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Virtual Reality Pain Intervention for Pediatric Burn Patients
Get PDFBurns can be devasting trauma in the pediatric population, leading to lifelong physical and psychological pain and anxiety. Burn pain management is complicated and undertreated traditionally. The purpose of this scholarly project is to examine the use of virtual reality (VR) for distraction in pediatric patients who have experienced a burn to determine if VR improves pain management during painful procedures. A literature review revealed a gap in pain management in pediatric burn survivors with just traditional pharmacologic analgesia during painful procedures. Leininger’s Culture Care Theory provides a theoretical framework for this project’s purpose to determine if implementing a virtual reality distraction program will assist pediatric burn survivors in managing pain, thereby improving psychological well-being. A partnership with an urban outpatient burn clinic was cultivated, and a Virtual Reality program was created and implemented within an outpatient burn clinic setting. Virtual reality distraction intervention was conducted during painful procedures in an outpatient setting, and evaluation was conducted following the intervention. The results of the project and evaluation revealed that virtual reality distraction is an effective non-pharmacological adjunct in reducing procedural pain for pediatric burn survivors
Implementing Mindfulness Intervention with Homeless Individuals
No full textIndividuals experiencing homelessness experience more chronic stress than the general
population resulting in adverse health outcomes (Dimsdale et al., 1993, p.290). Mindfulness Meditation is a holistic tool that can be used to reduce stress and improve the wellbeing of individuals who practice (Maddock, Hevey & Eidenmueller, 2016, p.7). Jean Watson’s theory of human caring (2008), provides a theoretical framework for this project’s purpose to determine if implementing a mindfulness meditation program will assist adults who identify as homeless in reducing self-reported stress, thereby improving psychological well-being. A partnership with an urban drop-in health center for homeless individuals was cultivated and a Mindful Meditation program was created and implemented within a shared group meeting of individuals who have experienced homelessness. Education about mindful meditation was provided and post mindfulness meditation exercise evaluation was conducted following the intervention. The results of the project and evaluation revealed that mindfulness meditation is effective in reducing stress, procuring an authentic grounding presence, and improving overall wellbeing to persons who are homeless participants of the shared group
Herbal Medicine Use in Costa Rica: A Case Study Examining Herbal Medicine’s Utilization and Cultural Significance
Get PDFIntroduction: Herbal medicine has been widely used in the past and present, as it is deeply rooted in many cultures\u27 histories. Literature Review: Herbal medicines are used for health maintenance and treatment in Costa Rica. The country\u27s rich natural environment, accessibility, and tradition led to prominent herbal medicine use. Annona muricata (Soursop), Uncaria tomentosa (Cat\u27s Claw), Mikania species (Guaco), and Neurolaena lobata (Gavilana) have commonly been used in Central American medications and have diverse indications based on their plant parts.
Case Study: A discussion with an herbalist, founder, and citizen of Longo Mai, a community in southern Costa Rica, was had about practicing herbal medicine. Herbal medicine was prominent in their lives due to its proximity and freshness. At the same time, while only some people in Costa Rica have practiced herbal medicine, knowledge of some herbal remedies has existed for generations in all families. Annona muricata, Mikania species, and Neurolaena lobata have been commonly used in Longo Mai, while Uncaria tomentosa is present but rarely used.
Discussion: Herbal medicines have been essential for Costa Ricans\u27 health and culture due to the environment’s robust and immense biodiversity and the medicines’ accessibility, affordability, and strong cultural traditions. The research showed overlap, but slight variations, in how herbal medicines were prepared, strategically prescribed to reduce side effects, and their utilization. Annona muricata was the most discussed herbal medicine in Longo Mai, while Uncaria tomentosa was rarely used. The differences could be due to Longo Mai representing a small portion of Costa Rica. Therefore, these variations between the literature review and case study could be less in other areas of the country.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the significance of providers understanding herbal medicines’ physical and cultural benefits, especially since it is widely practiced. This knowledge will allow providers to ensure that herbal medicines are used safely and improve shared decision- making by helping them support a patient’s cultural and health beliefs. Ultimately, this could improve the quality and outcomes of patient care
Patient positioning to prevent pressure injuries
Get PDFSkincare is an important intervention to prevent pressure injuries (PIs) during hospitalization. Prolonged pressure on a body part can result in restricted blood flow and oxygen, inadequate nutrition, and varying degrees of tissue damage, ultimately leading to a PI. Patients who have undergone surgery or have limited mobility are particularly vulnerable to developing PIs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made a ruling in 2008 that hospitals would not be reimbursed for any hospital-acquired PIs as they are costly and preventable. Unfortunately, there is a knowledge gap in PI prevention due to a shortage of nursing staff, and changes in education requirements for nursing assistants. To address this knowledge gap, a quality improvement project to educate registered nurses and nursing assistants working in a Midwest hospital medical-surgical nursing unit on the correct patient positioning to prevent pressure injuries was created. Watson\u27s Human Caring theory provides the theoretical framework for the education. Pressure injury data collected post-education will measure the effectiveness of the quality improvement project on the reduction of PIs in the nursing unit. The goal of the education is to reduce the number of hospitalized patients from acquiring PI and occurring additional expenses
Stress Management for Healthcare Providers in the Emergency Department During Covid-19 Pandemic
Get PDFThe challenges healthcare providers face during the COVID-19 pandemic are
unprecedented, leading to work-related stress and burnout symptoms. Stress management for health care providers is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers must find effective modalities during this time. Animal Assist therapy is a stress management modality that evidence-based research has proven to be effective. A comprehensive literature review of the importance of stress reduction for health care providers and the effectiveness of Animal Assist Therapy will help support this project. Jean Watson\u27s human caring theory will serve as a model for this project. The implementation of the scholarly project of providing AAT to health care providers in the ED methodology and evaluation was described. The significance and implication of the scholarly project were highlighted. The DNP essentials are identified as a guide to exemplify this scholarly project as fulfilling requirements for the advanced practice nurse. This scholarly project supports the need for AAT to be integrated into the future of clinical practice for the improved well-being of patients and health care providers
Using Huddles to Promote Interprofessional Collaboration and Psychological Safety
No full textHuddles are an essential component of communication within health care teams. The effectiveness of a huddle consists of the team\u27s ability to achieve two primary goals: psychological safety and effective interprofessional collaboration. Effective collaborative practice requires an environment that has been curated to support high levels of psychological safety. Levels of psychological safety within a team should be assessed to understand potential barriers to collaborative practice. Prior to huddle implementation for this project, the administration of a psychological safety survey revealed an overall diminished sense of psychological safety and diminished collaborative practice. A daily huddle was implemented in an interventional procedural clinic in a large urban hospital in the Midwest, guided by the concepts in Newman\u27s Health as Expanding Consciousness Theory. The goal of the daily huddles was to promote interprofessional collaboration and psychological safety, as well as grow interprofessional relationships and connectivity amongst a team of health care providers working in the interventional procedure clinic. Post-surveys along with regular feedback from the health care team will be used to evaluate the outcomes of the huddle\u27s impact on psychological safety and interprofessional collaboration. A metaphor depicting encircled hands was used to visualize the importance of the health care providers as part of the team, and the effects felt when even just one of them disengages
Integrative Medicine for Hypertension in Primary Practice
No full textHypertension is a worldwide health issue that can lead to several chronic and acute life-threatening conditions. In 2016, the diagnosis of primary essential hypertension accounted for nearly 33 million health care visits in the United States. In 2018, the AHA estimated that nearly half of the patients diagnosed with hypertension do not have it under control. Due to this large population at risk for complications related to hypertension, providers must utilize every treatment option available to reduce the health impact of this diagnosis. Providers use evidence based guidelines developed from the AHA for education and treatment options to recommend to patients diagnosed with hypertension. Several integrative medicine options have been researched and demonstrated efficacy in reducing systolic blood pressure by significant amounts. In addition, some patients would prefer to try integrative medicine options or implement dietary and lifestyle changes prior to pharmacological management. Providers have a duty to respect patient choices and to be aware of all treatment options that may benefit patient outcomes related to hypertension. These options should include integrative medicine modalities. Not all providers are aware of integrative medicine alternatives and some providers have a negative perception of these methods. This project assesses provider knowledge and comfort level regarding integrative medicine used for hypertension. It also provides education on several different options to consider as well as facilitates when to have a discussion with patients regarding integrative medicine within the current AHA guidelines algorithm
In Adults, does Level of Stress Affect Sleep Quality and Duration?
No full textBackground: Today’s fast-moving world with immense expectations from our job, family, finances, and relationships, stress has become almost inevitable. Stress can affect various aspects of daily life such as sleep quality. Sleep quality, characterized by sleep latency, efficiency, duration, and wake after sleep onset is influenced by many elements including environment, psychological, and physiological factors. Large levels of stress can lead to trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, increased interruptions, and shorter sleep durations. In result, poor sleep can lead to increased risk of many health factors including decreased immune function, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive impairment.1 Grasping how sleep quality is affected by stress is necessary for encouraging healthy habits to decrease risks correlated with poor sleep. Purpose: To research the influence of stress on sleep quality and duration in adults. The study investigates adults undergoing high levels of stress and their sleep quality and duration, making note of the significance of restful sleep for overall health and well-being. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using various databases to collect information. Also, a nine-question survey was conducted and completed by 25 current Physician Assistant students to analyze their sleep quality and duration and how stress impacts their sleep patterns. Inclusion criteria were studies that included effects of stress on sleep quality and duration, articles published after 2018, articles analyzing stressed adults. Conclusions: Stress negatively impacts sleep quality and increases the risk of several health issues, highlighting the need for interventions on managing stress. Furthermore, the bidirectional relationship between stress and sleep quality brings to light the importance of improving sleep habits to enhance mental health outcomes. Performing stress management techniques, improving sleep environment, and regular sleep schedules can improve sleep quality and overall well-being
A Unique HIV Harm Reduction Perspective from Costa Rica: Hogar de la Esperanza An Ethnographic Case Study and Comparative Examination of Approach to HIV Treatment Between the United States and Costa Rica
Get PDFThis case study presents a real, currently operational scenario of harm reduction in action in Costa Rica, focusing on its success and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, the experiences of those who live at Hogar de la Esperanza, and the implications for healthcare policies and interventions in the United States. By examining this specific case of a Costa Rican community-based HIV treatment model, the aim of this ethnographic report is to shed light on the complexities and factors contributing to the success or failure of harm reduction treatment strategies within the United States and what can be learned by Costa Rica’s unique, primary-care-centric approach to healthcare for all. This ethnography also serves as a comparison and critique of the shortcomings in the United States healthcare system with attention paid to the current literature available. The concomitant literature review is extensive but by no means exhaustive and provides a relevant and thorough perspective on the current state of healthcare in Costa Rica and the United States