Implementation Of The Pressure Injury Prevention Care Bundle At A Home Based Hospice Program: A Quality Improvement Project, Adaeze U. Amechi-Fannin

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice project was created to improve the prevention of pressure injuries in hospice patients receiving care through a Home-based Hospice and Palliative program. The project focused on introducing a standard set of care steps (a care bundle), enhancing caregiver education, and tailoring interventions to meet each patient’s unique needs, with the goal of improving overall patient outcomes.

Background: Pressure injuries remain a common and serious problem in hospice care, especially among patients who are immobile or confined to bed. Although effective prevention methods are known, inconsistent use of these methods, limited caregiver training, and poor …

Exploring The Relationships Between Emotional Intelligence, Perceived Organizational Support, Job Satisfaction, And Intent To Stay Among Minnesota School Nurses, Kristin K. Coudron

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

School nurses face escalating job demands driven by increasing student health complexity, chronic condition management, and expanding public health responsibilities. Often serving as the sole healthcare professional within a school or district, they work in settings characterized by high autonomy, variable organizational support, and growing concerns about job satisfaction and retention. Limited empirical research has examined how personal and organizational resources jointly relate to school nurses’ intent to remain in practice. Guided by the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) theory and the National Association of School Nurses School Nursing Practice Framework, this quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional study explored relationships among emotional intelligence, …

Crc Station: Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates In Primary Care, Kathryn Nanji

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: To improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening completion rates among eligible patients at a primary care clinic, located in Houston, Texas, by optimizing the medical assistant (MA) workflow and addressing systemic and patient-level barriers.

Background: The project site is a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides comprehensive and inclusive care to diverse and underserved populations, including those with low income, living with HIV/AIDS, experiencing homelessness, and uninsured. Despite the availability of non-invasive screening methods like the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), CRC screening rates remain suboptimal due to workflow inefficiencies, patient barriers, and inconsistent follow-up.

Methodology: A multifactorial intervention was implemented …

The Impact Of Virtual Discharge Interventions Compared To Traditional Methods On Adult Patient Population Readmission Rates: An Integrative Review, Tiffany Providence, Carrie Brooks, Nannono Kayondo, Courteney Lovell, Alice Smith

Master's Projects

Hospital readmissions are a persistent quality and cost burden to the healthcare system, prompting evaluation of modern strategies to strengthen transitional care. This integrative review synthesized findings from thirteen studies published between 2011 and 2025 to assess the effectiveness of virtual discharge interventions in reducing readmission rates among adult patients. Virtual discharge interventions included programs utilizing technology, such as phone calls, video visits, apps, or remote monitoring, to help patients understand their care and improve positive outcomes. Many of these studies showed that virtual support can reduce hospital readmissions, especially for people with heart failure. Some programs also improved patients’ …

Diagnostic Delays In Endometriosis Among Reproductive-Aged Women: An Evidence-Based Primary Care Policy Proposal, Francis P. Ronayne

Capstones

No abstract provided.

Reducing Acute Healthcare Services With Self-Management Of Blood Pressure Monitoring Through Remote Patient Monitoring For Hypertensive Patients A Quality Improvement Project, Becky J. Wagner

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Hypertension (HTN) affects nearly half of U.S. adults and remains a leading cause of preventable emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and healthcare costs due to poor blood pressure (BP) control (Fryar et al., 2024; Mullins et al., 2019). Traditional care models often lack the continuous monitoring and timely intervention needed for effective chronic disease management. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) provides an innovative approach by delivering real-time BP data, enabling early clinical intervention, and encouraging patient engagement in self-management (Omboni et al., 2020).

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated the effectiveness of an RPM intervention in reducing acute healthcare …

Impact Of Implementing Standard Wound Care Guidelines For Patients In The Home Care Setting On Patient Outcomes, Raymond Anthony Flores Jr

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Wound care is among the most significant public health concerns, affecting millions of people worldwide. Most individuals with wounds end up self-managing their condition from their homes due to being discharged early from the hospital, owing to various reasons, and the costs associated with health care. Although home wound management offers convenience and lower costs for patients, it is also associated with substantial challenges, including limited access to and use of appropriate care protocols, wound management tools, and sufficient education on the topic, as well as limited professional advice. These limitations contribute to poor outcomes, including slow healing rates, infections, …

Standardizing Ascitic Fluid Panel To Improve Outcomes In A Large State Hospital, Yimei Zhang

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase provider compliance with evidence-based, hepatology-recommended ascitic fluid studies among inpatient providers from a baseline of 50% to 60% within five months through electronic health record (EHR) standardization.

Background: Delayed or incomplete ascitic fluid analysis can increase the risk of preventable complications. Workflow variability and non-standardized ordering practices contributed to inconsistent adherence to evidence-based recommendations.

Methodology: Using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement with Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles, two paracentesis workflows were redesigned. For the Mobile Procedure Team, a standardized ascitic fluid panel with six defaulted, evidence-based tests …

Improvements Upon Reprocessing Of Orthopedic Single-Use Instruments, Alyssa P. Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Internal Medline data for Hospital A, a level I academic trauma center, identified a quality gap due to improper segregation and underutilization of orthopedic single-use device reprocessing bins. The baseline reprocessing rate of 4% for orthopedic products results in missed sustainability opportunities, financial strain, and increased regulated waste. A proposed quality improvement intervention implemented updated communication strategies, visual management tools, and education modules to reinforce current reprocessing workflows and close knowledge gaps. Outcome measures include the percentage of SUDs collected for reprocessing, survey results on reprocessing awareness, and potential financial savings in Appendix I. Early data showed a 10% year-to-year …

Analysis Of U.S. Army Body Composition Policies: Implementation Effectiveness And Recommendations For Policy Enhancement At Brooke Army Medical Center, Michael L. Rizzo

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

US Army body composition policies (AR 600-9 and recent directives) are essential for military readiness, injury prevention, and force health protection, yet implementation gaps persist, particularly with the 2026 Department of Defense (DoD)-mandated waist-to-height ratio (WHtR < 0.55) transition. This DNP project evaluated policy implementation effectiveness at Brooke Army Medical Center using the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Logic Model and CFIR 2.0 framework. Analysis of 2022–2025 de-identified administrative data and 16 stakeholder questionnaires identified ≥10 implementation gaps, including low awareness of new standards and workload impacts. The project developed 8 evidence-based recommendations and an implementation roadmap to improve compliance, optimize resources, reduce administrative burden, and strengthen military readiness.

Implementing Updated Npo Guidelines For Inpatient Procedures, Yasamin Ghanivand

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Nil per os (NPO) guidelines are utilized for patient safety during procedures to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends clear liquids up to 2 hours before non-emergent procedures, although many facilities still implement the outdated practice of ordering NPO after midnight. This practice can lead to prolonged fasting, which may cause increased hunger, thirst, hypotension, nausea, and dizziness, ultimately resulting in patient dissatisfaction and discomfort.

Purpose: To review and assess current ASA NPO guidelines that describe best practice to enhance the patient experience without increasing perioperative risk of pulmonary aspiration.

Methods: A …

In Adults Older Than 18 Years With Obesity Living In Massachusetts, Can Engaging In A Weight Loss Program Help Them Lose Weight After Insurance Stops Covering Their Weight Loss Medications?, Angel Nagawa

Capstones

Executive summary

The Problem

Obesity rates continue to rise sharply across the United States. Weight loss medications have high compliance but face major insurance restrictions. Strict clinical criteria leave many patients without accessible treatment options.

The Proposed Solution

Launch structured, lifestyle-focused clinical weight loss programs. Provide an effective, accessible alternative to restricted pharmaceutical therapies.

Supporting Evidence

Evaluated data from three distinct randomized controlled trials. Findings confirm successful long-term weight management for program participants. Results prove effective control over serious obesity-related comorbidities.

Policy recommendation

Implement structured lifestyle programs as a primary, frontline intervention modality. Improve broad-scale patient health outcomes across clinical …

Improving Nurse Confidence And Perceived Readiness For Early Code Blue Response: A Quality Improvement Project, Elexia Butler, Annette Sotelo Rodriguez, Paulene Rones, Evangelyne Vue

ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works

Improving Nurse Confidence and Perceived Readiness for Early Code Blue Response

Purpose

In many acute care units that are predominately dealing with chronic conditions, cardiac arrest is a low frequency, high stakes event. The purpose of this project is to improve early cardiac arrest response by increasing nurse confidence and perceived readiness to initiate high-quality CPR prior to Rapid Response Team (RRT) arrival.

Background

Over the past three years, there has been a significant increase in Code Blue events on the Surgical Acute Telemetry Unit. Initial management observations noted that staff response lacked clear role delineation, immediate pulse identification, and …

Using Scoping Reviews As Precursors To Systematic Reviews: A Typology And Practical Guidance Derived From Eight Worked Examples, Hanan Khalil, Zachary Munn, Christina Godfrey, Micah D.J. Peters, Ellen Davies, Fiona Campbell, Danielle Pollock, Andrea C. Tricco, Dawid Pieper

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Scoping reviews are often conducted as a precursor to a systematic review (SR), yet guidance on how this relationship should be planned, executed, and reported is limited. We aimed to illustrate, through worked examples, the ways in which scoping reviews can function as precursors to SRs and to derive practical guidance for teams planning linked or sequential syntheses.

Study Design and Setting: We undertook a methodological analysis of eight contemporary evidence synthesis papers and protocols spanning veterinary medicine, animal welfare, public health, mental health, occupational health, and patient and public involvement, identified through the authors’ knowledge of the evidence …

The Impact Of Virtual Reality Simulation On Developing Competence And Confidence In Non-Technical Skills In Nursing. A Scoping Review, Katie Janz, Karen Clark-Burg, Khaya Morris-Binelli, Brennen Mills, Amanda Graf

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Medical errors are a global concern and can compromise patient safety, with up to 80% of these errors directly linked to non-technical skills (NTS) failures. Traditional simulation using mannikins is resource-intensive, and virtual reality simulation (VR) has the potential to offer comparable outcomes with enhanced consistency and lowered resource requirements, but the effectiveness of VR to teach and enhance NTS has been underexplored.

Aim: This scoping review explores the existing literature on VR simulation as a method for teaching NTS in nursing to evaluate whether VR simulation yields positive learning outcomes, particularly in comparison to traditional training methods such …

Secondary Outcomes Of The Early Collaborative Intervention Eaci On Salivary Cortisol Co Regulation In Preterm Infants And Mothers, Evalotte Mörelius, Charlotte Sahlén Helmer, Thomas Abrahamsson, Elvar Theodorsson, Ulrika Birberg Thornberg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The Early Collaborative Intervention (EACI) aims to strengthen early parent–infant relationships among moderate to late preterm infants in neonatal intensive care. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether EACI influences mother–infant salivary cortisol co-regulation in mother–infant dyads, as well as infant cortisol reactivity and breast milk exposure during early infancy. Secondary outcomes were assessed in 54 dyads in the intervention group and 41 in the standard care group at one and four months’ corrected age. Salivary cortisol was collected before and after a bath at one month and a still-face procedure at four months. Significant mother–infant salivary cortisol co-regulation was observed …

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, And Psychometric Validation Of The Team Emergency Assessment Measure (Team) Into European Spanish: A Multi-Perspective Study Including Peer-Assessment, Esther Leon-Castelao, Jose Luis Medina-Moya, Alejandro Durante-Lopez, Pedro Castro-Rebollo, Simon Cooper, Antoni Ruiz-Bueno, Jordi Bañeras

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Team Emergency Assessment Measure (TEAM) is the most widely used tool for evaluating emergency team performance, with robust psychometric evidence across multiple languages and settings. However, no European Spanish version has been validated, and no previous TEAM study has simultaneously assessed teamwork from four complementary rater perspectives: instructors from the learners’ own specialty, instructors from other specialties, self-assessment by the performing participants, and peer-assessment by observing peers. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically validate a European Spanish version of the TEAM (s-TEAM) and to evaluate its reliability and validity across these four perspectives in emergency …

Co-Design And Feasibility Testing Of A Midwife-Led Birth Debrief: An Implementation Science Project, Kate Buchanan, Phoebe Backhouse, Leanne Graham, Amy O’Meagher, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The period spanning pregnancy, birth and postpartum is characterised by psychosocial as well as physiological changes: many women experience new or worsening mental ill-health during the perinatal period. Midwives play a critical role in supporting and promoting psychosocial health by providing mental health education, counselling and screening. Often this includes a post-birth conversation, guided reflection, or debrief. Information about the effectiveness and experiences of specific and structured midwife-led birth debrief is scant. Aim: Our study aimed to assess the perceived effectiveness, experiences and implementability of a midwife-led birth debriefing intervention in one Australian maternity unit. Methods: A Type II …

Anaemia In Pregnancy In Rural New South Wales: A Retrospective Study Of Prevalence, Risk Factors, And Guideline Adherence, Yuanwei Zhang, Esther Adama, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To determine the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy in rural New South Wales (NSW) and assess the alignment of screening and treatment practices with the 2020 Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines (APCG).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study at the Regional Hospital using records from 301 women who gave birth between 1st January and 4th September 2024. Data were sourced from eMaternity and PowerChart systems, focusing on haemoglobin and ferritin levels, demographic factors, iron deficiency risk factors, and birth outcomes.

Results: Iron deficiency was identified in 61.8% of women, with 6.0% diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). These rates were lower …

Development Of A Standardized Evidence-Based Onboarding Process For Primary Care Providers In A Rural Health Setting, Corrie Goodier

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Primary care in the United States continues to face a critical provider shortage. This shortage is especially elevated in the rural regions of the country and is exacerbated by longstanding issues with subpar onboarding and high turnover rates. Failure to retain advanced practice providers in rural primary care settings further diminishes patient access to services, negatively impacts continuity of care, and complicates efforts to maintain patient trust in the nation’s delicate healthcare system.

Improved provider orientation and support processes within rural healthcare systems have the potential to increase satisfaction rates and productivity. The purpose of this DNP scholarly project was …