30820 research outputs found
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Implementing a QTc Prolongation Risk Assessment Template for ECG Monitoring in Patients on Psychotropic Medication: A Quality Improvement Project
Full text linkAbstract QTc prolongation is a significant clinical concern among psychiatric patients prescribed psychotropic medications, as it increases the risk for life-threatening arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. Despite these risks, standardized protocols for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in the outpatient psychiatric setting remains inconsistent. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project aims to implement a validated, evidence-based QTc Prolongation Risk Assessment Template—specifically, the Tisdale QT Risk Assessment Tool—at Recovery From Society (RFS) Psychiatry in Tampa, Florida, to enhance systematic ECG monitoring and informed clinical decision-making. Guided by the Health Belief Model, the intervention consisted of structured provider education, integration of the tool into the electronic health record (TherapyNotes), and follow-up surveys that assessed provider confidence, intent to implement, and the tools usability. The postintervention survey responses revealed high satisfaction with the training, increased provider confidence, and strong intent to incorporate the tool into practice. A large effect size (Cohen\u27s d = 1.03) further supported the clinical significance of the intervention. RFS Psychiatry staff identified barriers, such as time constraints and patient adherence, feedback that can be used for future quality improvement initiatives for QTc monitoring. Despite the projects limitations, including a small sample size and the absence of a control group, this project demonstrates the value of integrating standardized QTc risk assessment protocols into outpatient psychiatric care. Sustainability efforts include continued training, workflow integration, and administrative oversight. This project highlights the leadership role of advanced practice nurses in promoting safe prescribing practices, standardizing care, and enhancing patient outcomes through evidence based practice
Evaluating and Educating Bedside Nurses on the Utilization and Interpretation of Appropriate Pain Assessment Tools for Postoperative Pediatric Neurosurgical Patients: A Quality Improvement Project
Full text linkPostoperative pain management specifically in pediatric neurosurgical patients can presents unique challenges. Specifically, inconsistencies in pain assessment practices among registered nurses can pose a large barrier. In turn, inadequate/inaccurate pain evaluation can lead to undertreated pain which in turn can lead to psychologic and physiologic consequences. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate how effect an educational intervention designed to improve nursing knowledge and confidence in utilizing appropriate pain assessment tools was. A pre- and post-survey design was used to measure the overall efficacy of stated intervention. The initial survey collected demographic information, assessed baseline knowledge of organizational pain assessment tools, and self-reported confidence in managing postoperative pain in pediatric neurosurgical patients. After reviewing an educational PowerPoint reviewingorganizational policies and age-appropriate pain assessment scales (how to use and apply) participants completed a post-survey using the same metrics. Findings revealed variability in baseline knowledge and inconsistencies in the application of pain scales, particularly children unable to utilize the Numeric Scale. After the intervention, survey data showed a modest improvement in overall knowledge. Additionally, there was a notable increase in self-reported confidence among participants in evaluating and managing postoperative pain, suggesting thatthe intervention positively influenced clinical assurance even if knowledge gains were less significant. While the intervention did not fully address all inconsistencies in practice, it highlighted the need for focused educational efforts to support nursing confidence and competence. These results support the need for ongoing training and standardized, evidence-based protocols to ensure consistent and effective pain assessment and management in postoperative pediatric neurosurgical care
Patrones dietarios obtenidos por métodos a posteriori e híbridos y su asociación con obesidad en Colombia: un estudio de base poblacional
No full textObjetivo: Evaluar la relación dieta-enfermedad mediante el análisis de patrones dietarios —combinaciones habituales de alimentos y bebidas— ofrece un enfoque más realista que estudiar nutrientes aislados. Estos patrones pueden obtenerse por métodos a priori (basados en guías nutricionales), a posteriori (derivados de datos de consumo) o híbridos (combinan ambos). Este estudio identificó patrones dietarios en adultos colombianos y evaluó su asociación con obesidad y obesidad visceral.
Métodos: Se analizaron 1496 adultos de cinco ciudades colombianas, participantes del estudio poblacional COPEN-2022. La ingesta se evaluó mediante cuestionario semicuantitativo de frecuencia alimentaria. La obesidad se definió según la OMS y la obesidad visceral con puntos de corte para Latinoamérica. Los patrones se obtuvieron mediante análisis de componentes principales (ACP, a posteriori), regresión de rango reducido (RRR) y mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS, híbridos), usando como variables intermedias calorías, potasio, fibra y ácidos grasos trans. La asociación se evaluó con regresión logística multivariable, estimando odds ratios (OR) e IC95% por cuartiles de puntaje.
Resultados: La prevalencia de obesidad fue 26,3% y de obesidad visceral 46,9%. Ningún patrón del ACP se asoció con los desenlaces. En la RRR, dos de cuatro patrones (mixto-saludable y dulce-graso) se asociaron con obesidad (OR=0,70; IC95%: 0,49-0,99). En la PLS, un patrón (dulce-salado-calórico) se asoció con obesidad visceral (OR=1,51; IC95%: 1,10-2,07).
Conclusión: Los métodos a posteriori muestran cómo se alimenta la población, mientras los híbridos señalan qué aspectos dietarios influyen en la obesidad. El uso simultáneo de ambos enfoques ofrece una visión más integral y complementaria de la relación dieta-obesidad
Evaluation of AI-Generated Versus Registered Dietitian-Authored Nutrition Responses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Full text linkThis cross-sectional study evaluates the clinical quality, empathy, and overall performance of nutrition responses authored by Registered Dietitians compared to those generated by an AI chatbot
Association Between Socioeconomic Factors and Mammogram Screening Among Women Aged 40 and Older in Florida: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of BRFSS 2022
Full text linkDescriptive, cross-sectional analysis of 2022 Florida BRFSS data examining mammogram screening among women aged ≥40. Screening prevalence (70.5%) varied sharply by insurance status but only slightly by education and income, underscoring coverage expansion as the key lever for improving uptake
Association Between Positive and Negative Alcohol Outcome Expectancies on Alcohol Intake Among Adult Latino Immigrants
Full text linkObjective:
Latinos in the U.S. drink less than non-Latino whites but face higher alcohol-related consequences. Positive alcohol outcome expectancies (AOEs, beliefs about beneficial effects: tension reduction, social enhancement) are associated with increased alcohol use, while findings on negative AOEs (e.g., sickness, impaired control) remain inconsistent. This study examined associations between AOEs and alcohol intake among adult Latino immigrants.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study utilizes data from an NIH-funded study examining Latino/a immigrants’ alcohol use. Between 2019-2020, data was collected on 493 adult Latino immigrants (45.7% female; mean age=37.21, SD=4.93) who immigrated to the U.S. 12 years before assessment. Multivariable regression tested associations between positive/negative AOEs and alcohol quantity, frequency, and severity while controlling for confounders.
Results:
Positive AOEs were associated with drinking frequency (β=2.11; 95% CI 0.99, 3.24; p\u3c 0.001), quantity (β=0.45; 95% CI 0.31, 0.60; p\u3c 0.001), and severity (β=1.03; 95% CI 0.72, 1.34; p\u3c 0.001). Negative AOEs were associated with drinking quantity (β=0.27; 95% CI 0.11, 0.43; p\u3c 0.001) and severity (β=0.62; 95% CI 0.28, 0.96; p\u3c 0.001), but not frequency (β=0.97; 95% CI -0.24, 2.19; p=0.117).
Conclusion:
Study findings highlight the role of AOEs on Latino immigrants’ drinking behaviors. This knowledge can guide interventions targeting AOE to curb rising alcohol use among Latino immigrants as time in the U.S. increases
