29098 research outputs found
Sort by
Determining the Effectiveness of Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness in Hand Contractures
No full textThis capstone project is based on the area of specialization of clinical practice skills paired with research to expand evidence behind the understudied intervention, casting motion to mobilize stiffness (CMMS). The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of CMMS for increasing active range of motion (AROM) and improving functional use of the hand. Two participants were selected based on pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. AROM was measured using goniometry of the targeted joints and measuring distance from the distal palmar crease (DPC) in composite finger flexion. Both participants demonstrated increased active composite flexion following CMMS implementation, ranging from a 32.7% to a 58.2% decrease in DPC distance across all digits. Additionally, they both reported functional improvements in hand use in meaningful daily tasks. The results of this study cannot be generalized due to the limitations of a small sample. However, the reported functional impact of CMMS on active hand motion can indicate clinically relevant improvements for these two cases. These findings support the pursuit of further investigation into CMMS effectiveness. Specific areas of future research identified in this project include the comparison of various cast materials in applying CMMS principles and the use of functional outcome measures in determining functional benefits from CMMS
Improving Outcomes of Depression Through Implementation of Depression Screenings at a College Health Center
Get PDFDepression is a common phenomenon. Depression and suicidality are a problem on university campuses. This quality improvement Doctor of Nursing project aimed to establish the importance of routine depression screenings within a college health clinic. The purpose of this project was to determine if implementing routine depression screenings at a university health clinic will or will not increase the number of counseling referrals when compared to the absence of depression screenings in place within an identified timeframe. This protocol screened for depression in college-aged students and suggested care to those students who screened positive. It also led an interprofessional team to review the literature and to assist in decreasing undiagnosed depression cases on campus. Postimplementation counseling referrals were calculated to assess the success of this project. For this project, a quantitative, exploratory design through a retrospective chart review was utilized at a 4-year university campus student health center. The students were screened for depression utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) screening form and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) screening form. If the result showed a positive screening for depression, the student was referred to the on-campus counseling center. The results of this project confirmed a need for routine depression screenings at on-campus medical clinics. During an 8-week timeframe, there were 441 total eligible participants: 94 students who screened positive on the PHQ-2 screening and 79 students who screened positive on the PHQ-9 screening and were referred to the on-campus counseling center. There is a need for depression screenings on college campuses. The results of this project confirmed the need for sustainability in the future to combat depression in college students
