Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Increasing Awareness Of Implicit Bias And Systemic Racism Among Clinical Staff Caring For Non-Hispanic Black Maternal Patients, Melissa Courtney

DNP Projects

Background: Kentucky is ranked 17^th in the nation for the highest maternal mortality rate in the U.S. with a rate of 22.9 per 100,000, and 78 percent of those maternal deaths were considered preventable. The Non-Hispanic Black maternal death rate in the U.S. and Kentucky is 2.9 times higher than that of the Non-Hispanic White maternal counterparts (Kentucky Department of Public Health Division of Maternal and Child Health (KDPHDMCH), 2022). The fundamental cause of maternal health inequities is structural racism, which leads to poor treatment and experiences in the healthcare system (Chinn et al., 2020). Structural racism and implicit …

Implementation Of An Induction Of Labor Protocol, Rebecca A. Erickson

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects

Background: Nationwide focus has been placed on the reduction of incidence of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) patients.
Local Problem: Nursing leaders of a maternal child health unit in the upper Midwest recognized a need to reduce the rate of adverse maternal outcomes with evidence-based practice. The facility does not currently have an induction of labor (IOL) protocol.
Methods: The California Maternal Quality Care Collaboration Toolkit to Support Vaginal Birth and Reduce Primary Cesarean Sections was used to create an IOL protocol to prevent adverse maternal outcomes. Categorical outcome data was compared for 6 …

Implementation Of An Oral Sucrose Protocol For Advanced Practice Providers, Cori Shatto

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects

Background/Purpose: Pain in infancy due to immunization administration often goes untreated. The pain infants experience leads to negative effects on neurodevelopment and pain response. Needle fear develops in infancy and can extend into adulthood, leading to vaccine avoidance and endemic outbreaks. Methods: In a family practice clinic in an upper Midwest state, an oral sucrose protocol was implemented for use by advanced practice providers (APPs). Prior to education on the protocol, a survey was administered to assess the providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) in relation to oral sucrose. The providers were educated on the benefits and intended use of …

Breastfeeding Support In Your Pocket: Evaluating The Impact Of A Mobile App On Maternal Success, Maygan Brandt

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Breastfeeding has well-known benefits for both the nursing infant and the birthing parent. It bolsters the newborn immune system, and reduces the risk of future health conditions in both parties. Due to these advantages, several health organizations internationally recommend exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age. However, only a fraction of infants in the United States meet this goal each year. Improved rates and duration of exclusive breastfeeding will lead to better long-term health outcomes for patients. The use of smartphone applications for breastfeeding education and support has not been thoroughly researched. Objective: This thesis explores the feasibility of …

Post-Discharge Malaria Chemoprevention In Children Admitted With Severe Anaemia In Malaria-Endemic Settings In Africa: A Systematic Review And Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis Of Randomised Controlled Trials, Kamija Phiri, Carole Khairallah, Titus Kwambai, Kalifa Bojang, Aggrey Dhabangi, Robert Opoka, Richard Idro, Kasia Stepniewska, Michael Boele Van Hensbroek, Chandy C John

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Severe anaemia is associated with high in-hospital mortality among young children. In malaria-endemic areas, surviving children also have an increased risk of mortality or readmission after hospital discharge. We conducted a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of monthly post-discharge malaria chemoprevention in children recovering from severe anaemia.

Methods: This analysis was conducted according to PRISMA-IPD guidelines. We searched multiple databases on Aug 28, 2023, without date or language restrictions, for randomised controlled trials comparing monthly post-discharge malaria chemoprevention with placebo or standard of care among children (agedyears) admitted with severe anaemia in malaria-endemic …

The Impact Of Spanish Classes For Labor And Delivery Nurses On Postpartum Depression Incidence Among Hispanic Women, Leilani Gutierrez

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of clinical depression that affects individuals after childbirth and is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and other symptoms that impact daily functioning. After childbirth, postpartum depression and anxiety are experienced by 70-80% of new mothers (South Dakota Department of Health). The likelihood being twice as high for Hispanic women compared to caucasian women. Postpartum depression impacts 30-43% of Hispanic mothers who have recently given birth. Research indicates that poor childbirth experiences can lead to postpartum depression (Lara-Cinisomo et al,. 2023). The connection between language obstacles in the maternal care of Hispanic women and …

Doula Support For Hispanic Women, Marilyn Cervantes-Munoz, Daisy Arango-Hernandez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Purpose

This quantitative study will seek to provide valuable insight into the needs and preferences of Hispanic women during labor with the potential benefit of doula support in minimizing their pain.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design study will be conducted, randomizing a convenient sample into two groups consisting of one experimental and one control group, with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of doula presence as a source for pain management in Hispanic women. One hundred Hispanic women will be recruited under the following criteria: 18 years or older, a single fetus pregnancy, gestational age 37 weeks and above, and no …

Empowering Maternal Resilience: A Prenatal Education Program For Mothers And Their Chosen Support Persons For Postpartum Depression, Jennifer Medina

Nursing | Senior Theses

Previous research studies have demonstrated the positive impact education and social support has on reducing the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) when used separately. However, there exists a clear gap in understanding the combined effects of integrating both education and social support during the prenatal period on PPD. This longitudinal quasi-experimental study aims to evaluate the impact of an in-person prenatal PPD prevention program for the birthing person, requiring the presence of a support person on the reduction of PPD. Participants and their chosen support persons will receive information on PPD, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, preventative measures, and …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Culture Based Nurse-Led Education For Postpartum Depression In Primiparous Asian-American Women, Colleen Peralta

Nursing | Senior Theses

The postpartum period is a critical period in regards to maternal health, marked by various physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Among the vulnerabilities that arise, postpartum depression (PPD) poses significant risks. More specifically, Asian-American mothers with postpartum depression face unique challenges, including the stigma surrounding mental health. As mental health stigma remains prevalent within the Asian-American community, it can make it challenging for mothers to seek out mental health care for postpartum depression. To investigate, primary research articles about the perceptions and experiences of PPD and the interventions used to improve PPD outcomes were examined. A plan for a future …

The Impact Of Spanish Language Training For Labor And Delivery Nurses On Postpartum Depression Incidence Among Hispanic Women, Leilani Gutierrez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Postpartum depression and anxiety are experienced by 70-80% of new mothers, and the likelihood is twice as high for Hispanic women compared to caucasian women. Supportive techniques to help monolingual mothers in labor are lacking. A translator's assistance on the hospital floor, such as a video call from an iPad, is often impersonal and lacks the supportive atmosphere that women preparing to give birth need. The primary objective of this study is to explore the potential benefits of providing Spanish-speaking courses to labor and delivery nurses, particularly in cultivating a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for Hispanic mothers during childbirth. By …

Telehealth: A Rising Intervention For Latina Mothers Experiencing Prenatal And Postpartum Depression, Britney Gutierrez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is high among Latina women but often goes unrecognized and untreated. Recognition and management of PPD in this population is crucial as PPD contributes to negative health effects on the mother and infant. Purpose: This research aims to look into telehealth to improve screening methods and treatment for Latina mothers through a Spanish mobile health application that will provide screening and education on PPD. Method: This mixed-method quality improvement study will include 300 participants from an OB-GYN and Pediatrics community clinic, > 18 years old, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, Spanish speaking, currently pregnant, or had a child within …

Inclusivity Of In Vitro Fertilization Clinic Websites, Erin Donahue

Honors Theses and Capstones

In the world, many people cannot naturally conceive children. They may be infertile, lack an intimate partner, or be in a same-sex relationship. Artificial reproductive technologies (ARTs) are catered to the aforementioned population. ARTs are fertility treatments that assist people with the fertilization of gametes and/or implantation of embryos. One of the most popular ARTs is in-vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a medical procedure in which an egg is fertilized by sperm in a lab so it can develop into an embryo. That embryo can then be implanted directly into the uterus. This quality improvement project aims to determine the …

Impact Of Nursing Education On Kangaroo Mother Care: Neurodevelopment Outcomes In Preterm Infants, Giana Usac

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Preterm birth poses a significant risk to the normal trajectory of brain development, particularly in the cortex, which is responsible for higher cognitive functions, motor control, and socio-emotional processing. However, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has emerged as an important early intervention capable of improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm newborns. This quantitative research proposal aims to assess the influence of nurse education on KMC practices, identifying pivotal periods in infancy when KMC has the most significant impact on neurodevelopment outcomes in preterm infants. The literature critique focuses on the efficacy of nursing education, the optimization of KMC regarding duration and frequency, …

Complementary Therapies For Postpartum Mothers Of Multiples, Jewel Thomas

Nursing | Student Research Posters

There are many systemic changes that happen to the body after giving birth. Special consideration should be given to recovery during the postpartum period. Common physical symptoms during postpartum are breast engorgement and nipple pain, vaginal bleeding, soreness in perineal area, cramping during uterine involution, increased sweating usually at night, constipation, and hair loss (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). A vulnerable population is women experiencing a multiple pregnancy, such as those carrying twins or triplets. These women are more likely to experience gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, anemia and/or postpartum hemorrhage (University of Rochester Medical Center, 2024). Amidst this crucial time, advocating for …

The Impact Of Roe V. Wade Overturning On Women’S Access To Medical Abortions: Exploring Alternative Care Models, Gillie Mason

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturning on Women’s Access to Medical Abortions: Exploring Alternative Care Models

Medical abortion access is heavily influenced by state laws, with restrictive policies posing significant barriers for women seeking care. These barriers include limited local resources, travel burdens, and legal restrictions, which disproportionately affect marginalized populations. The Health Belief Model (HBM) highlights how individuals' perceptions of risks, benefits, and barriers shape their health decisions, making it an ideal framework for studying this issue (Rosenstock, 1974).

This research focuses on educating California-based providers to increase access to medical abortion services for patients in restrictive states. …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Postpartum Depression And Suicide Prevention In Asian Women, Emily J. Tan

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Postpartum Depression (PPD) remains a substantial contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. One in seven women experience PPD, especially among Asian Americans because of the stigma surrounding the discussion of mental health which is often overlooked and misdiagnosed. One significant repercusssion of untreated PPD is the risk for suicidal ideation, which is the second leading contributor of mortality during the postnatal stage (Carlson et al., 2024).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) consists of relaxation exercises, stress-reduction techniques, pain management strategies and effective problem-solving strategies. CBT takes place in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and group therapy (National …

Maternal Stress On Preterm Birth In Asian American Women, Dana Ma

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Pregnancy represents a crucial life event marked by numerous physical and emotional transformations. The presence of anxiety during pregnancy can negatively impact the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of educational interventions such as meditation, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing anxiety levels among pregnant Asian American women. Method: The quantitative true experiment will consist of 100 pregnant Asian American women meeting the inclusion criteria of singleton pregnancy, between ages 25 to 45, and absence of pregnancy complications. Participants will be conveniently sampled from OBGYN clinics in …

Specialized Support For Queer Women With Postpartum Depression, Dan-Tam Pham

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Queer women face disproportionately high rates of postpartum depression compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Studies showed that queer women face heightened mental health challenges, including higher rates of depression and anxiety due to factors like discrimination, limited support systems, and negative healthcare experiences. There is a need for culturally competent, LGBTQ+ affirming interventions to improve maternal mental health outcomes; despite the health disparities faced by this population, research on specialized postpartum interventions is limited, revealing gaps in effective mental health care for queer mothers. The key search terms for the articles used in the study included: postpartum depression, queer …

Reducing Paternal Stress In The Nicu: The Role Of Supportive Nursing Interventions, Kylie Bennett

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The neonatal intensive care unit, also known as the NICU, is a special unit for newborn babies who require intensive medical care (Stanford Medicine Children's Health, 2019). As of February 2024, 1 in 10 infants born in the United States is admitted to the NICU (Goodman et al., 2024). An infant’s NICU hospitalization generates significant stress for parents. Fathers of NICU infants often face unique stressors, and are commonly overlooked in the NICU environment (Rajabzadeh et al, 2020). With limited research on nursing interventions to address this stress specifically for fathers, this emphasizes the importance of exploring the stressors and …

The Impact Of Having A Native Spanish-Speaking Nurse In Labor And Delivery For Latina Mothers, Lesvia Muñoz Mazariegos

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Labor and Delivery is the physiological process in which a pregnant woman gives birth to a baby. (Lowdermilk et al., 2019). This can be a physically, emotionally, and medically challenging process for mothers. Patients with limited English proficiency have difficulties communicating their needs, more specifically pain management needs when there are language barriers between them and the healthcare staff. (Jimenez et al., 2012). As of July 2023, Hispanic or Latinos made up 19.5% of the United States population, an estimated 65.2 million people. (pewresearch.org). An increase in the Hispanic population that primarily speaks Spanish can pose challenges for healthcare settings …

Evaluating The Impact Of Simulation On Perceived Knowledge And Confidence Of New Graduate Nurses (Ngns) In Maternal-Newborn Care, Disa Seymour

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Background: Nursing education worldwide varies in duration and training process, with nurses often facing rapid immersion into patient care complexities when entering the workforce. While new nurses contribute significantly to the nursing community with contemporary knowledge, their transition to practice can be daunting, necessitating support for both competence and retention. As specialty care settings integrate more new graduate nurses (NGNs) to address workforce shortages, collaboration between leaders and educators becomes crucial. Simulation emerges as a vital tool in building confidence while learning, offering a safe space for skill development and growth of confidence.

Purpose: This project’s objective was to …

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, …

Reducing Mortality Among African American Mothers Related To Postpartum Hemorrhage By Implementing Early Education And Risk Assessments, Don'ya Truesdale

Theses and Dissertations

African American women are at the highest risk for hemorrhaging during childbirth (Okunlola, 2022). A hemorrhage can occur among postpartum mothers for many reasons, with the main causes being uterine atony, tissue trauma, and clotting issues. However, risks for Black mothers differ. The comorbid and social factors within the Black community greatly influence the likelihood of Black mothers experiencing postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally, the lack of assessment and attention catered towards those risk factors lead to an increased mortality among African American (AA) mothers compared to Caucasian mothers and all other ethnicities. Nonetheless, as maternal risk assessments and education increase, mortality …

Ob-Pdcds Chinese, Marianne E. Weiss, Lili Wei

Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale (PDCDS)

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale were developed by Dr. Marianne Weiss to measure nurse-sensitive discharge care processes and patient outcomes. Three versions of the scales were developed concurrently for different patient populations – Adult medical-surgical patients, Parents of hospitalized children, and Postpartum Patient mothers (see Weiss & Piacentine, 2006, Weiss et al., 2007, and Bobay et al., 2018 for description of the development and initial testing). Additional scales and information about translation rights are located at Marquette Nursing.

PERMISSION TO USE

The Readiness for Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge …

Pdcds-Adult German, Marianne E. Weiss, Matthias Marsall

Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale (PDCDS)

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale were developed by Dr. Marianne Weiss to measure nurse-sensitive discharge care processes and patient outcomes. Three versions of the scales were developed concurrently for different patient populations – Adult medical-surgical patients, Parents of hospitalized children, and Postpartum Patient mothers (see Weiss & Piacentine, 2006, Weiss et al., 2007, and Bobay et al., 2018 for description of the development and initial testing). Additional scales and information about translation rights are located at Marquette Nursing.

PERMISSION TO USE

The Readiness for Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge …

Pdcds-Adult Korean, Marianne E. Weiss, Kim Jeoung Hee

Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale (PDCDS)

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale were developed by Dr. Marianne Weiss to measure nurse-sensitive discharge care processes and patient outcomes. Three versions of the scales were developed concurrently for different patient populations – Adult medical-surgical patients, Parents of hospitalized children, and Postpartum Patient mothers (see Weiss & Piacentine, 2006, Weiss et al., 2007, and Bobay et al., 2018 for description of the development and initial testing). Additional scales and information about translation rights are located at Marquette Nursing.

PERMISSION TO USE

The Readiness for Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge …

Pdcds-Adult Bahasa Indonesian, Marianne E. Weiss, Azizah Khoiriyati

Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale (PDCDS)

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale were developed by Dr. Marianne Weiss to measure nurse-sensitive discharge care processes and patient outcomes. Three versions of the scales were developed concurrently for different patient populations – Adult medical-surgical patients, Parents of hospitalized children, and Postpartum Patient mothers (see Weiss & Piacentine, 2006, Weiss et al., 2007, and Bobay et al., 2018 for description of the development and initial testing). Additional scales and information about translation rights are located at Marquette Nursing.

PERMISSION TO USE

The Readiness for Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge …

Ped-Pdcds German, Marianne E. Weiss, Gaby Stoffel

Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale (PDCDS)

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale were developed by Dr. Marianne Weiss to measure nurse-sensitive discharge care processes and patient outcomes. Three versions of the scales were developed concurrently for different patient populations – Adult medical-surgical patients, Parents of hospitalized children, and Postpartum Patient mothers (see Weiss & Piacentine, 2006, Weiss et al., 2007, and Bobay et al., 2018 for description of the development and initial testing). Additional scales and information about translation rights are located at Marquette Nursing.

PERMISSION TO USE

The Readiness for Discharge Scale, Quality of Discharge …

Management Of High Spinal, An Objective Structured Clinical Examination, Stephanie Williamson, Darienne Lowery

Doctoral Projects

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) are responsible for administering safe anesthesia and prompt intervention throughout the continuum of surgical care. During the surgical experience, many potentially life-threatening complications will require timely treatment to prevent irreversible or even fatal consequences. CRNAs are held accountable for recognizing and addressing a wide range of these complications despite their infrequency in clinical practice. Strategic education and training tools must be employed to ensure student registered nurse anesthesiologists (SRNAs) are equipped with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to mitigate crises in the clinical setting.

This DNP project created an Objective Structured Clinical Examination …

The Effect Of A Neonatal Palliative Care Education Program In Increasing Knowledge And Communication Self-Efficacy Among Nicu Nurses, Shiou-Huei Joy Wang

Doctoral Projects

Background: Neonatal palliative care is crucial to providing comprehensive, high-quality care to neonates with life-limiting or life-threatening health conditions and their families. One significant barrier to the inconsistent provision of neonatal palliative care is the lack of education. This project aimed to deliver an education training program to increase neonatal palliative care knowledge and self-efficacy in NICU nurses. Method: A pre-post-test study design was used to examine the efficacy of an educational training program on NICU nurses’ knowledge and communication self-efficacy in neonatal palliative care. A post-test was administered immediately after the training and again four weeks later to evaluate …