Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Covid-19 On Healthcare Workers: An Exploration Of Burnout, Cherise Fernandez

Nursing | Senior Theses

The healthcare workplace has been challenged with the SARS-CoV-2 corona virus (COVID-19) for majority of the year 2020 and it has posed a number of challenges for healthcare workers (HCWs). Due to the increased workload and demanding work hours, the prevalence of physician burnout has increased amongst this population. The escalation of burnout may lead to negative effects on physical and mental health. This poses a health concern amongst patients because the increase of burnout affects patient care, safety, and quality of care. Various surveys have been sent out to HCWs in order to determine if burnout has increased within …

The Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On College Students, Natalie Guadiana, Taylor L. Okashima

Nursing | Senior Theses

The body requires adequate sleep in order to maintain proper physiological health, psychological health, and cognitive function. In the healthcare field, sufficient sleep is imperative to ensure optimal patient care. Sleep deprivation can result in greater procedural errors, which places the clients at risk. Insufficient sleep negatively affects the nervous system, resulting in poor brain function. Because of the cognitive decline that is associated with sleep deprivation, academic performance is often decreased. In order to combat the phenomenon of sleep deprivation, positive lifestyle behaviors and sleep hygiene should be maintained. For students, academic and financial demands can contribute to physiological …

Complementary And Alternative Medicine: The Effects Of Aromatherapy On New And Expectant Mothers, Heather Tran

Nursing | Senior Theses

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is vastly expanding and is now being used in the clinical setting as an effective management of various symptoms. Pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period can be beautiful yet overwhelming moments in a woman’s life. The symptoms that are usually accompanied along this journey include nausea, vomiting, anxiety, pain, fatigue, stress and more. Aromatherapy has been proven to be a safe and natural, non-pharmacological method in reducing these symptoms that may make it harder for the mother to enjoy her pregnancy. This holistic approach to treatment is inexpensive, noninvasive, does not require a prescription from …

The Link Between Heart Disease In Low Socioeconomic Communities In America, Khristopher Chea

Nursing | Senior Theses

As a future medical professional in the healthcare field, we continue to see patients admitted for cardiovascular issues. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality among adults living in the U.S. despite advances in treatment throughout the past century. A number of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity contribute to the significant rise of cardiovascular disease. Research data suggests that there is correlation between cardiovascular disease, low socioeconomic status, and diet. According to the American Phycological Association socioeconomic status is measured by income, educational status, and occupation, and has been shown to be closely …

The Youthful Pandemic, Brook Sahlemariam

Nursing | Senior Theses

This paper attempts to examine the neurological, physical, and societal effects of e-cigarette use among youth and young-adults in North America. Furthermore, the paper investigates the parallels between e-cigarette users, tobacco users, and dual users in regard to behavioral patterns, reasons for use, and age of initiation.

Gut Microbiota And The Development Of Type 2 Diabetes, Janet Ryan

Nursing | Senior Theses

This paper explores the question: Can interventions focusing on healing the gut microbiome of a prediabetic patient prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes? Diabetes is a major health problem that is becoming the biggest epidemic of the 21^st century. Efforts to derail the progression of disrupted blood glucose metabolism are often futile leaving patients frustrated with a lifelong burden of disease management. Recent studies suggest that collectively the gut microbiome acts as an endocrine organ and that injury to this “organ” can lead to dysfunctional glucose regulation. A comprehensive literature review revealed that further studies are …

The Effects Of Moderate-Severe Plaque Psoriasis On Patient Well-Being And Prevention Of Flares, Glenn Devera

Nursing | Senior Theses

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is indicated by red, patchy and scaly skin that can be painful when irritated. Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk for a number of chronic diseases. Despite the expansion of treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis over the last decade, patients may still find that treatment strategies are not as successful, leaving them dissatisfied with their treatments. A relationship built upon trust between the nurse and the patient diagnosed with psoriasis may serve to help ensure optimal care. A comprehensive literature review was performed and found that best practices for patient management need to …

Is High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field Stimulation More Effective Than Pelvic Floor Muscle Training In Treating Stress Urinary Incontinence In Women?, Monica Friedman

Nursing | Senior Theses

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence, an involuntary loss of urine during physical exertion or effort, affects a disproportionately large number of women worldwide. Although pelvic floor muscle training is the first-line treatment for urinary incontinence, long term adherence is low, and therefore, is usually not an effective treatment. Medications may be costly and aren’t always effective; surgery is invasive and often not appropriate. This condition warrants further studies to find more effective solutions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether or not focused electromagnetic field therapy is more effective than pelvic floor muscle training in treating stress urinary continence in women.

PROPOSAL FOR FURTHER …

Nurses' Perceptions Of The Impact Of The Electronic Health Record On Clinical Decision-Making, Angela Dizon Garcia

Nursing | Senior Theses

This study explored the impact of electronic health record (EHR) use on registered nurses’ critical thinking, decision-making, and quality of care for hospitalized patients. Based on literature review, the researcher maintained a consistent definition of critical thinking and decision-making and how the use of the EHR affects these two complex yet significant processes. A descriptive survey design to assessed registered nurses’ attitudes and perceptions of how the EHR influences their clinical decision-making when caring for patients in an acute care setting. It found that nurses are aware that the EHR is beneficial, yet they often feel that electronically charting can …

Emergency Preparedness And Perceptions Of Resident University Students: Literature Review, Study Proposal & Impact Of Pandemic Crisis On Research, Madelyn Turner

Nursing | Senior Theses

Emergency preparedness is an essential step in mitigating negative impacts of disasters, especially in an area affected by wildfires, power shutoffs, earthquakes, and flooding. Dominican University of California resides within Marin County, and has experienced emergencies in the past. Students are expected to prepare themselves to survive independently for 3-5 days. As previous research has shown, college students often do not meet this expectation. This proposed study will assess the current preparedness levels of students living on Dominican’s campus. It will also determine how perceptions of emergency readiness contribute to actual preparedness. Data collection was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, …

An Investigation Of Treatments For The Prevention Of Metabolic Complications For Women Suffering From Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Diet, Exercise, Weight Reduction And Herbal Remedies, Brenda Martinez-Puente

Nursing | Senior Theses

The purpose of this research study is to compare the views of traditional versus alternative treatments available to women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) suffering from metabolic complications. Alternative treatments include diet, exercise, herbal remedies, or any combination of the three. Pharmacological interventions for the conditions associated with PCOS such as metformin, used to control glucose levels, and clomiphene, used to treat infertility. Through the literature review, articles show herbs and plant products to have similar mechanisms of actions as the pharmacological interventions, but with less side effects. For example, cinnamon was shown to increase insulin sensitivity and pomegranate juice …

Neonatal Health Outcomes And Access To Care, Riki Desjarlais

Nursing | Senior Theses

This paper will review existing research regarding the importance of prenatal healthcare. The research included covers the barriers existing to pregnant mothers and the consequences these barriers pose for mothers and babies with prenatal care that is unobtainable or undesired. This paper will also review current interventions that have provided under-served mothers with the resources they need to better ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Research analyzing mother’s attitudes and beliefs regarding prenatal care will be addressed in addition to how these beliefs may attribute to the health outcomes of their babies. Finally, this paper will include my own research …

Participation In Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy On The Immune Function Of Survivors Of Breast Cancer: A Literature Review And Pilot Study For Clinical Practice, Bianca Marteja

Nursing | Senior Theses

A review of current literature presented in this work suggests that MBSR participation results in NKCA, T-cell and B-cell restoration as well as a reduction in inflammatory biomarkers. While results from these studies are statistically significant, they are, however, relatively small. Furthermore, the reliability and one’s ability to generalize study findings from this literature review is limited by consistently small sample sizes, high attrition, differing forms of MBSR application, and inconsistent adherence to MBSR home practices.

The distribution of a 10-point survey using likert scales occured in a pilot study associated with the aforementioned literature review; this survey evaluated registered …

The Relationship Between Low Socioeconomic Status And Mortality Rates Of School Age Children Related To Motor Vehicle Accidents, Rubi Calderon-Rodriguez

Nursing | Senior Theses

The purpose of this study is to assess nurses’ perceptions on the relationship between low socioeconomic status and high mortality rates of children due to motor vehicle accidents(MVAs). MVAs are the leading cause of death among children four years and older. Studies reviewed in this paper support that low socioeconomic status is associated with high child mortality rates caused by motor vehicle accidents. Factors contributing to these high mortality rates include: the lack of or improper use of restraints, low parental education attainment levels, black or Hispanic race, and environmental risks of low socioeconomic areas. A mixed methods study is …

Hospitalization And Child Development: Effects On Sleep, Developmental Stages, And Separation Anxiety, Vanessa Cahayag

Nursing | Senior Theses

Childhood development has been an important topic for those in the medical field, as well as parents. The way a child develops can determine the way they act, think, and mature. Hospitalizations, acute and chronic, may affect the process of proper child development. Literature is reviewed to support the presented pilot study that focuses on the immediate effects of hospitalization on a child’s sleep disturbances, regression to lower developmental stages, and separation anxiety. The collected data determined the need for refinement of the survey tool and presented with possible correlations between hospitalizations and childhood development.

Effects Of Shift Length On Nursing Staff’S Productivity, Safety, And Well-Being, Victoria Sivesind

Nursing | Senior Theses

In this thesis the relationship between normal shift length for nurses and fatigue, burnout, intention to leave job, and patient outcomes and satisfaction. A review of literature has been done and conclusions have been made about the previous research reviewed in the thesis. A proposal for further research has been included and details how the author plans to provide further clarification to the questions at hand in order to better clinical nursing practice for the future. The proposed study includes sending out a survey to members of the Sigma Theta Tau Honors Nursing Society. It will inquire about shift length, …

Barriers To Patient-Centered Care For Dementia Clients In The Long-Term Living Setting, Shaina Gaba

Nursing | Senior Theses

When caring for people with severe dementia, the concept of the person being central is increasingly advocated in clinical practice. Person-centered care acknowledges autonomy in all facets of care. Recent studies examine behavioral changes in individuals with dementia and how health care teams address these alterations. Health care providers are vital for effective holistic management. Therefore, this review focuses on the current knowledge regarding care goals, practices, and perceptions of the client battling with cognitive decline. A literature review ascertains that clients with dementia respond to interventions and have decreased negative health outcomes, when providers ensure values and needs are …

The Effect Of Dance Movement Therapy On The Mood Of Hospitalized Psychiatric Adolescents, Amy Chiu

Nursing | Senior Theses

Mental illness in children has increased over all aspects throughout the years to right now (CDC, 2019). Many of these children do get treatment for these disorders but there are still a percent that do not receive any treatment or find effective ways to maintain non-pharmaceutical alternatives for mood stabilization. The alternative therapies that are introduced in hospital settings plays a role in allowing for alternative therapies to be apart of the treatment plan for patients. Dance Movement therapy (DMT) is an alternative therapy that uses movement to conduct change in patient’s emotions based on their own choices of movement …

The Effect Of The Timing Of A Hospice Referral And The Perceived Quality Of Care By The Family, Caitlin Tran

Nursing | Senior Theses

Hospice care is a specialized type of palliative care for patients with a time-limiting illness. Despite its benefits, hospice remains underutilized. A key reason behind the underutilization are untimely referrals, often made during the last weeks or days of the patient’s life. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existing barriers towards hospice that play into late referrals and its effect on patient/family satisfaction. This information will be examined to propose a pilot research study for further exploration.

Supporting Positive Lifestyle Changes Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Alison Tynan

Nursing | Senior Theses

The following thesis is a compilation of literature reviewed to formulate background research for a pilot study. The literature reviewed pertains to the potential benefit of added case management for patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. A proposed pilot study, based off of this research, aims to identify topics, tools, facts, and changes that can be made to case management to improve not just the biological aspects, like HbA1c levels, but the mental and emotional as well to allow for whole person care.

The primary question being asked is “what types of support do people with diabetes mellitus type 2 …

Nurses’ Reported Use Of Therapeutic Interventions Surrounding A Stillbirth Event, Sonya Woo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Psychological alterations and therapeutic interventions utilized for mothers who have suffered a stillbirth have been assessed and addressed in prior literature. This researcher reviewed ten articles highlighting the depression, grief, guilt, stress and concerns that can arise and interventions that were initiated within weeks immediately following stillbirth, during the time of a subsequent pregnancy, and a few years after having a subsequent child. An increased utilization of healthcare and health care provider presence have shown to positively influence the psychological effects of stillbirth. This researcher looked into the frequency and variety of which these interventions are being implemented in a …

Benefits Of Nonpharmacological And Pharmacological Treatments In Autistic Children, Amanda Cheng

Nursing | Senior Theses

Autism is a disorder that affects one in 59 children in the United States. The spectrum disorder affects individuals in early childhood and daily functioning. They may display limited spontaneous language and play and have difficulty in processing social messages. The literature review examines the benefits of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The proposed study will be guided by the phenomenology theory. Based on this theory, semi-structured interviews will focus on caregiver’s perceptions of their children’s reactions, needs, and care in healthcare settings. The literature review reveals how certain interventions and treatments have helped …