Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Improving Patient Outcomes And Nurse Satisfaction By Reducing Avoidable Interruptions During Medication Administrations, Roberta Howard

Master's Projects and Capstones

Medication administration is an important part of nursing duties in acute-care settings. The nurse is responsible for prioritizing safe quality care when administering medications but errors do occur. This project addressed interruptions as one of the challenges of safe medication administration. The aims of this project are 1) to determine a standardized medication administration process 2) to identify perceived and actual interruptions on the unit and 3) to address and reduce the avoidable interruptions of calls, pages and call lights at the nurse station. The purpose of this project is to improve patient outcomes, nurse satisfaction and nurse workflow by …

Employee Engagement In The Pacu, Michelle Spadaro

Master's Projects and Capstones

A clear vision is a powerful tool that can help advance employee engagement within nursing units. There is a great need for a compelling vision for the operation of a safe, efficient, equitable, effective, and patient centered healthcare delivery system. It is crucial to identify what actions are needed to achieve this vision and what realistic strategies are necessary for success. The purpose of this vision statement is to achieve excellence in nursing by establishing a common identity and direction that responds to an ever-changing healthcare environment. The project was conducted on a 25 bed peri-operative and post anesthesia care …

Patient Satisfaction Related To Noise In The Coronary Care Unit, Anjanette S. Dominguez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background The CCU staff recognized a department trend for low patient-satisfaction score related to environmental noise levels. Based on the Press Ganey score, the patient-satisfaction score plummeted in relation to noise level beginning in March 2014.

Purpose To improve patient satisfaction regarding noise level in the CCU to 100% by November 21, 2014.

Methods Senior & Fleming’s Hard System Model of Change guided this literature search of CINAHL and Fusion for articles published from 2009 to 2014. Specific terms used were noise, critical care, and sleep promotion. From September to November 2014, earplugs were offered to all alert/oriented patients entering …

Increasing Compliance Of Personal Protective Equipment S Election And Use For Isolation Precautions Among Rns & Nas On A Med-Surg Unit, Megan R. Alsmeyer

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background: Due to the high potential of transferring infectious diseases and/or organisms among patients, themselves, and the community, healthcare workers (HCWs) must be knowledgeable and confident in selecting the appropriate type of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the use in technique when putting on (donning) and removing (doffing) PPE based on the level of isolation precautions required for the patient being cared for.

Project Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine whether assessing the knowledge and actual practice with observing, and utilizing an innovative approach of video and educational tools to isolation precautions would improve the consistency of …

Improving Patient Outcomes Through Use Of The Teach-Back Method In The Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Kathleen Osullivan

Master's Projects and Capstones

The setting for this Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) project was the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at a level I trauma center in the Bay Area. The goal was to improve the discharge education performed by the PACU nurses to improve patient safety and decrease the chance of complications or readmissions to this hospital. With no clear instructions for how discharge teaching should be done, the nurses have many differing styles which leaves room for gaps in discharge planning. This influenced the implementation of the teach-back method during discharge planning in order to ensure proper education and increased patient understanding. …

Gender, Smoking And Tobacco Reduction And Cessation: A Scoping Review, Joan L. Bottorff, Rebecca Haines-Saah, Mary T. Kelly, John L. Oliffe, Iris Torchalla, Nancy Poole, Lorraine Greaves, Carole A. Robinson, Mary H. H. Ensom, Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli, J. Craig Phillips

Nursing Faculty Publications

Considerations of how gender-related factors influence smoking first appeared over 20 years ago in the work of critical and feminist scholars. This scholarship highlighted the need to consider the social and cultural context of women's tobacco use and the relationships between smoking and gender inequity. Parallel research on men's smoking and masculinities has only recently emerged with some attention being given to gender influences on men's tobacco use. Since that time, a multidisciplinary literature addressing women and men's tobacco use has spanned the social, psychological and medical sciences. To incorporate these gender-related factors into tobacco reduction and cessation interventions, our …

An Evidence-Based Approach To A Replacement Hospital Training Curriculum, Mark D. Beck

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Creation of a training and educational curriculum for a new or replacement facility is daunting in its own right, but without a repository of organizational knowledge cataloging the transfer of tacit to explicit knowledge from the organizations previous library of facility openings, the task becomes Herculean, with as many tasks and cast of characters as the original myths. Navigating the shoals, eddies and tides of the various aspects of this project revealed the need for a comprehensive knowledge management solution to training that is coupled with healthcare design principles and initiatives. This purpose of the DNP project is about the …

Onsite Integrative Clinics: Acupuncture, Positive Patient Outcomes, And Frequency Of Provider Office Visits, Sherry Shoemaker Phd

Dissertations

Purpose and Aims. There is limited information about outcomes of care, resource utilization, and associated costs for patients who receive acupuncture in integrative health settings. The purpose of this study was to address this gap through the following aims: To examine: (1) changes in patient pain levels pre/post acupuncture treatments; (2) relationships between receiving acupuncture treatments (number of treatments, length of time, select demographic factors, (age, gender), pain level pre and post acupuncture treatments; (3) relationships between number of treatments, length of time, age, gender, pain level (pre/post acupuncture treatments) and provider visits (pre/post acupuncture treatments); and (4) relationship between …

Good Intentions?: A Consideration Of Short-Term, Medical Mission Trips, Kayla M. Steele

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

I review the current trend of international volunteer travel with a focus on advantages and disadvantages of short-term (1-2 week) medical volunteer trips and how cross-cultural communication can influence the effectiveness of volunteers. Advantages include making health care available to populations who normally do not have access to care. Disadvantages to trips include a lack of follow-up care and community dependence on outside aid. To increase the effectiveness of these trips, it is recommended that volunteers coordinate with full-time health care workers in target communities and utilize pre-departure training.

Exploring A Diabetic Registry For Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Mary C. Anziano Phd

Dissertations

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. There were over 18 million people diagnosed with diabetes in 2002. These disease processes together combine for significant health burden on society (American Diabetes Association, 2008). The purpose of the study was to describe the relationship between select demographics, and clinical characteristics to determine risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a diabetic population. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using a diabetic registry database containing patients diagnosed with diabetes from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012. Study variables included age, gender, socio-economic status, glycosylated hemoglobin …

Evidence-Based Change In Practice: Development And Implementation Of Type Ii Diabetic Flow Sheet, Kathryn Grimleybaker

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Ten percent of the National Health Service annual budget goes to treat complications from diabetes (Lancet, 2010). The American Diabetes Association® (ADA, 2013) estimated that diabetics in the United States incur $176 billion annually in direct medical costs for treatment with hospitalization being the main component of the expenditures. California has the largest population of diabetics and the highest annual cost at $27.6 billion (ADA, 2013). The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP, 2008) found that the average cost of hospitalization in 2008 for a patient with diabetes was $10,937 in contrast to $8,746 for a patient without diabetes. The …

The Utilization Of The Pressure Volume Tool To Determine The Lower Inflection Point During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo), Kenneth Miller Med, Rrt-Nps, Rita Pechulis Md, Fccp, James K. Wu, Dorothea T. Watson Do

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

One Year Review Of High Flow Oxygen Delivery System Outcomes, Susan Carvin Rrt-Accs, Kenneth Miller Med, Rrt-Nps, Diane Horoski, Robert Leshko Bs,Rrt, Rita Pechulis Md, Fccp

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

The Utilization Of Independent Lung Ventilation Via High Frequency Percussive Ventilation (Hfpv) During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo), Kenneth Miller Med, Msrt, Rrt-Accs, Nps, Ae-C, Faarc, Rita Pechulis Md, Fccp, James K. Wu, Chad Traub Rrt-Accs, Dorothea T. Watson Do

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

The Development Of Prolonged Weaning Guidelines To Facilitate Ventilatory Liberation, Jamie Jordan Rrt-Accs, Kenneth Miller Med, Rrt-Nps, Angela Lutz Bs, Rrt-Nps, Vanessa Ribaudo-Kaufman Md, Cindy Umbrell Msn, Rn, Cns, Ccrn, Donald J. Butz Rn, Cnrn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

“Keep A Grasp On Patient Safety” A Fall Prevention Pilot Project To Increase Gait Belt Use, Laura Walker Rn, Bsn, Ccrn, Mary Ellen O'Connell Rn, Bsn, Msn, Mba, Amy Giesler Rn, Bsn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Challenges Facing The Elderly Care Industry In Hong Kong: The Shortage Of Frontline Workers, Sin Tung, Stella Kwok, Wai Ning Kris Wong, Shun Lai Yang

Practical Social and Industrial Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

A Descriptive Mixed-Methods Study Examining Resilience And Transitioning To Adulthood Among Emerging Adults With Disabilities, Jennifer E. Mannino

Theses & Dissertations

Transitioning to adulthood is not without challenges. The move away from family influence towards independence and self-determination is filled with uncertainty. As emerging adults (18-29) transition to adulthood they will encounter various challenges related to their new adult roles (Arnett & Tanner, 2005; Jensen & Arnett, 2012). Increased challenges and vulnerabilities in transitioning are evident among emerging adults with disabilities because they face additional challenges related to their disability over and above what all others of this developmental stage experience (Betz & Redcay, 2002; Blomquist, 2007; Faux & Nehring, 2010; King, Baldwin, Currie & Evans, 2005; Murray, 2003; National Research …

The Design, Development, And Analysis Of An Extraction Device For Retracted Catheter Needles For Multiple Reuses On Simulation Manikins, Travis Fisher

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the College of Science and Technology, Morehead State University in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Travis Fisher on December 3, 2014.

To Filter Or Not To Filter?, Rachel Moser Rn, Julia Becker Bsn,Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

Improving Patient Outcomes Through Bedside Neurological Examinations, Patrick Keane Rn

Patient Care Services / Nursing

No abstract provided.

The Case Of Reintegration Of Women Post Incarceration, Deana Raley Noble Phd

Dissertations

Women released from prison or jail face particular obstacles and challenges on reentry to the community, many of which are related to their childhood and to gender roles as women and mothers. This study relates the lived experience of one woman's successful transition to economic and mainstream societal reintegration and family reconnection after release from prison and the insights gained by the researcher. Case study methodology congruent with Miller's Relational-Cultural Theory philosophical framework was utilized in this in-depth, single case design and represents a unique case. The overall purpose of this descriptive and explanatory research was to explore precursors to …

Advanced Practice Nurses In Transitional Care: A Source To The Solution, Holly Bottoms

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

The Human Microbiome: The Brain-Gut Axis And Its Role In Immunity, Vanessa Moser

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Chhs December 2014 E-Newsletter, Dr. John Bonaguro, Dean, Vashon S. Wells, Editor, Wku College Of Health & Human Services

College of Health & Human Services Publications

No abstract provided.

A Snapshot Of Synthetic Substances: Nursing Implications For Patients Suspected Of Psychoactive Drug Use, Tracy L. Brewer, Margie Collins

Nursing Faculty Publications

Learning Objectives:

• Define what are synthetic substances and their mechanism of action.
• Specifically focusing on synthetic cannabinoids
• Interpret psychological and physiological clinical presentation of patients after use of synthetic substances.

A Partnership To Enhance Community Health Education For Rn To Bsn Students., Cathy Abell, Lori Alexander, Tonya Bragg-Underwood

Nursing Faculty Publications

This article shares a unique model of collaboration between a school of nursing and a community business to offer an on-site occupational health clinical experience for RN to BSN students. This activity could be easily replicated by others to provide a learning opportunity for nursing students. Hospitals remain the primary site of employment for nurses. However, with health care reform nurses are exploring many new opportunities including many settings in the community (Black, 2014). Incorporating community health into nursing curriculum is a necessity; however, providing meaningful clinical experiences can be a challenge for faculty. To meet students' learning needs, faculty …

A Comparison Of A Social Support Physical Activity Intervention In Weight Management Among Post-Partum Latinas, Colleen Keller, Barbara Ainsworth, Kathryn Records, Michael Todd, Michael Belyea, Sonia Vega-López, Paska Permana, Dean Coonrod, Allison Nagle-Williams

Nursing Faculty Works

Background Weight gain during the childbearing years and failure to lose pregnancy weight after birth contribute to the development of obesity in postpartum Latinas. Methods Madres para la Salud [Mothers for Health] was a 12-month, randomized controlled trial exploring a social support intervention with moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) seeking to effect changes in body fat, fat tissue inflammation, and depression symptoms in sedentary postpartum Latinas. This report describes the efficacy of the Madres intervention. Results The results show that while social support increased during the active intervention delivery, it declined to pre-intervention levels by the end of the intervention. There …

La Cesárea Y El Parto Natural: Las Opiniones De Profesionales De La Salud En La Provincia De Buenos Aires / Cesarean Section And Natural Birth: The Opinions Of Health Provinces In The Province Of Buenos Aires, Jacqueline Chipkin

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Introduction: The ways in which women of society give birth have the power to influence maternal-infant health and shape the economy of the healthcare system. Today, the rates of cesarean sections are increasing throughout the world. In Argentina, on average, more than 35% of pregnant women received cesarean sections in 2008, with large differences observed in the rates between the public and private health sectors. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established that healthcare systems should only employ a cesarean section if labor cannot progress safely. According to this standard, the organization estimates that cesarean sections should only be utilized …

Heads Up: The Importance Of Brain Rest After A Concussion A Paper Presented To Meet Partial Requirements, Kacie Wilkes

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.