Asian American Mental Health Detection, Treatment, And Adherence In Primary Care, Kimberly Ha, Jenny Tran

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Asian Americans are understudied in the field of mental healthcare. Barriers to care include stigma, acculturative stress, and community expectations, coupled with structural limitations such as culturally insensitive care and knowledge gaps, which contribute to decreased rates of mental health access and utilization for this population.

Objective: Identify gaps in the diagnosis, and treatment pathways for Asian Americans receiving mental health services in the primary care setting.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted through a group of community health clinics in Seattle, Washington. Race, preferred language, English-proficiency, age, income, insurance-type, and ethnic subgroups were identified and compared …

End-Of-Life Care Educational Program For Neuro Nurses, Shiyue (Sophie) Wang, Thu Le

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Introduction: High-quality end-of-life (EOL) care necessitates both effective symptom management and therapeutic communication with patients and families. Nurses often report knowledge gaps in symptom management and discomfort when engaging in sensitive conversations during EOL care.

Methods: Neuro-nurses at a tertiary care hospital were invited to participate in an educational intervention focused on EOL symptom management and communication. The training occurred during both day and night clinical shifts. Effectiveness was measured using pre- and postintervention assessments adapted from validated questionnaires. All responses collected anonymously via REDCap.

Results: Post-intervention, 83% of participants showed improved scores in the knowledge assessment, with an average …

Evaluating The Impact Of The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (Bmat) On Nursing Staff Confidence In Patient Mobilization: A Pre And Post Implementation Study, Katelyn Kern, Shonali Prasad

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background Hospitalized patients are at high risk for functional decline due to immobility. Despite the benefits of early mobility, consistent assessment and promotion of mobility remain challenging, partly due to low nursing confidence. The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) has shown promise in addressing these issues. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of BMAT education and unit-wide implementation on nursing staff confidence in assessing patient mobility among adult inpatients on an acute care unit at a level one trauma center in Seattle, Washington.

Methods This quality improvement project included BMAT education (a one-hour Zoom session on …

Addressing Mental Healthcare Barriers Among Bipoc Perinatal Patients In A Community Health Setting, Aimee Nguyen, Ezinne Ndibeshe, Vedika Iyer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Objective. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) perinatal patients often face systemic, cultural, and logistical barriers to accessing mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum. These challenges contribute to disparities in outcomes, yet patient perspectives remain underrepresented in community health settings. This quality improvement initiative aimed to identify key barriers, raise awareness about perinatal mental health, and improve access to care at a community health clinic in Shoreline, Washington. A culturally inclusive educational handout was developed to support awareness and connect patients with mental health resources.

Methods. A mixed-methods approach was used to explore barriers both quantitatively and qualitatively. …

Experiences Of Caregivers During Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization, Zoë J. Evans-Agnew

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In the United States, 8.4 million people provide informal caregiving to people living with mental illness. Many of these caregivers are not included in the treatment process and decision making during inpatient hospitalization despite calls for more caregiver involvement. This mixed-methods study examined caregiver satisfaction and perceptions of care at a Pacific Northwest inpatient psychiatric unit to determine ways to improve caregiver engagement. A convenience sample of caregivers (N = 19) participated in a survey using modified questions from the Ontario Perception of Care Tool for Mental Health and Addictions for Caregivers. Most participants identified as the spouse, partner, …

Stock Albuterol Programs In Public Schools: A Scoping Review And Qualitative Study, Duy Huynh, Carlo Moreno

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Asthma remains a leading cause of school absenteeism, emergency room visits, and 911 calls among school-aged children in the United States. Despite clinical guidelines recommending the availability of rescue inhalers in schools, significant barriers such as limited access, inconsistent policies, and insufficient nursing staff continue to hinder effective asthma management. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project employed a scoping review to examine the implementation strategies and outcomes of stock albuterol programs across various U.S. school systems. Using the PRISMA-ScR methodology, peer-reviewed literature from 2014 to 2024 was analyzed to identify facilitators, barriers, and clinical outcomes associated with these programs. …

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy For Patients With Cancer, Zsuzsanna Balogh

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Patients with cancer confront not only physical challenges but also deep emotional and psychological distress experiences. Depression, anxiety, and existential distress often accompany a cancer diagnosis and negatively affect quality of life, response to medical treatment, and survival outcomes. Traditional psychiatric pharmacologic treatments are slow to work and often inadequate at reducing symptoms. There is an urgent need for fast and effective treatment options that improve mental health outcomes for patients facing life-threatening illnesses, highlighting the importance of exploring innovative approaches to mental health care in oncology settings. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project examined via retrospective analysis how ketamine-assisted …

Optimizing Patient Outcomes: The Essential Role Of A Consolidated Nutrition Platform, Hugo Lam

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background and Purpose: Current research identifies a gap in the data regarding electronic health records (EHRs), signage, and digital tools to improve outcomes for patients on modified diets, as well as a lack of government reports on clinically related events (Hoggle et al., 2006; Limketkai et al., 2021; Prgomet et al., 2019). EHRs can facilitate data sharing, but often overlook clinical realities and user needs, which leads to inefficiencies in nutritional care. This quality improvement project examines the experiences of bedside providers in acute trauma settings to inform evidence-based recommendations for enhancing nutritional care practices and system design.

Methods: This …

Nurse Initiated Objective Iv Screening Tool: Ea-Diva Application In The Emergency Department, Benjamin C. Miller

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

No abstract provided.

Regulation & Resilience: A Toolkit To Promote Pediatric Mental Health Within An Outpatient Setting, Aysia Crumbie

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this doctoral ALE/Capstone project was to develop a pediatric mental health toolkit for clinicians to utilize at my site, the Georgetown Pediatric Therapy Center in Georgetown, Kentucky. The primary ACOTE areas of focus were education, advocacy, and program development. I collaborated with the two occupational therapists at the site to achieve the goals of 1) developing a pediatric mental health toolkit grounded in evidence, clinical use, and clinician feedback, 2) supporting clinician consistency and confidence when addressing mental health in sessions, and 3) providing accessible caregiver resources to support strategy carryover at home. A needs assessment was …

Improving Dementia Care Practices In The Swing Bed Program, Grace Donahue

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my capstone/ALE, I partnered with the therapy team at CHI St. Joseph Berea’s Swing Bed Program to improve communication and care strategies for patients with dementia or cognitive impairments. My project focused on ACOTE areas of program development, education, and advocacy in an acute care setting. The goal was to implement dementia-friendly communication practices and promote meaningful engagement through activity toolboxes.The Swing Bed Program supports patients recovering from acute hospital stays who are not yet ready to return home. During my time there, I observed a lack of structured, personalized activities for patients, despite regulatory expectations for enrichment. My …

Beyond The Clinic: Developing An Animal-Assisted Therapy Program For School-Based Ot, Shelby R. Frazier

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was created to equip Pineville Independent Schools, located in rural Kentucky, with the tools and strategies needed to implement and sustain an Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program within their occupational therapy services. Although the district uniquely employs both a licensed occupational therapist and a veterinarian who teaches animal care and vocational skills to students, neither professional had experience with AAT or knowledge of its potential integration within the school system. This revealed a significant gap and an opportunity for innovative program development in a rural educational setting. The primary goals were to design a school-based AAT framework that …

Fostering Collaboration And Synergy: Utilizing The Lorna Model Of Problem Solving To Assist New Leaders With Pre-Existing Teams, Kennetia A. Brooks

Doctor of Leadership Projects

New leaders can face several challenges that hinder their ability to succeed. Ranking high on these challenges is the absence of developed skills to manage others, make strategic decisions, and navigate new workplace cultures. Another hurdle can be an inability to build effective, synergetic teams. Specific leadership training is necessary to establish collaboration and success amongst team members. Through literature research and leadership experiences, one training has been developed and used to equip new leaders for these tasks. The LORNA Model is a prescriptive approach to problem-solving that intentionally navigates through workplace relationships and incorporates elements of team members’ recognition, …

A Nurse-Driven Protocol To Increase Music Therapy Referrals To Manage Patient Pain And Anxiety In The Medicine Intensive Care Unit, Ashley Fox

DNP Projects

Background: Critically ill patients often suffer from pain and anxiety. Music therapy is a safe and effective treatment option. However, most nurses never receive education or training on it, resulting in a lack of awareness of its value and its actual usage in care.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to increase the number of music therapy referrals to manage pain and anxiety in eligible medicine intensive care unit (MICU) patients via a music therapy protocol that increased nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to the use of music as an alternative treatment option for pain and anxiety in …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Progressive Mobility Protocol Among Adult Icu Patients, Clayton Chroust

DNP Projects

Background: Many intensive care unit (ICU) patients are critically ill and require ventilator support, and they often do not receive any progressive mobility interventions until after they are liberated from the ventilator or receive transfer orders out of the ICU. Current literature suggests that patients in the ICU face deconditioning, increased ventilator days, development of deep vein thrombosis, pressure ulcers, pulmonary embolism, muscular atrophy, and increased days in the ICU which can be attributed to a lack of mobility. Current evidence-based research identifies that utilization of a progressive mobility protocol is one way to improve patient outcomes and reduce …

Implementation Of A Process To Improve Compliance With A Nurse Driven Foley Catheter Removal Protocol In Nursing Staff Of A Medicine Intensive Care Unit, Kendall L. Pfister

DNP Projects

Background: Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are the most prevalent healthcare acquired infection (HAI) in the acute care setting. Unfortunately, CAUTIs can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates, longer length of stay (LOS) and increased healthcare costs. Unfortunately, in critically ill patients which often suffer multi-organ failure/injury, there remains an increased risk for infection and poor outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to increase medical intensive care unit (MICU) nursing staffs’ knowledge of existing nurse driven indwelling urinary catheter removal protocol and to implement an electronic medical record (EMR) prompt for removal of unnecessary urinary catheters …

Utilizing Integrative Medicine Services For Yoga To Reduce Cancer Related Fatigue, Leah R. Yeager

DNP Projects

Background: Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent and distressing side effects experienced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment. In fact, many patients report CRF as more debilitating than pain itself. CRF is characterized by persistent, severe exhaustion that is not alleviated by sleep and is not linked to prior exertion. Despite its widespread impact, the options available to manage CRF are limited, typically including practices like good sleep hygiene, balanced nutrition, mindfulness, and supplements. Integrative medicine, particularly yoga, has emerged as a promising intervention for reducing CRF. However, yoga is underutilized as a therapeutic approach to combat …

Implementation And Evaluation Of A Competency-Based Phased Orientation Program For Nurse Practitioners In The Intensive Care Unit Setting, Meredith Sherer

DNP Projects

Background: Research has demonstrated that structured orientation helps to integrate new nurse practitioners (NPs) into practice, ease role transition, decrease NP turnover, and lead to better patient care. However, at University of Kentucky HealthCare (UKHC) clinical orientation programs for NPs are not standardized.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate a competency-based phased orientation program for NPs in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting at UKHC.

Methods: This project utilized a prospective, single group, presurvey-postsurvey design to examine the effect of a three-phased competency-based orientation program on the outcome variables of NP confidence, autonomy, proficiency of …

Evaluating Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, And Suicide Hotline Referrals In Aprns Screening Children For Depression And Suicide In Primary Care, Brooklyn D. Higginbotham

DNP Projects

Background: Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in adolescents across the United States (US). Primary care providers (PCPs) are often the first people an adolescent sees for depression or suicide symptoms; however, evidence shows PCPs may not be comprehensively screening for suicide in the primary care setting by using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) alone. Screening tool usage for depression and suicide among PCPs is currently at rates as low as 26% due to lack of knowledge and insufficient resources. Evidence-based education on American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations can improve PCPs’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes when assessing …

The Effect Of A Hospital Community Garden On Healthcare Workers’ Professional Quality Of Life, Madelyn Renee Cline

DNP Projects

Background: Healthcare professionals experience a variety of stressors which negatively impact their professional quality of life (ProQOL) potentially leading to increased turnover and nurse shortages in hospitals. There are growing studies addressing ways to improve healthcare ProQOL, yet few have examined the impact of alterations to the workplace on these outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of a dedicated outdoor green space for nurses during shift breaks on their ProQOL.

Methods: This project used a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data analysis was completed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. The Professional Quality of …

Implementation Of A Pilot Post-Code Debrief Tool Initiated By The Chaplains And Unit Lead Nurses Within The Medicine Intensive Care Unit, Sarah Stigall

DNP Projects

Background: Post-code debriefs are shown to improve teamwork and communication, increase performance, and reduce burnout. According to the University of Kentucky HealthCare (UKHC) policy, teams are to perform a post-code debrief immediately after an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). However, the current policy does not provide guidance on what to include during a debrief session. At UK post-code debrief sessions are documented as occurring 60-72% of the time; however, personal observation and discussions with other bedside and rapid response nurses suggest that post-code debriefs are underperformed when compared to the documentation. Purpose: This study aimed to explore barriers to post-code debriefs …

Nurse-Led Cbt For Depression In Heart Transplant Patients: A Feasibility Study, Matthew R. Wallace

DNP Projects

Background: Heart transplant recipients are at an elevated risk of experiencing depressive symptoms compared to the general population. Those with depression post-transplant face increased complications, e.g., infection, organ rejection, prolonged hospitalization, and higher mortality rates. However, specific psychotherapeutic interventions tailored for heart transplant recipients remain limited. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of various interventions for adults with heart failure, a condition frequently diagnosed in these patients. This suggests that successful strategies for managing depressive symptoms in heart failure patients could be adapted for heart transplant recipients.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate …

Effectiveness Of A Multi-Departmental Nursing Tiered Orientation Model On Service Line Culture, Self-Efficacy Of Nurses, Positive Patient Outcomes And Nurse Satisfaction, Kimberly Thompson

DNP Projects

Abstract
Background: Nurses who transition into specialty practice areas in healthcare settings may demonstrate a lack of confidence and a high level of stress. Decreased levels of nursing engagement, self-efficacy, and interdepartmental team collaboration may also be seen. Multi-departmental tiered orientation models can help facilitate the development of increased confidence and competence and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this doctoral project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-departmental tiered orientation model for nurses hired into a specialty area. The specific objectives included were to a) determine the effectiveness of the model on service line …

Evaluation On The Effectiveness Of A Virtual Reality (Vr) Guided Meditation Intervention On Pre-Procedural Anxiety In An Outpatient Dental Clinic, Anansa Thompson

DNP Projects

Background: Mental health issues, particularly anxiety, represent a significant public health concern in the United States, with dental anxiety affecting anywhere between 50% and 80% of adults (White et al., 2017). Pre-procedural anxiety in outpatient dental clinics complicates patient care and can lead to avoidance of necessary dental treatments, impacting both oral and overall health. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as immersive virtual reality (VR) guided meditation, offer promising solutions to address anxiety in healthcare settings.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR guided meditation on pre-procedural anxiety among adults undergoing painful dental procedures at an outpatient …

A Triage Process To Decrease Door To Ekg Times For Adult Patients With Suspected Cardiac Abnormalities In The Emergency Department, Khay Douangdara

DNP Projects

Objective: The emergency department (ED) triage process for adult patients presenting with suspected cardiac abnormalities should be reliable; however, delays in identifying significant cardiac rhythms can negatively impact patient outcomes. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend that patients presenting to the ED with cardiac-related concerns undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG) within 10 minutes of arrival. This project aimed to educate ED nurses and implement changes in the triage process to reduce door-to-EKG times for adult patients with suspected cardiac abnormalities.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a pre- and post-intervention design to evaluate the effectiveness …

Implementation And Evaluation Of Diet And Physical Activity Screening Tools For Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Primary Care, Ashley O. Dalton

DNP Projects

Background: Only half of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) of less than 7%, indicating poor glycemic control and contributing to a global diabetes epidemic. Diabetes is considered a diet-sensitive disease and an individual’s diabetes-related nutrition knowledge is one of the most challenging aspects of the treatment plan. Empirical evidence supports that a combination of dietary and physical activity interventions is more effective than nutrition education alone. Performing a dietary evaluation is fundamental to establishing nutrition goals. The use of the Starting the Conversation (STC) tool, which assesses an individual’s dietary practices, and Physical …

Improving The Diabetic Foot Screening Process And Foot Care Patient Education In A Primary Care Setting, Keelie Tillett

DNP Projects

Background: Foot ulcerations are a common diabetes-associated complication that can lead to significant morbidity, mortality, and financial burden for patients and health care systems. Health care providers (HCPs) play an important role in providing diabetic foot care. Despite national guidelines recommending HCPs perform an annual foot exam in all individuals with diabetes to recognize at-risk feet, research shows that many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) do not receive routine diabetic foot exams (DFE) in the primary care setting.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of provider education, a standardized DFE template, an electronic health record (EHR) alert, and online educational …

Screening For The Unseen: Depression Detection Through Phq-9 And Provider Education In Pain Management, Veronica Shaw

DNP Projects

Background: Depression leads to significant economic and health burdens, causing 200 million lost workdays and costing employers $17 to $44 billion annually (CDC, 2022). It accounts for 4.3% of the global disease burden and is a leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2021). Chronic pain, affecting 20.9% of United States adults, often exacerbates depression, creating a vicious cycle of physical and emotional suffering (Rikard et al., 2023). Despite the availability of effective treatments, depression is frequently missed in primary care settings, with 50% of cases undiagnosed (Hawkes, 2019). Addressing both depression and chronic pain through improved screening and holistic care …

Introducing An Eating Disorder Protocol In The Pediatric Primary Care Setting, Brandi Bozarth

DNP Projects

Background: The incidence of eating disorders has been on the rise, often beginning in adolescence and continuing well into adulthood. Consequences of untreated disrupted eating patterns can affect multiple body systems and are responsible for thousands of deaths annually. Despite these facts, research and data regarding eating disorders in adolescent patients are severely deficient. There is also a lack of standardization regarding assessing eating disorders in the pediatric primary care setting, as there are no specific guidelines or screening processes recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the detection of eating disorders.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is …

Evaluating The Implementation Of Social Determinants Of Health Screening In An Interdisciplinary Clinic, Taylor M. Adams

DNP Projects

Background: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including food, housing, interpersonal violence, and transportation are non-medical problems that can influence health outcomes (World Health Organization, 2020). Low-income minorities and public-payer groups are at considerable higher risk for social needs. Collaboration within the community can improve health outcomes (Sulley et al., 2021). A literature review revealed limited evidence of screening in dental clinic settings. Failure to identify and address SDOH needs in this population can lead to poorer health outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate social determinants of health screening and evaluate the …