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Social Workers Impact on Behavioral Health Patients in the Emergency Department
Get PDFThe emergency department is designed to treat emergency medical conditions, stabilize the patients, and transition them to the next appropriate level of care. The social issue that prompted the search in current literature is increased readmissions to the emergency department for many at-risk populations, including mental health patients. The research problem addressed through this quantitative study was the increasing readmission rates in emergency departments for the mental health population for non-emergent needs. The purpose of the study was to determine whether having social work involvement with adult mental health patients in the emergency department would lead to more services at discharge and reduce the risk for 30-day readmission to the emergency department. The research questions addressed the extent social workers completing an assessment, with behavioral health patient, impacted 30-day readmissions and increased number of services while controlling for age, gender, and insurance type. Secondary data were analyzed using a logistic regression. Insurance type was the predictor for 30-day readmissions while age was the predictor for the number of services. The null hypotheses for both research questions were accepted. Social workers role and referrals to community resources take time, leaving a gap in care that can lead to a higher risk for 30-day readmissions and a lower risk for 90-day readmissions. With findings of this study and further research, health care systems can create positive social change with policies and procedures that are effective and encompassing care to this population
Lived Experiences of Seropositive MSM who Face Intersectional Stigma Regarding HIV-Prevention and Care in California
Get PDFIndividuals who are positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and identify as MSM (men who have sex with men), a population disproportionately affected by this disease, face complex struggles due to interplay between multiple forms of stigma, disclosure, and HIV risk behaviors. This results in delayed testing, poor treatment adherence, and decreased engagement in care. Despite the growing body of research on HIV among MSM, very few studies have explored the complex ways in which multiple forms of stigma intersect and impact the lives of Seropositive MSM. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perception and lived experiences of Seropositive MSM who face intersectional stigma regarding HIV-prevention and care in California. Ten men were recruited via convenience sampling using social media. Data were collected via audio recorded individual interviews. The social ecological model was used to help interpret and understand the findings. Thematic analysis using Ziersch’s 5-stage framework approach was applied to identify patterns and themes that emerge from the qualitative data collected. The study’s findings highlight the emotional toll of intersectional stigma and advocates for trauma-informed, culturally competent care to address psychological distress and reshape narratives around HIV and marginalized communities. Implications for positive social change include informing and supporting the development of targeted interventions for MSM individuals with HIV, while encouraging further research to inform healthcare, public health policy, and education
Sustainable Cash Flow Management Strategies for Small to Medium-Sized Service Businesses
Get PDFNearly 50% of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) fail within five years, resulting in financial losses for business owners and reduced employment opportunities. Entrepreneurs care about this issue because poor cash flow management is a major contributor to business failure, threatening economic growth and job stability. Grounded in working capital management, the purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study is to explore successful cash flow management strategies for service industry SME owners to sustain free cash flow beyond 5 years. The study included four SME owner participants in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex who successfully started and sustained the business beyond 5 years. Data was collected using a semistructured interview process and archival documents. A thematic analysis was conducted, and these four key cash flow management themes emerged: (a) intentional cash management through strategic business planning and revenue sourcing strategies, (b) utilize aligned software systems with financial governance, (c) optimize cash flow efficiencies and effective expense management, and (d) embrace adaptability and resilience through faith-driven, authentic leadership and proactive relationship management with stakeholders. A key recommendation for SME owners is to optimize cash efficiencies by proactively managing receivables for timely receipts, shortening the inventory cycle, and streamlining operations. The implications for positive social change include the potential for SME owners to implement effective cash flow strategies, which may improve business survival rates, enhance economic resilience, and contribute to stable employment and a thriving community economy
An Evaluation of the Relationship Between Case Management and Gateway Course Participation and Completion Rates for FTIC Students at a Small, Rural, State College Campus in the Southeastern United States
Get PDFMany first-time in college (FTIC) students are underprepared for the required courses (i.e., gateway courses) of mathematics and English, resulting in low retention rates across the United States especially for diverse and marginalized students. Many colleges have implemented various support programs for FTIC students; however, limited systematic research exists on the success of these programs. Guided by the student retention integrated model by Carbrera et al., the purpose of this quantitative ex post facto study was to assess the efficacy of the Student Learning Center\u27s (SLC) tutoring program on academic outcomes for FTIC students, who have been categorized as high-risk due to their initial academic performances. Archival data were used to determine the association between FTIC students’ participation in the SLC’s tutoring program and their performance in their English (n = 101 students) and math (n = 63 students) gateway courses for 2018 and 2019. Analyses revealed that participation in the SLC’s tutoring program was significantly associated with student success in the English gateway course but was not significantly associated with success the math gateway course. By understanding more about high-risk FTIC students\u27 success and performance in their gateway courses through tutoring processes, the college may be able to strengthen implementation of the SLC tutoring program by enacting relevant, research-based changes to improve student performance thereby creating positive social change in the lives of the students, their families, and the broader community
Heart Failure Education for Nurses Within an Acute Care Setting
Get PDFSuccessful management of heart failure, a chronic condition that progressively worsens over time, can be clinically challenging, expensive, and time-consuming. Heart failure can be managed with suitable treatment modalities to sustain full and active lifestyles for patients. It is essential to provide evidence-based education to nurses to support patients diagnosed with heart failure and improve patient outcomes. Bedside nurses are ideally placed to positively impact patients’ ability to care for themselves when diagnosed with heart failure by providing a high-quality, evidence-informed education. This project focused on evaluating nurses’ confidence and knowledge about heart failure, providing heart failure education, and reevaluating the impact of the education provided. The participants (n = 28) completed pre/posttests comprising a 22-item, Likert instrument for confidence and a 20-item true (yes)/false (no) survey on heart failure knowledge. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the results. There was a 24.92% (p \u3c .001) increase in participants’ confidence level after receiving the targeted education. The confidence score was 2.625 (11.93%) pretest and 2.859 (12.99%) posttest. The difference in knowledge between the pre and posttest was less significant. The knowledge score was 1.692 (8.46%) pretest and 1.750 (8.75%) posttest (p = .473). This project enhances the quality of heart failure patients’ care by empowering nurses to confidently educate these patients and potentially reduce readmissions within the first 30 days post-discharge. The findings showed that nurses’ confidence and knowledge about heart failure improved significantly when they received targeted education. This project drives positive social change by boosting nurses’ confidence and ability to educate their patients effectively
Treatments for Opioid Use Disorder: Perspectives of Patients in Long-Term Recovery
Get PDFThe contemporary landscape of substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder, presents a complex and pressing public health concern, marked by escalating rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although extensive research has been conducted on the efficacy of interventions for opioid use disorder, a notable research gap exists concerning the perspectives of individuals in long-term recovery (defined as exceeding 2 years). Specifically, how these individuals view pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches remains largely unexplored in the existing literature. Grounded in the biopsychosocial model, this study investigates patients’ perceptions of medication-assisted treatment and abstinence-based therapies. Purposive sampling was utilized, and participants included ten individuals who were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal a consensus among participants advocating for short-term use of medication, emphasizing its role in managing withdrawal symptoms while expressing concerns about potential dependency. Additionally, the study highlights the transformative impact of peer support programs, particularly Alcoholics Anonymous, in fostering personal growth and accountability. Overall, the research aims to inform positive social change through treatment protocols and public health policies that integrate the lived experiences of those in sustained recovery, ultimately contributing to a more compassionate and effective approach to addiction treatment
The Psychological and Social Effects of Asset Building Among Low-Income Consumers
Get PDFLow-income consumers face social and psychological barriers to economic self-sufficiency. This qualitative inquiry aimed to bridge the knowledge gap by examining how social and psychological factors that impede single mothers from achieving economic self-sufficiency. Grounded in Fishbein and Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examined factors influencing single parents’ financial behaviors. The findings supported TPB, showing that financial literacy shapes intentions, perceived control increases with stability, and social norms influence financial behavior. Demographic questionnaires were administered, and structured interviews were conducted with 15 single African American mothers. The data was analyzed using themes, code annotations, and categorical classification. This study highlighted the complex interplay of financial, psychological, and systemic factors affecting the economic experiences of low-income single African American mothers. Addressing both individual behaviors and structural inequalities is essential for sustainable progress and the eradication of poverty. For positive social change, practitioners can incorporate TPB into evidence-based strategies to systematically dismantle barriers and create sustainable pathways for economic mobility. Local, state, and federal policy reforms must prioritize asset-building over temporary relief, remove barriers to long-term financial stability, advance strategic partnerships, and implement comprehensive systemic reforms to promote economic mobility among marginalized communities. Future research should include longitudinal, comparative and quantitative studies measuring behavior, attitudes, and long-term effects tailored to strengthen the application of TPB
Acculturation, Education, Food Choice, and Body Mass Index: A Survey in the Rio Grande Valley
Get PDFObesity is a global problem and a risk factor for many life-threatening illnesses and diseases. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas has higher than state and national obesity rates. The cultural influences on food choice in this region are a frequent focus of research, and there have also been numerous studies on the relationship between socioeconomic status and overweight and obesity; however, there are currently no studies that specifically investigate the relationship between educational attainment, acculturation, food choice behavior, and overweight and obesity among Hispanics in the RGV. Grounded in social cognitive and acculturation theories, the purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to investigate the association among educational attainment, acculturation, food choice behavior, and body mass index (BMI) in a sample of RGV residents to investigate relationships between educational attainment and acculturation on food choice behavior and BMI in a sample of the population of the RGV. The sample comprised 82 students, staff, and faculty from a local community college. Results indicated that acculturation and education influenced food choice behavior; specifically, the deleterious effect of acculturation on food choice behavior was attenuated by education. Through research with a sample of students, staff, and faculty that form an integral part of the RGV community, this study provides valuable insight to drive social change by informing interventions that target the challenge of obesity in the region
Risk Factors of Self-Reported Prediabetes Status in New York State
Get PDFPrediabetes affects over 4 million people in New York State and increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Prior research identified risk factors such as poor diet, inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and smoking; but no studies examined these collectively or assessed their interactions. This quantitative, cross-sectional study analyzed a sample of 289 non-institutionalized adults aged 18 or older with landline or cellular phone, from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The study examined relationships between prediabetes and 16 factors in five categories: demographic (age, race, sex, education), socioeconomic (income, employment), behavioral (fruit intake, vegetable intake, physical activity, smoking), physiological (hypertension, BMI), and health care-related (health education, health care coverage, medical cost, have personal doctor). Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Social Ecological Model (adapted by McLeroy), complex samples binary logistic regression identified four significant predictors (vegetable intake, hypertension, BMI, race) associated with increased prediabetes risk. Specifically, risk of prediabetes was higher among Black individuals (odds ratio = 5.08, probability = 0.84), obese individuals (odds ratio = 4.79, probability = 0.83), hypertensive individuals (odds ratio = 3.18, probability = 0.76), and vegetable intake less than once per week (odds ratio = 46.09, probability = 0.98). Income and employment were not significant predictors individually. However, income level moderated the influence of BMI and vegetable intake; employment moderated the influence of BMI. Findings underscore the need to address behavior, but also social determinants of health—income, employment, and access to resources. Public health strategies should include community programs, food subsidies, and workplace wellness initiatives
Retroactive Quality Improvement by Utilization of the LEAF
Get PDFSummary This project is a retroactive quality improvement initiative to evaluate the effectiveness of the LEAF wearable pressure sensor and reduce sacral hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) in critically-ill adult patients. The practice problem addressed is the high incidence of pressure injuries in hospitalized patients, which can lead to increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. The evidence-based practice question was: In critically ill adult patients at risk of pressure injuries, how does the use of the LEAF wearable pressure sensor compared to standard care without sensors impact the incidence of sacral HAPIs over the past year? The purpose of this doctoral project was to assess whether the implementation of the LEAF sensor led to a significant reduction in sacral HAPI rates and to provide recommendations for future practices. I used a quantitative analysis using an independent t test to compare multiple units\u27 pre- and postimplementation pressure injury rates. The results showed no statistically significant reduction in HAPI incidence (t = -2.12, p = 0.136). Ultimately, the LEAF sensor did not significantly reduce HAPI incidence. From a nursing practice perspective, this study highlights the importance of evaluating new healthcare technologies before adoption with structured implementation strategies that include staff engagement, workflow integration, and ongoing monitoring of outcomes. This project fosters a culture of innovation and evidence-based decision-making in healthcare settings, which may result in positive social change