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2025-10-15 Seeds of Change: How Seattle Students Are Growing Community Through Urban Farming
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High-Consequence Infectious Disease Transport Protocols and Guidelines: Procedures and Simulation Evaluation
No full textIntroduction: High-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) such as Ebola virus disease (EVD) and other viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) require interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration, communication, and adherence to protocols in order to safely transport patients between agencies. Despite national preparedness efforts, standardized transport protocols for HCID patients remain limited and inconsistently applied nationally. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to develop and assess evidence-based interfacility transport protocols for a regional Biological Isolation Care Unit (BICU) using a multidisciplinary, simulation-based learning activity.
Methods: A quantitative semi-structured survey was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of newly developed HCID interdisciplinary transport protocols utilized in a simulation-based learning activity. The protocols were designed using evidence-based literature, input from institutional stakeholders, and guidance from the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC). Participants included registered nurses (RNs), emergency medical services (EMS) providers, infection prevention (IP) specialists, and environmental services (EVS) personnel. A structured post-simulation survey assessed adherence to infection control practices, communication effectiveness, the use of checklists, and interagency coordination.
Results: Sixteen participants completed the survey. All respondents (100%) reported adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols. Planning checklists were used by 57% of respondents. Among those who were expected to receive transport activation notifications, only 54% reported being informed in a timely manner. SBAR communication was used by 88% of participants; however, only 13% considered its use effective.
Discussion: Findings indicate substantial compliance with PPE procedures but reveal persistent deficiencies in communication, consistency, and checklist integration. These gaps emphasize the necessity for ongoing simulation-based training and standardized communication practices to enhance system readiness and personnel safety.
Conclusion: Emergency nurses play a vital role in ensuring the safe transport of HCID patients by utilizing structured tools and promoting interprofessional collaboration. This project emphasizes the importance of scheduled simulation-based learning exercises in identifying knowledge gaps and providing education that addresses these gaps, thereby enhancing performance in subsequent SBL exercises
Unmet Perinatal Mental Health Needs of Racially and Ethnically Marginalized Pregnant Birthing People
No full textBackground: The negative impacts of perinatal mental illness are vast, including impaired physiological health of the birthing parent and child, impaired bonding, poor childhood socioemotional development, and financial burden. Although birthing parents of all racial and ethnic backgrounds can experience such outcomes, racially and ethnically marginalized birthing parents and their children are subject to compounded risk for poor outcomes. Little to no studies have specifically and solely examined perinatal mental health needs and preferences of racially and ethnically marginalized birthing parents in the Seattle area. Examination of such needs are necessary to implement interventions downstream that effectively reduce the perinatal mental health disparity.
Objectives: The overall purpose of the project is to assist a midwifery clinic in their effort to prioritize perinatal mental health for racially and ethnically marginalized patients. The goal of this project is threefold: (1) examine unmet perinatal mental health needs of pregnant, racially and ethnically marginalized birthing people receiving prenatal care at a community-based midwifery clinic in Seattle and (2) examine midwifery providers’ knowledge in perinatal mental health prior to and following a mental health training that is guided by patient results and (3) provide recommendations for next steps.
Methods: This project was a preliminary needs assessment that informed a subsequent perinatal mental health provider education intervention.
Findings: (Perinatal Mental Health Unmet Needs Assessment Some patients did not report satisfaction with the amount of time spent speaking with the midwifery provider about their mental health. Preferred qualities or types of mental health services included individual therapy, mental health resources, telehealth, flexible scheduling, and low cost. Preferred qualities in a perinatal mental health provider included same gender and specialization in perinatal mental health care. (Provider Educational Intervention All provider participants reported inadequacy in knowledge of perinatal mental health services. Providers’ perinatal mental health knowledge increased following a perinatal mental health training built upon results from the patient findings
Reducing Risk of Preeclampsia by Increasing Midwives’ Confidence and Motivation to Screen Patients for Eligibility for Low-dose Aspirin
No full textBackground: Preeclampsia (PreE) is a major concern for prenatal care providers treating pregnant patients due to the potentially fatal risks associated with the disorder for both the patient and the fetus. Evidence suggests that recommending low-dose aspirin (LDA) screening and prescribing can reduce PreE risk; however, this practice is often overlooked during new and repeat prenatal visits.
Objective: The purpose of this DNP project is to enhance Certified Nursemidwives\u27 (CNMs) knowledge of consistent and accurate LDA screening practices for patients a moderate to high risk of developing PreE.
Methods: Project implementation consisted of two parts: a 20-minute in-service education designed to improve provider attitudes toward PreE risk screening and a survey with 10 statements regarding beliefs and practices related to screening for LDA eligibility, where participants rated their level of agreement or disagreement. Participants were asked to complete this survey pre- and post-in-service education to compare responses.
Results: Pre-intervention survey data suggest that participants had more confidence in their screening abilities than they felt motivated to practice these abilities in a clinical setting. A comparison of pre- and post-intervention responses regarding participants’ perception of their knowledge also indicated a 33% increase in the average score. However, the statements with the lowest overall average score related to patient follow-up and having sufficient time to review the recommendation with patients.
Implications for practice: CNMs can be empowered by educational services to improve PreE risk prevention. Additional support may be needed to address clinical barriers hindering patient follow-up
Addressing Mental Healthcare Barriers Among BIPOC Perinatal Patients in A Community Health Setting
No full textObjective. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) perinatal patients often face systemic, cultural, and logistical barriers to accessing mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum. These challenges contribute to disparities in outcomes, yet patient perspectives remain underrepresented in community health settings. This quality improvement initiative aimed to identify key barriers, raise awareness about perinatal mental health, and improve access to care at a community health clinic in Shoreline, Washington. A culturally inclusive educational handout was developed to support awareness and connect patients with mental health resources.
Methods. A mixed-methods approach was used to explore barriers both quantitatively and qualitatively. English-speaking BIPOC perinatal patients were invited to complete a survey during routine clinic visits. The survey included demographic questions, Likert-scale items on perceived barriers, and open-ended prompts. Participants received a culturally tailored educational handout designed to raise awareness, encourage early intervention, and provide information on accessible mental health resources.
Results. Despite careful planning and collaboration with clinic staff, patient participation was not achieved within the intended timeframe. The most significant barrier was inconsistent patient attendance at scheduled visits, limiting opportunities for survey distribution. Additional factors included limited staff capacity to assist with recruitment during busy clinic workflows and the sensitivity of addressing mental health during short appointments. These challenges highlighted the importance of trust, relationship continuity, and integrating mental health outreach into routine care
