Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Clinical Pathway For Rhogam Administration In The Emergency Department, Lauren Kyzar, Amy Bigham

Appalachian Student Healthcare Research Review

Background: Clinical pathways in emergency departments (ED) are designed to standardize patient care and reduce variability in clinical practice. In a rural hospital setting, the ED management of RhoGAM administration in pregnant patients with vaginal bleeding varied by provider with no standard of care achieved. This approach raised concerns about potential patient safety issues.

Methods: In response, the local emergency department medical director, in conjunction with local perinatal providers developed a clinical pathway to standardize care and optimize RhoGAM administration. The clinical pathway was implemented to the local ED providers over a three-month period. Retrospective chart review for Type and …

Exploring Policy Change To Support Early Diagnosis Of Congenital Heart Disease (Chd) In New Mexico, Kelsey Carson Leibenhaut

Doctor of Nursing Practice Posters and Presentations

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is not a new or rare problem; it has likely always been a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality and clocks in today as the most frequently occurring birth defect, affecting an estimated 1 in 100 newborns (CDC, 2025). Prior to the middle of the 20th century, there was little to be done about CHD, as no treatments existed. Everything changed with the advancement of options for surgical repair of CHDs, significantly prolonging lifespans and improving quality of life for affected individuals. Despite these incredible advancements, babies are born with CHD every day, leading to …

Navigating The Nicu Without Words: A Case Study Of A Spanish-Speaking Mother’S Healthcare Experience, Emma Norris

Honors Theses

Background: Few studies examine language barriers in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Miscommunication and lack of understanding between the healthcare team and a NICU infant’s parents may easily occur when the relationship is inhibited by a language barrier. Previous studies show that a lack of parent-provider communication creates additional anxiety for parents. The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the experiences and barriers in communication between an English-speaking nurse, an English-Spanish bilingual nurse, and a Spanish-speaking mother of a NICU infant.

Methods: This project was a case study using an exploratory mixed methods qualitative design. Qualitative …

Community Perceptions Of A Hospital-Based Doula Program In Mobile, Alabama, Sarah Laney

Honors Theses

Background: The maternal mortality ratio in the United States is much higher than the mortality rate for women who live in other countries with similar Human Development Index scores. Black women are more likely to die than their white counterparts. Most of these deaths are preventable. Patients feel like they are being ignored, or that they are not being seen. Doula care is a possible solution to these problems.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess patient understanding and perception of doulas as well as comparing desire for doulas to demographics and past experiences to search for relationships. …

Improving Documentation Compliance During Obstetric Massive Transfusion Events Through Implementation Of A Standardized Flowsheet, Kirstie Barrick

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a standardized MTP documentation flowsheet in a Level IV maternal Labor and Delivery unit and increase documentation compliance to ≥80% within one month of implementation.

Results: One-month post-implementation, documentation compliance reached 82%, exceeding the established goal of 80%. Compliance remained stable across monitoring periods, suggesting early adoption and short-term sustainability. Staff reported high usability ratings, improved workflow efficiency, and increased confidence in documenting MTP events following simulation-based education. Minimal missing data and consistent survey responses supported reliability of findings.

Background: Obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity. …

Exploring Policy Change To Support Early Diagnosis Of Congenital Heart Defects (Chd) In New Mexico, Kelsey Carson Leibenhaut

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is not a new or rare problem; it has likely always been a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality and clocks in today as the most frequently occurring birth defect, affecting an estimated 1 in 100 newborns (CDC, 2025). Prior to the middle of the 20th century, there was little to be done about CHD, as no treatments existed. Everything changed with the advancement of options for surgical repair of CHDs, significantly prolonging lifespans and improving quality of life for affected individuals. Despite these incredible advancements, babies are born with CHD every day, leading to …

A Planetary Health Approach To Address Food Insecurities In New Mexico, Mariah Kennell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Food insecurity remains a persistent public health concern throughout New Mexico, impacting both rural and urban populations and contributing to significant health disparities. Limited access to affordable, locally sourced fresh foods exacerbates chronic disease burden and undermines community health. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to conduct a comprehensive policy analysis to identify feasible state-level strategies to improve food access through strengthening local food systems. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention POLARIS policy analysis framework, a structured evaluation of existing and potential state and community-level policies was conducted. The analysis incorporated stakeholder interviews with …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Prenatal Care In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery Phd, Cnm, Aprn, Shelby Greene Bsn, Rn, Lauren Griffin Bsn, Rn, Destiny Lewis Bsn, Rn, Lauryn Lewis Bsn, Rn, Bryleigh Newberry Bsn, Rn, Brittany Scott Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: This paper examines the historical development of prenatal care in the United States, tracing its evolution from informal, home—based management to structured, evidence-based systems that are central to maternal and fetal health.

Aims: The specific aim of this project was to determine how prenatal care evolved in the United States.

Methods: A historical methods approach was used. Historical documents were reviewed using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to find relevant resources. Relevant articles were reviewed by the research team and analyzed for components regarding the development of prenatal care. All members of the research team reviewed the articles and …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Childbirth In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery, Kayleigh Berg Bsn, Rn, Emily Greer Bsn, Rn, Marsha Hedgecough Bsn, Rn, Emma Holden Bsn, Rn, Halle Ingle Bsn, Rn, Alexis Tolbert Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: The purpose of this project is understand the historical development of childbirth from early documentation of birth in the home to modern day obstetrics, where most deliveries occur in the hospital. Approximately 3.5 to 4 million births occur each year in the U. S.

Aims: The aim of this study is to understand the historical development of childbirth in the U.S. with a particular emphasis on maternal autonomy. Depending on the amount of materials available, the research may be limited to the Appalachian Region.

Methods: Using a historical method, materials were located that traced the trajectory of childbirth from …

Nurture Study: Neonatal Utilization And Risk From Maternal Substance Exposure- Transitions, Resource Needs, And Outcomes, Vidhani Goel, Roberto Sagaribay, Emily Carter, Gabriella Buccini, Farooq Abdulla, Deborah A. Kuhls

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Introduction: Prenatal exposure to addictive substances is an important public health concern with potential consequences for neonatal health and early brain development. Maternal substance use during pregnancy has been associated with adverse birth outcomes and increased healthcare utilization in the neonatal period. These risks may be further amplified among Medicaid populations that experience persistent healthcare disparities. Understanding early indicators of neonatal instability may help identify infants at elevated risk for neurodevelopmental complications. This study examines the association between maternal substance use and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) utilization and transitions in level of care (LOC) among infants born to Medicaid …

Assessing The Impact Of Interprofessional Simulation Training On Perioperative Staff's Confidence In Managing Maternal Hemorrhage, Mallory Duncan, Lidia Vazquez

Scholars Week

Globally, maternal mortality rates remain a critical public health challenge, often related to inadequate healthcare infrastructure in low-income countries. Yet according to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), maternal mortality rates in the United States are also on the rise, with nearly 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. These deaths are largely contributed to maternal hemorrhage (PPH), defined by ACOG as cumulative blood loss of at least 1,000 mL accompanied by symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours of the birth process. These findings underscore an urgent need to strengthen the training for perioperative staff in the management of …

Optimizing Vbac Outcomes Through A Structured Tolac Pathway, Alexandra E. Williams

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Evaluate whether implementing a structured TOLAC clinical pathway improves VBAC success, increases TOLAC attempts among eligible patients, and improves maternal and neonatal outcomes. The project was conducted at a Southeast hospital in Houston, Texas. 

Women with a prior cesarean often have limited labor options because many hospitals default to repeat cesarean delivery. TOLAC remains underutilized due to safety concerns, limited provider education, and lack of standardized protocols. Evidence shows that appropriate counseling, standardized management, and close maternal–fetal monitoring can support safe vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

A pre–post implementation design guided by the RE-AIM framework was used. Eligible participants included …

Cervical Dilation Assessment Simulation For Development Of Student Nurse Competency, Ashley Romans

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Assessment of cervical dilation is an important component in care for the pregnant and laboring patient. However, nursing students frequently encounter barriers to acquiring this assessment skill in the clinical setting. Through application of the ACE Star model, a simulation-based teaching trainer is utilized to promote achievement of student competence while respecting the limitations of the hospital clinical experience. Varied opportunities for purchasing or constructing these simulation tools allows for beneficial learning experiences at different price points, promoting the implementation of this important tool in the most appropriate method for an individual setting. Implementation of the cervical dilation simulator allows …

Implementing Labor Plans To Increase Labor Satisfaction, Allyson G. Johnson, Emma G. Hancock, Kinley Edwards

Scholars Week

This scholarly presentation examines the implementation of a standardized birth plan tool within a healthcare facility to improve maternal birth satisfaction. The project focuses on enhancing patient-provider communication, supporting shared decision-making, and ensuring that patient preferences are clearly documented and respected throughout labor and delivery. Findings suggest that integrating a structured birth plan tool may increase maternal satisfaction and promote more patient-centered obstetric care.

Parental Safe Sleep Knowledge And Infant Safe Sleep Practices In Tidewater, Virginia, Karen Hancock, Kathie Zimbrow, Carolyn Rutledge

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Tidewater, VA has the highest SIDS rate in the state. The purpose of this submission is to contribute to the limited knowledge available on parental knowledge and infant safe sleep practices in Tidewater, VA. Through this study we have attempted to identify impediments to infant safe sleep practices and hope to use this information to address gaps in education on infant safe sleep practices.

This abstract will be presented in poster presentation form and is appropriate for the following categories: Maternal, Child, and Neonatal Nursing as well as Public Health and Community Nursing.

Contributions to this work were made by …

3. Skin To Skin Holding To Reduce Neonatal Hypoglycemia, Merebea Danforth

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Factors Associated With Immediate Postnatal Care In Lao People’S Democratic Republic: An Analysis Of The 2017 Lao People’S Democratic Republic Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, Tressa Quayle, Jinyoung Kim, Jennifer Pharr, Rebecca Benfield

Nursing Faculty Research

Background: The World Health Organization recognizes that approximately half of all maternal deaths occur in the immediate postnatal period or 24 h after birth. Forty-seven percent of Lao women aged 15–49 who delivered a baby in the last two years received a postnatal health check in the frst two days after delivery. After leaving the presence of a provider, 98.5% of these women never received another postnatal check. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Lao PDR was 126 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. Immediate postnatal care (PNC) is a crucial step to improving maternal mortality. The aim of …

Bridging Ipv And Sud For Pregnant And Postpartum Women: A Case Report Of Interdisciplinary Programming In Mississippi, Catherine Poehling, Masoumeh Karimi, Chinedu Chukwu, Jerome R. Kolbo, Xiaoshan Gordy, Saijun Zhang, Matthew Morris, Andrew Voluse, Erin Dehon, Michelle Brassfield, Danielle Lahn, Lisa Slade, Deanna Howington, Kathleen Rhodes, Tearsanee Davis, Sonja Fuqua, Mary M. Wesley, Lei Zhang

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) adolescents in the U.S. South experience disproportionately high rates of bullying, discrimination, depression, and suicidality. Supportive and inclusive school climates are identified as key protective factors that can mitigate these risks and function as primary prevention against violence. This systematic narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed research and high-quality survey reports published between 2015 and 2024 that assess school climate, mental health, and violence-related outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth with representation from Southern states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 1,167 records …

Prevalence And Factors Associated With Delayed Surgery Among Children With Wilms Tumor At Mulago Hospital: A Mixed-Method Study, Lule Daniel, Shamim Nabidda, Abraham Muhwezi, Ronald Naitala, Anne Akullo, Enid Kawala Kagoya, Ruth Namazzi, Nasser Kakembo, Joan N. Kalyango

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction:  Wilms tumor (WT) is a highly treatable form of childhood cancer, with five-year survival rates greater than 90% in high-income countries. In low- and middle-income countries, survival is still low. Delayed surgery is one of the leading factors for poor survival, as it leads to tumor complications, making subsequent treatment more complex. However, there is a paucity of information in Uganda on the prevalence and factors associated with delayed surgery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with delayed surgery, and to explore the barriers and facilitators of timely surgery among children with WT at …

Immediate Skin-To-Skin Contact At Very Preterm Birth And Effect On Infant Socio-Emotional Stress Response And Mother–Infant Cortisol Co-Regulation: Secondary Outcomes From The Randomised Clinical Immediate Parent-Infant Skin-To-Skin Study (Ipistoss), Karoline Lode-Kolz, Siri Lillieskold, Hanne Brit Hetland, Eleonora Mascheroni, Stina Klemming, Hanne Pike, Agnes Linner, Nils J. Bergman, Bjorn Westrup, Ulrika Ådén, Evalotte Morelius, Rosario Montirosso, Wibke Jonas, Siren Rettedal

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective To explore the effects of immediate parent–infant skin-to-skin contact (iSSC) at very preterm birth on maternal–infant behavioural responses and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity to age-appropriate socio-emotional stress at 4months corrected age. Design Two secondary outcomes from a multicentre randomised controlled trial with two non-blinded parallel groups. Setting Three Scandinavian neonatal intensive care units, level 2 and level 3. Participants 91 infants born at gestational age 28+0to 32+6 from April 2018 to June 2021. Singletons and twins with a second caregiver present were included, regardless of mode of birth. Higher-order births, infants with congenital infections and major malformations were excluded. …