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Optimizing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention and Education: In Adult ICU Settings
Get PDFBackground: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in adult intensive care patient units (ICU) is one of the most common and deadly nosocomial infections today. Studies have identified a gap in intensive care nurse ventilator education and compliance with hospital protocols. Overall increasing the rates of VAP and morbidity. Hospitals worldwide have shown a decrease in VAP rates after inheriting VAP-bundles\u27\u27. This includes nurse specific interventions and assessments as a preventative measure. However, studies failed to demonstrate which bundle interventions directly correspond to the prevention of VAP. Purpose: Address all components of education, a nurse’s ability to properly identify and understand the pathology of VAP, protocol compliance, to reducing VAP rates and identifying weak points in current hospital practices. Method: An observational longitudinal intervention study will be conducted in an adult ICU setting. The initial phase utilizes an uncontrolled group, setting a baseline. Followed by the subsequent phase, where participants become a controlled group, after the introduction of ventilator bundles. The data will be collected using, in person observation of nurse adherence and skill competency, along with providing educational classes on a bi-weekly basis. Concluding with a monthly questionnaire, that compares and reevaluates nurses\u27 knowledge of preventative measures and treatment for VAP patients. Results: Preliminary findings suggest when conducting a continuous education program and implementing a “Ventilator Bundle” approach, VAP rates drastically drop. Conclusion: Each bundle included five main interventions (elevation of HOB 35°-45°, daily “sedation vacation & assessment of readiness to extubate, PUD prophylaxis DVT prophylaxis, and daily oral care with chlorhexidine). All interventions are pulled from the IHI bundle, indicating potential for making this the gold standard protocol. Overall proper adherence by all team members and ventilator education should be required by all ICUs
Empowering Low-Income Women with Breast Cancer: Promoting Acupuncture at Community Health Fairs
Get PDFWhile research has explored the positive effects of acupuncture on cancer and cancer treatment symptoms, a notable gap exists in understanding its impact on lower-income populations. These individuals encounter barriers to accessing acupuncture, such as limited availability, cost, and provider knowledge. This longitudinal study aims to assess the impact of community health fairs, featuring acupuncture information for breast cancer and chemotherapy-induced symptoms, on the acceptance and utilization rates of acupuncture among low-income women with breast cancer. Collaborating with the Women’s Cancer Resource Center and a local non-profit integrative cancer care clinic in Oakland, we will conduct a three-day health fair focused on providing resources for people with cancer. Participants will receive information on acupuncture, counseling on non-profit acupuncture sites, and fill out questionnaires on their beliefs (Acupuncture Beliefs Scale) and quality of life (EORTC Quality of Life questionnaire and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General) at the beginning and end of the fair. Follow-ups will be conducted at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The study aims to enroll at least 100 participants (n = 100), with primary outcome measures being acceptance and usage rates of acupuncture. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and regression analysis, will be employed to evaluate the differences in rates pre and post-tests, as well as the relationships between the demographic data and the numeric scores from the questionnaires. If successful, this research could support the use of community health fairs to enhance acupuncture acceptance and utilization rates among low-income women with breast cancer, contributing to improved health education and literacy for underserved populations. Nurses could apply this information to enhance patient education, delivering additional resources and increased support throughout the cancer treatment process
Sensory Diets within Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice: A Scoping Review
No full textAbstract: Occupational therapists use sensory diets to help clients address challenging behaviors, promote development, and optimize daily functions, performance and participation in daily activities. Sensory diets are specific routine-based schedules that are designed and applied by Occupational Therapists in order to meet the needs of the client (Peterson et al., 2018). A plethora of literature addresses how sensory diets are used to support those with sensory disorders (Mills and Chapparo, 2018). The purpose of this scoping review is to appraise and synthesize the literature supporting the use of sensory diets and to identify the gaps in the evidence and inform future research.
Methods: The research was collected using the following databases: CINAHL Complete, ERIC, PsychInfo, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Iceberg, and PubMed. The websites used are as follows: AOTA, AJOT, Australian OTA, Sensory Integration Global Network, and Gray literature sources such as occupational therapy dissertations and theses.
Results: 8 articles met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the evidence demonstrated a positive effect of sensory diets to support children with sensory processing disorders. Sensory diets led to positive behaviors and supported a child\u27s optimal performance throughout their daily life. SD’s were used in multiple settings, creating a wide environmental scope of practice for occupational therapists.
Conclusion: Occupational Therapists can utilize sensory diets within their practice to promote engagement and participation in one’s day-to-day occupations.https://scholar.dominican.edu/occupational-therapy-student-research-posters/1009/thumbnail.jp
Addressing the Occupational Needs of College Students
Get PDFThe Dominican Occupational Therapy (OT) Coaching project was led by a team of five master\u27s level OT students in collaboration with the Integrative Coaching (IC) team at Dominican University of California. Aligned with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework 4th edition (2020), the project supported various aspects of student wellness, such as academics, healthy lifestyles, stress management, sleep hygiene, and time management. In the fall of 2022, the team conducted a comprehensive literature review and needs assessment of Dominican\u27s Student Success Center (SSC), actively engaged in SSC and IC meetings, and delivered an educational presentation on OT to SSC staff. The OT Coaching program officially launched in spring 2023, including implementation of a live scheduling website, OT Coaching intake forms, and an IC to OT student referral system.
Building on groundwork from the previous capstone group, this team continued to explore the occupational needs of college students at Dominican. Leveraging the expertise of graduate-level OT students, OT Coaching offered personalized support services to improve students’ overall well-being and participation in meaningful occupations. Acknowledging the importance of client feedback and partnership, Google Forms were incorporated to gather input on program services at the end of each semester. This approach allowed further refinement and tailoring of support services based on the evolving needs of the student community. This team also emphasized sustainability by actively facilitating the transfer of this program to the next capstone group. This collaborative initiative significantly contributed to fostering a supportive campus environment and promoting enduring student success.https://scholar.dominican.edu/occupational-therapy-student-research-posters/1012/thumbnail.jp
Impact of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Immunization-Related Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients
Get PDFNeedle phobia in pediatric patients can be caused by previous negative experiences involving needles, hypersensitivity to pain, merinthophobia (fear of being restrained), and vasovagal reactions such as syncope triggered by the touch or sight of a needle (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Nurses encounter needle phobia across various patient care settings, from outpatient pediatric clinics to specialized children’s hospitals, affecting approximately two out of every three children (CDC, 2023). Needle phobia as a child can persist into adolescence, affecting approximately 20% of teenagers. This fear of needles often results in avoidance of vaccinations and other medical procedures involving needles. Vaccine hesitancy from immunization-related anxiety can be detrimental to public health by reducing herd immunity and increasing the spread of preventable diseases. Children’s Hospital of Orange County, 2021).https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1117/thumbnail.jp
The Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturning on Women’s Access to Medical Abortions: Exploring Alternative Care Models
Get PDFThe Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturning on Women’s Access to Medical Abortions: Exploring Alternative Care Models
Medical abortion access is heavily influenced by state laws, with restrictive policies posing significant barriers for women seeking care. These barriers include limited local resources, travel burdens, and legal restrictions, which disproportionately affect marginalized populations. The Health Belief Model (HBM) highlights how individuals\u27 perceptions of risks, benefits, and barriers shape their health decisions, making it an ideal framework for studying this issue (Rosenstock, 1974).
This research focuses on educating California-based providers to increase access to medical abortion services for patients in restrictive states. By addressing knowledge gaps and enhancing provider willingness to use telemedicine and mail-order services, this study aims to improve equitable access to reproductive care. Research shows that targeted education and innovative care models can empower providers to help mitigate the impacts of restrictive abortion laws (Doe et al., 2024).https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1123/thumbnail.jp
How to Save a Life: the Impact of CPR and Bleeding Control Education on Adolescents
Get PDFBackground: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and uncontrolled traumatic bleeding are two of the leading causes of death globally. Death due to OHCA and bleeding is largely preventable. With appropriate bystander intervention, positive outcomes in cases of OHCA and traumatic bleeding would greatly increase. Purpose: Bystander ability and intent to provide emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and bleeding control is dependent on educational programs including death prevention first aid. Upon review of research, a gap was identified in adolescent death prevention training. The purpose of this proposed prospective study is to determine the effect of a high school education curriculum on adolescent technical knowledge and intention to act in a situation involving cardiac arrest or uncontrolled bleeding. Design: This proposal outlines a longitudinal study with two phases conducted in a six month duration. Phase one and phase two will each be a quasi-experimental mixed methods study design. Sample: This study will include faculty and students at public high schools located in Marin County and San Francisco, California chosen by random selection. Methodology: Phase one will include a demographic data collection, pre test questionnaire with multiple choice knowledge content to assess technical knowledge and Likert scale statements to assess attitude, educational intervention, initial post test questionnaire, and initial focus groups. Phase two will include a post test questionnaire six months following the initial pre test and repetition of focus groups. Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed using a sequence of matched pair t-tests and a repeated measures ANOVA test to determine significant changes in attitude and knowledge before, immediately after, and six months after education.https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1131/thumbnail.jp
Effects of Educational Intervention on Asthmatic Children
Get PDFAbstract
Children are more vulnerable to asthmatic symptoms due to the physiological immaturity of their respiratory systems. Therefore, irritants are deemed more hazardous for the pediatric population. Pollution is a growing health concern, and within the literature review, several approaches to the measurement of the impact of low air quality and educational interventions are discussed. The themes identified in the literature review are increased risk of pollution-induced exacerbation due to age, behavior, and residential proximity to emission-producing facilities. The review of the literature demonstrated how pollution is a growing public health concern, especially among the pediatric population. Interventions, reviewed in the theme of behavior, showed decreased exacerbations following educational intervention. The purpose of this study is to increase health literacy in children to decrease asthmatic exacerbation. The proposal for further study will answer the research question: In children ages six to 12 years old with asthma attending schools near Fresno Yosemite International Airport, how does classroom education on air quality compared to no education affect the number of asthma exacerbations over seven weeks? A total of 42 participants will be selected to partake in this seven-week randomized controlled quantitative study. The research proposal utilized questionnaires and spirometry (FEV1) as tools to measure baseline asthmatic symptoms as well as week-to-week symptom assessment. The questionnaires used for this study are the ISAAC Questionnaire (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) (Asher et al., 1995) and The Asthma Control Questionnaire (Juniper et al., 1999). The expected result is to find a p-value of \u3c0.05 to prove that educational intervention has a negative relationship to asthmatic exacerbations in children. Limitations identified in this study include a small pool of participants and the inability to determine potential bias, as the questionnaires are a take-home assignment.https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1140/thumbnail.jp
Enhancing Advocacy through Nursing Interventions for Hospitalized Pediatric Oncology Patients with Absent Parents
Get PDFPediatric oncology patients require consistent, specialized care that is strongly supported by parental advocacy. Advocacy is critical for ensuring timely interventions, articulating the child’s needs, and providing emotional support during hospitalization. However, some pediatric patients face gaps in advocacy when parents are unable to be consistently present due to unavoidable obligations, such as work commitments or caregiving responsibilities for other children. This lack of consistent parental presence can impact the quality of care, potentially causing delays in treatment and unmet health needs (Brady et al., 2020).
Nurses are uniquely positioned to bridge these gaps by stepping in as advocates to ensure that pediatric oncology patients receive continuous, compassionate care (Nsiah et al., 2019). Through targeted nursing policies and education, nurse-led advocacy can play a pivotal role in addressing disparities in care caused by inconsistent parental involvement. This research proposal explores the impact of implementing such policies and education, aiming to empower nurses to fill the advocacy void, improve patient outcomes, and provide equitable care for this vulnerable population.https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1124/thumbnail.jp
Caring for Native American Elders: Developing Cultural Knowledge and Comfort Levels of Senior Nursing Students in Northern California
Get PDFIt is important for healthcare staff to be knowledgeable of their patients’ culture in order to provide the best care possible and meet the needs of the individual patient (Yava et al., 2023). It has been proven that a lack of cultural understanding can lead to decreased patient adherence and negative health outcomes (Brottman et al., 2020).
There is very little research conducted about student nurses’ knowledge and comfort level when caring for Native American Elders. However, research shows that nurses and nurse educators are not confident when caring for culturally diverse patients, despite their responsibility of teaching the next generation about how to care for patients (Brottman et al., 2020). It is extremely important that nursing students become prepared to care for culturally diverse patients because in their future, they will be caring for a rapidly growing, cross-cultural population.
The Native American Elder population is frequently overlooked in nursing curricula, making further research on this topic necessary. This research proposal aims to assess nursing students’ level of knowledge and comfort before and after an educational module about Native Americans and the significance of Elders in their culture.https://scholar.dominican.edu/nursing-student-research-posters/1102/thumbnail.jp