Two-Year Retrospective Evaluation Of Frailty To Optimize Postoperative Spinal Fusion Outcomes In Adults Aged 65 And Older, Sheri Loo

Doctoral Projects

Many older adults over the age of 65 have both spinal stenosis requiring spinal fusion surgery and frailty. As life expectancy has increased, many older individuals will undergo elective spinal fusion surgery to decrease their chronic pain in pursuit of improved quality of life. There is currently an underutilization of frailty screening for risk stratification of postoperative complications. A retrospective chart review over a two-year period from July 2023 to June 2025of adults aged 65 and older who underwent posterior spinal fusion surgery, involving 126 participants, was completed. We assessed the correlation between frailty and postoperative outcomes, discharge disposition, and …

A Quality Improvement Project To Increase Identification And Treatment Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes In A Rural Clinic, Paige Spence

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

No abstract provided.

Measuring Effectiveness Of A Mobility Aide On A Medical-Surgical Unit, Jamie L. Granatowicz, Laura N. Rogers, Leeza A. Struwe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobility aide on a medical-surgical inpatient unit to improve patients’ surgical outcomes, decrease hospital length of stay, and decrease the number of falls.

Design: A retrospective review was conducted to determine the effects of a mobility aide implemented on a medical-surgical unit. The intent was to ensure the utilization of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for early mobilization before and after implementation. Two-month periods were analyzed before and after implementation.

Findings: The results demonstrated clinical significance for patients when implementing a mobility aide. The mean length of stay was 1.044 days …

Improving Blood Pressure Through A Multimodal Intervention, Kalynn Solomey

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains a significant public health concern in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023a). Despite the availability of effective pharmacological therapies, many patients struggle to achieve adequate blood pressure control, highlighting the need for accessible, evidence-based lifestyle interventions. An extensive literature search of five databases provided 11 articles for utilization. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention that included hypertension education, individualized lifestyle counseling, self-measured blood pressure training, and a progressive walking program in reducing systolic blood pressure …

Falling Star Program: A Visual Cue Intervention To Reduce Falls In Long-Term Care, Maggie Shanahan

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Falls among older adults in skilled nursing and long-term care settings remain a leading cause of injury, functional decline, and increased healthcare utilization, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality in this population (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ], 2022). The primary purpose of this project aimed to implement and evaluate a structured visual cue–based fall prevention intervention to reduce fall rates among high-risk residents in a long-term care facility in Northwest Indiana. The project included 23 participants aged 65 years and older who were identified as high risk for falls. Using …

Increasing Medication Adherence In Those With Hypertension, Holly Kimiecik

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure and remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024), approximately 47.7% of U.S. adults have hypertension, yet only about one in five achieve blood pressure control below 130/80 mm Hg. Medication adherence plays a critical role in managing hypertension and preventing complications. Adults aged 18 years and older prescribed antihypertensive medications from a primary care clinic in Valparaiso, Indiana, participated in this six-week quality improvement intervention. Evidence from a comprehensive literature review supports combining patient …

Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines For The Risk Stratification And Anesthetic Management Of Geriatric Surgery Patients At High Risk For Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery, Patrick M. Garvey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

As the global geriatric surgical population rapidly expands, managing complications like postoperative cognitive dysfunction is increasingly essential, given its adverse impacts on recovery, quality of life, and healthcare costs. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction can lead to extended hospital stays, delayed recovery, and significant cognitive decline, particularly among elderly patients exposed to general anesthesia. This quality improvement final scholarly project develops and hypothetically implements evidence-based practice guidelines for anesthetic management in geriatric patients at high risk for postoperative cognitive dysfunction undergoing non-cardiac surgery. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project uses preoperative cognitive assessments, such as the Mini-Cog tool, to identify patients …

Enhancing Healthcare Communication With Artificial Intelligence Translation Methods For Improved Patient Healthcare Satisfaction, Mireille Signe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose:

To evaluate whether artificial intelligence (AI) verbal translation improved communication-related satisfaction during routine nurse–patient interactions.

Background:

In the ICU, brief, frequent conversations with patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) often occur without timely access to professional interpreters, contributing to delays, improvised communication, and lower satisfaction. AI tools offer immediate access for low‑complexity exchanges but require evaluation for feasibility and effectiveness as a supplement to certified interpreter services.

Methodology:

Twelve nurse-LEP proxy patient dyads were evaluated using a mixed-methods design (8/2025-12/2025) in a 16-bed ICU during QI PDSA cycles. Standardized care communication scenarios were completed using the AI tool. Process …

The Effect Of Fall Prevention Programs With Hourly Rounding On Fall Rates Among Adults Patients In Neurological Unit, Oyinlola A. Ogundeji

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this QI project was to evaluate the effect of a structured hourly rounding program on patient fall rates in an adult neurological inpatient unit.

Background

Patient falls remain a major safety concern in acute care, particularly among hospitalized neurological patients with impairments in mobility, cognition, and balance. In an adult neurological unit within a Magnet-designated hospital, fall rates exceeded national benchmarks, underscoring the need for a targeted quality-improvement

Methodology

A pre–post QI design, guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, was implemented over 12 weeks in a 28-bed neurological unit. This intervention featured structured hourly rounding using the …

Improving Nursing Engagement In Fall Prevention Strategies Using The Stay Independent Check Your Risk For Falling Questionnaire Instrument On A Geriatric Trauma Unit, Savanah Weaver

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The CDC validated Stay Independent Check Your Risk for Fall (SICRFQ) tool was integrated on a geriatric trauma unit. This initiative sought to improve nurse-driven, individualized fall prevention through the identification of patient-specific fall risk factors among older adults.

Background

Inpatient falls are burdensome on patients and hospitals. The SICRFQ tool can aid in screening for patient specific risk factors. Screening and nurse-led fall prevention strategies can reduce falls in the acute care setting.

Methodology

The PDSA cycle was utilized to guide project implementation. The SICRFQ was assessed at admission and screened every shift by nursing staff. Pre and …

A Pilot Project On Improving Icu Nurses’ Confidence In Early Defibrillation, Adetutu Obadina

Doctoral Projects

Early recognition of shockable cardiac rhythms and timely defibrillation are critical components of effective resuscitation during in-hospital cardiac arrest. Despite established guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA), nurses may experience uncertainty or reduced confidence when identifying shockable rhythms and delivering timely defibrillation during cardiac arrest events. The purpose of this project was to examine whether a structured educational intervention incorporating simulation-based training could improve intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ confidence and knowledge in recognizing shockable rhythms and performing timely defibrillation. A pre-and post-intervention design was implemented among ICU nurses at a large academic medical center between September and October …

Interprofessional Palliative Care: Implementation Of What Matters Most, Nicole Moran, Madeleine A. Keppel, Madison E. Markey, Alicia Naccarato, Kristen Cumming, Lori Boright

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Palliative care (PC) is defined as specialized care plans for people with serious, life-limiting illnesses, emphasizing comfort care and management of complex symptoms. Rehabilitation professionals such as physical and occupational therapists have unique skills and perspectives towards managing and contributing to this population though are often under-represented on interprofessional palliative care teams. The Guide to What Matters (The Guide) was created upon recognition of the need for an increased presence of rehabilitation services in PC.

Frailty And Fall Risk In Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study, Hatice Yılmaz, Nazmiye Çıray

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to examine the effect of frailty on the risk of falls in older adults aged 65 years with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: The study is cross-sectional and correlational. The sample included 146 individuals aged 65 years who had type 2 diabetes and visited the internal medicine outpatient clinic of a state hospital in Türkiye. The participants were assessed based on a personal information form, the Mini-Mental State Examination, Edmonton Frail Scale, Morse Fall Scale, and Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 was used for data analysis. …

The Impact Of Social Interaction On Patient Well-Being With Transition Into Long-Term Care Settings: A Review Of Interventions For Improved Patient Outcomes, Helen Whitney Harmon

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Purpose: When individual patients are transitioned from home or acute care settings to more long-term care environments such as skilled nursing units or assisted living facilities, the residents are at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness, which is linked to depression, anxiety, and increasing cognitive decline, and other detrimental outcomes.

Aims: Combinations of peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative research studies were analyzed to determine what factors contributed to changes in patient well-being, mental health and overall quality of life during these transitions.

Methods: One article focusing on preventable healthcare transitions in patient population was able to link higher medical acuity …

Improving Anesthesia Provider Confidence In The Identification, Management, And Treatment Of Postoperative Delirium, Brittany M. Whistle, Charles Dustin Phelps

Scholars Week

Purpose: Postoperative Delirium (POD) is a potentially devastating complication of anesthesia that is poorly understood by clinical staff leading to poor outcomes for surgical patients. This study is meant to determine if a focused knowledge presentation accompanied by visual aids could increase anesthesia providers confidence in identifying, diagnosing, and treating Postoperative Delirium.

Methodology: Utilizing a statistical model to analyze respondents results on a standardized test administered before and after an informational presentation with visual aids on the topic of Postoperative Delirium.

Results: Results indicated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores, with a p-value of .002, t(11) = …

Breaking Barriers: Advancement Toward Practical Nursing Licensure For Certified Medication Assistants In Long-Term Care--A Descriptive Study, Aleshia L. Maxwell

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The persistent nursing shortage across the United States, particularly in Long-Term Care (LTC) settings, has complicated the healthcare system’s ability to meet the needs of an aging population. While existing research often examines progression from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN), limited research explores factors influencing progression from entry-level LTC healthcare workers to Practical Nursing (PN) licensure. This quantitative descriptive study examined the barriers and supporting factors influencing advancement toward PN licensure for Medication Assistants-Certified (MA-Cs) in Arkansas LTC facilities. A convenience sample of N=100 participated in the study. Results indicated that financial and structural barriers often …

An Evidence-Based Educational Intervention To Enhance Nurses' Knowledge Of Metabolic Syndrome In Residential Care Facilities, Marie Tanyi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The project addresses a critical gap in nursing education by implementing a structured, evidencebased educational intervention led by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to improve nurses’ knowledge of metabolic syndrome in residential care facilities. The purpose was to determine whether this intervention could significantly enhance nurses’ understanding and management of metabolic syndrome, a complex cluster of disorders present in adult populations. Nine nurses participated in targeted educational sessions focusing on definition, diagnosis, complications, and evidence-based prevention and management strategies. Each participant completed the Metabolic Syndrome Knowledge Scale (MSKS) questionnaire before and after the intervention to assess changes in knowledge. …

Nursing Practice In Cancer Treatment Decision Making Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review On Behalf Of The International Society Of Geriatric Oncology Nursing, Allied Health, And Scientists Interest Group, Fay J. Strohschein, Hanneke Van Der Wal-Huisman, K. Alix Hayden, Kristen R. Haase, Michelle Hannan, Cindy Kenis, Juan Li, Nikita Nikita, Sophie Pilleron, Tracy Ruegg, Heike Schmidt, Anke Steckelberg, Cassandra Vonnes, Martine Puts

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Cancer treatment decision making (CTDM) presents important challenges among older adults due to variation in health and functional status, presence of comorbidities, differing goals/values, quality and quantity of life considerations, and limited inclusion in clinical trials. Nursing standards and guidelines call for competence in supporting CTDM and nurses advocate for greater involvement. However, clear understanding of the existing evidence to inform nursing practice is lacking. We aimed to map and synthesize evidence that provides insight into nursing practice in CTDM among older adults, with attention to nursing roles, required skills and competencies, potential barriers and facilitators, and outcomes studied. …

What Matters To Residential Long-Term Care Residents: Contextualizing Perceptions Of Person-Centered Care, Luis J. Cordero, Sarah Dys, Diana White

Institute on Aging Publications

This study combines the CRITIC and DEMATEL methods and introduces a new hybrid scenario analysis approach that identifies cross-scenario strategies. We use Taiwan's wind energy industry as a case study to validate the process. Although scenario analysis has been applied across various fields and organization types—including strategic planning, education, training, and recent environmental issues—scholars have highlighted problems such as the subjectivity of qualitative analysis and the lack of quantitative evidence. To address this, this study integrates scenario analysis with quantitative multi-criteria decision analysis to support decision makers in conducting scenario evaluations. We achieve this by applying a multi-criteria approach to …

Nature-Based Approaches To Dementia, Cognitive Impairment, And Caregiver Well-Being: A Scoping Review Of Gardening And Therapeutic Strategies, Mary Dioise Ramos, Marcy Purnell, Jolie Harris, Gloria Giarratano

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Dementia is a growing global health concern, with behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) contributing significantly to diminished quality of life and caregiver burden. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as gardening and nature-based therapies, are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to: (1) map existing evidence on gardening and garden-based interventions for individuals with dementia; (2) assess impacts on caregivers; (3) identify mechanisms of benefit; and (4) summarize effective design and implementation strategies. Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across five databases. Studies were screened using Covidence. Inclusion criteria …