Nursing Commons^™

Evaluation Of An Online Lgbtq Patient Care Education Module For Primary Care Providers, Anthony C. Carney

DNP Projects

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online educational module about LGBTQ healthcare topics for primary care providers in Kentucky. The study focused on the changes in knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy in topics related to LGBTQ patients.

METHODS:

This study was a one-group pre/post intervention design to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and self- efficacy of providers regarding primary care topics for the LGBTQ community before and after completing a training module on LGBTQ healthcare topics. Subjects were recruited via the KCNPNM Listserv over a 2-week period to participate in the interactive, online audio/visual …

Evaluating Depression Management In Primary Care, Danica Amos

DNP Projects

Background: Within primary care patients identified with depression often do not receive appropriate care (43%). Guidelines recommend combining pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy when possible and establishing follow up with patients to improve their response to treatment According to the APA, only 10% of patients receive combination therapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate depression management practices in a primary care clinic, describe providers’ attitudes and skills related to depression treatment, and work with the healthcare team to identify strategies to improve depression management within the clinic.

Methods: A single site, descriptive study utilized a retrospective chart review of …

Evaluation Of A Diabetic Point Of Care Education In Primary Care, Mary Cho

DNP Projects

BACKGROUND: Diabetes education is the cornerstone of managing diabetes. The education can be delivered in group or individual sessions. Given that group classes are not always well received, a brief five-minute point of care education was developed and incorporated into patients’ routine diabetic appointment. The effectiveness of the method is yet to be determined.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a recently implemented diabetes point of care education as compared to patients’ usual care in an urban primary care clinic.

METHODS: An outcome evaluation using a retrospective …

The Effect Of Long Acting Injectable Psychotropic Medication Provider Education On Advanced Practice Provider Knowledge, Andrew Makowski

DNP Projects

Schizophrenia is a debilitating disease that affects approximately 21 million people worldwide (APA, 2013). The gold standard of treatment of schizophrenia is antipsychotic medications. Unfortunately, approximately 50% of patients become non-compliant with their prescribed medications (Sadock, Sadock & Ruiz, 2015). The purpose of this DNP project was to determine the effect of implementing an education intervention regarding long acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics on the knowledge of advanced practice providers working at a state psychiatric hospital. The advanced practice providers that participated in this DNP project completed a pre-education assessment, attended a brief educational session regarding LAI antipsychotics, and completed a …

The Effect Of A Patient Navigator Strategy On Colorectal Cancer Screening Completion In A Women’S Health Clinic, Martha Rosenthal

DNP Projects

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in the US. Kentucky has one of the highest rates of the disease. Approximately 1/3 of the population has not completed screening for colon cancer as recommended by guidelines. Patient navigation is a strategy proposed to increase completion of screening in the primary care setting.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement pilot project was to provide preliminary data on the impact of a patient navigation strategy to improve colon cancer screening completion in low risk individuals.

METHODS: Colon cancer screening completion using Colonoscopy or Cologuard testing …

An Evaluation Of Depression In Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Elleanor Gray

DNP Projects

Depression can significantly affect how adolescents with T1DM self-manage their disease. The combination of depression and diabetes is closely linked to reduction in self-care behaviors, poor treatment adherence, and sub-optimal metabolic control.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate current screening for depression in adolescents with T1DM and determine the need for additional support or services to improve the quality of routine, follow-up diabetes care.

METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective review of electronic medical records was used to evaluate current practice of depression screening for adolescents with T1DM (11-21years) bring followed at a local pediatric diabetes center between April …

The Effect Of A School Nurse Intervention Program On Student Absenteeism In Jefferson County Public Schools: A Pilot Study, Eva Stone

DNP Projects

Background: School attendance has a significant impact on student achievement. In early grades, students who miss 10% or more of school are considered chronically absent and at risk to be behind in reading. High school students with similar attendance patterns are less likely to enroll and stay in college after graduation. Evidence shows that the presence of school nurses can result in improved school attendance.
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot project was to implement a targeted school nurse intervention at an elementary, middle and high school in Jefferson County. The intervention included assessment by a registered nurse for children …

Evaluation Of An Intervention To Improve Screening For Substance Misuse Among 12-21 Year-Old Patients In A Rural Emergency Department, Peyton Blanton

DNP Projects

Background: In 2014, over two million children between the ages of 12-17 years of age admitted to using illicit drugs (2.3 million) and alcohol (2.9 million) in the past month. The younger a person begins misusing substances the more likely they are to have serious health consequences. It is imperative that we screen, detect, and intervene early to decrease the burden of substance misuse and addiction. Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based strategy used to identify adolescents who misuse substances. The CRAFFT tool is recommended for screening adolescents for substance misuse.

Purpose: The goal of …

The Effect Of A Simulation-Based Education Program On Nihss Accuracy And Inter-Rater Reliability Among Nursing Staff In The Neurological/Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, Amanda Novak

DNP Projects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Quasi-experimental study was to examine the effect of a simulation-based educational NIHSS workshop on nursing accuracy and inter-rater reliability upon use of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

METHODS: This study was conducted in the Neurological/Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Baptist Health, a comprehensive stroke center located in Lexington, KY. The sample included 26 eligible nurses employed in the aforesaid unit. Nurses completed the NIHSS on a patient actor in a simulated scenario (this session was videotaped), a one-on-one debriefing with review of the videotape was conducted afterward, and then the nurse …

The Effects Of Post-Discharge Phone Calls On 30-Day Readmission Rates In The Older Adult Population, Amy Salyer

DNP Projects

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the project is to develop a specialized and evidenced-based transitional care program including post-discharge phone calls for the older adult population within the University of Kentucky Good Samaritan Hospital system.

Background: Problems in the post-discharge period such as failure to communicate/understand discharge instructions appropriately and lack of timely follow-up appointment with primary care physician lead to increased readmission rates. Utilizing post-discharge phone calls will facilitate prompt communication with the patient after discharge ensuring full understanding of the plan of care.

Aim: Assess the readmission rates of those who received post-discharge phone calls compared to those …

Nurse Executive And Middle Management Leadership Competency Assessment Within A Multi-Hospital System, Rachel Inyama

DNP Projects

BACKGROUND: Nursing leaders face increasing pressure to meet multiple outcomes and maintain standards of care while protecting the organization from potential financial consequences if standards or goals are not met. To meet the mounting demands, both nurse executives and middle management leaders will require the development of new skill sets not historically included in the job description.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the competencies of nursing leaders at the executive and middle management levels within Norton Healthcare.

METHODS: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to measure Chief Nursing Officer and Nursing Director leadership competencies. …

Change In Falls And Sitter Cost Post Implementation Of Remote Centralized Video Monitoring In Hospitalized Adult Patients, April Nicole Dougherty

DNP Projects

PURPOSE: Falls are the leading cause of injury in hospitalized patients. Patient sitter programs are proven to be an effective way to reduce falls in hospitalized patients. Innovative technologies have been examined that provide a safe and cost-effective way to reduce sitter costs and prevent falls. An innovative technology option is a remote centralized video monitoring system containing one video monitoring technician watching and verbally redirecting multiple patients at one time using mobile cameras. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the implementation of a remote centralized video monitoring system for adult patients in the acute care hospital setting. …

The Effect Of An Education Plan On Nursing Intervention Compliance With Inpatient Post-Operative Colorectal Surgical Patients Using Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Eras) Protocols, Jennifer Austin

DNP Projects

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Compliance with the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for colorectal surgery patients in the post-operative inpatient setting is low, creating a gap in successful outcomes of the program.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this project is to evaluate the impact of an education plan on inpatient nursing staff. A second purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between ERAS and specific post-operative nursing interventions linked to length of stay (LOS).

METHODS: A prospective cohort study analyzing the effect of a knowledge to action (KTA) education plan on nursing compliance with ERAS protocols was conducted on bedside …

Development Of Unit-Specific Educational Interventions For Inpatient Palliative Care Needs, Michael S. Myers

DNP Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine the need for palliative care at Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital as well as assess the knowledge and attitudes of the healthcare workers in that facility concerning palliative and end of life care. Methods: For the purposes of this study, the units of the hospital were divided into four categories: intensive care unit (ICU), progressive care unit (PCU), oncology, and medical surgical. A needs assessment of each type of unit was conducted in two parts. The first part was a retrospective chart review to determine the volume of patients on each …

Impact Of A Change In The Assistant Nurse Manager Model On Satisfaction And Work Engagement, Frank Wilson

DNP Projects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM) model at Norton Hospital through an evaluation of job satisfaction, work engagement, and leader opinions about the ANM model.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory was used as the conceptual framework. Lewin’s Change Theory has three stages: unfreeze, change/transition, and refreeze.

METHODS: This study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design.

RESULTS: This study included 27 participants [eight Nurse Managers and 19 ANMs]. The mean satisfaction level with being a nurse leader was 5.0 for nurse managers and 4.2 for ANMs (range 1-6). The mean …

The Effect Of Computed Tomography Perfusion (Ctp) Scans On Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients At A Comprehensive Stroke Center, Sarah Holloway, Sarah Elizabeth Holloway

DNP Projects

Objective: The DEFUSE 3 and DAWN trials have revealed that stroke patients may be eligible for mechanical thrombectomy up to 24 hours from symptom onset with appropriate perfusion imaging. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact CTP imaging will have patient selection and outcomes at a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Methods: This study is a retrospective and prospective chart review comparing acute ischemic stroke patients evaluated for mechanical thrombectomy utilizing CT angiogram verses CT perfusion imaging from January 1, 2018- June 30^th 2019 at a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Results: Of the 129 patients who received CTAs, 36 …

The Effect Of Provider Education On Copd Screening Rates In The Primary Care Setting, Kelli Craig

DNP Projects

BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. With early detection, COPD is a treatable disease, highlighting the need for an effective screening measure. The COPD Population Screener Questionnaire (COPD-PS) is a valid, accurate questionnaire that can identify individuals likely to have COPD.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a provider-based educational intervention on the knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and screening rates of COPD using the COPD-PS screening tool among primary care providers.

METHODS: This study was a single-center, pre/post implementation study to evaluate …

Provider Adherence To National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute’S Guidelines On Screening, Diagnosis, And Treatment Of Hypercholesterolemia In The Pediatric Population Aged 9-11 Years, Alanna Cox

DNP Projects

Purpose: High cholesterol levels have been directly linked to atherosclerosis, which is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Risk factors that accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, such as high cholesterol can begin in childhood. The purpose of this project was to evaluate provider adherence to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents, specifically the guidelines on universal lipid screening in children aged 9-11 years. The objectives were: 1) determine the rate of lipid screening in children 9-11 years old; 2) determine the number of children who …

The Effect Of An Emotional Intelligence Training Program On Use Of A Transformational Leadership Style Among Nurse Managers, Audrey Frias

DNP Projects

Background: Leaders with high levels of emotional intelligence have been associated with transformational leadership styles, which have been found to directly impact leader effectiveness. Emotional intelligence training has been deemed the most effective method for improving nurse manager emotional intelligence and transformational leadership by providing participants with the tools they need to be successful.

Conceptual Framework: Transformational leadership was used as the conceptual framework for this study and is defined as ‘‘a leadership process that is systematic, consisting of purposeful and organized search for changes, systematic analysis, and the capacity to move resources from areas of lesser to greater productivity …

Evaluating The Use Of Stopcocks For Lab Collections From Central Venous Access Devices Related To Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections, Heather Hollingsworth

DNP Projects

PURPOSE: Central line associated blood stream infections pose a threat to patient safety and are costly to healthcare systems. Heath care professional frequently access central venous access device (CVAD) to obtain blood samples for laboratory analysis. A commonly accepted procedure practice involves exchanging 3-4 syringes during the collection process. Each time a syringe is exchanged during the lab collection process the opportunity for bacteria to be introduced into the bloodstream exists. Decreasing the number of times a CVAD is accessed removes opportunities for bacteria to be introduced to the line thus decreasing the risk of infection. Due to the occurrence …

An Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of A Safety Strategy Training Program On Knowledge Retention In New Nurses, Annette Mtangi

DNP Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a lecture-based safety strategy training program on new nurses’ level of knowledge about how to reduce errors when providing patient care.

Conceptual Framework: Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert model of knowledge and skill acquisition in nurses was the conceptual framework used for understanding how nurses acquire knowledge, skill and experience as well as their propensity for error at different stages of development.

Methods: This was a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test assessment of the current lecture format. The instrument used was a survey that asked demographic, safety strategy knowledge, and …

Evaluation Of Adolescent Adherence Treatment Following An Emergency Department Visit, Marcus Seaton

DNP Projects

Mental Health disorders affect 1 of 5 youth in the United States and are chronic conditions that affect adolescents’ ability to function at home, school, work, and with interpersonal relationships. Follow up adherence is imperative to ensure treatment goals are met. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing (DNP) project was to examine factors associated with adherence to outpatient mental health (MH) treatment following an emergency department (ED) visit among adolescents admitted to an ED of a large hospital in a multi-system healthcare organization located in a metropolitan area of the southeastern United States (U.S.). This DNP project aims were …

Parental Knowledge Of Car Seat Safety, Breanne P. Webb

DNP Projects

Background: Injuries sustained from motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in children every year. In one year, more than 618,000 children 0-12 years of age rode in vehicles without the use of a proper restraint device at least some of the time. Of the children ages 12 years and younger who died in a motor vehicle accident in 2016 (for which safety restraint use was known), 35% were not buckled up (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017).

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to evaluate parental knowledge and understanding of car seat and …

Incidence And Treatment Of Acute Sinusitis In Two Outpatient Primary Care Settings And Provider Challenges In Treating Adult Sinusitis, Britney Nicole Perkins

DNP Projects

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nationally, approximately one third of antibiotics are currently being prescribed unnecessarily. Antibiotic misuse can result in disability, longer hospital stays, increased costs to organizations, antibiotic resistance and death.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was two-fold: (1) explore current management of acute adult rhinosinusitis in an outpatient setting (2) assessing providers perceptions on the barriers to preventing antibiotic misuse.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 150 charts was performed to examine prescribing practices by providers treating rhinosinusitis at two primary care practices. An interview was conducted with the practice providers on barriers for compliance in antibiotic stewardship.

RESULTS: …

Advance Directives For Older Adults In Primary Care: An Intervention To Promote Screening And Documentation, Kathryn Bower

DNP Projects

Background: Advance care planning is the process of making decisions about the healthcare one wishes to receive should they become unable to make decisions for themselves, including the development of advance directives and designation of health care surrogates. Advance care planning is universally supported by governing bodies and professional organizations; however, less than one-third of Americans have an advance directive or designated health care surrogate.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to assess primary care provider attitudes and knowledge of advance care planning and to increase screening for and documentation of advance directives and/or health care surrogates …

The Effect Of Implementation Of A Nurse Manager Orientation Program On Nurse Manager Competency And Empowerment, Erin Coogan

DNP Projects

Background statement: Based on the role the nurse manager plays in improving quality outcomes, promoting staff and patient satisfaction, and creating the culture of the unit, it is vital that proper training is provided to new nurse managers to increase their competency and sense of empowerment.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework: The theoretical/conceptual framework that provided the base for this study was Bandura’s theory of Self-Efficacy. A sense of accomplishment and overall well-being of a person is affected by a strong sense of efficacy.

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mandatory systemized nurse manager orientation …

Are Nurses High Risk For Experience With Behavioral Health Problems?, Farrah Alayne Thornsberry

DNP Projects

Abstract

Behavioral health problems impact approximately 19% of the United States population and nurses are not exempt from these experiences. In fact, nurses may be at higher risk for developing a behavioral health issue than the general public. The purpose of this study was to identify specific demographic, work-related, and behavioral variables associated with substance use and personal experience with any mental and or behavioral health problems among nurses in an academic healthcare system. Being female, younger in age, higher level of education and increased use of alcohol were risk factors associated with self-reported experience with behavioral health problems. Additionally, …

Staff Perception Of Workplace Violence In The Ed: Implementing Egress Education And Cue Recognition, Kelsey Jobe

DNP Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to examine staff perception of workplace violence before and after an educational intervention provided to bedside staff members in the ED of a Level-1 trauma center. The project focused on assessing the impact of an educational intervention on staff perception of WPV related to safety and overall awareness.

Methods: This project was a single site project designed to examine the impact of an educational intervention using egress education and cue recognition in the ED setting using a pre- and post-survey. The survey examined staff perception of safety related to WPV before and …

Evaluation Of Depression Screening By Providers For Adult Patients With Type 2 Diabetes In Primary Care, Kristy M. Bryant

DNP Projects

BACKGROUND: Depression in adults with type 2 diabetes can lead to non-adherence to self-management behaviors and treatment recommendations, and ultimately worse health outcomes. Currently, only 50% of adult patients with type 2 diabetes treated in the primary care setting are screened for depression. Without screening for depression, a diagnosis of depression and subsequent treatment is likely to be missed and the patient is more likely to experience worse health outcomes and worse quality of life.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate impact of provider education on improving screening rates for depression in adult patients with type 2 …

The Effects Of Screening Tool Of Older Persons’ Prescriptions On Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing In Elderly Inpatients, Jamie Leigh Edmiston Franks

DNP Projects

Objective: The purpose of this project is to educate providers and implement the use of the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescriptions (STOPP) on patients 65 and older admitted as inpatients at Owensboro Health and reduce potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs).

Background: Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications or medications that are not medically necessary, is a persistent and growing problem for elderly patients in the United States. Polypharmacy has become synonymous with medications that are considered potentially inappropriate in individuals 65 or older. PIMs may be medications that, in the elderly, have deleterious effects, no indication, are used for treatment …