Medical Education Commons^™

In-Person And Virtual Adaptation Of An Interprofessional Palliative Care Communications Skills Training Course For Pediatric Oncology Clinicians, Karen Moody, Clark R. Andersen, Robert M. Arnold, Julie Bradley, Allie Carter, Lauren Draper, Timothy Garrington, Jonathan B. Gill, Douglas J. Harrison, Masanori Hayashi, Amy Heaton, Cynthia Holladay, Alex Lion, Alakh Rajan, Beatriz N. Rozo, Daniel V. Runco, Shermini Saini, Laura K. Salvador, Kathryn Sutton, Verna Ferguson

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Introduction

Empathic communication is crucial for clinicians when discussing palliative and end-of-life (PC/EOL) care with parents of children with cancer. Unfortunately, many parents report inadequate communication at these distressing times. This study evaluates the communication skills training (CST) clinicians received to deliver a PC/EOL communication intervention as part of a multi-site randomized-controlled trial (RCT). Training was provided using an in-person format and then adapted to a virtual platform to accommodate remote learners.

Methods

Clinicians were trained in dyads (one physician and one nurse [RN] or advanced practice provider [APP]) over 3 days (in-person or virtually). Four pediatric oncology cases were …

Improving Workflows For Filling Provider Contractor Needs - Sw Region, Erika Lamb, Kristi Patterson

Nursing Posters

An interdisciplinary team was brought together to solve for the following problems:

• The process for filling contractor needs in Willmar was unclear. Willmar has high contractor utilization which is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.
• Turnaround Times: "Regular" provider hires: 90 days. Contractor hires: 120 days. At times, contractor needs at RMH were asked to be filled within 60 days.
• There were gaps in communication across roles regarding the progress, contractor onboarding, perceived challenges, and potential red flags.

Nurse-Physicians: From Nursing School To Practicing Physician, Tobias Fraedrich

Honors Scholar Theses

Nurse-physicians are healthcare professionals who have obtained both a nursing degree and a medical degree, transitioning from Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to a licensed physician, including Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), or Naturopathic Doctor (ND). Research on this phenomenon conducted to date is limited to a single study. Some nonresearch sources indicate a small presence of this topic online. Yin’s (2018) descriptive, multiple-case study approach was employed to investigate the phenomenon using oral history interviews and a survey of the online platform YouTube as data sources. For the intention of pursuing this …

Improving Handoffs Between Outpatient Clinics And Acute Cancer Care Centers At A Tertiary Oncology Hospital Using A Quality Improvement Methodology, Mini George, Mohamed Ait Aiss, Gabriele Urschel, Maria Franco Vega, Susan Gaeta, Diane Bodurka

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Accrediting agencies recommend safe and accurate transfer of clinical information during care transitions. At our institution, a tertiary care cancer hospital, ambulatory clinic providers use multiple methods for communicating essential information to emergency care providers. Therefore, we initiated a quality improvement project using a standardized electronic handoff during the transfer of care between providers at outpatient clinics and acute cancer care centers. The project was launched in May 2023 and aimed to achieve electronic handoff for 70% or more of ambulatory care patients transferred to emergency care by October 2023. A multidisciplinary team developed an electronic handoff, provided training, and …

Decreasing Extubation Times Using Adaptive Support Ventilation: A Scoping Review, Daphne Thomas, Cole Vest, Luke Wilson, Shannon Witcher, Bobby Bellflower Dnsc, Nnp-Bc, Faanp

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background:This scoping review explores the effectiveness of adaptive support ventilation (ASV) compared to conventional ventilation modes in reducing postoperative extubation times in adults undergoing general anesthesia with ventilatory support. Ventilator weaning is a critical determinant of recovery and outcomes in intensive care settings. ASV, a closed-loop ventilation mode, automatically adjusts ventilator parameters based on patient-specific respiratory mechanics and demand to optimize the weaning process. Although promising, evidence regarding ASV’s effectiveness remains inconsistent across different patient populations and surgical contexts.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted from August 2023 to December 2024 across PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, JAMA, and Google …

Effectiveness Of The Use Of An Opt-Out Script To Increase Hiv Screening In Adolescent Clients In Pediatric Primary Care Clinics In West Tennessee: A Scoping Review, Julie Cupples Msn, Rn, Allison Johnson Ms, Bsn, Rn, Sally Humphrey Dnp, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend one-time human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening for all adolescents. Pediatric primary care providers are on the front lines of adolescent healthcare and can provide testing that is adolescent-friendly, confidential, and easily accessible. This scoping review aims to synthesize the evidence and assess the literature on the efficacy of using an opt-out script to increase HIV testing in adolescent well-child checks.

Methods

A literature review was conducted between October 2022 and August 2024 to collect studies assessing adolescents aged 12-18, provider-led sex education, and …

Men’S Preconception Health: Impact On Pregnancy And Awareness Strategies., Kara I. Carr

Honors Capstones

Men’s preconception health plays a critical role in pregnancy outcomes, but it continues to be overlooked in healthcare education. While women are routinely counseled by OBGYN providers on how nutrition, lifestyle, and chronic conditions can affect fertility, men often receive little to no guidance from their primary care providers. This project uses a literature review to look deeper into how limited awareness and involvement in men’s preconception health may impact pregnancy and infant health outcomes. The gap is linked to cultural norms, healthcare practices, and the lack of clear resources for men. This research aims to develop strategies that promote …

Integrating Workplace Violence Prevention Into Nursing Curriculum: Preparing Future Nurses For Safer Practice ​, Noah Briere, Sarah Kegerreis, Molly Lasyone, Savannah Orris

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Nurses are under attack. 80% of nurses have experienced some form of workplace violence (WPV), which is seen as “part of the job.” Unfortunately, the agency responsible for protecting nurses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), only offers voluntary guidelines. We have determined that nursing students are the best group to educate about WPV prevention in healthcare. Including this teaching to fit within their pre-clinical requirements, only needing one faculty to teach with an average salary of $80k, to further help set what should be foundational skills. By adding WPV de-escalation techniques and adequately preparing students prior to graduation. …

Advanced Screening For Intimate Partner Violence To Prevent Adverse Pregnancy And Maternal Outcomes, Emilia R. Valdez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of …

Enhancing Cauti Prevention Through Daily Catheter Care Charting, Pre-Packaged Wipes, And Targeted Nursing Education, Alexis Bartolo, Hannah Todd, David Wagner

Scholars Week

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common healthcare-associated infections that increase patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This evidence-based project aims to reduce CAUTIs by implementing daily catheter care charting, using pre-packaged antiseptic wipes, and providing targeted nursing education. These interventions will enhance accountability, improve hygiene practices, and equip nurses with the latest CAUTI prevention techniques. The project evaluates the current catheter care policy, comparing it with evidence-based practices to identify improvements. Guided by Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, the proposed policy changes aim to improve patient safety and care quality. By integrating these interventions into routine practice, the project …

Stop The Bleed! Acute Epistaxis Management, Christopher R. Cannell

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Epistaxis, the most common Otolaryngology-related emergency, is responsible for one in 200 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States (US) and one-third of otolaryngology visits.^1,11 Up to 60% of the population will experience epistaxis during their lifetime, and 6% -10 % will require medical intervention.^2,3 Epistaxis occurs in children and adults and has a seasonal variation. Although 85% of nosebleeds are idiopathic, they are more frequent in those on supplemental oxygen, anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy, and in those with other conditions that may predispose them to bleeding. Most clinicians will encounter patients with acute epistaxis; therefore, it is …

Student Expectations And Outcomes In Virtual Vs In-Person Interprofessional Simulations: A Qualitative Analysis, Padmavathy Ramaswamy, Abbey M Bachmann, Tiffany Champagne-Langabeer, Chasisty L Gilder, Samuel E Neher, Jennifer L Swails

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Health-related programs frequently integrate interprofessional education (IPE) into their training. The COVID-19 pandemic transitioned many IPE programs online, making it essential to assess student expectations and perceived learning outcomes across virtual simulations and in-person settings.

Methods: This qualitative study compared student expectations and self-reported outcomes across in-person and virtual case scenarios at a Texas health science center. Responses to open-ended questions from two data collection periods were analyzed using inductive coding and thematic analysis.

Results: Students from nursing, medicine, dentistry, public health, and informatics participated in each group. Three major themes emerged from this study: communication, teamwork, and …

Rethinking Systematic Review Assignment Design In Graduate Health Science Education: Librarians' Perspectives, Laura Lipke, Carrie Price Mls

Library Scholarship

Background: This article examines the problematic phenomenon of faculty assigning graduate health science students systematic reviews as semester-based assignments while expecting a health science librarian to be a willing support system for those students. Despite published conduct and reporting guidelines establishing that systematic reviews require a team, time, and methodological expertise, some faculty still turn to full systematic review assignments in the classroom. The authors propose applying cognitive load theory and chunking the systematic review process into manageable steps, allowing both faculty and students to better understand the required methodologies and to enhance educational outcomes.

Experience: The authors have often …

Analysis Of Interprofessional Education Perceptions At The Team Level: A Study Across Three Student Cohorts, Tina Gunaldo, Kelsey Witmeier, Harun Mazumder, Sharon Duffy, Colette Baudoin, Henry Sauviac, Susanne Straif-Bourgeois, Scott Edwards

Center for Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice Papers

The interprofessional education (IPE) literature showcases many studies reporting results at the all-student and academic program levels. However, if the purpose of IPE is to develop collaborative-practice ready professionals, analysis at the team level would better support the advancement of the IPE literature and future health care goals. Pre-licensure students engaged in a two-year IPE curriculum and individually completed the Student Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education-Revised survey, version 2 (SPICE-R2), at the end of the first and second year. Teams were comprised of health profession students from 12 academic programs associated with the university. Exploratory and longitudinal analyses of the …

Nursing Students’ Perceptions And Use Of Generative Artificial Intelligence In Nursing Education, Shinhi Han, Hee Sun Kang, Philip J. Gimber, Sunghyun Lim

Publications and Research

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming nursing, with generative AI (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT offering opportunities to enhance education through personalized learning pathways. This study aimed to explore nursing students’ use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and their perceptions of its use in nursing education, including its advantages, disadvantages, and perceived support needs.

Methods: This study employed an online survey. The participants were 99 undergraduate nursing students in New York City. Data was collected online through self-report measures using semi-structured, open-ended questions. The data was analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Most participants (92%) used GenAI tools to access accurate …

Implementation Of Endometriosis Toolkit: A Quality Improvement Project To Enhance Nurse Practitioners’ Knowledge And Management, Hasbun Rachel

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis, characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial-like tissue, affects approximately 11% of reproductive-aged women in the United States. Diagnosing endometriosis is challenging due to its diverse clinical presentations, reliance on laparoscopic procedures, absence of biomarkers, and limited awareness among healthcare providers and patients.

Local Problem: The diagnostic complexity of endometriosis, compounded by reduced provider awareness and a lack of comprehensive resources, leads to delayed and suboptimal care for affected women.

Methods: This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to enhance nurse practitioners’ (NPs) knowledge and management of endometriosis through a 1-hour educational session at the …

Psychological Impact Of Ulcerative Colitis On Pregnancy And Postpartum Period, Stephanie C. Carver

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) poses significant challenges during pregnancy, affecting both physical and mental health. While the physiological effects of UC during pregnancy are well documented, less is known about its impact on maternal mental health. This study aims to investigate the psychological effects of UC on pregnant women, focusing on stress levels, postpartum depression (PPD) incidence, and the role of multidisciplinary care in improving mental health outcomes.

Objective

The primary objective of this research proposal is to evaluate the psychological impact of UC during pregnancy and determine whether disease activity increases the risk of PPD and stress. A secondary …

Medical Aid In Dying Education For Hospice Nurses, Ian Woo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Medical aid in dying (MAID) is an option surrounding end-of-life care for hospice patients. This process gives patients the autonomy to end their life during the time and location of their choosing. MAID is growing in legalization and practice across the US. However, many nurses feel uncomfortable or unprepared when providing care for patients contemplating it. Hospice nurses should have confidence in their ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of education in strengthening new hospice nurses’ ability to care for patients through the process of MAID. Method: The research will …

Developing A Culturally Sensitive Nursing Framework For Muslim Patients Practicing Ramadan: Focusing On Fasting Benefits And Islamic Dietary Recommendations, Amreen M. Munshi

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Muslims practice Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting from dawn to dusk, yet many healthcare providers lack knowledge of its principles and practices. Hospitals lack formal education on caring for fasting Muslim patients, leading to a knowledge deficit in cultural competence and sensitivity of Islamic practices. Purpose: This paper proposes a research design for a nurse education program on Ramadan fasting to promote cultural competence and sensitivity in nursing care. The proposed research aims to educate nurses on Islamic practices, particularly Ramadan, to bridge the cultural competency gap. The literature review also explores the health benefits of …

Improving Health Literacy Related To Hypertension In A Minority Faith-Based Population, Kasaundra M. Beverly-Marshall, Kasaundra M. Beverly-Marshall

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Background: Insufficient research on health literacy related to cardiovascular disease highlights a gap in healthcare. Healthy People 2030 and local community health programs acknowledge gaps in research with future goals to improve health literacy.

Local Problem: The health literacy rate for Winnebago County, IL (41%) is higher than both the State of Illinois and national health literacy rates, which aligns with the results of a community needs assessment survey.

Methods: A community-based health promotion project using a pre-post study design uses the health promotion model to engage participants in advancing cardiovascular health outcomes.

Interventions: DNP student assisted participants in creating …

Impact Of Hospital Virtual Dementia Tour® On Caregivers’ Knowledge And Attitudes Towards People With Dementia, Sarah Cope

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The incidence of dementia, associated with poor health outcomes, is rapidly rising. In review of the literature, dementia education is broadly recommended to impact staff knowledge and patient outcomes. This Doctoral project sought to answer the project question: in healthcare workers who care for hospitalized patients with dementia and behavioral disturbance, will the dementia-centered education initiative, the Hospital Virtual Dementia Tour® (HVDT), improve the care team's knowledge and attitudes in caring for people with dementia, particularly behavioral dysregulation, as measured by scores on pre-post Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS) Assessment?

A quality improvement quantitative pretest posttest pilot study implementing the Hospital …

Improving Knowledge And Confidence Of Family Nurse Practitioners In Offering The Hpv Vaccine, Leni Terano Fisher

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Abstract

Introduction

Despite the recommendations of the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, HPV immunization lags behind other routine vaccines by up to 31%. Although there are many reasons for the low vaccine rate, provider hesitancy and lack of confidence significantly contribute to suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake.

Objectives

This project aimed to utilize evidence-driven interventions to increase family nurse practitioners' (FNPs) knowledge and confidence in offering the HPV vaccine.

Methods

Participants were given pre- and post-questionnaire surveys. The Wilcoxon Rank Test was used to compare, quantify, and measure the results of the eight-week data collection.

Results

The subjects were …

A New Electronic Handoff Tool To Facilitate Patient Transfer From The Or To Sicu: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Kaylan Jean Kerrigan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction/Background: Transfer of care is a vulnerable time for patients. Continuity of care depends on good communication from the transferring team to the receiving team. Communication failures contribute to frustration among medical staff and poor patient outcomes. Purpose: The purose of this project was to improve handoff communication and satisfaction between the anesthesia team in the operating room (OR) and the receiving surgical intensive care unit (SICU) nurses. Intervention: A new electronic handoff tool was developed for the Epic electronic health record (EHR) to provide SICU nurses with patient information (name, age, allergies), procedure and diagnosis, intubation status, reversal status, …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Bibliography, Mary P. Bennett

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Bibliography of publications by Mary Bennett.

Enhancing Advocacy Through Nursing Interventions For Hospitalized Pediatric Oncology Patients With Absent Parents, Ma Seandee Mae Corrales

Nursing | Senior Theses

Parental advocacy is essential for high-quality, patient-centered care, particularly in pediatric oncology settings. However, when parents are infrequently present due to responsibilities such as work or caring for other children, pediatric patients may experience advocacy gaps, leading to delays in treatment, miscommunication, and unmet needs. Nurses are uniquely positioned to help address this need, but limited research exists on how nursing policies and educational interventions can enhance nurse-led advocacy in such situations. This research proposal assesses the effectiveness of structured nursing policies and educational programs designed to support nurse-led advocacy for pediatric oncology patients with infrequently present or absent parents. …

Reducing Anxiety And Burden: The Effect Of Caregiver Education In Hospice Care For Immigrant Families, Nicole Maria

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

The purpose of this research proposal is to explore the impact of early mental health screenings, comprehensive education, and support in alleviating caregiver burden and anxiety among hospice immigrant family caregivers.

Methods

This research proposal will evaluate the effectiveness of caregiver education and mental health screenings. Baseline data will be collected using the Zarit Burden Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). After interventions are implemented, a post survey will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness.

Results

If the findings are statistically significant, they will support the hypothesis that caregiver education can reduce burden, improve caregivers’ mental well-being, and …

Awareness Of The Physiological Changes Occurring In Older Adults Can Reduce Dehydration And Electrolyte Imbalances, Lisa Isley

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Individuals over 65 years are at an increased risk of dehydration. The physiological changes that occur with age and medication consumption can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can physically and mentally impair individuals over 65 years old. Objective: By providing education to individuals 65 years and older regarding the significance of drinking water and consuming electrolytes daily, older adults can reduce their dehydration symptoms and improve their quality of life. Method: The proposed research is a quasi experimental study geared towards individuals 65 years and older. The quasi-experimental study will include two pre-surveys and then two post-surveys. The …

Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women Of Color In New York City: Biological And Systemic Impacts, Kaylin Peña

Pitzer Senior Theses

Racial Health Disparities Among Pregnant Women of Color in New York City: Biological and Systemic Impacts

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore how racial health disparities, underrepresentation in gynecology, and socioeconomic barriers contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes among women of color in New York City. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines resources from medical anthropology and human biology, this research will examine the biological implications of chronic stress, specifically HPA axis dysregulation, and its role in maternal health outcomes. With the idea of intersectionality, as conceptualized by Kimberlé Crenshaw, the study analyzes the various effects of systemic inequities and social …

Postpartum Depression In Adolescent Mothers: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Screening Tools, Social And Cultural Interventions, Ysabella M. Co

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Pregnancies among adolescents is often an outcome of improper sex education and understanding. It is vital to provide mothers with the proper medical care and resources throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period to prevent any risks or harm from occurring. With the complexities and stressors of pregnancy at such a young age, it is important for healthcare to provide resources regarding postnatal depression diagnoses and interventions, especially to a population that is at risk for mental health issues. Objective: To provide adolescent mothers thorough medical care and lessen the risk of experiencing postpartum depression. By providing frequent …