Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Enhancing Comfort Care Techniques In The Pediatric Inpatient Setting, Nicole Rae Mansky

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The benefits of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for children undergoing painful medical procedures are well documented in extant nursing literature; however, such techniques continue to be underused in practice. Improving comfort during medical procedures is necessary to enhance the patient and family experience. The purpose of this project was to provide education to nursing staff about pediatric pain theories and evidence-based practice recommendations that support the use comfort interventions for pediatric patients of all ages. The practice-focused question addressed the development of an educational program designed to enhance staff knowledge of comfort intervention options and the benefits provided to patients. …

Strategies For Reducing Medication Errors In An Outpatient Internal Medicine Clinic., Uche Gerard Obua

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Medication errors are among the most common causes of unintended harm to patients and have led to many deaths. Some categories of medication errors include; medications administered to the wrong person; medications administered at the wrong time, through the wrong route; administration of the wrong medication and/or dose; and the omission of medications. Guided by the logic model, the just culture model, and the Knowles theory of andragogy, the purpose of the project was to determine if providing information related to evidence-based strategies to reduce medication errors would result in safer medication administration practices and improved patient outcomes A survey …

Incentive Size Alignment With Accountable Care Organization Performance, Kristie D. Racca

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Changes to the country's health care political landscape in 2012 resulted in the development of federal programs aimed at containing costs and improving the quality of care delivered. Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) emerged linking performance to rewards. Guided by Conrad's value-based performance incentive theory as the theoretical foundation, the purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the relationship between financial incentive size and ACO performance measures. The research questions examined the predictive relationship of incentive size and acute care readmission rates, emergency department (ED) visits, and per capita spending of the ACO Medicare Shared Savings Program population. The study …

Oral Health Literacy And Oral Hygiene Habits In A Kentucky Appalachian Community, Katie D. Schill

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study sought to identify the level of oral health literacy held by people who live in transitional and distressed Kentucky Appalachian areas and if this effects how often they are using oral hygiene techniques. Data were also collected to describe the attitudes Kentucky Appalachian adults hold toward oral hygiene and oral health status. Current documentation shows that poor oral health remains a public health threat in this population despite efforts such as school-based sealant programs and increased dental insurance coverage. This study followed a quantitative design and 99 participants were polled using a survey specifically developed for this study's …

Wright's Competency Model And Quality And Safety Competencies, Staci Shanks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Competent nurses are instrumental in assuring that a patient receives safe patient care of the highest quality. Patient care that lacks quality places patients at risk of poor health outcomes and results in negative financial impacts for the organization. The purpose of this staff education project was to develop nurse competency education for a facility's competency program, which merged the Wright competency model with quality and safety education for nurses' competencies. The nurse competency staff education program was evaluated by the organization's stakeholders for inclusion in the competency program. The whole-part-whole model, Knowles's adult learning theory, and Lewin's change theory …

Perceptions Of Well-Being And Coping Mechanisms From Caregivers Of Individuals With Autism, Barbara Simmons

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Caregivers of individuals with autism often report increased levels of stress and a lack of social support to help them cope with various stressors as they provide care. Without coping mechanisms or social support, as individuals with autism present various behavioral and emotional challenges, caregivers can experience a decline in well-being. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the processes that caregivers of individuals between the ages of 9-18 diagnosed with autism use to cope with stress and social support in Southeast Georgia. Grounded theory was used to describe the perceived thoughts caregivers have about stress and …

Leadership Strategies To Improve Nurse Retention, Floyd Jordan Colwell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The nursing shortage and high turnover rates are a problem in the United States. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore leadership strategies that hospital senior nurse managers in the Rocky Mountain states use to improve nurse retention. Participants were 6 hospital senior nurse managers including 3 chief nursing officers, 1 assistant chief nursing officer, and 2 directors who had demonstrated effective leadership strategies in retention of nurses. The leadership-motivated excellence theory was the conceptual framework. Semistructured interviews with open-ended interview questions were used to collect data; organization websites and documents were used to help corroborate evidence …

Leptin Level Variance In Adults With And Without Cancer, Vilisa Chatman-Terry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

In 2018, health statistics revealed that, despite the many preventive measures established,

cancer was the second leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause

of death in 22 states, exceeded only by heart disease. With obesity/leptin levels reaching

pandemic levels worldwide, and cancer having a well-known association with obesity,

both chronic diseases represent a large proportion of public health challenges. Guided by

the social ecological model, the purpose of this cross-sectional, quantitative study was to

examine if a significant difference exists in leptin levels among adults with different

types of obesity-associated and common cancers and …

Cultural Competence Of Public Health Nurses Who Care For Diverse Populations, Althea Michelle Otuata

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite advances in health, science, and technology, U.S. healthcare lags in providing access to care and quality care to racial and ethnic minorities. Cultural competence has been noted as a strategy to improve access and quality. The purpose of this project was to assess public health nurses' cultural competence before and after participating in cultural competence informational modules. Two conceptual models were used in this project for theoretical guidance: Leininger's cultural care diversity and universality theory and Campinha-Bacote's process of cultural competence. To assess the nurses' cultural competence, the Cultural Competence Self-Assessment Checklist questionnaire was e-mailed to 57 public health …

Implementing Aromatherapy For Falls Reduction In The Inpatient Hospice Population, Kimberly Kay Pistek

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Falls among the elderly is a health concern affecting multiple patients annually. Hospice patients and those with multiple comorbidities are at the greatest risk of falling and sustaining injuries from falls. Aromatherapy has been used for reducing multiple symptoms as well as for decreasing falls. The practice-focused question explored whether an education program on using aromatherapy for fall prevention would increase knowledge of this intervention for an interdisciplinary group of hospice staff. The design was developed using Knowles's theory of andragogy and Bloom's taxonomy. Thirteen staff members from the same facility participated in the education program. The program was targeted …

Cultural Health Beliefs And Influenza Vaccination Among Caribbean-Born Students, Dona S. Walcott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This purpose of this quantitative study was to examine health beliefs among Caribbean-born university students regarding acceptance or rejection of influenza vaccination among populations at institutions of higher education. In addition, acculturation was addressed as a factor affecting cultural health beliefs. A survey was completed by 98 students enrolled at Florida International University during the spring 2018 semester. Linear regression was used to analyze whether cultural health beliefs and acculturation were predictive of beliefs about influenza vaccination and beliefs about perceived barriers to influenza vaccination. The study findings showed cultural health beliefs of the students were statistically significant predictors of …

Faculty And Student Perspectives Of Nursing Student Completers In A Community College, Rachael Farrell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research about retention of nursing students has focused on either specific student characteristics or on nursing students at the university level. A problem experienced by a community college nursing program in Maryland is low completion rates, which can affect the institution and the nursing profession. This qualitative case study explored faculty-related factors leading to success of students in the nursing program at this school, so the low completion rate can be addressed. The conceptual foundations for this study were Tinto's theory of student retention and Jeffreys' nursing undergraduate retention and success model. The research questions addressed how faculty-related factors affected …

Effective Strategies For Recognition And Treatment Of In-Hospital Strokes, Maryika Ivanova Gibson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In-hospital onset strokes represent 4% to 20% of all reported strokes in the United States. The variability of treatment protocols and workflows as well as the complex etiology and multiple comorbidities of the in-hospital stroke subpopulation often result in unfavorable outcomes and higher mortality rates compared to those who experience strokes outside of the hospital setting. The purpose of this project was to conduct a systematic review to identify and summarize effective strategies and practices for prompt recognition and treatment of in-hospital strokes. The results of the literature review with leading-edge guidelines for stroke care were corelated to formulate recommendations …

Nursing Education Workflows In Ehr Training, Liezel Granada

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A need for improvement in nursing education regarding inpatient workflows and informatics skills was identified at this project site. Upon hire, nurses were required to complete a 4-hour basic class on the electronic health record (EHR) system, but this class did not include inpatient-nursing workflows needed to provide and facilitate care for patients. This project addressed the lack of EHR education on inpatient nursing workflows. The focus of this staff education project was an education class on inpatient nursing workflow provided to a nurse residency class. Sources of evidence were obtained through a literature search and pretest/post test data analysis. …

Poverty, Demographics, And Hepatitis C Infection In The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey, Wilson J. Washington Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hepatitis (HCV) is a communicable disease that impacts many Americans. The scholarly literature lacked the knowledge pertaining to the relationships between poverty and HCV diagnosis and prescription for HCV medication. The purpose of the study was to measure the magnitude and statistical significance of these relationships, as modeled by the health belief model and public health surveillance and action framework. Specifically, the study was designed to determine whether there is a statistically significant relationship between living below the poverty line and being diagnosed with HCV, as well as living being below the poverty line and being prescribed HCV medication. A …

Improving Early Mobilization In Acute Stroke Patients Through Best Practice Education, Angela Christine Middleton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nonadherence to best practice guidelines in early mobilization in acute stroke increases the time from admission to mobilization and may increase residual long-term stroke effects. Early mobilization following an acute stroke is known to decrease long-term and secondary disability. The purpose of this project was to decrease the time from admission to mobilization in the acute stroke patient population by improving knowledge of best-practice guidelines in early mobility using an educational intervention for advanced practice nurse practitioners, physicians, and registered nurses. The practice-focused question for this project asked whether a staff educational program based on best-practice guidelines would decrease the …

The Effect Of Self-Esteem, Bullying, And Harassment On Nurse Turnover Intention, Joyce Richelle Arand

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Currently there is a high rate of registered nurse (RN) turnover due in part to bullying and harassment among peers; which fosters lower quality nursing care, jeopardizes patient safety, and increases healthcare costs. The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental study was to examine the relationship between inpatient nurses' individual self-esteem and reported bullying and harassment with their intent to leave their job. Two theories were used to provide structure to this work: cognitive experimental self theory and oppressed group theory. Data were collected using the Negative Acts Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Turnover Intentions Measure. All RNs in …

Adolescent Obesity Intervention In An Outpatient Primary Care Setting, Chinyere Susanna Awamba-Agu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Lack of education in the outpatient setting related to causes, complications, and prevention of obesity is associated with high rates of obesity in adolescents 12 to 19 years of age. The gap in the adolescents' and family members' knowledge of obesity contributes to the adolescents' high calorie consumption and the development of obesity. The purpose of this project was to develop a staff education guideline for use by clinicians to educate adolescents and their families on how to develop nutritious food plans and decrease obesity. The project practice question asked whether educating the primary care providers in the primary care …

Glycemic Control In A Type I Diabetic Athlete: Recommendations For Athletic Trainers In Management, Athlete Care, And Performance, Megan Whyte

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Type I diabetes in athletes is a relatively rare condition and as a certified athletic trainer it is critical to know how to manage all aspects of this disease in an athlete. Current National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) guidelines exist for developing a basic plan for management and care of an athlete with Type I Diabetes, but there is room to improve current guidelines, using evidence-based practice. Purpose: to address: medical management of a type I diabetic athlete as a case study, obtain first person observations from the athlete’s perspective, and provide additional evidence based practice recommendations to athletic trainers …

Tobacco Treatment Education Module For Nurses Working In The Inpatient Psychiatric Setting, Marchell Rene Spielmann

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Tobacco use among people with mental illness remain a significant problem in the western United States. At the project site, there is widespread tobacco use among patients with mental illness and lack of training for nurses to address the issue. The purpose of this project was to educate nurses working in the acute psychiatric setting about evidence-based tobacco treatment interventions. The practice-focused question addressed whether a tobacco education program would increase nurses' knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide tobacco treatment interventions to patients with a mental illness. Self-determination theory and the transtheoretical model of change provided the theoretical framework for …

Increasing Daily Exercise Adherence In Women By Examining Motivational Factors, Victoria Wozniak

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Women ages 20–39 years old have seen the most dramatic increase in obesity levels in the United States over the last 2 decades. Researchers have indicated the need for studies to increase motivation in women to promote daily exercise. There is a gap in the literature about what motivational factors are most effective with increasing exercise in daily life. Using the transtheoretical model of change (TM) as the grounding theory, this study measured daily exercise adherence. A selective sampling of women ages 20–39 years old in the United States were recruited to complete an online survey. The online survey included …

Impact Of Emergency Department Prescriber Type On The Rate Of U.S. Opioid Prescriptions, Edward Worlanyo Agbevey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many drug overdoses in the United States are from prescription drugs, most of which are classified as opioid pain relievers (OPRs) and commonly prescribed in emergency departments (EDs) to treat pain. OPR abuse and addiction is a major public health issue. Researchers have identified the role of various patient characteristics (race, gender, demographics, etc.) in the variation in OPR prescription rates, but the contribution of provider-type differences to that variation has not been exposed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strength of the association between provider type and the likelihood of an opioid prescription by ED providers …

Parents' Knowledge Of Child-Passenger Safety And Child-Passenger Restraint Usage, Amanda Cadore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although occupant protection laws exist, limited research has been conducted on how current child passenger safety (CPS) issues and CPS marketing strategies relate to child passenger safety seat (CPSS) usage. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the relationship between parents' perception and knowledge of CPS issues and CPSS usage rates. The diffusion of innovation and the social marketing theories provided the frameworks for this study. The overall research question for the study examined the correlation between parents' knowledge of CPS issues and CPSS usage. Data (participants' surveys, car seat check-up information, and observational statistics) were collected from …

Medicare And Medicaid Regulations' Financial Effects On Home Health Agencies' Performance, Binzie Roy Davidson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some owners of small to medium-sized managed care businesses lack strategies to address the effects of healthcare regulations on their businesses. The purpose of this multiple case study was to identify strategies that owners of small to medium-sized managed care businesses used to address the financial effects of healthcare regulations on their businesses. The conceptual framework for this study was profit maximization and adaptation in changing contexts. Data were gathered from company documents, observations, and semistructured interviews with 5 home healthcare business owners in Los Angeles County, California. Data were coded to identify themes from the narrative segments. Key themes …

Preinfection Risk Perceptions Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Homosexual And Bisexual Men, Benjamin Singer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2017, there were 4,949 persons diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 116,944 persons living with HIV, and 2,044 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases in Florida. Of the 4,972 new HIV diagnoses in Florida, 60% were related to male-to-male sexual contact, 4% from intravenous drug use, 2% from male-to-male sexual contact and intravenous drug use, 33% from heterosexual sexual contact, and 1% from other sources. Guided by the health belief model (HBM), this qualitative study sought to understand the lived experiences of HIV positive adult men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Florida, regarding their preinfection perceptions of …

Successful Demand Forecasting Modeling Strategies For Increasing Small Retail Medical Supply Profitability, Arica Watkins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The lack of effective demand forecasting strategies can result in imprecise inventory replenishment, inventory overstock, and unused inventory. The purpose of this single case study was to explore successful demand forecasting strategies that leaders of a small, retail, medical supply business used to increase profitability. The conceptual framework for this study was Winters's forecasting demand approach. Data were collected from semistructured, face-to-face interviews with 8 business leaders of a private, small, retail, medical supply business in the southeastern United States and the review of company artifacts. Yin's 5-step qualitative data analysis process of compiling, disassembling, reassembling, interpreting, and concluding was …

Developing Staff Education Regarding Colorectal Cancer Screening Practice Guidelines, Ruth Airiohuomo Aboiralor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Colorectal rectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer in men, the 2nd most common cancer in women, and the 4th leading cause of cancer death. Lack of screening or delayed screening for CRC is the major cause of undiagnosed cancers that become malignant and eventually become fatal. Nurses at the project site are not in compliance with CRC screening guidelines due to inadequate knowledge of the screening guidelines recommended by the American Cancer Society, which creates a gap in practice. The purpose of this project was to develop staff education on CRC screening guidelines. The practice focused question …

Relationship Between Adolescent Perception Of Harm, Electronic Cigarette Use, And Texas Antitobacco Campaigns, Candace Rasheedah Campbell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increase in use of e-cigarettes in adolescents is a major public health concern that must be addressed. Research studies showed some e-cigarettes contained varying amounts of nicotine and sever cancer-causing chemicals. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to assess the perception of harm (dependent variable) from using e-cigarettes and being exposed to state and school-based antitobacco programs (independent variable) and to determine if the association was modified by socioeconomic status or area of residence. Attitude-social influence-self-efficacy theory was the chosen theory for research and suggests that attitude, social influence, and self-efficacy variables can be persuaded via specific …

Increasing Nursing Staff Knowledge Of Palliative Care Criteria With A Decision Tree, Juliana Cotton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Palliative care is often not considered during care or is considered too late in the patient’s healthcare journey to provide much benefit. The underutilization of palliative care contributes to increased healthcare costs, poor patient outcomes, and decreased patient satisfaction. The practice-focused question guiding this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was whether an education program would increase nursing knowledge regarding palliative care criteria. The program was developed using Rogers’s diffusion of innovation model and a literature review to create educational tools and achieve a sustainable EBP change. An evidence-based decision tree was developed and used as a tool for teaching and learning. …

Healthy Lifestyle Practice Among Online Health Psychology Graduate Students, Judi Elster

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research focused on health behaviors of online graduate students is sparse. Health psychology graduate training prepares individuals to share health information with others; the information may be more credible if they present a healthy appearance. The present study tested concepts from social cognitive theory (general perceived self-efficacy) and self-determination theory (autonomy, competence, and relatedness basic needs) to determine predictive value for graduate students’ engaging in health behaviors. Participants were 121 (29 health psychology group, 92 other programs group) online graduate students who lived in the United States and attended the same online university, recruited from multiple social media sources. The …