A Pain Control Optimization Pathway To Reduce Acute Postoperative Pain And Opioid Consumption Postoperatively: An Approach To Battling The Opioid Epidemic, Holly Franson

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Healthcare providers worldwide are working to battle the opioid epidemic and reduce opioid-related harm to patients. Utilizing evidence-based acute pain management methods to reduce opioid consumption is critical to combat the problem.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was: In opioid-naïve adult patients undergoing general anesthesia for out-patient, minimally invasive abdominal wall hernia surgery, how does the implementation of an evidence-based, preventative Pain Control Optimization Pathway (POP) using a multimodal, opioid-sparing acute pain management technique and standardized procedure-specific opioid prescribing, compared to standard treatment, affect postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption, upon discharge from the …

Covid-19: Best Practices And The Way Forward, Juliana Nwauwa

Student Scholarly Projects

COVID-19 is a global health emergency that originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and since then has affected more than 53,507,282 individuals and claimed the lives of more than 1,305,164 around the globe. It is a respiratory virus transmitted from person to person through airborne aerosols and droplets from infected individuals and direct contact with infected surfaces.

Numerous factors, such as socioeconomic status, population density, pre-existing health conditions, and lack of health insurance, have contributed to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 among certain demographic groups. The COVID-19 impact ranges from …

Educational Needs Associated With The Level Of Complication And Comparative Risk Perceptions In People With Type 2 Diabetes, Youngji Hwang, Dongsuk Lee, Yeon Sook Kim

Nursing Faculty Publications

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the educational needs of people with type 2 diabetes according to risk perceptions and the level of severity of complications. Methods: There were 177 study participants who were outpatients of the internal medicine department at a university hospital located in the Republic of Korea, who consented to participate in the survey from December 10, 2016 to February 10, 2017. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, ANOVA with post-hoc comparison, and multiple regression analysis. Type 2 diabetes complications were classified into 3 groups: no complications, common complications, and severe complications. …

Empowering The Lowland Indigenous Community Through Child Health And Nutrition Program In Occidental Mindoro Province, Philippines, Artemio Morado Gonzales Jr

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

Nutrition and child health programs were integrated into the extension programs from 2016-2018 of the Occidental Mindoro State College, in partnership with the local government unit at the municipal and barangay levels. This paper presents the health extension tools and techniques used in preventative care and the promotion of child health services in the indigenous community of Sitio Bato Singit, in the Occidental Mindoro Province, Philippines. Health education, small group techniques, demonstrations, storytelling, informal talks, and open forums were the methods and techniques employed to implement the program. The common tools used were seating arrangements, flip-charting, props, social hours, and …

Mental Health Screening For Low Income Adolescents: An Evidence-Based Project, Allison Bryden

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

TITLE: Mental Health Screening For Low-Income Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Nearly 80% of adolescents in the United States will suffer from a mental illness and not receive evaluation or services. Children from low socio-economic backgrounds have an increased risk of mental health disorders which permeate into adulthood, leading to additional negative sequel and lower quality of life. Among adolescent mental health conditions, depression and anxiety are the most common. Literature has suggested provider intuition alone has low sensitivity and specificity for detecting mental illness and that screening tools are indicated.

PURPOSE: The aim of this project is to implement standardized routine …

Screening For Iron-Deficiency Anemia In The Pediatric Population (Ages 1-17) In Gonaïves, Haiti, Cara Rose Fratianni

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot project is to screen for iron-deficiency anemia in pediatric patients (ages 1-17) in a primary school in Gonaïves, Haiti. Patients with anemia will be treated with oral supplemental iron for a period of four weeks according to WHO guidelines (WHO, 2011). All students will be treated empirically for helminths per WHO guidelines, unless treated elsewhere in the last six months (WHO, 2017). Nutritional status will also be assessed using MUAC according to WHO guidelines (2017).

Background Summary: Malnutrition contributes significantly to the problem of iron-deficiency anemia, with one in four children exhibiting stunting …

The Expansion And Evaluation Of Medication Assisted Treatment Services For An Underserved Rural Northern California Community, Carolyn Perrotti

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Problem: Widespread opioid misuse has led to the opioid epidemic that claims 130 deaths per day due to an opioid overdose (CDC, 2018). The opioid epidemic has plagued the United States for three decades and has been considered a public health emergency since 2017 (HHS, 2017). Rural communities are disproportionately affected by this problem and in 2014, the rate of opioid overdose deaths was 45% higher in rural communities (SAMHSA, 2018).

Context: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is considered the most effective treatment for opioid dependence because it incorporates medication management and biopsychosocial supports (Jones et al., 2018). Retention in a MAT …

A Faith-Based Quality Improvement Project To Increase Awareness, Prevention, And Management Of Coronary Heart Disease In African Immigrants, Temitope S. Okpebho

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Problem Description: Coronary heart disease (CHD) affects people globally, and it is the leading cause of death in the United States. Despite increased CHD awareness, evidence shows the increased prevalence and low CHD awareness among African Immigrants. According to Boateng et al. (2017), African immigrants are more likely to have CHD risk factors and be unaware. This may be due to changes in eating habits, lack of physical activity, increased stress level, and the adaptation of the Western diet.

Rationale: This project included implementing a culture care theory in a faith-based organization to increase awareness, management, and prevention of CHD …

Reflections On R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Internship, Brea Keiser

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis provides a personal reflection on an internship with the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Organization through S.T.A.R. Central at the University of Arkansas. An evaluation of the experience was conducted by providing strengths and weaknesses as an intern, positive and negative aspects of the internship, an objective analysis, connection to nursing, and impact on future career. The focus of this honors project was providing education to peers on sexual assault topics, including consent, rape culture, and bystander intervention. Overall, the internship proved to be a positive learning opportunity that allowed for the development of improved communication skills, gaining of knowledge and passion …

Dnp Project: Improving No-Show Rates In Primary Care, Mai-Linh T. Nguyen, Sarah M. Kuzara

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Abstract

This paper explores the factors that contribute to no-show rates in the primary care setting and effective interventions to improve no-show rates. The average no-show rate in the primary care setting is 23%, (Dantas, Fleck, Olivaria, & Humacher 2018). In 2018, the no-show rate at the WeCare Clinic was 50-60%. A literature review was conducted to gather information regarding why patients choose to no-show their appointments, the common causes of high no-show rates, and effective interventions found to decrease no-show rates. We investigated the primary causes of a high no-show rate at the WeCare Clinic by interviewing staff and …

Improving Health Insurance Literacy Within Our Community Through The Use Of Local Libraries, Bonnie Gregg, Jenny Lieu

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Low health literacy is associated with a poorer ability to understand medical information leading to disparities among all ages. Communities play a role in supporting efforts to improve health literacy. Libraries are trusted institutes that offer an environment for all members of the community and serve as places of lifelong learning. A needs assessment approach determined a gap in knowledge regarding health literacy and insurance, specifically the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This project was an exploratory, community improvement project. Information was presented in educational sessions at two local libraries. Participants were also given an informative brochure to accompany the presentation. …

Continuous Glucose Monitors To Decrease Hypoglycemia, Sara B. Woodcock

MSN Capstone Projects

Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people from children to older adults. There is no cure, although it can be managed to prevent complications. Education of student nurses is where they are born and raised to become nurses who save and change lives. Teaching student nurses in depth about diabetes as a disease and the treatments that best fit their specific needs is where educating patients begins. Learning about a secondary option for blood glucose checks can make all the difference for several patients. Multiple finger sticks daily has been the leading way to check blood sugar for …

The Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training Program, Shantee Henry

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

Sexual assault is a growing concern in the United States. Appropriate care of its survivors is essential to controlling the short and long-term effects of this trauma. A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse that acquires additional training specializing in the comprehensive care of sexual assault survivors. Research indicates that there are not enough SANEs to provide coverage for the increasing number of sexual assaults, especially in rural areas. To increase the number of certified SANEs in rural areas, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. government provided funds through a grant that was …

Increasing Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors In Cargo Drivers, Ronda L. Bell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to examine the extent to which lifestyle behaviors of transportation drivers in North Texas can be improved with health education. This research study was conducted to examine the health behaviors of transportation drivers as a result of an educational partnership between nursing and the transportation industry. The goal was to improve healthy lifestyles through education to decrease chronic illness and comorbid conditions of a significantly at-risk occupational population. The impact of this education was immediate and verified with quantitative measurement and statistical analysis. Results demonstrated that after nurse-led health education, transportation drivers reported significant …

Supports For Migrant Farmworkers: Tensions In (In)Access And (In)Action, Susana Caxaj, Amy Cohen, Sarah Marsden

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Publications

Purpose: This study examined the role of support actors in promoting or hindering access to migrant agricultural workers' (MAWs) needs, and, to determine the factors that influence adequate support for this population.
Methodology: Employing a Situational Analysis methodology, we carried out focus groups and interviews with 35 support actors complimented by a community scan (n=28) with public-facing support persons and a community consultation with migrant agricultural workers (MAWs).
Findings: Two major themes were revealed: (In)access and (In)action, and; Blurred Lines in Service Provision. The first illustrated how support actors could both reinforce or challenge barriers for this population through tensions …

Creating A Community-Based Protocol To Prevent Unintended Pregnancy In Homeless Women In Monongalia County, West Virginia, Jessica Eva Wukasch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background: At any given time, 10% of homeless women are pregnant, about twice the rate of all U.S. women of reproductive age (5%) (Healthcare for the Homeless, 2001). According to Healthcare for the Homeless Council ([HHC], 2012), approximately “73% of pregnancies among homeless women were unintended at the time of conception.” In addition, “about 12% of homeless children are placed in foster care compared to 1% of other children” (HHC, 2012). There is an evident need to address unintended pregnancy among homeless women.

Objective: The overall objective was to create an accessible and useful community-based protocol to reduce the rate …

The Relationship Between Intensity Of Fitness Tracker Usage And Motivation, Rachel Cannata, Abigail C. Daugherty, Madison O. Dirocco, Julianne Green, Pial Dasgupta

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Many college students engage in unhealthy behaviors which may contribute to diseases. Additionally, some students may lack motivation to rectify these behaviors to improve their long-term health. This study assessed the relationship between intensity of fitness tracker usage and motivation among health professions students at a large, public Midwestern university. This non-experimental, correlational study used convenience sampling and a theoretical framework based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. Online recruitment announcements were emailed and included links to the consent form and survey. Motivation was measured with Deci and Ryan’s modified self-determination tool. Intensity of tracker usage was measured using a scale …

A Nurse Practitioner-Led Group Advance Care Planning Program In An Independent And Assisted Living Community, Alexander Bustos

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

It has been well documented that the majority of people want to spend their last days in the comfort of their own homes, free of pain, and off any dependent machine. , However, the majority of people have not documented these wishes or talked with their family or provider about end of life care (Hamel, Wu, & Brodie, 2017). The Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA), which took effect on December 1, 1991, was enacted to raise awareness and promote discussions between patients and providers about end of life (EOL) healthcare decisions. The primary care nurse practitioner is in a prime …

Chronic Constipation Among Community-Dwelling Older People In The East Coast Region Of Peninsular Malaysia, Patimah Abdul Wahab, Azidah Abdul Kadir, Yeong Yeh Lee, Siti Hawa Ali, Dariah Mohd Yusoff

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, symptoms, and factors associated with chronic constipation among community-dwelling older people in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four selected health clinics using stratified cluster sampling. A face-to-face interview was carried out among the elderly outpatients, in order to complete a structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 400 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 68.7 ± 6.4 years, and 55% of the cohort were women. The prevalence of chronic constipation was 32.3% among the sample population. The …

Implementing Screening To Assess Readiness To Change In Overweight And Obese Patients At A Patient-Centered Medical Home, Jarrod Gant

Doctoral Projects

Obesity is at epidemic levels within the United States (U.S.), but the Southern U.S. has some of the most obese states. Mississippi (MS) is the most obese state in the country (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2018). Factors such as diet, sedentary lifestyle, cultural influences, and socioeconomic status contribute to the state’s citizens being overweight and obese.

Contributing to the state’s obesity is the fact that MS has more people living in poverty than any other state (Center for American Progress [CAP], 2018). Lacking the ability to afford healthy foods and the ability to afford quality healthcare adds to the state’s …

Translation And Validation Of The Hplp-Ii From English To Armenian, Zoya Minasyan, Leslie C. Hussey

Journal of Excellence in Nursing and Healthcare Practice

As the focus of healthcare shifts toward the social determinants of health, more information about health disparities between different ethnic communities is needed. The Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) is an instrument that measures health promotion behavior across various cultural lines. This article describes the translation and validation of the HPLP-II from English to Armenian for the purpose of studying health promotion behavior among the hypertensive and normotensive Armenian American population and addressing health disparities among this community. Translating the HPLP-II required a multistep process to capture cultural linguistic adjustment. First, the researcher, a local bilingual professor, and a …

Challenges To Diabetes Self-Management For Adults With Type 2 Diabetes In Low-Resource Settings In Mexico City: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Robin Whittemore, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Selene De La Cerda, Denise Marron, Rosabelle Conover, Roberta Delvy, Annel Lozano-Marrufo, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Mexico is one of the highest in the world, with high morbidity and mortality, and difficulty meeting glycemic targets. The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges for T2D self-management as perceived by both adults with T2D and health care providers in primary health clinics from Seguro Popular in Mexico City.

Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study conducted in three Seguro Popular primary care clinics in Mexico City using convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants and data were analyzed using a content analysis approach.

Results: The …

A Behavioral Weight Loss Program For Low-Income Adults With Obesity And Hiv, Sophai Thach

Dissertations

Problem: Obesity, having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. For people living with HIV (PLWH), this increases their risk for myocardial infarctions by 50% and causes this life-threatening event to occur at a younger age compared to those who are not diagnosed with HIV.

Methods: With obesity disproportionately affecting people with low income, this study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week behavioral weight loss program that utilizes journaling as a self-monitoring tool, weekly educational classes, and individualized goal-setting on PLWH with obesity who live in …

The Lived Experience Of Discharged And Readmitted African Americans With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease To A Safety-Net Hospital, Kiiyonna Jones

Dissertations

Background:Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a debilitating respiratory disease that negatively affects the quality of life of those affected and has been a major contributor to the continuous rise in healthcare cost in the Unites States (Guarascio, Ray, Finch, & Self, 2013; National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 2009; Shavelle, Paculdo, Kush, Mannino, & Straus, 2009; Scott, Smith, Sullivan, & Mahajan, 2001). In 2014, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) identified COPD as an applicable condition to the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, which penalizes healthcare organizations having readmissions higher than the national average. COPD is the second …

The Perception Of Iron-Deficient Anemia In Bolgatanga, Ghana Among Women Of Childbearing Age, Sydney Albrecht

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Objective: To understand the perception of anemia among the women of childbearing age in Bolgatanga, Ghana, and to correlate the reasoning with the high incidence of anemia in the area.

Method: This research was a qualitative study consisting of 67 interviews over the course of the three weeks that were spent in Bolgatanga. 50 of these interviews were women of childbearing age (15-49), 6 were health professionals, and 11 were women older than the age range provided. Interviews were taken from the maternity clinics nearby as well as from women in a rural area that was a 10-minute taxi ride …

Implementing An Honors Nonprofit Internship: Hub Of Hope, Janet Wagner

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Human trafficking is the term used to describe modern-day slavery, which is a global problem, but it is also present here in the United States. During this last year, I have worked with the Northwest Arkansas nonprofit Hub of HOPE. This organization, founded in 2016 by Jennifer Sorey, supports victims of human trafficking and raises awareness by educating Arkansans on the pervasiveness of human trafficking and its implications for our community. As part of my work, I completed the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner training to understand how to work with human trafficking victims who are also victims of sexual assault …

Organizational Wellness Programs As Internal Social Marketing: A Literature Review Of Feasible Approaches, Faith Bontrager Rn, Bsn, Kimball P. Marshall Ph.D.

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Kangaroo Mother Care And Traditional Care, Arianna Smola, Kirsten Lawson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Prematurity and low birth weight are leading causes of infant death. Throughout recent years care methods for this population have evolved from incubator care to Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). The purpose of this systematic review was to answer the following PICO question: in the case of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants, how does the technique of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) compare to traditional incubator use, regarding long and short-term outcomes of preterm and LBW infant recovery. Methods of this study included the selection of twenty peer-reviewed articles that studied the effect of incubators and KMC on premature and …

Provider Adherence To National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute’S Guidelines On Screening, Diagnosis, And Treatment Of Hypercholesterolemia In The Pediatric Population Aged 9-11 Years, Alanna Cox

DNP Projects

Purpose: High cholesterol levels have been directly linked to atherosclerosis, which is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Risk factors that accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, such as high cholesterol can begin in childhood. The purpose of this project was to evaluate provider adherence to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents, specifically the guidelines on universal lipid screening in children aged 9-11 years. The objectives were: 1) determine the rate of lipid screening in children 9-11 years old; 2) determine the number of children who …

Video-Based Diabetes Education For A Culturally Diverse Population, Heather Harris

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

Immigrants and refugees represent an underserved population in need of quality, accessible, and culturally appropriate healthcare and education. Diabetes is a chronic condition frequently seen in this population. The author utilized the Wagner Chronic Care Model (CCM) as a theoretical framework for planning diabetes education delivery in this diverse population. Studies report significant health disparities in diabetes care and subsequent poor diabetes quality indicators in refugees and immigrants. Research has found that culturally sensitive diabetes education can improve diabetes outcomes in ethnically diverse populations. The author implemented a translational project to develop and evaluate a video-based diabetes health education intervention …