Quality Improvement Commons^™

Chaos To Calm: Utilizing Checklists In The Icu To Improve Quality During Intubations, J Dunitz, Matthew Daniel, Will Hickman, Sarah Johnson, Erik Porter

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Identity: Inpatient Dialogue & Engagement With Nurses To Improve Team Dynamics Final Results, Anna Maria Abi Nehme, Ashley Becker, Raheeq Mohamedsaleh, Shin Zaw, Vigneshwar K. Ramasamy, Richard Henriquez, Jorge Restrepo, Ashwini Komarla

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Gout Therapy In Patriot Clinic Final Results, Jerativat Satayarekha, Vigelo Servera Jr, Nicholas Maggio, Nathaniel Rosa Santiago, Fariha N. Mirza, Sahar Safavi

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Patient Safety: The Role Of Interdisciplinary Teams In Reducing Blood Culture Contamination, Fady M. Awad, Austin Patrick-Eisenberg, Brian Watson, Mohamed Faris

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

To Bridge Or Not To Bridge, Diane Habib, Negar Niknam, Mohammed Rajab, Lea El Achkar, Mahyar Mahmoudi

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Postpartum Glucose Testing And Primary Care Follow-Up For Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Quality Improvement Project, Madeline Bartram, Anusha Hussain, Timothy Kremer

North Texas Research Forum 2025

BACKGROUND: Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a 40-70% lifetime risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is 9 times the risk of patients without a history of GDM. Joint association guidelines recommend a 75-gram, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) at 4 to 12 weeks postpartum for all patients with GDM, and to follow-up with a primary care physician. Currently, less than half of these patients do not receive the recommended postpartum glucose testing and/or follow-up. METHODS: For each GDM-affected pregnancy, two primary outcome measures were retrospectively collected from the clinic EHR: completion of the 75-gram GTT …

Development And Validation Of An Accurate And Precise Skin Color Scale, Henry Lim, Christina Guo, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Ysabelle Martinez, Dana Olsen, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Utilization of the Fitzpatrick scale to describe skin color does not adequately account for variations in pigmentation that are reflective of skin color characteristics of persons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. This study aims to create a better way to describe skin color. Methods: We developed an 11-point color scale. This Skin Color Scale (SCS) was reproduced onto a physical card that could be placed onto a research participant’s inner arms for independent scale interpretation. Participants and two investigators selected the best matching scale interpretation value for each arm. Self-acquired and investigator assessed Fitzpatrick scores were taken. These …

Improving Annual Wellness Visit Documentation In Clinic, Chak Lam Yeung, Gurunath Subramanyam, Krishna Ramesh, Mohammad Nadim, Jasmyne Bowser, John Sturgeon

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Medicare beneficiaries who received an annual wellness visit (AWV) were noted to have reduced Medicare spending. Review of Medical City North Hills Internal Medicine Clinic data showed that 44% of eligible patients received an AWV. Improper documentation and coding were the primary reasons eligible AWVs were not accounted for even though they were performed. Majority of incomplete documentation was missing information regarding patient’s functional ability, level of safety, home safety, and activities of daily living. The information is normally obtained from a questionnaire completed by the patient prior to the visit. Questionnaire was noted by residents to be unorganized …

Reconciliaction Ensuring Accurate Home Medication List, Juan Pablo Meruvia Garron, Saud Khan, Akash Patel, Anna Maria Abi Nehme, Jomaris Centeno Girona, Olga Karasik

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Skin Cancer Screening In A Fm Residency: Dermatoscope Utilization, Aleksandra Radzio, Navina Delight, Aniruddha Logan

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Colon & Rectal Cancer Screening At Medical City North Hills Clinic, Basil Nduma, Sharvani Raguthu, Gurunath Subrahmanyam, John Sturgeon

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite its severity, fewer than half of eligible Americans undergo annual screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends CRC screening from age 45 to 75, with personalized assessments for those aged 76 to 85. The current CRC screening rate at the Medical City North Hills Internal Medicine Residents’ Clinic is 9.3%, significantly below the target rate of over 66%. Objective: This project aimed to increase the CRC screening rate from 9.3% to over 66% at the Medical City North Hills Internal Medicine Residents Clinic, in …

Never Admit Or Release Without Considering A Naloxone Script (Narcan), Farid Mughni, Mustafa Ibrahim, Dante Janolo, Samuel Ramos, Emma Rivas, Olga Karasik

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

There’S A Qr Code For That: Trauma Performance Improvement, Patient Safety, And Peer Review, April Miller, Luis Taveras, Elizabeth Kim, Kathy Galt

North Texas Research Forum 2025

In preparation for our facility’s initial ACS verification visit, a Trauma Consultative Site visit in 2021 identified the need for a streamlined process to communicate issues to the Trauma Program that were recognized during patient care. This was especially true on weekends and nights when issues were most likely to occur. A recent literature review revealed implementation of electronic communication tools increased reporting of performance improvement and patient safety (PIPS) events and improved tracking and resolution of events. The authors of that study used a virtual chatroom accessible from cell phone to post PIPS events. One perceived drawback to this …

Education Interventions Implemented To Increase Lung Cancer Screening Rates, Arpit Arora, Crystal Bharat, Sophia Zia, Pooja Paunikar, Dana Simpson

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Usage Of Low-Dose Chest Ct For Lung Cancer Screening Amongst Tobacco Users That Fall Within Certain Criteria Per Uspstf Recommendations - A Quality Improvement Project, Karissa Charles, Evelyn Ogbomoh, Anthony Shadiack

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Increasing Pediatric Asthma Follow-Up Visits And Decreasing Emergency Department Visits In A Primary Care Setting, Rima M. Basal

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

The implementation of the asthma follow-up visits bundle in the pediatric primary care setting is an evidence-based practice project aimed at improving pediatric asthma management. This manuscript discusses the deployment of the bundle, which includes pre- and post- knowledge assessment for parents/caregivers, asthma education through a short video and handout, administration of the asthma control test (ACT), completion of a written asthma action plan (WAAP), and education about the patient portal and telehealth. The goal is to improve parent/caregiver knowledge, treatment adherence, follow-up visit compliance (in-person or virtual) and reduce emergency department (ED) utilization. Parent/caregiver knowledge increased by 23%, ACT …

Increasing Special Pathogen Preparedness At A Frontline Hospital: A Quality Improvement Project, Mckenna Freed, Christa Arguinchona, Barbara Bennett-Wolcott

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of High Deductible Health Plans On Mental Health Treatment, Kristian D. Dambrino

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Project Title: The Impact of High Deductible Health Plans on Mental Health Treatment

Background and Rationale: High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are designed to reduce overall healthcare spending by shifting more upfront costs to patients to discourage overutilization of care, yet HDHPs often increase financial burden, particularly in outpatient mental health care. Patients covered by HDHPs often face substantial out-of-pocket costs before reaching their deductible. This can lead to potential delays or discontinuation of psychiatric treatment. Financial transparency interventions by the mental health provider may mitigate these barriers through more-informed patient decision-making regarding payment options. This project evaluates the impact …

Closing The Communication Gap: A Quality Improvement Approach To Safer Shift Changes And Transfers, Stephanie O'Kresik Jewette, Annette Santiago

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Seizure Action Plan, Ian Holt, Sy Jama

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Quality Over Quantity: Doula Perspectives On Equity, Access, And Quality Of Care In Black Maternal Health Outcomes, Terry-Ann E. Lynch

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

Black maternal mortality in the United States is a public health crisis. There are a plethora of reasons as to why maternal and fetal deaths disproportionately impact Black women. From a public health perspective, health disparities are an area of concern in marginalized communities, with Black maternal mortality being a risk factor. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black (subsequently, Black) women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for non-Hispanic White (subsequently, White) women (26.6)” Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2021” …

Implementing Gallup 12+ Employee Engagement Survey In A Critical Access Hospital, Catherine R. Hardwick

Honors Theses and Capstones

Objective: To utilize the Gallup Q12+ survey to assess baseline staff engagement among nurses and nursing assistants at a critical access hospital, implement direct education intervention, and evaluate its impact on staff engagement rates, with the goal of identifying micro and macro-problems.

Methods: This quality improved project was conducted at Littleton Regional Hospital, a level Ⅲ trauma center and critical access hospital. The PDSA cycle started on March 1 and ended May 10. The Gallup Q12+ survey was sent to Registered Nurses, Licensed Nursing Assistants, and Nursing Technicians to establish baseline staff engagement levels and areas that need improvement. Directed …

Evaluating Impact Of Stress First Aid Programs In A Primary Care Setting, Ryan Marler

DNP Projects

Background: Prolonged stress in healthcare workers (HCWs) can lead to burnout and absenteeism. High stress also negatively impacts work productivity and healthcare quality. The Stress First Aid (SFA) program aims to improve recovery from stress among HCWs. Chronic stress is evident in primary care clinics, where absenteeism and burnout symptoms have increased.

Purpose: This project aimed to evaluate the SFA program's effectiveness in reducing burnout and absenteeism and improving healthcare workers (HCW) knowledge of stress and available resources at University of Kentucky Healthcare (UKHC).

Methods: A quasi-experimental quality improvement project included pre- and post-education surveys, an SFA education session, and …

Implementation Of Robotics And Artificial Intelligence To Oncological Surgery, Ian Ngo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background/ significance: Introduced in the late 20th century, robotic systems have enhanced surgeons’ capabilities by providing accurate and precise control of instruments. These systems helped minimize invasiveness in surgical procedures, providing greater precision, and gave flexibility to difficult-to-access areas of the body. Tools powered by AI help surgeons accurately identify and remove cancerous tissues, which can lead to better surgical outcomes and fewer complications. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to focus on evaluating how Robotic-Assisted Systems (RAS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) impact surgical precision, patient recovery, and to address economic efficiencies. associated with integrating said systems into the …

Improving Perinatal Outcomes With The Mood Disorder Questionnaire: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Identification And Referral, Elizabeth R. Bargardo

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health is a growing concern, with under identification and lack of access to mental health as contributing factors. Screening tools such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire are one way to increase identification of patients at risk for bipolar-spectrum disorders and subsequent postpartum psychosis and initiate referrals to appropriate mental health services.

Local Problem: One outpatient women’s health center has a 94% screening rate for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) for anxiety and depression but has not implemented a screening for bipolar disorder. In addition, while approximately one in five perinatal patients struggles with a mental …

Exploring Lgbtq+ Competency In Healthcare, Jordan Whiteman

Honors College Theses

Marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community are known to face healthcare disparities that negatively affect their process of navigating healthcare systems. This project explores the perceived lack of representation and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community within healthcare settings, exposing the deficits in knowledge for unique challenges and inequalities these patients may face. By viewing the literature, a myriad of complications faced by LGBTQ+ people in clinical settings can be identified. They possess a generalized feeling of mistrust towards the healthcare system. Healthcare staff overall describe low confidence with caring for this demographic. Heteronormativity’s presence in the field of healthcare …

Factors Affecting The Quality Of Life Of Residents In The United States: Lessons From Virginia, Daniel K. Pryce

Sociology & Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Evaluating community members' views about their quality of life is important for improving quality of well-being in society, as most societies are interested in the collective well-being of the people. Moreover, quality-of-life research helps public officials to understand how well they are meeting the needs of the electorate. Using the theoretical framework of Maslow's Developmental Perspective, which argues that the higher the need satisfaction of the majority in a given society the greater the quality of life of that society, I explore the effects of multiple variables on quality of life in the Hampton Roads region of Southeast Virginia (this …

Healthcare Consolidation: Effects On Corporate And Private Healthcare Facilities, Kaydence N. Mcdonald

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this thesis paper the concept of healthcare consolidation is discussed. The distinctions between small and large healthcare organizations’ structures and functions are explained first. Knowing the distinction between how the different sized healthcare organization’s function will give a better understanding to how consolidation occurs in the facilities. The benefits and challenges that small and large healthcare organizations offer is discussed next. After setting an understanding of the differences in healthcare organizations based on size this paper gives a definition of consolidation, and the forms used in healthcare organizations. It discusses vertical, horizontal consolidation, mergers, and acquisitions. Then the paper …

The Potential Of Bioactive Foods In Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Distress, Haizhu Patterson

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Cancer continues to have a profoundly detrimental impact on global health, and chemotherapy is widely accepted and utilized as one of the most effective cancer treatments. Unfortunately, the downside of chemotherapy is its significant adverse effects, which often manifest as gastrointestinal (GI) distress, leading the patient to discontinue treatment. Recent research has increasingly focused on bioactive foods as a means to mitigate chemotherapy-induced GI distress. By identifying which bioactive foods can alleviate these distresses, nurses can offer valuable recommendations to cancer patients to help them reduce chemotherapy's adverse effects, enhancing their quality of life (QoL) and improving treatment adherence. …

Culturally Sensitive Nursing Care And Its Impact On Abuse Disclosure Among Immigrant-Origin Populations​, Jaspal Uppal

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Immigrant-origin patients often face many systemic barriers when accessing healthcare. Factors such as language barriers, fear of deportation, limited trust in healthcare providers, and lack of culturally sensitive care make it hard for patients to disclose abuse. These challenges contribute to poor health amongst vulnerable populations which highlights the importance of using culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care. Objective: This research aims to test whether culturally adapted, trauma-informed nursing care improves disclosure of abuse and access to support services. The objective is to strengthen safety and trust between healthcare providers and patients through culturally sensitive care. Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental …