Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Implementation Of Lymphedema Education Toolkit For Nurse Coordinators, Heather Gee

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Lymphedema is a chronic condition that develops secondary to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical removal of affected lymph nodes. This swelling in patient’s limbs can cause discomfort and limit mobility, however lymphedema is often not detected until later stages, delaying treatment and patient education.

Context: This quality improvement project was conducted at Hospital S Women’s Cancer Center, an outpatient center specializing in advanced treatments for breast and gynecological cancers. This center has a multidisciplinary team focusing on both the medical and surgical aspects of oncology treatment.

Interventions: An evidence-based lymphedema education toolkit was created for nurse …

Implementing Diabetic Eye Care Education For Healthcare Professionals, Misun Serena Moser

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common cause of diabetic eye complications and a leading cause of preventable vision loss in American adults. Skaggs et al. (2017) reported that DR screening prevents vision loss by 95%. The evidence reports that only 60% of people with diabetes have attended the recommended DR screenings (Flaxel et al., 2020). Emerging evidence supports patient education about diabetic eye care and its guidelines by health care professionals (HCPs) as the main facilitator to accomplish this goal (Khair et al., 2020; Moinul et al., 2020). Healthcare professionals are pivotal in encouraging or discouraging DR screening …

Education For Primary Care Providers On Advance Care Planning, Lindsey Ward

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) is a discussion of a patient’s end-of-life healthcare wishes. Its purpose is to indicate these wishes clearly should the patient be unable to make their decisions known to providers and family members due to a sudden health decline or medical emergency. Healthcare providers, specifically nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians in the primary care setting, are well-positioned to facilitate these conversations with their older adult patients. However, research states that limited provider knowledge of and confidence in implementing ACP are significant barriers to its application in practice.

Problem: At a primary care clinic in Midtown …

Improving Nurse Support Of Patient Satisfaction Surveys Through Team Huddle Education, Matthew Price

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem As a leading cause of death and disability in the US, strokes often require complex, multifaceted care. Often ignored, patient satisfaction is a crucial aspect of this care and is positively linked to key health indicators. Regulatory guidelines underscore the need for stroke-specific patient satisfaction survey (SSPS) utilization in post-stroke care. Context Hospital X is a large Comprehensive Stroke Center in the Bay Area, serving patients with various stroke etiologies and complexities. At present, its Neuro Observational Unit (NOU) does not administer a SSPS. Intervention To address this gap in care, an educational presentation using literature evidence in support …

Application Of Ultrasound For Difficult Vascular Access In Obstetric Patients, Carly Mccleland

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This project aimed to create a three-tiered educational program to introduce the benefits of ultrasound application for peripheral IV placement in obstetrical patients. The main goals of this project were to increase successful first-attempt IV placement in obstetric patients who may be difficult to obtain IV access on. The first tier of education consisted of presenting findings from the literature review as an educational PowerPoint to all project stakeholders. The second tier of education included stakeholders practicing using the ultrasound for PIV placement on mannequin arms. The third tier, which is still on going, included implementation of the first two …

Development Of An Evidence-Based Crna Preceptor Training Program, Emmanuel Mensah

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

A preceptor is an experienced clinician who is expected to facilitate a student's learning experience. Preceptorship is the relationship between a staff nurse and student, focusing on the development of clinical skills and knowledge. Initially introduced by Florence Nightingale in the 1800s, the concept was quickly adopted by nurse anesthetists and is a staple of the anesthesia practice today. As it stands, many Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) preceptors do not receive formal training in their role, which may lead to a decrease in teaching ability and confidence to face broad teaching-learning issues. A lack of preparation hinders preceptor outcomes …

African American Women’S Perceptions Of A Group Based, Diabetic Medical Nutritional Therapy Intervention: A Qualitative Study, Megan Mcmahon, Laura Gray

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: African American women exhibit lower rates of attaining recommended diabetes management goals such as optimal blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure numbers compared to other racial and gender groups. As a result, they bear a disproportionate burden of the adverse outcomes associated with poorly managed type 2 diabetes, including increased complications and mortality rates compared to other demographic groups. Despite favorable qualitative findings regarding group-based interventions for African American women with other chronic diseases, a notable gap in the literature exists regarding the women’s perceptions of a group-based medical nutritional therapy tailored to type 2 diabetes. Purpose: This scholarly …

Experiences Of Undergraduate Nursing Faculty Adapting To The Changes Of The Next Generation Nclex, Marlene Kilpack Whiteside

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Undergraduate nursing faculty are responsible for preparing nursing students for patient care in a dynamic health care setting and are challenged with meeting the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) change to the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing recommended the incorporation of the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) and competency-based curriculum in preparation for NGN testing that began in 2023. Understanding how faculty experienced and adapted to changes in curriculum, patient-centered instruction, and NGN testing may help future nurse faculty in adapting. The purpose of this basic exploratory, qualitative study guided by the achievement …

Student Perspectives On The Adequacy Of Mental Health Curriculum Within The College Of Health And Human Services At Unh, Brianna Lee Meyer

Honors Theses and Capstones

This study aims to understand the confidence students in future healthcare oriented majors feel in regards to treating or interacting with individuals with mental health conditions. It also aims to understand the effect of students' in-major education, outside-major education, and lived experience on this confidence level. Students within the College of Health and Human Services at UNH were the participants who completed a short Qualtrics survey online. The survey collected data from Likert scales and short-answer questions. The Likert scales were then analyzed with a regression and descriptive statistics, while the short-answer questions were analyzed with thematic analysis. The study …

Nursing Education And Comfort Level In Caring For Patients With Eating Disorders, Jaylyn E. Jewell

Honors Theses and Capstones

Nurses are integral to providing care to patients with eating disorders, who often present to the generalized hospital setting related to physical complications from their disorder. Despite the vital role nurses play, a lack of education is cited. This project sought to assess knowledge on eating disorders of nurses at a local hospital through dissemination of a survey. A total of n=18 responses were gathered. Results supported the fact that many nurses have received inadequate education on eating disorders, and consequently have low knowledge and competency in the care of these patients. This project seeks to identify this lack of …

Increasing Breast Cancer Screenings In The New American Population, Tuhina Venkatayogi Mph, Bs, Rn, Erin Leighton Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications

Purpose: Breast cancer poses a significant health risk globally, with routine screenings pivotal for early detection. The New American population in Vermont face many barriers to accessing mammogram screenings and have a 0% participation rate in breast cancer screening, thus necessitating targeted interventions. The purpose of this project was to improve mammogram participation among New Americans by at least 15% by January 2024.

Methods: The intervention at a New American clinic included an educational infographic presented during initial health center visits, supplemented by tangible pamphlets. Patient understanding was assessed through teach-back questions. Appointment scheduling was facilitated during the visit, with …

The Impact Of Lung Cancer Screening Education On Knowledge And Screening Rates In A Kentucky Cancer Survivorship Clinic, Alexandra Isler

DNP Projects

Background: Lung cancer is a significant problem in Kentucky, which ranks fourth in the nation in adults who currently smoke. Early detection, through lung cancer screening, can prevent untimely deaths. Several barriers to screening exist including lack of knowledge and awareness among patients regarding lung cancer screening. By increasing knowledge, at risk patients can take the necessary steps to decrease incidence of late stage diagnoses.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate patients’ knowledge of lung cancer screening and referral and screening rates before and after one-on-one patient education.

Methods: This was a quality improvement project that used …

Improving Dental Students' Knowledge And Confidence In Treating Tobacco Use, Victoria Pierce

DNP Projects

Background: Tobacco use can lead to numerous chronic health conditions. Healthcare professionals in the dental field are in a unique position to broach this issue with patients. Research shows that dental students do not feel equipped to provide tobacco cessation care, citing lack of education on the subject among their top reasons for this.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate changes in dental students’ knowledge and confidence related to treating tobacco use after participation in an educational intervention about the 5A’s, behavioral counseling, and first-line prescription medications.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative utilized a quasi-experimental survey design …

Improving Nutrition Screening Practice In The Hospitalized Heart Failure Patient Population, Amanda J. Bourgeois

DNP Projects

Background: Heart Failure is a disease known to affect nearly 6.5 million adults in the United States. Characterized by recurrent hospitalizations, heart failure significantly contributes to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in the United States and worldwide. Because malnutrition is prevalent in the heart failure population, healthcare providers must perform nutritional assessments on admission to intervene in the case of malnutrition, prevent deterioration, and improve patient prognosis. Without intervention and early identification of malnutrition, heart failure hospitalizations will remain a significant problem.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of an evidence-based educational program for cardiac …

An Educational Intervention On Provider Knowledge Of Hypertension Guidelines And Home Blood Pressure Monitoring, Alison Claire Oesterritter

DNP Projects

Background: While hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, disease control remains suboptimal. In the U.S., 47% of adults have hypertension, but only 25% are controlled. Despite having quality evidence-based guidelines, many recommendations are not implemented due to clinical inertia, or the tendency to not change therapy when targets aren’t met. Research has shown that this can be overcome with educational programs. Purpose: To provide training on hypertension guidelines and home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) to overcome clinical inertia and improve patient outcomes related to hypertension. Methods: The project was a quasi-experimental, pre- and post- …

Improving Healthcare Provider Knowledge And Confidence With Treating The Lgbtq Population Through A Web-Based Education Module, Logan Price

DNP Projects

Background: There is a need for improved healthcare staff and provider knowledge and confidence when treating the LGBTQ population, as many healthcare providers are insufficiently prepared to treat LGBTQ patients (Rowe et al., 2017). This population is at greater risk for mental illness, substance use, and physical illness than the general population due to societal factors such as minority stress and stigma (Cochran et al., 2004; Cochran & Mays 2007; Cochran et al., 2003; Meyer, 2003). Purpose: The purpose of this project is to educate healthcare staff and providers about the LGBTQ population to improve their knowledge and confidence when …

Benefits Of Patient-Centered Education For Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Paige Bortnick

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, lifelong illness that affects millions of individuals in the United States. The rate of diabetes has doubled over the last 20 years in America and has climbed to be the seventh leading cause of death amongst Americans. The purpose of this project was to determine if participants in the target community demonstrated increased knowledge and awareness of diabetes after receiving education. A pre-intervention and post-intervention survey was given to determine if the education was effective. Data collected revealed an increased awareness and knowledge regarding the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle, and diet modification.

Increasing Organ Donation In A University Setting, Zachary Hatton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The literature shows a strong correlation between education on organ donation and increased organ donation registration. Society has depicted a description of organ donation that is hostile and untrue. Increasing organ donation registration with knowledge sets the foundation of a grassroots movement to increase understanding and change society’s viewpoint(s) on organ donation. An education session on organ donation was developed and presented to the targeted population of 18–24-year-old students at a university in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The focal point of the presentation was to dispel myths, educate on facts, and create a better understanding of organ donation …

Improving Parental Communication With Adolescents About Sex, Amanda Blanton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In 2018, 68 million people in the United States were infected with a sexually transmitted infection. Of those 68 million, 26 million cases were newly diagnosed, and of that 26 million, half were youth aged 15-24 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022a). The approaches to educating our youth about sexual health are inconsistent, leading to misconceptions about the dangers associated with risky sexual behavior. However, parents have the upper hand in discussing sexual health information with their children by being the child’s first contact and source of information. Teens who report talking with their parents about sex are …

Improving Sexually Transmitted Infections (Sti) Education And Access To Education For Healthcare Workers In A Rural Ambulatory Clinic, Savannah Elmore

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent across the United States, with one in five people diagnosed in 2018, resulting in nearly $16 billion in medical costs. The prevention and treatment of STIs have been identified as a priority area for improvement, with healthcare providers playing a critical role in education, diagnosing, and treating STIs. The aim of this capstone project was to improve STI education and access to education for healthcare workers in a rural ambulatory clinic. Through a needs assessment and the development of objectives and a timeline, the project identified and addressed gaps in STI education and resources, …

Enhancing Athletic Participation: Continuous Glucose Monitoring For Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Athletes, Danielle Santiago

Nursing | Senior Theses

The difficulties that children and teenagers with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) encounter are discussed in this thesis, with a focus on how fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) and actual hypoglycemia associated with this chronic illness affects their ability to engage in physical activities, especially organized sports. A common challenge for children diagnosed with T1DM is meeting the daily recommendation of 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. The purpose of the proposed study is to evaluate if participation in structured exercise (physical education classes and after-school sports) increases among school-aged children who wear continuous glucose monitors (CGM) when …

The Education Prescription: Exploring The Potential Of Patient Education To Reduce Mental Health Issues In Hormonal Contraceptive Users, Maria Abraham

Nursing | Senior Theses

The many birth control options available impact a woman’s life, as hormonal contraceptives are commonly used but often misunderstood. These contraceptives, which contain progestin only, or estrogen and progestin combined, can come in various forms such as pills, implants, IUDs, injections, the vaginal ring, and skin patches. They offer benefits such as reduced menstrual cramps and ectopic pregnancy risk. However, they may lead to adverse side effects which can include increased blood pressure, nausea, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and a higher risk of blood clots, with research indicating a potential link between oral contraceptive use and a decline in the user’s …

Cervical Cancer Education & Prevention For Women In The Philippines, Kate Isabel Juanillo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Although cervical cancer is preventable, it continues to pose a significant health concern in the Philippines as evidenced by high cervical cancer diagnosis rates. The purpose of this quantitative study is to investigate low cervical cancer screening rates and the effectiveness of educational interventions in increasing awareness and screening rates. A literature review will examine topics such as low cervical cancer screening rates, cervical cancer screening methods, and barriers. This research proposal involves a quasi-experimental study that investigates education as an intervention for increasing cervical cancer awareness and cervical cancer screening rates. Fifty Filipino women will be randomly assigned to …

Racial And Geographic Disparities In The Management And Care Of Sepsis, Luke Dommaschk Burwell

Nursing | Senior Theses

Sepsis, a severe condition triggered by the body's response to infection, requires prompt treatment to prevent tissue damage and organ failure. The SEP-1 Sepsis bundle, developed by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to standardize care, particularly in rural hospitals with limited resources. However, disparities in bundle adherence and mortality rates persist, with rural areas facing more significant challenges. Studies show racial differences in care quality, emphasizing the need for interventions to address systemic biases. While sepsis bundle adherence and simulation training are strong indicators of care improvement, the literature review underscores the need for targeted interventions in …

Give Love With Lovenox: Improving Nurse Education On Lovenox Prophylaxis To Reduce Pulmonary Embolism Risk On The Postpartum Unit, Jennifer G. Domingo Rn

Master's Projects and Capstones

This quality improvement project aims to improve nurse education about Lovenox prophylaxis to reduce the risk of pulmonary emboli – post-discharge – amongst high-risk postpartum women who underwent vaginal and cesarean deliveries on the family baby unit. This project took place in a Family Baby/Postpartum Unit at Hospital SC. This unit has a total of 25 beds with an increased prevalence of pulmonary embolism following cesarean delivery. Nurses were given anonymous pre- and post-survey questionnaires and provided educational sessions with distributed handouts. A unit needs assessment was conducted using the 5 P’s. Out of the 72 nurses on the staff …

Improving Triage Accuracy In The Emergency Department, Catriona E. Clohessy

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Hospital Z’s emergency department was experiencing a triage inaccuracy rate that exceeded the accepted national benchmark of 10%. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce triage inaccuracy to less than 10% in the emergency department at Hospital Z, through improved education and availability of supplemental reference materials.

Context: This quality improvement project was conducted in a 40 bed emergency department at Hospital Z. This microsystem serves a diverse patient population from the surrounding community that experience a variety of conditions requiring emergency medical intervention.

Interventions: Clinical Nurse Leader nursing students partnered with unit leadership to create a new ESI …

Implementing An African American Cultural Awareness Program For Skilled Nursing Facility Staff, Adekemi T. Adedipe

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Patient care is most effective when patients and providers establish a therapeutic connection in a cultural context. Nurses’ lack of awareness of a cultural context for patient care impairs establishing a therapeutic provider/patient relationship, with care of lesser quality and poorer health outcomes as consequences.

Local Problem: Staff at a Northern Californian skilled nursing facility (SNF) caring for African American patients with mental illness lacked self-awareness of the cultural context of care. Staff did not consider cultural constructs of care in treating patients and developing care plans.

Methods: Educational intervention to increase the cultural competence of a skilled …

Improving Education On Preeclampsia With Non-Severe Features And Frequency Of Assessment Among Nurses In The Maternal-Child Postpartum Unit, Alyssa J. Willsher

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: This Quality Improvement (QI) project aims to improve preeclampsia education among nurses and reduce the frequency of preeclampsia assessments among patients(without severe features) (SF) in the Mother-Baby postpartum unit at Hospital A. Nurses often stated that patients are unable to have uninterrupted rest periods with frequent assessments, which research shows is necessary for reducing patient blood pressure.

Context: The QI project is implemented in a 25-bed postpartum unit that cares for women and their newborns in the postpartum period. The unit’s nurse educator and nurse manager requested that the visiting University of San Francisco research group focus on simplifying …

Improving Preeclampsia Education And Assessment Frequency Among Nurses And Patients With Non-Severe Features In A Postpartum Unit, Monica Heredia

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: This Quality Improvement project aimed to improve preeclampsia education among Registered Nurses (RNs) and simplify the preeclampsia assessment frequency for patients with non-severe features in the Mother-Baby Postpartum Unit at Hospital Y.

Context: The Quality Improvement project occurred in a 25-bed Mother-Baby Postpartum unit at Hospital Y. The nurse educators at Hospital Y requested that University of San Francisco (USF) nursing students focus on increasing preeclampsia education among nurses and reducing the nursing assessment frequency.

Interventions: Collect quantitative data through observation and hand anonymous questionnaires to the registered nurses and clinical nurse leaders (CNLs) to determine …

Enhancing Diabetic Patient Continuous Glucose Monitoring Access, Colleen Ildefonso

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Diabetic patients utilize treatments that require frequent monitoring and medication changes based on their blood sugar results. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is more commonly used for diabetes management as time in range is becoming more prevalent to measure diabetes outcomes. Many diabetic patients find CGM use more accessible than finger sticks and glucometers. In contrast, others utilize the technology to closely monitor their blood sugars for interventions throughout the day. However, older adults have difficulty facilitating new CGM technology and may require further reinforcement using additional education methods such as teach-back.

Context: The endocrinology clinic serves a patient population, …