Pediatric Nursing Commons^™

Performance Of Machine Learning Classifiers In Classifying Stunting Among Under-Five Children In Zambia, Obvious Nchimunya Chilyabanyama, Roma Chilengi, Roma Chilengi, Michelo Simuyandi, Caroline C. Chisenga, Masuzyo Chirwa, Kalongo Hamusonde, Rakesh Kumar Saroj, Najeeha Talat Iqbal, Innocent Ngaruye

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Stunting is a global public health issue. We sought to train and evaluate machine learning (ML) classification algorithms on the Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS) dataset to predict stunting among children under the age of five in Zambia. We applied Logistic regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), SV classification (SVC), XG Boost (XgB) and Naïve Bayes (NB) algorithms to predict the probability of stunting among children under five years of age, on the 2018 ZDHS dataset. We calibrated predicted probabilities and plotted the calibration curves to compare model performance. We computed accuracy, recall, precision and F1 for each machine learning algorithm. …

Newborn Weight Change And Predictors Of Underweight In The Neonatal Period In Guinea-Bissau, Nepal, Pakistan And Uganda, Valerie J. Flaherman, Amy S. Ginsburg, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Muddassir Altaf, Khushboo Liaquat, Benazir Baloch, Najeeb Rehman, Yasir Shafiq, Shabina Ariff, Fyezah Jehan

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), growth impairment is common; however, the trajectory of growth over the course of the first month has not been well characterised. To describe newborn growth trajectory and predictors of growth impairment, we assessed growth frequently over the first 30 days among infants born ≥2000 g in Guinea-Bissau, Nepal, Pakistan and Uganda. In this cohort of 741 infants, the mean birth weight was 3036 ± 424 g. For 721 (98%) infants, weight loss occurred for a median of 2 days (interquartile range, 1-4) following birth until weight nadir was reached 5.9 ± 4.3% below birth …

Reducing Pediatric Morbidity Through Development Of A Clinical Practice Guideline, Deanna Kroh

Dissertations

Peripheral intravenous therapy is a commonly utilized treatment modality for the care of acutely ill pediatric patients. Two risk factors include infiltration and extravasation injuries. These injuries, peripheral intravenous infiltration or extravasation injuries (PIVIEs), can vary in their clinical manifestations from minor discomfort to harm as severe as loss of limb or disfigurement. Clinicians caring for patients at risk of developing PIVIEs need to be able to act quickly to reduce potential morbidity. The purpose of this project was to create a clinical practice guideline (CPG) that would guide staff intervention if a PIVIE occurs, with the ultimate goal of …

Effect Of A Trauma Informed Care Tool In A Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Taylor Park

Dissertations

Problem: Parents of infants less than one-year-old with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) experience significant stress while their child is admitted to the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU), often resulting in trauma to parents and their families. Trauma informed care (TIC) seeks to minimize the impact of emotional trauma and it acknowledges previous trauma an individual may have experienced.

Methods: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to assess the thrive guide’s ability to decrease parental stress in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU). The aim was to decrease parental Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores by …

Evaluation Of A Process Change Using An Updated Sedation Protocol, Rachel Allen

Dissertations

Problem: Pediatric delirium is continuing to increase intensive care environments and for patients who require mechanical ventilation and continuous sedative medications. Delirium is harmful to the patient creating lasting neurologic and mental health issues along with prolonged hospitalization and increased healthcare cost

Method: For this quality improvement (QI) project, a descriptive observational study was used to evaluate the implementation of a sedation protocol for patients who are mechanically ventilated and on continuous sedative medications. This was completed with the use of retrospective chart reviews three months prior to implementation and three months after the new protocol was implemented. Nurses were …

Physician Assistant Global Advancement Through The Use Of Medical Relief Organizations, Kara Crafts Pa-C, Sarah Mistrot Pa-C, Mary Henningsgaard Pa-C, Kaley Morris Pa-C, Tamarrah Oliver Pa-C, Kevin Tran Pa-C, Trevor Crafts Md

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Objectives: The physician assistant (PA) model has been adopted by many nations to alleviate health care disparities. The objective of the project is to understand how medical relief organizations are utilizing physician assistants and contributing to the advancement of the career globally.

Methods: A search was conducted to create a list of all U.S. based medical relief organizations. An 18-question online survey was sent to 493 organizations that met inclusion criteria.

Results: Total response rate of the survey was 56.2%. 75.6% of organizations reported using PAs on their medical relief projects, and PAs were used in clinic/hospital/and operative settings.

Conclusions: …

Improving Quality Of Communication In Pediatric Perioperative Outpatient Setting Using Aidet And Commit To Sit, Hyo Ryung Kim

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Effective and therapeutic communication in the health care setting is multidisciplinary,

complex, and has unique challenges for each microsystem. The perioperative setting is an

especially challenging environment for healthcare workers to provide therapeutic

communication, as uniquely high-risk and time-sensitive information must be disseminated in a

language that is understandable for the patient(Osborne-Smith & Kyle Hodgen, 2017). A

microsystem assessment of an outpatient pediatric perioperative setting reflected some of the

challenges the healthcare workers were facing when communicating with their patients and

family members. Upon evaluation of the monthly NRC (National Research Corporation) score

prior to implementation of two …

Everyday Ethics And Equity At The Bedside, Shika Kalevor, Angie Knackstedt

Research Days

Background: Traditional bioethics training, although important, may not be completely suited to the nursing role. In contrast to traditional clinical ethics, which focuses on healthcare dilemmas, everyday ethics focuses on routine clinical encounters between clinicians, patients, and families and may be better suited to help nurses address issues such as bias and racism at the bedside.

Objectives/Goal: This study aims to provide a data-backed approach to ethics education for nurses as it pertains to improvements in the understanding of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) efforts in healthcare. This study also provides an opportunity for the field of bioethics to provide …

Development Of A Nurse Practitioner Driven Program For Cardiology Providers To Increase Knowledge And Awareness Of Neurodevelopmental Assessment Needs In Children With Congenital Heart Defects, Michele Readman

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Children diagnosed with congenital heart defects are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays. Timely referral of patients to a neurodevelopmental clinic for initial evaluation and referrals to support services can improve learning outcomes, provide early intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders, and mediate factors affecting low quality of life. Nationally, a substantial proportion of pediatric cardiologists are not referring children for neurodevelopmental evaluation. A review of patient referrals to a Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Clinic within an urban children’s hospital demonstrated an opportunity to improve provider awareness and knowledge of referral recommendations. Using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care, an …

Pediatric Seizure Management With Ketogenic Diet, Lydia Beller

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Seizure disorders can be life altering and debilitating, especially for developing children. Children who have seizure disorders often require social, emotional, educational, and behavioral adjustments for children. Most medication regimes do not achieve complete management of seizure frequency and intensity. For children, seizure disorders can lead to unsuccessful education experiences, low self-esteem, severe injury, and difficulties with social skills and engagement. Discovering that a dietary means can reduce their frequency and intensity is groundbreaking. The ketogenic diet is a high protein, high fat, and almost no carbohydrate diet. The ketogenic diet is an effective non-pharmacological method for treating epilepsy (Karimzadeh, …

Advantages Of Early Utilization Of Palliative Care In The Pediatric Icu: A Scoping Review, Shelby Noel Cain Bsn, Rn, Cpn, Dana Pabalate Zimmerman Msn, Rn, Charis Elizabeth Oji Msn, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc/Ac, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Cpnp-Ac

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract Purpose/Background Despite the increased use of palliative care in adults, only a tiny percentage of children with life-limiting illnesses or life-threatening conditions receive palliative care before dying. Palliative care has low utilization, and consults are often made late in a child’s hospitalization or diagnosis. Palliative care remains underutilized among hospitalized pediatric patients resulting in unnecessary treatments, costly and lengthy hospitalizations, and deaths occurring in the intensive care unit (ICU) rather than at home. The purpose of this scoping review is to evaluate current literature to determine the use and effect of pediatric palliative care, specifically, whether consultation of palliative …

Positively Waiting: Technology As The Preferred Distractor In A Pediatric Outpatient Setting, Timothy Ernest, Victoria Maddex, Arnaldo Mejias, Lindy Davidson, Donna Ettel-Gambino

Patient Experience Journal

Visiting any pediatric outpatient clinic as a child may be considered a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience. The literature suggests that positive distractions, such as pet therapy and single-user electronic devices, may aid in reducing anxiety and maximizing patient satisfaction throughout the patient’s experience at a pediatric outpatient clinic. The aim of this pilot quality improvement project was to determine which positive distractions patients experienced and whether single-user electronic loaner devices should be provided to patients at pediatric outpatient facilities. A quantitative causal comparative approach was utilized in identifying patient exposure to key positive distraction techniques that may significantly decrease anxiety. …

Pain Management In Postoperative Pediatric Craniotomy Patients: A Scoping Review, Jessica M. Hiltenbrand Bsn, Rn, Sydney A. Scarbrough Bsn, Rn, Kaitlyn E. Shirley Bsn, Rn, Michelle Rickard Dnp, Cpnp-Ac

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background The pediatric craniotomy procedure is a complex and painful procedure that requires adequate pain management and frequent neurological assessments. Generally, evidence for pediatric pain management is severely lacking in research, and evidence for pediatric craniotomy patients is lacking even further. This scoping review aims to collect, condense, and review the current data in order to fuel future studies to establish more data, protocols, and evidence-based recommendations for analgesia in the pediatric craniotomy patient population.

Methods The studies selected were peer-reviewed, published in a medical or nursing journal, included study ages 0-21 years, or provided evidence on pediatric analgesia. Sources …

Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health On Adherence To Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Recommendations: A Scoping Review, Charles W. Stewart Cpnp, Diana Dedmon Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background: Pediatric health is significantly affected by social determinants of health. Screening for and addressing social determinants of health helps to decrease negative effect on health outcomes. The purpose of this project is to determine if there is an association between addressing or not addressing social determinants of health by the healthcare provider and parents’ adherence to treatment recommendations in children with urinary tract infections.

Methods: Between October 2020 and November 2021, a literature review was performed to obtain data from studies regarding urinary tract infections, social determinants of health and adherence to treatment recommendations. The University of Tennessee Health …

Retention Of Physician Assistants Within A Specialty After Completion Of A Postgraduate Training Program, John Ansiaux Pa-C, Carly Farrell Pa-C, Kathryn Hess Pa-C, Aubrey White Pa-C, Charlotte Peeters Pa-C, Jill Schulten Pa-C, Ryan Krasnosky Mpas, Pa-C, Dfaapa, Drph

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Background: The advantages of a specialized training program have led to over 84 postgraduate training programs for Physician Assistants (PAs) covering over 25 specialties. Employee lateral mobility is more prevalent within the PA profession, which allows PA providers to switch between medical specialties. The versatility of PAs promotes higher turnover rates compared to physician counterparts. These high turnover rates can result in increased institutional burden. Postgraduate PA programs provide pre-employment exposure to more in-depth medical training, enabling a well-rounded knowledge base of the PA’s roles and responsibilities, minimizing turnover rates.

Purpose: The goal of this survey study is to identify …

Survey Analysis Of Overall Job Satisfaction Of Physician Assistants, Clare Lookian Pa-C, Claire Keaton Pa-C, Kasey Keane Pa-C, Erin Schulte Pa-C, Abby Atchley Pa-C, Edwin Welsh Pa-C, Devon Gersh Pa-C, Jack Carter Pa-C, Ryan Krasnosky Mpas, Pa-C, Dfaapa, Drph

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Background: Over the last three decades, the physician assistant (PA) profession has seen an increase in the number of women in the profession, a decline in the age of new PA graduates, a movement toward specialty practice, and an exponential growth in the workforce as a whole. Historically, surveys reveal the majority of PAs are satisfied with their career choice and current job. Although a majority of PAs report high job satisfaction, career burnout is still significant within the profession. Career burnout among health care providers continues to rise due to the strains of the US healthcare system, growing patient …

Utilization And Workforce Integration Of Physician Assistants, Tara Harkins Pa-C, Jason Thomas Pa-C, Brian Fontenot Pa-C, Joseph Day Pa-C, Marielle Faraone Pa-C, Alexandra Borden Pa-C, Megan Lomax Pa-C, Darius Dranginis Pa-C, Ryan Krasnosky Mpas, Pa-C, Dfaapa, Drph, Angelo P. Giardino Md, Phd

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Background: The healthcare field is experiencing rapid growth in the number of advanced practice providers (APPs) with projections that demonstrate that this trend will only continue. Even though the number of APPs is growing, the development of facility-specific APP management infrastructure often grows at a slower pace. Specific policies and procedures on APP utilization and clinical efficiency metrics are lacking. This can lead to deficiencies in the understanding of the education and practice boundaries of APPs.

Objective: Our study aimed to analyze the growth and utilization of physician assistants (PAs) in several hospitals located within Texas Medical Center (TMC) …

Effects Of Integrating Family Planning With Maternal, Newborn, And Child Health Services On Uptake Of Voluntary Modern Contraceptive Methods In Rural Pakistan: Protocol For A Quasi-Experimental Study, Zahid Memon, Sophie Reale, Wardah Ahmed, Rachael Spencer, Talib Hussain Lashari, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Hora Soltani

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Background: The uptake of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs) remains low, with 25% of women reporting their use in Pakistan. The overarching interventions covering service delivery platforms at facility and community levels necessitate the integration of family planning (FP) with maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services.
Objective: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of an integrated FP-MNCH service delivery model to increase coverage of MCMs in rural Pakistan. Moreover, we aim to measure the level of effectiveness of interventions regarding the uptake of MCMs.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, sequential, mixed methods study design with pre- and …

Reducing Pulmonary Function Testing Procedure Times In Pediatric Patients, Kathleen Richards Rrt, Shontae Hill Rrt, Kaylynn Bernardo-Stagg Rrt, Heather Miller Rrt, Daniel Barker Rrt, Kailee Perkins Rrt, Michael Richards Mba, Mha

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Problem. The Pulmonary Function Test Time Project (PFT Project) is a quality improvement (QI) initiative designed to decrease PFT testing time and PFT total time in pediatric patients and improve the overall process for both providers and patients. Patients scheduled to see a pulmonary provider were also scheduled for a PFT prior to the provider’s visit. Data showed that the length of time to perform a pulmonary function test (PFT) was causing: (1) a delay in the pulmonary provider seeing patients at the intended appointment time, (2) a disruption to clinic workflow, resulting in scheduling difficulties, and (3) a decreased …

Incorporation Of Surgical Cadaver Lab Training In A Physician Assistant Fellowship Program, Jacqueline Guarino, Jordan Rodriguez, Ming Zhang Phd, Ryan Krasnosky, Kristina Marsack

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed medical professionals who provide health care under the supervision of and in collaboration with physicians. PAs can specialize in any field of medicine or surgery with additional on-the-job training while some PAs participate in a postgraduate training program in order to increase their knowledge in a certain subspecialty area. This paper describes the incorporation of a cadaver lab curriculum into a postgraduate PA surgical training program. The description of the development, implementation, and evaluation of the cadaver lab experience can assist other programs to implement this hands-on educational experience for a variety of medical providers, …

Understanding The Context Of Healthcare Utilisation For Children Under-Five With Diarrhoea In The Drc: Based On Andersen Behavioural Model, Siyu Zou, Xinran Qi, Keiko Marshall, Maria Asif Bhura, Rie Takesue, Kun Tang

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of death among children under 5 years old in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Despite positive effects on prognosis, there is limited literature about the healthcare-seeking behaviours of children with diarrhoea, especially in the DRC. This study used the Andersen Behavioural Model, a theoretical framework, which was commonly adopted to study healthcare utilisation, to investigate and predict factors associated with the use of healthcare to treat diarrhoea in the DRC.
Methods: Data collected from 2626 under-five children with diarrhoea in the last 2 weeks from the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey …

Compounding Inequalities: Adolescent Psychosocial Wellbeing And Resilience Among Refugee And Host Communities In Jordan During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nicola Jones, Sarah Baird, Bassam Abu Hamad, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Erin Oakley, Manisha Shah, Jude Sajdi, Kathryn M. Yount

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated risk-mitigation strategies have altered the social contexts in which adolescents in low- and middle-income countries live. Little is known, however, about the impacts of the pandemic on displaced populations, and how those impacts differ by gender and life stage. We investigate the extent to which the pandemic has compounded pre-existing social inequalities among adolescents in Jordan, and the role support structures play in promoting resilience.
Methods: Our analysis leverages longitudinal quantitative survey data and in-depth qualitative interviews, collected before and after the onset of COVID-19, with over 3,000 Syrian refugees, stateless Palestinians and vulnerable …

Risk Factors For Acute Respiratory Infections In Children Between 0 And 23 Months Of Age In A Peri-Urban District In Pakistan: A Matched Case–Control Study, Fatima Mir, Shabina Ariff, Maria Asif Bhura, Suhail Chanar, Aspara Ali, Muhammad Jawwad, A Hussain, Arjumand Rizvi, Muhammad Umer, Zahid Memon, Atif Habib, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) accounts for nearly 15% of all childhood mortality in South Asia, with children from rural areas at higher risk due to inaccessibility to healthcare facilities. We therefore aimed to identify risk factors associated with ARI in children under 2 years of age in rural Pakistan.
Methods: A retrospective 1:2 matched case-control study was conducted between October and December 2018 in Taluka Kotri, Jamshoro District of Pakistan. Cases were identified as children between 0 and 23 months of age with a history of fever, cough, sore throat, fast breathing, difficulty breathing, or chest indrawing in the …

Still Birth Classification: Application Of Relevant Condition At Death (Recode) Classification System In A Tertiary Care Hospital Of Pakistan, Urooj Kashif, Shelina Bhamani, Asma Patel, Zaheena Shamsul Islam

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Objectives: To determine the cause of stillbirth after application of relevant condition at death (ReCoDe) classification system.
Methods: This was a retrospective cross sectional study of 207 women diagnosed with stillbirth after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2019. The primary objective was to find the cause of stillbirth according to the new classification of relevant condition at death (ReCoDe).
Results: There were a total of 32413 live births and 207 stillbirths during the study period thus stillbirth rate of 6 per 1000 live births. In …

The Use Of A Pediatric Palliative And Hospice Education Module To Enhance The Knowledge And Practice Of Emergency Room Providers, Morgan Garrett

DNP Projects

Background: Palliative and hospice care resources are underutilized in pediatric patients with chronic and life-limiting illnesses. One contributing factor is the lack of formalized education for medical providers regarding the differences and scope of palliative and hospice care models. Without adequate education about these services, providers are not able to effectively utilize otherwise available resources to provide holistic care.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the current perception of knowledge among providers pertaining to pediatric palliative and hospice care. The study investigated improvements in educational outcomes in ten categories after participation in a web-based training. A secondary …

Measuring The Quality Of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Fellowship/Residency Programs With A Surgical Focus, Lesley Davies, Jacqueline Guarino, Caitlin Justus, Cassandra Mueller Pa-C, Ryan Krasnosky, Jordan Rodriguez, Angelo P. Giardino

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Introduction

Postgraduate programs for PAs provide formal postgraduate training for clinical specialty areas. These programs are intended to provide intense specialty training in various fields, as well as to standardize education beyond the entry level. The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine if there are consistent trends or clear differences in program length, approach to training, validation of learning, and accreditation through the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) for postgraduate programs with a surgical focus in the United States.

Methods

This study is a non-experimental and descriptive research design. Program directors were mailed …

"More Accessible And Easier To Deal With": A Qualitative Inquiry Of Leaders' Perceptions Of The Evolving Roles And Responsibilities Of Advanced Practice Providers At Texas Medical Center, Athena Krasnosky Msn, Aprn, Cpnp, Jessie Marcet-Gonzalez Msn, Aprn, Cpnp, Jordan Rodriguez Bs, Natalie Cormier Smith Msn, Aprn, Np-C, Brenda Chesley Msn, Aprn, Cpnp-Ac/Pc, Linda Brock Msn, Aprn, Cpnp, Heena Narsi Prasla Msn, Aprn, Cpnp, Geran Barton

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Background. With over 10 million patient encounters a year at Texas Medical Center (TMC), Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are being incorporated into health care delivery models. Moving beyond the narrow “scope of practice” debates that frequently surface when talking about APPs, this inquiry instead seeks to broaden the discussion and take a more comprehensive view of how APPs are being incorporated into health care delivery models that span across several TMC institutions.

Methods. This study uses a thematic analysis study design to analyze structured interviews collected from a small convenience sample of Advance Practice Provider Program Directors at Texas Medical …

Outcomes Of A Positive Patient Id Campaign At A Pediatric Quaternary Care Center, Taylor Kim Md, Arjun M. Dangre Bds Mph, Andrea L. Davis Mph Cic, Betty J. Reeves Mha, Mt (Ascp), Omobola T. Durojaiye Msn, Rn-Bc

Journal of Nursing & Interprofessional Leadership in Quality & Safety

Introduction. Positive patient identification (PPID) is critical to safe and accurate labeling of patient lab specimens. Accurate PPID is also an important priority of The Joint Commission’s National Safety Goals. Inadequate PPID compromises may lead to waste of time and resources, and in the worst-case scenario can lead to significant patient morbidity and mortality. With a focus on PPID, this initiative examined the occurrence of mislabeled and unlabeled lab specimens as well as compliance with wearing ID bands in a cohort of hematology/oncology and bone marrow transplant inpatients at a large pediatric quaternary care center.

Methods. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act Model, …

Preventing Ocular Surface Disease In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Emily Mallette

Dissertations

Preventing Ocular Surface Disease in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Problem: Ocular surface disease in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is a significant problem in intubated patients due to altered eye protective mechanics, leading to exposure of the eye surface and dry eye. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate how an eye care protocol affected the frequency of artificial tear ointment administration.

Method: A descriptive, cohort design utilizing a retrospective chart review with convenience sampling of intubated children in the PICU from two cohorts was used. Comparisons were made between the preintervention cohort in 2020 and …

Sunscreen Use And Screening In College Athletes: An Evidence-Based Pilot Project, Nicole Brustkern Bsn, Rn, Cpn, Sharon Boothe-Kepple Phd, Msn, Fnp-C, Phn (Chickasaw)

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Melanoma is the third most common cancer in individuals ages 15 – 29. The greatest risk for melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Collegiate athletes are exposed to 1,000 more sun hours per year than the average adult, placing them at higher risk for melanoma. Evidence supports sunscreen education and screening to promote protective behaviors in young adults.

Objective: This evidence-based pilot project implements the standardized screening of sunscreen use and sun protective behaviors in women’s soccer players ages 18 to 21 years old at the University of San Diego.

Methods: The Sun Exposure and Protection Index …