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Assessing Pain in People with Dementia using the PACSLAC-II Scale
No full textThis Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to educate caregiving staff on the use of the PACSCLAC-II, a validated pain tool, for residents with advanced dementia unable to selfreport pain. It also evaluated whether training the staff to use the PACSLAC-II enhanced pain assessment accuracy compared to the staff’s clinical judgement when detecting the presence of pain. Participants included on-site caregivers – a nurse, certified nursing assistants, and licensed medical technicians – who provide direct care to residents with dementia. Staff completed an assessment form featuring a Likert scale for staff clinical judgement on one side of the paper and the PACSLAC-II tool on the other side. Only assessments of qualifying residents with a documented diagnosis of dementia were included. The data showed that pain was detected more frequently with staff clinical judgement than the PACSLAC-II tool, though the difference was not statistically significant. These findings, along with the facility’s lack of a structured pain assessment protocol, suggested a need for a standardized approach to pain detection. Implementing an appropriate pain tool could strengthen pain detection and management for residents with dementia. This project underscored the importance of implementing evidencebased practice, such as a validated pain tool, to ensure consistent and objective pain assessment in residents with dementia
Evaluation of Pain Neuroscience Education Among Veterans with Chronic Pain
No full textBackground: Chronic pain and opioid overuse remain critical public health issues in the United States, disproportionately affecting military veterans. Traditional pharmacologic treatments often fall short of addressing the complex biopsychosocial dimensions of chronic pain. Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) is a promising, evidence-based approach that empowers patients by helping them reframe their understanding of pain, thus potentially reducing pain severity and reliance on medications.
Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PNE in reducing perceived pain severity, enhancing self-efficacy, and reframing pain narratives among veterans experiencing chronic pain.
Methods: The intervention consisted of three group-based PNE sessions delivered weekly over three weeks at Compass Housing Alliance, a transitional housing site for veterans. Each session incorporated interactive lectures, guided relaxation, and opportunities for reflection. Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Revised Moseley Pain Neuroscience Questionnaire (rNPQ), the Department of Defense & Veteran Affairs Pain Supplemental Questions (DVPRS), VA Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NPRS), and qualitative survey questions.
Results: Participants demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity. Qualitative feedback reflected an improvement in pain literacy and a positive reception of the PNE content.
Conclusion: PNE may serve as a sustainable, nonpharmacologic adjunct to pain management among veterans. This project contributes to expanding access to holistic care models in underserved veteran populations and aligns with national priorities to reduce opioid dependence and improve chronic pain outcomes
Quality Improvement of Total Hip Arthroplasty with Sugammadex
No full textSignificance: The rate of total hip arthroplasties performed in ambulatory surgery centers has greatly increased over the past ten years and is projected to continue to increase. Aim: The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether patient outcomes improved for individuals undergoing total hip arthroplasty at an ambulatory surgery center when receiving sugammadex compared to neostigmine for neuromuscular blockade reversal. Methods: Data from 18 patient charts were reviewed and compared to previously collected baseline data to assess outcome differences between the two medications. Results: Patients who received sugammadex demonstrated shorter post-anesthesia care unit stays, reduced need for antiemetic administration, and earlier ambulation compared to those who received neostigmine. Conclusion:Sugammadex resulted in faster discharge from facility with decreased side effects, however, further research is needed to determine generalizability of findings
An Integrative Approach to Diabetes Education in the Immigrant Somali Community
No full textDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with numerous health and financial ramifications, especially for vulnerable populations like Somali immigrants. Effective management of diabetes requires adequate knowledge and management skills. Traditional diabetes education programs are ineffective for Somali immigrants because they do not account for their unique social, cultural, and traditional backgrounds. This study implemented a culturally sensitive, in-person, interactive education session for 14 first-generation Somali immigrants with type 2 diabetes. The effectiveness of the study was evaluated with pre- and post-education tests, as well as the participants’ self-confidence in managing diabetes. Mean test scores and a paired t-test were calculated to look for statistical significance. After the single education session, there was a significant improvement in general diabetes knowledge, dietary knowledge, and self-confidence. This study provides evidence that culturally sensitive, in-person, interactive diabetes education has beneficial outcomes among Somali immigrants with type 2 diabetes
Oral Hygiene in Hospitalized Patients: Why Nursing Education Matters
No full textDaily oral care for non-ventilated acute care patients significantly reduces hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP), dementia risk, reduces length of stay, and enhances patient well-being. Sustaining these outcomes requires ongoing patient-centered education to reinforce adherence and optimize long-term care practices
