Nursing Commons^™

Melanoma, Dianna Lauer

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

There are many types of skin cancer prevalent in the world today. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma (Watson et al, 2015). In the words of Hawryluk & Tsao (2014), “Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy borne of melanocytes, the pigment-generating cells of the skin”. Melanoma is known to cause the most deaths of the three main skin cancers and has many risk factors. The personal risk factors include, “family history, multiple moles, fair skin, blue eyes, red hair, and freckles” (Watson et al, p.e92, 2015). There are risk factors …

Tuberculosis, Jessica Puri

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a curable disease that claims the lives of millions each year. TB is an airborne disease spread by inhaling droplets of the tubercle bacillus. There are two different types of TB related conditions; latent TB infection and active TB disease. During latent TB, an individual inhales droplets of tubercle bacillus but the immune system can fight off this infection. However, once droplets of tubercle bacillus penetrate the alveoli, and colonization of droplets multiply, latent TB transitions into active TB disease (Katanekwa & Dahlback, 2016, p. 9). TB is typically found in the lungs but can also develop …

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Paxton Schwaderer

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

“Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is the most devastating type of stroke” (Yu, et al., 2018). When an aneurysm forms at a vessel bifurcation, it weakens the walls of the vessel. This in combination with high intravascular pressure can cause a rupture of the aneurysm, which displaces blood into the subarachnoid space in the brain. A patient who presents with an aSAH is at risk for further complications including, but not limited to, delayed cerebral ischemia, seizures, and aneurysm re-rupture (Darsie & Moheet, 2017). Close monitoring and aggressive treatment are imperative for the preserving neurological function in these patients.

For many …

Incorporating Home Visits In A Primary Care Residency Clinic: The Patient And Physician Experience, Mary Caitlin St. Clair, Jessica J. F. Kram, Glenda Sundberg

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Home visits, once a popular but now uncommon form of health care delivery, are on the rise. Few studies have focused on the value the experience brings to resident physicians and their patients.

Methods: A 6-month pilot was conducted with 11 residents who participated in 32 home visits with 11 patients. Patient and resident experiences were captured through a survey following the home visits.

Results: In all, 100% of patients and a majority of residents were very interested in being a part of and incorporating future home visits, respectively. Every patient in the survey said that the visits resulted …

A Qualitative Examination Of Prostate Cancer Treatment Decision-Making Among Black Men, Linda Ottley

Nursing ETDs

This ethnographic study explored the experience of treatment decision-making among urban Black men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer in San Diego, California. Specifically, this research was conducted to further understand the decision-making process among Black men and the barriers they face when making treatment decisions about prostate cancer. The study is important because prostate cancer disproportionately affects Black men in the United States, and yet they are underrepresented in research studies (Randolph, Coakley, & Shears, 2018). These inequities are poorly understood and need considerable analysis and exploration. Still unclear is the possible effect of historical trauma or negative healthcare …

Wearable Sensors For Monitoring The Internal And External Workload Of The Athlete, Dhruv R. Seshadri, James R. Rowbottom, Celeste Marie Alfes, Christian A. Zorman, Colin K. Drummond

Faculty Scholarship

The convergence of semiconductor technology, physiology, and predictive health analytics from wearable devices has advanced its clinical and translational utility for sports. The detection and subsequent application of metrics pertinent to and indicative of the physical performance, physiological status, biochemical composition, and mental alertness of the athlete has been shown to reduce the risk of injuries and improve performance and has enabled the development of athlete-centered protocols and treatment plans by team physicians and trainers. Our discussions in this review include commercially available devices, as well as those described in scientific literature to provide an understanding of wearable sensors for …

Implementation Of An Evidence-Based, Electronic Clinical Algorithm To Improve Screening, Evaluation, And Referral Of College Students For Depressive Symptoms And An Evaluation Of Differences Based On Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity Data, Chris Webb

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The purpose of this project was to improve the screening, evaluation, and referral of college students (LGBTQ+/Heterosexual) for depressive symptoms through the implementation of an evidence-based, electronic clinical algorithm. There is evidence in the literature indicating that there are increased mental health disparities among college students and the LGBTQ+ population. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students is higher than the general population, requiring university student health centers to implement enhanced screenings for depressive symptoms and identification of depression predictors. Prior to implementation of this project, a student health clinic in the Southeastern part of the United States used …

Cultural Factors Affecting Resilience Of Filipino Immigrant Women, Andrew Reyes

Nursing Faculty Research

This presentation describes the results of a descriptive study exploring the relationship between resilience, acculturative stress, and cultural family beliefs about disclosing mental health problems among Filipino immigrant women living in the United States.

House Calls Are Reaching The Tipping Point — Now We Need The Workforce, Thomas Cornwell

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Home-based primary care (HBPC) improves the lives of high-cost, frail, homebound patients and their caregivers while reducing costs by keeping patients at home and reducing the use of hospitals and nursing homes. Several forces are behind the resurgence of HBPC, including the rapidly aging population, advancements in portable medical technology, evidence showing the value of HBPC, and improved payments for HBPC. There are 2 million to 4 million patients who could benefit from HBPC, but only 12% are receiving it. The number of these patients is expected to double over the next two decades. This requires a larger and better …

Atrial Fibrillation, Taffiney Adams

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. From diagnosis to treatment, some risk factors are left unnoticed. Patients need the knowledge to know the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Nurse Practitioners are in an excellent position to help patients recognize and when to seek medical attention with this cardiac arrhythmia and other disease processes.

Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) And Cervical Cancer, Stephanie Gregorc

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases with more than 100 types. The American Cancer Society (2019) reports, “Most men and women who have ever had sexual contact will get HPV at some time in their lives.” Certain strands are more detrimental than others, however it is important to understand how it spreads and ways to minimize its occurrence. Preventative actions are available to women, such as pap smear screenings, which can allow for early identification and treatment of abnormalities. As an advanced practicing nurse, it is essential to provide education to women surrounding HPV, …

Male Breast Cancer, Angie Blose

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a disease that claims the lives of many unsuspecting men. MBC affects less than 1% of men only one out of a thousand will be diagnosed with the disease. According to the American Cancer Society (2019) this year, 2,670 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer (MBC) and at least 500 of them will loose their lives to this disease. Most breast cancers in males are diagnosed as ductal carcinomas (Chalasani, 2019). This poster provides insight about risk factors, diagnosis, testing, staging, and signs and symptoms of this disease.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Erin Branfield

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in females of reproductive age, affecting up to twenty percent of females (McEwen & Hartmann, 2018). Though the pathophysiology of PCOS is not fully understood, several factors such as insulin resistance and increased testosterone levels are prevalent and play a major role in PCOS. PCOS is a complex disease and encompasses many different metabolic, endocrine and reproductive conditions. Common signs and symptoms of PCOS include but are not limited to menstrual cycle disturbances, acne, alopecia and fertility problems (Balen, 2017).

Keywords: PCOS, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance

Alzheimer's Disease, Lisa Cantrell

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain which affects tens of millions of people around the world. It is estimated to include over 5 million patients in the United States. Over 200,000 patients with Alzheimer’s disease live in Ohio (2019 Alzheimers disease facts and figures, 2019). Treatments are available to slow the devastating effects of the disease. However, there is currently no cure.

Nephrolithiasis, Erin Layton

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Nephrolithiasis, also known as kidney stones and calculi, pose a significant health and financial burden in the United States and worldwide. With the increasing incidence and prevalence of pediatric and adult nephrolithiasis, health care costs and morbidity are expected to rise (Batavia & Tasian, 2016). Once thought to be an isolated condition, nephrolithiasis is now considered to be a systemic disease and a marker for other systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Furthermore, there is a correlation between nephrolithiasis and obesity, fractures, and chronic kidney disease (Ziemba & Matlaga, 2017). In the case of obstruction of an infected kidney, …

Multiple Sclerosis Pathophysiology, Carolyn Ricketts

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the central nervous system and demyelination of the white matter in the brain and spinal cord, leading to lesions and axonal damage, possibly followed by relapse. It is a progressively debilitating disease with a variety of symptoms that mimic other diseases, such as blurred vision, nerve pain, fatigue, weakness, paresthesia, and unsteady gait. It occurs more frequently further from the equator. The pathophysiology of MS is unknown. Several new research theories are emerging which include innate and adaptive immunity playing a role (TH1 and TH17 specifically), infection …

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (Eoe), Christina Mckinley

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Abstract

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory response to food that effects the esophagus. EoE is still a very young diagnosis and with increasing incidence in the United States. This poster should be used to increase awareness of this disease processes, as well as discuss the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and nursing considerations. The diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis can be life altering, and have a huge impact on health, mortality and quality of life. Learning how to diagnosis, treat, and educate patients can have a huge impact on someone diagnosis with EoE.

Cervical Cancer, Katie Redmon

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Cervical Cancer is a major health concern worldwide for women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the major health risk factors known to causing cervical cancer. Early prevention and detection are key to preventing the cancer. There are vaccinations to prevent HPV and ways to detect abnormal cells by having a Papanicolaou cytology (Pap) test. The underlying signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, and implications for nursing care are discussed within the poster.

Positive Thinking Training Intervention: Assessing Critical Parameters From First Generation Middle Eastern Immigrants Perspectives, Abir K. Bekhet, Karen Nakhla

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Few resources are available to help first generation middle- eastern immigrants (FGMEI) manage their problems and their challenging situations that may impact their physical and psychological well-being. Positive thinking training is an intervention designed to help FGMEI improve their ability to deal with these problems. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the six intervention parameters of an in-person face- to- face positive thinking training intervention (PTTI). Twenty FGMEI participated in this pilot intervention that included (a) participating in a four weeks face to face intervention sessions (one and half hour per session). (b) completing two questionnaires over …

Wearable Sensors For Monitoring The Physiological And Biochemical Profile Of The Athlete, Dhruv R. Seshadri, James R. Rowbottom, Celeste Marie Alfes, Christian A. Zorman, Colin K. Drummond

Faculty Scholarship

Athletes are continually seeking new technologies and therapies to gain a competitive edge to maximize their health and performance. Athletes have gravitated toward the use of wearable sensors to monitor their training and recovery. Wearable technologies currently utilized by sports teams monitor both the internal and external workload of athletes. However, there remains an unmet medical need by the sports community to gain further insight into the internal workload of the athlete to tailor recovery protocols to each athlete. The ability to monitor biomarkers from saliva or sweat in a noninvasive and continuous manner remain the next technological gap for …

A Survey Of Healthcare Workers On Safe Patient Handling And Mobility Resource Availability, Utilization, And Adherence, Kimberly Waltrip

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the current status of safe patient handling and mobility—specifically resource availability, utilization, and adherence to established safe patient handling and mobility standards—and measure any relationships among these factors. This study builds on the reliability and validity of the adapted American Nurses Association’s (2016) Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Self-Assessment Resource. Responses came from a one-shot survey of healthcare workers in direct patient care across several private and Veterans Health Administration healthcare organizations in the Midwestern United States. The risk of injury is higher in patient handling than in many other professions; …

Increasing Advanced Care Planning In An Ambulatory Care Setting, Jennifer Aronson, Elizabeth Eisenhardt, Ruth Hanselman, Suneela Nayak, Stephen Tyzik, Amy Sparks

Operations Transformation

Maine is experiencing an increasing percentage of its population being over 65 years old. Advanced Care Planning (ACP) is an important part of this aging population medical care so those ends of life preferences are known well in advance. An adult internal medicine clinic in a large academic tertiary medical center decided to create a performance improvement project that addressed ACP with embedded workflows.

The goal of this project was to have a minimum of 40% of patients 65 or older have an Advanced Care Directive or Serious Illness Conversation documented in EPIC.

Baseline metrics demonstrated that ACP discussion rates …

The Ward-Based Nurse Clinical Educator: Impact On Student Learning Outcomes And Student And Preceptor Experiences, Karen Ann Mccarthy

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Aim

This study aimed to determine the impact of the implementation of a ward based Nurse Clinical Educator (NCE) role on students and staff at one health service whilst students were on clinical practicum at a Western Australian regional health care facility.

Question

The research question was: “What impact does the NCE support intervention have on students and clinical staff during clinical practicum?” Background Clinical experience for undergraduate student nurses (students) undertaking their bachelor’s degree is of utmost importance for gaining both competence and registration. Students encounter difficulties in obtaining opportunities to practice their skills and develop competence when on …

Nicotine Replacement Therapies To Decrease Withdrawal Symptoms And Improve Patient Experience, Cheryl Pawloski, Holly Stewart, Devon Gillis, Dena Whitesell, Maya Bulman, Christopher Racine, Raymond Serrano, Leslie Gatcombe-Hynes, Elizabeth Mullany, Amy Mcauliffe, Jayne Weisberg, Amy Sparks, Suneela Nayak, Stephen Tyzik, Ruth Hanselman

Operations Transformation

Smoking is one the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Patient centered care revolves around encouraging patients to reduce their chances of preventable disease and death. To that end, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) prescribed within 24 hours of hospital admission increases the chance of quitting and decreases the chance of nicotine withdrawal.

A pilot performance improvement project was initiated on two cardiac units at an academic tertiary medical center. The goal the project was to have NRT ordered within 24 hours of admission 100% of the time. Baseline metrics demonstrated admission NRT orders were below acceptable levels …

Older Adults Learning Technology In An Intergenerational Program: Qualitative Analysis Of Areas Of Technology Requested For Assistance, Dara Lobuono, S. N. Leedahl, E. Maiocco

Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing and Health Professions Departmental Research

Adults 65 and older are adapting to technology at a slower rate compared to the overall population. Research has shown that programs can assist older adults in learning and embracing technology. However, little information exists about what specific forms of technology older adults are interested in learning and for what purposes. To describe areas of technology older adults are interested in learning and why this study examined qualitative data from an intergenerational service-learning program in which students in higher education assist and mentor older adults with and about technology that older adults want to learn. Data was analyzed from in-depth …

Intensive Care To Intermediate Care Bridge Program, Natasha Bartlett, Sally Langerak, Lindsey Lucas, Jonathan Archibald, Tayla Robbins, Miranda Thompson, Patrice Tetu, Calla Hastings, Megan Garland, Suneela Nayak, Stephen Tyzik, Ruth Hanselman, Amy Sparks

Operations Transformation

To deliver the highest quality of care across the continuum, a large academic tertiary medical center envisioned a project that would provide an internal source of cross trained nurses for their medical intensive care unit (SCU2) and their medical intermediate care unit (R4/IMC/AVU). The hope for this program was to improve communication and collaboration between nurses and enhance the care that they provide to patients and their families.

A highly qualified team of nurses was established to create a performance improvement project. The overall goal of this endeavor was to build a more collaborative relationship between the units and ultimately …

Presenting The Good Mother: Experiences Of Canadian Adolescent Mothers Living In Rural Communities, Karen A. Campbell, Corinne Hart

The Qualitative Report

Adolescent mothers and their children are at risk for suboptimal health outcomes making adolescent motherhood a public health concern. However, the experiences of rural-living adolescent mothers are not well understood. Using Lieblich, Tuval-Mahiach, and Zilber’s (1998) narrative methodology approach, the experiential accounts of three rural-living adolescent mothers was explored. Reflecting Goffman’s (1959) presentation of self, the findings of this study revealed how adolescent mothers attempted to construct and present their notion of being a good mother, while coping with complicating rural factors. The need to present as a good mother, the lack of anonymity associated with rural living, and geographical …

Implementation Of An Inpatient Diabetes Team: Impact On Hypoglycemia Recurrence, Martha Bertin, Elva Diaz

All Publications

No abstract provided.

Increasing First Case On Time Starts In An Ambulatory Surgery Center, Diane Fecteau, Shannan Reid, Sydney Green, Ruth Hanselman, Suneela Nayak, Stephen Tyzik, Amy Sparks

Operations Transformation

In an ambulatory surgical center, first case on-time starts directly affects the patient experience. In addition, in order to treat as many patients as possible, delays of first case on-time starts negatively impacts the rest of scheduled surgical patients and increases staff overtime expenditures. An ambulatory surgical team within a large urban health care system initiated a performance improvement initiative to enhance the patient experience, increase staff accountability and care team well-being.

The goal of this project was to start 70% or more first cases on time. Baseline metrics demonstrated that patients and surgeons were the largest cause of delay. …

Barriers To Mental Health Treatment In Patients Referred By Primary Care, Rebecca Palmer

Dissertations

Problem: Limited access to mental health treatment is one of many potential barriers to treating mental illness in the United States. Where resources are readily available, reportedly high no-show rates for established mental health appointments suggests further investigation is necessary to identify frequent barriers within that population. This was a quality improvement project to identify common themes in patient-reported barriers to care.

Methods: A 4-question phone survey was offered to individuals that did not appear at their mental health appointment. Data was analyzed to identify the most commonly reported barriers to mental health treatment. Additional data collected includes reported history …