Cardiology Commons^™

Nurse Practitioner-Led Heart Failure Education Program, Ruairi Fox

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing DNP Capstone Projects

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive disease that has a global burden on the healthcare system and on patient’s lives. HF patients who experience a hospital admission are at a greater risk of being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, impacting healthcare spending costs and patient quality of life. Self-care activities by patients, such as monitoring weight and making lifestyle changes, are the hallmark of outpatient care, and is shown throughout the literature to reduce readmissions and impact patient quality of life. Unfortunately, many patients are either unaware of proper self-care management techniques or find them hard to follow. …

Development Of A Nurse Practitioner Driven Program For Cardiology Providers To Increase Knowledge And Awareness Of Neurodevelopmental Assessment Needs In Children With Congenital Heart Defects, Michele Readman

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Children diagnosed with congenital heart defects are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays. Timely referral of patients to a neurodevelopmental clinic for initial evaluation and referrals to support services can improve learning outcomes, provide early intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders, and mediate factors affecting low quality of life. Nationally, a substantial proportion of pediatric cardiologists are not referring children for neurodevelopmental evaluation. A review of patient referrals to a Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Clinic within an urban children’s hospital demonstrated an opportunity to improve provider awareness and knowledge of referral recommendations. Using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care, an …

Reducing 30 Day Chf Readmission Rates: Evaluating Medication Efficacy, Jesse Bebout Msn, Rn, Ccrn, Brandon May Bsn, Rn, Tiara Richmond Bsn, Rn, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospital readmissions and lost revenue under the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP). Medication management plays a crucial role in controlling HF symptoms leading to hospitalization. This scoping review examines the benefits of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors versus beta-blockers in reducing hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge related to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in the United States.

Methods We conducted a literature search from August 2020 to November 2021 on the Google Scholar, PubMed, and CINAHL databases using the key phrases heart failure with reduced ejection, beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin …

A Project Proposal: The Effects Of Standard Protocols During Cpr On Hospital-Acquired Infections Of Post-Open-Heart Surgery Patients In The Cvicu, Jessica Monahan

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

A Project Proposal: The Effects of Standard Protocols during CPR on Hospital-Acquired Infections of Post-Open-Heart Surgery Patients in the CVICU

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are one of the most common complications post-cardiac surgeries and are associated with longer hospitalizations, elevated use of healthcare resources, and increased morbidity and mortality. The effects of HAIs after cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in recent post-open-heart surgery patients remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to determine, in the CVICU does implementing standard protocols during CPR on recent post-open-heart surgery patients reduce HAIs?

Literature Review: HAIs during CPR can be acquired through …

Utilization Of The Calm Apparatus To Adult Men And Women With Atrial Fibrillation To Decrease Emergency Department Visits For Atrial Fibrillation, Ami Klein

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this project is two-fold. The first is to determine if the CALM APP use by adult men and women with atrial fibrillation (AF) will decrease anxiety. The second is to determine if decreased anxiety utilizing the CALM APP will deter admissions to the emergency department (ED) for AF in the first month post-catheter ablation of AF. The Zung SAS was used to determine the pre- and post-anxiety scores. The Seven Days of Calm (free app) was used to teach deep breathing and meditation. This study showed a moderate decrease in ED visits with use of the Calm …

Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Cardiovascular Disease, Evan Gagnon

Graduate Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Improving Utilization Of Palliative Care For Heart Failure Patients, Devin Tilley

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The purpose of this program was to educate providers regarding palliative care for heart failure patients. Palliative care is underutilized in conjunction with usual heart failure management despite proven benefits of decreased symptom burden, reduced hospitalizations, and improved overall quality of life. Provider education has the ability to improve provider knowledge of palliative care for heart failure patients. A brief education session was given to hospital providers in an acute care setting to evaluate the benefits of provider education on palliative care utilization for heart failure patients. Findings included improved provider confidence in referring heart failure patients to palliative care. …

Implementation Of The National Institutes Of Stroke Scale (Nihss) In A Cardiovascular Intensive Care For Post Carotid Intervention Patients, Lisa Morgan Msn, Rn, Cnrn, Agcns-Bc

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

Poster addresses following problem: Post carotid intervention patients in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) were not routinely assessed with the NIHSS.

Change in process implemented through improvement protocol.

APRN Implications: Improved collaboration between nursing and the medical team.

Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring: A Patient Empowerment Project, Alison Cusmano

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Hypertension is a public health issue estimated to affect 112 million adults by 2030. Primary care patients in an outpatient clinic in Southern California with elevated blood pressure readings in the office did not have an organized system for close follow-up. The purpose of this evidence-based project (EBP) was to educate patients on self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), diet interventions, and healthy weight loss to improve hypertension rates. Through these interventions, patients developed an understanding of their systolic and diastolic blood pressure goals. Nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and licensed vocational nurses screened for high …

The Physiological Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet On Cardiovascular Health, Jenevieve Petray

Nursing | Senior Theses

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly more prevalent in today’s society and is attributed to an alarming percentage of American hospitalizations and deaths. Americans are unhealthier than ever before, and the main contributor is the Western diet. Diet is a double-edged sword that can offer benefits or detriments to one’s health. CVD encompasses numerous diagnoses originating from various underlying physiological alterations. These alterations are downstream effects of increased body weight and BMI, increased cholesterol levels, decreased insulin sensitivity and increased arterial plaque buildup. Research shows that a plant-based diet has the potential to manage and reverse all fundamental physiological alterations that …

Difficult Iv Access (Diva) Tool’S Impact On Assisting Rns In Determining When To Call The Vascular Access Team (Vat) Rn For Assistance, Diane Dimarco Davis, Bsn, Rn, Va-Bc

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

The Vascular Access Team: Joey Guinto, BSN, RN, VA-BC; Chynna Vu, RN; SabelaBarrios, RN, VA-BC; Summer Cortinas, BSN, RN, VA-BC; Jeremy Tan, BSN, RN; Lynda Fenton, RN, VA-BC; VinhLe, RN, VA-BC

2020 American Heart Association Guidelines: Updates, Education, & Compliance In The Emergency Care Center And The Acute Care Setting, Laura Derr, Rn, Cen, Cn Iv

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

No abstract provided.

Face-To-Face Nursing Promotion Of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Marika Whitaker

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: The burden of cardiovascular disease is rising at global and national levels, and cardiac rehabilitation is recognized as one of the most beneficial and cost-effective strategies to manage it. One significant problem globally, nationally, and locally is the low numbers of eligible patients who enroll in cardiac rehabilitation.

PICOT: In patients with isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (P), how does face-to-face nursing promotion of cardiac rehabilitation (I) compared to the patients who do not have face-to-face nursing promotion (C), affect the percentage of patients enrolling in cardiac rehabilitation after discharge (O) within 8 weeks (T)?

Evidence: …

Hypertension Education And Management Intervention (Hemi) In The Urgent Care Setting, Conrad L. Cash

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Hypertension, being a very prominent disease, is a common problem found during urgent care visits. By beginning in the urgent care setting, hypertension management can be started early; thereby preventing complications from uncontrolled hypertension.

Purpose: This DNP project aimed to improve patient knowledge of hypertension and overall blood pressure readings by providing one-to-one provider-patient education.

Design Method: This DNP quality improvement project was a pre- and post-test design using quantitative data. The goal was to access if there was a change in patient education pre, post, and three months follow-up along with a change in blood pressure.

Results: …

Improving Primary Care Screening For Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Mary Nametka, Brenda Senger

2021 Providence Nurse Research Conference

Background: Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common genetic condition resulting in cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. FH is estimated to affect 1 in 250 individuals with elevated lipid levels present from birth. An estimated 90% of individuals with FH remain undiagnosed. '

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase provider awareness and promote screening for FH among adults ages 20 years and older. '

Methods: This quality improvement project consisted of an online educational intervention for providers working at an outpatient clinic regarding FH. Outcomes included: 1) pre-intervention …

Evaluation Of A Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Care Steps Program, Sheri Havel, Karen Colorafi, Mirjeta Beqiri

2021 Providence Nurse Research Conference

Background: Across the U.S., 20% of cardiothoracic surgery patients who are discharged to home experience unplanned readmission within 30 days of discharge. Readmissions and postsurgical complications are associated with poor patient outcomes, increased mortality rates, and increased cost of healthcare. Evidence-based recommendations for reducing preventable readmission are limited, although there is some indication that high quality pre-operative and discharge education can reduce this burden. Providing appropriate patient education at time of discharge from acute care to home regarding medication adherence, prescheduled follow-up appointments, wound management and monitoring, and symptom management education is theorized to have a significant positive impact on …

Treatment Anxiety Education For Pediatric Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Patients, An Evidence Based Project, Mary Nagel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect and affects almost 1% of all live births. Treatment anxiety is common among children with CHD who undergo multiple procedures early in their lifetime. Dramatically increased life spans for this cardiac population has led to a shift from focusing on survival to their long-term health outcomes.

Methods:

Administration of the Peds QL Cardiac Module 3.0 assesses health related quality of life (HRQOL) during annual visits to a Cardiac Neurodevelopmental (ND) Clinic by evaluating the level of Treatment Anxiety a patient experiences during healthcare appointments. The questionnaire scores are …

Identifying Opportunities For Implementing Home Blood Pressure Monitoring In Newly Diagnosed Or Worsening Hypertension At A Family Health Clinic, Catherine Liikala

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

The literature is clear that the diagnosis, treatment, and plan of care for hypertension in adults should rely, at least in part, on ambulatory blood pressure. Using in-office blood pressures alone risks inaccurate measurements and can result in inappropriate treatments. Many clinics, however, do not adhere to this recommendation and will fall back on clinic readings which puts the patient at risk of mismanaged hypertension and polypharmacy. This project was formulated to identify the extent to which hypertensive patients were diagnosed and managed without the use of home blood pressure monitoring in a small local community clinic. This …

A Smartphone Intervention To Reduce Hospital Readmission Rates In Adult Patients Who Have Heart Failure, Jami L. Crisman

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of 30-day hospital readmission, with up to 23.5% of Medicare beneficiaries requiring subsequent admission within 30 days post hospital discharge (CMS, 2020a). Mobile-health applications (MHA), such as smartphone applications, have emerged as cost-effective methods to safely manage chronic disease in the outpatient setting (Inglis et al., 2015). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to evaluate the impact of a MHA on HF-related 30-day readmission rates. The Iowa Model Revised guided the implementation of the project in a rural, for-profit hospital in Northwest Indiana. An extensive literature search was conducted, and …

Hypertension Management: Improving Medication Adherence Through The Use Of Daily Text Messages, Gaelle Bulabula

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cause of hospitalization and is responsible for approximately 50% of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (Al-Noumani, et al., 2018). Uncontrolled HTN can lead to comorbidities including ischemic heart disease, renal disease, or life-threatening arrythmias (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). The leading cause of HTN is medication non-compliance (Varleta, et al., 2017). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to determine the effectiveness of daily text messages on antihypertensive medication adherence. A comprehensive review of literature generated ten high-level evidence studies demonstrating that daily text messages near each medication dosing time is best practice for improving …

The Effectiveness Of A Nurse Practitioner (Np) Led Clinic For Heart Failure (Hf) Patients Following Hospital Discharge In A Rural Community Setting, Tami Collins, Michelle Renaud

College of Health Sciences Posters

Purpose: To explore if patient participation in the NP led HF clinic may reduce 30-day HF readmissions while providing HF specific education, recognition of symptoms/ management, teaching self-care, while ensuring that continued follow up occurs.

Research Questions: 1) Is there a significant difference between readmission rates in patients followed in the HF clinic compared to general HF follow up? 2) Is there a significant difference in patient knowledge including HF symptoms, self-management for patients followed in the NP led HF clinic for a minimum of 30 days? 3) How satisfied are patients that followed in the NP led HF clinic …

Association Of Cardiovascular Health And Epigenetic Age Acceleration, Tess D. Pottinger, Sadiya S. Khan, Yinan Zheng, Wei Zhang, Hilary A. Tindle, Matthew Allison, Gretchen Wells, Aladdin H. Shadyab, Rami Nassir, Lisa Warsinger Martin, Joann E. Manson, Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, Philip Greenland, Andrea A. Baccarelli, Eric A. Whitsel, Lifang Hou

Nursing Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular health (CVH) has been defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) as the presence of the "Life's Simple 7" ideal lifestyle and clinical factors. CVH is known to predict longevity and freedom from cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States. DNA methylation markers of aging have been aggregated into a composite epigenetic age score, which is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, it is unknown whether poor CVH is associated with acceleration of aging as measured by DNA methylation markers in epigenetic age.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis …

Contemporary Treatment Options For Pulmonary Embolism, Tanya Glenz, Teresa Jahn

Nursing Posters

Purpose:

Provide RNs education on the classifications of PEs and new catheter directed treatment options.

Significance:

• PE remains a common and lethal entity
• PE is the 3rd leading cause of cardiovascular death in hospitalized patients (60,000-1000,000 per year)
• 150,000-250,000 PE related hospitalizations per year
• RNs must be knowledgeable of the classifications of PEs and catheter directed therapies to promote positive patient outcomes
• Prior to catheter directed therapies, submassive PEs had a mortality rate up to 20% at 3 months and were traditionally treated with IV heparin, or oral anticoagulant therapy

Statins And Women, Debra Schulte

Rural Health Professions Projects

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) elevation is a primary risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and stroke is the fifth leading. Earlier LDL reduction improves morbidity and mortality. Literature indicates fewer women start statin medications compared to men.

Atrial Fibrillation In Covid-19: A Descriptive Study Of Incidence, Mortality And Related Factors, Diana L. Taylor

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

This scholarly project determined the relationship of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrences in COVID-19, as it is the most frequent arrhythmia in the U.S. and is driven by inflammatory pathology. In COVID-19 positive patients with AF occurrences understanding the relationship between these conditions could help identify patients with poor prognosis, higher morality, and other factors earlier in the hospital course.

This single-center scholarly project was a retrospective descriptive chart review to determine the relationship between AF and COVID-19 over a 6-month timeline in Chattanooga, TN. Of the 565 hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients included, 82 (14.5%) had AF occurrences. A higher …

Evaluating The Use Of Telehealth To Manage Hypertension In Primary Care, Alexandra M. Wiesner

DNP Projects

Background: Hypertension remains one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States leading to several health complications and immense financial burdens, yet it remains grossly undertreated despite the availability of evidence-based treatment options. The 2017 guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association recommended the use of home blood pressure monitoring with a telehealth component as an adjunct to regular hypertension treatment; however, implementing this into practice can be difficult depending on the setting, available resources, and the knowledge and skills of the providers. Aims: The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate patient adherence …

The Link Between Heart Disease In Low Socioeconomic Communities In America, Khristopher Chea

Nursing | Senior Theses

As a future medical professional in the healthcare field, we continue to see patients admitted for cardiovascular issues. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality among adults living in the U.S. despite advances in treatment throughout the past century. A number of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity contribute to the significant rise of cardiovascular disease. Research data suggests that there is correlation between cardiovascular disease, low socioeconomic status, and diet. According to the American Phycological Association socioeconomic status is measured by income, educational status, and occupation, and has been shown to be closely …

A Standardized Unit Based Process For Obtaining Heart Failure Patient Weights, Lesli E. Teed

Master's Projects

Introduction: A CNL student-led process improvement process improvement project was proposed to help improve the accuracy of Heart Failure patient weights on a geriatric specialty unit. Cardiology voiced a preference for patients to be weighed using electronic standing scales rather than in-bed scales to improve accuracy. A literature review revealed that in-bed scale weights were less accurate due to inconsistencies in zeroing the bed prior to obtaining the weight, not removing excess patient care equipment and bed linens, and not ensuring that the patient was wearing a minimal amount of clothing.

Methods: Electronic standing scales were purchased, current practice state …

Rates Of Ondansetron Administration Prior To Spinal Anesthesia: Evaluating The Practice Of Prophylactic Attenuation Of Spinal-Induced Hypotension And Bradycardia, Clare Santana, Scot Pettey, Kenn B Daratha

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background Hypotension and bradycardia are common complications of spinal anesthesia. Intraoperative hypotension and bradycardia may lead to complications that require additional treatment and increase cost. The literature identifies intervention strategies to attenuate spinalinduced hypotension (SIH) and bradycardia.1 Prophylactic administration of ondansetron, a serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist, prior to spinal anesthesia is associated with reduced SIH and bradycardia.1,2,3,4,6 The objective of this scholarly project was to report the practice of ondansetron prophylaxis for SIH and bradycardia and the rate of rescue interventions in patients who received ondansetron prior to spinal anesthesia.

Methods Retrospective, multi-center observational evidence-based practice project conducted at Providence …

Longitudinal Evaluation Of The Effects Of Illness Perceptions And Beliefs About Cardiac Rehabilitation On Quality Of Life Of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease And Their Caregivers, Patricia Thomson, Neil J. Angus, Federico Andreis, Gordon F. Rushworth, Andrea R. Mohan, Misook L. Chung, Stephen J. Leslie

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background

Patients’ negative illness perceptions and beliefs about cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can influence uptake and adherence to CR. Little is known about the interpartner influence of these antecedent variables on quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and their family caregivers. The aims of the study were: 1) to assess differences in illness perceptions, beliefs about CR and quality of life between patients with CAD and their family caregivers upon entry to a CR programme and at 6 months follow-up; and 2) to examine whether patients’ and caregivers’ perceptions of the patient’s illness and beliefs about CR …