Nursing Commons^™

Exploring Barriers To Patient Care In A South Carolina Free Clinic, Jonathan G. Green

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Access to healthcare remains a persistent challenge for medically underserved populations who rely on free medical clinics for primary care services, particularly in non-Medicaid expansion states such as South Carolina. Free clinics serve as critical safety-net providers, yet patients frequently encounter barriers that limit access, continuity, and quality of care. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to explore and identify the structural, social, and interprofessional barriers to patient care within a South Carolina free medical clinic to inform targeted, evidence-based interventions. A mixed-methods needs assessment design was used, combining a retrospective chart review of forty …

Empowering Mothers: A Digital Intervention For Perinatal Mental Wellness, Morgan Edmunds

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Aim: The aim of this project was to develop a smartphone application prototype for peripartum mental health. The goal of this application was to enhance access to education and quality mental health care.

Background: Currently, in the United States, peripartum mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality (The Joint Commission, 2023). There is a gap in education, screening, and treatment for peripartum mental health due to distrust and a lack of resources, including a lack of mental health providers (Dossette et al., 2024; Feldman & Perret, 2023). Therefore, there is a significant number of women …

Social Determinants Of Health In Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, And Other Sexual And Gender Minority (Lgbtq+) Older Adults: Impact Of Socioeconomic Disadvantage On Inpatient Hospitalizations, Jennifer T. May Phd, Rn, Anp-Bc, Devon Noonan, Susan G. Silva

Publications

Introduction

Little is known about the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) older adults (≥50 years). The aim of this study is to determine whether the distribution of LGBTQ+ inpatient hospitalizations are related to structural socioeconomic factors.

Methods

A secondary analysis of retrospective electronic health record data for LGBTQ+ older adults hospitalized from 2018 to 2022 was conducted at one large health system. The average county area deprivation index where the patient resided was calculated.

Results

The analysis included 2270 LGBTQ+ older adult inpatient hospitalizations, with 1508 (66.4%) from …

Social Determinants Of Health In Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, And Other Sexual And Gender Minority (Lgbtq+) Older Adults: Impact Of Socioeconomic Disadvantage On Inpatient Hospitalizations, Jennifer T. May Phd, Rn, Anp-Bc, Devon Noonan, Susan G. Silva

Publications

Introduction Little is known about the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) older adults (≥50 years). The aim of this study is to determine whether the distribution of LGBTQ+ inpatient hospitalizations are related to structural socioeconomic factors. Methods A secondary analysis of retrospective electronic health record data for LGBTQ+ older adults hospitalized from 2018 to 2022 was conducted at one large health system. The average county area deprivation index where the patient resided was calculated. Results The analysis included 2270 LGBTQ+ older adult inpatient hospitalizations, with 1508 (66.4%) from …

A Tailored Approach To Prep Screening For Awareness And Readiness, Keionda Crumblin Caldwell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious health concern in the United States (U.S). Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a vital intervention in the prevention of HIV, yet its uptake and adherence are suboptimal due to barriers in identifying individuals who are most at risk and would benefit most from this preventive measure.

Purpose: This evidence-based project aimed to evaluate whether implementing a PrEP readiness tool at a walk-in clinic would identify at-risk adults and adolescents and lead to an increase in referrals for PrEP initiation.

Method: A PrEP Questionnaire from the Department of Wisconsin Public Health was given …

Improving Depression Screening Of Correctional Institution Inmates, Thelma Chidimma Ozigbu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem: Depression significantly impacted on the quality of life of incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities, where rates of the disorder far exceed those in the broader community, increasing self-harm and suicide risks.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to improve early identification of depressive symptoms and facilitate timely mental health referrals by implementing the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) as a screening tool upon admission.

Method: Using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice (Iowa Model) as a guiding framework, this project involved training nursing staff to administer the PHQ-9 during initial health assessments. PHQ-9 is a nine-item questionnaire that assesses depression …

Improving Completion Of Diabetes Management Measures In Primary Care, Ashley Tyner Divers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Adults with type 2 diabetes are at a risk of multiple comorbidities that can be prevented with proper screenings performed as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

Purpose: Determine if using a checklist on the patient router will improve completion of urine microalbumin, diabetic eye exam, and diabetic foot exam.

Methods: The MA/LPN asked the patient about the last eye exam performed and requested a record from the previous provider if performed within the last year. If the microalbumin was not current, the MA/LPN obtained a urine specimen and placed the order into EPIC. If a diabetic foot …

Enhancing Glycemic Control, Patient Knowledge, And Self-Care Through Structured Diabetes Education, Amanda Suzanne Clark

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The rising prevalence of diabetes, particularly in South Carolina, revealed a significant gap in structured diabetes education programs, contributing to poor glycemic control and elevated A1C levels. In response, this project aimed to assess the integration of a comprehensive diabetes education program into standard care, potentially reducing A1C levels while improving patient knowledge and self-care behaviors in adults with diabetes over four months. The study used a pretest-posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative intervention by comparing participants' outcomes before and after the program. Purpose: To determine if a comprehensive diabetes education program could reduce Hemoglobin A1C levels …

Dsk2-Mediated Degradation Of F-Box Protein Lao1 And Class I Tcps Modulates The Nitrogen Starvation Response, Yuanyuan Li, Shuyang Cheng, Xu Jin, Ruoxuan Wu, Yiyi Guo, Dezhi Wu, Jie Dong

Publications

Plants have evolved intricate strategies to cope with various abiotic stresses. Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation plays a key role in plant development as well as abiotic stress tolerance. In this study, we identify LAO1, an F-box protein with unknown function, as a negative regulator of plant fitness during nitrogen starvation. DOMINANT SUPPRESSOR OF KAR 2 (DSK2) interacts with and mediates the autophagic degradation of LAO1 protein during nitrogen starvation. The loss of LAO1 improves the fitness of an autophagy-deficient mutant, atg5-1, under nitrogen starvation. Intriguingly, mutations in DSK2 facilitate rather than reduce plant growth after nitrogen starvation. This unexpected effect of …

Characterizing The Influence Of Racism-Related Stress And Pandemic-Related Changes In Social Connections On Cardiovascular Health: Study Protocol And Theoretical Framework, Jewel Scott Phd, Rn, Fnp-C, Victoria Money, Charles Ellis, Chanita Hughes-Halbert, Michelle A. Birkett, Gayenell Magwood

Faculty Publications

Background Cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality among young adults are rising, and disparities between young Black and White women are immense. Health behaviors including physical activity and diet are essential for optimal cardiovascular health. Psychosocial factors, such as racism, perceived stress, and lack of social support, contribute to racial inequities in cardiovascular disease, which were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed study aims to assess the influence of racism-related stress and other social determinants of health, including social connectedness, on quality of life and cardiovascular-related health behaviors. Methods This is a concurrent, triangulation, mixed-methods study combining survey data on …

A Mixed Methods Study Exploring The Lived Experience Of Shared Trauma In Psychiatric Nurses During Covid-19, April Lynne Hutto

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Psychiatric nurses (PNs) had a unique lived experience of shared trauma (ST) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These nurses experienced the same traumatic event, COVID-19, with associated trauma symptoms as their patients. This mixed methods study aims to triangulate data on ST in PNs using a quantitative and qualitative study. Methods: PN (N=24) completed a semi-structured interview during the summer and fall of 2024. A quantitative study PN (N=552) in spring 2023, using the Shared Trauma and Professional Posttraumatic Growth (STPPG) inventory, was completed with descriptive and inferential statistics using SAS 9.4. A thematic analysis of the interviews was completed …

Assessing Health And Academic Disparities In The Deep South: The Enduring Impact Of Segregation And Redlining In Georgia, Bridget Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Within the American South, marginalized Black populations continue to suffer from health disparities. A key resource that could aid in the prevention of health disparities such as teen pregnancy is the school nurse. School nurses are well positioned to assist in the development of independent health maintenance among student populations. However, school nurses remain understaffed and underfunded throughout most of the United States, which limits their effectiveness. It is possible that within southern states there are inequities in how school resources are allocated that have ties to segregation and redlining practices that systemically marginalized Black populations throughout the 1900s. …

Bkk1/Bak7 And Tcp21 Form A Positive Feedback Loop To Facilitate Submergence Tolerance In Plants, Yiyi Guo, Yuanbin Zhang, Yuanyuan Li, Jie Liu, Yiyang Hu, Jiazhi Jiang, Qi Li, Yeke Chen, Weizhen Hu, Lixi Jiang, Ronghui Pan, Dezhi Wu, Jie Dong

Publications

Submergence poses a deleterious threat to plant development and the agricultural production of Brassica napus (B. napus), an important worldwide oil crop. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying submergence tolerance in B. napus remain elusive. Here, through a genome-wide association study, we identify a SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE, BKK1/BAK7, which is crucial for plant survival after submergence stress. Submergence rapidly activates the expression of BAK7 and induces the accumulation of its kinase domain in the nucleus. BAK7 interacts with and phosphorylates class I TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA, PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR 1 and 2 (TCP) transcription factor TCP21, thereby stabilizing it and modulating …

Exploring The Public Health Agency Of Canada’S And The Ontario Government’S Vaccine-Related Crisis Communication On X During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sheraza Burney, Lori Donelle Phd, Rn, Fcan, Anita Kothari

Publications

Crisis communication strategies must be tailored to the unique nature of social media. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health agencies have widely used social media to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. This research utilized the social media pandemic communication model to describe the key themes disseminated through the Ontario government and the Public Health Agency of Canada's vaccine-related crisis communication on X (formerly Twitter). Between 27 January 2020 and 6 April 2021, 1271 posts related to COVID-19 vaccination were collected from three official government X accounts—two from the province of Ontario and one from Canada. Posts were analyzed …

Activity Of Novel Ceftibuten-Avibactam, Ceftazidime-Avibactam, And Comparators Against A Challenge Set Of Enterobacterales From Outpatient Centers And Nursing Homes Across The United States (2022-2024), Aliaa Fouad, May M. Bobenchik, Robin Chamberland, Andrew E. Clark, Holly K. Huse, Isabella W. Martin, A Brian Mochon, Erik Munson, Maroun M. Sfeir, Monica Srodon, Kimberly A. Taylor Dnp, Rn, Nea-Bc, Cnor, Clssbb, Yungchou Wang, Lars F. Westblade, David P. Nicolau, Tomefa E. Asempa

Publications

Ceftibuten is being developed in combination with the oral prodrug of avibactam. Outpatient isolates (n = 500) from 11 US states underwent susceptibility testing with manual broth microdilution. Ceftibuten had susceptibility rates of 64% (CLSI) and 23% (EUCAST). Ceftibuten-avibactam achieved 96.4% inhibition at MIC ≤ 1 µg/mL. Susceptibility rates were as follows: cefpodoxime (2.6%), ceftriaxone (1%), ceftazidime-avibactam (99.6%), tebipenem (89%), ertapenem (94.4%), levofloxacin (26.6%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (40.2%), and fosfomycin (96.8%). Ceftibuten-avibactam demonstrates potent in vitro activity against cephalosporin non-susceptible isolates.

Cardiovascular Health In The Transition From Adolescence To Emerging Adulthood: A Scientific Statement From The American Heart Association, Jewel Scott Phd, Rn, Fnp-C, Anandita Agarwala, Carissa M. Baker-Smith, Matthew J. Feinstein, Karen Jakubowski, Jill Kaar, Niyati Parekh, Kershaw V. Patel, Janna Stephens

Faculty Publications

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with an alarming rise in the proportion of young adults experiencing cardiovascular events. Many adolescents enter adulthood with significant cardiovascular disease risk factors. This scientific statement addresses the critical need for cardiovascular health promotion during emerging adulthood, a transitional stage between the ages of 18 and 25 or 29 years of age. We discuss the significance of social determinants of health and the interplay between individual-level risk factors and developmental changes, including shifts in substance use, social connections, and emotional well-being. We conclude by outlining strategies for optimizing …

Development Of Broadly Protective Coronavirus Vaccines: A Joint Niaid-Cepi Workshop Report, Jennifer L. Gordon, Erin L. Boespflug, Amanda Coleman, Kimberly A. Taylor, Nadia Cohen, In-Kyu Yoon, M Cristina Cassetti

Publications

No abstract provided.

Monitoring Opioid-Use-Disorder Treatment Adherence Using Smartwatch Gesture Recognition, Andrew Smith, Kuba Jerzmanowski, Phyllis Raynor Phd, Aprn, Pmhnp-Bc, Cynthia F. Corbett Phd, Rn, Faan, Homayoun Valafar

Publications

The opioid epidemic in the United States has significantly impacted pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD), leading to increased health and social complications. This study explores the feasibility of using machine learning algorithms with consumer-grade smartwatches to identify medication-taking gestures. The research specifically focuses on treatments for OUD, investigating methadone and buprenorphine taking gestures. Participants (n = 16, all female university students) simulated medication-taking gestures in a controlled lab environment over two weeks, with data collected via Ticwatch E and E3 smartwatches running custom ASPIRE software. The study employed a RegNet-style 1D ResNet model to analyze gesture data, achieving …

Standardizing Heart Failure Discharges: Reducing 30-Day Readmission Rates, Angela Keziah

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: Patients readmitted with heart failure (HF) suffer increased mortality, reduced quality of life, and heightened medical expenses, though most readmissions are preventable with a consistent HF discharge regimen.

Purpose: To determine if a consistent HF discharge regimen using an evidence-based HF discharge checklist tool, including standardized HF education and a scheduled follow-up appointment with their cardiologist within 7-10 days post-discharge, impacted HF 30-day readmission rates.

Methods: An evidence-based HF discharge checklist tool was placed on participants’ charts on the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) and utilized by the PCU nurses to standardize HF discharges.

Inclusion Criteria: The study included …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Behavioral Emergency Response Team In An Emergency Department, Kim Jai

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Problem Statement: The increasing incidence of occupational workplace violence (OWPV) in hospitals, especially in emergency departments (EDs), has become a significant concern in the United States. Given the increasing risk of the occurrence of workplace violence (OWPV) from patients and family members, hospitals have instituted the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) protocol, comprising trained staff members with expertise in acute psychiatric disorders and de-escalation techniques for managing assaultive behaviors.

Purpose: Evaluate a Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) protocol implemented in an emergency department and make recommendations for improvement.

Methods: Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Logic Model, this …

Comparison Of Deep Learning And Traditional Machine Learning Models For Predicting Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Plasma Proteomic Biomarkers, Kesheng Wang Phd, Ma, Bs, Donald A. Adjeroh, Wei Fang, Suzy M. Walter, Danqing Xiao, Ubolrat Piamjariyakul, Chun Xu

Faculty Publications

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical condition characterized by a decline in cognitive ability and progression of cognitive impairment. It is often considered a transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to compare deep learning (DL) and traditional machine learning (ML) methods in predicting MCI using plasma proteomic biomarkers. A total of 239 adults were selected from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort along with a pool of 146 plasma proteomic biomarkers. We evaluated seven traditional ML models (support vector machines (SVMs), logistic regression (LR), naïve Bayes (NB), random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor …

Neighborhood Disinvestment And Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Peripartum Cardiomyopathy In California, From 2004 To 2019, Curisa M. Tucker Phd, Rn, Chen Ma, Mahasin S. Mujahid, Afshan B. Hameed, Audrey Lyndon, Elliott K. Main, Suzan L. Carmichael

Publications

BACKGROUND: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare medical condition presenting as idiopathic heart failure. The aim of this study was to (1) examine the contribution of neighborhood disinvestment to PPCM risk and to racial and ethnic disparities in PPCM; (2) examine the extent to which sociodemographic factors and chronic hypertension explain these outcomes; and (3) describe severe maternal morbidity cases and the timing of PPCM. METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study using vital records longitudinally linked with hospital discharge records for mothers and infants up to 9 months postpartum for births in California from 1997 to 2019. Using the …

Hollow Fiber-Based Strain Sensors With Desirable Modulus And Sensitivity At Effective Deformation For Dexterous Electroelastomer Cylindrical Actuator, Yang Zhang, Keqi Deng, Tingting Shen, Yong Huang, Zhenjin Xu, Jinhui Zhang, Hang Jin, Xin Liu, Lida Xu, Lianjie Lu, Shiying Li, Daoheng Sun, Dezhi Wu

Publications

The electroelastomer cylindrical actuators, a typical representation of soft actuators, have recently aroused increasing interest owing to their advantages in flexibility, deformability, and spatial utilization rate. Proprioception is crucial for controlling and monitoring the shape and position of these actuators. However, most existing flexible sensors have a modulus mismatch with the actuation unit, hindering the free movement of these actuators. Herein, a low-modulus strain sensor based on laser-induced cellular graphitic flakes (CGF) onto the surface of hollow TPU fibers (HTF) is present. Through the electrostatic self-assembly technology, the flexible sensor features a unique hybrid sensing unit including soft HTF as …

Reply To: Amplifying Women's Voices In Menopause Research: The Importance Of Inclusive Perspectives [Letter], Camille Cronin, Sara Donevant Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Kerri-Ann Hughes, Marja Kaunonen, Jette Marcussen, Rhonda Wilson

Publications

No abstract provided.

Amplifying Women's Voices In Menopause Research: The Importance Of Inclusive Perspectives, Camille Cronin, Sara Donevant Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Kerri Ann Hughes, Marja Kaunonen, Jette Marcussen, Rhonda Wilson

Publications

Menopause, a significant life transition for half the global population, intersects biological, cultural and social dimensions. Despite its universal occurrence, menopause research has historically been dominated by biomedical perspectives, often neglecting women's voices and diverse experiences. This article highlights the importance of including women's perspectives in menopause research to ensure relevance, accuracy and equity. It explores cultural variations in menopause experiences, the impact of socioeconomic status and the often-overlooked emotional and psychological dimensions. This article advocates for participatory approaches, emphasising that women's involvement enhances research design, implementation and policy development. Evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the individual can better …

Prevalence And Dynamics Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Pioneer And Developing Arctic Soils, Shamik Roy, Robin A. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc, James A. Bradley, Marcela Hernández

Publications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in soil is an ancient phenomenon with widespread spatial presence in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the natural processes shaping the temporal dissemination of AMR in soils are not well understood. We aimed to determine whether, how, and why AMR varies with soil age in recently deglaciated pioneer and developing Arctic soils using a space-for-time approach. Specifically, we assess how the magnitude and spread of AMR changes with soil development stages, including antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). We showed that ARGs, MGEs, and ARB are present, and exhibit a non-uniform distribution in …

Carbon Monoxide-Oxidising Pseudomonadota On Volcanic Deposits, Robin A. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc, Nicola Fantom, Tamara Martin-Pozas, Patricia Aguila, Gary M. King, Marcela Hernández

Publications

Carbon monoxide (CO) oxidising microorganisms are present in volcanic deposits throughout succession, with levels of vegetation and soil influencing the communities present. Carboxydovores are a subset of CO oxidisers that use CO as an energy source, which raises questions about the physiological and metabolic features that make them more competitive in harsh volcanic ecosystems. To address these questions, samples were taken from volcanic strata formed by eruptions from Calbuco Volcano (Chile) in 2015 (tephra) and 1917 (soil). Two carboxydovore members of the Burkholderiaceae family were isolated for further study to elucidate the benefits of carboxydovory for the survival of these …

Amplifying Women’S Voices In Menopause Research: The Importance Of Inclusive Perspectives, Camille Cronin, Sarah B. Donevant Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Kerri-Ann Hughes, Marja Kaunonen, Jette Marcussen, Rhonda Wilson

Faculty Publications

Menopause, a significant life transition for half the global population, intersects biological, cultural and social dimensions. Despite its universal occurrence, menopause research has historically been dominated by biomedical perspectives, often neglecting women's voices and diverse experiences. This article highlights the importance of including women's perspectives in menopause research to ensure relevance, accuracy and equity. It explores cultural variations in menopause experiences, the impact of socioeconomic status and the often-overlooked emotional and psychological dimensions. This article advocates for participatory approaches, emphasising that women's involvement enhances research design, implementation and policy development. Evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the individual can better …

Niaid Workshop Report: Systematic Approaches For Eskape Bacteria Antigen Discovery, Inka Sastalla, Keehwan Kwon, Clayton Huntley, Kimberly A. Taylor Dnp, Rn, Nea-Bc, Cnor, Clssbb, Liliana Brown, Tamika Samuel, Lanling Zou

Publications

On 14-15 November 2023, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) organized a workshop entitled "Systematic Approaches for ESKAPE Bacteria Antigen Discovery". The goal of the workshop was to engage scientists from diverse relevant backgrounds to explore novel technologies that can be harnessed to identify and address current roadblocks impeding advances in antigen and vaccine discoveries for the ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). The workshop consisted of four sessions that addressed ESKAPE infections, antigen discovery and vaccine efforts, and new technologies including systems immunology and vaccinology approaches. Each …

Metabolism Of Co And H2 By Pioneer Bacteria In Volcanic Soils And The Phyllosphere, Nicola Fantom, Robin A. Dawson Phd, Rn, Cpnp-Pc, Edina Prondvai, Philippe Constant, Gary M. King, Hendrik Schäfer, Marcela Hernández

Publications

Trace gas degradation is a widespread metabolic adaptation in microbial communities, driving chemosynthesis and providing auxiliary energy that enhances persistence during nutrient starvation. In particular, carbon monoxide and hydrogen degradation can be of crucial importance for pioneering microbial communities colonising new, oligotrophic environmental niches, such as fresh volcanic deposits or the aerial interface of the phyllosphere. After volcanic eruptions, trace gas metabolism helps pioneer colonisers to initiate soil formation in ash deposits and on recently solidified lava, a vital ecosystem service. Similarly, in the phyllosphere, bacteria colonising newly emerging leaves and shoots, and/or persisting on the oligotrophic surface of plants, …