Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Implementing A Standardized Patient Report Sheet To Improve Timeliness And Efficiency Of Patient Handoff Reports: A Quality Improvement Project, Brian F. Mclaughlin

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: A successful patient handoff report is a foundational element of nursing care, it encompasses the patient's medical history, current treatment plan, patient-centered goals, and notes of consideration. Blazin et. al. (2020) identified unsuccessful patient handoff reports as the root cause of many medical errors. Improving the patient handoff report process provides opportunities for increased registered nurse job satisfaction, reduced medical errors, and increased time efficiency.

Local Problem: Anecdotal discussions with nursing staff on an adult medical-surgical unit  revealed frustration with the patient handoff reporting process. Nursing staff cited interruptions, lengthy patient handoff report times, and the need to …

Navigating Nursing Professional Governance: Unveiling Its Significance, Part 2, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Misty Daugherty

Podcasts

Learn about the fundamental principles and practices of NPG to elevate nursing practice, foster professionalgrowth, and enhance patient outcomes.

Revolutionizing Nursing Care: Implementing Acuity Based Staffingstrategies, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Natalie Denson, Marshall Stephenson

Podcasts

On this episode, we are discussing an innovative approach to staffing based on tailoring nurse staffing to meet patient needs, and how this can lead to enhanced patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction.

Navigating Nursing Professional Governance: Unveiling Its Significance, Part 1, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Tammy Webb

Podcasts

Children’s Health Chief Nurse Executive Tammy Webb discusses some of the key components of nursing professional governance or NPG and why we transitioned to this new model. Together, Tammy and Brennan laid the groundwork and spearheaded the strategy for NPG at Children's Health.

Cultivating Wellness: Nurturing Gratitude And Resilience, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Elaine Beardsley, Alison Kell

Podcasts

This heartfelt discussion on the power of wellbeing and gratitude in nursing practiceoff ers practical strategies to gear up for the busy season, prioritize wellness and recognize the invaluable contributions of your nursing colleagues.

Fueling Nursing Excellence: Exploring New Talent Pipelines, Brennan Lewis, Christi Welter, Deb Echtenkamp, Christina Smith

Podcasts

Learn about an innovative talent pipeline developed to help build our clinical nursespecialist team, and how they are shaping the next generation of nursing professionals that will lead the way in care delivery.

Judge Me Not: Exploring Black Mothers’ Perceptions Of Maternal Health Care Services And Structural Racism In South Carolina, Julisa Tindall, Teri Browne Ph.D., Msw, Tisha M. Felder Phd, Msw, Bongki Woo Ph.D., Bree Alexander-Richardson

Publications

Black women in the United States face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality, driven by structural racism, patient-provider mistreatment, and gendered and racial discrimination. However, little research has explored Black mothers’ perceptions of maternal health care services and structural racism in the Southeastern U.S. This study aims to address this gap by examining Black mothers’ maternal health care experiences in South Carolina. Using semi-structured interviews conducted during the summer of 2023 with Black mothers who had given birth within the previous five years, this qualitative study employed grounded theory to analyze recurring themes in their maternal health care experiences. The …

The Impact Of Night Shift On New Nurses: Effects On Mental Health And Work-Life Balance, Avery Windham, Abby Maruskin, Elizabeth Yoder

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research examines the impact of night shift schedules on new nurses' mental health and work-life balance as they transition into professional practice. The transition from nursing school to the workforce presents challenges that are further compounded by shift work, which can disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to stress, fatigue, and reduced job satisfaction. The purpose of this research is to evaluate how starting on night shift versus day shift influences nurses’ self-evaluation of work-life balance within their first year of practice. This systematic review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed sources to assess the physical, emotional, and professional consequences of night …

“It Feels Like A Safe Container”: Experiences Of Finding Solid Ground Groups For Adults With Dissociative Disorders., Laura Hawkins, Sarah Chipps, Kim Foreman, Stephanie Johnson, Aimee Mccann, Rebecca Braughton, Abidemi Mary Ajuwon, Dongjuan Xu

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Objective: Dissociative disorders (DD) are trauma-related conditions marked by disruptions in memory, identity, and consciousness. Despite high prevalence, DDs are underdiagnosed and undertreated. This study explores the experiences of adults with DD participating in a 31-week Finding Solid Ground (FSG) psychoeducational group. Method: Participants (N=72) were mostly women (81%), who experienced a DD or PTSD dissociative subtype, along with multiple mental health comorbidities. Eight groups (seven virtual, one in-person) completed 31 weekly 90-minute sessions based on the FSG curriculum as adjunctive to individual psychotherapy. Thematic qualitative analysis was used to analyze participants’ hopes, challenges, helpful and unhelpful aspects, and perceived …

Propofol Vs Dexmedetomidine: Impact On Reintubation And Respiratory Depression, Dominic J. Hamad, Stephanie Wodrich, Logan Campola

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to compare the effects of Dexmedetomidine and Propofol on breathing recovery in ICU patients who have been mechanically ventilated. Specifically, we want to find out whether one sedative is more likely than the other to lead to respiratory depression or reintubation after sedation is stopped. These outcomes are important because they directly affect patient safety, ICU length of stay, and overall recovery. Our team will conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials found through databases like PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. We will focus on adult ICU populations and only include studies that report on relevant …

Magnifying Mental Health In The Perinatal Population: A Systematic Review, Kasey E. Arnold, Alyssa M. Maki

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Pregnant individuals often experience significant anxiety, which can negatively affect both pregnancy and fetal outcomes. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of pharmacologic versus non-pharmacologic anxiety-relieving interventions, primarily focusing on the labor period. The PICOT question is: In perinatal patients, do non-pharmacologic anxiety-relieving measures, compared to pharmacologic anxiety-relieving measures, have a greater impact on ease of delivery and overall mental health during pregnancy and the perinatal period? PRISMA (2020) guidelines were used with inclusion criteria of human subjects, English language, and published within the last six years. Databases included PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. Twenty-three studies were analyzed to examine …

To Treat Or Not To Treat: Evaluating Antipyretic Use And Patient Outcomes In Febrile Care, Nico Teodosio, Brynley Harris

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This honors project aims to critically examine the evidence-based practice use of antipyretics in fever management, questioning whether suppressing fever is truly in the patient's best interests and if it benefits patient outcomes. Grounded in nursing, past nursing courses, and emerging research, this project aims to answer the following PICOT question: In febrile patients, how does withholding, or not administering, antipyretics compared to administering antipyretics affect patient outcomes during hospitalization? Through a literature review, this project will analyze studies from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on outcomes like recovery time, symptom severity, complications, and mortality. Using the PRISMA …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Nurse-Led Prenatal Education On Maternal Outcomes And Labor Satisfaction, Alexis Boris

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Prenatal education has been a long-time major component of maternal healthcare, which has been known to impact expectant mothers and their level of preparedness during the labor and birthing process. Nurses have historically been key educators in the maternity field, due to their accessibility, education, and holistic approach in the healthcare system. Despite their recognition as vital educators in this field and the importance of maternal prenatal education, maternal healthcare is still affected by many modern-day factors, such as access to healthcare and education, health disparities, and negative childbirth experiences. This integrative literature review aims to evaluate the overall effectiveness …

Perceived Use Of Web-Based Videoconferencing For Social Connectedness Among Older Adults Living In Long-Term Care: Qualitative Study, Anna Garnett, Halyna Yurkiv, Denise M. Connelly, Richard Booth, Lorie Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, Faan

Publications

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how restrictions on in-person interactions within long-term care homes (LTCHs) severely compromised social connectedness among older adults and their families. Post pandemic, despite policy changes supporting greater in-person family engagement, frequent outbreaks continue to disrupt face-to-face interactions, and factors such as geography, life circumstances, and health can constrain family members’ ability to make regular in-person visits. Research suggests that web-based videoconferencing technology (WVT) may be a practical solution to help older adults within LTCHs to maintain social connection in the absence of physical gathering. However, increased understanding of end user experience is lacking, and more …

Developing A Best Practice Guideline For Clinical Practice In A Digital Health Environment: Systematic Reviews Based On The Grading Of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, And Evaluation Approach, Lauren Bailey, Lyndsay Howitt, Nafsin Nizum, Christine Buchanan, Maureen Charlebois, Jennifer Yoon, Rob Beleno, Michelle Beyn, Rebecca Bliss, Elizabeth Borycki, Margarita Cleghorne, Sandra Davidson, Lorie Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, Faan, Alexander Hamilton, Tsz Yee Ip, Margery Konan, Daile Moffat, Sanaz Riahi, Tiziana Rivera, Tammy Rooke, Vaishali Sengar, Steve Sottile, Meredith Whitehead, Vanessa Burkoski

Publications

Background:

Digital health refers to the field of knowledge and practice associated with the development and use of digital technologies to improve clinical practice and health outcomes. Knowledge of digital health technology is becoming essential for all nurses and health providers.

Objective:

This study aims to present the results of the systematic reviews that were used to inform the recommendations in a best practice guideline (BPG) following the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Reviews focused on digital health education for nurses and health providers, peer champion models, and the use of predictive analytics in digital health …

Transition To Home Guideline For Patients With Diabetes, Kathleen R. Burgner

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Background: Diabetes is a leading contributor to preventable hospital readmissions. These hospital readmissions often result from fragmented discharge planning, poor care coordination, and limited post-discharge support. At a 915-bed academic medical center in Southern California, the diabetes-related readmission rate was 13.3%, compared with 11.4% among patients without diabetes. This project aimed to develop an evidence-based Transition-to-Home (TTH) guideline for hospitalized patients with diabetes and evaluate the strength of its recommendations through multidisciplinary stakeholder review.

Methods: An evidence-based guideline development project was conducted over 8 weeks. A comprehensive literature search in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and ScienceDirect identified current evidence on transitional …

Does Guideline-Directed Breast Mri Improve Early Identification In The High-Risk Breast Cancer Population, Cemile Littlepage

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Introduction: In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The American Cancer Society's 2007 guidelines (Onishi & Kataoka, 2020) and the American College of Radiology recommend that MRI screening, alongside annual mammography, be used for women at high risk for breast cancer (Lamb et al., 2023; Sardanelli et al., 2024). Currently, there are various screening models, and no standardized tool or national guideline exists for MRI screening in high-risk patients. This guideline project aims to establish a screening model and recommendations for MRI screening in high-risk women for use in primary care.

Methods: A …

Enhancing Nursing Education To Improve Care For Women Experiencing A Substance Use Disorder During Pregnancy, Sadie Caddell

UNH URC Open (2026 and after)

Enhancing Nursing Education to Improve Care for Women Experiencing a Substance Use Disorder During Pregnancy

Examining The Barriers To Healthcare Among Native Hawaiian And Pacific Islander Populations Living In Hawaii, Gracie L. Kaye

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The state of Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898, and served as a starting point from which the U.S. influenced Hawaii's socioeconomic conditions and healthcare access. The literature review examines healthcare views and outcomes among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents, utilizing various tools and resources to investigate how these factors have impacted overall health statistics and the reasons behind these trends. Results found that the western colonization of the island and the disease outbreaks led to an initial mistrust of “western ideas.” Additionally, due to long-standing cultural beliefs, there is a natural preference for traditional cultural …

How Does The Frequency Of Visits Impact The Quality Of Life For Nursing Home Residents?, Sophie M. Carlton

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This integrative literature review examines the relationship between quantity of visitation and quality of life (QOL) of nursing home residents. The purpose of this review is to examine existing research to determine whether an optimal “dosage” of visitation exists that meaningfully enhances QOL for this vulnerable population. Establishing an evidence based- guideline may help reduce uncertainty for families and promote more consistent improvements in resident well-being. Nursing home residents are the focus of this work because their limited ability to leave the facility makes visitation one of their primary sources of non-occupational social interaction. The COVID19 pandemic further heightened the …

The Knowledge, Experiences, And Attitudes Of Nurses Regarding Trauma-Informed Care For Sexually Abused Intrapartum Patients, Kayleigh Mcgraw

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Labor and delivery nurses care for women from diverse backgrounds who are preparing for a life-changing event, often marked by fear, excitement, sadness, and joy. However, 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape, and for these survivors, labor can become re-traumatizing. Many report flashbacks, dissociation, and a sense of “being back in the rape” during childbirth. Research further links prior sexual assault to unplanned cesareans, traumatic births, and childbirth-related PTSD. Trauma-informed care (TIC) provides a framework to reduce these risks by encouraging providers to understand trauma, recognize signs of distress, and act to …

Looking Beyond Traditional Therapy: The Promising Alternative Of Ketamine-Assisted Treatments In Improving The Quality Of Life Of Veterans, Noa Gutmann

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in United States veterans has a long history of treatment with standard care interventions and therapies. Unfortunately, many modern-day veterans experience treatment resistance and comorbid depressive symptoms that have yet to be resolved. This results in suicidal ideation, hospital readmission, and high treatment dropout rates of care plans. Recent evidence has shown a positive impact of ketamine, and esketamine, therapy on PTSD and depressive symptoms severity. Although, the outcomes and generalizability of this emerging therapy, compared to standard care, are not fully elucidated on. The purpose of this literary review was to further examine the current …

Bridging The Gap: Investigating The Impact Of Adequate Prenatal Care On Adverse Maternal Outcomes Among Black And African American Women, Ciaera Ambroise

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The United States continues to face a maternal health crisis marked by persistent racial disparities, with Black women experiencing pregnancy-related mortality rates three times higher than those of White women. Despite national efforts to expand access to prenatal services, inequities in maternal outcomes remain, indicating that the quality of prenatal care may be as critical as its timing and frequency. The purpose of this thesis is to examine whether adequate prenatal care, compared to inadequate prenatal care, is associated with reduced adverse maternal outcomes among Black and African American women in the United States. Guided by a PICO question, this …

Healthcare Access And Community Nursing Outreach Effectiveness In Underserved Zip Codes In Central Florida, Miah Sanchez

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Access to healthcare depends on more than whether healthcare services are available. A person’s ZIP code, income, education, transportation options, health literacy, and neighborhood resources can all affect whether care is reached at the right time and in an appropriate setting. This literature review examines healthcare access and the role of community nursing outreach in underserved ZIP codes across Central Florida. The review synthesizes current literature on social determinants of health, geographic disparities, medically underserved populations, and community-based nursing interventions to better understand how these factors shape access to care. Across the literature, poverty, limited transportation, lower educational attainment, neighborhood …

Enteral Nutrition Guidelines Improve Critically Ill Patients’ Outcomes: A Quasiexperimental Study, Marwa Abdo, Sara Elsayed Hegazy

Nursing

Background: Optimal nutritional support is a fundamental element of treatment for critically ill patients. Adherence to evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines is essential to promote patient care and prevent potential complications. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of enteral nutrition guidelines in improving critically ill patients’ outcomes. Method: A quasiexperimental study evaluated 68 critically ill patients divided into 2 groups. The intervention group received their nutrition based on the evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines, while the control group received their nutrition based on the unit’s routine care. The study was conducted in the surgical intensive care units of Mansoura Emergency Hospital in Egypt. …

Improving Healthcare Professionals’ Comfort Level Screening For Intimate Partner Violence, Madison M. Mitzel

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects

Background: Pregnancy increases a woman’s risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Although healthcare visits typically increase during pregnancy, IPV screening is often overlooked, and many women remain unaware of available domestic violence resources. 
Local problem: Globally, women are impacted by IPV, with those living in rural areas facing a higher risk. 
Methods: The Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) was implemented in a rural women’s health facility to screen patients for IPV. Prior to implementation, healthcare professionals within the facility received education regarding the screening protocol and available resources for patients. 
Interventions: The comfort level of the healthcare professionals discussing IPV …

Mixed Methods Studies Examining The Physical Activity Practices Among African American And Black Women: Protocol For A Methodological Scoping Review, Annette Moore Hubbell, Laura Killingsworth, Michele Shropshire

Faculty Publications - Mennonite College of Nursing

Background: African American and Black women are among the least physically active demographic groups in the United States and experience disproportionate burdens of chronic disease that may be reduced through regular physical activity (PA). Mixed methods research is increasingly used to examine the behavioral, social, and contextual factors that influence PA in this population.

Objective: This study aims to identify, examine, and describe the mixed methods designs used in research on PA practices among African American and Black women in the United States; compare methodological approaches; identify gaps in the literature; and provide recommendations for future research.

Methods: This scoping …

Improving Adolescent Sexual Health Education Through A Gamified Quality Improvement Initiative In Kenya: Game On For Safe Choices, Alyssa Kashia Lee, Isabel Diazdeleon, Ilyana Karkar

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

Adolescent sexual health remains a significant public health concern in rural Kenya because of the limited access to comprehensive sexuality education; therefore, contributing to high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, unintended pregnancy, and gender-based violence. This quality improvement project evaluated the implementation of the Game On for Safe Choices, a culturally responsive, game-based sexual health education intervention designed to improve adolescents' sexual health knowledge and confidence. The project was conducted at ByKay Hotel in Sega, Siaya County, Kenya, and included 25 adolescents aged 15–17 years. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, participants completed three interactive educational stations focused on …

Enhancing Diabetes Self-Management And Nutrition Literacy In South Stockton, California, Yessenia Bejarano, Carissa Chothia, Madisyn Widmer, Angela Lim

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

Diabetes mellitus and food insecurity contribute to poor health outcomes among underserved adults participating in the Healthy Food Rx program at the Stockton Emergency Food Bank in South Stockton, California. Limited access to culturally relevant diabetes education and ongoing self-management resources may hinder effective diabetes management among food-insecure adults. This quality improvement project evaluated a four-week culturally responsive diabetes education program consisting of weekly education sessions, hands-on blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring, and a QR code-enabled Linktree resource platform. The intervention included weekly diabetes education sessions, hands-on monitoring of blood pressure and blood glucose, and access to bilingual digital …

Patient-Centered Education In Fall Risk And Prevention Decreases The Number Of Falls On The Orthopedic Unit, Kaitlyn Chan, Amparo Guzman Garcia, Tran Huynh

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

Inpatient falls are a major patient safety concern, particularly in orthopedic units where mobility limitations, comorbidities, and postoperative factors elevate risk and contribute to preventable injury, longer hospital stays, and increased costs. At Sutter Medical Center Sacramento’s orthopedic unit, an annual rate of 16 falls and persistent gaps in patient and staff education highlight the need for a targeted quality improvement initiative despite use of an EPIC predictive fall-risk model. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, this project implements a comprehensive fall-prevention education program modeled on the Fall T.I.P.S. toolkit, including a standardized bedside brochure, visual cues (wristbands, door signage, bedside …