Quality Improvement Commons^™

Streamlining Stroke Care: Optimizing In-House Stroke Alert Order Set Utilization, Drashti Desai, Joshua Shultz, Yu Ya Nway, Hasib Ibne-Rasa

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Patients’ Postpartum Contraception Plans And Access To Postpartum Contraception, Rebecca Johnson, Timothy Kremer, Nicole Tenzel

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: ACOG recommends prenatal discussions with patients regarding their lifetime reproductive plans and postpartum contraception. Up to 40% of patients are not seen for postpartum visits and this rate is highest amongst populations with limited resources (ACOG Practice Bulletin: Optimizing Postpartum Care). By having consistent documentation amongst our clinic providers we aim to maximize patient education and choice in their postpartum contraception. Methods: The providers at our clinic were educated on where to document postpartum contraception discussions on the obstetric flow sheet under the “problems” tab. Providers were to document the discussion even if the patient declined postpartum contraception. Every …

Has The Elimination Of Mandatory Buprenorphine X-Waiver Increased Presciptions Of This Medication Upon Discharge From The Hospital?, Kendall Moore, Robyn Meadows, Robyn Hoelle, Matthew Calestino

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Continous Renal Replacement Therapy Protocol For A Midsize Community Hospital, Srinidhi Shyamkumar, Eric Riha, Crystal Ike, Rachel Wright, D Villareal, Justin Shanks, Damon Cao

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Real Time Non-Targeted Renal Biopsy Adequacy Evaluation: A Successful Quality Improvement Activity, Astrid Sacasa, Susana Ferra

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Introduction. Adequate renal biopsies are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of medical renal disease. This process requires a sufficient number of glomeruli for light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy evaluation. On-site microscopic evaluation of kidney biopsy specimens significantly improves sample adequacy and the ability to render a diagnosis, with studies showing a much higher rate of inadequate samples when on-site evaluation is absent. Inadequate biopsies can have a significant negative impact on patient care including delay of adequate diagnoses, worsening of the patients’ condition and complications, and increasing costs due to the need for repeat biopsies. A real time …

Quality Improvement Project To Increase Compliance With Standard 5.8: A Community Hospital Institutional Experience., Robert Bender, Nicole Sant 'Elia, Susana Ferra

East Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

Background: The Commission on Cancer (CoC) was established by the American College of Surgeons in 1922. In 2020, they launched the Cancer Surgery Standards Program that introduced six operative standards. Standard 5.8 requires curative intent lung resections to include sampling from at least 1 hilar, and at least 3 mediastinal lymph node stations.

Goal: To increase our institution’s compliance with CoC standard 5.8 to greater than 80% overall adherence.

Method: Included in the study were patients undergoing curative intent lung resection for lung cancer. A protocol, including a documentation paper worksheet with metric requirements, was implemented in February 2024. Monthly …

Evaluating Impact Of Stress First Aid Programs In A Primary Care Setting, Ryan Marler

DNP Projects

Background: Prolonged stress in healthcare workers (HCWs) can lead to burnout and absenteeism. High stress also negatively impacts work productivity and healthcare quality. The Stress First Aid (SFA) program aims to improve recovery from stress among HCWs. Chronic stress is evident in primary care clinics, where absenteeism and burnout symptoms have increased.

Purpose: This project aimed to evaluate the SFA program's effectiveness in reducing burnout and absenteeism and improving healthcare workers (HCW) knowledge of stress and available resources at University of Kentucky Healthcare (UKHC).

Methods: A quasi-experimental quality improvement project included pre- and post-education surveys, an SFA education session, and …

Implementation Of Robotics And Artificial Intelligence To Oncological Surgery, Ian Ngo

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background/ significance: Introduced in the late 20th century, robotic systems have enhanced surgeons’ capabilities by providing accurate and precise control of instruments. These systems helped minimize invasiveness in surgical procedures, providing greater precision, and gave flexibility to difficult-to-access areas of the body. Tools powered by AI help surgeons accurately identify and remove cancerous tissues, which can lead to better surgical outcomes and fewer complications. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to focus on evaluating how Robotic-Assisted Systems (RAS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) impact surgical precision, patient recovery, and to address economic efficiencies. associated with integrating said systems into the …

Association Between The Social Vulnerability Index And Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, Tetsuya Kawakita, Misa Hayasaka, Lindsay Robbins, Juliana Martins, George Saade

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Objective: To assess the association between the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes across U.S. counties and to quantify these racial disparities.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using restricted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data sets, including natality data sets, fetal death data sets, and all-cause mortality data sets from 2016 to 2021. We limited analyses to Black or White individuals aged 15-44 years from 3,114 U.S. counties. Participants were categorized into quartiles based on county-level SVI. The primary outcome was maternal mortality rate while pregnant or within 42 days of the end of …

Implementing Gallup 12+ Employee Engagement Survey In A Critical Access Hospital, Catherine R. Hardwick

Honors Theses and Capstones

Objective: To utilize the Gallup Q12+ survey to assess baseline staff engagement among nurses and nursing assistants at a critical access hospital, implement direct education intervention, and evaluate its impact on staff engagement rates, with the goal of identifying micro and macro-problems.

Methods: This quality improved project was conducted at Littleton Regional Hospital, a level Ⅲ trauma center and critical access hospital. The PDSA cycle started on March 1 and ended May 10. The Gallup Q12+ survey was sent to Registered Nurses, Licensed Nursing Assistants, and Nursing Technicians to establish baseline staff engagement levels and areas that need improvement. Directed …

Improving Perinatal Outcomes With The Mood Disorder Questionnaire: A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Identification And Referral, Elizabeth R. Bargardo

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health is a growing concern, with under identification and lack of access to mental health as contributing factors. Screening tools such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire are one way to increase identification of patients at risk for bipolar-spectrum disorders and subsequent postpartum psychosis and initiate referrals to appropriate mental health services.

Local Problem: One outpatient women’s health center has a 94% screening rate for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) for anxiety and depression but has not implemented a screening for bipolar disorder. In addition, while approximately one in five perinatal patients struggles with a mental …

Exploring Lgbtq+ Competency In Healthcare, Jordan Whiteman

Honors College Theses

Marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community are known to face healthcare disparities that negatively affect their process of navigating healthcare systems. This project explores the perceived lack of representation and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community within healthcare settings, exposing the deficits in knowledge for unique challenges and inequalities these patients may face. By viewing the literature, a myriad of complications faced by LGBTQ+ people in clinical settings can be identified. They possess a generalized feeling of mistrust towards the healthcare system. Healthcare staff overall describe low confidence with caring for this demographic. Heteronormativity’s presence in the field of healthcare …

Healthcare Consolidation: Effects On Corporate And Private Healthcare Facilities, Kaydence N. Mcdonald

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this thesis paper the concept of healthcare consolidation is discussed. The distinctions between small and large healthcare organizations’ structures and functions are explained first. Knowing the distinction between how the different sized healthcare organization’s function will give a better understanding to how consolidation occurs in the facilities. The benefits and challenges that small and large healthcare organizations offer is discussed next. After setting an understanding of the differences in healthcare organizations based on size this paper gives a definition of consolidation, and the forms used in healthcare organizations. It discusses vertical, horizontal consolidation, mergers, and acquisitions. Then the paper …

Rwanda's Natural Remedies: A Fresh Look At The Fight Against Malaria, Leandre Nsabimana Ndisanze

Pomona Senior Theses

Malaria remains one of the most devastating parasitic diseases globally, disproportionately affecting sub-Saharan Africa, where Rwanda continues to face high transmission rates and rising resistance to conventional interventions. Despite decades of control efforts, the emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and insecticide-resistant Anopheles mosquitoes threatens to reverse recent gains. This research responds to the urgent need for sustainable and culturally relevant alternatives by exploring the therapeutic potential of Rwandan traditional medicinal plants. These indigenous remedies, long used by local healers, offer an underexplored reservoir of bioactive compounds that may provide the basis for novel antimalarial drugs.

The central hypothesis of this …

The Potential Of Bioactive Foods In Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Distress, Haizhu Patterson

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Cancer continues to have a profoundly detrimental impact on global health, and chemotherapy is widely accepted and utilized as one of the most effective cancer treatments. Unfortunately, the downside of chemotherapy is its significant adverse effects, which often manifest as gastrointestinal (GI) distress, leading the patient to discontinue treatment. Recent research has increasingly focused on bioactive foods as a means to mitigate chemotherapy-induced GI distress. By identifying which bioactive foods can alleviate these distresses, nurses can offer valuable recommendations to cancer patients to help them reduce chemotherapy's adverse effects, enhancing their quality of life (QoL) and improving treatment adherence. …

Culturally Sensitive Nursing Care And Its Impact On Abuse Disclosure Among Immigrant-Origin Populations​, Jaspal Uppal

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Immigrant-origin patients often face many systemic barriers when accessing healthcare. Factors such as language barriers, fear of deportation, limited trust in healthcare providers, and lack of culturally sensitive care make it hard for patients to disclose abuse. These challenges contribute to poor health amongst vulnerable populations which highlights the importance of using culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care. Objective: This research aims to test whether culturally adapted, trauma-informed nursing care improves disclosure of abuse and access to support services. The objective is to strengthen safety and trust between healthcare providers and patients through culturally sensitive care. Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental …

The Effectiveness Of Botulinum Toxin Injections In The Management Of Chronic Neck And Shoulder Myofascial Pain: A Nursing Perspective, Jia Zhou

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners: Addressing The Shortage And Its Implications For Healthcare, Isabel Mary Mccarthy

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The increasing prevalence of sexual assault cases has highlighted the crucial need for trained healthcare professionals who can effectively provide sensitive care for survivors. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses specifically trained to perform forensic examinations and provide medical and emotional support to sexual assault victims. However, many nursing programs lack formal education on SANE practices, which can hinder students' preparedness to address such cases in their future careers. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training module integrated into an undergraduate nursing curriculum at Dominican University of California. By …

Developing A Nursing Early-Intervention Bundle To Decrease The Prevalence Of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, Aneesha Biju

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) has become an increasingly recognized challenge in critical care as more patients survive prolonged mechanical ventilation and lengthy ICU stays. Although lifesaving interventions support recovery from the primary illness, many patients develop new or worsened physical, cognitive, or psychological impairments after discharge. These complications often limit independence, slow recovery, and create long-term burdens for both patients and families. Research shows that early, consistent nursing interventions, such as delirium prevention, early mobility, mental health support, and family communication, can reduce the risk of PICS. The absence of a unified and standardized approach results in inconsistent practices and …

Developing An Educational Session And Epic-Based Tools To Help Nurses Provide Culturally Sensitive Care To Their Muslim Patients, Laila Albutmeh

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Islam is currently the fastest growing religion in the world. The chances of nurses getting Muslim patients are on a rise. Islam is not just a religion but a way of life that shapes/guides every aspect of human experience. With religion being such an important part in a Muslim's life, they need nurses to be able to provide them culturally sensitive care. Nurses can do this if they are equipped with the right knowledge and tools. Implementing educational resources on how to provide culturally sensitive care to Muslim patients for nurses to use will help them be able to provide …