The Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Projects collection contains the completed works of students from the DNP Program at Arizona State University's College of Nursing and Health Innovation. These projects are the culminating product of the curricula and demonstrate clinical scholarship.

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College of Nursing and Health Innovation
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Sleep deprivation is linked to poor mental and physical health outcomes for professional firefighters. The importance of sleep hygiene practices and health promotional activities may increase the amount of quality sleep firefighters get on their days off. As the adverse outcomes of circadian misalignment due to sleep deprivation becomes more

Sleep deprivation is linked to poor mental and physical health outcomes for professional firefighters. The importance of sleep hygiene practices and health promotional activities may increase the amount of quality sleep firefighters get on their days off. As the adverse outcomes of circadian misalignment due to sleep deprivation becomes more apparent in firefighter wellbeing, the need for a sleep health program becomes more evident. The purpose of this paper is to examine and assess the effects of a sleep health program for firefighter wellness. Research emphasizing the relevance of poor health outcomes related to sleep disturbances is prevalent in the literature. The findings have prompted the development of an evidence-based sleep coaching program for firefighters in a local fire department guided by The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Model (Brewin, C.R., 1996). and a knowledge-to-Action process framework for evidence-based-practice (Graham et al., 2006).
Created2022-04-28
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The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project is to develop and implement a culturally tailored educational program into a community clinic in a northern border community in Mexico to prevent and combat childhood obesity. In Mexico, 33.2% of children are overweight or obese and numbers are

The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project is to develop and implement a culturally tailored educational program into a community clinic in a northern border community in Mexico to prevent and combat childhood obesity. In Mexico, 33.2% of children are overweight or obese and numbers are continuing to rise, which has a significant impact on physical and psychological health and can lead to diabetes, fatty liver disease, thyroid disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, and other chronic diseases. Guided by Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, weekly education sessions were delivered to members of the community clinic for two weeks. Content included both a nutrition component and an exercise component. An emphasis was made on increasing physical activity, increasing water consumption, decreasing sugar sweetened beverages, and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Videos were developed for each education session. Worksheets and handouts were developed to enhance learning and give participants a tangible reference for individual learning. Content was taken from the CDC and adapted to fit the needs of the community. All content was culturally tailored for low literacy levels and translated to Spanish. Knowledge, behavior change, and self-efficacy were measured by pre and post surveys. Self-efficacy showed statistically significant change from pre and post intervention. These findings suggest that healthy eating and exercise education can potentially increase knowledge, promote behavior change, and enhance self-efficacy, which can, in turn, prevent and combat childhood obesity and related disease states.
Created2022-04-26
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Description
Depression and anxiety are common and debilitating illnesses that negatively impact personal well-being and functioning. The effects of depression and anxiety not only affect the individual, but also peers, family, the community, economy, and even the health care system. Pharmacological therapy is a first line treatment for depression and anxiety,

Depression and anxiety are common and debilitating illnesses that negatively impact personal well-being and functioning. The effects of depression and anxiety not only affect the individual, but also peers, family, the community, economy, and even the health care system. Pharmacological therapy is a first line treatment for depression and anxiety, but the risk for relapse remains. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) are treatments that have demonstrated effectiveness in treating depression. The evidence suggests that both therapies are successful in terms of reducing depressive symptoms, but most effective when combined. Further, evidence shows that the combination of MBCT and traditional pharmacological therapy provides relief from depressive symptoms and lengthens the amount of time between recurrent episodes and improves the quality of life. A project was implemented at an integrated health clinic to evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The results revealed that practicing mindfulness was statistically and clinically significant in reducing depression and anxiety. In addition, mindfulness scores increased over 30 day application of the intervention. The results demonstrated the value of utilizing mindfulness as a cost-effective therapy in addition to pharmacological treatment to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improve mindfulness. The ease of use demonstrated the value of mindfulness and self-directed skills aimed at improving wellness, reducing depression and anxiety which will result in the improvement of individual, economic, healthcare system, and community health.
ContributorsFong, Luis (Author) / Guthrey, Ann (Thesis advisor)
Created2018-04-28
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Description
Background/Purpose: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the pediatric population is a global epidemic. Rapid weight gain in early childhood exacerbates risk factors for obesity, chronic disease in adulthood, and disqualifies 31% of American youth from serving in the Armed Forces. Although the pediatric dependents weight crisis reflects the

Background/Purpose: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the pediatric population is a global epidemic. Rapid weight gain in early childhood exacerbates risk factors for obesity, chronic disease in adulthood, and disqualifies 31% of American youth from serving in the Armed Forces. Although the pediatric dependents weight crisis reflects the national dilemma, there are inconsistencies in provider knowledge, limited access to evidence-based, weight management intervention, and treatment options. This paper will assess provider needs, identify opportunity to improve practice, and process used in weight management in the clinic. Method: Eight military and four civilian pediatric and family practice providers completed a 16-item needs assessment survey. The survey was distributed via email using an online survey tool, and a printed version was provided to those who had not completed it online. Data was collected over 8 weeks and a descriptive analysis of content was done using the Intellectus software. Results: Although the response rate was 88.9%, it was lower than anticipated due to COVID-19 related military deployments. Descriptive data were obtained on a variety of provider needs and practices. Results provided valuable information on current attitudes of providers. Providers demonstrated a significant need for a multidisciplinary support team including a dietician and more time dedicated to weight management at office visits. At least 50% of providers have had motivational interviewing training and report that they apply these techniques as part of an intervention in patient’s weight management care. Implication: Data supports overweight and obesity care practice changes in the clinic. Areas identified by providers included the need for further training and clinic management support including the availability of a pediatric dietician added to the healthcare team.
Created2021-04-27
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Description
Background: Around 40-50% of people with Parkinson’s disease will develop anxiety or depression, the number one factors affecting their quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most well-established intervention for anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson’s disease. Purpose: The project addresses a southwestern Parkinson-specific community center’s need for

Background: Around 40-50% of people with Parkinson’s disease will develop anxiety or depression, the number one factors affecting their quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most well-established intervention for anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson’s disease. Purpose: The project addresses a southwestern Parkinson-specific community center’s need for mental health by incorporating a cognitive behavioral therapy-based mental health program, guided by the Cognitive Behavioral Model. Methods: Recruitment at the center took place during a virtual weekly meeting with inclusion criteria of a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, 50 years or older, and English speaking. A four-week, virtual, nurse-led cognitive behavioral therapy-based mental health program was created to examine the effects on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in ten people with Parkinson’s disease. Pre-and post-intervention Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.91), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.87), and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaires (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.84) were used to assess anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Results: Using a Two-tailed paired samples t-Test, mean values and p-value were calculated with alpha value of 0.05, t(39) = -0.10, p = .922 for anxiety, Alpha value of 0.05, t(16)=3.69, p=0.002 for depression, Alpha value of 0.05, t(38)=5.07, p<0.001 for quality of life, and Alpha value of 0.05, t(5)=4.54, p=0.006 for emotional wellbeing. Conclusion: A cognitive behavioral therapy-based mental health program at a Parkinson-specific center has the potential to improve quality of life and decrease depression in people with Parkinson’s disease. Implications: Research with larger sample sizes, longer duration of therapy, and in-person format would be beneficial.
Created2021-04-28
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Description

Health statistics for physical activity, nutrition, and psychological wellbeing demonstrate the tenuous status of youth in the United States (US). These factors significantly affect growth and development during this critical period and indelibly influence adult health. Consequently, the successful utilization of multicomponent pediatric health promotion programs could improve current and

Health statistics for physical activity, nutrition, and psychological wellbeing demonstrate the tenuous status of youth in the United States (US). These factors significantly affect growth and development during this critical period and indelibly influence adult health. Consequently, the successful utilization of multicomponent pediatric health promotion programs could improve current and future health, saving billions in health-care costs. The analysis of a literature review on this topic led to the development and completion of an evidence-based project. The project was guided by two conceptual frameworks, Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the Stetler Model for Evidence-based Practice. The project was completed in partnership with a local after-school youth program.

Methodology included a project intervention comprised of a single specialized training session. Data was collected using a pretest-posttest format with repeated measures from a survey adapted from the Organization Readiness to Change Assessment (ORCA) tool. Survey questions focused on participant’s knowledge, skills, attitudes, and use of the selected health promotion program. Descriptive Statistics, the Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test, and the Friedman Test were completed for data analysis using IBM SPSS v25. Using a critical value p < .1, results from the data indicated improvement in median scores for participant’s knowledge and skills (p-value’s range = .05 - .082). Other changes were not statistically significant (p-value’s range = .135 - .317). The results indicate the project intervention’s efficacy. Future research may focus on optimal training formats, a comparison of repeat sessions versus supplemental web-accessible resources, and program sustainability via refresher sessions and/or designated management.

ContributorsMorris, Paul (Author) / Hill, April (Thesis advisor)
Created2020-04-25
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Description
Background: Suicidal ideation and attempts are increasing in the adolescent population and suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth 10-24 years of age (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016). Children that continue to struggle with suicidality and depression after treatment as usual have an

Background: Suicidal ideation and attempts are increasing in the adolescent population and suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth 10-24 years of age (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016). Children that continue to struggle with suicidality and depression after treatment as usual have an increased length of stay, from an average of five days to nine days per admission. Recidivism rates are also increasing, with some patients
requiring readmission the same day as discharge.

Method: The purpose of project was to check the feasibility of the use of cognitive behavioral therapy-based group called Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment (COPE) in the treatment of children with depression and suicidality. The study patients participated in up to 7 groups of a 60-minute lesson of COPE each day, combined with interactive activities that helped
them practice problem solving and coping skills. The feasibility of the COPE groups were measured by the consistent decrease of Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale at the beginning and conclusion of lessons as well as consistency of engaged participation in the COPE groups on the unit based of staff observation obtained from Staff Survey.

Results: The results analyzed using the two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test were significant based on an alpha value of 0.05, V = 0.00, z = -3.64, p < .001. This indicated that the differences between Pre-CSSR and Post-CSSR were not likely due to random post variation. The median of Pre-CSSR (Mdn = 1.00) was significantly lower than the median of Post-CSSR (Mdn = 2.00).

Discussion: The results proved feasibility of a cognitive behavioral therapy-based group in the treatment of depression and suicidality of children in an inpatient unit.
ContributorsFreeman, Latasha (Author) / Guthery, Ann (Thesis advisor)
Created2020-05-02
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Description

Background: 
Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. school-aged children are obese. There are many known health complications associated with obesity including premature death. Family-based obesity interventions that promote healthy lifestyle habits are effective at enabling children to make changes needed to avoid long-term health complications associated with obesity. The purpose of this

Background: 
Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. school-aged children are obese. There are many known health complications associated with obesity including premature death. Family-based obesity interventions that promote healthy lifestyle habits are effective at enabling children to make changes needed to avoid long-term health complications associated with obesity. The purpose of this evidence-based practice intervention was to evaluate the effectiveness of a family-based obesity intervention on familial lifestyle behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, and screen time.

Methods:
Two overweight-obese children (according to CDC criteria) ages 8-12 years old visiting a pediatric primary care clinic in a suburban neighborhood located in the southwest region were recruited to participate in this evidence-based practice intervention based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Familial lifestyle behaviors were assessed using the Family Health Behavior Scale (FHBS) prior to receiving an educational intervention addressing nutritional, physical activity, and screen time recommendations and again after following these recommendation for 6-weeks. Additionally, scheduled follow-up phone calls were made every 3 or 6-weeks addressing any parental questions that surfaced. Data was insufficient for statistical analysis, however, anecdotal recommendations for future implementation of this intervention resulted.

Results:
Of the two patients who participated, pre- and post-intervention data was only attainable from one patient. That patient did have improved scores within each of the 4 FHBS subscales (parent behaviors, physical activity, mealtime routines, and child behaviors). Overall, 11 of the 27 behaviors assessed improved, 12 behaviors resulted in no change, and 4 behaviors worsened. Recommendations related to a more successful implementation of this intervention in the future include improved provider participation (buy-in), utilization of broader inclusion criteria, consideration of the implementation time-frame, and application of the Health Belief Model for addressing existing barriers for each patient prior to implementing the intervention.

Conclusions:
In order to determine the effectiveness of this intervention a larger sample size and completed post-intervention data are needed. The small sample size and lack of post-intervention data inhibits proper data analyzation and significance from being determined.

ContributorsAgliano, Courtney (Author) / Crawford, Daniel (Thesis advisor)
Created2018-05-02