Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons^™

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 …

Improving Maternal Mental Health: The Role Of Specialized Support For Queer Women With Postpartum Depression, Dan-Tam Pham

Nursing | Senior Theses

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 women, …

Resilience And Reality: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of People Living With Hiv In Texas During The Covid-19 Pandemic – A Qualitative Study., Ahmed F. Alanazi

Social Work Dissertations - Archive

This study investigated the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV (PLWH) in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. The research examined the intersection of health, social dynamics, and psychological resilience among PLWH, who faced compounded vulnerabilities due to systemic inequities and the dual public health crises of HIV and COVID-19. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants from diverse backgrounds, the study captured the profound impacts of disrupted healthcare systems, heightened stigma, and social isolation on this marginalized population. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequities …

Enhancing Patient-Centered Suicide Prevention: A Quality Improvement Project Addressing Educational Gaps In Staff Caring For Veterans, Shayla Craigue

Master's Theses and Capstones

Veterans are at significantly higher risk for suicidal ideation (SI) than the general population and often encounter barriers to care such as stigma, trauma, and distrust in healthcare systems. This quality improvement project, conducted at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Urgent Care Clinic, aimed to enhance trauma-informed care by addressing educational gaps among clinical staff. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model, the intervention included a pre-intervention survey to assess baseline knowledge, a targeted educational poster informed by survey findings, and a post-intervention survey to measure changes in staff confidence, resource awareness, and understanding of the role of the mental health response team, …

The Impact Of Structured Weekend Group Therapy On Restraints, Seclusion And Length Of Stay On Inpatient Psychiatric Units, Victoria Grau

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Group therapy is an essential part of inpatient psychiatric treatment, with documented positive effects including better medication compliance, lower readmission rate, and improved self- esteem. Patients who are admitted for an inpatient psychiatric stay have a small window of time in which behavioral health staff can work with them. Group therapy can help patients develop a plan for these issues and provide a foundation for successful discharge and symptom management. The project site is a mid-size teaching hospital in an urban community with higher rates of mental health diagnoses than the national average. Group therapy was conducted initially Monday – …

Navigating Sexual And Gender Diversity: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Provider Cultural Competencies For Sexual And Gender Minorities In Mental Health Outpatient Facilities, Shermeen Chandani

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations experience healthcare disparities related to stigma, discrimination, and limited provider cultural competency. In outpatient psychiatric settings, non-affirming practices can negatively affect patient engagement, trust, and continuity of care. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance staff sexual and gender minority cultural competency (SGMCC) and strengthen affirming clinical processes.

Background: The project was implemented across two outpatient psychiatric clinics with approximately 28 multidisciplinary staff members. At baseline, no formal SGM cultural competency training or standardized documentation practices for preferred names and pronouns existed.

Methodology: A Plan–Do–Study–Act framework with a pre/post-test design was used. The …

Empowering Schools: Suicide Prevention Education For School Nurses, Navjot K. Singh

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Introduction: Suicide among adolescents and youth is such a serious issue that immediate, appropriate interventions are needed to reduce rates of suicide ideation and suicide mortality. The increasing rate of suicide among this population profoundly affects families, friends, and the community. Identifying and implementing appropriate interventions in schools could identify individuals who are suffering from mental illness and support suicide prevention.

Aim: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to examine the literature on suicide prevention interventions for young adolescents and teenagers aged 12-17 years old and identify the best, evidence-based practices for the school setting. The aim …

Promoting Confidence And Evidence-Based Practices For Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Integrated Primary Care Providers: A Qualitive Improvement Education Initiative, Omar Samateh, Margaret Emerson, Kayla Meisinger, Taylor Wilson, Leeza Struwe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Introduction: Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are seeing growing number of patients presenting for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) evaluations as a result of social media influences highlighting ADHD. Yet, PCPs report lacking confidence and education with adult ADHD. The purpose of this quality improvement study was to develop educational materials to promote confidence, competence, and adherence to ADHD evidence-based recommendations among integrated care PCPs. Methods: A literature review and retrospective chart review of 19 patients were used to create 1) Baseline ADHD Provider Education (PE) tool, 2) Standardized ADHD Diagnosis (SAD) referral process, 3) ADHD Assessment, Treatment, and Monitoring …

Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder In The Outpatient Indigenous Health Clinic Setting, Kylie M. Timmerman

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Alcohol use disorder disproportionately impacts American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations at higher rates of disease morbidity and mortality. In the primary care setting, few treatment resources are available to patients outside of medication-only options.

Local Problem: While the intervention site (rural Tribal Federally Qualified Health Center [FQHC]) was known to have a well-established medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opiate use disorder (OUD), the was a need for alcohol use disorder (AUD) resources.

Methods: A review of current evidence was conducted to explore best practices for addressing AUD in the AIAN outpatient clinic setting.

Intervention(s): A quality improvement …

The Implementation Of Ketamine-Assisted-Psychotherapy On Healthcare Workers Suffering From Workplace-Related Ptsd Due To Covid-19, Ziluolan Zou

Nursing | Student Research Posters

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare workers were exposed to a deadly disease with limited knowledge and personal protective equipment, subjected to long hours, forced to ration care due to limited critical care resources and ventilators, and isolated from their families due to fear of spreading the virus. These factors further compounded the occupational stress associated with being a healthcare worker. The literature shows that the physical, mental, and emotional challenges frontline healthcare workers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic had lasting impacts on their mental health. The prevalence of mental health illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, among …

Early Referral For Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Therapy For Treatment Of Trauma-Induced Anxiety And Emotional Distress, Christa Jones

Doctoral Projects

Trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress are significant health concerns affecting millions globally and resulting in significant healthcare burdens. Despite the considerable efforts in addressing problems, most high-risk cases often go unidentified or unaddressed promptly. Besides standard trauma diagnosis, treatment, and management protocols, some patients often require specialized support. Recently, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has emerged as a promising alternative for treating anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress conditions, yet many patients who are at high risk are often not identified early for referral. Additionally, many healthcare facilities, especially those in rural settings, fail to include appropriate screening tools.

This …

Investigating The Effects Of Workload Management Strategies On Nurse Practitioner Burnout And Job Satisfaction, Erica G. Smith

Doctoral Projects

Burnout is a critical issue among psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), worsened by excessive workloads, productivity demands, and the emotional intensity of patient care (Chi et al., 2024). The negative effects of burnout included diminished job satisfaction, reduced quality of care, and increased turnover (Chi et al., 2024). As the demand for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) grew, addressing these challenges was essential for maintaining a sustainable workforce and ensuring quality patient care.

This doctoral project aimed to assess the impact of a workload management strategy on reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction among PMHNPs in a hospital …

Improving Outcomes Of Patients Being Seen In The Emergency Room For Mental Health Crisis, Kimberly Hudson

Doctoral Projects

Mental health is a significant problem, especially in males aged 20 to 50 years old (Omary, 2019). Lack of a primary mental health care provider, lack of proper treatment and follow up appointments for this population, and bottlenecking patients in the emergency room are all factors that contribute to the problem. As a result, these patients experience negative outcomes such as not receiving proper care and/or causing harm to themselves or others. In this doctoral project we will explore the option of patients having better outcomes if seen immediately by a psychiatric health care provider.

Having psychiatric healthcare providers in …

Efficacy Of, And Barriers To, Treatment Options For Pans/Pandas, Kayla E. Pray

Senior Theses

Background: PANS/PANDAS are pediatric autoimmune disorders that cause an acute-onset of OCD-like symptoms and/or severe restricted eating, as well as anxiety, irritation, deterioration of fine motor skills, hyperactivity, and other psychiatric symptoms. An estimated 1-2% of the pediatric population is affected. Currently, there is little research published on the treatment options for PANS/PANDAS and there is no evidence-based consensus on the best treatment option.

Purpose: This study aimed to discover the efficacy of, and barriers to, available treatment options for PANS/PANDAS.

Methods: A convenience sample of individuals diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS or their parent/caregiver was recruited anonymously through Facebook support groups. …

Increasing The Frequency Of Behavior Assessment To Reduce Physical Restraint, Breanne N. Ford

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a system that routinely assesses for behavior changes in psychiatric patients presenting to the emergency department to improve staff intervention of escalating behaviors and decrease physical restraint use.

Background: The project was implemented in a 45-bed emergency department in a community-based hospital affiliated with a large hospital system in Houston, Texas.

Methodology: The project utilizes the Behavioral Activity Rating Scale (BARS) to assess patients' behaviors at routine intervals throughout shifts and a comfort cart that houses several non-pharmacological intervention items to use to de-escalate adverse behaviors. The staff …

Screening, Brief Intervention, And Referral To Treatment For Pregnant Women, Rebekah Feeney

Dissertations

Abstract

Background: In the United States, 10-20% of pregnant women reported using drugs during pregnancy. Current recommendations are to screen for drug use in all patients and provide a brief intervention and referral to treatment. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the impact of implementing a standardized screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) protocol for first-trimester pregnant patients who are seen in the obstetrical department.

Methods: The Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substance Use (TAPS) screening tool was administered to first-trimester pregnant women, 13-45 years of age, seen in the obstetrical department from …

Postpartum Depression Screening In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit At A Tertiary Pediatric Hospital, Abbie Bates

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SCREENING IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT A TERTIARY PEDICTRIC HOSPITAL

By

Abbie Kim Bates

Razel Bacuetes Milo, PH.D. DNP., FNP-C

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a treatable mood disorder with an onset at 1-3 months after childbirth. In the United States, PPD occurs at a rate of 1 in 8 women and as high as 1 in 5 women in parts of the country. In unique populations such as the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), PPD rates can be as high as 40%. The treatment rate for PPD is 50% with a sizable percentage of …

Self-Harm In Female Youth With Undiagnosed Adhd: Implementing American Academy Of Pediatrics Screening Guidelines, Roselie M. Woodard

Dissertations

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If undiagnosed or untreated, ADHD can lead to severe psychosocial issues such as academic failure, substance abuse, unplanned pregnancy, and incarceration. The financial burden in the U.S. from diagnostic errors creates an immense, rising fiscal impact. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent these complications.

Females with ADHD, particularly those with the inattentive subtype, often face diagnostic challenges due to symptom masking and over-compensation. This results in poorer cognitive functioning and self-esteem compared to males with ADHD. ADHD is linked to autonomic nervous …

Improving Identification Of Complicated Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Using The Prediction Of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale, Kristin Hagopian

Dissertations

Problem: Individuals who drink alcohol excessively are at great risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) when hospitalized. Symptoms and their severity differ for everyone, and research shows that the identification and treatment of AWS is challenging and often inadequate. Mild AWS is often overtreated, while moderate to severe AWS is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, placing individuals at risk for longer hospital stays, more time needed in critical care units, and a variety of unintended consequences.

Methods: This evidence-based practice project had a pre-post intervention design in which the Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale (PAWSS) was implemented to promptly identify …

Bridging The Gap: Psychopharmacologic Education And Side Effect Screening For Non-Prescribing Mental Health Professionals, Elaine Fitzgerald

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: The United States is experiencing a growing demand for pediatric mental health support. Surges in mental health diagnoses and psychotropic medication prescriptions have occurred, compounded by a shortage of psychiatric providers. Non-prescribing mental health professionals are well-positioned to recognize psychotropic medication side effects. However, psychologists and counselors lack formal pharmacology education.

Methods: The quality improvement (QI) initiative was guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. The evidence-based psychopharmacologic education for non-prescribers utilized a quasi-experimental pre- and post- test design. Data collected from clinicians included knowledge, confidence, and skill concerning psychotropic medications. The Psychotropic Medication Monitoring Checklist (PMMC) screen clients …

Implementing A Brief Intervention For Smoking Cessation In An Inpatient Psychiatric Facility, Erika Gotway

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem: Smoking is a leading cause of various preventable diseases, and those who experience mental illness smoke cigarettes at a higher rate than the general population. Brief intervention is a type counseling that has proven successful in encouraging smokers to quit. The “5 A’s” is a type of brief intervention which stands for: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange. Addressing the smoking epidemic among individuals with mental illness is not only essential for improving their overall well-being, but also for reducing health disparities and enhancing the effectiveness of existing mental health interventions.

Methods: The approach to this project was a …

Fostering Interprofessional Collaboration In Community College Mental Health Centers: A Quality Improvement Project, Sara Jane Hamilton

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background The worsening mental health rates among college students in the United States highlight the critical need for campuses to have high-quality comprehensive mental health centers (MHC). This necessity is particularly urgent in community college MHCs, which often lack these attributes. Local Problem An MHC within a large California community college recently introduced telepsychiatry services and is considering integrating a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) into their team. However, knowledge gaps and limited interprofessional education (IPE) may hinder effective collaboration within the team. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted to assess current research on IPE, community college mental …

Implementation Of A Validated Suicide Screening Tool In A University Student Health Center, Tessa Welniak, Bailey Coslor, Cathrin Carithers

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Purpose. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adults in the United States and Nebraska. Death by suicide impacts millions of adults every year in the United States but warning signs are often missed during visits with primary care providers. The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) Student Health Center (SHC), like many other primary care clinics, did not routinely screen patients for suicide risk. According to the Joint Commission, all patients over 12 years of age should be screened for suicide using a validated screening tool if the visit is for any behavioral health concern. The project’s …

Medication Assisted Therapy And First Episode Psychosis: Evaluating Treatment And Readmission Rates, Kayla Sherea Williams Bsn, Rn, Hannah Lee Brenner Bsn, Rn, Madison Makenzie Yount Bsn, Rn, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn, Pmhp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that each day more than 140 U.S. residents die from drug overdoses, specifically due to opioids. Due to this, alternatives were created to reduce overdoses and ensure safety. Medication assistance therapy (MAT) is an effective form of treatment for people with substance use disorders and is defined as the use of medication in conjunction with counseling or therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders. The efficacy of MAT is used adjunctively with psychotropic medications compared to using no MAT and using psychotropic medications alone with individuals who are experiencing …

Nursing Care Of Individuals Engaging In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Impact Of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Reinforcement, Lucas Bridgens

MSN Capstone Projects

As explained by Linehan et al. (2006b), the seriousness of borderline personality disorder can be highlighted by the manifestations of emotional dysregulation, such as impulsive and suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behaviors. As the mental health field grows, so too does the knowledge base from which practitioners derive therapeutic interventions with hopes of effectively and safely treating patients while maintaining a culture of dignity and respect. One such treatment modality that has proven to reduce NSSI and improve interpersonal functioning, specifically in patients with borderline personality disorder, is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed …

Lai Antipsychotics Vs. Oral Antipsychotics: Treatment Adherence, Relapses, And Readmissions, Natalie N. Lewis Bsn, Rn, Mallory F. Johnson Bsn, Rn-Bc, Tyler N. Halle-Todd Bsn, Rn, Natalie N. Ragland Bsn, Rn, Sharon H. Little Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn,Pmhnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Schizophrenia is a lifelong illness with recurrent and often debilitating symptoms that may impair daily functioning, cognition, behaviors, socialization, emotions, and expression. It is recognized as a global mental health burden that affects the individual, their family, and society. Medication nonadherence and resulting relapse detrimentally affect the patient’s physical and mental health and quality of life. They are associated with increased hospitalization and emergency room visits, substance use, suicide, and homelessness. Current guidelines endorse second-generation antipsychotics such as Risperidone and Aripiprazole as the first-line treatment for most cases of psychosis. However, long-acting injectable (LAIs) atypical antipsychotics are a promising …

Implementation Of A Standardized Suicide Screening Process In A University Student Health Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project, Addie Grace Strong, Kathryn Dambrino, R. David Phillippi, Linda Wofford

DNP Projects

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among college age students, prompting the need for evidence-based screening tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to enable early detection and timely intervention. Inconsistencies in suicide screening may pose a risk of missed intervention opportunities. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project specifically aimed to improve the quality and consistency of suicide screening in a university student health clinic by implementing the C-SSRS tool into the clinic workflow during mental health appointments. Methods: Employing a quality improvement framework, this scholarly project followed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement …

Emotional Support Animals And Mental Health, Kyla E. Barnett, Kaia Miller

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Depression and anxiety disorders are a significant problem in adults and teenagers. These disorders continue to increase in prevalence year by year. One way to combat this is the use of emotional support animals (ESA’s), which have become increasingly popular. This study investigates the relationship between the use of emotional support animals and mental well-being of students with mental health disorders. This study is designed to illustrate the increase in sense of well-being in patients with mental health disorders who utilize ESA’s. This study applies both a qualitative and quantitative study design, the qualitative design of this study is phenomenological. …

The Impact Of Brief Electronic Guided Mindfulness Meditation On Anxiety Scores, Sierra King

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

In the United States, anxiety rates are on the rise for the general population (Goodwin et al., 2020a). Prolonged and frequent anxiety can become unprompted and problematic (American Psychiatric Association, 2021). Management of anxiety is crucial for overall wellbeing. Access to treatment and resources for anxiety may be limited in rural geographical locations (Morales et al., n.d.). This DNP project sought to determine whether a brief intervention of electronic guided mindfulness meditation (MM) by Insight Timer is effective in decreasing anxiety in a rural populous. Convenience sampling recruited a final total of 11 rural participants who participated in seven sessions …

Digital Phobia: An Inquiry For Mapping The Unseen Dimension Of New Digital Anxiety, The ‘Digiphobia’, Amarjit Kumar Singh ,Library Assistant, Md. Arshad Ali , Professional Assistant, Dr. Pankaj Mathur, Deputy Librarian,

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Background: As technology continues to advance, individuals' interactions with digital platforms have become integral to daily life. Amidst this technological evolution, a novel concern emerges—Digital Phobia, hereafter referred to as “Digiphobia.” This phenomenon, although not previously explored in scholarly literature, necessitates an in-depth investigation due to its potential impact on individuals' well-being. Our research employs a two-step methodology to investigate its existence, implications, and manifestations.

Introduction: This research paper introduces and proposes the term "Digiphobia" as a comprehensive conceptualization of anxiety arising from interactions with digital spaces, applications, and environments. The proliferation of digital technologies has led to the emergence …