Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Standardizing Group Visits For Gestational Diabetes Education: A Quality Improvement Initiative In An Outpatient Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic, Nha Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: At an outpatient maternal-fetal medicine clinic in Northern California, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) education is delivered inconsistently across nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered dietitians (RDs), with no standardized curriculum, referral criteria, or educational materials. Aim: By August 12, 2026, this project aimed to develop and implement a standardized GDM group visit framework for NPs, RDs, and scheduling staff in maternal-fetal medicine clinic, increasing compliance with standardized referral, enrollment, and educational processes from a baseline of 0% to 50%. Methods: Using baseline observations, workflow assessment, stakeholder input, and a literature review, the QI team developed standardized bilingual slide …

Skin Is In: Promoting Breastfeeding Through Immediate Cesarean Skin-To-Skin, Autumn Spencer

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists identify immediate, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact as a standard of care that improves neonatal stability, breastfeeding outcomes, and maternal satisfaction. Despite these recommendations, timely initiation following cesarean birth remains inconsistent. At the project site, skin-to-skin initiation averaged 72 minutes after birth, exceeding the 10-minute benchmark, and exclusive breastfeeding rates were below the national standard of 70%. Contributing barriers included workflow variability, unclear role expectations, and inconsistent communication.

Aim of the Project: The aim of the project was to improve infant and maternal …

Enhancing Emergency Department Preparedness For Amniotic Fluid Embolism Through Evidence-Based Simulation Training, Olivia M. Smoak

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Maternal mortality in the United States remains a significant and worsening public health concern, with increasing reliance on emergency departments (EDs) as access points for maternal care. Emergency clinicians are therefore more likely to encounter high-acuity obstetric emergencies, including maternal cardiac arrest and amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), yet often receive limited formal training in these conditions. Simulation-based education, interdisciplinary training, and cognitive aids have been identified as effective strategies to improve performance in high-risk, low-frequency events.

The purpose of the evidence-based practice project was to evaluate whether an interdisciplinary simulation with obstetric-led debrief and introduction of the AFE checklist improves …

Assessing The Impact Of Interprofessional Simulation Training On Perioperative Staff's Confidence In Managing Maternal Hemorrhage, Mallory Duncan, Lidia Vazquez

Scholars Week

Globally, maternal mortality rates remain a critical public health challenge, often related to inadequate healthcare infrastructure in low-income countries. Yet according to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), maternal mortality rates in the United States are also on the rise, with nearly 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. These deaths are largely contributed to maternal hemorrhage (PPH), defined by ACOG as cumulative blood loss of at least 1,000 mL accompanied by symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours of the birth process. These findings underscore an urgent need to strengthen the training for perioperative staff in the management of …

Bridging Ipv And Sud For Pregnant And Postpartum Women: A Case Report Of Interdisciplinary Programming In Mississippi, Catherine Poehling, Masoumeh Karimi, Chinedu Chukwu, Jerome R. Kolbo, Xiaoshan Gordy, Saijun Zhang, Matthew Morris, Andrew Voluse, Erin Dehon, Michelle Brassfield, Danielle Lahn, Lisa Slade, Deanna Howington, Kathleen Rhodes, Tearsanee Davis, Sonja Fuqua, Mary M. Wesley, Lei Zhang

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) adolescents in the U.S. South experience disproportionately high rates of bullying, discrimination, depression, and suicidality. Supportive and inclusive school climates are identified as key protective factors that can mitigate these risks and function as primary prevention against violence. This systematic narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed research and high-quality survey reports published between 2015 and 2024 that assess school climate, mental health, and violence-related outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth with representation from Southern states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 1,167 records …

Advancing Screening For Intimate Partner Violence In Pregnant Individuals Throughout The Perinatal Period To Prevent Adverse Pregnancy And Maternal Outcomes, Emilia R. Valdez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of IPV …

Impact Of Interprofessional Collaboration On Nurses And Occupational Therapists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beverly Murphy, Marissa Casamento, Abigail Fleming, Anna Gomolski, Camryn Labrador

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

This study explores the impact of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between nurses and occupational therapists (OTs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It investigates the process of collaboration and stakeholder perceptions of interprofessional teamwork. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of IPC in the NICU setting, specifically between nurses and OTs, and to identify barriers that might hinder optimal collaboration.

Methods

A single survey instrument was distributed via social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) and completed by 47 participants (21 Nurses, 26 Occupational therapists). The survey, created using REDCap, included scaled items …

Enhancing Patient Outcomes: Developing A Comprehensive Database For Tracking Post- Dural Puncture Headache Incidence And Contributing Factors, Meredith B. Auge, Brittany Bogonovich

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a debilitating complication following labor analgesia, often resulting from unintentional dural puncture (UDP). While national incidence is approximately 1.5%, institutional rates may vary due to provider experience, documentation practices, and patient factors. This Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) quality improvement project aimed to improve identification and monitoring of UDP and PDPH through a revised tracking tool, retrospective review of 2024 data, and planning for an electronic registry. A multidisciplinary team of anesthesiologists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs), and IT and quality specialists revised an existing tracking tool to better …

Men’S Preconception Health: Impact On Pregnancy And Awareness Strategies., Kara I. Carr

Honors Capstones

Men’s preconception health plays a critical role in pregnancy outcomes, but it continues to be overlooked in healthcare education. While women are routinely counseled by OBGYN providers on how nutrition, lifestyle, and chronic conditions can affect fertility, men often receive little to no guidance from their primary care providers. This project uses a literature review to look deeper into how limited awareness and involvement in men’s preconception health may impact pregnancy and infant health outcomes. The gap is linked to cultural norms, healthcare practices, and the lack of clear resources for men. This research aims to develop strategies that promote …

Advanced Screening For Intimate Partner Violence To Prevent Adverse Pregnancy And Maternal Outcomes, Emilia R. Valdez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of …

Psychological Impact Of Ulcerative Colitis On Pregnancy And Postpartum Period, Stephanie C. Carver

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) poses significant challenges during pregnancy, affecting both physical and mental health. While the physiological effects of UC during pregnancy are well documented, less is known about its impact on maternal mental health. This study aims to investigate the psychological effects of UC on pregnant women, focusing on stress levels, postpartum depression (PPD) incidence, and the role of multidisciplinary care in improving mental health outcomes.

Objective

The primary objective of this research proposal is to evaluate the psychological impact of UC during pregnancy and determine whether disease activity increases the risk of PPD and stress. A secondary …

Breastfeeding Education Knowledge, Danielle Sees

St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA. Evidence Based Practice Conference

No abstract provided.

Benefits To Swaddle Bathing, Brenna Dotson, Kori Redden, Cassidy Payne

Scholars Week

Swaddle bathing is a technique that entails bathing an infant while they are comforted in a swaddle. This technique is rarely seen in everyday hospital practice, even though there is ample evidence of its benefits and advantages. Our project aimed to combine research proving the effectiveness of swaddle bathing through scoring methods that consider pain, vital signs, temperature, crying duration, and more. The research is combined to support the impact that swaddle bathing can have on not only infants but parents as well. Parents implementing the swaddle bath enjoy improved confidence and attachment, along with decreased stress. The evidence was …

Social Determinants Of Health Curriculum For The Pediatric Clerkship, Caroline Roth, Amy Prudhomme, Kayla Griese, Robbie Beyl, Jessica Patrick-Esteve

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Education on social determinants of health (SDH) aligns with national standards for medical education. However, there are minimal existing resources targeted to medical students specific to the care of the pediatric population. We designed a case-based curriculum on SDH for third-year medical students on their pediatric clerkship to address this deficit. Methods: Third-year medical students on their pediatric clerkship received a case-based flipped classroom educational series on SDH in four 10-minute segments. Students completed voluntary and anonymous surveys delivered via an electronic survey tool before and after completion of the curriculum. Surveys were a self-assessment of knowledge and skills …

Improved Pediatric Icu Mortality Prediction For Respiratory Diseases: Machine Learning And Data Subdivision Insights, Johayra Prithula, Muhammad E H Chowdhury, Muhammad Salman Khan, Khalid Al-Ansari, Susu M Zughaier, Khandaker Reajul Islam, Abdulrahman Alqahtani

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The growing concern of pediatric mortality demands heightened preparedness in clinical settings, especially within intensive care units (ICUs). As respiratory-related admissions account for a substantial portion of pediatric illnesses, there is a pressing need to predict ICU mortality in these cases. This study based on data from 1188 patients, addresses this imperative using machine learning techniques and investigating different class balancing methods for pediatric ICU mortality prediction. This study employs the publicly accessible "Paediatric Intensive Care database" to train, validate, and test a machine learning model for predicting pediatric patient mortality. Features were ranked using three machine learning feature selection …

Using Simulation To Enhance Undergraduate Nursing Education, Lori Prewitt Moore, Candice N. Selwyn

CoTL 2024 Posters

This poster presentation will discuss the implementation of simulation-based education in the undergraduate nursing curriculum to increase preparedness in caring for adolescent patients with symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation. This topic aligns with the conference’s theme by identifying the importance of introducing nursing students to urgent and life-threatening simulated healthcare events prior to graduation. The plan for this presentation is to impart information to others regarding the use of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning’s standards of best practice when implementing innovative, simulation-based education for nursing students. The outcome and objectives for this presentation is to …

The Impact Of Kangaroo Care On The Weight Gain Of Premature Infants, Heather Vincequere

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Premature birth remains a global health concern, affecting approximately 15 million infants annually (WHO, 2023). Kangaroo Care (KC), involving skin-to-skin contact between caregivers and infants, was developed as a promising intervention to mitigate the adverse effects of prematurity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of KC on weight gain among preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Doctors Hospital of Augusta (DHOA). A quasi-experimental quantitative posttest-only design was employed, with eight preterm infants (< 37 weeks gestation) participating in KC for at least 30 minutes daily. Daily weight measurements were collected over a four-week period and compared to the expected weight gain for infants receiving traditional incubator care. Results revealed a statistically significant increase in weight gain among infants receiving KC compared to the historical average for infants in traditional incubator care (t (7) = 2.443, p = 0.022). A large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.864) further supported the significance of these findings. Despite limitations such as a small sample size and convenience sampling, this study emphasizes that KC enhances weight gain in preterm infants, thus improving overall health outcomes. Implementation of KC requires ongoing support from nurse leaders to ensure proper education and successful integration into routine care practices. Nonetheless, continued research with larger samples and improved randomization is warranted to fully understand the long-term benefits of KC in neonatal care settings.

Evaluating Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Regarding Language Access Services In The Clinical Setting, Rachel Archibald

DNP Projects

Background: Barriers to accessing and understanding healthcare can place patients with low English proficiency at an increased risk of poor health outcomes. Language-based inequities in healthcare exist due to lack of interpretation and translation services available, lack of healthcare workers’ knowledge of resources, and/or perceptions that these services require too much time or effort. Failing to address barriers affecting this population leaves them vulnerable in the healthcare setting.

Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was to educate nurses, providers, and staff on an inpatient unit at a rural hospital of the language interpretation resources available, best practices for implementation, …

Using Education To Confidently Identify And Report Concerns Of Child Abuse And Neglect: A Qualitative Improvement Initiative Through Staff Development, Sarah E. Neilson

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Pre-licensure education on child abuse and neglect is crucial for nurses in the healthcare field. It helps to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, report, and intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect. Having this education available and understanding the signs and effects of child abuse and neglect, empowers nurses to take quick and decisive action in early intervention and prevention. Within the microsystem of a local Operating Room (OR), this quality improvement (QI) project will determine the muchneeded addition to the healthcare curriculum.

METHODS: The Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) framework was …

The Effect Of Nursing Education On The Utilization Of Kangaroo Mother Care And Weight Gain Of Preterm And Low Birth Weight Infants, Jhenalynn Valete

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), often referred to as skin-to-skin contact, is an intervention for preterm and low birth weight infants, involving the practice of the mother or caregiver holding the newborn against their bare chest (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). This is a cost-effective and natural way to enhance health outcomes such as temperature regulation, weight gain, respiratory function, pain mitigation, and facilitation of breastfeeding for the neonate (Jefferies et al., 2012).

Nursing staff may have limited knowledge regarding KMC which creates challenges in effectively educating parents. This information prompts the following question: “Can Nurse Education about the Importance of Kangaroo Mother …

Implementation Of A Structured Hybrid Training Program To Improve Clinical Skills And Staff Confidence In The Care Of Maternal And Neonatal Patients In The Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Project, Melissa Hewitt

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Caring for a pregnant woman or compromised newborn is often a stressful situation for all healthcare workers regardless of their experience or expertise. This stress is only heightened when the patient presents to a unit that may not be comfortable with the situation such as the Emergency Department (ED). Often units such as the ED do not receive adequate training in caring for maternal and neonatal patients. The infrequency of patient interactions coupled with their lack of knowledge can leave staff with decreased levels of confidence. Various research articles recommend that hospitals provide interdisciplinary team training for high acuity low …

Benefits Of Using An Upright Laboring Position As Compared To Supine In The Second Stage Of Labor And The Impact On The Use Of Assisted Devices, Chelsey Cook

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

Abstract: This paper explores the conclusion that women and their infants are at an increased risk for harm when assisted devices are used during the second stage of labor. Traditional practices involving a supine position during pushing have been associated with an elevated likelihood of assisted delivery, necessitating interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, or episiotomy. However, emerging evidence suggests that adopting an upright position during labor may help decrease the need for these interventions and positively impact maternal and fetal outcomes.

Although comprehensive research on this topic is limited, the available evidence supports the benefits of an upright position …

The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy And Informed Decision-Making On Primiparous Women During The Birthing Process, Morgan R. Fillipo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Childbirth is a very intense and vulnerable experience, especially for first-time mothers. Across the globe, the prevalence of traumatic and unsatisfying births has become an increasingly troublesome issue for women. There is extensive evidence of maltreatment, and a large portion of the problem has to do with the client’s medical team. To combat this dilemma, the best course of action would be to prepare women for this possibility by increasing the client’s self-efficacy and decision-making abilities. Self-efficacy, also known as confidence in one’s skills, is an important trait to have when it comes to patients being able to advocate for …

Gender Differences In Administration Of Tpa In Treatment Of Ischemic Stroke, Christina Annerino

CURE Proceedings

As medicine and pharmacology advance through the years, new life-saving treatments are studied or discovered every day, and a medical emergency is no longer a death sentence. Even with conditions as serious as ischemic stroke, there is hope for survival and rehabilitation with the ‘clot-busting’ drug, tissue plasminogen activator, colloquially known as ‘tPA’. tPA is a thrombolytic agent, a substance that acts on fibrin in clots to dissolve them so they can no longer cause ischemia in blood vessels that results in a stroke. (Vega, 2022). tPA is an extremely effective treatment for ischemic stroke, demonstrated in 2013 by a …

Implementation Of Staff Education To Standardize The Use Of Positions During The First Stage Of Labor, Minh Chau T. Phan

Master's Projects and Capstones

This project aims to educate labor and delivery (L&D) nurses on effective laboring positions that can aid fetal descent during the first stage of labor. In an L&D unit of a south Bay Area County hospital, there is a lack of standardization of knowledge and practices on laboring positions among the nursing staff. Evidence shows that upright positions and frequent mobility are effective in shortening the duration of labor and minimizing unnecessary cesarean deliveries. Based on the evidence, a project was implemented using verbal education of evidence-based laboring positions. An educational handout was also provided along with a recorded video …

Effects And Outcomes Of Different Laboring Positions And The Influence From Societal Norms, Amberlyn Heskett

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Within labor and delivery, every birth is different. Alarmingly, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate, including death during labor, among developed countries (World Health Organization, 2022). Many maternal deaths may be preventable.

In the U.S., the use of forceps, vacuum-assisted birth, episiotomies, and emergency C-sections are common for women during childbirth. Even though some laboring positions may assist birthing more than others, there often is resistance to allowing various positions due to outside influences, including societal norms, hospital management, and healthcare professional training. Women in labor are vulnerable and look to their nurses for support during the …

The Effects Of Prenatal Patient Education Regarding Epidural Anesthesia, Auburn Merritt

Symposium of Student Scholars

This project is important because there is a lack of education for prenatal women regarding epidural anesthesia which causes misunderstanding, confusion, a deficit of knowledge, and a lack of support. The purpose of this project is to analyze and suggest the importance of proper education regarding epidural anesthesia. Proper prenatal education causes resolution of misconceptions as well as causes patients to be more satisfied with their pain management during labor. Evidence that I found suggested that after proper education more pregnant women planned to receive epidural anesthesia (Cutajar, 2018). Women preferred detailed education to increase knowledge of the risks and …

Improving The Delivery Of Discharge Instructions On The Postpartum Unit By Increasing The Nurses' Knowledge, Judy Anne Settles

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

The field of nursing prides itself on two critical functions: safety and patient education. One of the mechanisms for both education and safety is the discharge process. Improvements in the discharge process have been shown to increase patient comprehension and safety. This study is grounded in the (Barach & Johnson, 2006) healthcare organizational framework called the 5 Ps microsystems assessment to explore the impacts and improvements in the discharge instruction process on a postpartum unit in a large organization. It was found that HCAHPS scores regarding discharge instructions were 55-60%, which is below what is considered satisfactory. Utilizing the …

No One Should Have To Give Birth Alone: An Analysis Of The Efficacy Of Community-Based Doula Programs Serving Ethnic Minorities In San Francisco, Maria Margaret Nelson

Master's Projects and Capstones

Adverse birth outcomes for both the parent and the child disproportionately affect people of color. Evidence demonstrates that one of the ways to mitigate these negative consequences is through the utilization of a doula, a trained birth companion that is not a medical provider but whose role it is to physically and emotionally support the patient through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Community-based doula programs, where the doula is of the same cultural background as the client, are particularly effective in improving birth outcomes in communities of color by providing culturally competent care and helping to navigate a healthcare system that …

Prenatal Education For Black Mothers And Their Support Persons As An Intervention For Improving Initiation Of Breastfeeding, Sandra King

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: The benefits of breastfeeding are commonly known; however, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding among the Black community are less than those of other ethnic groups. Providing breastmilk or formula to an infant is an individual decision. Influential factors such as cultural background, employment status, socioeconomic status, level of education, and availability of support from family members and health care providers correlate with the method a mother chooses to feed her infant. Increasing breastfeeding initiation immediately after birth is a necessary precedent for uptake in the exclusivity of breastfeeding.

Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice project aims to improve prenatal …