Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons^™

Lived Experiences Of People With Substance Use Disorder As Healthcare Education To Develop Empathy For This Population, Whitney Bynum

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Stigmas that develop among healthcare workers regarding patients with substance use disorder include: "drug-seeking", "violent", and "unmotivated". These beliefs can decrease the quality of care provided and results in less people seeking out needed treatment. Healthy People's 2030 goals include reducing drug and alcohol addiction. In order to do this, healthcare workers need to show empathy and form trusting relationships with this patient population. Building a trusting relationship allows the patient to be more receptive to help and suggestions. Learning the life story of a patient can help healthcare workers develop empathy and reduce negative attitudes.

A Lifestyle Management Coaching Intervention For Fear Of Cancer Recurrence In Young Breast Cancer Survivors, Lisa R. Murphy

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Objective: A significant challenge facing young breast cancer (BC) survivors is learning how to manage fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) during survivorship. Limited tailored FCR interventions and age-appropriate support exist. This Doctor of Nursing (DNP) project, based upon best practice guidelines, aimed to evaluate how a Lifestyle Management Coaching Intervention (LMCI) could help young female BC survivors learn how to decrease and manage their FCR more effectively and experience improved health outcomes.

Method: Eligible participants were female BC survivors aged 18-59 with Stage I-III BC demonstrating elevated baseline FCR screening scores during the extended survival period recruited from the …

Effects Of Nurse-Patient Relationship On Mental Health Patients’ Medication Adherence/Healthcare Outcome, April Monica Magbual

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background and Significance: Medication adherence among mentally ill patients (MIP) is a significant issue which require extra support & guidance to encourage better recovery. Administering medication is a critical role of nurses that must be performed effectively and appropriately, especially for MIPs.

Literature Review and Gap in the Literature: There is insufficient research exploring NPR and medication adherence specifically for MIPs. Participants’ cultural variations, age range, specific interventions & economic factors influencing medication compliance are missing. The current study aims to explore strategies that nurses can implement during patient interaction in the hospital setting.

Study Design and Method: A qualitative …

Covid-19 And Eating Disorders: How Covid-19 Increased The Prevalence And Severity Of Eating Disorders, And The Lasting Implications, Lucy Rogers

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

COVID-19 brought on a whirlwind of changes that were impossible to have foreseen. The impacts on individuals have left lasting impressions, the natures of which continue to be unearthed even now- 4 years later. This thesis will outline the impacts of COVID-19 on those suffering from eating disorders and disordered eating habits, as well as ideas for how to support and care for these individuals through their continued hardships which have been set in motion by the pandemic.

The research conducted on this topic utilized peer reviewed articles found through databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. The findings …

Studying The Impact Of Hyperlipidemia Monitoring Tools On Referral Rates In Patients Taking Antipsychotics, Jasmyn S. Allen

Doctoral Projects

The purpose of this DNP project is to determine how well an evaluation tool may be used to track hyperlipidemia in patients using antipsychotic medicines who are between the ages of 20 and 50. Elevated lipid contents in the bloodstream, or hyperlipidemia, increase the danger of heart-related illnesses. Antipsychotic drugs, frequently administered for mental health disorders and dyslipidemia, have been connected. The goal is to ascertain whether utilizing an evaluation tool raises the three-month referral rates for hyperlipidemia to primary care (Dayabandara et al., 2017). The foundation of the research is found in several articles collected from different websites. According …

Effectiveness Of Staff Training On Trauma-Informed Care, Brandy Tramel Williams

Doctoral Projects

The connection between experiencing trauma and the development of substance use disorder is widely recognized. Although trauma is more prevalent among individuals with substance use disorders, healthcare professionals have limited access to training focused on trauma informed care. It is crucial for those working in addiction treatment to receive training and education on trauma informed care to understand the impact of trauma and its association with substance use disorders.

This DNP project's objective was to develop and evaluate an educational presentation for staff emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care in the context of addiction. The effectiveness of this intervention was …

Bibliography, Kim Link

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Bibliography of publications by Kim Link.

Intentions To Seek Mental Health Services Among Arabs In The United States: The Effect Of A Tailored Web-Based Educational Video, Ohoud Alosais

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

Arabs in the United States (U.S.) are exposed to different stressors that place them at high risk of developing adverse mental health outcomes. Compared to other minority groups, Arabs in the U.S. have reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression. Researchers have found disparities between the need for mental health services (MHS) and actual utilization among Arabs in the U.S. Understanding the intrapersonal factors involved in MHS’ help-seeking behavior among Arabs in the U.S. is essential to reduce the burdens caused by untreated mental health disorders in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to enhance our …

Implementation Of A Suicide Prevention Program In A Rural School, Mackenzie Wieser

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects

Introduction: Suicide is a leading cause of death among today's youth. One in six youth have seriously considered attempting suicide, and one in 13 have attempted suicide at least once. Timely identification of those at risk and connection with appropriate help are critical. Elementary, middle, and high school teachers are ideally positioned to act as gatekeepers through early recognition of students in psychological distress and timely response and referral when appropriate.
Evidence Summary: Teachers report a sense of responsibility for providing indirect mental health services to youth but have a lack of sufficient training and preparedness. Kognito online simulations have …

Improving Screen Time Review And Adherence To Age-Based Limits In A Fqhc, Erin K. Milner

DNP Projects

Background: Children in the US spend an average of 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen, well above the recommended 2 hours per day for entertainment. Screen time of greater than 3 hours per day is associated with higher body mass indices and insulin resistance that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Providers should review and reinforce age-appropriate screen time guidelines at well-child visits. Screen time education and behavior contracts can be used to facilitate age-appropriate screen time.

Project Goals:

1. To implement screen time education and behavior contracts in a pediatric population in a federally qualified health center …

Efficacy Of Gabapentin Versus Benzodiazepines In The Management Of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, Douglas R. Fredona

Master's Projects

Alcohol abuse, complicated by a dependency relationship, is the third leading modifiable cause of death in the United States. In patients with chronic alcohol use disorder who experience a sudden cessation or significant decrease in alcohol consumption, half will experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Benzodiazepines are the typical first line treatment for alcohol withdrawal. However, benzodiazepines carry with them significant risks and side effects. As a result, ongoing research has taken place to find either an alternative treatment or a method of reducing total benzodiazepine dosage during treatment. Gabapentin is a medication that is primarily used for seizure control …

The Effect Of Providing End Of Life Care On The Mental Health Of Critical Care Nurses, Christy Nelson

Master's Projects

Critical care nurses are providing care to acutely ill patients now more than ever and may experience moral or emotional distress due to providing end of life care to their patients. The purpose of this literature review is to determine the mental health effects of a critical care nurse providing palliative end of life care. A literature search using PubMed and CINHAL was conducted and fourteen published articles between 2012-2023 were included in this review. Several interventions were identified which may be useful in decreasing burnout and moral distress in critical care nurses. Overall, nurses experienced the most negative mental …

Implementing Universal Suicidality Screening In A Critical-Access Emergency Department, Delaney M. Kjendal, Kerry Nolte, Sara Robinson, Kimberly Force

Honors Theses and Capstones

Background: Implementation of a universal suicidality screening is considered best practice as it is associated with improved the detection of occult, or latent, suicide risk and can reduce subsequent risk. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluates the implementation of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to screen patients over the age of twelve at a regional healthcare system.

Methods: The QI project was conducted at Littleton Regional Healthcare (LRH) emergency department, a critical-access hospital in Littleton, New Hampshire that serves about 206 patients per week. Implementation of suicidality screening was of interest to LRH to promote mental health in the …

The Effects Of Prolonged Exposure Therapy On The Symptoms Of Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Hannah Belle Pontillas

Nursing | Senior Theses

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5 defines posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD as persistent psychophysiological reactions including intrusive memories of trauma, negative feelings towards such memories, and avoidance of related stimuli—all of which are a direct result of experiencing a traumatic event. The first line of treatment for this particular mental disorder is considered to be prolonged exposure therapy or PE therapy due to its high success rate in treating the symptoms of moderate to severe PTSD as it encourages patients to directly confront and overcome their trauma. However, PE therapy has garnered concern as it …

Maternal Postnatal Depressive Symptoms And Its Effects On Infant Bonding, Tammy Nguyen

Nursing | Senior Theses

The objective of this thesis is to gain insight on precipitating factors that increase postpartum mother’s depressive symptoms, including stress and anxiety, and how attachment is influenced. Maternal-infant bonding is defined as the emotional relationship and interaction between mother and infant. Postnatal depressive symptoms typically are under-diagnosed due to a lack of education and the stigma of believing that the effects are “normal” consequences of motherhood. Those affected may not seek professional help. Unrealistic expectations about bonding with their infants can have a negative mental health impact on mothers and influence infants’ behaviors. High expectations of needing to be a …

Eating Disorders: Barriers To Peer And Self Recognition And The Ability To Seek Or Give Help, Savannah Mcvey

Honors College Theses

A lack of knowledge concerning eating disorders has been found to play a major role in self-recognition, peer recognition, and barriers to seeking treatment at all. More specifically, straight men were more often not able to identify these issues in themselves or others. Theories that have been presented involve the image of eating disorders being a “woman’s issue” and a possible obsession with weight lifting and changing one’s body to take on a more masculine build. Combatting this issue needs to begin in the form of basic education on college campuses due to the prevalence in this particular age group. …

Empowering Choices: Patient Education For Contraceptive Confidence, Maria Anns Abraham

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The complexity of birth control options significantly impacts women's lives, with hormonal contraceptives being commonly used but often misunderstood. These contraceptives, which contain estrogen and progestin or progestin only, come in various forms such as pills, implants, IUDs, injections, the vaginal ring, and skin patches, offering benefits such as reduced menstrual cramps and ectopic pregnancy risk. However, they can also lead to adverse effects including increased blood pressure, nausea, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, and heightened risk of blood clots, with research indicating a potential link between their use and a decline in mental health. Given the prevalence of depression, particularly in …

Emergency Department Safety With Psychiatric Unit, Mallorie Stiner, Sofia Splendore

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Safety in the emergency department is of the highest priority with patient care for ED staff and psychiatric patients. Psychiatric patients are unpredictable and can have violent outbursts, especially in a mental health episode or under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. Research on psychiatric units in the emergency department has primarily focused on minimizing patient wait times, however, there is a lack of research on patient and staff safety. Objective: This thesis investigates the impact of incorporating a psychiatric unit staffed by mental health professionals and patient safety within the emergency department. Methods: This thesis will include …

Utilizing Outpatient Telehealth As A Treatment Approach For Patients With Substance Use Disorder: A Quality Improvement Project, Veronica Kwegyir-Afful

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: The issue of substance use disorder (SUD) has demonstrated a growing prevalence both in the United States (U.S.) and globally. Effective treatment modalities have been devised for individuals afflicted by SUD, thereby enabling their post-treatment prognosis to be parallel to that of patients with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes. However, several factors or barriers impede individuals with SUD from assessing treatment. These barriers encompass financial constraints stemming from inadequate insurance coverage and high cost, the stigma surrounding SUD, which results in patient's hesitancy to seek treatment treat, adverse societal attitudes, collateral social percussions like work hour losses and …

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Nicotine Dependence, And Depressive Symptoms Among A Community Sample Of People With Mental Illnesses, Bassema Abufarsakh

Theses and Dissertations--Nursing

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) pose a major public health issue as they are associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes. In the United States (US), more than 60% of adults report at least one ACE, and around 15% experienced four or more. Repeated exposure to ACEs stressors can convert ACEs to toxic stress by altering the brain's architecture and function. Evidence suggests that exposure to four or more ACEs, which are indicators of exposure to toxic stressors, is associated with nicotine dependence (ND) and depressive symptoms. Moreover, people with mental illnesses (MI) often have greater exposure to toxic stressors …