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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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Fall Prevention in Dementia Care: The Integration of an Evidence-Based Fall Scale to Identify Fall Risk and Reduce Fall Events

Description

Falls are prevalent among those aged 65 years and older and may result in minor to debilitating injuries in this vulnerable population. Frailty, unsteady gait, and medication side effects all contribute to fall risk as well as dementia, a type of cognitive impairment that disrupts memory and judgment leading to…

Falls are prevalent among those aged 65 years and older and may result in minor to debilitating injuries in this vulnerable population. Frailty, unsteady gait, and medication side effects all contribute to fall risk as well as dementia, a type of cognitive impairment that disrupts memory and judgment leading to an underestimation of fall risk. Fall prevention evidence suggests that interventions aimed at decreasing fall rates begin with a fall risk assessment and tailored fall prevention measures that promote safety.

To examine the effectiveness of a fall prevention program in dementia care, an evidence-based pilot was conducted in a long-term care facility focused on dementia care. A convenience sample of 16 nurses received a fall prevention education intervention. A fall prevention knowledge instrument measured pre and post-fall prevention knowledge. There was a significant increase in fall risk knowledge from the pre-test (p < .001). The participants then conducted a fall risk assessment of 50 dementia patients using the Morse Fall Scale.

Of the 50 dementia patients, 28 were identified as high risk for falls. The nurses then instituted tailored fall risk prevention measures for those high risk for falls. As a result of the pilot, 40 fall events were noted within a three-month time period, reflecting a significant reduction in falls (p < .001) from the previous year. The institution of a fall prevention program in dementia care incorporating nursing education, a fall risk scale, and measures to promote safety can reduce fall risk in dementia patients.
ContributorsEbea, Kate Ndudi (Author) / Tharalson, Erin (Thesis advisor)
Created2020-05-06
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Interprofessional Collaboration in Management of Type 2 Diabetes with Attention to Social Determinants of Health

Description

Interprofessional collaboration (IP) is an approach used by healthcare organizations to improve the quality of care. Studies examining effects of IP with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have shown improvement in A1C, blood pressure, lipids, self-efficacy and overall greater knowledge of disease process and management. The purpose of…

Interprofessional collaboration (IP) is an approach used by healthcare organizations to improve the quality of care. Studies examining effects of IP with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have shown improvement in A1C, blood pressure, lipids, self-efficacy and overall greater knowledge of disease process and management. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of IP with attention to identifying and addressing social needs of patients with T2DM. Participants at least 18 years of age with an A1C >6.5% were identified; Spanish speaking patients were included in this project. The intervention included administration of Health Leads questionnaire to assess social needs. Monthly in person or phone meetings were conducted during a 3-month period.

The patient had the option to meet with the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) student as well as other members of the team including the clinical pharmacist and social work intern. Baseline A1C levels were extracted from chart at 1st monthly meeting. Post A1C levels were drawn at the 3 month follow up with their primary care provider. Study outcomes include the difference in A1C goal attainment, mean A1C and patient satisfaction. Pre A1C levels in participants ranged from 7.1% to 9.8% with a mean of 8.3%. Post A1C levels ranged from 6.9% to 8.6% with a mean of 7.7%. Two cases were excluded as they did not respond to the intervention. A paired-samples t test was calculated to compare the mean pre A1C level to the post A1C level. The mean pre A1C level was 8.24 (sd .879), and the post A1C level was 7.69 (sd .631). A significant decrease from pre to post A1C levels was found (t (6) = 2.82, p<.05).

The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise, as are the costs. This nation’s healthcare system must promote interprofessional collaboration and do a better job of addressing SDOH to more effectively engage patients in the management of their disease.
ContributorsTorres, Julia Patricia (Author) / Moffett, Carol (Thesis advisor)
Created2018-04-27
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Improving the Care Transition to Outpatient Aftercare Services Following Addiction Treatment

Description

The chronic nature of substance use disorder requires continuity of care after residential treatment. Only a small proportion of patients, however, adhere to aftercare follow-up plans and the relapse rates remain between 40- 80% within a year post-discharge. Synthesis of evidence showed that facilitated referral (FR) significantly increased follow- u…

The chronic nature of substance use disorder requires continuity of care after residential treatment. Only a small proportion of patients, however, adhere to aftercare follow-up plans and the relapse rates remain between 40- 80% within a year post-discharge. Synthesis of evidence showed that facilitated referral (FR) significantly increased follow- up adherence and resulted to positive outcomes. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of FR in improving access, follow-up adherence and engagement to aftercare services, and relapse rate after a month post- discharge.

After the Institutional Review Board approval, 30 participants were recruited in two residential treatment facilities. Questionnaires, the Assessment of Warning Signs of Relapse and Health leads surveys were utilized to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, McNemar, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Results showed that FR significantly increased access to many community aftercare services (p<.05). A significant reduction in relapse risk post-intervention was also noted (Z= -3.180, p= .001). Additionally, most participants discharged with scheduled appointments followed-up and had continued engagement with aftercare services. Eight participants maintained sobriety and 18 were lost to follow-up a month post-discharge, while four relapsed in the facility.

Overall, FR increased access to needed aftercare services and significantly decreased the relapse percentage risk post-discharge. FR is a promising intervention that can be implemented for practice. Future research is recommended to further examine the correlation with follow-up adherence and continuous engagement to aftercare services, and relapse rate at 30 days after discharge.
ContributorsTenorio, Roxanne Carla R. (Author) / Moffett, Carol (Thesis advisor)
Created2018-04-29
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Workplace Violence Against Nurses: Use of Patient Screening for Early Identification of Violence

Description
Background: Workplace violence (WV) is a significant problem in healthcare that affects the nurses' physical and mental health and impacts patient care. This is costing healthcare organizations millions of dollars for damage control as there is a lack of prevention. Hence, this evidence-based practice project uses the theory of planned…

Background: Workplace violence (WV) is a significant problem in healthcare that affects the nurses' physical and mental health and impacts patient care. This is costing healthcare organizations millions of dollars for damage control as there is a lack of prevention. Hence, this evidence-based practice project uses the theory of planned behavior and nursing process discipline theory to explore the effectiveness of screening patients for violence. Method: After an aggregate IRB approval, a violence screening tool with high sensitivity and specificity, Broset Violence Checklist (BVC), was implemented twice daily and as needed for 15 days with 275 adult patients in a neurology/telemetry unit to help identify patients at high-risk for violence. All interventions and procedures were based on established policies, not the BVC score. Results: A generalized estimating approach with a logit link and linear regression was used for data analysis. Of the 1504 BVC screenings completed, 43 violent incidents were reported, with interventions recorded in 106 (7.1%) screenings. Patients with a BVC score of <2 required an intervention 16 times (1.2%), and BVC score of >2 required an intervention 90 times (54.2%), OR= 17.95 (95% CI: 3.55 to 90.84), p< 0.001. Discussions: Total BVC score, male gender, and older age were highly predictive of violence. Also, as the BVC score increased above 1, additional interventions were utilized. Conclusion: The BVC has value, indicating that patients who score above 1 can pose enough threat to require an intervention. Thus, uncovering risks and identifying the potential for violence is essential to diminishing harm and WV.
ContributorsSilwal, Sadikshya (Author) / Moffett, Carol (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)
Created2023-05-01
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Improvement of Obesity Management in Primary Care: Self-Efficacy, Readiness for Change, and Provider Education

Description
Background: Obesity is a known comorbidity for chronic disease and is responsible for 47% of related medical costs. Recognizing the complex etiology of obesity, the need for an effective and comprehensive screening tool will assist primary care providers in assessing their patient's needs and facilitating success in managing their weight…

Background: Obesity is a known comorbidity for chronic disease and is responsible for 47% of related medical costs. Recognizing the complex etiology of obesity, the need for an effective and comprehensive screening tool will assist primary care providers in assessing their patient's needs and facilitating success in managing their weight and health. Primary care providers (PCP) have limited knowledge of current evidence in obesity treatment. The project guides the form of tools to help identify the patients' self-efficacy, change readiness, and insurance reimbursement. Methods: Expedited IRB approval was obtained, allowing for data analysis from completed de-identified screenings, surveys, and medical records gathered between September 2022 and April 2023. Screenings including Weight Efficacy, Lifestyle long-form (WEL-LF), and Stages Of Change Readiness And Treatment Eagerness Scale In Overweight And Obesity (SOCRATES-OO) were used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Russwurm and Larrabee's model for evidence-based practice change was chosen for the project's framework. The provider was given a guide for obesity management with tips for billing insurance. A convenience sample of eight patients met with the providers over three months as part of their obesity management treatment plan. Results: The pre and post-screenings collected from the remaining participants (n=8) showed no statistical differences. However, the satisfaction and feedback survey from patients (n=8), provider (n=1), and office staff (n=4) showed improved quality of care and greater confidence in the provider's part in initiating and managing their patient's chronic obesity. Conclusion: Improving PCPs' knowledge of Obesity treatment improves patient care. Expanding this project to a larger scale and disseminating the information can impact patients' lives positively. Keywords: Obesity; self-efficacy; readiness for change; stages of change; primary care, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle questionnaires
ContributorsBrock-Andersen, Marian (Author) / Moffett, Carol (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)
Created2023-04-28
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Healthcare Team Perception, Are We Beating Diabetes?

Description
Background: Diabetes (DM) is a costly disease that negatively impacts patients and the healthcare system that requires complex and structured management. Literature has shown a gap in effective, structured diabetic education and management for providers and patients. Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to investigate the impact…

Background: Diabetes (DM) is a costly disease that negatively impacts patients and the healthcare system that requires complex and structured management. Literature has shown a gap in effective, structured diabetic education and management for providers and patients. Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to investigate the impact of how outreach, through a structured educational care plan, affects healthcare team experience, perception, and impact on their ability to communicate and comanage patients' chronic diabetes. Utilizing telemedicine as an alternative to the office visit healthcare model to address a gap in care by providing ongoing, structured diabetes education and management. Methods: A small-scale study initially included ten participants, with five that completed the study. This included the Population Outreach Team (POT), one provider, and four auxiliary support staff. They were introduced to and utilized a care plan tool (CPT) to assist providers and auxiliary health team communication and education delivery to patients with DM. The theoretical and implementation framework that guided the study was based on the nudge theory, focused on altering habits and behavior, and the Model for Improvement supporting future alterations and improvement as identified. A CPT was designed based on HEDIS diabetes measures and the American Diabetic Association (ADA). Improvement was measured through nine question pre- and post-surveys with an additional four questions specific to the CPT use based on a modified RAND Likert scale patient satisfaction survey. A post-qualitative interview with the provider was conducted to gain further insight into CPT use and perception. Results: A total of ten healthcare and auxiliary participants joined the study; of these, five completed it. The data, including the pre- and post-perception surveys, were collected over a 6-week study period with a post-implementation interview with one provider. Data analysis was captured through descriptive statistics. Pre-perception, M = 19.6 (SD. 4.04, 14 – 25). Post-perception, M = 7.60 (SD. 1.34, 6 – 9). CPT perception post, M = 14.4 (SD. 3.65, 10 – 18). A lower score indicated improvement. The interview identified the following barriers that impacted the CPT's success, including the patient-provider relationship, EHR "easability", patient readiness, and patient education barriers. Conclusion: This small study indicated the positive impact structured, ongoing education provides to improve communication and comanage patients' with DM through the POT improved perception with CPT use. Barriers identified will assist with future implementations and other areas for improvement, which may increase success in the objective of this study and the delivery of healthcare for patients with DM. Future utilization of this intervention may be easily translated to other primary care environments. The intention is that successful DM management may lead to decreased medical management, complications, and financial strain.
ContributorsWilde, Daniella (Author) / Moffett, Carol (Thesis advisor) / College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)
Created2023-05-01
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Identifying Opportunities to Address Social Determinants of Health and Antibiotic Misuse in a Federally Qualified Health Center

Description
A federally qualified health center in the southwest United States serves low-income, uninsured communities. By provider reports, unprescribed antibiotic use is common in this clinic’s population, promoting development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Antibiotics are widely available in Mexico and may be sold illegally in the United States without a prescription.…

A federally qualified health center in the southwest United States serves low-income, uninsured communities. By provider reports, unprescribed antibiotic use is common in this clinic’s population, promoting development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Antibiotics are widely available in Mexico and may be sold illegally in the United States without a prescription. This project’s purpose is to identify social risks and opportunities for antibiotic education. A telephone survey was administered to patients at least 18 years of age. The 32-item survey included a demographic questionnaire created for this project, the PRAPARE social determinants of health questionnaire, and the Eurobarometer antimicrobial resistance questionnaire. Any social risks identified were forwarded to clinic staff for referral. The survey was completed in English or Spanish, per the participant’s preference. A total of 20 surveys were completed. Low education level and unemployment were the most common social risks identified. Spanish language, housing and food insecurity, and difficulty meeting basic needs were associated with overall higher social risks. An antibiotic knowledge gap was identified, and self-medication with antibiotics was confirmed as a behavior within the population. Although no determinants for antibiotic misuse were identified, all participants indicated preference for provider-based education. This FQHC has an opportunity to develop a provider-based educational intervention. The length of the survey and the telephone format, required due to COVID-19 restrictions, were significant limitations, impacting recruitment. Further research is needed to determine the most effective way of delivering education. The clinic is continuing to administer the PRAPARE survey, expanding data on social risks.
ContributorsMiranda, Sarah (Author) / Tharalson, Erin (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2021-04-28
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Can You See Me? Primary Care Provider Education to Satisfy the Visually impaired

Description
Vision impairment has affected 2.2 billion people globally, with 12 million people affected in the United States; more than 700,000 Californians experience visual impairment or blindness (VI/B). Causes of VI/B can be prevented with early identification and intervention. This project aims to identify perspectives of the VI/B, use this insight…

Vision impairment has affected 2.2 billion people globally, with 12 million people affected in the United States; more than 700,000 Californians experience visual impairment or blindness (VI/B). Causes of VI/B can be prevented with early identification and intervention. This project aims to identify perspectives of the VI/B, use this insight to build and improve the knowledge/skills of the primary care provider (PCP). A quantitative study, utilizing the Theory of Interpersonal Relations alongside the Star Model of Knowledge Transformation, incorporated pre-intervention questionnaires for the VI/B and the intention of pre- and post-intervention questionnaire for the PCP. After consenting, the VI/B completed the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (α = 0.87) and Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (α = 0.95) surveys via telephone. An interventional video discussing visual acuity and screening, legal blindness versus visually impaired, leading causes of blindness, common ophthalmic drops and their side effects, helpful hints, and resources for the visually impaired was created. Deidentified results were analyzed with descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation. Currently, 30 voluntary, consented VI/B members have completed the pre-surveys. The overall average patient satisfaction score was 46.73 with financial aspect and communication with the most positive evaluation. Unfortunately, their PCPs have not responded. The PCP questionnaire will be distributed to the ophthalmologist partner’s healthcare organization. The needs of VI/B community are poorly identified and addressed in primary care; thus, the educational video was created to address the perceived gaps. Improved provider knowledge and enhanced patient care can enhance patient satisfaction with the delivery of care.
ContributorsVillayuran, Diane R. (Author) / Moffett, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2021-04-29
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Benefits of Medically Assisted Treatment in Opioid Use Disorder

Description
Introduction: For 2019 in the U.S. opioid overdose deaths neared 50,000 people. Increasing the number of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs available for the population is important to address this crisis (NIDA, n.d.). Objective: To evaluate if MAT improves retention rates for those with opioid use disorder (OUD) for…

Introduction: For 2019 in the U.S. opioid overdose deaths neared 50,000 people. Increasing the number of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs available for the population is important to address this crisis (NIDA, n.d.). Objective: To evaluate if MAT improves retention rates for those with opioid use disorder (OUD) for one Arizona organization’s (AZOrg) seven treatment facilities. Methods: ASU IRB approval obtained, and de-identified data were abstracted from the electronic records of AZOrg, for a year, March 2020 to February 2021. The data included patient age, sex, date of admission, length of stay, substance abused, and if MAT (buprenorphine, naltrexone, Methadone) was prescribed. Intellectus statistical package was used for analysis. Results: Among 3261 patients with a mean age of 35.81(18-82) years, 1528 (46.85%) were admitted for OUD that included 371 (24.28%) females, 686 of whom (44.9%) received MAT. For those treated with MAT mean length of stay was 35.78 (SD 30.34) days compared to a mean of 27.46 (30.79) days for those without MAT treatment. This finding was significant, for all forms of MAT, based on a two-tailed Two-Tailed Independent Samples t-Test test, p<.001. Discussion/Conclusion: Increasing awareness about OUD and MAT is needed when providing care to patients with OUD. Providing organization-specific information regarding MAT benefits can enhance the adoption of this intervention and aid in the recovery of those being treated for OUD. This analysis did not include the possible confounding factors such as a history of incarceration, duration of OUD before admission, or structural differences of individual facilities.
ContributorsChevelwala, Turab (Author) / Moffett, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2021-04-29
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Making an Impact on Skin Cancer Prevention and Strategies for Sun Safety

Description
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer diagnosed in America. No formal educational program for skin cancer prevention and sun safety previously existed at a Southwest University. As a result, a sun safety educational intervention sought to address this gap. For this co-ed young adult population, an education…

Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer diagnosed in America. No formal educational program for skin cancer prevention and sun safety previously existed at a Southwest University. As a result, a sun safety educational intervention sought to address this gap. For this co-ed young adult population, an education video outlining sun safety measures was developed and delivered. An evidence-based review of the literature supported the intervention design inclusive of pre-and post- descriptive surveys, distributed via Survey Monkey. Data collected included sun safety behaviors, intent for behavioral change, and attitudes towards sun safety. Twenty-eight students completed both the pre-and post-survey. Based on the findings, it is clear that students are more likely to adhere to sun-safe behaviors following this video-based education, potentially decreasing their risk of skin cancer development.
ContributorsPope, Kristen (Author) / Moffett, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)
Created2021-04-29