Family Practice Nursing Commons^™

Integrating Culturally Tailored Interventions To Increase Cervical Cancer Screening: A Quality Improvement Initiative In A Primary Care Clinic, Marife Centeno Solomon

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: While the incidence of cervical cancer in the US has significantly decreased due to the utilization of vaccination and screening tests, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander women consistently have the lowest rate of cervical cancer screening, making them at risk for undetected cervical cancer disease.

Problem: The low cervical cancer screening uptake can be attributed to a knowledge deficit about cervical cancer and its screening and the importance of early detection. Being an immigrant and with limited English proficiency can hinder women of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander from getting screened for cervical …

Improving Dementia Caregiver Competency In Nursing Home, Disha Bhattacharya

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Inadequate training of dementia care providers in nursing homes lead to adverse health outcomes in patients with dementia.

Purpose: To educate and train dementia caregivers in a nursing home to improve dementia care.

Methods: A Quality Improvement Project (QIP) was implemented in a nursing home with nine nurses engaged in two virtual education group sessions led by the DNP student over an eight- week timeframe. Topics discussed included education on the nature and progress of dementia, building trust with dementia patients, managing their behavior, communication strategies, and self-care. Pre-training and post-training surveys were completed prior to …

Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Racing/Ethnic Minority Women For The First Six Months, Linda A. Boateng

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is the recommended way of feeding infants due to the numerous health benefits. However, racial/ethnic minority women in the United States are less likely to initiate and maintain breastfeeding for the recommended six months compared to white women. This has resulted in higher health issues such as obesity, diabetes type I, allergic sensitivity, acute otitis media, and gastrointestinal problems among racial /ethnic minority children. Purpose: The purpose of this Quality Improvement Project was to promote exclusive breastfeeding among racial/ethnic minority postpartum mothers for the first six months. This was done by providing breastfeeding education to postpartum nurses …

Enhancing Preventative Health Care For Latino Migrant Dairy Farm Workers In Addison County, Vermont, Elizabeth A. Douglas

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Latino dairy farmworkers, mainly from Mexico and Guatemala, help produce over 50% of Vermont’s milk. Latino dairy farmworkers may not seek health care for many reasons, including fear of immigration/law enforcement, language barriers, lack of transportation, and cost of care. Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to increase the utilization of health care services, including immunizations, of migrant farmers by educating and providing information about preventative, curative, and support services available in southern Vermont (VT). Methods: The intervention, one 60-minute educational program session took place at a local church service for migrant farmers, and an informational pamphlet …

Improvement Of Overweight And Obesity Screening And Intervention In Primary Care, Catherine Lehtinen

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Obesity is a chronic health condition, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, and is inadequately managed and treated in primary care. The Obesity Pathway is an organization-specific algorithm for providers to treat patients with obesity.

Purpose: To improve provider use of an Obesity Pathway in a primary care clinic and to increase the screening and intervention of all adult patients with overweight or obese status.

Methods: The Obesity Pathway was reviewed with primary care providers as well as best practices for weight management, obesity bias and stigma. The NEW Attitudes Scale and satisfaction surveys were completed by providers before …

Improving Telehealth Knowledge And Comfort In An Older Adult Population, Carolyn J. Jones

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Telehealth usage is increasing a means of providing healthcare in a more efficient and cost-effective way. Older adults have been left behind from the telehealth movement and this can negatively impact their access to the healthcare system.

Purpose: An educational workshop was offered in a local older adult community with the goal of increasing their knowledge, literacy, motivation, and usage of telehealth.

Methods: The participants completed a pre-assessment survey to determine their baseline knowledge, experience, and perceptions about telehealth. They then participated in an educational workshop, which consisted of a 45-minute presentation given via Zoom with a 15-minute …

Utilizing A Toolkit With Individualized Food Label Education For Healthy Food Choices To Reduce The Burden Of Chronic Disease Among Black Americans, Johanna M. Kasidi

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background/Purpose: Black Americans are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases related to diet including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and stroke when they lack healthy food options and healthy living environments. The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a toolkit that primary care providers could use to educate and support Black adults in adopting healthy diet habits to improve overall outcomes and work towards decreasing this disparity.

Methods: This quality improvement project took place at a Community Health Clinic in an urban neighborhood. Participants received nutrition education utilizing a graphic titled “Your Nutrition Facts” …

Improving Lgbtq Provider Competency In The Emergency Department: Guided By Leininger’S Theory Of Transcultural Nursing, Kandyce Casey

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) population have poorer health outcomes and health disparities due to stigma and discrimination when compared to the general population. The LGBTQ population represents many ethnicities, races, religions, social classes which creates an additional barrier to care. The LGBTQ person has higher rates of being uninsured and therefore healthcare is often delayed, or medical attention is sought in the emergency department (ED) for nonurgent issues.

Purpose: To increase competency of ED providers when caring for the LGBTQ population in the ED by implementing an evidence-based educational program.

Methods: The quality improvement …

Improving Pain Management Of Cognitively Intact Older Adults In Long-Term Care Facilities, Lorraine Howlett

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: Pain among residents in long-term care facilities (LTCF) is underrecognized and undertreated. Older adults present a pain management challenge due to their altered pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, multiple morbidities, and polypharmacy. Long-term care facility nurses must be knowledgeable of treatment options, assessment of pain before and after treatment interventions, and how to implement any changes needed as indicated by post-treatment assessment. Barriers such as negative staff attitudes and biases, time constraints, and degree of organizational support may need to be overcome.

Purpose: With increased education, resources, and support, LTCF nurses will be better prepared to provide optimal pain management care …