Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Impact Of Mobile Text Reminders On Medication Compliance, Paul Weatherly, Haley Russell, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Cpnp-Ac

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Patient noncompliance with medication leads to longer and more frequent infections and health issues. Using mobile reminders, patients can be prompted to take their medication, schedule their followup appointments, or fill their prescription to encourage compliance and better overall health.

Methods

A search of PubMed, LibKey, and EBSCO was conducted. Articles reviewed included meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews in the use of mobile reminders on patient compliance, specifically in medication adherence. Then, we reviewed the article methods and outcomes across various health issues addressed. The articles were then reviewed for criteria such as population size, length of …

Effectiveness Of Perioperative Ketorolac Versus Opioids: A Scoping Review, Jamie Smith Bsn, Srna, Ashley Warner Bsn, Srna, Oran Tubre Bsn, Srna, Sherman Stauffer Bsn, Srna, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this project will compare the effectiveness of ketorolac over opioids alone for pain management of patients 72 hours postoperatively.

Background

In recent years, there has been overwhelming evidence of opioid abuse and its adverse effects on patients’ lives. To combat this, significant attention has been paid to multimodal analgesia throughout the perioperative period to decrease patients’ exposure to opioids. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ketorolac, are being administered intraoperatively to reduce the need for opioids in patients' post-surgical procedures.

Methods

A literature review was done on articles that evaluated perioperative adult human patients undergoing …

The Effectiveness Of Increasing Frequency Of Central-Line Dressing Changes And Monitoring On Clabsi Rates: A Scoping Review, Jacob Schmidt, Bsn, Rn, Ccrn, Georgia Brown, Bsn, Rn, Laura Dickey, Agpcnp-C, Lauren Faulkner, Bsn, Rn, Margaret Harvey, Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

Purpose/Background

Central lines provide many benefits to critically ill patients; however, there are additional risks with them, including central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). CLABSIs place patients at increased risk for morbidity and mortality, longer length of stay, and higher medical costs. Studies evaluating various methods of reducing CLABSIs have been performed. This scoping review was completed to determine the effectiveness of frequent central-line dressing changes and increased monitoring on the incidence of central-line associated blood stream infections in adults with central-lines.

Methods

An extensive database search through the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Online Library was performed …

Teach-Back Method To Reduce Chf Readmissions: A Scoping Review, Briyanna Evans Bsn, Rn, Bre'yocha Dewalt Bsn, Rn, Ccrn, Jessica Mabry Bsn, Rn, Kailee Garrett Bsn, Rn, Crystal Stephens Bsn, Rn, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

The purpose of this scoping review is to evaluate the effectiveness of the teach-back method on education as it relates to congestive heart failure readmission rates. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most common cause of hospitalizations among those 65 years and older in the United States. CHF readmission rates in Tennessee are higher than the already elevated national average. The current literature suggests a need to reduce 30-day readmissions, improve patient outcomes, and enhance self-efficacy in patients with CHF. The research proposes a correlation between high readmission rates and poor knowledge retention of patients with CHF, but small …

Efficacy Of Distraction Therapy In Reducing Needlestick Pain In Pediatrics: A Scoping Review, Ashlan Ritchie Bsn, Rn, Anne Evans Bsn, Rn, Charlotte Isabel Bsn, Rn, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Cpnp-Ac, Chppn, Bmtcn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Pediatric pain management is often overlooked due to time constraints and lack of resources or education on interventions used, such as distraction or pharmacological therapy. Lack of pain management leads to patient and caregiver distress, as well as an increased number of attempts to perform the procedure. This scoping review evaluates the efficacy of distraction therapy compared to nonopioid pharmacological interventions for acute needlestick pain in children ages 6 to 12 years; patient and caregiver levels of distress were also evaluated in most studies.

Methods

The UTHSC (University of Tennessee Health Science Center) Library database was searched for full-text …

Hepatitis C Virus Screening Strategies To Improve Early Identification And Treatment: ​ A Scoping Review​, Megan Elizabeth Lyons, Rn, Bsn, Ccrn, Thomas Tyler Bennett, Rn, Bsn, Ccrn, Felicia Ann Gray-Hamilton, Rn, Bsn, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common bloodborne infection in the United States (Ludden et al., 2022). Sadly, over half of the individuals living with chronic HCV are unaware of their condition (Halket et al., 2022). Due to rising numbers, HCV screening guidelines have been updated to recommend that every adult be screened at least once (Patel et al, 2021). Despite these guidelines, screening rates remain low. This scoping review aims to examine current research on HCV screening and strategies to improve early diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

This review began with a literature search using CINAHL and PubMed …

Impact Of Opioid-Free Anesthesia Versus Opioid-Based Anesthesia On Time To Extubation: A Scoping Review, Mary K. Connor Rn, Bsn, Srna, Dexter Browning Rn, Bsn, Srna, Ariel Clark Rn, Bsn, Srna, Erica B. Gates Rn, Bsn, Srna, Madison T. Mccaskill Rn, Bsn, Srna, Dwayne L. Accardo Dnp, Crna, Faana

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Opioids during surgery have been clinically proven to lengthen the time between intubation and post-op extubation. Increased time to extubation is associated with negative patient outcomes. This scoping review aims to evaluate the use of ketamine with opioid free analgesia (OFA) versus traditional opioid usage and its outcomes on extubation times.

Methods

From September 2021 to November 2021, we conducted a literature search using the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s (UTHSC) online library. Through the PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane databases, we identified seventy-one articles that matched our criteria. Of those articles, we selected twenty-five to undergo rapid …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Medication-Assisted Treatment For First Episode Psychosis: A Scoping Review, Chanel Thomas Msn, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Rn-Bc, Alexandra Wittenberg Bsn, Rn-Bc, Anttrenika Anderson Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends that individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) receive medicated-assisted treatment (MAT), as a complete approach to substance use treatment (SAMHSA, 2019). However, treatment measures using combination treatment for SUD in individuals experiencing first episode psychosis (FEP) are seldom used. This scoping review assesses the efficacy of MAT in conjunction with antipsychotics compared to the use of antipsychotic monotherapy for FEP individuals on hospital readmission rates.

Methods

The authors conducted a literature review utilizing PubMed, EBSCO, Elsevier, Google Scholar, PsychINFO, and Medline from August 2020 to November 2022. Key phrases …

Evaluating Hpv Vaccination Adherence Amongst Teenagers Ages 12-18, Jade Vo, Myah Mukes, Kenya Nelson, Joye' Thomas, Laura Reed, Sharon Little

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and different cancers. According to the CDC, 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. HPV infections have decreased significantly since the implementation of the HPV vaccine. Data has shown 90% of cancers caused by HPV can be prevented with administration of HPV vaccination. Current guidelines recommend vaccination administration as early as 9 years of age. This quality improvement project will evaluate HPV vaccination rates amongst teenagers ages 12-18.

Screening For Social Determinants Of Health In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Sarah L. Carter Msn, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc, Ronald Espinal Md, Toni Whitaker Md, Sally Humphrey Dnp, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Increased social determinants of health (SDoH) are associated with poorer health outcomes and decreased treatment compliance. Addressing SDoH can be associated with increased treatment compliance, although currently there is no standard for completing SDoH screening. The WE CARE screening tool is a validated screen that asks about 6 SDoH and whether the family is interested in assistance if the screen is positive. The purpose of this project was to implement the use of the WE CARE screening tool for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at follow-up visits.

Methods

From October 17, 2022 through November 22, 2022, charts …

The Effectiveness Of A Ventilator Care Bundle Protocol In Decreasing Incidence Of Ventilator-Acquired Pneumonia: A Scoping Review, Katherine I. Garrett Bsn, Rn, Erin Houston Myatt Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Ebp-C

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) is a preventable hospital-acquired infection with a high mortality rate. Ventilator care bundles (VCB) are implemented to decrease the risk of infection while patients are mechanically ventilated. The aim of this scoping review was to assess how adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) requiring mechanical ventilation and the incidence of VAP are affected by staff’s compliance to a VCB.

Methods

From August of 2022 to November 2022, literature research was done among databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL. The systematic search in PubMed yielded 55 results with the headings of “(ventilator) AND (care …

Screening For Social Determinants Of Health To Improve Care In Pediatric Patients With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: A Scoping Review, Emily Gray Msn, Fnp-C, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Cpnp-Ac

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose: To describe what is known about how SDoH screening impacts adherence to treatment in pediatric patients with recurrent UTIs.

Depression Awareness Programs For Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Kincharska N. Freeman Msn, Aprn, Fnp-C, Cnor, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Cpnp-Ac

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this DNP project is to determine if receiving school-based depression awareness education affects the depression scores of adolescents between 10 and 19 years of age.

Project Ankle-Brachial Index: Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Peripheral Artery Disease Protocol, Melaney Banks

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a narrowing or blocking of the arteries due to plaque buildup, which prevents oxygen, blood, and other nutrients from getting to the legs. When this buildup reaches a certain point, it becomes atherosclerosis, which is more prevalent in a smoker. Smoking intensifies the problem of plaque buildup if an individual already suffers from PAD. When an individual smokes, the nicotine causes the arteries to constrict and narrow, reducing blood flow further. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a simple, cost-effective diagnostic test to identify the presence of PAD which will improve patient outcomes.

Purpose: This …

Dexmedetomidine To Reduce Ponv, Amanda Johnson Srna, Joshua Lawrence Srna, Staci Martinez Srna, Taylor Mayberry Srna, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) contribute to patient dissatisfaction, discomfort, adverse outcomes, and increased healthcare costs. Despite current protocols that aim to reduce PONV by prevention/antiemetic administration, PONV continues to be a common manifestation in many postoperative patients (Elvir-Lazo et al., 2020). This scoping review aimed to analyze available research on the efficacy of dexmedetomidine to reduce perioperative opioid requirements and PONV.

Methods Synthesis of this scoping review began with a systematic approach to search databases and identify eligibility criteria articles. Of the 21 articles that met criteria, a synthesis table was formed to visualize the qualitative (smoking status, …

Development Of A Protocol To Manage Postdural Puncture Headache, Ashley M. Shulman, Lynexis P. Mcvey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In obstetric laboring patients, neuraxial anesthesia is a common form of analgesia. However, neuraxial procedures are not without risk. Accidental dural puncture (ADP) is a potential risk with any epidural procedure. Patients who experience ADP are at a greater risk of developing postdural puncture headache (PDPH). The presentation of PDPH is commonly described as a dull, throbbing, headache worsening upon standing and relieved with supine positioning (Patel et al., 2020). Symptoms of PDPH may range from mild to debilitating and develop within five days of ADP. A variety of treatment options exist for PDPH ranging from conservative to invasive. The …

Transferring Patients To A Higher Level Of Care, Chiquita Rockiemore Rn, Msn, Olubunmi Osinloye Bsn, Rn, Angela Uta Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Ag-Acnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the transfer of critically ill patients, who require a higher level of care, to another facility impacts morbidity and mortality within 24-72 hours post transfer

Esmolol Compared To Fentanyl On Hemodynamic Effects: A Scoping Review, Anna Mccleskey Bsn, Rn, Srna, Landon Mcdonald Msn, Rn, Cnl, Tim Moore Bsn, Rn, Srna, Jamie Pitcock Bsn, Rn, Srna, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose The purpose of this DNP project is to compare the efficacy of esmolol to fentanyl in attenuation the hemodynamic response associated with direct laryngoscopy.

Specific Aims Compare the effects of esmolol to fentanyl on patient heart rate during laryngoscopy. Compare the effects of esmolol to fentanyl on patient mean arterial pressure during laryngoscopy.

Dexmedetomidine Vs. Propofol In Postoperative Delirium Prevention, Jaclyn Burnett Rn, Srna, Montana Betts Rn, Srna, Christhian De Ochoa Rn, Srna, Maciej Chec Rn, Srna, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Postoperative delirium (POD) is an acute neurological condition affecting large numbers of surgical patients in various practice settings. Patients suffering from this condition face postoperative complications, increased lengths of stay, and tremendous financial burden. Understanding the contributing factors for POD, and how adjustments in intraoperative agents can prevent or reduce the incidence, is a crucial aspect of anesthesia practice. This scoping review will examine associations between POD and the intraoperative use of propofol versus dexmedetomidine with general anesthesia.

Methods Studies in this review were limited to peer-reviewed literature, published in medical and nursing journals within the last five years. …

Using A Food Insecurity Screening Tool In The Nicu, Emily Coffman Bsn, Rn, Fatina Caldwell Bs, Bsn, Rn, Cpn, Cpen, Mackenzie Box Bsn, Rn, Uche Anani Md, Faap, Christin Fritz Md, Mph, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faanp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background: Infants admitted to the NICU are disproportionately born to low-income families. This, combined with unique financial challenges of their long-term stay, may predispose caregivers to food insecurity (FI). FI among caregivers has far reaching implications for the health of infants who are already vulnerable related to comorbidities from their NICU stay.

Methods: Using the Iowa model to successfully engage key stake holders and begin a small pilot study, a randomized preintervention chart audit was performed (n=30) to evaluate if FI was identified by NICU Social Worker (SW). The FI screening tool was administered by nursing to a separate group …

Advantages Of Early Utilization Of Palliative Care In The Pediatric Icu: A Scoping Review, Shelby Noel Cain Bsn, Rn, Cpn, Dana Pabalate Zimmerman Msn, Rn, Charis Elizabeth Oji Msn, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc/Ac, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Cpnp-Ac

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract Purpose/Background Despite the increased use of palliative care in adults, only a tiny percentage of children with life-limiting illnesses or life-threatening conditions receive palliative care before dying. Palliative care has low utilization, and consults are often made late in a child’s hospitalization or diagnosis. Palliative care remains underutilized among hospitalized pediatric patients resulting in unnecessary treatments, costly and lengthy hospitalizations, and deaths occurring in the intensive care unit (ICU) rather than at home. The purpose of this scoping review is to evaluate current literature to determine the use and effect of pediatric palliative care, specifically, whether consultation of palliative …

Long-Acting Antipsychotic Injectables Vs. Oral Antipsychotics: Comparing Compliance, Relapse, And Re-Hospitalization Rates, Latoria Boyland Bsn, Rn, Kara Darretta Bsn, Rn, Ansley Geno Bsn, Rn, Keevia Porter Dnp, Np-C, Rn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Psychosis is a psychiatric disorder characterized by hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms not only negatively impact a patient’s quality of life but can also make treatment compliance difficult. This lack of treatment compliance ultimately leads to higher relapse and re-hospitalization rates among this population. Thus, it is imperative that effective treatments are developed, utilized, and made readily available for patients. Antipsychotics are medications that block dopamine D2 receptors. These medications are used for psychosis to help to improve patient outcomes. Currently, two routes of antipsychotic administration are available, oral antipsychotics or long-acting antipsychotic injections (LAIs). Oral antipsychotic administration requires …

Evaluating The Use Of Long-Acting Injectables As A Method To Improve Treatment Adherence In Patients With Schizophrenia: A Scoping Review, Britney Michelle Holton Msn, Fnp-Bc, Patricia Rena Jones-Purdy Msn, Cnrn, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Medication adherence is a major issue for patients suffering from schizophrenia and medication non-adherence can lead to psychiatric morbidity. Although long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have been shown to improve treatment adherence, most clinicians continue to rely on oral therapies to manage schizophrenia. This scoping review will assess evidence-based literature to determine the relationship between the use of LAIs and medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods A literature review was conducted between August 2020 and January 2021 to find studies that have evaluated medication adherence with the use of long-acting injectables in patients with schizophrenia. Relevant literature initially selected …

Interventions To Improve Adherence To Recommended Diabetic Retinopathy Screening In Adult Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review, Clare Anderson Bsn, Rn, Dnp, Fnp, Sarah May Bsn, Rn, Dnp, Fnp, Diana Dedmon Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Current guidelines recommend that all patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a DR screening (DRS) upon diagnosis of T2DM and then annually, but the adherence rate is only approximately 60%. This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of primary care providers (PCPs) employing strategies to increase compliance with annual DRS among adult patients with T2DM.

Methods Between September 2021 and January 2022, a literature review was performed to collect studies evaluating interventions to increase adherence to DRS. Individual searches of PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL were …

Prevention Of Diabetes-Related Hospital Readmission Following Initial Diagnosis Of Diabetes In Patients Over The Age Of Fifty: A Scoping Review, Nathan Miller Dnp, Agacnp, Fnp, Jasmine Harris Dnp, Fnp, Michael Clardy Dnp, Agacnp, Diana Dedmon Dnp, Acnp, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background: By reviewing multiple studies related to the treatment of patients with new diagnoses of diabetes, this scoping review will endeavor to determine which interventions, when implemented for patients over 50 years old which are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, can decrease the likelihood of hospital readmission related to diabetes within 90 days when compared with those patients who did not receive or participate in follow-up.

Methods: For resources to be eligible to review they had to be from 2015 or after. Studies selected included patients over the age of 50 newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes subject to …

Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Adherence: A Scoping Review, Megan E. Billingsley Bsn, Rn, Tiameria T. Ford Bsn, Rn, Mikayla E. Vican Bsn, Rn, Diana Dedmon Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Rates have steadily increased in recent years due to high rates of obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. Screening for the disease can lead to early detection and reduced morbidity/mortality, yet screening rates remain low. Existing literature is extensive in discussing methods to increase CRCS adherence; therefore, a scoping review allows for increased understanding of barriers to CRCS and how to address those barriers to increase screening compliance.

Methods A literature search was completed from September 2020 to October 2021. Multiple databases were used, including …

Pain Management In Postoperative Pediatric Craniotomy Patients: A Scoping Review, Jessica M. Hiltenbrand Bsn, Rn, Sydney A. Scarbrough Bsn, Rn, Kaitlyn E. Shirley Bsn, Rn, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Cpnp-Ac

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background The pediatric craniotomy procedure is a complex and painful procedure that requires adequate pain management and frequent neurological assessments. Generally, evidence for pediatric pain management is severely lacking in research, and evidence for pediatric craniotomy patients is lacking even further. This scoping review aims to collect, condense, and review the current data in order to fuel future studies to establish more data, protocols, and evidence-based recommendations for analgesia in the pediatric craniotomy patient population.

Methods The studies selected were peer-reviewed, published in a medical or nursing journal, included study ages 0-21 years, or provided evidence on pediatric analgesia. Sources …

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Perioperative Ketorolac To Opioids: A Scoping Review, Kruze T. Vanderford Bsn, Ccrn, Srna, Abbie E. Walter Bsn, Ccrn, Srna, Anastasiya V. Woodard Bsn, Ccrn, Srna, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract Purpose/Background Opioids are commonly administered in the perioperative period to manage surgical pain. However, the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States makes it necessary to evaluate other modalities of pain management that do not cause respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting and addiction. Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that can manage pain safely and effectively. This scoping review examines the available literature on the effectiveness and feasibility of using ketorolac to minimize perioperative opioid use.

Methods A comprehensive literature review was performed between October 2020 and September 2021 utilizing five scholarly databases: GoogleScholar ™, PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and …

Effectiveness Of Perioperative Ketamine Vs. Opioid Analgesia On Extubation Time And Total Perioperative Opioid Requirement, Robert H. Gray Srna, Sarah S. Hardesty Srna, Heidi E. Higginbotham Srna, Charles A. Hoyt Ii, Srna, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Crna

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Opioid analgesics are a primary source of pain control in the perioperative patient. However, all opioids decrease ventilatory drive secondary to mu2 receptor agonism in the brainstem. Ventilatory depression delays extubation after mechanical ventilation in post-operative patients, thus increasing the risk of complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and barotrauma. Non-opioid analgesics such as ketamine have been considered for use in order to reduce this risk. Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-antagonizing sedative that bears analgesic properties while preserving respiratory drive. Research suggests that ketamine provides effective perioperative pain control and decreases postoperative extubation time when given alone or with …

Annual Hepatitis C Screening Qi: A Scoping Review, Sadiat Omowunmi Adebiyi Bsn, Rn, Sakinah Shaw Bsn, Rn, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Ag-Acnp-Bc, Sharon Little Dnp, Fnp-Bc, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Despite the surge in HCV prevalence among pregnant women and the threat of perinatal HCV transmission, infants exposed to HCV in the United States are inadequately screened (Chappell et al., 2018). It is estimated that between 4% and 8% of babies exposed to HCV during pregnancy become infected (Watts et al., 2017). Incorporating Hep C screening with other mandated prenatal screening will play an essential role in reducing the complications associated with Hep C transmission to the newborn.

Methods Article search was done in the first three weeks of the fall 2021 semester, and a total of 63 articles …