Digital Commons Network^™

Holistic Approaches To Lyme Disease Symptom Management, Leah Van Antwerp

Honors Theses

Lyme disease is a multisystem tick-borne infection that can lead to long-lasting symptoms even after standard antibiotic therapy, with Lyme arthritis being one of the most common and persistent complications. Due to limited research on this issue, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will be discussed as a reference for understanding treatment options because it is a similar condition. Since many people continue to experience debilitating pain and reduced quality of life after treatment for Lyme disease, holistic approaches have become increasingly popular for symptom management. This literature review examines three holistic modalities-yoga, acupuncture, and diet modifications- and their effectiveness in alleviating arthritic …

Exploring The Impact Of Caring For Patients Diagnosed With Iv Drug Use Endocarditis At End Of Life, Kendrea Lea Todt

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Purpose/Problem Statement: Caring for patients with substance use disorder is a challenge for nurses, especially patients who use intravenous (IV) drugs and contract endocarditis. Infective endocarditis is a cardiac infection with a high mortality rate, and yet this disease receives little attention in the media or research. IVDU-IE has been referred to as the Cinderella of Cardiology. Nurses disposition young patients in the prime of their lives to hospice care, funeral homes, morgues, or home to die. The purpose of this modified photo elicitation phenomenological study was to explore the impact of caring for patients diagnosed with IVDU-IE at the …

Clinical Practice Guideline On Reducing Catheter -Associated Urinary Tract Infections (Cautis), Nkechi Christiana Udah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The project was a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for early catheter removal to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). At the project site, the practice gap was the surgical nurses’ nonadherence to clinical guidelines for reducing CAUTIs. This gap resulted in inconsistent catheter care practices and delays in catheter removal. The purpose of this CPG was to enhance surgical nurses’ knowledge and adherence to clinical guidelines for reducing CAUTI rates. The following practice-focused question guided the project: In hospitalized patients in acute care settings, does early removal of the urinary catheter compared to leaving the catheter until discharge reduce the …

Substance Use Disorders, Trauma, And Women: A Phenomenological Study, Crystal E. H. Stephenson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Substance use disorders (SUDs) do not discriminate who or how they impact individuals, families, or communities. Women impacted by SUDs face challenges such as lack of transportation, minimal family support, some of the women were triggered by co-ed groups, and childcare needs are just a few categories that prevent them from adhering to and engaging in treatment. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of eight women with substance use disorders and trauma. The participants were interviewed using a semi-structured guide that covered areas of their lives impacted by substance use disorders and trauma. Data was analyzed using methods …

Examining Social Determinants Of Health And The Impact On Hiv Outcomes In Black People In The United States, Triscia G. Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Black people are disproportionately affected by HIV as evidenced by poor clinical outcomes and mortality. Clinical outcomes may be potentiated by patient factors, compounded by social determinants of health. This cross-sectional study sought to examine the impact of social determinants of health on AIDS mortality in the United States. Deidentified HIV data from the CDC NCHHSTP Atlas Plus repository and CDC WONDER population data were utilized to examine the association of race, sex, transmission category and geography on AIDS mortality in 43 states during 2018 to 2022. AIDS mortality was further examined through the lens of HIV stigma and housing …

Exploring The Relationship Between Loneliness And Real-Time Measurements Of Gsr And Hrv During Concept Mapping, And Cortisol And Oxytocin Levels, Jangwon Seo

Masters Theses

This study attempts to explore loneliness among college students from a bio-physio-psycho-social perspective, and it utilizes real-time physiological measurements (GSR and HRV) and biomarkers (cortisol and oxytocin) in conjunction with psychosocial assessments. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, which involve concept mapping exercises, with the aim of comprehending the full nature of how loneliness interacts with physiological and psychological processes. At Time 1 (T1) we found significant positive correlations between loneliness and elevated GSR levels, which is indicative of increased sympathetic arousal (r = .35, p < .01). Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between loneliness and mean RR intervals in HRV that indicated autonomic dysregulation featured by increased sympathetic activities as well as reduced parasympathetic functions (r = -.28, p < .05). However, at Time 2 (T2), these correlations were not significant indicating possible temporal fluctuations due to adaptive responses or extraneous variables such social support systems or coping mechanisms. The qualitative data from concept mapping enriched the analysis by providing deeper insights into the cognitive and emotional processes underlying loneliness. Despite limitations like demographic skewness, funding constraints, logistical challenges, etc., this, therefore, highlights the need for multidimensional investigations of psychological phenomena. This has implications for future research as well as clinical practice, which could include using these integrative measures to develop holistic interventions for mental health disorders.

Toward A Roadmap For Addressing Today's Health Dilemma-The 101-Statement Consensus Report, Katharina C. Wirnitzer, Mohamad Motevalli, Derrick R. Tanous, Clemens Drenowatz, Maximilian Moser, Holger Cramer, Thomas Rosemann, Karl-Heinz Wagner, Andreas Michalsen, Beat Knechtle, Zlatko Fras, Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga, Adilson Marques, Natasa Fidler Mis, Fatima C. Stanford, Christian Schubert, Nandu Goswami, Claus Leitzmann, Per Morten Fredriksen, Gerhard Ruedl, Doris Wilflingseder, Rodrigo A. Lima, Christian Kessler, Michael Jeitler, Naim A. Khan, Hassan Joulaei, Maryam Fatemi, Andrew Knight, Karl W. Kratky, Kara K. Palmer

School of Health Professions

Importance: In recent decades there has been an expansion in the quantity and quality of scientific findings and guidelines on different health topics to promote individual and public health status. Reports also indicate that there has been a simultaneous increase in the financial burden of disease, including trillions spent on healthcare resources by governments worldwide (predominantly in developing countries) to address health concerns. At the same time, personal health behavior is well-known as efficient and cost-free, holding four times the potential to prevent early death compared to health care. Despite this knowledge, data show that the increasing prevalence of unhealthy …

Opening Brief For Plaintiff-Appellant Jacob Julick, Aryssa Harris, Cameron Tong, Madeline H. Meth

Faculty Scholarship

For ten days in the middle of winter, officers at the Kentucky State Penitentiary (KSP) confined Jacob Julick in freezing cells, dressed only in paper boxers, and without access to hygiene products, a shower, cleaning products, bedding, or shoes. The reason? Mistaken retribution in response to a recent assault on an officer in which Julick was not involved.

When Julick reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, Defendant Officer Jason Denny mocked him, telling him to “kill [him]self and do them the favor.” Shortly after, Julick was moved from his first solitary cell to a strip cage where he was handcuffed, shackled, and …

Discovery Of A Small Molecule Tlr3 Agonist Adjuvant, Branden Lee, Danica Dong, Etsuro Nanishi, John Mark Awad, Kimia Abedi, Yoshine Saito, Francesco Borriello, Soumik Barman, Byron Brook, Aisling Kelly, Manisha Menon, Constance Marques-Mourlet, Maansi Gupta, Ida Lister, Chiwoo Oh, Kevin Lyskawa, Morgan Goetz, Kristina Walker, Wing Ki Cheng, Spencer Brightman, Pankaj Sharma, Timothy O'Meara, Katherine Chew, Daniel Vieira, Kevin Ryff, Cali Sweitzer, Sanya Thomas, Simon Van Haren, Matthew Pettengill, Hyuk-Soo Seo, Sirano Dhe-Paganon, Wei Zhang, Ofer Levy, David Dowling

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) agonists are valuable agents across multiple medical applications, from vaccinology to immune-oncology. However, well-defined and potent small molecule agonists for many PRRs still await discovery and development. Screening of chemical libraries of ~200,000 small molecules for maturation of human monocytic cells by quantifying NF-κB activation and cell adherence was completed. From this screen, we selected a thiazole benzamide derivative, PVP-057, for its robust immunomodulatory properties, low toxicity profile, and concentration-dependent activity. In vitro investigation of pathway and receptor activation reveals that PVP-057 is a Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist. As a single-component adjuvant, administered intramuscularly or intradermally …

The Call For Wailing Women In Jeremiah 9:17: Biblical Theology Of Mourning Within The Context Of Repentance, Nwabuogo N. B. Okafo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Hebrew Bible features numerous accounts of mourning that reveal it as a significant aspect of the ancient Near Eastern burial customs. Biblical mourning involves an established process of grieving the loss of a dead person by his or her family and community (Deut 34:8; 2 Sam 1:11–12). The Bible also mentions other forms of mourning besides grieving the loss of the dead. Penitential mourning is the expression of sorrow resulting from awareness of personal or corporate sin (Joel 2:12–14; Ezra 10:6). Penitential mourning could be personal or corporate (2 Sam 12:13, 16; Ezra 9:3–4). Corporate mourning involving donning of …

2017 Rocky Mountain National Park Research Conference, United States Department Of Interior

Rocky Mountain National Park

The work highlighted by this conference addresses key issues, including climate change, the spread of exotic plants, large scale restoration needs, environmental contaminants and disease, a need for greater relevancy to youth, and inadequate capacity to keep pace with growing visitation. The NPS Director's Order "Resource Stewardship for the 21st Century" directs park managers to steward resources for continuous change that is not yet fully understood. This challenge makes research, learning, and engagement at local to global scales more important than ever. The magnitude of issues and opportunities currently facing park managers is reflected in the breadth and depth of …

Serum Ccr7 As A Diagnostic Biomarker In Acute And Chronic Pyelonephritis In Iraq, Dhafer Rahman Abed Al-Janabi, Ahmed Abduljabbar Jaloob Aljanaby

NJF Biomedicine Journal

Background: Pyelonephritis is a serious kidney infection primarily caused by E. coli. This study evaluated serum CCR7 levels in patients with acute and chronic pyelonephritis.

Objectives: To assess serum CCR7 concentrations and determine its potential as a diagnostic biomarker.

Methods: A cross-sectional study included 30 acute, 30 chronic pyelonephritis patients, and 29 healthy controls. Serum CCR7 was measured using ELISA and analyzed by one-way ANOVA.

Results: CCR7 levels were significantly higher in pyelonephritis patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Chronic cases showed higher CCR7 levels than acute cases, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Elevated CCR7 is associated with pyelonephritis and may serve as a supplementary diagnostic biomarker. Further studies are required …

Enhancing Sepsis Prevention In Long-Term Care Facilities: Development Of An Infection Prevention Sepsis Toolkit, Emmalyn A. Tuhin

Student Scholarly Projects

Objectives: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to create, validate, and refine an Evidence-Based Sepsis Prevention Toolkit to enhanced early sepsis recognition and interprofessional coordination of care within long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

Background: Sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality and preventable transfer to the hospital for the elderly residents within the LTCFs. A significant practice gap persists because sepsis in this population often presents atypically, resulting in delayed or inaccurate diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: This project was guided by the following PICOT question: For healthcare professionals caring for patients aged 65 years and older …

Serum Ccr7 As A Diagnostic Marker In Acute And Chronic Pyelonephritis: Findings From A Cross-Sectional Study In Iraq, Dhafer Rahman Abed Al-Janabi, Ahmed Abduljabbar Jaloob Aljanaby

NJF Biomedicine Journal

Background: Pyelonephritis is a serious kidney infection primarily caused by Gram-negative bacteria, notably Escherichia coli. Understanding the host immune response is essential for developing diagnostic tools. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) in patients with acute and chronic pyelonephritis. Objectives: To assess serum CCR7 concentrations in patients with acute and chronic pyelonephritis, compare them to healthy controls, and determine the potential of CCR7 as a diagnostic biomarker. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Najaf, Iraq, involving 89 participants: 30 with acute pyelonephritis, 30 with chronic pyelonephritis, and 29 healthy …

Selenium Nanoparticles As Versatile Delivery Tools, Amir Nasrolahi Shirazi, Rajesh Vadlapatla, Ajoy Koomer, Kyle Yep, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as promising metal-based nanoparticles for drug delivery due to their unique physicochemical properties, intrinsic bioactivity, and biocompatibility. SeNPs offer a lower toxicity, higher bioavailability, and flexibility to be customized for surface chemistry compared to traditional selenium compounds. Advances in synthetic strategies, including chemical reduction, green biosynthesis, and surface functionalization with polymers, peptides, or ligands, have improved their stability, targeting capability, and circulation time. SeNP-based systems have demonstrated unique anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, as they can function as drug carriers and active therapeutic agents. The surface of SeNPs has been functionalized with ligands such as …

Pacific Rxtracts - December 2025, Pacific Rxtracts

Pacific RxTracts

Articles:

• FDA Approves Nerandomilast: A New Era in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment
• Brand New Approach to Addressing the Unmet Need of Cholestatic Pruritus
• Prep for Success with Lactulose
• Caution with Reported Allergies: Increased Risk of Surgical Site Infection with Non-β-Lactam Antibiotics
• Eltrombopag Redefines Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Pediatric ITP Combination for Extensive-Stage Small Cell
• Advancing Treatment for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Trastuzumab Deruxtecan plus Pertuzumab
• Comparison in Efficacy of Abiraterone and Enzalutamide in US Veterans with mHSPC
• Revumenib: A First-in-Class Menin Inhibitor for Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia
• Ziftomenib: A Menin Inhibitor Redefining Precision Therapy in NPM1-Mutated AML
• The Future …

Explainable Ai For Liver Transplant Survival Prediction: Integrating Immunological Mismatch Features, Sourab Shaik

Honors Projects

Liver Transplantations are crucial treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, a persistent deficit of donor organs necessitates maximizing the utility of each available graft to minimize failure rates. We evaluated whether donor–recipient molecular immunogenicity metrics - Electrostatic and Hydrophobic Mismatch Scores (HMS/EMS) and eplet-based counts - improve post–liver-transplant survival prediction. The analytic cohort comprised adult, first time, single-organ deceased-donor transplants drawn from Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients; follow-up was truncated at five years, and the endpoint was all-cause graft failure (earliest of graft failure or death; otherwise, censored). HLA variables were derived via high- resolution conversion and molecular mismatch computations …

Hidden Threats In Water: The Global Rise Of Emerging Contaminants, Baljit Singh, Abhijnan Bhat, Gayathree Thenuwara, Kamna Ravi, Azza Silotry Naik, Christine O’Connor, Furong Tian

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

The general spread of water safety awareness and enforcement often masks the escalating risks of emerging contaminants (ECs) that evade standard detection and monitoring techniques. Traditional monitoring infrastructures depend heavily on localized laboratory-based testing, which is expensive, time-consuming, and reliant on specialized infrastructure and skilled personnel. While specific types of ECs and detection technologies have been examined in numerous studies, a significant gap remains in compiling and commenting on this information in a concise framework that incorporates global impact and monitoring strategies. We aimed to compile and highlight the impact ECs have on global water safety and how advanced sensor …

Facilitating Timely Initiation Of Hiv Care Through An Interdisciplinary, Algorithm-Guided Approach, Courtney Harris

DNP Projects

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) within twenty-four hours of an HIV diagnosis is safe, shortens time to viral suppression, improves retention in care, and contributes to reduced HIV transmission at the community level (Bacon et al., 2021). Despite this evidence, patients across the United States do not universally receive timely HIV care (Bertolino et al., 2023). Barriers to early ART initiation include lack of staff buy-in, logistical challenges, and socioeconomic factors affecting patients (Doshi et al., 2023).

LOCAL PROBLEM: A small HIV care clinic in the southern United States observed a similar discrepancy, noting inconsistent timely initiation of …

Cost-Benefit Analysis Program Percontohan Pengendalian Rabies Berbasis One Health Di Wilayah Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Marheni Ni Wayan, Sutarsa I Nyoman, Made Subrata

Jurnal Ekonomi Kesehatan Indonesia

Rabies continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Bali Province, Indonesia. The Dharma Program, a rabies control initiative based on the One Health approach, has been implemented in multiple areas of the province. Sustaining and expanding this program requires an economic evaluation that compares the cost burden of rabies under scenarios with and without program implementation. This study was conducted in two pilot villages: Sanur Kaja (SKJ) and Sanur Kauh (SKH). Cost data were obtained from activity reports, published literature, and structured interviews with program managers. Benefit values were estimated using scenario modeling, which included treatment costs, post-exposure …

Access To Care Barriers To Sacral Neuromodulation Implantation In Adults With Overactive Bladder From Georgia, Tamara Lynn Wojciechowski

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a safe and physically well-tolerated third-line treatment using an implantable device for the management of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Other first- and second-line treatments for OAB are frequently ineffective and often poorly tolerated. SNM implantation appears to be underutilized compared to other third-line treatments even though SNM has been rated more effective in OAB symptom mitigation with fewer side effects. Thus, the purpose of this quantitative correlational cross-sectional study was to explore whether health services factors are barriers to utilizing SNM implantation as the third-line treatment for OAB in adults. Andersen’s behavioral model of health services …

Involvement Of A Tick-Borne Orthomyxovirus Matrix Protein In Vrnp Nuclear Export, Vaille A. Swenson, Jack Hemsath, Iris Yousaf, Carla Weisend, Michael A. Barry, Hideki Ebihara, Satoko Yamaoka

Student Publications

Thogotoviruses are arthropod-borne viruses belonging to the genus Thogotovirus within the family Orthomyxoviridae. Like other orthomyxoviruses, such as the influenza A viruses (IAV), thogotoviruses replicate in the nucleus. As a result, progeny viral ribonucleoprotein complexes (vRNPs) must be exported to the cytoplasm prior to virion assembly and budding at the plasma membrane. In IAV, this export depends on binding of the viral nuclear export protein (NEP) to the cellular exportin chromosomal maintenance 1 (CRM1). In contrast, the mechanism of vRNP nuclear export, including identification of a protein with NEP functionality, has not been characterized for any thogotoviruses. Here, we …

A Double-Edged Sword: Ethical And Psychological Implications Of Apoe Genotype Disclosure Across The Lifespan, Diego Iacono

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with the ε4 allele increasing risk and decreasing the average age of onset. While APOE genotyping is primarily used in research or clinical settings for patients with memory concerns, interest in disclosing APOE status to asymptomatic individuals—particularly during early adulthood—is growing. This trend is fueled by the rise of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and emerging prevention-focused clinical trials. However, ethical debates remain unresolved about the potential harms of early disclosure, including anxiety, stigma, and misunderstanding of probabilistic risk. Conversely, some argue that knowledge of APOE …

Saudi Heart Association Position Statement On Adult Vaccinations For Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases, Waleed Alhabeeb, Fayssal M Farahat, Majid Alshamrani, Raed Aldahash, Mohamed S. Al-Moamary, Mohammed Balghith, Yassmin Hanfi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Individuals with CVD are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from vaccine-preventable infections; however, adult vaccination continues to be underutilized. Methods: A multidisciplinary expert panel from the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) conducted a comprehensive literature review and a series of consensus meetings to develop evidence-based recommendations for adult immunization in patients with CVD. Results and conclusions: Evidence from randomized trials, observational studies, and real-world data supports the role of vaccines in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in individuals with CVD. The SHA recommends the implementation of age-appropriate …

Reducing Opioid Overdose Harm Through Narcan Access And Education, Shane Alexander Role Alihan, Jared Timothy Chua, Siwapond (Taylor) Yuen, Matthew Reynon

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

Background: The overuse of opioids has led to an epidemic that affects the health of young adults in Sacramento, CA. Social and economic factors have influenced the use of opioids which has led those individuals to acquire an addiction and dependency to such drugs. This age group is typically engaged in college and career-minded endeavors. Thus, the impact on this age group is substantial, requiring impactful interventions.

Aim: The purpose of this intervention is to provide a foundation for educating those affected by opioid overdose. This strategic goal is to equip students at the University of the Pacific’s Entry-Level …

Community Health Promoters’ Experiences In Mitigation Of Cardiovascular Diseases In Lari Sub-County - Kiambu County, Kenya, Emily Njeri Muchina

MSc in Advanced Practice Nursing

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a rising public health issue in low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya, where there is an escalation of their deaths and preventable risk factors. Community health promoters (CHPs) have a crucial role in the prevention of CVDs. Yet, low knowledge of CVD prevention and low detection of CVD risk factors characterise most underserved communities in Kenya. Little has been documented about CHPs' experiences in mitigating CVDs despite the presence of multilevel barriers and facilitators that can shape their experiences.

Aim: To gain an in-depth insight into the experiences of CHPs in mitigating CVD …

Hurricanes And Human Health In Louisiana: Insights From Hurricanes Laura, Delta, And Ida, Shobha Kumari Yadav, Robert V. Rohli, M. E. Betsy Garrison, Elisabeth Ponce-Garcia, Nazla Bushra, Charleen Mcneill

Faculty Publications

Louisiana is one of the most disaster-prone states, with hurricanes ranking among the most destructive hazards. Hurricanes impede sustainability by straining hospital infrastructure, overwhelming emergency departments, and disrupting continuity of care. Louisiana’s healthcare system, characterized by high uninsured rates, limited rural access, and notable racial and socioeconomic disparities, is particularly vulnerable during disasters. This research explores trends of mental and respiratory health in Louisiana surrounding Hurricanes Laura (2020), Delta (2020), and Ida (2021). Analysis reveals a substantial increase in admissions after landfall of all three storms, with mental health conditions showing a larger surge than respiratory ones in already-vulnerable communities. …

Identifying Correlates Of Protection Of A Pneumonic Plague Vaccine., Caleb Samuel Whitley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pneumonic plague is caused by inhalation of the bacterial pathogen Yersinia pestis. The immune response during Pneumonic plague occurs in two phases; an initial asymptomatic phase followed by a highly inflammatory and destructive phase resulting in 100% mortality if left untreated. The rapid onset of severe disease following the asymptomatic phase makes it difficult to administer antibiotics in time to prevent lethal outcomes. Therefore, the development of an effective vaccine is likely needed to combat pneumonic plague in areas of the world where Y. pestis remains endemic. One candidate subunit vaccine is protective in mice, a natural host for …

Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes: From Discovery To Clinical Application., Lewis Clayton Chew

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the evolution of TIL therapy from its discovery to clinical application, focusing on its use in treating metastatic cancer. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT), particularly TIL therapy, has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional treatments like chemotherapy. This review article traces the historical development of TILs, highlighting key experiments and clinical trials that have shaped its understanding and application as a therapeutic strategy for patients with metastatic and difficult to treat cancers including melanoma. Importantly, this article highlights recent advancements, including the FDA approval of Lifileucel, and explores emerging strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy of TILs through …

A Change In Practice: Improving Uti Management In A Long-Term Care Facility By Implementing Rapid Urinary Culture Collection Protocols To Enhance Timely Treatment And Reduce Hospitalizations, Tania Ojeda

Doctor of Nursing Practice

ABSTRACT

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a leading cause of morbidity among elderly residents in long-term care facilities, where diagnosis is frequently delayed due to atypical presentation, cognitive impairment, and inconsistent urine specimen handling. Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve the timeliness and accuracy of UTI management in a memory care facility through standardized evidence-based protocols. Objectives: The project sought to ensure that: (a) 100% of staff would be educated on the protocol; (b) 100% of residents with suspected UTIs would have urine sent for urinalysis and culture within 8 hours of symptom onset; (c) 100% …