Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Dance Movement Therapy For Pediatric Oncology Patients And Its Effect On Cancer Therapy-Related Symptoms, Victoria M. Trautwein

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Pediatric cancer patients are susceptible to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms impacting their quality of life. Dance movement therapy is a non-pharmacological method that has been shown to improve feelings of depression, anxiety, emotional, somatic symptoms, and overall quality of life. While much of cancer research is dedicated to finding cures, it is also important to focus on identifying methods for improving the symptoms and quality of life for pediatric cancer patients.

Aim: The purpose of the literature review is to examine studies that show the effects of dance movement therapy on pediatric oncology patients’ cancer-treatment related …

Effect Of An Intervention Bundle On Thirst Intensity Among Intensive Care Unit Patients, Marwa Abdo, Manal Sayed Ismail, Nayera Mohamed Tantaewy

Nursing

Background: Dry mouth and thirst are commonly associated with a strong desire to drink fluid. Despite this, thirst is often overlooked in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) experience various causes of distress. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of an intervention bundle on thirst intensity among ICU patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was used with a purposive sample of 100 ICU patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups: the thirst bundle group comprised of 50 ICU patients who received thirst bundle intervention with lip moisturizer, peppermint water mouthwash, …

Navigating Transitions: Cranialsacral Therapy, Occupational Therapy And Neuroregulation Strategies For Adjusting To A New Home, Carol J. Reshan

Journal of Transformative Touch

Report of working with a hyper-vigilant 9-year-old male with difficulty handling a transition to a new home. CST and sensory processing enhancement were utilized to help develop neuroregulation, enabling self-awareness, self-regulation, and personally directed life skills for maintaining a safe and alert state.

Diabetes Health Coaching Program In An Eastern Virginia Health Center: A Retrospective Program Evaluation, Moniqueia Flint

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects, 2020-current

The primary goal of diabetes management is to assist patients in controlling their diabetes and minimizing complications. Diabetic patients require continuous medical care that encompasses medication management, multifactorial risk-reduction strategies, and a multidisciplinary team. Health coaching is an emerging tool used to provide education and motivational techniques to individuals for better self-management of their chronic condition. Health coaching is a proven strategy with favorable effects on hemoglobinA1c (HgbA1c), blood pressure, weight, and health behaviors. A diabetes health coaching program (DHCP) was implemented at an eastern Virginia healthcare center (EVHC). The DHCP’s objective was to assist patients in meeting their individualized …

Feasibility Of Using Podcasts For Knowledge Dissemination To Reduce Health Disparities For Women Targeting Preventative Initiatives And Lifestyle Medicine Interventions, Kristin Stovern

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

The purpose of this feasibility project was to look at podcasts to shed light on the issues that affect the well-being of women with gender-based disparities in healthcare. Women face persistent obstacles when it comes to the quality of healthcare they receive. One of the barriers that has been ever-present is with failure of the medical system to rigorously study the effects of diseases and drugs on women or to fund studies on women’s health conditions. Implicit biases and lack of access to care inhibit the quality of healthcare. Collectively, these issues result in unnecessary sickness, disability, and decreased quality …

Green Tea Supplementation: An Effective Lifestyle Modification For Cholesterol Management, Samuel J. Nemati

MSN Capstone Projects

Hypercholesterolemia is an insidious disease and the leading factor to the deadliest killer in the United States – cardiovascular disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023a). Over 85 million American adults suffer from elevated cholesterol, and treatment can prove challenging and may require multiple modalities outside just pharmaceutical intervention – such as dietary and other lifestyle changes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023b; Goldman, 2023). Green tea – among the most common teas consumed worldwide – exerts a uniquely antihyperlipidemic and cardioprotective effect that suggests its consideration as a potentially-viable nonpharmacological option for hypercholesterolemia (Harvard Health Publishing, 2012; …

Nurses - Tab Down Your Stress Level: A Pilot Study On The Use Of Aromatherapy To Decrease Stress Levels, Judith E. Bowling, Ashley N. Garbutt, Theresa Worden, Julie Erickson, Nicole Rowney

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: The average day-to-day nursing profession is a stressful one. The job often requires dealing with patients enduring some of the worst times of their lives, as well as contending with patients' emotional family members. This stressful environment is heightened even more for nurses employed in critical access hospitals (CAHs) due to the limited resources usually associated with these smaller facilities. Methods: Research and Evidence-Based Practice Council members at one CAH explored how to help nurses deal with the elevated work stress level. Aromatherapy tabs were used as an intervention to reduce nurses' stress. The nurses who participated in this …

Promoting Mammography Screenings In African American Women: Media, Church, And Health Providers, Lasonya Little, Debra C. Wallace, K.Jay Poole

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Due to the underutilization of screening mammography, African American women (AAW) are more likely to experience negative health outcomes after receiving a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis than White Women (WW). The purpose of this article is to examine the roles of the media, health community and the African American church and pastor and their potential impact in AAW screening decisions. Fifteen AAW, ages 45 and older, were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Most women agreed the African American pastor and church as well as the health community, and media are an integral part of their lives. Therefore, specific …

Conference Proceedings: Select Abstracts Presented At 2023 Advocate Aurora Scientific Day

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

This abstract supplement includes findings presented at the 49th annual Advocate Aurora Scientific Day on May 24, 2023. The Scientific Day symposium provides a virtual forum for the sharing of preliminary results from research and case studies conducted by faculty, fellows, residents, and other health professionals associated with Illinois-based Advocate Health Care and Wisconsin-based Aurora Health Care.

The Use Of Meditation/Mindfulness To Improve Anxiety In Young Adults, Aaron Wilkerson

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

Without intervention and relief from stress and anxiety, it can cause physical, psychological, and behavioral abnormalities (Kim et al., 2018). Chronic stress has been found to be prevalent among young adult age, students, and is having lasting negative effects on mental, emotional, and physical health, including feelings of being overwhelmed, hopelessness, loneliness, and even suicidal ideation (Burgstahler & Stenson, 2020). The practice of meditation and mindfulness offers a non-pharmacological option over the typical standard-of-care pharmacological treatment and provides a life skill for young adults to manage their stress and anxiety, ultimately overall improving their mental health (Lemay et al., 2019). …

The Addition Of Nature To The Patient's Healing Regimen, Katelyn Lewis, Audrey Henry

Scholars Week

Through our scholarly research, we have found many benefits to the use of nature to help facilitate healing within patients. Our project aims to spread awareness of the positive aspects of nature during the healing process. Specifically, our research focuses on healing gardens and outside therapy for patients. Our presentation is based upon Nightingales' theory of the environment. Our hope is that facilities will implement the addition of nature to the patient's plan of care.

My Happy Baby Is Back: Zero Balancing, Craniosacral Therapy And A Baby’S Journey To Becoming Mobile, Veronica Quarry

Journal of Transformative Touch

Alison began receiving ZB and CST at 13 months of age due to gross motor delays: at that age she was only able to sit somewhat rigidly. After the first session, Alison changed` from being very unhappy and seemingly frustrated to being happy and more calm. Within one month of weekly sessions, Alison was able to be on her tummy, began to crawl, became more agile in seated play, was squatting and standing and took her first steps.

Benefits Of Using An Upright Laboring Position As Compared To Supine In The Second Stage Of Labor And The Impact On The Use Of Assisted Devices, Chelsey Cook

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

Abstract: This paper explores the conclusion that women and their infants are at an increased risk for harm when assisted devices are used during the second stage of labor. Traditional practices involving a supine position during pushing have been associated with an elevated likelihood of assisted delivery, necessitating interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, or episiotomy. However, emerging evidence suggests that adopting an upright position during labor may help decrease the need for these interventions and positively impact maternal and fetal outcomes.

Although comprehensive research on this topic is limited, the available evidence supports the benefits of an upright position …

Death Cafés As A Strategy To Foster Compassionate Communities: Contributions For Death And Grief Literacy

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

The death-positive movement, the most recent manifestation of the death awareness movement, contends that modern society is suffering from a “death taboo” and that people should talk more openly about death. This movement is striving to shift the dialogue about (and place of) death and dying into community spaces. Death literacy is defined as a set of skills and knowledge enabling people to learn about, understand, and act on end-of-life and death-care options. People and groups with a high level of death literacy have a context-specific comprehension of the death system and can more easily adapt to it, becoming better …

Be Kind To Your Mind: The Use Of Mobile Based Applications To Reduce Stress And Improve Health Outcomes, Akira Hanson Finn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Now more than ever mental health is in the spotlight on a global scale. Professionals from a variety of different disciplines are being encouraged to evaluate several different coping techniques in order combat the magnitude of societal crisis being discovered post-pandemic. At the top the list is Mindfulness-based interventions. The concept of mindfulness practices is nothing new. Evidence suggests it has existed for thousands of years; however, it is getting more notoriety in the past decade due to increasing expansion of mobile-based applications. These types of technology driven applications offer an easily accessible, convenient, and trackable way for individuals to …

Nursing Education In Complementary Alternative Modalities: A Case Study, Deborah Bird

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this embedded case study was to describe the preparation for and utilization of complimentary alternative modality (CAM) interventions by an experienced Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepared nurse practitioner (NP) working in an outpatient setting.

Background: Given the widespread use of CAM by the American public and the potential complications involved in combining CAM and standard medical care, a lack of educational preparation in CAM interventions by NPs delivering primary care in outpatient health care settings represents both a potential risk and a missed opportunity to provide holistic patient care. Such a lack of knowledge also …

Therapeutic Gardening For Addiction Recovery, Hugo A. Rivera Lopez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: The use of evidence-based alternative forms of therapy like horticulture therapy and therapeutic gardening is underutilized in substance use recovery programs in the United States. As the country continues to struggle with addiction, it is important that recovery programs look to and incorporate these alternative therapies into official curricula. Currently, 46.3 million individuals living in the United States are living with a substance use disorder (U.S Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2022).

Context: The intervention was implemented at an all-male substance use treatment facility in San Jose, CA that houses up …

Therapeutic Gardening For Addiction Recovery, Hayley Milleson

Master's Projects and Capstones

The following study examines the potential benefits of implementing therapeutic gardening and outdoor activities as a supplemental resource for adult males with a history of substance abuse issues who have been affected by the criminal justice system and are seeking sobriety while in a residential treatment program. The goal is to investigate how therapeutic gardening can add to traditional addiction treatment methods. Through a review of current evidence-based practice, this study focuses on how alternative interventions such as therapeutic gardening and outdoor activity can improve overall mental health and well-being, promote a sense of community, improve social connections, alleviate stress …

Introduction Of Probiotics To Improve Eczema Symptoms In Children In One Pediatric Primary Care Practice: A Quality Improvement Project, Christie Potter

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Background: There is emerging interest in alternative approaches to treating children with eczema because there is currently no allopathic cure. Non-pharmacological approaches are regarded as generally safe, well tolerated, and cost effective. Eczema is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory, itchy skin condition that adversely affects quality of life in many individuals, including children. Eczema interferes with sleep, leads to secondary skin infections, and causes intractable itching. Topical steroids are the current standard of practice in treating patients but, evidence suggests that they can cause unwanted side effects and can lead to serious systemic reactions. The purpose of this quality improvement project …

Dnp Final Report: Decreasing Stress & Anxiety In Nursing Students: A Mindfulness-Based Program Intervention, Jennifer L. Cole

DNP Final Reports

Nursing students experience increased stress and anxiety due to the rigorous requirements of nursing school. Students often feel pressure to perform in a competitive environment that stretches them mentally and physically to learn extensive didactic material while simultaneously performing competently in clinical settings. Without effective methods to address self-care, students may experience the ramifications of unresolved stress. The practice question guiding the project was: In undergraduate Level II nursing students (P), does implementing a Mindfulness Based Program (MBP) (I), compared to not implementing a MBP (C), affect stress, anxiety, and mindfulness (O) during a semester (T)? Based on systematic review …

Advancing Health Equity In The Us Military, James D. Mancuso, John Young, Jennifer Rusiecki, Shauna Stahlman, Natasha Schvey, Toya Randolph, Candy Wilson, Catherine Witkop, Patrick Hyde, Althea Green, Patcho Santiago, Donald Shell, Tracy Sbrocco

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity are central to US national health objectives and the Military Health System’s “quadruple aim,” which has readiness as its core aim. Because military service members enjoy universal eligibility for health care, it is sometimes assumed that health disparities do not exist in the Department of Defense (DoD). However, while some studies have shown that disparities have been attenuated or eliminated in the DoD, others suggest that significant disparities remain. Reasons these disparities may remain include that universal eligibility for care does not necessarily result in equal to access to care, and that equal …

Poster Presentation: Acupressure Modality Effectiveness: Research Results For Pain And Anxiety Poster, Deanna Waggy Otr, Carroll Noel Mozer Otr/L, Marilyn Zurwaski Otr/L

Journal of Transformative Touch

According to recent studies, including Monson et all, JACM, 2019, there is growing evidence for the effective and safe use of acupressure as a non-pharmacological approach to reducing pain and anxiety. Acupressure can quiet the mind, promoting a sense of well-being by decreasing anxiety.

A collaborative retrospective analysis of self-rated pain and anxiety scores before and immediately after administration of a stress release protocol indicate that acupressure is a highly satisfactory complementary therapy. Results were clinically significant for a decrease in self-rated pain and anxiety scores.

Occupational therapy practitioners as well as those who use the Kawa model of reference …

Acupressure Modality Effectiveness: Research Results For Pain And Anxiety, Deanna Waggy Otr, Carroll Noel Mozer Otr/L, Marilyn Zurwaski Otr/L

Journal of Transformative Touch

According to recent studies, including Monson et all, JACM, 2019, there is growing evidence for the effective and safe use of acupressure as a non-pharmacological approach to reducing pain and anxiety. Acupressure can quiet the mind, promoting a sense of well-being by decreasing anxiety.

A collaborative retrospective analysis of self-rated pain and anxiety scores before and immediately after administration of a stress release protocol indicate that acupressure is a highly satisfactory complementary therapy. Results were clinically significant for a decrease in self-rated pain and anxiety scores.

Occupational therapy practitioners as well as those who use the Kawa model of reference …

Academic Stress And Anxiety In Nursing Students: An Aerobic Exercise Intervention, Mariko Danielle Aka

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Background: The demands of rigorous nursing education programs often cause students to experience high levels of stress and anxiety during their schooling. Moderate to high academic stress and anxiety levels impact nursing students around the world. This is significant as academic stress and anxiety contribute to decreased academic success, program completion, and student health.

Local Problem: Students at Kettering College and Southern Adventist University were found to have moderate academic stress and anxiety using the SNSI and GAD-7.

Intervention: Participants (N = 24) engaged in a 4-week aerobic-exercise intervention. They were required to complete a minimum of 80 …

The Use Of Distraction Techniques During Injection In Pediatric Patients, Sara Mollner

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

Do distraction techniques provide adequate pain management in the pediatric population? If so, what is the importance of this topic? Children can develop negative emotional connections to healthcare workers and procedures if they are constantly put through painful experiences. Making these experiences less painful can ensure better healthcare for the future.

Effects Of A Residential Lifestyle Intervention Program On Selected Lipid Measures And Nutritional Choices, Delores M. Rugless

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Objective: Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death since the early 1920s. As with other chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease is primarily influenced by behaviors and the environment, with poor nutrition being a major contributing factor. Despite knowing the importance of lifestyle modification to manage cardiovascular disease effectively, many individuals have difficulty adhering to lifestyle modification principles. Residential lifestyle modification centers provide the education and support necessary to assist individuals with implementing behavioral changes. This DNP project aimed to demonstrate the value of diet modification implemented at a residential lifestyle center to decrease specific cardiovascular risk factors. Method: …

Thirty-Second Mindful Body Scan Meditation For Bedside Nurses, Shruti Balwalli-Udyawer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Compassion fatigue, or secondary traumatic stress, is a state of physical and mental exhaustion caused by an inability to cope with the everyday environment that reduces the ability of the nurse to provide high-quality health care to a patient. The purpose of this staff education project, guided by Selye’s general adaption syndrome , was a 6-week, 30-second mindfulness exercise program to promote stress reduction for cardiac step-down and medical-surgical nurses. In this quantitative, pre- and posttest study, the Perceived Stress Scale was completed by a sample of 24 nurses who met the inclusion criteria. The practice focused whether educating nurses …

Video Game Therapy For Adhd Managment, Wilhelm Alec Sison Beroncal

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stands out as the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, leading to functional challenges in various aspects of the daily lives of affected young individuals (Bul et al., 2016).

There is no current cure for ADHD, however effective treatments are available through medications. The FDA has authorized two types of medications for managing ADHD in children as young as 6 years old: stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine (e.g. Adderall), and non-stimulant options including Strattera, Intuniv, Kapvay, and Qelbree (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2023).

The choice of treatment is highly individualized to meet the specific …

Empowering Low-Income Women With Breast Cancer: Promoting Acupuncture At Community Health Fairs, Katrina Ramos

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Chronic Atopic Dermatitis: Symptom Management Using Moisturizers Among Asian American Pediatrics, Ethan J. Brillantes

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Atopic Dermatitis (AD), also commonly known as eczema, affects 31.6 million (10%) of the United States Population, with 13% being Asian American or Pacific Islander. A cure is not present for AD; however, the best way to treat AD is with symptom management. While there are many pharmacological treatments that aid with symptom management such as topical or oral corticosteroids, there are also non pharmacological treatments such as moisturizers that can aid with symptom relief of AD as well. Objective: The literature review explores moisturizer use and other non pharmacological methods for symptom management of AD and provides understanding …