Improving Advance Directive Completion Rates In The Primary Care Setting, Esperanza Donahue

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

As technology has improved and the ability to artificially prolong life has increased dramatically, so has the need to draw attention to end-of-life care issues (Duke, Thompson, & Hastie, 2007). The Federal Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) of 1991 first brought attention to the importance of advance directives (ADs), (Government, 1995). Increasing the focus on advance directives for adult patients in the primary care setting could assist in increasing completion rates, prior to hospitalization.

The purpose of this project was to test a model to increase AD completion rates, to provide more complete patient centered care. Many programs and interventions have …

Sexually Transmitted Infections Among College Women Secondary To High Risk Behaviors Related To Lack Of Behavioral Health Interventions, Jennifer M. Brouillette

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) capstone project was to bridge the research gap on the problem of increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes among college women, ages 18-25 years, related to high risk sexual behaviors. Although a review of the literature reports that this population is provided with educational opportunities, including prior schooling, electronic resources, and primary care providers, rates of STIs among this population remain high. The purpose of this research translation project is to disseminate the current evidence of the …

The Blood Pressure Effect Of The Addition Of The Dash Diet And Exercise To The Treatment Plan Of Both Pre-Hypertensive And Hypertensive Rural Adults, Marian Michel

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Hypertension is a significant problem in the United States. This is especially true of rural populations who have diets high in saturated fat and sodium and low in fruits, vegetables and potassium. Furthermore, research has shown that a large number of rural residents do not engage in regular physical activity. These lifestyle characteristics have been associated with increased blood pressure and the risk for the development of cardiovascular disease. Conversely, adoption of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and exercise has been associated with decreases in blood pressure in pre-hypertensive/hypertensive patients. Purpose: The purpose of this project was …

Road To Health Diabetes Program, Alicia Johnson

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Diabetes is a major health problem in the United States. Individuals with diabetes are at greater risk of developing other health problems such as heart or kidney disease. African Americans are at 1.8 times greater risk of developing diabetes, and they suffer more severe consequences and complications from the disease. One major reason for poor outcomes in African Americans with diabetes is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the disease process and sequelae of diabetes. This DNP scholarly project focused on implementing a culturally sensitive diabetes education program in the hope of improving glycemic control among participants. The project …

Motivational Interview Intervention Use In Discharge Teaching Of Heart Failure Patients, Jason O'Brien

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

No abstract provided.

Evidenced Based Asthma Education Intervention For Adults In A Primary Care Setting Using Self Management Guidlines, Jeanette Toro-Linnehan

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Using the standard of treatment for asthma developed by the expert panel reports from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute allows a clear roadmap to patient centered control(National Heart Lung And Blood Institute, 2007). A focus on proper diagnosis and control of a patient’s asthma, using self-management tools that will allow the patient to partner with their primary care provider is crucial to successful control of this disease (Safety Net Medical Home Initiative, 2010). In order to achieve this, educational interventions on control and reduction of exacerbations was taught in a primary care practice/medical home under the direction of …

Improving Provider Adherence To Recommended Cervical Cytology Screening Guidelines, Amanda K. Worcester

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy that affects women worldwide (WHO, 2011). Adherence to cervical cancer screening practice guidelines and use of high-quality screening practices by primary care providers (PCPs) can reduce associated rates of morbidity and mortality. With recent changes in practice guidelines stemming from evolving scientific evidence suggesting more frequent screening for cervical cancer leads to overtreatment, providers have not fully adopted newer, less frequent testing when indicated for otherwise healthy women. This research translation project involved the assessment of adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines of 9 primary care providers (7 physicians and 2 nurse …

Network Of Learning For Pediatric Palliative Care: A Pilot Project, Margaret R. Nelson

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

In the past ten years, pediatric palliative care has evolved. Notre Dame Pedi Pals is a new venture providing pediatric palliative care for Notre Dame Hospice. Presently in Massachusetts an infant dies daily devastating the family (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2013). Collaboration and coordination of care is a common concern for these families who are difficult to identify and study, so that the measure of the effects of this care is challenging. Coordination and assistance with this aspect of care is viewed positively by parents of a similar group of children suffering from major chronic, life-altering diseases (Data Resource …

Improving Compliance With Healthcare Associated Infection (Hai) Practice Guidelines To Reduce The Acquisition Of Hais, Nelia Bruce

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) have been estimated to be in the millions, directly associated with 99,000 deaths and costing nearly $28 to $33 billion in excess health care costs each year (AHRQ, 2011; Scott, 2009). The literature indicates that healthcare workers are aware and understand that their patients are susceptible to HAIs and that they themselves can affect patient outcomes. However, despite this awareness and the existence of evidence based HAI guidelines there are clear gaps between what is recommended and practiced, greatly impacting the acquisition of HAIs. The objective of this capstone project was to assess for gaps between …

Increasing Knowledge About Hpv And The Hpv Vaccine Amongst Adolescents And Adults Through A School-Based Setting: A Capstone Project, Denise Barry

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical and other types of cancer, can be prevented. A safe and effective vaccine has been approved for both boys and girls. Despite this recommendation and alarming rates of HPV-associated cancers, vaccination rates among adolescents in the United States are low. A capstone project was implemented to target students and parents of students who attend Holyoke High School and William J. Dean Vocational Technical High (Dean Tech) in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The goals of the project were to improve knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine in students and parents, …