Digital Commons Network^™

Addressing The Root Causes Of Population Health In Central Appalachian Virginia, David L. Driscoll, Kol Gold

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Southwest Virginia Health Authority (SWVHA) recently commissioned a community health needs assessment (CHNA) to reduce the high rate of preventable health problems in Virginia’s (VA) Appalachian Region. The CHNA took place over a two-year period from 2023 – 2025.

Purpose: This iterative, mixed-method CHNA informed the development of a new iteration of the regional Blueprint for Health Improvement and Health-Enabled Prosperity identifying and prioritizing health issues and develop strategic planning to address them in VA’s three westernmost regional health districts.

Methods: The CHNA followed a sequential mixed methods design to assess the regional health status, the contextual factors …

Align Appalachia’S Opioid-Settlement Spending With Evidence And Emerging Threats, Bradley Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

State and local governments across Appalachia are allocating opioid-settlement dollars over the coming years. This funding opportunity can support lasting public health infrastructure or be spent on short-term programs anchored in the opioid crisis of the past. Evidence indicates that emerging synthetic drugs such as nitazenes and xylazine are altering overdose risk patterns in ways that require urgent policy attention.

Development And Psychometric Testing Of The Capstone-Experience Preceptor Preparedness Scale: The Cap-Express Study, Lisa Eyring Guthrie

Sigma Foundation for Nursing Research Grant Reports

Objective of grant funding: To provide funds to purchase gift cards as incentives for N = 300 anticipated sample, to perform psychometric testing on a new instrument measuring preceptor preparedness, the Cap-ExPresS.

Effects Of Led Light Therapy On Pressure Ulcers, Nutrition, And Body Mass Index In Nursing Homes, I-Hua Lai, Li-Yin Chien, Chen-Jei Tai

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: This study was grounded in the theories of low-level LED light therapy (LLLT) and traditional Chinese medicine, which propose that applying photo energy to acupoints can improve microcirculation, facilitates energy transmission to mitochondria in the skin, augments the activity of the respiratory chain, and increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using LLLT to prevent pressure ulcers, improve nutritional status, and regulate Body Mass Index (BMI) in older adults in nursing homes.

Methods: This study applied a one-group pre and post-test design. Data were collected from December 2019 through February …

Implementation Of A Mobile-Based Mindfulness Intervention To Mitigate Nursing Student Stress, Wendy S. Carley

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This project analyzed the effect of the daily use of a mindfulness-based mobile application on associate degree nursing undergraduate prelicensure students' perceived stress levels. Nursing students experience elevated stress levels that may be reduced through mindfulness behaviors. Undergraduate, prelicensure nursing students participated in establishing the impact of mindfulness on perceived stress levels in a quantitative pre/post-intervention study. The evidenced-based studies chosen for this review consisted of randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, pre/posttest designs, systematic reviews, quantitative and qualitative studies. Project research data was collected using a pre/posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of a stress management program in reducing stress …

Fostering Collaboration & Engagement In Virtual Ebp Workshops: Strategies For Success, Elizabeth Corless, Janine S. Roberts

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

As a large system increased efforts to cultivate a culture of evidence-based practice (EBP), the EBP team recognized an opportunity for growth and improved effectiveness in its educational offerings. The goal was to create an engaging, comprehensive EBP course which encouraged active learning and real-time application.

A virtual learning environment was chosen as the primary setting to increase equitable access despite the large geographical reach of the system. Virtual settings traditionally present challenges, including poor participant engagement, higher levels of distraction, and limited small-group coaching opportunity compared to traditional in-person settings.

While virtual courses are not novel, the team integrated …

Cultivating Caring: The Heart Of Online Nursing Education- An Integrative Review, Jihane Frangieh, Vickie Hughes, Laura Sarver

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

With the widespread adoption of online education, nursing educators have observed significant challenges related to learner engagement and participation. Over the past decade, the implementation of Caring has consistently displayed a beneficial influence on creating and maintaining a sustainable online learning environment.
However, existing online nursing curricula often lack a Caring and learner-centered approach. The aim of this integrative review is to analyze existing research and gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that promote a sense of Caring in online nursing education programs. A systematic search for published peer
reviewed, English language literature identifying the factors that contribute to …

Improving Chlamydia Screening In Rural Clinics - Nurse Practitioner And Staff Perspectives, Denise Cummins, Lydia Jorgensen, Adrianna Lorraine Watson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Regular Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) screening is imperative for sexually active young women in rural areas, where CT is increasingly prevalent^1,2. Females age15-24 are at highest risk among all populations of acquiring CT³. Symptoms of CT are absent or subtle, often delaying detection and treatment. Without treatment, CT may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), increasing the risk of infertility and life-threatening tubal pregnancy⁴. Chlamydia screening is a high impact service⁵ that reduces the incidence of PID by up to 60%⁶. Screening resources mitigate a “double disparity”⁷ of low healthcare access …

Harness The Power Of An Evidence-Based Practice Toolkit To Drive Nursing Ebp Competency, Margo A. Halm

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Good health and well-being for all people is a key United Nations (UN) sustainable development goal. Better health outcomes are achieved with evidence-based care. Yet, evidence-based practice (EBP) competency of U.S. nurses lags¹ and EBP implementation in low-middle income countries is suboptimal to moderate.² Nurses can commit to this UN's goal by achieving proficiency in EBP. While it could be argued education advances EBP competencies, clinician and system factors influence routine implementation of EBP.^1,3,4

Objective: The purpose of this presentation is to increase awareness and adoption of a collection of valid and reliable EBP tools4 to …

Food Insecurity, Sodium-Restricted Diet Adherence, And Mental Health In Patients With Hypertension, Reimund Serafica

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This study aims to investigate food insecurity, attitudes toward sodium-restricted diets, and mental health outcomes among Filipino-Americans with hypertension in a primary care setting.^1,2 Additionally, it seeks to explore patient perceptions of dietary restrictions and how nurse practitioners can use this information to enhance clinical management.^3,4

A two-phase, mixed-methods approach was employed. In Phase 1, a cross-sectional study was conducted, recruiting a sample of 135 Filipino-American adults with hypertension from a primary care clinic in Southern Nevada. Data collection tools included demographic surveys, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire (DSRQ), …

Cross-Cultural Adaptation Of The Sinhala Version Of The Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale, Sujeewa Dilhani Maithreepala, Sriyani Padmalatha Konara Mudiyanselage, Bih-Ching Shu

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background and Objective: The Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSE) assesses a patient's confidence in managing their self-care in chronic conditions, such as heart failure (HF). Higher levels of self-efficacy are strongly linked to improved self-care behaviors and better clinical outcomes. No culturally adapted instrument is available in Sinhala to assess SCSE in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and test the reliability of the SCSE among HF patients in Sri Lanka.

Methods: The cross-cultural adaptation followed a structured process based on established guidelines for self-report measures. In Stage 1, two bilingual experts fluent in Sinhala independently performed forward …

Learning And Trending From Workplace Violence Incident Reports: Five Years Of Data, Carol A. Boswell, Rebekah Powers, Christina Ramdeo, Nancy Ornelas

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Workplace violence in healthcare settings is a multifaceted challenge and must be tackled using diverse strategies. Utilizing the data collected over a five-year period, the purpose of this project was to analyze the workplace violence incident report data to identify and determine innovative techniques to reduce or eliminate workplace violence. This agency has worked aggressively in the area of workplace violence since 2018 with the acquisition of three workplace violence grants directed toward educating and engaging nursing staff with developing a safe work environment. Two of the grants were completed by August, 2024 with the third grant funding being initiated …

Evidence Based Practice Tools And Nurses’ Self-Efficacy, Amy Knowles, Penelope Neal

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Improving access to evidence-based guidelines may impact nurses’ confidence and ability to provide high-quality care (Melnyk, 2014). The purpose of this study was to evaluate use of Point of Care Tools (PoCTs) and relationship between PoCTs use and nurses’ confidence in their ability to perform their job. Information about other sources of evidence nurses utilize for clinical guidance was sought to gain a deeper understanding of where nurses obtain answers to clinical questions.

A descriptive correlational design with a 26-question survey was administered to a convenience sample of 52 nurses at a 500-bed community hospital. Survey used was a modified …

From Dirt To Data: Resilience Stories In Ebp, Qi, And Research – We Are The Stories We Tell, Cecelia Lorayne Crawford, Hazel Torres

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Storytelling is foundational to the human experience and cuts across all cultures by conveying norms, ethics, and connectedness. Nursing narratives are used to relate stories of compassion, caring, and resilience. Research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and quality improvement (QI) also have their own stories of translating science into patient care. This presentation describes how resilient storytelling can integrate new knowledge in all settings, with “lessons-learned” for nurses globally, regardless of gender, generation, or culture.

Relevance/Significance: Research, EBP, and QI represent common ground for nurses to transform equitable care, engage nursing practice, and develop inclusive relationships. Literature discusses storytelling …

Examining Proning Covid-19 Patients With Continuous Enteral Feedings: A Retrospective Study, Michael Legal, Sari Winham, Jennifer Ernst

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a unique patient population requiring a triad of therapies: oxygen, nutrition, and patient positioning support. This study investigates the risk of aspiration pneumonia in COVID-19 patients placed in a prone position while receiving continuous enteral nutrition (EN). The retrospective, single-center study reviewed 97 electronic health records (EHR) of patients admitted between March 15, 2020, and June 1, 2022, at a southwest academic medical center. Patients included were diagnosed with COVID-19, aged 18 or older, and received continuous EN via nasogastric or nasoduodenal tubes while on high-flow oxygen support, excluding those on mechanical ventilation.

The study aimed …

Don't Count Them Out: Nursing Students With Disabilities – A Scoping Review, Jamille Nagtalon-Ramos, Erin G. Leuthold, Ann Marie Latini, Hana Feldman, Curtis Joseph Pegues

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

BACKGROUND: Globally, the exclusion of nursing students with disabilities diminishes the diversity and innovation that is crucial for a dynamic, inclusive healthcare system. Nursing students with disabilities represent a vital yet often overlooked segment of the healthcare workforce. Despite legislative milestones such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which aimed to dismantle barriers and promote equality, nursing students continue to face challenges such as insufficient accommodations, stigmatization, and discrimination in clinical and academic settings.

PURPOSE: This scoping review aimed to explore the experiences of pre-licensure nursing students with disabilities, as reported in the literature, which is significant to …

Collaborative Care Integration For Improving Outcomes With Type 2 Diabetes And Psychiatric Disease, Leslie S. Arceneaux, Karan Kverno

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Psychiatric disorders and diabetes are problems that frequently overlap in psychiatric and primary care settings. Those patients with psychiatric disorders and/or social problems have a higher incidence of diabetes complications and poor outcomes (Knudsen, et al., 2022). Clinician awareness of the person's diabetes health with measures to identify and support them, may reduce their risk of developing complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this presentation is to address early identification and interventions to prevent complications of T2DM, and the importance of collaboration with diabetic care specialists among patients receiving psychiatric care. Diabetes and psychiatric disorders can …

Women’S Experiences Of Posttraumatic Growth After Intimate Partner Abuse, Mary Ellen Doherty, Elizabeth Ann Scannell

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Intimate partner abuse can disrupt one’s basic core of dignity, self-respect, confidence, and motivation. Abused women can go through life in a tangled web of control and abuse that their partner dictates. Posttraumatic growth after abuse may lead to positive psychological changes because of this highly stressful experience.

Theoretical Framework: The posttraumatic growth framework of Tedeschi and Calhoun guided this study.

Purpose: To describe the experiences of women who have endured intimate partner abuse and the domains of posttraumatic growth.

Methods: Interviews with 14 women who self-reported intimate partner abuse using a semi-structured interview guide derived from the posttraumatic …

Mastering Interprofessional Facilitation, Essential Knowledge, And Skills For Effective Facilitation, Julie Lamothe

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a critical practice in today’s fragmented healthcare system. IPE prepares students to work collaboratively, ensuring they are ready to join the workforce as effective team members (Brashers et al.,2020; Caratelli, et al., 2020). The Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education offers an Interprofessional (IP) Core Curriculum, which has been completed by over 4,000 students. The XX University School of Nursing plays a significant role both in terms of participating students and facilitators. Interprofessional partnerships are promoted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Nursing education model, The Essentials: Core Competencies of Nursing. One of …

Collaborating With A Global Partner: Experiences Of Bilingual Students In The Us And Brazil, Vicki Lynn Brzoza

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: What scares you the most about teaching? Is it not being able to connect with the students? In the United States (U.S.), students are being admitted to our nursing programs from international locations. As this world changes, we see more and more interactions with individuals from faraway places. English is no longer only spoken in a few countries. It is gaining worldwide popularity as a second language in many countries. Nursing students from overseas want to experience a nursing course taught in English. As an expert in your field, consider sharing your knowledge with students from other countries. …

Patient-Centered Fall Prevention: A Quasi-Experimental Approach To Hospital Education Programming, Ashley E. Perry, Joan M. Walsh, Kara Misto

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Falls are widely recognized to seriously impact patient health.^1,2 The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 37 million falls occur globally every year; a phenomenon that persists despite decades’ long focus on prevention.³ To achieve desired outcomes, experts call for patient-centered care and active commitment of the entire care team.^4,5 Thus, patients maturing as informed consumers and drivers of their own health should be recognized for their role in pursuing safety. Limited research exists that examines specific methodologies in cultivating a patient-driven approach to fall prevention.

Purpose: This purpose of this research was to evaluate the …

Teaching Strategies To Reduce Cognitive Bias In Diagnostic Decisions: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Daniel Forrest Hatch

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background and Significance: Diagnoses based on previous patient experiences, heuristics, and pattern recognition have the potential for leading to bias and misdiagnosis (Doherty, 2020). A teaching technique that has shown to be successful in improving Diagnostic Decision Making (DDM) is guided reflection (Prakash et al., 2019). According to Griffith et al. (2020, 2023), structured reflection demonstrated the most consistent improvement in diagnostic accuracy when studying medical and nurse practitioner students. Cognitive bias occurs when a healthcare provider selectively determines a diagnosis without considering alternatives (Doherty & Carroll, 2020). Numerous debiasing educational techniques have been explored noting mixed results (Tung & …

The Experience Of Fathering A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder And The Challenge Of Self-Care, Mary Lynn Fahey

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with a high level of chronic stress which has the potential to negatively impact the well-being of the parents and may be mitigated by self-care. To date, there has been little research about the experience of fathering a child with ASD, and self-care among these fathers. This study used a qualitative descriptive narrative design with Story Theory as the theoretical framework and Story Inquiry Method as the methodology to explore the experience of fathering a child with ASD and the challenge of selfcare.
Several themes and sub-themes related to the …

The Effects Of The Nice-Support Program On Frailty And Quality Of Life In Heart Failure Patients, Tzu-Chieh Wang, Ai-Fu Chiou, Yu Cheng Hsieh, Chii Ming Lee, Chiu Yueh Yang, Chieh-Yu Liu

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Frailty affects 63% of heart failure patients, significantly diminishing their quality of life (QoL). Targeted interventions are crucial to mitigate frailty and enhance patient outcomes. However, existing research largely focuses on the elderly. This study examines the impact of the NICE-Support program, which includes nutrition, nursing instruction, combined exercise, and support, on frailty and QoL in heart failure patients.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of the NICE-Support program in reducing frailty and enhancing QoL in heart failure patients. A total of 240 patients were recruited from two medical centers in Taiwan through convenience sampling and randomly …

Patient’S Sexual Dignity Discomfort In Healthcare Setting: A Concept Development, Sihyun Park

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Touch and physical proximity are essential in various healthcare procedures. Despite their necessity, some procedures can evoke feelings of shame, embarrassment, humiliation, fear, and anger in patients (Brennan et al., 2023; Harriel-Hidlebaugh, 2023). Such negative experiences can lead to psychological harm, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and may cause patients to avoid or refuse further care (Flynn et al., 2020; Harriel-Hidlebaugh, 2023).

Objective: This study aimed to develop and define the concept of “patient’s sexual dignity discomfort.”

Design: This study utilized a hybrid model of concept development, comprising three phases: theoretical, fieldwork, and analytical phases (Schwartz-Barcott & Kim, 2000). …

Development Of Online Caregiver Training For Cognitive Stimulation In Persons With Dementia, Juiting Chang, Wenchuin Hsu, Peikwei Tsay, Yi Chen Chiu

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Cognitive stimulation activities are a widely recognized non-pharmacological treatment for dementia, known to slow cognitive decline. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 led to the closure of day care centers and community facilities, halting these activities and increasing reliance on telemedicine and digital tools. In Taiwan, the use of digital technology to support family caregivers and improve outcomes for individuals with cognitive impairment remains under-researched.

Objective: This study aimed to develop an online case management system for family caregivers, focused on health education and promoting home-based cognitive stimulation activities for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study sought …

Skills And Competencies Of Nurse Preceptors In The Clinical Environment: A Literature Review, Evangeline Noble

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the literature on the skills and competencies of nurse preceptors that are integral to their development.

Methodolgy/Design: The study is qualitative in nature. Electronic databases (Pubmed, Helio, Elsevier) websites and reference lists were searched. Published studies between 2020-2024 were included if they are: 1) Were original research studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English, and 2) Involve skills and competencies of nurse preceptors in the clinical environment. The study's designs are scoping review, a nominal group technique study, and a Delphi technique via email among clinical experts. …

The Efficacy Of The Strengths-Based Resilience Intervention Among Thai First-Year Nursing Students, Siriphorn Na Nakorn, Genevieve Elizabeth Chandler

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The prevalence of mental health problems among college students was rising even before the COVID-19 epidemic. The university-age population was affected by the epidemic, and studies have shown that this group is more vulnerable to COVID-related stress, anxiety, and depression. The adjustment to college is difficult during the pandemic, leading to high-stress levels and other mental health problems. Strengthening oneself and developing resilience can improve one's mental health and prevent adverse health effects. This research aimed to evaluate the Strengths-Based Resilience Intervention, focused on leveraging personal strengths to improve first-year nursing students' access to resources that affect their perceived stress, …

The Influence Of Social Determinants Of Health And Diet Quality On Symptom Experiences In Patients With Colorectal Cancer, Youran Lee

Sigma Foundation for Nursing Research Grant Reports

This study aimed to:

1. Identify subgroups in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with distinct symptom profiles,
2. Examine the association between SDOH characteristics and distinct symptom profiles in patients with colorectal cancer, and
3. Determine if diet quality acts as a mediator between social determinants of health variables and distinct symptom profiles.

Diary Of Frank (James Franklin) Buchanan, October 1-10, 1973, James Franklin Buchanan

James Franklin “Frank” Buchanan Papers

James Franklin Buchanan wrote this diary, dated October 1-10, 1973, to document his time in Munich, Germany and areas surrounding it during the Farm Bureau Federation Bavarian Adventure. The diary is handwritten on a small, pocket-sized memo notebook.