay. Lack of education can contribute to gaps in proper management within this population and therefore must be improved for better patient outcomes.

Methods: The Plan-Do-Check-Act design from the A3 Problem Solving model was used to guide a quality improvement project which focused on improving staff education and confidence surrounding glycemic management. The …

The Benefits Of Prenatal Education Via Virtual And Mobile Applications Before, During, And After Pregnancy: A Quality Improvement Project, Lindsay Farland

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: The advancements of technology has led to a substantial increase in the use of pregnancy applications among expecting parents. Studies indicate that a majority of pregnant individuals utilize virtual education platforms for various purposes, including accessing information on nutrition, exercise, baby development, and pregnancy symptoms. Despite the potential benefits, participation in these platforms remains low, emphasizing a need for enhanced resources and engagement strategies. Research shows that engagement with antenatal education through mobile applications can lead to improved maternal and fetal outcomes, such as reduced rates of caesarean births and fewer complications related to hypertension or preeclampsia.

Methods: …

Enhancing Communication Efficiency In An Emergency Department By Employing A Visual Communication System For Lab Results Tracking: A Quality Improvement Project, Julie Burr

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: A Critical Access Hospital in New England faces communication challenges in its Emergency Department, impacting patient flow and safety. The current paper charting system leads to delays and inefficiencies.

Local Problem: The communication gap between ordering laboratory tests and providers reviewing results at the patient’s bedside averages 130 minutes, contributing to delays and potential patient safety issues.

Methods: Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, a visual communication system was implemented. Laminated labels indicating pending lab, CT, and radiology reports were affixed to patient folders. Data was collected pre- and post-intervention to measure time from lab order to provider review.

Interventions: …

Acuity-Based Models Of Care: Improving Wait Times And Efficiency In An Outpatient Infusion Center, Jordan Lavallee

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Timeliness is a crucial aspect of high-quality care, yet remains a common issue faced by many outpatient infusion settings leading to patient dissatisfaction and potential negative outcomes.

Local Problem: At a 28-chair community infusion center, results from patient satisfaction surveys as well as chart audits highlighted suboptimal wait times and efficiency. 32% of patients were dissatisfied with wait times ranging from 23 to 40 minutes based on the therapy received.

Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted aiming to decrease the average wait time of patients receiving short therapies while increasing patient satisfaction. After a thorough review of the …

Increasing Patient Awareness About Fall Risk Through Patient Education Pamphlets On A Medical-Surgical Floor: A Quality Improvement Project, Nicole Madden

Master's Theses and Capstones

Introduction At a nonprofit hospital located in New Hampshire, a thorough 5P Assessment was executed to identify the root cause behind an increase in falls occurring on a medical-surgical floor. Subsequently, a comprehensive quality improvement initiative was launched with the dual goals of minimizing falls and enhancing patients' awareness regarding their susceptibility to experiencing a fall during their length of stay. Patient falls are the most common adverse events reported in hospitals and are considered a sentinel event (LeLaurin & Shorr, 2019). Hospitals need to adopt a multifaceted approach to minimize the risk of patients experiencing falls during their inpatient …

Wellness In Motion: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Support Resident Mobility And Reduce Falls., San N. Pham

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Falls are a significant concern in community living centers for older adult veterans. Promoting physical activity and resident engagement is crucial for reducing fall risk among this population.

Local Problem: A specific microsystem within this setting has a fall rate of 3 falls per month. This discrepancy underscores the need for targeted interventions to effectively address this issue.

Methods: This study measured key metrics related to falls and resident engagement in mobility programs both before and after the implementation of an exercise program within the microsystem.

Intervention: The "GIMME 10" exercise program, grounded in evidence-based practices and emphasizing resident-centric …

Incorporating Educational Interventions To Improve Nursing Adoption Of Electronic Medical Record Technology: A Quality Improvement Project, Andrew Oratovsky

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) has become the standard for medical information management and exchange amongst acute care hospitals in the United States. The Epic® electronic medical record has been identified as a popular EMR software for adoption by many healthcare organizations. Associated with the adoption of this technology is a large investment in training medical professionals on its specific processes.

Local Problem: In the outpatient, primary care setting of a hospital in New England, the adoption of Epic® has come with much fear and resistance regarding the ability of nursing staff to efficiently learn and …

Utilizing Gsk3beta And Integrin Inhibitors To Target Stat3 Activity In Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Emily Anne Pratt

Master's Theses and Capstones

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer associated with poor prognosis and characterized by increased rates of proliferation and metastasis. TNBC gets its name due to the lack of the three receptors commonly found in other breast cancer types: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Breast tumors expressing these receptors can be treated with hormonal therapies, but TNBC tumors will not respond to such treatments and are therefore more difficult to treat. To circumvent this, targeted therapies that inhibit proliferation and migration are of great research …

Implementing Of An Informative Poster To Improve Nurse Job Satisfaction In A Medical Surgical Microsystem: A Quality Improvement Project, Stephanie E. Mahoney

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Nurse job satisfaction is important since the quality of patient care directly depends on the staff and their willingness to continue working. Traditional approaches used in yearly surveys may cover only some aspects that upset nurses, such as workload and training. This project was designed to overcome these limitations by presenting a more extensive and often-used procedure to assess and solve issues regarding the satisfaction level of registered nurses.

Method: In the quality improvement project, data on job satisfaction using the Acute Care Nurses Job Satisfaction Scale (ACNJSS) was collected on job interest, colleague support, recognition, workload, …

Educational Interventions To Improve Icu Nurses’ Knowledge And Confidence Related To Pressure Injuries: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Benjamin R. Maltais

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: The prevalence of pressure injuries (PI) in critical care is highest amongst inpatient units, and are associated with significant complications, decreased quality of life, increased cost of hospitalization, and poor patient care (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2019; Cox et al., 2022; Gorecki et al., 2014; Mervis & Phillips, 2019). Similarly, many PI are considered to be avoidable (Pittman et al., 2019). Despite an increase in focus on PI awareness and prevention, there still remains a challenge for patients in critical care units. In addition, research has indicated that nurses’ lack of basic knowledge of PI (risk assessment, …

30 Years Of Change In The Forest Of Northern Maine, Kelsi J. Anderson

Master's Theses and Capstones

In managed forests, harvesting practices are one of the main factors that determine forest structure, composition, and the provision of ecosystem services. We resurveyed a 238,000-ha portion of the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest in northern Maine after 30 years of changes in ownership and harvesting practices. We found significant changes in forest structure and composition across a suite of forest types within the study region. Notably, there was a shift from spruce (Picea rubens, P. glauca, and P. mariana) to balsam fir (Abies balsamea) in the overstory of softwood stands and an increase in American beech (Fagus grandifolia) in the understory of …

United States V. Sioux Nation Of Indians: A History Of Indigenous Diplomacy In The Black Hills, Elliott Lelaure

Master's Theses and Capstones

This thesis traces the history of Sioux-American competition for the Black Hills region of South Dakota from the Lakota’s discovery of the mountains in 1776 to the aftermath of United States v. Sioux Nation of Indians, a landmark 1980 Supreme Court case that awarded financial compensation to the tribes for the unconstitutional seizure of sacred lands. It argues that treaty negotiations in the nineteenth century – and attempts to resolve treaty-based disputes in the twentieth – testify to an international quality in the Sioux-American relationship. Far from passive victims of American expansion, it shows that Lakotas have consistently developed, debated, …

Adapting Together: Considerations For Program Development & Collaboration, Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership, New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup

PREP Reports & Publications

No abstract provided.

Seagrassnet Monitoring Program 2024 - 2028: Quality Assurance Project Plan, Trevor Mattera, Lara Martin, Nathaniel Gruen, Kalle Matso, David Burdick

PREP Reports & Publications

No abstract provided.

Tap Taps And Fist Bumps: Embodied Movements In Skateboarding Sessions, Paige O’Neil

Comm-entary

No abstract provided.