Nursing Commons^™

Staff Education To Implement Phq-9 Depression Screening Among Adults, Sharon C. Nwanne-Temple

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Depression remains one of the most prevalent and underdiagnosed mental health conditions globally, resulting in substantial morbidity, diminished quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve early detection of depression among adults in a primary care setting through a structured staff education program on the use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) screening tool. A mixed-methods quality improvement design guided implementation over a six-week period with nine clinical staff participants, including nurses, medical assistants, and providers. The educational intervention comprised a PowerPoint presentation, interactive discussion, and post-training …

Improving Patient Access To Providers By Optimizing Message Center Workflow, Serena Valino

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project was an evaluation of a quality improvement initiative that addressed the practice problem of having large volumes of unanswered messages within the patient portal. To increase patient access to the healthcare provider, a literature search was conducted using the practice-focused question: Can standardization of patient portals improve the message turnaround time? In January 2024, a scoping review of nursing message center pools determined 79 pools lacked standardized names and established workflows for 37 ambulatory clinics. Pool names were identified for each clinic and listed using an Excel spreadsheet. Clinic pool members were isolated, and it was determined by …

Caring For Caregivers: Fostering Empathetic Educational Practices Among Undergraduate Nursing Faculty, Karlee Hedrick

DNP Projects

BACKGROUND: Trauma is highly prevalent among nursing students, and unrecognized responses to that trauma can negatively impact learning, psychological safety, and academic performance (Doughty, 2020). Although trauma-informed care (TIC) principles are described in clinical settings, its use in undergraduate nursing programs remains limited. Faculty often lack formal TIC training, reducing their ability to support students with lived traumatic experiences. TIC education can improve awareness, responsiveness, and educator confidence (Bosse et al., 2021; Doughty, 2020; MacLochlainn et al., 2022). This project aimed to improve faculty knowledge and explore attitudinal shifts following a structured TIC educational intervention.

METHODS: Two Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles …

Evaluating Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions Of The Ist Algorithm In Maternal-Fetal Health Clinic: Usability And Satisfaction, Terri Taylor

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Standardizing substance-use screening in perinatal care is essential for optimizing clinical decision-making and promoting equitable patient outcomes. To address gaps, the Integrated Screening Tool (IST) algorithm was introduced in a Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) clinic. However, 2023 data revealed inconsistent utilization. Evaluation Question: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated: (1) How do nurse practitioners, medical doctors, and registered nurses perceive the usability of the IST algorithm for standardized drug screening in pregnancy? (2) How do these providers rate their satisfaction with the IST algorithm in managing patients with positive drug screens? Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with …

Implementing A Nurse Navigator Role In An Outpatient Procedural Setting To Improve Patient Satisfaction Scores: A Quality Improvement Project, Lashanti King

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Much focus has been placed on patient experience since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010 due to its regulatory, financial, and business growth implications. Patient satisfaction is crucial to maintaining and growing a customer base and fulfilling the target growth established in institutional strategic plans. This project aimed to determine whether implementing a nurse navigator role to perform rounds in the preoperative and waiting areas for two months would increase patient-reported satisfaction scores regarding being informed about delays and the likelihood of recommending the facility. Due to its subjective nature, it is challenging to consistently maintain …

Fostering Dialogue, Learning, And Reflection: The Role Of Book Discussions For Public Health Professionals, Naomi E. Ervin, Belinda Aberle, Katherine Balint, Lynn Mcdaniels, Paula Tomczak

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Background: The Public Health Nursing (PHN) Section of the Michigan Public Health Association (MPHA) works to improve public health and public health nursing practice in Michigan. In 2021, the PHN Section initiated virtual book discussions to engage public health professionals in meaningful discussion about topics of critical importance to public health and public health nursing; provide continuing education contact hours; and recruit new section members. Methods: The discussions are conducted virtually four times per year. A moderator introduces each book and leads the one-hour discussion. As an added incentive to read the books, the PHN Section sends a limited number …

Delivering Optimal Weight Gain Advice To Pregnant Women By Lead Maternity Carer Midwives In A Real-World Setting To Optimise Health Outcomes (Dot Study): A Case Study Protocol, Kirsten J. Coppell, Nicole Mcgrath, Beverley Lawton, Kendall Stevenson, H. Mel Rackham, Katrina J. Sharples, Trudy Sullivan, Rosemary M. Hall, Helen Paterson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Excess gestational weight gain (GWG) occurs in up to 70% of women who birth. Excess GWG increases the risk of adverse outcomes in both mother and baby including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, postpartum weight retention, large for gestational age babies, and adiposity among children. Antenatal lifestyle interventions can limit excess GWG. However, successful translation of interventions into routine antenatal care are seldom, and interventions involving midwives are uncommon. Following a successful feasibility study, the main aims of this study are to determine if the Delivering Optimal weighT gain advice in pregnancy (DOT) intervention is acceptable to midwives, acceptable and accessible …

Factors Influencing The Provision Of Human Milk Feeding Support For Preterm Infants In Neonatal Intensive Care Units In China: A Qualitative Study Of Neonatal Nurses’ Perspectives, Wenjie Guo, Haiyan Zhang, Li Wang, Fang Huang, Dongmei Ma, Maggie Zgambo, Sanmei Chen, Yan Wu, Yanmei Bu, Yoko Shimpuku

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Human milk feeding is crucial for the survival and development of preterm infants, yet their human milk feeding rates at Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) discharge remain lower than those of healthy newborns. Effective support is essential for improving breast milk feeding outcomes, but remains challenging for NICU nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to examine factors that influence NICU nurses in providing human milk feeding support, including the challenges they face and their needs. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Using maximum variation and purposive sampling, 19 nurses in the NICU were recruited. Between August and September …

Midwife-Led Birth Debrief: A Concept Analysis, Kate Buchanan, Elliesha O'Reilly, Georgia Wilcox, Sara Bayes, Lauren Kearney, Linda Sweet, Hazel Keedle

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Psychological birth trauma (PBT) affects approximately 19 % of postnatal women, making its prevention a global priority. Midwives are responsible for providing psychosocial care during the postnatal period to foster the mother-infant relationship, provide education and screening and support positive transitions to parenting. However, the specific attributes of a birth debrief and the role of the midwife in a supporting a woman to review their birth experience is less well documented in regulatory frameworks or scientific literature. This has created significant ambiguity in both clinical practice among health professionals and in research contexts. The lack of a clear understanding …

A Qualitative Study Of Treatment Adherence From The Perspective Of Nurses And Patients Following Acute Coronary Syndrome, Amineh Rashidi, Lisa Whitehead, Lisa Newson, Andrea Connolly, Suzanne Robinson, Prachi Kaistha, Mark Makokha, Rebecca Larsen, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To gain an understanding of potential aspects influencing treatment adherence for patients with acute coronary syndrome. Design: A qualitative deductive approach. Methods: Patient and nurse participants were recruited from a single hospital in Australia, who participated in a semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using a deductive thematic analysis. Results: Fifteen patients with acute coronary syndrome and 13 registered nurses participated in the study. Potential aspects influencing treatment adherence included perceived risk, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the limited evidence into understanding the aspects that influence treatment adherence for acute …

Perils Of Precisely Equal Group Size In Randomised Controlled Trials, Richard Gray, Daniel Bressington, Bridgina Mackay, Martin Jones, David R. Thompson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

What Is Known About Asthma Care And Management For Children And Young People Under 18 Years Of Age In New Zealand. A Scoping Review, J. Blamires, M. Foster, B. Kanengoni-Nyatara

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Asthma is the most common chronic health condition affecting children in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Māori and Pacific children disproportionately burdened by high morbidity and inequitable care. Despite clinical guidelines and growing research, inconsistencies in diagnosis, treatment adherence, and education persist. This scoping review identifies and maps literature on care models, service delivery, education and support strategies, and experiences of children, young people, and their family/whānau in asthma care and management for those under 18 in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods: This scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping …

The First Year Of Assisted Dying In New Zealand Through The Lens Of Healthcare Professionals Not Directly Involved In The Process, Waqas Arshad, Aida Dehkhoda, Melissa Carey, David B. Menkes, Nicholas Hoeh, Frederick Sundram, Rosemary Frey, Gary Cheung

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: New Zealand’s End of Life Choice Act 2019 was enacted in 2021, allowing terminally ill people experiencing unbearable suffering to request assisted dying if they are expected to die within six months. Healthcare professionals not directly involved in assisted dying provision may have unique perspectives on implementation, yet this remains under-explored. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between June and November 2022. We used purposive and snowball sampling to recruit potential participants through various sources, including the Ministry of Health’s assisted dying training and communication email list. A multidisciplinary research team developed a semi-structured interview guide. The individual interviews …

Nurses’ And Midwives’ Job Satisfaction And Retention During Covid-19: A Scoping Review, Laura Hynes, Sadie Geraghty, Sheena Mcchlery, Aisling Smyth, Reeti Brar, Karen Clark-Burg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic focused attention on the previously well-documented world-wide shortage of nurses and midwives. The pandemic accentuated this crisis, which resulted in nurses and midwives questioning their roles and their careers. The impact of the pandemic on job satisfaction and the intention of nurses and midwives to stay has not been adequately explored. Aim: The aim of this scoping review was to identify and map the literature that describes the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influenced nurses’ and midwives’ job satisfaction and intent to stay or leave their employment or profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This scoping …

Breaking The Silence With Routine Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopause Screening: A Quality Improvement Project, Ashley R. Noel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Affecting upwards of 87% of women in post menopause, genitourinary syndrome of menopause is greatly under-diagnosed, and consequently, under-treated. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause refers to health conditions impacted by hypoestrogenic state experienced in menopause. Common symptoms of GSM include vaginal dryness, irritation, clitoral or labial atrophy, dyspareunia, decreased libido, anorgasmia, dysuria, recurrent UTI, urinary incontinence (Kaufman et al., 2025). Despite the burdensome consequences of GSM, women are unlikely to vocalize their symptoms and seek treatment. Additionally, societal beliefs of shame surrounding sexual health impede patients and clinicians from addressing GSM specifically (Mili et al., 2021). As a result, the North …

Safety In Stability: A Cdc-Guided Evaluation Of Hospital Fall Prevention Practices, Matthew C. Dougherty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hospital falls remain a persistent and preventable cause of patient harm, emphasizing the need for continuous evaluation of fall prevention practices. This project assessed the effectiveness of AdventHealth Orlando’s fall prevention policy using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Program Evaluation Framework. A mixed-methods design incorporated quantitative analysis of 12 months of fall data and qualitative feedback from frontline staff surveys and discussions. Results demonstrated a decrease in total falls from 549 in the previous year to 528 in the current year, indicating early progress despite the incomplete reporting period. Unit-level analysis showed a mean improvement of 16.9% …

Enhancing Provider Knowledge And Implementation Of Medication For Opioid Use Disorder (Moud) To Improve Treatment Outcomes: A Quality Improvement Project., Motunrayo Abigael Ibraheem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quality improvement project sought to enhance healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes toward Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) at Galt Ocean Rehab Center to improve treatment outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder. Despite evidence supporting the efficacy of MOUD, significant knowledge gaps and stigmatizing attitudes among providers create barriers to optimal care. Sixteen healthcare providers participated in a comprehensive educational intervention grounded in Jean Watson's Theory of Transpersonal Caring and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Model for Improvement. The intervention consisted of a 4-hour workshop, six weekly reinforcement sessions, and the implementation of standardized buprenorphine management protocols. Pre- …

Evaluating The Role Of Covid-19 On Delay In Cancer Care And Health Disparities Of Women With Breast Cancer: A Retrospective, Multi-Site Study, Nohemi Sadule Rios, Morgan Nestingen, Mukesh Roy, Lucy Morales, Andrew Salner, Margaret Barton-Burke, Natalie Bermudez, Annmarie Mazzella, Muni Rubens, Muhammad A. Rizvi, Morgan Horton, Suresh G. Nair Md, Tania Silva Santos, Patricia Shearburn, Melissa Kratz, Morgan Hume, Kerry Kluska, Nayla Cepero, Wanli Xu, Wu Weizi, Batool Almasri

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: COVID-19 had a profound impact on cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment worldwide. The purpose of this study was to examine the role that the COVID-19 pandemic had on delays in breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and other related variables, including cancer staging and oncology measures of performance (ECOG Performance Status), in the inpatient and ambulatory oncology settings.

Methods: This was a multi-site, interdisciplinary retrospective review study including 1,514 participants. Four cancer centers collaborated, submitting de-identified data in accordance with their policies and procedures.

Results: Our study's results showed significantly higher delays in screening mammogram appointments (p < .001) during the COVID-19 pandemic (N=142) than before the COVID-19 pandemic (N=56), with a 52% higher likelihood of canceling screening mammogram appointments during COVID-19. Our findings also revealed a statistically significant difference (p < .001) in the time from diagnosis to the first recommended treatment for scheduled initially appointments, with an increase of 18 days, suggesting delays in cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion: Our findings …

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Nursing Faculty In Preparing For The Next Generation Nclex: A Qualitative Study, Mary Granoff, Missilia Gilbert, Marjorie Lima, Erika Nusbaum, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: According to the Nursing Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), more than half of all errors among new graduate registered nurses are related to a lack of clinical judgment, a critical component of nursing practice. Considering the Next Generation National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) focuses on clinical judgment, a greater understanding of faculty’s Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) teaching preparedness is needed. The purpose of this study was to explore nursing faculty’s lived experience preparing students for the NGN.

Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected via 15-minute individual interviews. Participants were pre-licensure nursing faculty from …

Promoting Self-Reflection And Implicit Bias Awareness In Nursing: A Mixed-Method Study Advancing Practice And Fostering Healthcare Equality, Diane S. Kramer, Victoria Y. Mccue, Anshul Saxena, Jeanette B. Deniz, Nicole Burks, Patricia Russell

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Background: Implicit biases influence how nurses perceive and interact with patients and shape clinical practice. Awareness is crucial because implicit biases are difficult to detect. Our study evaluated how educational sessions impacted awareness and understanding of implicit bias. In our study, we sought to mitigate effects of these biases on patient care to promote equitable healthcare outcomes.

Methods: The research involved registered nurses from all levels employed at nine hospitals. Data were collected anonymously through voluntary participation to ensure confidentiality. A mixed-methods approach with a quasi-experimental prepost design was utilized to measure the effectiveness of the educational session. Descriptive statistics …

Retrospectively Examining The Probability Of Acute Skin Failure Among Hospitalized Patients With Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries, Tori C. Hatch, Jeanine M. Salamone, Pierna F. Vaughner, Natalie Bermudez

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Acute skin failure (ASF) in hospitalized patients is a growing concern and a product of multisystem organ failure. Unlike hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), ASF is not preventable despite prevention measures. The Skin Failure Clinical Indicator Scale (SFCIS) was recently developed to assess the probability of ASF. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine the probability of and factors associated with ASF in hospitalized individuals with HAPIs.

Methods: Data were collected from the electronic health records of in-patients with stage 3 or greater HAPIs over two years. Collection included demographics, comorbidities, COVID status, wound staging, injury location, SFCIS, …

Implementing Phq-2 In An Outpatient Mental Health Practice, Krishona Poignard

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Depression remains widely underidentified in outpatient behavioral health settings, where variable screening practices limit early recognition and appropriate treatment. This quality improvement project addressed this gap by standardizing screening through targeted clinician education. The purpose was to improve clinician confidence and adherence to validated tools, specifically the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and, when indicated, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The project aimed to increase consistent tool use through an evidence-based educational intervention guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and the Iowa Implementation for Sustainability Framework. A quasi-experimental, single-group pretest–posttest design was employed with licensed clinical staff, including licensed social workers (LSWs), …

Reducing Emergency Department To Medical Icu Boarding Times: Implementing A Standardized Escalation Protocol At A Large Medical Center Hospital, Taylor A. Robbins-Ethridge

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Prolonged emergency department (ED) boarding of critically ill patients awaiting transfer to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) delays access to definitive care and is associated with increased mortality and longer hospital stays. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce ED boarding times for MICU patients by implementing the Bed Ready in 30: Just Say Yes escalation protocol. The Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) framework guided the implementation of a structured escalation process to standardize nurse-to-nurse communication once a MICU bed was marked as ready in the electronic health record. A pre–post observational study was used to evaluate the intervention using electronic health …

Determining Factors For Long Term Use Of Gadget By Preschool Children, Wardatus Sholihah, Allenidekania Allenidekania, Nur Agustini, Rukmini Rukmini, Dwi Yuniar Ramadhani

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

In the digital era, preschoolers spent more time playing on their gadgets than with their peers. The excessive use of gadgets (including laptops, cellphones, tablets, and similar electronic devices) can have negative impacts on preschool-age children. This study analyzes the determining factors that influence the duration of gadget use in preschool children. The study used a correlational design with a cross-sectional approach involving 318 parents who were selected using cluster sampling. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the duration of gadget use and the gender of the parents (p = 0.001), parental education (p = 0.035), …

Enhancing Patient Satisfaction Among Coronary Heart Disease Patients Through Islamic Spiritual Care With Murottal In Nursing Practice, Aris Citra Wisuda, Citra Suraya, Suzanna Suzanna, Muhamad Andika Sasmita Saputra, Manisha Manisha, Hesly Devitasari, Dian Emiliasari, Tukimin Bin Sansuwito

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Spiritual care is essential in nursing, especially for patients with chronic or palliative conditions such as coronary heart disease. Although medical intervention is crucial, Islamic spiritual therapy using murottal has a significant impact on patient satisfaction. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of murottal in enhancing patient satisfaction among individuals with coronary heart disease. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used with 52 participants at Siti Khadijah Islamic Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia. Total sampling was applied, and data were analyzed using the paired sample t-test. Patient satisfaction was measured using a Likert-scale questionnaire to assess the impact of murottal spiritual care. …

Quality Improvement Project: Nursing Education In Relation To The Use And Effect Of Neuromuscular Blockade Agents, Lauren Danielle Bowen

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Neuromuscular blockade agents are a medication class that requires education and knowledge to ensure protocols, assessments, and tools are utilized in acute care facilities. Quality improvement (QI) project focused on the use of neuromuscular blockage agents to ensure nursing staff, who have direct patient contact, received proper education. A quasi-experimental, pre-post project intervention design was used to evaluate evidence-based practice interventions with a literature review, assessment, and tools used by the population studied. Aim and purpose of the QI project was to increase nursing staff educational knowledge on the use of neuromuscular blockade agents in patients who are sedated requiring …

Restorative Masculine Integration Theory, Todd Angelucci, Julian L. Gallegos

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

The Restorative Masculine Integration Theory (RMIT) introduces a strengths-based, systems-oriented framework for promoting healthy masculinity through healing, leadership, and relational engagement. Developed in response to the adverse effects of masculine suppression, such as emotional disengagement, burnout, and polarity collapse, RMIT outlines a five-phase Cycle of Masculine Restoration: reclaimed masculinity, emotional safety and trust, grounded leadership, rebalanced gender polarity, and healing with cultural renewal. These stages are underpinned by core concepts including psychological safety, peer mentorship, emotional literacy, and authentic masculinity. Drawing from interdisciplinary foundations in gender studies, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed practice, polarity theory, and servant leadership, RMIT offers an adaptable …

Biological Impact Of Chemical-Based Medications On Human Dna: Mechanisms, Clinical Consequences, And Research Gaps, Israa M. Ali Alameen, Sumayah Mahmood Rafid, Baqer Khaled Hothefa

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Not long ago DNA has become the subject of interest for the pharmaceutical companies, that because its proven by medical and scientifical fields, that it’s the fundamental sources of proteins, which is the basic element in the cell, therefore, the interaction between the Drug and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is very important to therapeutic regimens success but in other side it has a dangerous effect like toxicity, and long-term genomic instability. Objective: The aim of this review is to focus on the different studies which examines the effect of different drug like the chemotherapy, antivirals, antibiotics, and immune-suppressants on …

Psychological Distress And Quality Of Life Among Infertility Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment In Malaysia, Farrahdilla Hamzah, Zamzaliza Abdul Mulud, Malini Mat Napes, Sarah Abdul Mubarak, Rosliza Shafie

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

Infertility often leads to stress, anxiety, and depression, significantly affecting the quality of life of affected couples. This study explored the sociodemographic and psychological factors influencing the quality of life among infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in Malaysia, using a cross-sectional design. A total of 126 infertile couples were purposively sampled from three public hospitals offering IVF treatment. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) measured psychological distress levels, while the Fertility Quality of Life (Ferti-QoL) scale assessed fertility-related quality of life. Data collection adhered to strict ethical standards, with confidentiality ensured. Participants provided informed consent and …

Assessing Community Readiness And Benefits Of A Nursing Program: Implications For Healthcare And Education, Mary Anne Frances D. Reyes, Aaron A. Funa, Robert Jamisola, Ma. Joahna D. Perdigon, Jerica D. Latonero

Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia

In response to recent policy shifts allowing the establishment of new nursing programs in the Philippines, this study assesses the perceived readiness of Sorsogon, a geographically underserved province, to implement a bachelor of science in nursing program. It also explores the anticipated benefits that such a program may offer to students and the local community. A cross-sectional survey of 375 stakeholders, selected through purposive sampling, was conducted using a validated instrument developed through expert consultation. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. The findings reveal widespread support for the proposed program, emphasizing …