Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Improving Dental Students' Knowledge And Confidence In Treating Tobacco Use, Victoria Pierce

DNP Projects

Background: Tobacco use can lead to numerous chronic health conditions. Healthcare professionals in the dental field are in a unique position to broach this issue with patients. Research shows that dental students do not feel equipped to provide tobacco cessation care, citing lack of education on the subject among their top reasons for this.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate changes in dental students’ knowledge and confidence related to treating tobacco use after participation in an educational intervention about the 5A’s, behavioral counseling, and first-line prescription medications.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative utilized a quasi-experimental survey design …

Improving Nutrition Screening Practice In The Hospitalized Heart Failure Patient Population, Amanda J. Bourgeois

DNP Projects

Background: Heart Failure is a disease known to affect nearly 6.5 million adults in the United States. Characterized by recurrent hospitalizations, heart failure significantly contributes to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in the United States and worldwide. Because malnutrition is prevalent in the heart failure population, healthcare providers must perform nutritional assessments on admission to intervene in the case of malnutrition, prevent deterioration, and improve patient prognosis. Without intervention and early identification of malnutrition, heart failure hospitalizations will remain a significant problem.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of an evidence-based educational program for cardiac …

Predicting Physical Therapy Student Clinical Reasoning In Practice Using Aligned Assessments In A Curricular Domain, Joy L. Moulton

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Clinical reasoning (CR) is a difficult concept to assess and is a leading cause of failure for outpatient clinical experiences for physical therapy (PT) students (Silberman et al., 2018). The purpose of this study was to determine to what degree didactic assessments of CR could predict CR in clinical practice utilizing Miller’s (1990) pyramid as a conceptual framework. Using a retrospective quantitative exploratory observational design, archived data were collected for graduates in the classes of 2022 and 2023 (N = 84) from a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Each assessment pertained to the musculoskeletal domain of PT practice and …

Neurodiagnostic Program Director Perceptions On Low Enrollments, Daniella Krantz

Student Dissertations

Higher education enrollments have trended downward over the last several years and fallen further due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem addressed in this study was low student enrollment in neurodiagnostic programs in the United States, resulting in an increasing shortage of neurodiagnostic professionals working in the field. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of neurodiagnostic program directors and their views on the low enrollments in neurodiagnostic programs in the United States. A descriptive qualitative design was used to understand the perspectives of these program directors. Human capital theory, the theory …

A Pilot Project For Tuberculosis Education In College Students, Sarah Williams

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: San Diego’s Tuberculosis (TB) incidence is more than double the national rate. The majority of cases of active TB are due to the progression of latent TB infection (LTBI).

Objectives: This evidence-based practice (EBP) project aimed to increase knowledge, awareness, and improve attitudes and practices regarding TB among college students.

Participants: Twenty Community College Students in San Diego participated in the project.

Methods: Students attended an in-person educational session. A pre-post knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaire measured the impact.

Results: The intervention improved knowledge and attitudes. The average post-intervention TB knowledge score was 95.8% compared to 57% …

Reducing 30-Day Heart Failure Hospital Readmissions Through The Implementation Of A Telehealth Education And Screening Program, Madison Geib, Jo Loomis, Maria (Dupi) Gomez Cogan

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Heart Failure (HF) is a difficult disease to manage. It requires knowledge on weight monitoring, diet, exercise, medications, and symptom management. With this difficulty, there is a high incidence of HF patient readmissions into the hospital, especially in the first 30-days after discharge, showing that patients are not well equipped to manage their HF on their own at home. A review of the available literature found that some of the most common reasons for readmission include poor discharge planning, a lack of continuation of care, as well as a lack of education and adherence to their medications (Mathew & Thukha, …

Educating Medical-Surgical Nurses In A Large Hospital Organization On Sepsis Bundle Elements, Christopher N. Guinto

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Results from a voluntarily anonymous pre-survey about sepsis revealed that a majority of the seventeen nurses assessed themselves below an "expert knowledge '' level. The survey results present an opportunity to improve the nurses’ knowledge and confidence in nursing response and improve patient outcomes with sepsis.

Context: The quality improvement (QI) project was conducted on a medical-surgical unit in a large Northern California hospital.

Intervention: A QI team initiated evidenced-based practice research and created an educational sepsis handout for nurses to increase sepsis knowledge and confidence.

Measures: The self-assessment pre-survey would be compared to the responses from the post-survey. …

Evaluating Equity: Examining Inclusionary Practices From Educational Organizations To Improve The Education Experience Of Lgbtqia+ Students, Jillian G. Torrento

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This qualitative study explored the ways in which education policy and practices within public schools are addressing the needs of minoritized populations with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ students. This study first employed a document analysis to investigate the federal, state, and district-level equity practices that are mandated or elective in addressing the needs of marginalized populations and LGBTQIA+ students. Secondly, a critical discourse analysis was conducted to examine the specific language, word choices, and symbols found within the public documents that signify equitable practices pertaining to minoritized student populations and the LGBTQIA+ community. Ultimately, the goal of this study …

Black Male Educator Shortage In The Mississippi Public School System: Impact, Challenges, And Intervention Strategies, Jilkiah Bryant

Honors Theses

The shortage of Black male educators in Mississippi's public school systems is a critical issue with far-reaching implications for the state's education system. Despite the state's sizable Black population, the percentage of Black male teachers remains disproportionately low, and there is little evidence of progress being made to address this issue. This paper examines the impact of the Black male educator shortage on Mississippi's education system, the challenges faced by Black male educators, and related intervention strategies to increase the number of Black male teachers in Mississippi's public school systems. Through a comprehensive literature review and interviews with Black male …

Expansion Of Heart Failure Education From Hospital To Clinic, Abigail M. Fischer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Heart failure education is vital to the long-term management of this condition. Education recommendations for heart failure are given by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Recommendations include verbal instruction and written materials regarding the patient’s medication plan, recognition of symptoms, what to do when symptoms occur, and the importance of daily weights.

This project aimed to provide outpatient clinic providers and staff with resources and education necessary to educate heart failure patients. The project expanded use of an inpatient heart failure education packet for outpatient use. This was accomplished by conducting educational sessions …

Investigating Students’ Lived Experience With Prebriefing Structure And Elements In Nursing Simulation Education, Meghan Liebzeit

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Prebriefing is a growing body of knowledge in nursing simulation education. It is recognized as an important factor in the simulation experience, however the practice of prebriefing varies widely making it difficult to understand what methods best prepare students for the simulation scenario. While research over the last decade has identified prebriefing increases confidence, skills, and clinical judgment, what content is important to include in prebriefing, or how it promotes the achievement of outcomes is under recognized.Implementing an intervention based on a pedagogically sound eight-week simulation clinical course, developed with the theoretical underpinnings of Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, Kolb’s …

Uplifting An Invisible Population: How We Can Combine Psychology And Policy To Improve The Educational And Mental Health Outcomes Of Homeless Youth, Melissa Hamilton

Washington Semester Program

The goal of this thesis is to a) explain why homeless youth are frequently linked to poor mental health and education outcomes, and b) offer evidence-based suggestions that ought to be considered when developing any intervention aiming to improve the education and mental health of homeless youth. To accomplish this, prominent theories in both the psychology (ex: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs) and political science (ex: failed implementation of the McKinney-Vento Act) fields that pertain to student homelessness were reviewed, and a comparative analysis of existing intervention models was conducted. Three key trends were identified across successful homeless youth intervention models …

The Influences Of The Public Health Care System And Education System On The Economic Growth Of Swaziland, Grace Greer

International and Global Studies Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Kingdom of Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, has one of the youngest populations in the world with over 70% of citizens being under the age of 18 years old. This creates a substantial opportunity for economic, social, and educational growth in a country previously plagued with diseases such as HIV/AIDS, poor health care infrastructure cutting off thousands from basic care, and an educational system with a very low attendance rate and an even lower graduation rate. By evaluating the root causes of such issues dating back to the colonial era there is an opportunity to reprioritize health care and …

Occupational Therapists’ Role In Educating Caregivers On Pediatric Sensory Interventions Guided By Neurodiversity Principles, Deanna Bourgeois

Student Capstone Papers

Background: Neurodivergent children often experience differences in sensory processing and self-regulation. Traditional sensory-based interventions are frequently used by occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) and caregivers to address dysregulation. However, sensory-based interventions, while often strengths-based, are not always neurodiversity-affirming.

Problem: There are minimal educational resources available to both OTP and caregivers that promote neurodiversity-affirming sensory interventions to support neurodivergent children.

Methods: The purpose of this project was to create self-paced educational modules to teach neurodiversity-affirming sensory interventions that promote children's self-regulation. To achieve this goal, the student investigator developed virtual educational modules and piloted them with OTP, occupational therapy …

Implementing Education For Maternity Nurses To Improve Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Regarding Postpartum Depression: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Haley Merrill

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication of childbirth, but often goes undiagnosed. Adequate patient education on PPD increases the patient’s knowledge and supports enhanced communication between patients and provider. Maternity nurses have continued interaction with new mothers and are in a vital position to educate patients regarding PPD. However, maternity nurses may lack confidence in delivering the appropriate education and resources for PPD to postpartum women.

LOCAL PROBLEM: Within the given microsystem, there was currently a gap that existed between PPD education for nurses and the delivery of PPD patient education.

METHODS: Utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, a …

Educator Preparedness In The Use Of Simulation In Nursing Education, Marcelene E. Hart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractNurse educators lack preparation when using simulation as a teaching modality in educating nurses and nursing students within their clinical environment. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand nurse educators’ perceptions of the challenges in preparing for simulation-based training experiences for nurses and nursing students. Vygotsky’s constructivist theory was used as the conceptual framework for the study to emphasize students’ innate ability to learn using active and hands-on processes through simulation experiences. Questions were developed to explore the challenges nurse educators encounter when preparing for simulation activities. Survey questionnaire invitations were sent through email to hundreds of …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Telehealth Versus N95 On Nurse-Patient Communication, Tony Christopher Bloomfield

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Telehealth and face masks are some of the infection control measures nurses use while attending to patients. Nurses provide the most patient care in hospital settings and thus spend the most time with patients in their recovery journey. Because communication is paramount to the role nurses play as health care professionals, there is a substantial need to investigate how infection control measures affect the quality of nurse-patient communication. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to describe the relationship of methods aimed at maintaining social distancing between nurses and patients to nurse-patient communication and to compare differences in the …

Educating Nurses On Mental Fatigue, Tawanna Ann Canty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Education correlates with nurse performance and avoiding mental fatigue. This project attempted to answer the question, “Educating nurses on mental fatigue will increase knowledge” focusing on educating rehabilitative nurses regarding mental fatigue. The project was guided by the Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate model. Twenty rehabilitative nurses were administered a pretest consisting of 10 multiple-choice test questions. They received education on mental fatigue through PowerPoint presentations and handouts. After completing the education, participants were administered a posttest with the same 10 questions. An evaluation tool consisting of six questions was completed measuring an increase in knowledge after the posttest. …

Educator Preparedness In The Use Of Simulation In Nursing Education, Marcelene E. Hart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractNurse educators lack preparation when using simulation as a teaching modality in educating nurses and nursing students within their clinical environment. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand nurse educators’ perceptions of the challenges in preparing for simulation-based training experiences for nurses and nursing students. Vygotsky’s constructivist theory was used as the conceptual framework for the study to emphasize students’ innate ability to learn using active and hands-on processes through simulation experiences. Questions were developed to explore the challenges nurse educators encounter when preparing for simulation activities. Survey questionnaire invitations were sent through email to hundreds of …

Utilizing Podcast Education To Improve Nurse Knowledge, Confidence, And Behaviors Related To Palliative Care Conversations In The Intensive Care Unit, Brittany Estridge

DNP Projects

Background: The personal connection that Registered Nurses (RNs) build with patients and their families puts them at the forefront of many conversations during the patient’s stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Some of the most difficult conversations are related to palliative care (PC). It can be challenging to know how to respond to the complex questions posed in palliative care conversations (PCC) when patients and their caregivers are making decisions that will alter the course of the patient’s treatment, as well as affect the quality and length of their life.

Purpose: Nurses receive inadequate training in PCC. The purpose …

Evaluating Kentucky Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ Confidence, Comfort, And Knowledge Levels Regarding Dermatology Care After A Web-Based Video Training, Victoria Hayden

DNP Projects

Background: It can take an average of 38.9 days to see dermatology from referral to initial appointment. As a result, delays in diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening conditions such as malignant melanoma could occur. Primary care providers frequently refer patients for benign conditions that can be appropriately managed in the primary care setting; often due to lack of knowledge or confidence in their clinical management skills. Educational resources equip providers with the knowledge and tools to feel confident in their management of various skin conditions in a primary care setting. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Telehealth Versus N95 On Nurse-Patient Communication, Tony Christopher Bloomfield

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Telehealth and face masks are some of the infection control measures nurses use while attending to patients. Nurses provide the most patient care in hospital settings and thus spend the most time with patients in their recovery journey. Because communication is paramount to the role nurses play as health care professionals, there is a substantial need to investigate how infection control measures affect the quality of nurse-patient communication. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to describe the relationship of methods aimed at maintaining social distancing between nurses and patients to nurse-patient communication and to compare differences in the …

Educating Nurses On Mental Fatigue, Tawanna Ann Canty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Education correlates with nurse performance and avoiding mental fatigue. This project attempted to answer the question, “Educating nurses on mental fatigue will increase knowledge” focusing on educating rehabilitative nurses regarding mental fatigue. The project was guided by the Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate model. Twenty rehabilitative nurses were administered a pretest consisting of 10 multiple-choice test questions. They received education on mental fatigue through PowerPoint presentations and handouts. After completing the education, participants were administered a posttest with the same 10 questions. An evaluation tool consisting of six questions was completed measuring an increase in knowledge after the posttest. …

How Does Exposure To Pelvic Health Content In Entry Level Physical Therapy Curricula Impact Students’ Comfort Level Discussing Sexual Health With Future Patients?, Elizabeth Levay

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the relationship between exposure to pelvic health content in physical therapy school curricula and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students’ comfort levels discussing sexual health issues with future patients. As holistic, autonomous health care providers, physical therapists must be confident in addressing all aspects of health with patients, including sexual health. Lack of attention to patients’ sexual issues may result in aspects of health going unaddressed, leading to poor patient care. The research hypothesis was that increased exposure to pelvic health topics within entry level physical therapy education will improve students’ …

Gaining Experience In Academic Setting Of Entry-Level Doctoral Program, Conner Hansen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Worked with faculty advisors to develop activities and assignments within the OTD 8271: Interventions 1: Psychosocial and Community course for students to guide their interactions with children volunteers from A Kid’s Place (AKP). The pre-existing relationship with AKP allowed for the incorporation of hands-on activities to increase the excellence of education, confidence in clinical skills, and quality of practitioners entering the field.

Impacting Positive Breastfeeding Attitudes Of Prelicensure Nursing Students Using An Evidence-Based Breastfeeding Module, Stephanie D. Uhr

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Robust evidence demonstrates optimal breastfeeding behaviors provide unmatched short- and long-term health outcomes. Therefore, breast milk feeding is more than a feeding decision; it is a significant public health concern. Breast milk is species-specific nutrition for a developing infant. The health impact of providing breastmilk extends to the lactating parent. However, the existing breastfeeding education is often inadequate to support the care of the breastfeeding dyad. The dissertation examines the role breastfeeding plays in prelicensure nursing education and analyzes the use of an evidence-based breastfeeding educational module (EBBM) on breastfeeding attitudes.Method: An integrative review analyzed the current state of …

Genetics And Genomics Education Among Physician Assistants, Wesley Patterson

All Dissertations

This dissertation comprises five chapters to describe genetics and genomics education among physician assistant/associate (PA) students and practicing PAs. Chapter I introduces the gap in supply and demand of genetic services, the need for non-genetics healthcare providers to fill the gap, and the PA profession as a solution.

Chapter II is a rapid literature review that summarizes the available literature regarding genetics and genomics education for PAs. A paucity of literature exists to describe the current state of PA genetics-genomics education. The few studies retrieved describe content being taught in PA programs, the number of genetics-genomics contact hours PA students …

Development Of Online Modules To Introduce Prospective Students To The Profession Of Occupational Therapy, Hosia Towery

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Prospective students interested in Occupational Therapy academic programs are subject to the admission criteria of each educational institution, including experiential learning, clinical observation hours, volunteer experiences, or similar prerequisites. There are no standardized criteria established for these prerequisite requirements b the accreditation agency, as it is within the scope of Higher Education. There is no accountability at the regional or local level to ensure educational opportunities for prospective students interested in higher education, creating a gap as highlighted in the recent global pandemic, where student access to education was further challenged. Students are reliant on a variable set of requirements …

Is Dietary Teaching Via Telehealth Effective In Lowering Hgba1c In Adult Patients With Prediabetes Or Type 2 Diabetes?, Mia Mccallum-Crawford

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two common conditions diagnosed in the primary care setting. Both conditions benefit from a healthy lifestyle, managing blood sugar levels, and getting diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES). Within the past two decades, the healthcare community in the US has witnessed a substantial rise in diabetes among adults. Overall, the self-management of diabetes continues to worsen nationally. The purpose of this project is to improve patients’ self-management of both Prediabetes and T2DM through nutrition and show how nutritional counseling via telehealth provided by a nurse practitioner can improve HgbA1C values over 3 …

Script Concordance Testing In Genetic Counseling Training: A Pilot Study, Yakira Begun, Lila Rae Stange

Human Genetics Theses

Clinical decision-making has been successfully measured by script concordance testing in various healthcare training programs; it has never been used in genetic counseling education. The aim of this pilot study was to assess script concordance testing in the field of genetic counseling as an objective measure of clinical reasoning in trainees. The script concordance test was administered to 22 second year genetic counseling students in the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College. 12 genetic counselors served on a panel to provide expert judgment responses, and a scoring grid was developed using the Aggregate Scores …