The collection collates collections by schools, centers, programs, and research groups.

Displaying 1 - 10 of 12
Filtering by

Clear all filters

186424-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Purpose: Patient portals are widely available online applications with many health-related tools that facilitate patient engagement and enhance communication with providers yet are highly underutilized. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to explore an English and Spanish patient portal educational video's impact on patient engagement in a

Purpose: Patient portals are widely available online applications with many health-related tools that facilitate patient engagement and enhance communication with providers yet are highly underutilized. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to explore an English and Spanish patient portal educational video's impact on patient engagement in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The social cognitive theory underpins the project because patients' portal use behavior can change if changing their environmental factors in the clinic with educational videos. Methods: The Universities Institutional Review Board granted exempt approval to ensure human subject protection. The participants included bilingual adult patients in an FQHC who have access to the internet and email addresses who visited the center during the implementation period. The tablets in the patient rooms displayed the English and Spanish educational video on step-by-step instructions on accessing, using the patient portal, and the benefits of use. The information technology technician pulled aggregate data from the analytics component of the patient portal before and after the four-week implementation period. The data included total number of clinic patients, number of active portal users, number of monthly logins, and gender. The project facilitator used descriptive statistics to compare pre-and post-intervention analytics. Results: Active portal users increased by 0.22% and monthly logins increased by 390 logins. Only aggregate data was collected so the statistical significance was not calculated. Conclusion: This EBP project enhances knowledge on patient portal utilization's impact on patient engagement and may apply to current practice.
Created2022-04-29
186395-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Background/Objective: As a part of the Affordable Care Act of 2010, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) was intended to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes through providing wellness visits for all Medicare recipients at no cost. However, adoption has been minimal since its inception, particularly in

Background/Objective: As a part of the Affordable Care Act of 2010, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) was intended to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes through providing wellness visits for all Medicare recipients at no cost. However, adoption has been minimal since its inception, particularly in rural populations Study Design: A top priority of a rural federally qualified healthcare organization (FQHC) was to improve utilization of the AWV due to a patient response well below the national average. A six-week trial was conducted that examined a patient information campaign combined with a strategic workflow that encouraged interoffice collaboration. Methods: The office staff of a pilot medical clinic was selected by the FQHC quality improvement committee as the project site. A Relational Coordination survey (RC) was administered before and after the intervention to determine if the intervention improved interoffice collaboration regarding the AWV. Descriptive questions were used to determine which aspects of the intervention proved useful. Reliability of the survey results was verified by a Crohnbach’s ? > 0.08. An independent samples t test was used with p value < 0.05 to determine statistical significance and confidence intervals. Results: The patient information brochure demonstrated improved patient understanding of the AWV from the office staff perspective as demonstrated by an independent samples t test comparing pre and post survey responses (t(32) = -4.14, p < .001, CI 95%). The RC survey results identified an area for collaborative for improvement between the front office and medical staff.
Created2022-04-29
186399-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Background and Purpose: Across the United States, there are low adherence rates of prenatal care visits, primarily among the low-income and ethnic populations. Inadequate prenatal care education contributes to low appointment adherence and missed prenatal care during their first trimester. The project aim is to assess the current use of paper-based prenatal education

Background and Purpose: Across the United States, there are low adherence rates of prenatal care visits, primarily among the low-income and ethnic populations. Inadequate prenatal care education contributes to low appointment adherence and missed prenatal care during their first trimester. The project aim is to assess the current use of paper-based prenatal education in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in southwestern Arizona and inquire if patients would elect to engage in a phone application for prenatal education with appointment reminders. Approach/Methods: The Theory of Planned Behavior was the theoretical framework utilized to guide this project. The Quality Improvement (QI) project gathered information regarding patient technology use and accessibility as well as utilization of FQHC prenatal booklet, collected with a 13-question survey. A non-identifying demographic questionnaire was also distributed during the prenatal visit. Results: Survey responses indicated that patients find utility in prenatal education and appointment reminders provided through a phone application. Out of the total participants (n=23), only 18 had received the prenatal care booklet and completed the entire survey. 80% of participants expressed they would use the phone application while 84% find prenatal education on the phone helpful. In comparison, less than 28% of respondents planned to continue to use the prenatal booklet they were provided at the clinic during their pregnancy. Outcomes: There is potential in utilizing digital platform and appointment reminders at FQHC to improve appointment adherence and early entry to prenatal care. The results will be used to inform FQHC on decisions regarding continuing prenatal booklet use and integration of techbased education formatting.
Created2022-05-02
186404-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Background: People with diabetes are at greater risk for comorbid cardiovascular disease, end stage organ damage, disability, and early death. There is substantial evidence that individualizing self-care education, such as eating a healthy diet, greatly improves diabetes management. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to review the

Background: People with diabetes are at greater risk for comorbid cardiovascular disease, end stage organ damage, disability, and early death. There is substantial evidence that individualizing self-care education, such as eating a healthy diet, greatly improves diabetes management. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to review the outcomes of a diabetes education program offered to underserved women in the Southwestern United States. Methods: Four weekly nutrition classes were individualized and taught at a nonprofit organization in the southwest United States. Behavior change was measured using the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) tool. Classes were advertised via the center’s monthly class calendar and fliers. A total of nine participants (N=9) came to every class and took the SDSCA survey before and after class instruction. Results: Descriptive statistics and two 2-tailed t-tests with the critical value set at p<0.05 were used for data analysis. The participants were Hispanic women, most between the ages of 40-49, and had an income between $0-14,000. The mean difference between the variables of both general diet and specific diet pre and post-tests were significantly different from zero. The assumptions of normality and homogeneity were met. The results of both two-tailed paired sample t-tests were significant suggesting the means of general and specific diet pre-tests were significantly lower than the means of the general and specific diet post-tests. Discussion: The assumptions of normality and homogeneity were met and the results were significant. The pre-intervention scores for both categories were statistically significantly lower than the post-intervention scores for both categories. Thus, the desired outcome of helping clients within the organization modify, adapt, or change self-care behaviors related to diet was met.
Created2022-04-26
631-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Background: Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening infection affecting millions of individuals. Nearly three million individuals are affected annually, killing one in every two to four individuals. Sepsis mortality rates are highest in those 65 and older, making it the most expensive diagnosis paid by Medicare and worldwide at $24 billion

Background: Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening infection affecting millions of individuals. Nearly three million individuals are affected annually, killing one in every two to four individuals. Sepsis mortality rates are highest in those 65 and older, making it the most expensive diagnosis paid by Medicare and worldwide at $24 billion dollars. Early goal directed therapy (EGDT), created by the International Surviving sepsis campaign, is a bundled protocol created to decrease mortality rates, however, utilization and completion remains a problem in the emergency department (ED).

Purpose: This project sought to evaluate the gap that exists between best practice and current practice, for sepsis identification and EGDT implementation.

Methods: The project was completed over a four-month period with prior Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and consisted of evaluation of sepsis knowledge and barriers to EGDT. Questionnaires included demographics, sepsis knowledge, barriers to EGDT and AHRQ quality indicators toolkit.

Results: Sample (N=16) included registered nurses (RN) and healthcare providers. Descriptive statistics were utilized for evaluation of questionnaires. Results indicate staff have sound understanding of signs and symptoms of sepsis, however application through case studies demonstrated lower performance. Overall system barriers were minimal, with greatest barriers in central line monitoring and staff shortages. High level unit teamwork exists within the ED, however collaboration is lacking between ED staff and upper management. Results demonstrate moderate disengagement between upper management and staff leading to miscommunication. Recommendations included increased, consistent sepsis education, utilization of Institution for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) triple aim framework for evaluating systems, implementing a closed loop approach to communication, and having a staff champion for sepsis be included in meetings with upper management.
ContributorsLevering, Miriam (Author) / Nunez, Diane (Contributor)
Created2018-04-30
560-Thumbnail Image.png
Description

Children often present to the emergency department (ED) for treatment of abuse-related injuries. ED healthcare providers (HCPs) do not consistently screen children for physical abuse, which may allow abuse to go undetected and increases the risk for re-injury and death. ED HCPs frequently cite lack of knowledge or confidence in

Children often present to the emergency department (ED) for treatment of abuse-related injuries. ED healthcare providers (HCPs) do not consistently screen children for physical abuse, which may allow abuse to go undetected and increases the risk for re-injury and death. ED HCPs frequently cite lack of knowledge or confidence in screening for and detecting child physical abuse.

The purpose of this evidence-based quality improvement project was to implement a comprehensive screening program that included ED HCP education on child physical abuse, a systematic screening protocol, and use of the validated Escape Instrument. After a 20-minute educational session, there was a significant increase in ED HCP knowledge and confidence scores for child physical abuse screening and recognition (p < .001). There was no difference in diagnostic coding of child physical abuse by ED HCPs when evaluating a 30-day period before and after implementation of the screening protocol.

In a follow-up survey, the Escape Instrument and educational session were the most reported screening facilitators, while transition to a new electronic health system was the most reported barrier. The results of this project support comprehensive ED screening programs as a method of improving HCP knowledge and confidence in screening for and recognizing child physical abuse. Future research should focus on the impact of screening on the diagnosis and treatment of child physical abuse. Efforts should also be made to standardize child abuse screening programs throughout all EDs, with the potential for spread to other settings.

ContributorsCarson, Sheri C. (Author) / Hagler, Debra (Thesis advisor)
Created2018-04-09
191582-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Background: The cost of health care for end-stage kidney disease patients has exponentially increased over the years, costing 91,000 annually per patient. Peritoneal dialysis has proven to be a cost-effective renal replacement therapy compared to in-center hemodialysis. Quality evidence from a systematic literature review indicates that peritonitis is one of

Background: The cost of health care for end-stage kidney disease patients has exponentially increased over the years, costing 91,000 annually per patient. Peritoneal dialysis has proven to be a cost-effective renal replacement therapy compared to in-center hemodialysis. Quality evidence from a systematic literature review indicates that peritonitis is one of the leading causes of patients' ability to maintain peritoneal dialysis. Evidence suggests that enhanced patient education on infection control practices beyond standard education effectively reduces peritonitis incidents. Methods: Enhanced education on infection control practices was delivered to 18 peritoneal dialysis patients in Southern Arizona through the application of determinants of the Health Belief Model utilizing the principles of the ADKAR framework. Data analysis will be available through facility-specific quality metrics of decreased peritonitis and modality loss episodes. Each of these measures is to have data compared to pre/post-intervention. Results: All participants in the study were able to sustain peritoneal dialysis as their renal replacement therapy. Of the 18 participants, one patient episode of peritonitis occurred three months before the intervention, and zero episodes were reported during the first three months of monthly infection control education. Facility-specific peritonitis and modality loss measures are not available until after project publication. Conclusion: To decrease peritonitis rates and modality loss, the intervention will continue for eight to 12 months to determine success. More time is needed to determine if patients adhere to monthly infection control practices taught during enhanced education.
ContributorsSchneeweis, A. Danielle (Author) / Rauton, Monica (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)
Created2023-04-29
162166-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Objective: Nearly 90% of sex trafficking victims will come into contact with an emergency department healthcare provider during his or her period of exploitation. Yet, victim identification by healthcare providers remains inadequate. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to improve emergency department healthcare providers’ confidence and ability to

Objective: Nearly 90% of sex trafficking victims will come into contact with an emergency department healthcare provider during his or her period of exploitation. Yet, victim identification by healthcare providers remains inadequate. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to improve emergency department healthcare providers’ confidence and ability to identify sex trafficking victims through staff education centered around sex trafficking. Method: A quality improvement project, guided by the Social Cognitive Theory, was implemented in an Arizona emergency department. ED staff were provided with a 40-minute education video about sex trafficking, including victim identification and appropriate responses. Participation in this project was open to all current healthcare workers employed at this emergency department. Stakeholders within the facility assisted with recruitment via weekly staff emails over a three-week period. A pre- and post-survey, consisting of a self-evaluation Likert scale, was used to assess confidence in identifying victims. Case studies were included to measure the participants’ ability to identify victims of trafficking. All aspects of this project were approved by Arizona State University’s and the organization’s Institutional Review Board. Results: One hundred percent of staff agreed to feeling confident in their ability to identify sex trafficking victims post intervention. However, there was no improvement in staff’s actual ability to identify victims through case studies post intervention. Conclusions: Education can be a valuable tool to improve confidence in identifying victims of sex trafficking in an emergency setting.
Created2021-04-28
162139-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Objective: Pediatric patients with asthma are frequently cared for in the emergency department (ED). Many studies show early administration of corticosteroids (CS) can improve outcomes for children experiencing an asthma exacerbation. Despite the evidence, delays in care remain. The purpose of this study is to streamline the process for nurse-initiated,

Objective: Pediatric patients with asthma are frequently cared for in the emergency department (ED). Many studies show early administration of corticosteroids (CS) can improve outcomes for children experiencing an asthma exacerbation. Despite the evidence, delays in care remain. The purpose of this study is to streamline the process for nurse-initiated, triage-based CS administration and determine the effect on overall length of stay (LOS). Methods: For this quality improvement initiative, ED nurses at a large, freestanding, children’s emergency department in the southwestern United States were given education on inclusion and exclusion criteria for nurse-initiated CS in ED triage. Time to CS administration, LOS, and whether the ED nurse or provider ordered the CS were evaluated through chart reviews of patients presenting with a chief complaint of difficulty breathing. These metrics were compared to charts from the previous year during the same timeframe to evaluate for improved timeliness of CS delivery. Results: Time to CS administration decreased from a mean of 98.6 minutes to 57.6 minutes. LOS decreased from an average of 259.3 minutes to 169.6 minutes. The effect of timely CS on LOS was significant for December p =.003, January p =.002, and February p = <.001. Conclusion: A streamlined process for CS delivery to pediatric patients experiencing an asthma exacerbation can enable providers to achieve efficient and effective care in the ED and decrease a patient’s overall LOS.
Created2021-04-23
549-Thumbnail Image.png
Description
Over the last ten years, a dramatic increase in Emergency Department (ED) visits has been prominent. Non-emergent chief complaints, such as repeat chronic care needs, are causing increased ED visits. The underutilization of primary care resources has been correlated with the overutilization of emergency care resources. ED overutilization is having

Over the last ten years, a dramatic increase in Emergency Department (ED) visits has been prominent. Non-emergent chief complaints, such as repeat chronic care needs, are causing increased ED visits. The underutilization of primary care resources has been correlated with the overutilization of emergency care resources. ED overutilization is having a negative rippling effect on the ability of the US healthcare system to care for patients. Emergency department personnel and other resources are strained, leading to overcrowding and decreased quality of care. Health insurance and provider accessibility has been linked to the high rates of ED usage by adults age 18 – 64, with the highest rates seen in those under public health coverage, such as Medicaid, compared to those who were uninsured. To encourage primary care visits and discourage non-emergent ED usage, the United States health system includes patient education on the appropriate ED use, higher-copayment as financial disincentives, and encouragement of provider-patient relationships with Primary care providers (PCP). The public health clinics, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, provide patient education on the appropriate use of PCP versus ED resources, and offer extended office hours during evenings and weekends; trimming the rate of non-emergent ED visits can significantly reduce health care costs.
ContributorsMarcus, Toyin (Author) / Ochieng, Dr. Judith (Author, Thesis advisor)
Created2019-05-04