Promoting Equitable Access To Postpartum Hemorrhage Education: A Quality Improvement Project Using Educational Interventions For Night Shift Nurses, Michelle Stella

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious condition that can lead to maternal morbidity or mortality following the birth of their child. It is important for nurses to be properly educated to manage this condition quickly and efficiently. Night shift nurses often face barriers to accessing educational opportunities during their shift because most education is tailored to daytime hours.

Local Problem: At the project site facility, night shift nurses perceived inconsistent access to education compared to day shift nurses. This gap highlighted the need for more flexible educational modalities to meet the needs of night shift nurses.

Methods: This …

Improving Equipment Safety And Operational Efficiency In The Labor And Delivery Setting Using A Standardized Bedside Equipment Checklist: A Quality Improvement Project, Clara E. Lane

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Timely and effective neonatal resuscitation depends on the immediate availability and functionality of emergency equipment. Within labor and delivery settings, equipment failures or delays in obtaining necessary supplies and equipment can be detrimental to neonatal health outcomes. Standardized equipment verification processes have been recommended to improve equipment readiness and reduce preventable delays in care provision during neonatal emergencies.

Local Problem: Baseline observational data within the labor and delivery microsystem identified inconsistencies in equipment verification processes, resulting in variable equipment readiness across the microsystem. Staff reported variations in room preparation, safety checks, and concerns related to missing or malfunctioning equipment …

Implementing A Nurse Re-Education Program To Promote Timely Use Of The Jada® System In The Postpartum Hemorrhage Cascade: A Quality Improvement Project, Maegan E. Doody

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), defined as blood loss greater than 1,000 mL after delivery, is a leading cause of maternal morbidity in the United States. Identification of risk factors and timely intervention are critical to improving maternal outcomes after delivery. First-line interventions include manual uterine massage, uterotonic medications, and antifibrinolytic medications; however, when bleeding is not well controlled, the Jada® System (Jada) is a newer vacuum-induced hemorrhage control device with a high efficacy and safety profile, particularly when implemented earlier in the hemorrhage cascade.

Local Problem: In 2025, the annual rate of PPH within the microsystem was 7.29%, …

Improving Perinatal Outcomes With The Mood Disorder Questionnaire: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Identification And Referral, Elizabeth R. Bargardo

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health is a growing concern, with under identification and lack of access to mental health as contributing factors. Screening tools such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire are one way to increase identification of patients at risk for bipolar-spectrum disorders and subsequent postpartum psychosis and initiate referrals to appropriate mental health services.

Local Problem: One outpatient women’s health center has a 94% screening rate for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) for anxiety and depression but has not implemented a screening for bipolar disorder. In addition, while approximately one in five perinatal patients struggles with a mental …

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Reinforce Education To Increase Nurses’ Knowledge And Confidence In Patient-Centered Labor Positioning, Larkyn Baum

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Cesarean section (CS) delivery is an important and necessary intervention, yet comes with increased risks to the patient and fetus compared to vaginal birth. CS rates have been increasing globally, and implementing interventions to promote vaginal birth, especially for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) patients is of interest to patients, providers, and institutions.

Local Problem: In 2024, the CS rate within the microsystem was 32%, more than double the WHO-recommended benchmark of 10–15%. Of all CS deliveries in 2024, 31% were nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) patients, who are considered optimal candidates for vaginal delivery. Given the elevated rate …

A Quality Improvement Initiative: Enhancing Knowledge And Confidence In Effective Eclamptic Seizure Management Among Maternity Nurses, Emma C. Donigian

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Preeclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E) are leading contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality rates globally. Timely recognition and intervention are essential for improving maternal outcomes. However, evidence indicates that healthcare professionals often lack sufficient knowledge and confidence in managing these conditions, highlighting a critical need for ongoing education to ensure safe, effective care.

Local Problem: At a small maternity unit in Northern New England, nurses expressed concern about their preparedness to manage eclamptic seizures, a rare but high-risk obstetric emergency. Although preeclampsia is commonly encountered, eclampsia occurs infrequently, limiting staff exposure and hands-on experience. This combination of low frequency and …

A Quality Improvement Project: Increasing Nurse Satisfaction With Patient Educational Material Related To Pain Management Options During Labor, Madison Grant

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND:

Pain management is a large portion of what nurses manage during the patient’s time on the labor and delivery unit. The primary forms of pain management that is available to women during this time includes epidurals, nitrous oxide, stadol/diphenhydramine, and nonpharmacological options such as breathing techniques. It is essential that patients are aware of all pain management options prior to entering the unit for delivery, however sometimes nurses have to help to close the educational gap.

LOCAL PROBLEM:

Within the microsystem, it was acknowledged that many patients lacked the education of their pain management options prior to delivery which …

Timing And Temperature Of Newborn Baths: A Qualitative Improvement Initiative Through Nursing Staff Development, Eileen Harwood

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Newborn bathing is a common task performed in a labor and delivery unit of a hospital, a newborn’s bath temperature, timing and how long it is performed, are important metrics to consider. Due to a newborn’s immature thermoregulation, there are multiple implications that come with receiving a bath that is not an optimal temperature or that is too soon after birth. As newborn bathing is often overlooked task due to its quotidian nature, a literature review of current evidence-based practice revealed the urgency to keep the optimal conditions at the forefront of considerations for both nurses and caregivers. …

A Quality Improvement Project: Increasing Pre-Term Infant Safety By Enhancing Skin-To-Skin Time In The Nicu, Maureen A. Cassidy

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Skin-to-skin (STS) contact, also known as kangaroo care, is a critical intervention for preterm infants, especially for those in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It promotes neurodevelopmental outcomes, physiological stability, and parental bonding. However, STS often falls below recommended daily levels due to a variety of berries. Exploring aids like belly bands may help address these barriers and promote improved outcomes.

Local Problem: STS time in this NICU microsystem falls significantly below nationally recommended levels, with most preterm infants receiving less than one to two hours daily compared to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 8-24 hours per …

Enhancing Postpartum Depression Screening Tools To Improve Maternal Mental Health Outcomes: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Jillian Squires

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent and serious condition affecting new mothers, often underdiagnosed due to challenges in traditional screening methods. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

LOCAL PROBLEM:

On the maternity unit, existing PPD screening processes were insufficient, with significant barriers including patient reluctance to disclose mental health concerns, leading to missed or inadequately addressed PPD cases.

METHODS:

This quality improvement (QI) project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework. Pre-intervention surveys were conducted to identify current challenges and perceptions. An at-home PPD screening tool using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) …

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 …

Improving Postpartum Depression Education Within The Microsystem, Mackenzie A. Sturdevant

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health issue affecting a substantial percentage of new mothers, ranging from "baby blues" to severe forms like postpartum psychosis. Maternity nurses play a crucial role in early detection and education due to the gap in postpartum care follow-up appointments, which can delay necessary interventions.

LOCAL PROBLEM: Despite the critical role of maternity nurses, there is variability in their preparedness to educate and support patients regarding PPD during the immediate postpartum period. This study aims to enhance maternity nurses' knowledge and confidence in providing PPD education through a quality improvement (QI) project within …

Improving The Postpartum Depression Discharge Education To Increase Quality And Safety Of Care: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Amanda Lucia

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most prevalent psychological condition to affect mothers following childbirth which can have detrimental consequences on the physical and mental health of the mother, child, and spouse (Wang et al., 2021). Globally, postpartum depression affects 17.2% of the world population, and in the United States 1 in 8 women who recently gave birth reported symptoms of PPD, and 1 in 10 women reported experiencing a major depressive episode within a year following delivery (CDC, 2023). Patients’ spouses and family members are in a unique position to identify early manifestations of PPD which can lead to …

Incorporating Non-Pharmacological Labor Coping Methods To Improve Nursing Care And Reduce Primary Cesarean Section Rates: A Quality Improvement Project, Cait Maccabe

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cesarean sections (c-sections), while life-saving in some circumstances, carry a significantly higher risk of morbidity and mortality than vaginal birth for birthing patients and neonates alike. Despite this, rates of c-section have continued to rise in the US and around the world. As primary cesarean births are highly likely to lead to repeat cesarean births, concerted efforts are being made to reduce them both broadly and within the setting of this quality improvement (QI) project: a labor and delivery unit located within a Level II trauma center in New Hampshire. A literature review provided evidence supporting the use …

Streamlining The Postpartum Educational Process For Safe And Equitable Patient Care: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Shea N. Cook

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Postpartum discharge education is essential in the care of mothers, newborns, and their families as they transition from the hospital setting to home. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services has identified postpartum discharge education content as a public health priority to reduce physical and mood-related postpartum complications. Over half of all serious morbidity and mortality complications occur after a postpartum patient leaves the hospital. It is essential that hospitals utilize the best evidence-based practices to maximize the impact of patient education during maternity care in the hospital.

LOCAL PROBLEM:

Within the given microsystem there is a …

Promoting Postpartum Knowledge And Support Through The Provision Of Educational And Support Resources During The Postpartum Admission Stay: A Quality Improvement Project, Danielle Woodman

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: The postpartum period is often imbued with heightened emotions, unfamiliar challenges, and an abundance of uncertainty. Postpartum depression and anxiety are well discussed in literature, yet postpartum mothers may lack knowledge of these conditions and their associated risk factors, signs, and symptoms as well as the support resources which are available to them. Improved postpartum support and awareness may alleviate the prevalence, severity, and progression of these conditions into more severe cases.

LOCAL PROBLEM: Within the given microsystem, a gap in postpartum educational and support resources exists due to a lack of resource awareness and ease of accessibility.

METHODS: …

Improving Breastfeeding Establishment By Reducing The Use Of Bottles And Artificial Nipples With Medically Needed Supplementation In Full-Term Breastfed Infants: A Quality Improvement Project, Sara Fazzi Garcia

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Breastfeeding has long been strongly recommended by national and international organizations as a prevention of many common and chronic diseases. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was developed to motivate hospitals to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. This Quality Improvement (QI) project aims at supporting the continuation of the Baby-Friendly designation at the organization is being implemented, by focusing on reducing the use of bottles and artificial nipples for medically necessary supplementation for full-term breastfed newborns.

Methods: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework was utilized to guide this quality improvement project.

Intervention: Educational posters on the interference of the use …