Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Impact Of Insulin Resistance In Pcos (Lh/Fsh) In A Group Of Woman In Baghdad City, Roua Shehab-Aldeen Ahmed, Fatima Amer Abd Aljabar, Nadia Mohammed Mahdi Al-Shakir

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrinological disorder influencing ladies, and it is the foremost common cause of menstrual unsettling influence amid the regenerative age. Polycystic ovary disorder (PCOS) is in fact a chronic form of anovulation that is usually observed besides a large spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs. Objectives: The study's main goal is to evaluate the hormonal indicators of ``PCOS'' and insulin resistance and determine how insulin resistance affects these hormones. Materials and methods: This study included 130 women, aged 19--38, who were separated into three bunches: 40 women with ``PCOs'' who were treated with metformin and …

Exploring The Role Of Hepcidin And Some Biochemical Indicators In Β-Thalassemia Major Patients With Negative And Positive Entamoeba Histolytica, Jafar Jamal Abdullah, Mohammed Mezher Hussain, Abdul Rasool Kh. Saeed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Thalassemia syndromes encompass a wide range of hemoglobin disorders characterized by either the absence or diminished production of normal globin chains. Hepcidin, a peptide produced by the liver with antimicrobial properties, is mainly synthesized by hepatocytes situated near the portal veins, which are responsible for transporting dietary iron, as well as by Kupffer cells. Before blood transfusions, increased erythropoietic activity leads to a reduction in hepcidin, resulting in lower hepcidin levels that enhance the absorption of dietary iron. Parasite protozoa depend on iron for their survival, as it plays a crucial role in the growth and enzymatic functions of E. …

Characterizing The Influence Of Racism-Related Stress And Pandemic-Related Changes In Social Connections On Cardiovascular Health: Study Protocol And Theoretical Framework, Jewel Scott Phd, Rn, Fnp-C, Victoria Money, Charles Ellis, Chanita Hughes-Halbert, Michelle A. Birkett, Gayenell Magwood

Faculty Publications

Background Cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality among young adults are rising, and disparities between young Black and White women are immense. Health behaviors including physical activity and diet are essential for optimal cardiovascular health. Psychosocial factors, such as racism, perceived stress, and lack of social support, contribute to racial inequities in cardiovascular disease, which were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed study aims to assess the influence of racism-related stress and other social determinants of health, including social connectedness, on quality of life and cardiovascular-related health behaviors. Methods This is a concurrent, triangulation, mixed-methods study combining survey data on …

Implementation Of A Zen Room And Mindfulness Techniques To Decrease Perceived Burnout, Danika Scott

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a Zen room and mindfulness techniques, aiming to improve job satisfaction by 65% and reduce perceived burnout by 10% among behavioral health staff. The project was conducted at a substance abuse center in Deer Park, TX.

Background: Behavioral health staff face high levels of emotional exhaustion and job-related stress, leading to increased burnout.

Methodology: The Plan-Do-Study-Act model guided the QI methodology using a sample of 23 behavioral health staff. Interventions included an equipped Zen space and wellness resources. Data collection utilized the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a …

Reporting And Tracking Of Occupational Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures, Olivia Smith

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose/Background: Underreporting of occupational bloodborne pathogen (BBP) exposures remains a significant patient and employee safety issue. At UT Health, outdated paper-based systems hindered accurate tracking, timely follow-up, and reporting compliance. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to achieve a 30% increase in quarterly BBP exposure reports, from 30 to 39, by implementing an electronic reporting system between January 1 and March 31, 2025.

Methodology: Guided by the Health Belief Model and using the Implementation and Improvement Science (IIS) Framework, the project replaced the existing paper form with an external, user-friendly digital system. Staff received structured training, and …

Postoperative Care Pathways For Patients Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: An Observational Study, Dima Nasrawi, Sharon Latimer, Debbie Massey, Brigid M. Gillespie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the postoperative care pathway, with phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) delivery, for adult patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery at one large hospital in Queensland, Australia. Design and methods: This observational study involved structured observations, patient electronic medical record audits, and field notes to gather postoperative data. Four continuous hours of patient and healthcare professional (HCP) observations gathered at 30-min intervals occurred on 12 separate days over a 1-month period (February–March 2023). We observed post-CABG patients and HCPs involved in delivering direct care. Data were gathered on the clinical …

Recruitment And Retention Of Intensive Care Unit Survivors In Follow-Up Studies: A Systematic Review, Beverley Ewens, Vivien Kemp, Yvonne Middlewick, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Engaging intensive care unit survivors in research is challenging. Studies have reported recruitment and attrition rates; details are lacking on retention strategies and attrition. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore barriers and enablers to recruitment and retention in research of people post intensive care discharge. Methods: A convergent mixed-method review using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology considered studies that reported on recruitment, retention, and attrition rates of adult post–intensive care survivors in longitudinal studies. CINAHL Ultimate (CINAHL+), PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), PsycINFO, Scopus, Proquest Health, and Medical Collection were searched in March 2024 using …

A Cross-Sectional Examination Of Missed Infection Control Practices Among Nurses In The Jordanian Hospitals, Muhammad Ahmed Alshyyab, Rania Ali Albsoul, Gerard Fitzgerald, Diana Arabiat

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Missed infection control practices may negatively impact quality healthcare and patient safety in acute health care settings. Hence, more research is urgently needed especially in Arab countries. To investigate the elements and reasons of missed infection control activities among nurses in Jordan. The sociodemographic correlates with missed infection control activities were also examined. Methods: A cross sectional design was utilized in this study. A convenience sample of 960 nurses from seven hospitals in the North of Jordan was used. The Missed Nursing Care Infection Prevention and Control (MNCIPC) Survey was employed to collect the data. Data were analyzed using …

A Mixed Methods Study Exploring The Lived Experience Of Shared Trauma In Psychiatric Nurses During Covid-19, April Lynne Hutto

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Psychiatric nurses (PNs) had a unique lived experience of shared trauma (ST) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These nurses experienced the same traumatic event, COVID-19, with associated trauma symptoms as their patients. This mixed methods study aims to triangulate data on ST in PNs using a quantitative and qualitative study. Methods: PN (N=24) completed a semi-structured interview during the summer and fall of 2024. A quantitative study PN (N=552) in spring 2023, using the Shared Trauma and Professional Posttraumatic Growth (STPPG) inventory, was completed with descriptive and inferential statistics using SAS 9.4. A thematic analysis of the interviews was completed …

Assessing Health And Academic Disparities In The Deep South: The Enduring Impact Of Segregation And Redlining In Georgia, Bridget Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Within the American South, marginalized Black populations continue to suffer from health disparities. A key resource that could aid in the prevention of health disparities such as teen pregnancy is the school nurse. School nurses are well positioned to assist in the development of independent health maintenance among student populations. However, school nurses remain understaffed and underfunded throughout most of the United States, which limits their effectiveness. It is possible that within southern states there are inequities in how school resources are allocated that have ties to segregation and redlining practices that systemically marginalized Black populations throughout the 1900s. …

Midwifery Students' Evaluation Of Midwifery Practice Experiences In Australia: A National Survey, F. Bogossian, A. Hyun, D. Bloxsome, A. Brown, S. Cooper, S. Hunter, L. Kearney

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To report the findings of the first 12 months of a national survey of midwifery students’ evaluation of midwifery practice experiences in Australia. Background: Accreditation standards for midwifery programs globally and in Australia, require evidence of monitoring and evaluation of student midwifery practice experiences. In 2022 the National Placement Evaluation Centre was commissioned to measure and enhance the quality of nursing and midwifery practice experiences. Design: Survey Methods: A national survey of midwifery students who completed midwifery practice experience in Australia between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024. Results: Midwifery practice experiences (n = 871) were evaluated; most …

Preventing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries Using Turn Teams And Verbal Reminders, Joyce O. Blaboe

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a preventable, yet persistent issue in healthcare, particularly in the pulmonary and infectious disease unit of a Northeastern U.S. hospital. HAPIs prolong hospital stays, increase healthcare costs, and pose potential legal risks. Despite implementing evidence-based protocols, including the leaf patient monitoring system, the hospital reported six avoidable HAPIs cases in the early fiscal year 2025.

Aim: The quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce HAPIs incidents by 10% within 12 weeks by introducing turn teams and verbal reminders to enhance existing protocols.

Evidence Review: Regular turning and repositioning are essential to HAPIs prevention. Additionally, …

Patient-Centered Approach To Decrease Length Of Stay, Erika Beck

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Unmet social needs contribute to hospital readmissions and extended inpatient stays, placing strain on care coordination and hospital throughput. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), such as housing instability, lack of transportation, or food insecurity, are often unaddressed in clinical workflows. At the project site, a gap in effectively integrating SDOH into the discharge planning process led to delayed discharges and increased length of stay (LOS). Additionally, 41.20% exceeded the Geometric Mean Length of Stay (GMLOS), surpassing the organizational benchmark of 40.17%. Gaps in standardized assessment and communication of SDOH data limited the ability to plan timely discharges and connect …

Enhancing Diabetes Care In Adult Patients With Type 2 Diabetes In An Outpatient Setting, Osayanmo Ojo

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic condition associated with significant morbidity, particularly among underserved populations. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve diabetes care among adult patients with poorly controlled T2DM (A1C > 9%) in an outpatient primary care clinic by increasing referrals to the Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle and the OhioHealth Change Management (OHCM) model, the project implemented structured interventions including standardized DSME referral workflows, electronic health record (EHR) prompts, provider education, and culturally tailored communication strategies.

The 12-week initiative targeted 68 eligible patients. …

Implementing A Fast-Track Pathway For Low Acuity Patients To Reduce Patient Length Of Stay In The Emergency Department, Dawnyel Donaldson

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Overcrowding and prolonged wait times in emergency departments (ED) negatively affect patient safety, outcomes, and satisfaction. Hospital A, a Level 1 trauma center with over 52,000 annual ED visits, consistently exceeded the national ED length of stay (EDLOS) benchmark of 6 hours, averaging 6.7 hours, with left without being seen (LWBS) rates at 2.89%, surpassing the 2% target. Low-acuity Emergency Severity Index (ESI) level 4 and 5 patients contributed to congestion due to inefficient triage processes and lack of alternative care pathways, delaying timely access to care.

Aim of the Project: The project aimed to implement an evidence-based fast-track …

Optimizing Transfer Classification: Enhancing Accuracy And Reducing Readmission Rate Penalties For Cardiovascular Care In Short-Term Rehab, Aeshia Hicks

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: In a short-term rehabilitation (STR) setting, misclassification of planned hospital transfers as unplanned readmissions among elderly cardiovascular patients inflated CMS-reported readmission rates, distorted performance metrics, and led to financial penalties under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). A gap analysis revealed a 14% misclassification rate, significantly higher than the CMS benchmark of 8.65%, which was attributed to inconsistent documentation and a lack of standardized classification criteria.

Aim of the Project: To reduce transfer misclassification by 20% through the implementation of a standardized electronic health record (EHR) template and targeted staff education, thereby improving CMS compliance and documentation integrity in …

The Impact Of A Nurse Navigator On The Completion Of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits, Nanette L. Snyder

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Despite being a covered service designed to support individualized prevention planning, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (MAWV) remains underutilized at a rural Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Barriers include low patient awareness, inconsistent outreach, and a reactive scheduling process that excludes patients without upcoming appointments. These issues limit the FQHC’s ability to meet preventive care goals and sustain performance in value-based reimbursement models.

Aim of the Project: This quality improvement project evaluates the impact of implementing a nurse navigator on MAWV completion. The intervention incorporates proactive scheduling and cohort engagement to address barriers related to awareness, access, and outreach. …

Evidence-Based Pain Management Bundle For Pediatric Postoperative Orthopedic Patients, Samantha Firmstone

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Postoperative pain management in pediatric orthopedic patients is often inconsistent due to variability in provider practices and a lack of standardized protocols. At a Central Texas pediatric orthopedic clinic, all patients received opioid prescriptions post-knee surgery regardless of procedure severity, leading to frequent caregiver calls for clarification. This practice revealed a critical gap in preoperative education and multimodal pain management strategies, contributing to patient safety concerns and increased clinic workload.

Aim of the Project: The primary aim of the project was to improve pain control, reduce opioid reliance, and decrease postoperative pain-related follow-up calls by implementing a standardized, evidence-based …

Improving Hospital Throughput Through Flash Rounds And Standardized Discharge Readiness Assessments, Erin D. Dobda

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

• Problem: The target hospital faced serious throughput challenges, with emergency department overcrowding and discharge inefficiencies impacting patient outcomes and organizational performance. Discharge order to depart times exceeded the 90-minute benchmark, averaging 154 minutes, while 41.2% of patients exceeded the geometric mean length of stay (GMLOS) target of 40.17%. Gaps included inconsistent discharge planning, poor communication, and limited follow-through on barriers.
• Aim of the Project: The project aimed to improve hospital throughput by reducing GMLOS and discharge order to depart times on Unit A. This was achieved through implementation of proactive, evidence-based interventions to streamline discharges, reduce delays, and support safe …

Improving Depression Screening For Young Adults In Outpatient Settings, Addie Smith

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Depression among young adults aged 25 to 35 years in the United States has been among the second highest at 19.9%. Depression underdiagnosis stems from many patient-level causes, including a lack of standardized screening, inadequate provider education, and stigma of mental illness. Untreated depression results in low quality of life, comorbidities, suicidality, and socioeconomic issues.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to address the gap in practice by implementing a standardized screening process for young adults to enhance diagnoses and increase screening rates.

Review of the Evidence: A comprehensive review of the evidence …

Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Referrals In A Rural Health Clinic, Kysha Mcbee

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Preventive screening for colorectal cancer has been associated with early detection and improved 5-year survival rates. The referral rates for colorectal cancer screening at the practicum site were 17.7%, well below the national benchmarks of 71.8%.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to increase the screening referral rates in adults aged 45 to 75 years by 50% over a ten-week period by implementing an evidence-based toolkit.

Review of the Evidence: Literature review highlighted barriers to colorectal cancer screening, such as knowledge …

Optimizing Pressure Injury Prevention: Implementation Of The Sskin Bundle In Acute Care, Joycelyn Mccall

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) contribute to increased morbidity, extended hospitals stay, and significant healthcare costs. At the project site in northwest, Indiana, HAPI rates averaged 6.29%, which significantly higher than the national benchmark of 2.24%. Inconsistencies in documentation, a lack of standardized preventive practices, and variable staff engagement contributed to these increased rates. Despite the use of the Braden Scale, staff inconsistently implemented preventive interventions.

Aim of the Project: The aim of the project is to reduce HAPI incidence by 30% over 10 weeks by implementing the surface, skin inspection, keep moving, incontinence/moisture management, and nutrition (SSKIN) bundle and …

Reducing Emergency Department Length Of Stay, Chelsea Zigan

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Rising Emergency Department (ED) volumes and Registered Nurse (RN) shortages have led to overcrowding, delayed care, and inefficiencies. In 2023, patient visits exceeded budget projections by 14% for six months. From July to December 2024, discharged patients’ average ED length of stay (LOS) exceeded the three-hour target by over one hour, left without being seen (LWOBS) rates surpassed the 1% benchmark for five months, and diversion hours increased, restricting ambulance admissions. These issues strained nursing resources, reduced care quality, and heightened risks of complications and financial losses, emphasizing the need for a redesigned care model to optimize staff roles …

Improving Medication Nonadherence In Clients With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Using Medication Reminder Applications, Christian Durand

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

At an outpatient clinic in Southern California, a 77% medication adherence rate was observed in August 2024 among clients with ADHD. Medication nonadherence in ADHD clients may result in difficulty reaching therapeutic levels, leading to adverse outcomes, such as family disruptions, substance addiction, injuries, criminal occurrences, and even suicide. The project aims to reduce the number of ADHD clients who are noncompliant with their medications and surpass the national benchmark of 80% medication adherence. Evidence has suggested that MRAs may improve medication nonadherence among ADHD clients. Current research has supported the use of MRAs for various chronic diseases including diabetes …

Implementing An Evidence-Based Transitional Care Toolkit To Reduce Postpartum Readmissions In Women With Chronic Conditions, Cassidy La Fleur

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Postpartum women with preexisting chronic conditions are at increased risk of hospital readmissions due to fragmented care transitions and poor follow-up adherence. At the project site, the 30-day postpartum readmission rate was 10%, exceeding the national benchmark of 7.15%. Gaps in standardized discharge planning and limited patient engagement were identified as contributing factors.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to reduce 30-day postpartum readmissions in women with chronic health conditions by implementing an evidence-based transitional care toolkit within a women’s outpatient clinic.

Review of the Evidence: Evidence supports the use of structured, …

Improving Provider Documentation For Procedure Authorizations: A Nursing Perspective On Enhancing Outcomes And Compliance, Juli Legg

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Insurance denials resulting from non-standardized documentation and communication gaps in the prior authorization process adversely impacted financial performance and patient care within the electrophysiology (EP) department of a large Midwest academic medical center. High denial rates for costly procedures revealed a need for improved alignment with payer medical necessity criteria. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to enhance provider documentation, reduce denials, improve care delivery, and increase revenue by implementing standardized documentation templates. A review of the literature supports that standardized documentation and clinical decision support tools enhance consistency, reduce errors, and improve prior authorization success rates. Guided by the …

Integrating Kangaroo Care Into Cesarean Delivery Practices: A Pathway To Enhanced Health Outcomes, Julia Swords

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Cesarean deliveries often interrupt early mother-infant bonding, delaying the initiation of breastfeeding and limiting opportunities for skin-to-skin contact. Despite national guidelines promoting immediate postpartum contact, cesarean-born infants receive kangaroo care (KC) at significantly lower rates than those born vaginally. Prior to this project, only 2% of cesarean births at the project site received KC, highlighting a significant gap in care delivery.

Aim of the Project: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of implementing kangaroo care during cesarean deliveries in a community hospital to improve neonatal outcomes and adherence to evidence-based postpartum practices.

Review of the Evidence: …

Preventing 30-Day Rehospitalization In Congestive Heart Failure Utilizing Transitional Care Teams, Esther Baminrin

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) continues to be a prevalent and challenging health issue, contributing significantly to hospital readmissions within the first 30 days of patients transitioning to home health care. Rehospitalization affects the patient's quality of life and the agency's revenue, as reimbursements are paused when patients are hospitalized during the first 30 days of admission to a home health agency. The agency experienced a 22% rehospitalization rate within a year, slightly higher than the national average of 10%.

Aim of the Project: The primary objective of this project was to decrease rehospitalization of patients with CHF within the …

Fall Prevention In Long-Term Care, Steven Zissler

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Falls among older adults residing in long-term care facilities continue to rise, resulting in injuries that contribute to adverse outcomes, a reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Despite existing safety interventions, falls persist, indicating a gap in effective, sustainable fall prevention strategies. Repeated failures to reduce falls among adults aged 65 years and older highlight the need for a structured, evidence-based approach aimed at addressing this critical patient safety issue.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to reduce falls and fall-related injuries by 25% for older adults residing in a long-term care facility …

Reducing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections In The Intensive Care Unit, Rosa Shiffman

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain among the most common healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units (ICUs), contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and elevated healthcare costs. Despite established prevention guidelines, inconsistent practices in catheter removal and gaps in daily necessity reviews persist. At the project site’s 24-bed ICU, the CAUTI rate was 1.9 per 1000 catheter days, which exceeds the national benchmark of 1.0. Gaps in consistent assessment of necessity and delays in removal contributed to an elevated infection risk.

Aim of the Project: This project aimed to reduce CAUTI rates in the ICU through evidence-based interventions …