Other Medical Specialties Commons^™

Improving Same Day Surgery Patient Outcomes Through A Nurse Practitioner Led Telephone Follow-Up Call, Jessica Cooke, Kamila Zasowska

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: On average, patients experience one to seven problems post-hospital discharge leading to increased unplanned emergency room visits, hospital readmission, and worse outcomes. The average cost of a single hospital admission is $15,477, an emergency room visit $1,389, and treatment for a surgical site infection $10,443-$25,546. Additionally, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) imposes fines on hospital systems with high readmission rates. Currently, the Southern California hospital this project was implemented at has a 15.5% hospital-wide unplanned 30-day readmission rate with a national average of 15.2%.

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to implement a …

Chronic Pain, Sleep Disruption, And Work Performance In The Military, Jeffrey Ransom

Dissertations

Abstract

Background and Significance: Managing pain is a challenge for many organizations, including the U.S. military. The added complication of managing sleep disruption compounds the issue. Examining pain and sleep disruption in the context of work performance within the military is critical to understanding the impact of these conditions on our nation’s fighting forces.

Purpose: Examine the associations of chronic pain and sleep disruption in the context of work performance among active duty military service members.

Research Aims: 1) Describe sociodemographic characteristics, military service characteristics, clinical characteristics, and work performance of active duty service members, 2) Examine relationships between these …

Managing End-Of-Life Pain Using A Rectal Medication Administration Device, Yen T. Kim

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to improve end-of-life pain management among hospice patients using a rectal medication administration device (RMAD).

Background: Approximately 1.5 to 1.6 million patients received hospice services in 2013 (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, 2013), and almost 75% of terminally ill patients experience pain during the dying process (Fink & Gates, 2010). Patients are often unable to tolerate oral pain medications at the end of life. Rectal administration of medication is an appropriate alternative for these patients. The rectal route has several benefits including low cost, consistent and predictable absorption of medications, ease of …