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Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

2017

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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Healthcare Executive Leadership Development And Succession Planning, Robin Ford Dillard Jan 2017

Healthcare Executive Leadership Development And Succession Planning, Robin Ford Dillard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Business leaders face leadership crises as executives from the baby boomer generation retire, creating a shortage of experienced and knowledgeable leaders. Some business leaders are unprepared for the replacement of retiring senior-level executives and lack strategies for succession planning. The findings of this study indicate succession planning and leadership development play a significant role in preparing future healthcare leaders in their ability to improve the quality of patient care and improve the strategic and financial health of the organization. Guided by the human capital theory the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies used by healthcare …


Individual And Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Childhood Immunization Coverage In Nigeria, Obinna Ositadimma Oleribe Jan 2017

Individual And Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Childhood Immunization Coverage In Nigeria, Obinna Ositadimma Oleribe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Immunization remains one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions worldwide. The purpose of this study was to examine the individual and socioeconomic factors that influence childhood immunization coverage in Nigeria. The health belief model and the social ecological model were used as the theoretical framework for the study, which examined the effects of individual, parental, and socioeconomic factors on complete immunization among Nigerian children. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate tests were conducted within a secondary analysis of 2013 Nigerian National Demographic and Health Survey was done. Of 27,571 children aged 0 to 59 months, 22.1% had full vaccination …


Relationship Between Educational Leisure Motivation And Recovery From Mental Illness Among Members Of Clubhouse International, Dianna Rene Pearce Jan 2017

Relationship Between Educational Leisure Motivation And Recovery From Mental Illness Among Members Of Clubhouse International, Dianna Rene Pearce

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) exhibit low motivation to participate in educational leisure activities at Clubhouses accredited by Clubhouse International (CI). This correlational study examined the relationship between each of 4 motives, intellectual, social, competence-mastery, and stimulus-avoidance, to engage in leisure activities, and the perception of recovery from SMI. Knowles's theory of andragogy supported the concept of informal self-directed learning, which occurs with leisure activities. Literature indicates that participating in leisure activities such as those offered at Clubhouses aids in the recovery from SMI. Quantitative data were collected from a convenience sample of 75 individuals at 4 CI clubhouses …


A Phenomenological Inquiry Of Nurses' Lived Experiences Of Implementing Evidence In Practice, Monnie Abraham Jan 2017

A Phenomenological Inquiry Of Nurses' Lived Experiences Of Implementing Evidence In Practice, Monnie Abraham

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research-informed practice is crucial to ensure best possible decisions are made during care delivery. In reality, research-based evidence often does not reach patient care due to many elements that impede the implementation process. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of nurses involved in implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical settings within hospitals in United Arab Emirates. The theoretical and conceptual basis for the study was derived from Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework for knowledge translation and Benner's Novice to Expert theory. Twelve nurses who had experience implementing evidence to practice …


Spiritual Leadership: Achieving Positive Health Outcomes In African-American Christian Churches, Cynthia Bracey Jan 2017

Spiritual Leadership: Achieving Positive Health Outcomes In African-American Christian Churches, Cynthia Bracey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, African-American residents are an underserved population with evidence of higher health disparities than those associated with any other race, contributing to escalating health care costs. Despite the absence of health promotion and wellness training, pastors in predominately Black churches accept the responsibility for addressing more than the spiritual needs of their church members. The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory research study was to explore the perspectives of African-American Christian pastors on giving health guidance and their lived experiences as health promotion advocates. A total of 10 African-American Christian pastors were voluntarily recruited from 3 southern …


Leadership Practices That Improve The Workplace Safety Environment, Nathan Nomore Chikono Jan 2017

Leadership Practices That Improve The Workplace Safety Environment, Nathan Nomore Chikono

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inadequate leadership is the reason workplace accidents in the mining industry remain high, making the industry one of the most hazardous operational activities in the world. Unsafe leadership practices may result in death or injury to workers. A group of 30 mining company leaders from 3 gold mines in Zimbabwe revealed an exception to these hazardous practices, however, notable through their outstanding safety improvement records. To better understand what these practitioners were doing, this multicase study research design explored their strategies to improve the workplace safety environment in the mines. Data were collected using audio-recorded semistructured interviews and document analyses. …


Executive Director Experiences With Consumer Operated Service Provider Governing Board Members, Merideth Mccallick Erickson Jan 2017

Executive Director Experiences With Consumer Operated Service Provider Governing Board Members, Merideth Mccallick Erickson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Consumer Operated Service Providers (COSPs) are programs that are directed and administratively controlled by mental health consumers for their peers. As such, many mental health consumers have been placed in the position of serving on a COSP and often with unclear descriptions and no training. As a result, there is often a disconnect between the will of the board and the vision of the executive director, leading to tension and the possibility of failed mission. Using servant leadership as the guide, the goal of this case study was to explore the experiences of executive directors who operate Consumer Operated Service …


Vitamin D And Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Mandy Hemphill Jan 2017

Vitamin D And Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Mandy Hemphill

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals aged 50 years and older and is estimated to affect as many as 11 million individuals in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between vitamin D and AMD disease progression. The life course epidemiology framework model was used to explore how vitamin D level as a risk factor may have an association to AMD disease through time. Data in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database were collected on vitamin D levels and identified stages of AMD …


Exploring The Strategies To Implement A Sustainable Energy Program In Hong Kong Public Hospitals, Terry Ting Jan 2017

Exploring The Strategies To Implement A Sustainable Energy Program In Hong Kong Public Hospitals, Terry Ting

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Healthcare is one of the most energy-intensive industries because of its 24 hour-a-day and 7-days-a-week operation model. Climate change, due to environmental pollution, has increased the incidence of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, which further overload the financial burden of our healthcare system. The National Health Service Sustainable Development Unit suggested that a sustainable healthcare sector also requires using their resources in an efficient and responsible way. Hong Kong public hospitals are facing this problem along with high energy expenditure. The purpose of this qualitative, multiple site case study was to explore strategies for Hong Kong's public hospital leaders …


Performance Improvement Data And Staff Responsibility, Tabitha Anne Bentley Jan 2017

Performance Improvement Data And Staff Responsibility, Tabitha Anne Bentley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Improving the role the nurse plays in health care delivery should be embodied in the performance improvement initiatives to successfully improve the quality of care that is delivered. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to collect performance improvement data and present it to staff who, in turn, used the information to improve practice and influence patient safety outcomes. The practice-focused question addressed what would occur if a tool that allowed frequent data trending was used to measure effectiveness of care and thereby influence key outcome measures. Duffy's quality caring model provided a framework for the study to support …


10,000 Step Challenge For Bedside Registered Nurses Working 12 Hour Shifts, Katherine Louise Schnebly Jan 2017

10,000 Step Challenge For Bedside Registered Nurses Working 12 Hour Shifts, Katherine Louise Schnebly

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity is a pandemic that directly affects chronic health problems and mortality. Researchers have shown that more than 54% of nurses are obese. The increasing rate of obesity among nurses and the long hours they work make healthy lifestyles, including daily physical activity, difficult. Tracking daily activity using a pedometer or fitness application has shown improved awareness and sustainability of daily physical activity. This project was an investigation of the daily steps of bedside nurses working a 12-hour shift, and their subsequent awareness of their daily physical activity. Pender's Health Promotion Model was used to consider motivating factors for improving …


Predictors And Moderators Of Sexual Distress In Women With Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, Lisa Squibb Jan 2017

Predictors And Moderators Of Sexual Distress In Women With Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, Lisa Squibb

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) is a complex, poorly understood condition characterized by unremitting, unwanted, distressing genital arousal which occurs frequently and for extended periods of time, often in the absence of sexual stimuli. The pathophysiology is unknown. Researchers have hypothesized underlying disorders of neurological, vascular, pharmacological and psychological origins. Possible causalities have been suggested including anxiety disorder, SSRI use, and pudendal nerve neuropathies among others. Despite the uncertainty of etiology, other aspects of the disorder are clearer, including distress and poor quality of life for many. In this study, I used a biopsychosocial model to examine three potential psychological …


The Influence Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors On Exercise Participation, Chadrick Cooper Jan 2017

The Influence Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors On Exercise Participation, Chadrick Cooper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The study's purpose was to analyze whether the control (sustained healthy level) of independent cardiovascular disease risk factors could be used to significantly predict aerobic exercise status. The health belief and ecological model helped describe health awareness, autonomy, and ecological influences that could also influence the control of each risk factor. Multiple logistic regression analysis of behaviors and demographics was utilized to assess relationships of met aerobic recommendations to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, tobacco/alcohol use, diet, physical activity limitations, mood, and socio-economic status. The study consisted of 340 African American participants (37% male 63% female), between the ages of 30-64 who, …


The Impact Of Nursing Interventions On Pediatric Pressure Injuries, Charleen Singh Jan 2017

The Impact Of Nursing Interventions On Pediatric Pressure Injuries, Charleen Singh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hospitalized children are vulnerable to pressure injuries. Multiple methods are available to decrease pressure injuries. One specific method is the pediatric pressure injury prevention bundle, which includes device rotation, moisture management, positioning, skin assessment, and support surface management. Although this prevention bundle is available nationwide, it is not known if this type of bundled methodology helps decrease pressure injuries in hospitalized children. Secondary data regarding nursing interventions implemented as a bundle and pressure injury rates from a large pediatric hospital consortium were used to address this gap in the literature. The research questions explored the impact of the pressure injury …


Perceived Barriers To Lifestyle Change In Obese, Low-Income Hispanic Women, Mariana Daniela Torchia Jan 2017

Perceived Barriers To Lifestyle Change In Obese, Low-Income Hispanic Women, Mariana Daniela Torchia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Low-income Hispanic women are the fastest growing minority population in the United States, and they have increased risks of obesity and secondary health issues, such as diabetes, related to their obesity. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the barriers to lifestyle change among obese, low-income Hispanic women (OLHW). A health belief model lens was used. The study sample consisted of 15 OLHW who were clinic patients and ranged in age from 20-59. Recruitment occurred in a low-income, Southern California, outpatient clinic setting through volunteer participation from recruitment flyers. Fifteen women took part in 1-hour, in-depth interviews, which …


Possible Risk Factors For Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Infection In The Philippines, Molovon Jr Pasagui Azores Jan 2017

Possible Risk Factors For Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Infection In The Philippines, Molovon Jr Pasagui Azores

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. The purpose of this study was to gain knowledge about the relationship between potential risk factors and MDR-TB. Risk factors (the independent variables) for MDR-TB (the dependent variable) include previous TB treatment, infection with HIV, exposure to patients with drug-susceptible TB/MDR-TB, delays in diagnosis and treatment, employment status, smoking, imprisonment, alcohol abuse, and poor compliance with TB treatment regimens. The study was based on the epidemiological approach to causal inference work. A case-control study design was used wherein a quantitative method was applied in data …


Comparing The Effectiveness Of Masters-Prepared And Non-Masters-Prepared Nurse Leaders, Subha Narasimha Chari Jan 2017

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Masters-Prepared And Non-Masters-Prepared Nurse Leaders, Subha Narasimha Chari

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The complex nature of healthcare requires nurse leaders to be skilled in professional practice, communication, teamwork, and problem solving to improve staff satisfaction and patient outcomes. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing and Institute of Medicine promotes graduate education for nurse leaders to enhance the delivery of quality care to the nation's diverse patient populations. Guided by the diffusion of innovation theory, this project explored the differences in nursing care hours, staff turnover, nurse quality indicators, as well as leadership characteristics on units lead by masters-prepared and non-masters-prepared nurses. Forty-eight nurse leaders completed the impact of graduate education among …


Reducing Delirium In The Hospitalized Elderly With A Nursing Prevention Protocol, Mari L. Fraire Jan 2017

Reducing Delirium In The Hospitalized Elderly With A Nursing Prevention Protocol, Mari L. Fraire

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The aim of this project was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the Clear Minds protocol for early detection and prevention of delirium in hospitalized, elderly patients. The protocol was used to monitor for delirium and improve sleep quality by reducing sleep disturbances caused by environmental factors in hospital settings. Due to the risk of delirium for patients in late adulthood, implementation of a delirium-prevention protocol was needed. Upon admission, patients 60 years and older or patients that screened positive for the Brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM) were placed on the Clear Minds protocol. The protocol consisted of establishing …


Low Health Literacy And Preoperative Instruction Compliance Among Patients Undergoing Surgical Procedures, Mariefel Casino Paqueo Jan 2017

Low Health Literacy And Preoperative Instruction Compliance Among Patients Undergoing Surgical Procedures, Mariefel Casino Paqueo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In addition to cancelations and delays of needed surgical procedures, serious or fatal complications can occur when patients with low health literacy do not comply with preoperative instructions. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to provide more insight about ways to decrease on cancelled and delayed surgical procedures in low health literacy patients' due to noncompliance with preoperative fasting instructions. The project was informed by the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance model (King, D. K., Glasgow, R. E., and Leeman-Castillo, B. (2010). The project question centered on whether health literate preoperative fasting instructions could decrease cancellations and …


Leadership Among Directors Of Social Services At Rehabilitative Healthcare Chains, John Paul Tuanqui Abenojarj Jan 2017

Leadership Among Directors Of Social Services At Rehabilitative Healthcare Chains, John Paul Tuanqui Abenojarj

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Rehabilitation and healthcare centers (RHCs) provide ongoing care to the elderly and chronically ill. To maximize the quality of this care, RHC staff must be properly trained to respond to patient care crises and communicate across departments. Although researchers have studied the leadership styles, strategies, and interactions of facility administrators and nursing directors, there is a substantial gap in the literature on the leadership styles and strategies employed by directors of social services (DSSs). The aim of this phenomenological study was to address this gap in the research by exploring how DSSs influenced leadership policies, prepared subordinates for crisis intervention …


Cervical Cancer Prevention Screening: A Quality Improvement Project To Reduce Variation And Increase Timeliness In Managing And Reporting Abnormal Papanicolaou Smear Results, Dana Greene Rader Jan 2017

Cervical Cancer Prevention Screening: A Quality Improvement Project To Reduce Variation And Increase Timeliness In Managing And Reporting Abnormal Papanicolaou Smear Results, Dana Greene Rader

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in United States with more than 12,000 women diagnosed each year and more than 4,000 preventable deaths with minorities disproportionally represented. Cervical cancer prevention strategies rarely focus on the management of abnormal screening results. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to standardize the management program for abnormal cervical cancer screening results within an integrated health delivery system serving a large minority community. The Plan-Do-Study-Act model guided a comprehensive program evaluation with process improvement, including the creation of an electronic quality data reporting tool to formalize the work process and a …


Nursing Staff Responsiveness To Patients And Hourly Rounding, Lucretia Wilson Wilson Jan 2017

Nursing Staff Responsiveness To Patients And Hourly Rounding, Lucretia Wilson Wilson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services reduced the hospital's reimbursement by $500,000 due to patient care linked to the poor outcomes of marginal fall rates and low patient satisfaction survey scores as measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). The scores for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 for the medical-surgical unit fluctuated between 40-42.9%, without significant improvement, while the house-wide scores were 63.17%. To address the problem, a quality improvement project (QIP) was implemented. An evidence-based (EB) hourly rounding intervention was initiated following an education program for nursing staff (n=47) tailored to enrich patient communication. The …


Higher Education Leaders' Transformative Learning And Leadership Experiences Responding To Student Drug Abuse, James Vernon Battin Jan 2017

Higher Education Leaders' Transformative Learning And Leadership Experiences Responding To Student Drug Abuse, James Vernon Battin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Today's academic and social environment creates uncertainties, new roles, frequent changes, and challenging situations for student affairs academic leaders. The purpose of this study was to explore how student affairs academic leaders described their recent challenging experiences in addressing student drug abuse in higher education. The conceptual framework was based on adult transformative learning theory and applied transformative leadership perspectives. An interview format with open-ended questions was used to explore the experiences of 8 student affairs leaders who had faced challenging situations in the context of student drug abuse. A qualitative interpretive analysis was used that involved open coding of …


Mandated Continuing Education And The Competency Of Illinois Physical Therapists, Denise Lynn Hunter Ethington Jan 2017

Mandated Continuing Education And The Competency Of Illinois Physical Therapists, Denise Lynn Hunter Ethington

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Continuing education (CE) mandate laws are passed by states because it is in the public interest. The intent behind the passage of Illinois's CE law for physical therapists is to protect public health and safety through ensuring the competency of providers. However, studies into the impact of mandated CE on competency have been mixed. The problem addressed by this study was whether Illinois's CE law was effective in improving the competency of physical therapists and its impact on patient care. The purpose of this study was to understand what role mandated CE played in developing the competency of physical therapists …


Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Assessment And Lifestyle Adjustments In African Americans, Biruk Nigatu Nigatu Jan 2017

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Assessment And Lifestyle Adjustments In African Americans, Biruk Nigatu Nigatu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Multiple studies have indicated a higher burden of overweight/obesity and exposure to environmental toxins, such as alcohol and tobacco smoke, in association with higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the African American population. Thus, the purpose of this research was to determine if there was a significant difference in the use of lifestyle adjustments such as moderating alcohol consumption, weight loss, and smoking cessation on the prevalence of CVD in the African American population. The theoretical foundation was social cognitive theory and the social ecological model that posits the interplay of individual, social, and environmental factors. This cross-sectional quantitative …


Association Between Physician Characteristics And Surgical Errors In U.S. Hospitals, Obumneke A. Amadi Jan 2017

Association Between Physician Characteristics And Surgical Errors In U.S. Hospitals, Obumneke A. Amadi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The high incidence of medical and surgical errors in U.S. hospitals and clinics affects patients' safety. Not enough is known about the relationship between physician characteristics and medical error rates. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between selected physician characteristics and surgical errors in U.S. hospitals. The ecological model was used to understand personal and systemic factors that might be related to the incidence of surgical errors. Archived data from the National Practitioner Data Bank database of physician surgical errors were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Independent variables included physicians' home …


Predicting Weight Management Advice Behavior Using Social Cognitive Theory Among Psychiatry Professionals, Chidi Chima Jan 2017

Predicting Weight Management Advice Behavior Using Social Cognitive Theory Among Psychiatry Professionals, Chidi Chima

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity remains a public health concern among persons with mental illness resulting from the interaction of a combination of factors such as genetic, medication, effects of their symptoms, social, and environmental factors. Obesity complications account for increased mortality and morbidity, reduced life expectancy, and quality of life in persons with mental illness. The management of obesity is challenging and predicting the ability of mental health professionals to advise patients on weight management behavior is important to improve patients' overall well-being. The social cognitive theory constructs knowledge, expectations, situational perception, self-efficacy, and goal setting were utilized in predicting Weight Management Advice …


Ambulatory Registered Nurse Perspectives On Health Literacy Roles And Patient Communication, Gloria Medina Redden Jan 2017

Ambulatory Registered Nurse Perspectives On Health Literacy Roles And Patient Communication, Gloria Medina Redden

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Registered nurses (RNs) have a significant role in communicating health information to patients. The problem addressed in this study was RNs roles with health literacy and communicating health information using words that the patient understands. This study found that ambulatory RN perspectives on their roles in health literacy and patient communication may improve health outcomes and optimal wellness. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine and describe ambulatory RN perspectives on their roles in health literacy and patient communication, as these are necessary components linked to better health outcomes. The conceptual framework for this study was the nurse …


Perceptions Of Childhood Obesity Among African Americans In A Low-Income Community, Cotella Wilkes Wilkes Jan 2017

Perceptions Of Childhood Obesity Among African Americans In A Low-Income Community, Cotella Wilkes Wilkes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood obesity is a prevalent chronic condition affecting millions of children and adolescents in the United States and is rising in record-breaking numbers among African Americans in low-income communities. Guided by the social cognitive theory, the purpose of this evidence-based project was to understand the impact of an educational intervention on parents' perceptions of childhood obesity risk factors, weight status, and prevention strategies in a rural South Carolina community. A convenience sample of parents who attended a church-based community health promotion service in a low-income area (n = 10), aged 28 to 54, completed The Childhood Obesity Perceptions survey before …


The Effects Of Hurricane And Tornado Disasters On Pregnancy Outcomes, Kenneth E. Christopher Jan 2017

The Effects Of Hurricane And Tornado Disasters On Pregnancy Outcomes, Kenneth E. Christopher

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maternal prenatal exposure to hurricanes and tornadoes could contribute to an increased risk for adverse birth outcomes. Little is known about the effects of Hurricane Katrina of August 2005, on pregnancy outcomes in Mississippi. Additionally, little is known about the influence of the April 2011 Alabama tornado disaster on births in that state. The purpose of this study was to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the relationship between maternal prenatal exposure to these storms and adverse infant health outcomes. The theoretical framework guiding this retrospective, cross-sectional study was the life course approach. Data for this investigation included 2,000 records …