Behavioral Medicine Commons^™

Clinician Perspectives On Fistula Mental Health, Victoria K. Leonard

Doctoral Dissertations

Background – Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury caused by prolonged labor that leads to stillbirth and incontinence, spurring social exclusion and isolation. These layers of trauma put women with fistula at great risk for psychological suffering, which has profound negative socioeconomic impacts on them, their families, and communities. This study captured treatment as usual at Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT), the country’s largest provider of fistula care.

Method – Improving holistic fistula treatment requires engaging the clinicians who care for women with fistula. This study aimed to investigate the training, beliefs, and treatment approaches of nurses and …

Exploring The Relationship Between Behavioral Health Early Prediction Model And Patient Outcomes In The Emergency Department, Karen M. Richendollar, Kathie M. Zimbro

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Problem: Emergency departments (EDs) are increasingly utilized for mental health (MH) care, often resulting in overcrowding and delayed access to specialized services. A significant proportion of MH patients are discharged without a psychiatric consult, raising concerns about safety and readmission rates. This trend places additional strain on already limited behavioral health resources and contributes to care delays for patients in acute crisis. Moreover, the lack of standardized discharge criteria for MH patients increases variability in care and may compromise patient outcomes. Purpose: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Behavioral Health Early Discharge Prediction Model (BHEDPM) in identifying MH patients …

3. Impact Of Co-Caring Model On Cargivers' Perceptions Of Stress, Burnout, And The Caregiver Experience, Rosemary Timmerman, Cara Gallegos

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

A Qi: Implementing Pawss And Ciwa Adherence Challenge In The Psychiatric Emergency Department, Bailey Poler

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Introducing Education For Sensory Approaches In Mental Health-Related Emergency Department Visits: A Quality Improvement Project To Enhance Patient-Centered Care, Jesse O'Neill

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Barriers to specialty care access have resulted in emergency departments (ED) operating as temporary psychiatric hold facilities for their communities. Patients boarding in the ED are demonstrated to use a disproportionate percentage of facility resources with minimal benefit to the patient. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement identifies the impact of the healthcare environment on patient outcomes and suggests staff training to foster trauma-informed practice culture (Schall et al., 2020).

Local Problem: High-stress healthcare environments can escalate maladaptive patient behaviors and the use of restrictive interventions. Traditional use of restrictive interventions lacks supportive evidence and contradicts person-centered care goals (Molloy …

Mental Health And Art Adherence In A Multisite International Study: The Mediating Roles Of Social Support And Substance Use In People With Hiv, Joseph Awad, Wenxiu Sun, Diane Santa Maria, Rebecca Schnall, Panta Apiruknapanond, Tongyao Wang, Claudia Patricia Valencia, Christine Horvat Davey, Solymar Solis Baez, Sheila Shaibu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

ART adherence, essential to preventing disease progression for people living with HIV (PLHIV), remains challenged by factors like poor mental health condition, insufficient social support, and substance use. This study investigates the roles of social support and substance use as mediators in the relationship between mental health and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among PLHIV in a multisite, international context. Cross-sectional data from N = 1598 PLHIV across eight countries were analyzed using parallel mediation analyses in R. Results indicated that both social support and substance use independently mediated the relationship between mental health and ART adherence. Hallucinogens mediated the mental …

Psych Assessment In The Er, Bailey J. Thompson, Addie Cowger, Hailie Hollis

Scholars Week

An immense amount of patients who enter the emergency department, whether for a psychiatric illness or not, struggle with mental health challenges. By creating a standardized routine and checklists for the care of high-risk psychiatric patients, the new quality and consistency can enhance patient experiences. This process will start at the triage stage and continue throughout their stay. Presenting the supportive research to the emergency department staff and introducing these changes gradually will help with staff buy-in and become a more sustainable process. Finally, with a structured approach, psychiatric patient outcomes will benefit significantly.

Mental Health And The Role Of Social Support In The Lives Of Vulnerabilized Sexual Minority Women, Jennifer L. Glick, Megan G. Nguyen, Aimee K. Huang, Kamila A. Alexander, Danielle German

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Introduction Sexual minority women (SMW; women who self-identify as lesbian, queer, etc., as well as heterosexually-identified women who experience attraction to romantic or sexual partnerships with women) and vulnerabilized women (those marginalized due to structural forces such as housing insecurity, violence, sex exchange, drug use, or HIV positive status) experience a range of mental health challenges compared to their heterosexual and general population counterparts. General populations studies show a positive relationship between social support and mental health; less is known about SMW experiencing intersecting multi-layered vulnerabilities. This study characterizes mental health stressors, identifies social support sources and forms, and explores …

The Effectiveness Of Gad-7 Screening In High School Students, Tamara L. Smith, Allison Darnell, Margaret Harvey, Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Adolescent mental health is a growing concern, with anxiety disorders being particularly prevalent among high school students. Left untreated, anxiety can significantly impact academic performance, social functioning, and long-term mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the critical need for effective screening and intervention strategies. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is a validated tool for identifying anxiety disorders, yet its application in high school settings is limited. This scoping review explores the effectiveness of GAD-7 in increasing mental health referrals and improving anxiety outcomes in high school students.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Predischarge Referrals In Preventing Emergency Mental Health Hospital Readmissions: A Scoping Review, Pretia Carpenter Bsn, Rn, Stephanie Mays Bsn, Rn, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc, Sharon H. Little, Dnp, Fnp-Bc, Aprn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Emergency mental health hospital readmissions present significant challenges to healthcare systems, often resulting in increased costs, prolonged hospital stays, and poor patient outcomes. Continuity of care through predischarge referrals to outpatient mental health services, psychosocial support, and community resources has been proposed as a strategy to reduce readmissions. However, the effectiveness of these interventions remains inconsistent across different populations and settings.

Objective

This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of predischarge referrals in reducing 30-day emergency mental health hospital readmissions, identify key components of successful programs, and assess the influence of demographic factors on readmission rates.

Methods

A …

Nurse Education For Perinatal Substance Use Disorder And Mental Health, Michelle Simpson

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

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 …

Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder In The Outpatient Indigenous Health Clinic Setting, Kylie M. Timmerman

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Alcohol use disorder disproportionately impacts American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations at higher rates of disease morbidity and mortality. In the primary care setting, few treatment resources are available to patients outside of medication-only options.

Local Problem: While the intervention site (rural Tribal Federally Qualified Health Center [FQHC]) was known to have a well-established medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opiate use disorder (OUD), the was a need for alcohol use disorder (AUD) resources.

Methods: A review of current evidence was conducted to explore best practices for addressing AUD in the AIAN outpatient clinic setting.

Intervention(s): A quality improvement …

Millennial Nurses Experience High Burnout And Turnover Risk During A Pandemic, Dana N Rutledge, Elizabeth Winokur, Sarah Douville

St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA. Evidence Based Practice Conference

No abstract provided.

S.T.O.P. Drop It At The Door: Reducing Caregiver Burnout In The Emergency Room, Alexandra Rowen

St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA. Evidence Based Practice Conference

No abstract provided.

Battling Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, And Nurse Retention, Nicole Raab

St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA. Evidence Based Practice Conference

No abstract provided.

An Order Set For Maternity Patients With Potential Opioid Use Disorder, Katrina Munoz

St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA. Evidence Based Practice Conference

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Sleep Meditation Applications On Insomnia In Registered Nurses And Certified Nurse Assistants, Jaiden Tanaleon, Amy Hughes

St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA. Evidence Based Practice Conference

No abstract provided.

Use Of Agitation Scale Decision Scoring Grid To Improve Care Of Agitated/Anxious Patients In Dsu, Carmyle Seville, Angelica Taneca

St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA. Evidence Based Practice Conference

No abstract provided.

Self-Harm In Female Youth With Undiagnosed Adhd: Implementing American Academy Of Pediatrics Screening Guidelines, Roselie M. Woodard

Dissertations

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If undiagnosed or untreated, ADHD can lead to severe psychosocial issues such as academic failure, substance abuse, unplanned pregnancy, and incarceration. The financial burden in the U.S. from diagnostic errors creates an immense, rising fiscal impact. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent these complications.

Females with ADHD, particularly those with the inattentive subtype, often face diagnostic challenges due to symptom masking and over-compensation. This results in poorer cognitive functioning and self-esteem compared to males with ADHD. ADHD is linked to autonomic nervous …

Bridging The Gap: Psychopharmacologic Education And Side Effect Screening For Non-Prescribing Mental Health Professionals, Elaine Fitzgerald

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The United States is experiencing a growing demand for pediatric mental health support. Surges in mental health diagnoses and psychotropic medication prescriptions have occurred, compounded by a shortage of psychiatric providers. Non-prescribing mental health professionals are well-positioned to recognize psychotropic medication side effects. However, psychologists and counselors lack formal pharmacology education.

Methods: The quality improvement (QI) initiative was guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. The evidence-based psychopharmacologic education for non-prescribers utilized a quasi-experimental pre- and post- test design. Data collected from clinicians included knowledge, confidence, and skill concerning psychotropic medications. The Psychotropic Medication Monitoring Checklist (PMMC) screen clients …

Sexual Well-Being And High-Risk Behaviors : An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study For Questionnaire Development, Stephan R Smith

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Compassion Fatigue And Burnout On Overall Patient Outcomes: An Integrated Research Review, Stephanie Pigg

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Rehab Among Stroke Patients Affecting Anxiety And Depression; Faith 4 Neurosurgical Icu, Stephanie Pigg, Stephan R Smith

Covenant Nurses Week 2024

No abstract provided.

Perceived Moral Distress Among Patient-Facing Healthcare Professionals During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sarah Sumner, Karen Colorafi, Teresa Rangel

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Preventing And Responding To Workplace Violence In The Emergency Department, Janina La Porte, Stefanie Lai, Alicia Rodriguez

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Primary Care Organizational Readiness And Implementation Climate For Task Sharing Of Tele-Mental Health Interventions, Frances Chu, Brenna Renn, Erin Abu-Rish Blakeney, Sean Munson, Oleg Zaslavsky

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Primary Care Organizational Readiness and Implementation Climate for Task Sharing of Tele-Mental Health Interventions

Chu, F.; Renn, B.; Blakeney, E.; Munson, S.; Zaskavsky, O. Providence Swedish/University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Purpose: To examine perceptions of organizational readiness and implementation climate for task sharing of telemental health (TMH) interventions from primary care healthcare professionals by levels of behavioral health integration (BHI) and roles. Background/Significance: BHI clinics have positive impact on patient outcomes. Task sharing, a strategy used to address shortages of behavioral/mental health (BMH) specialists, with TMH interventions adds complexity. Method: The mixed methods study surveyed 151 healthcare professionals with Organizational …

Acute Care Staff Interactions With Chaplains To Discuss Team Or Personal, Non-Work-Related Stressors, Gary Weisbrich, Sarah Sumner, Teresa Rangel

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

Background: Healthcare staff experience stress from the workplace when providing complex patient care and often may lean on specially trained spiritual support caregivers, or chaplains, for support navigating patient-related stressors. Yet, healthcare staff can also suffer from team-related or personal stressors that, if unresolved, could negatively impact care delivery. Little is known about whether, how often, and which staff may interact with chaplains for emotional support when experiencing non-patient-related stressors originating from work or personal lives.

Purpose: To describe the proportion of individuals who report discussing team-related or personal stressors with chaplains in the past 12 months, and to …

Alleviating Health Professionals' Moral Distress Through Hospital-Based Chaplain Care, Karen Colorafi, Sarah Sumner, Teresa Rangel

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

Background: Healthcare workers frequently experience occupational stressors that negatively impact their emotional well-being. Recent evidence suggests that healthcare workers’ occupational stressors may translate to moral distress, defined as emotional turmoil occurring over an ethical dilemma secondary to a patient care or team-related issue. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, moral distress and a wide range of psychological and physical issues have been linked to high rates of healthcare worker burnout. Increased occupational stressors significantly augment turnover intentions and behaviors and negatively impact well-being. The resultant turnover rates have reached an all-time high among professional registered nurses. Some evidence suggests that the …

Perceived Moral Distress Among Patient-Facing Healthcare Professionals During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sarah Sumner, Karen Colorafi, Teresa Rangel

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

Background:

The most common framework for ethical decision-making in healthcare is principalism which is founded on three ethical traditions: utilitarianism, achieving the most good for the most people; deontology, upholding moral obligations to individuals; and virtue ethics, doing what is virtuous regardless of the consequences. Principalism is further guided by four principles: 1) respect for autonomy; 2) beneficence, the duty to do good; 3) nonmaleficence, the duty to do no harm; and 3) justice, the duty to treat similar cases similarly. Patient-facing healthcare professionals (HCPs) commonly expect all moral values will be considered when decisions are made that impact patients …