Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Does Screening Of Patients In The Home Health Setting Prevent Sepsis Readmissions?, Heather Michelle Cook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this evidence-based project is to reduce 30-day readmission rates of patients diagnosed with septicemia by using a symptom screening tool in the home health setting. Sepsis is a life-threatening and costly healthcare burden. Through this project the home health department staff were educated on the pathology of sepsis, and the use of the adult sepsis screener to identify at risk patients early and manage their symptoms thereby reducing 30-day hospital readmission rates of patients diagnosed with sepsis.

The Effect Of Trauma-Informed Care Education On Improving Knowledge And Confidence Of Clinicians Caring For Women In A Labor And Delivery Setting, Claire Annaliese Wycoff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The birthing process can be profoundly emotionally, mentally, and physically strenuous for women. Many women feel a loss of sense of control during their labor and birth experience. While trauma during the birthing process can happen to anyone, women with a history of sexual trauma are more likely to experience retraumatization during birth. Health care workers have the ability to exacerbate the patient’s trauma or promote healing through the care they provide. The lack of provider and nurse education in trauma-informed care is related to women’s experiences of secondary trauma during labor and childbirth and can cause prolonged complications for …

Walking To Improve Outcomes In Patients With Type Ii Diabetes, Kelley Leigh Sanders

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Walking is a simple, feasible, and effective exercise modality in which providers can instruct patients as a component of type II diabetic treatment plans. Many patients are overwhelmed when given instructions to exercise and therefore never begin. Lack of exercise contributes to poor glycemic control and adverse outcomes. Also, gym memberships can be expensive resulting in patients forgoing exercise altogether. The purpose of this DNP scholarly project was to conduct research outcomes which may enlighten providers to prescribe exercise interventions by providing evidence walking 45 minutes three times a week can improve glycemic control among type II diabetic patients. Also, …

The Difference In Post-Secondary Sexual Self-Efficacy And Sexual Self-Concept Outcomes Among Transitioning Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tatum Marie Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation adds to the progressive conversation in education regarding sexuality and neurodiversity. This study aimed to determine if there are differences in post-secondary sexual self-efficacy and sexual self-concept outcomes among transitioning youth with level one and two autism spectrum disorder. It explored the relationship of the components of sexual self-efficacy and sexual self-concept outcomes from the perspective of transitioning youth with autism. As advocates for the disability community continue to push reform for inclusiveness, it is vital that all areas of independent living, including sexual health, are not excluded. This study added to the understanding of autism, the specific …

Analyzing The Relationship Between Non-Pharmacologic Interventions And Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: An Integrative Review, Karen Ann Ellis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Maternal and fetal health outcomes are threatened due to pregnancy-induced hypertension, which complicates nearly 6%–10% of pregnancies worldwide. This disease carries a high risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Medications are commonly used to reduce blood pressure and physical consequences related to high blood pressure. However, the use of medications does not resolve the disease as there is no pharmacological cure. Current evidence demonstrates the detrimental long-term effects of pregnancy-induced hypertension and the increased risk of future cardiac disease. Close surveillance and effective treatment during pregnancy is needed to prevent serious complications. The aim of this integrative review …

The Importance Of Education In The Management Of Diabetes, Taylor Nicole Henry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Type 2 diabetes continues to affect millions of people every day across the United States. Uncontrolled blood sugars pose a risk to individuals’ overall health by causing microvascular and macrovascular changes and ultimately lead to an earlier mortality. One’s blood sugar levels can be checked at any time, but an individual’s hemoglobin (hgb) A1c is a three-month average that allows the diabetic to have an overview on how they are managing their diabetes. Appropriate nutrition and having someone hold the diabetic accountable have proven to limit these risks by lowering the patient’s hgb A1c. Providers and staff need to do …

Implementation Of A Flash Therapy Technique Pilot Program To Evaluate Well-Being In Bedside Nurses Caring For Patients With Covid-19, Rachel Faye Lakes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The nursing shortage is no longer a crisis but an epidemic and it is being exacerbated by burnout and compassion fatigue. This burnout and compassion fatigue are stemming from a loss of resilience and inability to cope. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified these issues. A safe, efficient, and effective intervention is needed to help improve well-being and resiliency among healthcare workers. The purpose of this project was to implement a flash therapy technique pilot program to evaluate resiliency and well-being of healthcare professionals caring for patients with COVID-19. A pilot program consisting of two flash therapy sessions was implemented …

Revising An Order Set To Standardize The Workflow For The Outpatient Intravenous Diuretic Therapy Clinic In The Cardiac Cath Lab Holding Area, Mackenzie Trent Rasnake

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospital admissions and readmissions. This produces costly hospital bills and detrimental effects on healthcare systems (Babar et al., 2020). It has been shown that intravenous (IV) diuretic therapy in the outpatient setting will reduce HF-related hospital readmissions (Abougergi et al., 2021). Outpatient IV diuretic therapy clinics are crucial for this reason. Revising an order set for the outpatient IV diuretic therapy clinic in the Cardiac Cath Lab holding area will reduce patient length of stay, improve nurse-provider communication, and increase patient and nurse satisfaction. Utilizing the Secure Chat feature within the electronic …

The Effectiveness Of A Chart Audit And Education Intervention To Improve Rts Referral Rates And Confidence In Emergency Nurses Delivering Care To Patients Experiencing Perinatal Loss, Rachel Kathleen Tillas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Perinatal loss is a significant event in a woman’s life that can have both physical and psychological impacts. Women with perinatal loss often seek care in emergency settings. Research shows that nurses working in emergency settings lack confidence in caring for this patient population, and women who seek care for perinatal loss in the emergency department are dissatisfied with their care. Resolve through sharing (RTS) is an evidence-based approach to bereavement care that offers resources and training to organizations and healthcare professionals. RTS can help bridge the education gap among emergency nurses caring for patients experiencing perinatal loss, be used …

The Best Practice For Colon Cancer Screening Recommendations By Primary Healthcare Providers: An Integrative Review, Anna Lynn Viens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Colorectal cancer screening is an important step toward reducing the mortality rate of this disease. Screening rates will improve with the utilization of trusted health care provider recommendations for patients. The purpose for a review of literature on best practices for colon cancer screening recommendations by providers is to increase the number of effective conversations between primary care providers and their patients around colorectal cancer, and, ultimately, to facilitate more provider screening recommendations for patients. This topic is important for reducing the burden of colon cancer. Providers would benefit from education and decision aids to assist with the colon cancer …

Addressing Factors That Lead To Job Dissatisfaction Among U.S. Hospital Nurses And Poor Health Outcomes In Patients: An Integrative Review, Folayan J. Morehead

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this integrative review is to identify factors that lead to job dissatisfaction among nurses working in U.S. hospitals and learn how patients experience poorer health outcomes as a result. Many factors including inadequate staffing, workplace bullying, violence, low pay, and hostile working conditions within hospital systems influence nurses’ intent to leave and affect the care quality provided to patients. In turn, the poorer care delivery leads to unsafe working conditions and thus poorer health outcomes in patients. Along with job dissatisfaction, nurses often feel the effects of moral distress and burnout which lessens their resilience. Nurses comprise …

Remote Patient Monitoring As A Means To Reduce 30-Day Readmissions In Skilled Patients: An Integrative Review, Sharee Lenae Birkett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Readmissions among skilled patients are a problem nationwide with rising rates despite federal mandates. Per the AHRQ (2021), readmission costs are estimated to average $15, 200 per patient. Interventions are needed to reduce readmissions and improve patient outcomes. Remote patient monitoring (RPM), especially with continuous vital sign monitoring (CVM) is one method that could reduce readmission rates. The purpose of this integrative review is to determine whether RPM could be used to reduce emergency department and 30-day readmission visits for Medicare part A skilled nursing patients. Utilizing the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework, 29 articles were reviewed with resulting themes …

Effectiveness Of Telemental Health Services In Rural Communities, Elizabeth Vebangsi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Telemental health has been recognized as a technique to improve access to care delivered to Rural communities and those willing to use telehealth services have increased tremendously since its introduction. Literature evaluates patients’ satisfaction with telemental health services and their acceptance to improve care delivery in rural communities. The literature review identified three major themes: improved care, increased use of telemental health services, and reduced cost and timesaving. Even though some studies uncovered issues from technology, poor connectivity, and delay in audio-visual transmission, the potential of mental health services continues to enhance care delivery to rural communities.

Patient Falls In The Ed Setting: An Integrative Review, Cody Allen Hughes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this integrative review was to search through the data available on the best practices for preventing accidental patient falls in the emergency room setting. Fall rates continue to be a major problem for many hospital systems across the world. Even when hospital systems put attention toward addressing this problem, many hospital systems continue to struggle with improving their falls rate in the emergency care areas. This integrative review aimed to identify the most effective interventions to decrease the accidental fall rates in the emergency care setting. Many interventions have been proposed to help reduce this occurrence, but …

Addressing Mild To Moderate Memory Impairment Among Young Adults (18-44 Years Old) With Alcohol Use Disorder And Dependence Through Restorative Rehabilitation Combined With Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Medical Detoxification Treatment: Integrative Review, Motunrayo Atinuke Ayodeji

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Neurocognitive impairment especially mild to moderate stage of cognitive impairment (MCI) has been observed to be prevalent among young adults (18-44 years old) seeking treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Neurocognitive testing reveals memory impairment in key components of cognition such as attention, memory, language, reaction time and perception in varying degrees and severity among those with AUDs. Research has verified that alcohol can actually predispose individuals to what is known as alcohol related brain damage (ARBD) or alcohol related cognitive impairment (ARCI) as related to cognitive (memory) impairment. This state of brain damage often impedes treatment outcome due to …

The Ems Deficit: A Study On The Excessive Staffing Shortages Of Paramedics And Its Impact On Ems Performance In The States Of South Carolina And North Carolina And Interventions For Organizational Improvements., James Boyd Eubanks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This is a qualitative multi-case study on emergency medical services (EMS) paramedic shortages, their effects on ambulance responses, and the quality of patient care in the prehospital environment. A qualitative multi-case study was selected for this study because the nature of the methods’ design aligned with a systematic approach of life experiences (Creswell, 2015). Paramedics who participated in this study provided insight, from life experiences, as to why one prematurely leaves EMS; thus, creating a staffing shortage. The foundation of this study is the high staffing shortages of paramedics specifically in South Carolina (SC) and North Carolina (NC). Drastically reducing …

Determining The Effectiveness Of Nonpharmacological Treatment Modalities For Adult Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: An Integrative Review, Sydia Nichole Spence

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Chronic low back pain continues to be a major health issue, affecting a significant percentage of the population worldwide. It is one of the major contributors to long-term disability. People with ongoing and recurrent low back pain experience lowered quality of life, long-term disability, lost productivity, and medical costs due to urgent and emergency care visits. Pharmacological treatment modalities often present with serious safety concerns, ineffectiveness due to limited evidence-based studies, undesirable side effects, and the possibility of addiction. Therefore, many clinicians and patients seek alternative approaches to remedy persistent low back pain. Various nonpharmacological therapies have shown favorable results …

Resiliency In Nursing: An Integrative Review, Valerie Yvonne Moke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nurses have been placed under tremendous pressure throughout their careers and the culmination of this pressure was the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses had to remain stoic despite longer hours, heavier workloads, lack of PPE and the fear of becoming infected or infecting their families. A review of the current literature was accessed to see how nurses built their stamina to withstand those pressures and create interventions to improve patient outcomes. The research was used to evaluate ways to improve nurse retention, reduce nursing shortages, and improve job satisfaction for those nurses and future nurses. The evidence showed that nurses with support, …

Integrating Prayer And Faith In Complementary Alternative Medicine Into Treating Breast Cancer: Lived Experiences, Barbara Orticelli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcended phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of women who have survived breast cancer and how complementary alternative medicine (CAM), such as prayer and spirituality, were incorporated into their treatments. The research questions used to frame this study include: 1) How do women describe their experiences in seeking to engage faith and prayer praxis as a form of complementary alternative medicine in breast cancer treatment? 2) How do women describe their decision process in choosing faith and prayer as a form of complementary alternative medicine in their breast cancer treatment? The theory guiding this …

Exploring Trauma: Lived Experiences Of Foster Parents In The Foster Care System, Audrey Michelle Butler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative transcendental phenomenology study explored the lived experiences of foster parents who care for traumatized children. Children in the foster care system are often exposed to trauma before and after entering the foster care system. Therefore, the trauma that foster children experience can impact them emotionally, psychologically, and cognitively. Unfortunately, foster parents are often unequipped to deal with these issues when these children enter their homes. The gap this study aimed to address was that foster parents did not have opportunities to share their experiences on what it was like to provide care for traumatized foster children. Husserl’s phenomenology …

Frequency Of Marijuana Use By California University Students Based On Gender And Ethnicity: A Quantitative Analysis, Evelyn Lorraine Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine the frequency of marijuana use by California university students based on gender and ethnicity. This study was important because marijuana is the most used illicit substance in the United States, and there is limited research regarding the demographic characteristics of California university students who use marijuana. The quantitative research design was used to describe the patterns of marijuana use by California university students. The setting was online. The participants included a random sample of 167 college students from five California state universities. The Daily Sessions, Frequency, Age of Onset, and …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experience Of Students Who Have Failed A Nursing Course: Try Again Or Move On?, Deborah K. Tonelli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of students after failing a nursing course, resulting in the students either sitting out a semester prior to repeating the course or making the decision not to return to a program at all. The central research question for this study was “what are the lived experiences of students who fail a nursing course?” This study retrospectively examined the failure of nursing students to better understand how they processed the event, gained meaning from the experience, and found supportive measures that were useful in moving forward to the …

Increasing Adherence To Psychotherapy Treatment In Adult Mental Health Patients Through The Use Of Tele-Behavioral Services: An Integrative Review, Almaz Assefaw

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Telebehavioral therapy has been developing in recent years as a viable alternative to in-person provider treatment. This was due, in part, to the recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitating rapid and widespread adoption of remote care services in general. Before this event, and despite years of development in telemental and telebehavioral technology, the U.S. rate of adoption of such services had been low. As psychotherapy is an effective way to treat mental health issues with or without the use of psychotropic drugs, ways to increase patient adherence to psychotherapy must be studied to provide high-quality mental health outcomes. One measure that has …

The Development And Structure Of The Tooth Enamel And The Nature Of Deterioration, Anderson Hill

Senior Honors Theses

The tooth enamel is developed through a careful process to give its characteristic hardness, but bacteria colonization in the form of plaque and certain dietary habits can compromise this. The development of the tooth involves an intricate process that incorporates proteins and minerals to produce the toughest tissue in the human body. The enamel possesses a distinct crystal lattice with many minerals involved. Under acidic conditions, the integrity of the crystals that make up the tooth enamel can become compromised. Harmful bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans of the mouth combine with carbohydrates that are consumed to produce acids that are …

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections: Shifting The Paradigm On Post-Infectious Treatment And The Neuropsychiatric Impacts Of Infections, Nicholas Hill

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Three Minute Thesis

Registered Nurse Hesitancy To Providing Narcotics To Post-Surgical Neonates: A Narrative Literature Review, Jordan Slowik

Liberty University Research Week

Doctoral

Theoretical Proposal

Differential Management Of Acute Injuries Versuses Muscular Imbalance In High School Athletes, Madison Mitchell

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Applied

Surgical Intervention Of Peroneal Tendon To Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome- A Rare Case Study, Carrington Erquiaga

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Applied

Use Of Complementary Alternative Medicine To Treat Nausea And Vomiting During Pregnancy Across Disparate Demographics And Vulnerable Populations: Application Of A Conceptual Equity Framework, Stephanie Chituru Ogbonda, Glodi Bakangelaka Bokanya, Som Subba, Yasmeen Fathima

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Applied

Effects Of Subtalar Manual Therapy On Pain In A Male College Lacrosse Player: A Case Study Research, Alonzo Lopez

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Applied