Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

High-Stakes Evaluation: Five Years Later, Tonya Rutherford-Hemming, Suzan Kardong-Edgren, Teresa Gore, Patricia K. Ravert, Mary Anne Rizzolo

Faculty Publications

This article compares the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) memberships' thoughts and discussions about the use of simulation for high- stakes evaluation in nursing education to a similar town hall discussion, five years ago. Data on the topic of high-stakes testing were collected through a survey before the INACSL conference in June 2014. During a town hall meeting at the conference, the survey data was presented, attendees shared their thoughts and reacted to prepared comments by selected simulation leaders. Half of the town hall attendees favored high stakes testing before the survey findings and discussion. This …

Impact Of Universal Disinfectant Cap Implementation On Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections, Katreena Collette Merrill, Sharon Sumner, Lorraine Linford, Carrie Taylor, Christopher Macintosh

Faculty Publications

Background: Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in increased length of stay, cost, and patient morbidity and mortality. One CLABSI prevention method is disinfection of intravenous access points. The literature suggests that placing disinfectant caps over needleless connectors decreases CLABSI risk.

Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted in a >430-bed trauma I center. In addition to an existing standard central line bundle, a new intervention consisting of a luer-lock disinfectant cap with 70% alcohol was implemented in all intravenous (IV) needleless connectors on patients with peripheral and central lines. Compliance to the disinfectant cap was monitored weekly. A generalized …

Vitamin D Deficiency And Acute Lower Respiratory Infections In Children Younger Than 5 Years: Identification And Treatment, Allison Larkin, Jane H. Lassetter

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is a leading cause of childhood mortality. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency (VDD) puts children at risk for ALRI. The purpose of this review is to examine ALRI and VDD in children 5 years and younger. Common etiologies, diagnosis, prevention, treatment of ALRI, and recommendations for vitamin D supplementation are summarized.

Method: Databases were searched for studies investigating VDD and ALRI in children. Independent reviewers assessed the internal validity of the studies.

Results: Of 18 studies examined, VDD was found to be associated with increased risk or severity of ALRI in 13 studies; …

Tendinopathy: Setting The Record Straight, Craig Nuttall, Ryan Rasmussen

Faculty Publications

Tendinopathy is a commonly diagnosed injury. Traditionally, tendinopathy was considered to be caused by an inflammatory process. It is now known that a majority of tendinopathies are caused by tendinosis, a failed healing response resulting in a degenerated tendon. The recurrent nature of tendinopathies can present a challenge for the health care provider and be very frustrating for the patient. There are several principles that should be followed when treating tendinopathies. These principles include rest, ice, eccentric exercises, and avoidance of corticosteroid injections. Proper treatment of tendinopathies can lead to optimal healing and decrease the risk of recurrence.

Health Literacy And Obesity Among Native Hawaiian And Pacific Islanders In The U.S., Jane Lassetter

Faculty Publications

Objectives: Our purpose was to describe relationships between demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and health literacy among Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHPIs).

Design and Sample: In this cross-sectional survey, we interviewed 364 NHPI adults.

Measures: We used Newest Vital Sign (NVS), a health literacy tool; measured heights and weights; and demographic questions.

Results: According to participants’ NVS scores, 45.3% had at least a possibility of low health literacy. Lower NVS scores were associated with increased BMI (r = -0.12, p = 0.027) and increased age (r = -0.26, p < 0.001). Higher NVS scores were associated …

Teaching Communication And Therapeutic Relationship Skills To Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Peer Mentorship Simulation Approach, Leslie Miles, Linda Mabey, Sarah Leggett, Katie Stansfield

Faculty Publications

The literature on techniques for improving student competency in therapeutic communication and interpersonal skills is limited. A simulation approach to enhance the learning of communication skills was developed to address these issues. Second-semester and senior nursing students participated in videorecorded standardized patient simulations, with senior students portraying the patient. Following simulated interactions, senior students provided feedback to junior students on their use of communication skills and other therapeutic factors. To integrate the learning experience, junior students completed a written assignment, in which they identified effective and noneffective communication; personal strengths and weaknesses; and use of genuineness, empathy, and positive regard. …

Minimizing Pain During Childhood Vaccination Injections: Improving Adherence To Vaccination Schedules, Lacey M. Eden, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Karlen E. Luthy, Renea L. Beckstrand

Faculty Publications

Pain experienced in childhood can lead to long-term and psychologically detrimental effects. Unfortunately, the most common pain experienced in childhood is caused by vaccinations and may lead to non-adherence to the recommended vaccination schedule. As a result, it is the health care provider's responsibility to take measures to reduce vaccination pain; however, there are a plethora of pain relieving interventions during immunizations and it is unclear which interventions are most cost efficient, timely, and effective. Studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of different pain management interventions during vaccinations. This review evaluates various pain relieving interventions and provide health …

Np Bookshelf. [Review Of The Book Compassion Fatigue And Burnout In Nursing: Enhancing Professional Quality Of Life, By V. Todaro-Franceschi], Leslie W. Miles

Faculty Publications

This book is not just for nurses who care for the dying patient but for all nurses who find themselves at some point in their career feeling burned out, dissatisfied with work life, bullied, or lacking a sense of meaning and purpose in their professional quality of life. Todaro-Franceschi identifies the causes of compassion fatigue and burnout as being multifactorial, yet having a core symptom of the nurse internalizing suffering to the point that it negatively transforms the care a nurse can give. The target audience is wide, with application to current practitioners, students, nurse educators, and anyone working in …

Preconception Care For Women With Pregestational Diabetes: Information For The Family Nurse Practitioner, Kathryn Conover Morrill

Student Works

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate present literature and guidelines regarding preconception care for women with type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and familiarize the family nurse practitioner (FNP) with current clinical recommendations. Data Sources: The guidelines reviewed include the Clinical Practice Recommendations from the American Diabetes Association 2013, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists pregestational diabetes mellitus guideline reaffirmed in 2010, and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on how to manage diabetes and its complications from preconception to the postnatal period 2008. Conclusions: Guidelines were established based …

The Use Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners In Establishing And Maintaining A Healthy Weight, Derrick Pickering, Mary Williams

Student Works

Obesity is an epidemic and continues to rise. The associated increased risk of mortality and co-morbid conditions is well documented. The use non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) is a strategy being used to manage weight by reducing calorie intake. Research is inconclusive regarding the efficacy of NNS in weight management due to their inappropriate use and also the potential they may increase appetite. To most effectively manage weight, a comprehensive individualized plan must be devise of which proper use NNS may be a part.

Vaccination Perceptions Of School Employees In A Rural School District, Janelle Macintosh, Karlen E. (Beth) Luthy, Renea L. Beckstrand, Lacey M. Eden, Jennifer Orton

Faculty Publications

Background: There continues to be a need for increases in adult vaccination rates, especially among those working in environments which may easily become communicable disease outbreak centers, such as school employees in the school environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate why rural Utah school employees were non-compliant with the influenza and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, as well as to identify their views on mandatory vaccination policies.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to all school employees in a rural Utah school district. Data analysis included frequencies and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative items …

Telehealth In The School Setting: An Integrative Review, Cori A. Reynolds, Erin Maughan

Student Works

Telehealth, the provision of healthcare through long-distance telecommunications technology, is a tool that can be used by school nurses to address and improve the health status of school children. The purpose of this literature review is to examine research related to implementation of telehealth in the school setting. A review of the literature was conducted using CINAHL, ERIC, Medline, and Pub Med databases, and the search terms telehealth, telecare, telemedicine, school, and schools. Fifteen research studies related to telehealth in the school setting were identified. Themes identified included: benefits, barriers, feasibility, and limitations of telehealth. Implications for practice are presented, …

Erectile Dysfunction As A Motivational Tool For Health Behavior Change In Men With Diabetes, Camille W. Allred, Donna Freeborn

Student Works

The purpose of this literature review is to outline a health promotion plan for healthcare providers and diabetes educators, using erectile dysfunction (ED) as a motivational tool to change health behaviors for men with diabetes. Because the most severe complications might not manifest themselves until later in life, patients with either type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are less likely to make the dramatic behavioral changes necessary to control their diabetes at the time of diagnosis. Twenty-eight articles obtained from CINAHL and Medline databases were examined. Eleven of those articles were selected for analysis based …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Comparison Of Medication Efficacy And Cost, Robert M. David, Karlen E. Luthy, Janelle L. B. Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden

Student Works

Although a common psychological disorder, pharmacological treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be a costly endeavor. Among 4-5 year olds, methylphenidate is a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective option for short-, intermediate-, and long-acting medication options. Short-acting methylphenidate, intermediate-acting methylphenidate ER and SR, and long-acting methylphenidate LA are the most efficacious and cost-effective medications. Selection of non-stimulant medications should be based upon recommended guidelines rather than primarily on cost. For children incapable of swallowing pills, the most efficacious and cost-effective treatments are short-acting dextroamphetamine liquid and long-acting methylphenidate LA capsules that can be opened and sprinkled over food.

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: Understanding, Diagnosing, And Treating, Chad W. Padovich

Student Works

The effects of obesity are multifaceted and lead to poor quality of life, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death. Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a widely misunderstood and under diagnosed disease process, which carries specific diagnostic criteria. The purpose of this work is to: (1) provide practitioners with a better understanding of OHS and how it differs from other obesity related breathing disorders (such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, OSA), (2) provide diagnostic criteria of OHS, (3) provide work up recommendations, and (4) provide current recommended treatment. Data Sources: An electronic search of the literature was conducted to identify …

Oncology Nurses' Suggestions For Improving Obstacles In End-Of-Life Care, Rosanne Johnson Oliver

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper was to determine the most important changes needed to improve the quality of end-of-life (EOL) care to terminal cancer patients as perceived by experienced oncology nurses. The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey, sampling 1,000 Oncology Nursing Society members from the United States with experience caring for inpatient cancer patients, who could read English, and had experience in EOL care. Eligible nurses responded to an open-ended item sent to them as part of a mailed questionnaire. Nurses were asked to respond to the following question: “If you had the ability to change just one …

Vaccination Status And Attitudes Of Urban School Employees In Utah, Kim Estella Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

Individuals who work with children are at risk for exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases. School settings can quickly become outbreak centers for communicable infection since school employees are in direct contact with children in confined areas for many hours each day. Therefore, it is important for school employees to be fully vaccinated. There are many reasons school employees may be inadequately vaccinated. One common myth is that adults believe vaccines are only for children. Another reason for inadequate vaccination rates among school employees is that many adults believe vaccinations received during childhood are still effective. Healthcare providers (HCPs) constitute the first …

Vaccination Perceptions Of School Employees In A Rural School District, Janelle L. B. Macintosh

Faculty Publications

Background: There continues to be a need for increases in adult vaccination rates, especially among those working in environments which may easily become communicable disease outbreak centers, such as school employees in the school environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate why rural Utah school employees were non-compliant with the influenza and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, as well as to identify their view on mandatory vaccination policies.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to all school employees in a rural Utah school district. Data analysis included frequencies and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative items …

Bariatric Surgery Versus Lifestyle Interventions In Managing Obesity In Patients With Type Ii Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Leslie C. Nakaya, Mary Williams

Student Works

Obesity, with coexisting T2DM, is difficult to treat successfully for various reasons and carries enormous health risks and financial burdens. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare outcomes of conventional medical treatment to bariatric surgery for the treatment of T2DM, and determine which patients may be appropriate for referral. Data Sources: An electronic search of the literature was conducted to identify studies from 2008 to 2014 in the following databases: CINAHL, National Library of Medicine PubMed®/MEDLINE®, EBSCO, SciVerse®, Springer Link®, and the Cochrane library. Conclusions: Bariatric surgical options, even before weight loss occurs, positively affect glucose homeostasis and …

The Impact Of The Ohana Mana Challenge On Native Hawaiian And Pacific Islander Children, Kristin Kay Van Tassell

Theses and Dissertations

In this four-week, family-focused pilot intervention study, researchers studied the impact of culturally relevant nutrition and activity sessions on eleven children from eight Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) families. Mixed methods were used in analysis. In their favorite meal drawings, children included more fruits and vegetables at week four than week one, which was consistent with their self-reported intake of healthy foods that were new to them. From week one to four, mean total scores increased on the nutrition and exercise knowledge exercise questionnaire and the physical activity self-efficacy tool; however, the mean total score decreased on healthy diet …

A School-Based Intervention’S Impact On Children’S Knowledge And Self-Efficacy Related To Physical Activity And Nutrition: A Pilot Study, Katherine Turley Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

Childhood obesity has become epidemic in the United States. One of the best places to combat this problem is within the school system. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in exercise self-efficacy, science interest, and science knowledge of children who participated in a school-based anatomy and healthy lifestyle intervention called Anatomy Academy. In this pilot study, 212 study participants were recruited from 5th and 6th grade children enrolled in one of three charter schools who participated in our 7-week intervention, Anatomy Academy. Children completed four questionnaires pre and post intervention: (1) a science knowledge questionnaire, (2) a …

Interventions To Minimize Distress During Pediatric Primary Care Visits: A Systematic Literature Review, Michelle Lee Smith

Student Works

Purpose: This literature review is designed to analyze interventions to minimize trauma and psychological stress experienced by pediatric patients during visits with their primary care providers. Data Sources: An electronic search of the literature was conducted to identify studies from 2008 to 2014 in the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library. Conclusions: Interventions to reduce a child's anxiety are available and easily executed. When anxiety is decreased, children are able to approach medical situations with a sense of comfort, achievement, and control. Decreasing stress can assist children in developing trusting relationships of the health care system as …

Role Modeling Clinical Judgment For An Unfolding Older Adult Simulation, Kathie Lasater, Elizabeth A. Johnson, Patricia K. Ravert, Doris Rink

Faculty Publications

Nurse educators must foster development of clinical judgment in students to help them provide the best care for the increasing population of older adult patients. This article reports qualitative findings from a mixed-methods study that focused on clinical judgment in the simulated perioperative care of an older adult. The sample was composed of treatment and control groups of prelicensure students (N = 275) at five sites. The treatment group watched a video of an expert nurse role model caring for a patient similar to the simulation patient, whereas the control group did not watch the video. Four weeks after simulation, …

The Underutilization Of Primary Care Providers In Treating Opiate Addiction, Jennifer Jenkinson

Student Works

Opioid abuse is a worldwide problem and there are not enough care providers or treatment programs available to treat the opioid abuse epidemic. Many primary-care nurse practitioners care for patients who are dependant and/or abuse opioids. Under current legislation, nurse practitioners are not allowed to prescribe the schedule III medications necessary to treat them, even though they have been made available to primary-care physicians with some additional training. This paper discusses the effectiveness of opioid substitution therapy in a primary care setting, the patient population best suited for this therapy, patient satisfaction with primary care service, and the barriers preventing …

Factors That Influence The Development Of Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, And Compassion Satisfaction In Emergency Department Nurses, Stacie Hunsaker, Dale Maughan, Sondra Heaston

Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to determine the prevalence of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout in emergency department nurses throughout the United States and (b) to examine which demographic and work-related components affect the development of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout in this nursing specialty.

Design and Methods: This was a non-experimental, descriptive, and predictive study using a self-administrated survey. Survey packets including a demographic questionnaire and the Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5 (ProQOL 5) were mailed to 1,000 selected emergency nurses throughout the United States. The ProQOL 5 scale was used …

The Relationship Between Select Demographic Characteristics And Body Mass Index Among Native Hawaiian And Other Pacific Islander Caregiving Adults, Jane Lassetter Phd, Rn, Lauren Clark Phd, Rn, Faan, Sharla E. Morgan Fnp, Lora Beth Brown Phd, Gwen Vanservellen Phd, Rn, Faan, Katrina Duncan Fnp, Betsy S. Hopkins

Faculty Publications

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders (NHOPIs) are people with genetic origins in Hawaii, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands (Hixson, Hepler, & Kim, 2012). NHOPI prevalence of overweight or obesity is among the highest in the world. Nauru, a Pacific Island nation, is considered the most obese country in the world with an overweight and obesity prevalence of 93% (WHO, 2011). Hawaii’s overall prevalence of overweight or obesity is 52.1%, but the prevalence for Native Hawaiian residents is 69.6% (Hawaii Department of Health, 2011). Inasmuch as NHOPIs are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the U.S. (Hixson et …