Digital Commons Network^™

Prospectus For Mitigating Loneliness During Quarantine For Older Adults In Long Term Care Facilities, Emily Gines

Master's Projects and Capstones

In 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in quarantine safety measures and facility closures, facilities that cared for older adults in particular were hit the hardest. Long term care facilities (LTCFs), specifically those that care for older adults with memory care problems, must find ways to provide high-quality, standard care, despite many regulations and changes. Although infection control is an important aspect of care among this population, we must also consider how we can maintain quality of life and social connection. Loneliness is defined as the subjective feeling of being alone or perceived isolation. It can also relate to the …

Three Good Things To Extinguish Caregiver Burnout, Justin Haley

Master's Projects and Capstones

Caregiver burnout is a widespread issue in healthcare and institutions should be increasingly concerned about burnout because of the significant impact on quality of patient care, employee health, and financial stability. Many interventions and studies regarding burnout are focused on improving systems issues or removing negative stressors on caregivers. Although such interventions may be necessary to attempt, comprehensive systems-wide changes can be cumbersome and expensive, while removing negative stressors may be an unrealistic goal in a fast-paced, demanding healthcare environment. The Three Good Things method is an evidence-based, effective, simple, low-cost intervention to improve feelings of caregiver burnout in which …

Helping New Immigrants Adapt To American Culture: Enhancing Students’ Language And Cultural Competence Through The Use Of The Ellen Degeneres Show, Nuchinun Kluaythong

Master's Projects and Capstones

Adult immigrants face many challenges before they can successfully function in a new country. Beyond learning the new language, adjusting to a different and confusing culture can be difficult and discouraging, often eroding the immigrant’s confidence. These interrelated problems are recognized by the English as a second language (ESL) community, and modern approaches to ESL teaching integrate popular culture and the use of authentic language. It also recognizes that an alert and eager mind is important to learning, so the emphasis is put on developing student interest and confidence by making the class relevant, contemporary, and fun. To accomplish these …

Understanding The Effect Of Individual Differences On Second Language Acquisition: Focusing On Personality, Sihan Chen

Master's Projects and Capstones

In this world, the most obvious difference between people is the difference in appearance. In its simplest aspect, we know that everyone in this world is unique. Definitely, in the aspect of learning, the learning outcome of each student is different. Even based on the same age, same subject, same teacher, same gender, the results of learning are different. This makes it necessary to study individual differences in learning. As a second language teacher, it is necessary to study the impact of individual differences on second language acquisition.

This field project mainly discusses the effect of individual differences on second …

Amplification Of Legal Advocacy: Public Health Approaches To Releasing Immigrant Detainees At The Otay Mesa Detention Center, San Diego, California, United States, Kaylin Rosal

Master's Projects and Capstones

This paper reviews the current health practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers, focusing on asylum seekers housed at Otay Mesa Detention Center (OMDC) located in San Diego, California, United States. Many asylum seekers, or foreign nationals who have been confirmed to have a credible fear of persecution in their home countries, regardless of how they enter the United States, are placed into Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers. Two avenues for the release of detainees while they wait for their asylum cases to be heard by an immigration judge are bond and parole applications, the basis …

From Team Huddle To Team Cuddle: Rekindling Caring, Self-Compassion, And Joy In Work!, Amerizza Quemada

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: The healthcare industry suffers from a high level of burnout and unhealthy work environments, which has been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consequences of burnout may be expressed in both individuals and teams as a lack of caring, disengagement, incivility, and staff turnover.

Context: One department in an integrated healthcare organization displayed a pattern of annual low employee engagement scores and alleged workplace bullying. Team members also observed that employees failed to speak up when experiencing incivility. The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) student determined that an improvement initiative was needed to create a culture of caring to improve …

The Impact Of Standards-Based Learning: Tracking High School Students’ Transition To The University, Thomas R. Guskey, Matt Townsley, Thomas M. Buckmiller

Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Faculty Publications

This study sought to determine if the implementation of standards-based learning in high schools affects students’ transition to learning in university courses. Surveys and interviews with 13 students who had graduated from high schools implementing standards-based learning and who had completed their first academic semester at a midsize, private, Midwest university revealed no detrimental effects. The most frequently mentioned transition difficulties related to social issues and time management. Implications for implementing high school grading reforms are discussed.

Social Determinants Of Discrimination And Access To Health Care Among Transgender Women In Oregon, Jonathan Garcia, Richard A. Crosby

Health, Behavior & Society Faculty Publications

Purpose: Transgender women in the United States experience health disparities and limited access to gender-affirming health services. This study describes the social determinants of health that shape access to health services for transgender women in Oregon, a state with a high tally of gender-affirming policies.

Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 25 transgender women between 18 and 39 years of age. Interviews explored the social, economic, cultural, and legal factors that shape access to health. A Qualtrics survey captured sociodemographic characteristics. We identified facilitators and barriers to accessing gender-affirming services using thematic analysis of qualitative data.

Results: Our participants perceived …

Enhancing Quality Of Life For Individuals With Dementia Through A Virtual Ot Based Equine-Assisted Activities Program, Lauren Fearn, Becki Cohill, Karen Park, Martha Gipson

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals living with dementia typically experience progressive, cognitive, and functional decline which limits their ability to communicate and fully perform activities (Pimouguet el al., 2019). Horses have been shown to benefit individuals with dementia by improving well-being, physical health, functional capacity, and social relationships (Fields et. al., 2019). A 6-week OT based virtual equine-assisted activities program was conducted to determine if participation in equine-assisted activities could improve the quality of life of individuals with dementia. Outcomes of the program resulted in improvements in mood, energy level, engagement, communication, memory, socialization, and overall quality of life.

FromSubjectReceivedSizeCategoriesLauren FearnAbstract for Poster7:11 PM26 …

Implementation And Evaluation Of Whole Health Opioid Safety Shared Medical Appointments In A Veteran Population: A Quality Improvement Study, Sherry Cox

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Problem: The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2018b) suggest that 130 Americans die from an opioid overdose each day, thus creating an unprecedented number of opioid-related deaths in the United States to date.

Context: Of particular interest to the author and this DNP project is that Veterans are twice as likely to die from an opioid overdose, compared to the average American, making this epidemic a priority for Veterans Health Administration (Wilkie, 2018).

Interventions: The author developed a 9-session Opioid Safety Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) program to reduce opioid reliance in …

Program Implementation For New Graduate Nurses To Go From Moral Distress To Moral Courage And Beyond, Melinda Furrer

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Problem: Moral distress is a widespread issue across all nursing professions: from new graduate nurses to nurses with many years of experience. New graduate nurses are susceptible to moral distress and leaving the profession within the first year. Nationally, there has been a 27.7% turnover within the population of new graduate nurses with less than one year of experience (Nursing Solutions, Inc., 2019).

Context: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project consisted of implementing a program to help new graduate nurses build moral courage. The QI project encourages self-empowerment, moral courage, and resiliency among new resident …

An Education Program For Novice Nurses To Increase Case Management Knowledge, Emily Trefethen

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Problem: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease where the heart cannot deliver an adequate amount of blood that the body requires. HF is one of the costliest cardiovascular diseases plaguing public health in the United States (Go et al., 2014). HF is the main reason for hospitalizations in adults and a leading contributor to the rise in healthcare costs. Approximately 25% of Medicare patients are readmitted within 30-days of discharge (Go et al., 2013). To address excessive hospital readmissions, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2019) initiated the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program in October 2012 to reduce Medicare …

Identification Of Victims Of Human Trafficking: Leading Change Through A Global Pandemic, Connie Clemmons-Brown

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, generating $150 billion annually (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2014), and driven by the exploitation of victims of all ages, primarily for forced labor or commercial sex. Victims endure frequent and prolonged abuse, suffering illnesses, and injuries. When accessing the health care system, they often go unrecognized by health care providers and nurses. Recognition requires training to raise awareness and the right tools to capture the information necessary to identify victims and address opportunities to improve their safety, care, and support. The aim of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) evidence-based change project was …

Chief Nurse Executive Work Engagement: System Leadership Through A Natural Disaster, Strike, And Pandemic, Ryan Fuller

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Problem. In a 21-hospital region of a 39-hospital integrated health system, CNE turnover peaked at 63% (12 CNEs) in 2015. Interviews were conducted in 2019 with 12 CNEs across the region to understand potential issues related to CNE job satisfaction. Responses revealed concerns regarding empowerment, alignment, work-life balance, information transparency/sharing, and recognition. While identifying a solution to address CNE concerns, the organization experienced successive crisis events during a 12-month period that included a record-setting wildfire, multiple labor union strikes, and a novel pandemic. The regional leadership team (RLT) required new approaches to facilitate effective communication during a crisis between the …

Creating A Thriving Informatics Culture, Nicholas Webb

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Nurses thrive best when they are empowered to make decisions that can positively impact healthcare delivery. Knowledge and application of nursing informatics principles can influence clinical, quality, operational, and financial outcomes in ways that were not available in previous professional nursing generations.

If nursing informatics is the solution, what is the problem? A survey regarding use and attitudes about nursing informatics was taken of chief nurse executives (CNEs) at an integrated, not for profit healthcare system in the Northern California region, where the author oversees the electronic health record (EHR). The results were surprising. Half said they did not know …

Pre-Conception Screening Tool, Nnenna Abaeze

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Problem: Sexually active women between the ages of 14 and 44 are at risk of pregnancy. This risk puts these women at high rate of unintended pregnancies.

Purpose: Currently, there is a nationwide initiative, Healthy People 2030, to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies. Pre-conception screening is a method of mitigating this concern. Women typically receive pre-conception screening from an obstetrician, whom they visit during their annual well woman visit. The primary care setting is unique because women typically visit a primary care provider more frequently than their obstetricians. Every visit to a primary care provider is an …

Preceptor As Frontline Leader Utilizing Emotional Intelligence, Dwanette Judkins

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Problem - This paper describes a DNP project implemented in an acute care hospital in 2020. The hospital implemented a nurse residency program, with an evidence-based preceptor role development (PRD) component, which proved to be beneficial in growing the nursing workforce and building infrastructure; however, nurse turnover increased.

Context – Preceptors expressed feeling unsupported and not valued. The nurse executive team recommended the recognition committee expand its efforts to develop strategies to develop frontline leaders by building preceptor resiliency and increase retention. Preceptor development could positively impact the nursing workforce.

Intervention - The DNP student, was the executive sponsor …

Preconception Screening For Family Planning, Nnenna Abaeze

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the effects of preconception screening tools on non-pregnant women between 13 and 44 years old in the primary care setting. The primary care setting is unique because non-pregnant women often visit a primary care provider more frequently than they visit their obstetrician/gynecologists when not pregnant. Every visit to a primary care provider is an opportunity to discuss family planning and evaluate potential health risk factors.

Data Sources: A literature search of peer-reviewed articles from 2010 to 2020 was conducted. The databases searched included: Cumulative Index to Nursing and …

Earlier Palliative Care Referrals For Nephrology Patients, Jerold Cohen

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Palliative care prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification and treatment of pain and other symptoms, which can be physical, psychosocial, or spiritual (World Health Organization, 2018). It is usually considered a service provided to oncology patients and has positively impacted their treatment. However, it is not as common for many other diseases where the patient would benefit from palliative care involvement. Presently, if palliative care is offered to nephrology patients, it is after they have started dialysis and are having second thoughts whether to continue this treatment plan as it has either become less effective or is interfering …

The Experience Of Living With Hypertension: Lessons From A Cohort Of Older Men, Junjira Seesawang

Dissertations

Poor adherence to treatment and poorly controlled hypertension are common in older men, especially in rural areas. Knowledge about the experience of living with hypertension among older men is important for developing nursing practices to enhance treatment adherence. However, little is known about the personal experiences of older men with hypertension. This dissertation includes three papers that address the following: (1) the experiences of men with hypertension, based on a review of literature, (2) factors influencing the ability to self-manage hypertension among older adults in Asian countries, based on a review of qualitative studies, and (3) grounded theory study exploring …

#Leadershipaccelerated: A Coach Mindset Focused Leadership Development Program, Diane Rindlisbacher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Problem: Developing leaders to lead in environments that are dynamic, complex, and ambiguous is an area of focus for healthcare leaders. How leaders lead and how organizations develop leaders is tied to the outcomes they achieve (Development Dimensions International [DDI], 2019; Moldoveanu & Narayandas, 2019; Till, Dutta, & McKimm, 2016). To create a climate of trust and safety where teams succeed requires leaders to embed key attributes and competencies into their day-to-day work.

Context: A leader’s ability to create a climate of trust and safety and to adopt and apply a coach mindset to their work is intended to help …

Illicit Substance Use In Acute Care Hospitals: Creating A Safe Environment, Christina Sanford

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Problem: In January 2019, a medium-sized acute care hospital in Northern California reported new safety concerns related to patients using illicit substances in the hospital.

Context: Leaving the hospital AMA is an increasing problem in acute care hospitals among patients who use illicit substances, with a rate of 25% to 30% (Ti & Ti, 2015). Grewal et al. (2015) conducted a study of over 1,000 illicit substance users who had experienced a hospitalization, where 43.9% reported use of illicit substances while in the hospital.

Intervention: The project was the creation, implementation, testing, and evaluation of multiple interventions to improve …

Application Of Sustainability Framework For Quality Improvement In An Integrated Health System, Cristine Lacerna

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Problem: Sustaining improvement in quality and patient safety is a critical challenge confronting healthcare today (Lennox, Maher & Reed, 2018). Failure to sustain the gains achieved with the improvement and results in harmful patient outcomes, wasted resources, and impact future improvement work (Lennox et al., 2018). Context: To address this challenge, the organization for this DNP project was a large, integrated healthcare system with 21 medical centers in Northern California with a redesigned a regional quality program to focus primarily on supporting the sustainability of patient safety initiatives that have been successfully implemented and spread. Interventions: Two frameworks from the …

Workplace Violence: An Urgent Call For Integrated Staff Education In Acute Care Hospitals, Nicole Bellisario

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Problem: Type II workplace violence (WPV) in acute care hospital settings has become an epidemic of costly proportions in the United States. Regulatory mandates and healthcare accreditation standards increasingly require healthcare employers to provide a safe and healthy healing environment for patients and a safe work environment for staff. Implementation of a comprehensive WPV prevention program depends largely on organizational culture, participation and commitment from key stakeholders, and readiness for change.

Context: The patient-clinician relationship has drawn urgent attention, as healthcare organizations around the world implement key components of WPV prevention programs. The clinical management of patient aggression …

Ud In The News Dec. 4-11, University Of Dayton

News Releases

Newsweek published an online story that focuses on the University community's collective success in coping with the early spike in cases to bring it down and keep it down through the rest of the semester. The article describes the trajectory of the campus and our efforts, including the importance of our partnerships, the broad-based internal planning efforts and especially the role of the students in coming together in community and as peers to encourage safe behavior.

Implementation Of Artificial Intelligence Initiated Rapid Responses To Reduce In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Alicia Potolsky

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Hospitals with strong and consistently activated rapid response teams (RRTs) have significantly fewer cardiac arrests. Early recognition of clinical deterioration supports the timely activation of RRTs, which increases earlier assessment and intervention. Current early warning tools are not sufficient and reliable for recognizing patient deterioration, and they are evolving, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to identify clinical decline much earlier. The project organization had previously implemented the medical early warning score tool into the RRT nurses’ practice to prioritize patient assessments, but this was not sustained due to its unreliability in identifying patients at risk.

Aiming to reduce the number of …

Does Change In Binge Drinking Reduce Risk Of Repeat Sexual Assault Victimization? Evidence From Three Cohorts Of Freshman Undergraduate Women, Leah C. Butler, Bonnie S. Fisher, Bradford W. Reyns

Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Many college students who experience sexual assault experience subsequent (i.e., repeat) sexual assault incidents. There is also an established relationship between sexual assault and binge drinking. The “once bitten, twice shy” (OBTS) hypothesis suggests that those who experience alcohol- or drugrelated (AOD) sexual assault would reduce how frequently they binge drink in an effort to avoid repeat victimization. We test this hypothesis by analyzing two years of survey data collected from a panel of three cohorts of freshmen women. Supportive of OBTS, our analyses reveal that students who experienced an AOD-related sexual assault at time 1 only reduced the number …

The Impact Of Gratitude On Body Image, Exercise, And Eating Behaviors, Alisha M. Wenger

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Individuals with higher body dissatisfaction have higher disordered eating, excessive exercise, mental health concerns, and lower self-esteem. Gratitude interventions have been used to decrease body shame (objectified body consciousness), body dissatisfaction and increase positive body image. Gratitude interventions have primarily focused on changing state gratitude, leading to quick short changes. Individuals with long term, trait gratitude may have lower levels of excessive exercise, disordered eating, and a more positive body image. The current research is focused on better understanding the relationship between trait gratitude, body image, excessive exercise and disordered eating. In total 268 students from a university lifelong fitness …

Confronting The Bias Dichotomy In Jury Selection, Brooks Holland

Louisiana Law Review

The article examines the intractable dichotomy of bias in jury selection in the U.S. and some tips on how to resolve bias like the elimination of peremptory challenges.

Board Of Trustees Meeting Minutes, December 11, 2020

Board of Trustees Minutes

Minutes from the Wright State University Board of Trustees Meeting held on December 11, 2020