Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects
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.
Collaborating Institutions:
College of Nursing and Health Innovation
Displaying 1 - 10 of 14
Filtering by
- All Subjects: Vaccination
- All Subjects: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- All Subjects: Qualify of Life
Description
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been causing high rates of hospitalization and death among the marginalized Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Disaggregated data revealed low COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Korean Americans/Immigrants (KA/I) due to vaccine-related fears unaddressed by cultural and linguistic barriers. Prior evidence demonstrates that digital storytelling (DST) is an effective medium to improve recommended vaccine intent and uptake among AAPIs. Objective: This DNP project aimed to assess the effect of DST intervention on improving KA/I’s COVID-19-related vaccine hesitancy, intent, and uptake. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was conducted, with participants (n=4) self-identifying as KA/I adults with English or Korean fluency residing in the U.S. Participants were recruited online via convenience sampling from CARE (Collaborative Approach for AAPI Research and Education). Individuals who had already received COVID-19 vaccines were excluded. The intervention included two first-person audiovisual stories documenting the personal experience of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Outcomes were measured via a pre-post-1-month-follow-up survey utilizing a modified Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (? = 0.72) and Narrative Quality Assessment Tool (? = 0.78-0.81). Results: DST intervention had a marginally significant effect on lowering post-COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scores (p = 0.068). Participants (n=2) who rated the DST videos with a higher score indicated vaccine uptake at one-month follow-up. Conclusion: This cost-effective, sustainable, and scalable DST evidence-based project has the potential to promote COVID-19 vaccination among KA/I and other AAPI groups with appropriate modification.
ContributorsYoon, Paula (Author) / Chen, Angela (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2022-05-01
Description
Background: Current standard of care practices for substance use disorder is inadequate in reducing relapse, with rates persistently 40-60% within one year of treatment. Unconventional approaches must be explored to reduce the risk of relapse, climbing rate of overdoses, and healthcare expenditures exceeding $740 billion annually. The purpose of this quality improvement project demonstrates how an evidence-based group exercise intervention, used as adjunctive support to standard addiction treatment, can reduce relapse and promote long-term recovery during a global pandemic. Methods: Aims of this project sought to enhance quality of life scores. Participants were recruited upon admission to a residential treatment center. Pre-posttest design utilized the World Health Organization Quality of Life Abbreviated scale to assess program impact on quality of life. Pre-program descriptive questions and a survey assessing prior addiction treatment were collected. Group exercise and wellness education sessions were delivered twice weekly in a live, interactive, virtual format with on-site participants. Upon completion, a post-program survey was utilized to capture the qualitative experiences of participants and impact of project to instill confidence to execute long-term sobriety. Results: Pre and post scores, as well as domain scores were clinically and statistically significant. Additionally, 80% of participants reported feeling more prepared to achieve long-term sobriety secondary to their participation in this project. Discussion and Conclusion: Results from this project demonstrate the positive impact that group-based exercise and lifestyle interventions can have on quality of life and long-term recovery. Peer support exercise programs may offer means to enhance addiction treatment and reduce overall healthcare expenditures globally by defying the odds of relapse.
ContributorsAvino, M. Hayley (Author) / Nunez, Diane (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2021-05-01
Description
Objective: Obesity is the fifth leading cause of global death and is preventable. It affects all body systems and causes major chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, and some cancers. The goal of this transtheoretical stages of changes (TSOC) theory-based project are as follows: To educate the participants of the project to be aware of obesity and its complications; motivate them to use community resources, and improve their body mass indexes (BMI), waist circumference (WC), motivation, quality of life (QOL) and lifestyle.
Methods: Twenty-three participants were recruited in a primary care clinic. Six participants dropped out during the project. All the randomly selected participants who met the criteria of obesity signed written informed consent and were provided a 4-digit code to maintain anonymity. Participants were motivated and educated using a handout, two pre-and post-project in-person nursing visits, and five telemedicine weekly nursing follow-ups visits. Pre- and post-surveys collected during in-person visits include data such as weight, BMI, WC, demographic data, comorbidities, lifestyle, motivation, QOL, TSOC, and utilization of community resources.
Results: Descriptive analysis and paired t-test is done utilizing Intellectus statistics software to measure the outcome. The results show improvement in dietary choices, physical activity, motivation, QOL, use of community resources, decrease in BMI, and WC. In paired t tests, results show clinical and statistical significance in BMI, WC, MOT and clinical significance in QOL. There was increase in the revenue at the project site due to reimbursement of the services provided for the patients.
Conclusion: The results are expected to develop practice change in preventing and treating obesity. More evidence-based projects and studies with large sample size are needed to develop improvement in the knowledge base of providers and current practice.
ContributorsCherian, Ribi (Author) / Nunez, Diane (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2022-04-28
Description
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).
ContributorsAnon, Melanie (Author) / McIntosh, Wayne (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2022-04-28
Description
Background: Existing substance use disorder guidelines are deficient in reducing relapse rates, evidenced by the substantial number of persons experiencing relapse within months of recovery, with most relapsing within one year. Current interventions lack community reinforcement approaches to reduce relapse and risk factors required to combat the extensive damages related to substance use as costs exceed $1 trillion annually. Guided by the Social Cognitive Model, this quality improvement project aims to explore how group exercise combined with community reinforcement reduces relapse. It aims to boost recovery capital by improving quality of life scores. Methods: A CrossFit instructor delivered personalized group exercise and wellness education in-person biweekly for six weeks. Adult residential treatment clients were eligible to participate recruited via a flyer upon treatment entry. A pre-intervention demographic questionnaire, a pre-/post World Health Organization Quality of Life Abbreviated scale (reliability ? = > 0.70) assessing intervention influence on the quality of life, and a post-intervention survey was administered. The lead investigator performed all data distribution and collection. Institutional Review Board approval safeguarded participants' rights and risks. Results: Pre/post improvements observed in all domains; psychological and environmental were statistically significant, while 100% of participants reported enhanced QoL, social support, & confidence related to long-term sobriety post-intervention. Discussion/Conclusion: Desired outcomes are increased quality of life scores to boost recovery capital. A sober community reinforcement approach combined with exercise may link to reducing relapse and total costs related to this growing public health crisis.
ContributorsChrapczynski, D. Alison (Author) / Nunez, Diane (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2022-04-30
Description
Background: Vaccination is an effective public health tool; however, immunization rates are low in American adults, with disparities existing for Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic Caucasians, uninsured individuals, undocumented immigrants, and low-income individuals (Lu et al., 2014; Lu et al., 2015; Williams et al., 2016). Consequently, 42,000 adults still die each year in the United States (US) from vaccine-preventable diseases, and nine billion dollars are spent on associated healthcare costs and lost productivity (ADHS, 2015; Wilson et al., 2019). To improve adult vaccination rates, the National Vaccine Advisory Committee recommends the Standards for Adult Immunization Practices, including regular assessment, recommendation, delivery or referral, and documentation during follow-up on vaccination (Orenstein et al., 2014; CDC, 2016).
Local problem: A free clinic in Arizona serving uninsured, undocumented Latin American immigrants had low vaccination rates and a deficiency in vaccination documentation in electronic medical records.
Methods: An evidence-based quality improvement project was conducted to address low vaccination rates and provider practices using a multi-component intervention. The effect and usage were evaluated through chart audits and pre- post-intervention surveys.
Interventions: A vaccination questionnaire was administered at all in-person primary care visits. Brief educational videos were provided to providers and office staff before the intervention addressing the questionnaire's use, purpose, and goals. Adult immunization schedule printouts were made available in all patient rooms and provider charting areas. Additionally, a resource sheet on local free immunization programs was created for providers and patients.
Results: The intervention's effect was unable to be determined due to a breakdown in the protocol after the second week of implementation. However, 92% of completed questionnaires reviewed indicated the patient needed one or more vaccination. Sixty-five percent of electronic medical records reviewed had no vaccination documentation historically for assessment, recommendation, referral, follow-up, or scanned vaccination records. No charts reviewed had these areas documented regularly.
Conclusion: Vaccination rates and the Standards of Adult Immunization Practices are low at the free clinic. Further quality improvement measures are indicated addressing barriers present.
ContributorsDukes, Alyssa (Author) / Ochieng, Judith (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2021-04-27
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 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.
ContributorsKielbania, Meghan (Author) / De' Santiago, Stephanie (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2021-04-28
Description
Background: Vaccine-preventable diseases significantly influence the health and academic success of college students. Despite the known negative impact of these diseases, vaccination rates routinely fall short of national goals and recommendations. Although vaccination decisions are complex, a recommendation from a health care provider is one of the key motivators for individuals receiving a vaccine. Motivational interviewing (MI), a counseling approach primarily used to address substance abuse, can be applied to other health-related behaviors.
Local Problem: Despite previous quality improvement efforts aimed at increasing vaccine rates for influenza, human papillomavirus (HPV), and meningitis B (MenB), vaccinations at large university health centers have been well below benchmarks set by Healthy People 2020.
Methods: This study was guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and included MI training and regular reinforcement for health care providers to address vaccine hesitancy with college students.
Results: Influenza vaccination rates improved, but HPV vaccine rates remained stable and MenB vaccine rates decreased compared with the previous year. Clinicians demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge of MI techniques after a targeted educational intervention. Repeat measures indicate the potential for sustained improvement when ongoing reinforcement is provided.
Conclusion: MI can be an effective part of a strategy to increase vaccination rates.
ContributorsWermers, Rita (Author) / Ostroski, Tammy (Author, Thesis advisor) / Hagler, Debra (Author, Thesis advisor)
Created2019-04-26
Description
Background: Healthy People 2020, a government organization that sets health goals for the United States, has established the benchmark objective of 70% influenza vaccination coverage. National trends show immunization rates are a dismal 41.7% for the adult population. Persons
experiencing homelessness are a vulnerable population in which access to preventative health care services is lacking. Prevention of acute illness, whenever possible, is crucial to maintaining the health of this population. The purpose of this project is to increase influenza vaccinations through staff education at a homeless clinic.
Methods: Eighty-eight volunteer staff, at a student led homeless clinic, received education on the influenza vaccinations. The education occurred at the first orientation meeting of the fall semester in 2016 and consisted of; the importance of immunizations, goals of Healthy People 2020, and an emphasis on addressing patient objections. The effectiveness of the program
compared the percentage of patients immunized from August - December 2016 to 2015.
Results: Post intervention, 44% of the clinic patients were immunized against influenza,
compared to 18% (pre-intervention). This finding resulted in a statistically significant increase in
vaccinations (Z= -5.513, p= < .001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Eighty-eight volunteers were
present at the influenza vaccination educational intervention and 82 returned their surveys
(response rate 93%). The average score of the posttest was 96% (range 70-100%).
Conclusions: These findings support staff education on influenza vaccinations as a strategy for
increasing vaccination in the homeless population. Such interventions provide promise to
increase influenza vaccinations, however, they fall short of meeting the goals of Healthy People
2020. Identifying innovative interventions is critical to meet the goals of Healthy People 2020.
experiencing homelessness are a vulnerable population in which access to preventative health care services is lacking. Prevention of acute illness, whenever possible, is crucial to maintaining the health of this population. The purpose of this project is to increase influenza vaccinations through staff education at a homeless clinic.
Methods: Eighty-eight volunteer staff, at a student led homeless clinic, received education on the influenza vaccinations. The education occurred at the first orientation meeting of the fall semester in 2016 and consisted of; the importance of immunizations, goals of Healthy People 2020, and an emphasis on addressing patient objections. The effectiveness of the program
compared the percentage of patients immunized from August - December 2016 to 2015.
Results: Post intervention, 44% of the clinic patients were immunized against influenza,
compared to 18% (pre-intervention). This finding resulted in a statistically significant increase in
vaccinations (Z= -5.513, p= < .001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Eighty-eight volunteers were
present at the influenza vaccination educational intervention and 82 returned their surveys
(response rate 93%). The average score of the posttest was 96% (range 70-100%).
Conclusions: These findings support staff education on influenza vaccinations as a strategy for
increasing vaccination in the homeless population. Such interventions provide promise to
increase influenza vaccinations, however, they fall short of meeting the goals of Healthy People
2020. Identifying innovative interventions is critical to meet the goals of Healthy People 2020.
ContributorsVossoughi, Tiffany (Author) / Harrell, Liz (Thesis advisor)
Created2017-04-17
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, 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