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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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Purpose/Background: Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress have an increased risk of developing chronic illness and early death in the absence of protective factors. Many providers feel inadequately prepared to screen for and treat ACEs. This quality improvement project, based on the Health

Purpose/Background: Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress have an increased risk of developing chronic illness and early death in the absence of protective factors. Many providers feel inadequately prepared to screen for and treat ACEs. This quality improvement project, based on the Health Belief Model, investigated if providing ACEs education before a screening program is effective in improving attitudes, knowledge, and the number of completed screenings. Method: The project was conducted at a pediatric primary care practice in the southwestern United States. All providers voluntarily consented to attend four education sessions: 1) Trauma overview, 2) Trauma physiology, 3) Trauma-informed care, 4) Screening tool/referral process. An anonymous pre/post-education Likert-Scale survey was completed to assess knowledge and attitudes about ACEs and screening. The number of completed ACEs screening tools and referrals made were collected four- and eight-weeks post-implementation. Results: Data were analyzed using Intellectus Statistics SoftwareTM. There was a significant increase in ACEs knowledge from the pre-test (p= .011, ?=.05). There was not a significant change in attitudes from the pre-test (p=.066, ?=.05). However, the mean pre- to post-survey scores increased for both categories, indicating improved attitudes. Over the first four weeks, 75% of eligible children were screened and 6% were referred to an ACEs resource program. In the second four weeks, 56% of children were screened and 8.6% were referred. Discussion: A comprehensive education program for providers can improve knowledge about ACEs screening, leading to improved screening practices, early identification, and the introduction of protective resources.
Created2022-04-29
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Purpose & Background: Serious mental illness among incarcerated people continues to rise within the United States. Correctional officers only receive an average of 13.54 hours of training in special populations, including the mentally ill (Kois et al., 2020). This lack of training leaves new correctional officers inadequately prepared to manage

Purpose & Background: Serious mental illness among incarcerated people continues to rise within the United States. Correctional officers only receive an average of 13.54 hours of training in special populations, including the mentally ill (Kois et al., 2020). This lack of training leaves new correctional officers inadequately prepared to manage this population in prison. Education is a cost-effective modality to provide a long-term change of practice. Mental health education was provided to New Correctional Officers (NCOs) at a 2,000-bed facility in Southwestern United States during their initial correctional officer training. Internal permissions were granted by the prison internal review board (IRB) and the Arizona State University IRB. Methods:NCOs (n = 7) were recruited and consented to participate in psychoeducation specific to mentally ill prisoners. Using an evidence-based curriculum developed by Dr. Dana Dehart at the University of South Carolina, NCOs participated in four (4) 1-hour long mental health trainings that were instructor led. Pre/Post assessment tools were completed using a 10-item trauma quiz and a 12- item Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) scale assessing participant attitudes towards mental illness. Results: Participants were primarily male (57 %), White (42%), with an average age range between 31-40 years old, and with a high school degree. Post intervention quiz and MAKS show improved knowledge for all subjects using both tools. Discussion/Conclusion: This project highlights cost-effective training with significant preliminary results in reducing stigma towards the mentally ill in prison. Furthermore, this information justifies the support, development, and funding for increasing mental health training for correctional staff nationwide.
Created2022-05-07
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Substance use among adolescents is incessantly problematic, but its recent collision with a rising opioid epidemic has exponentiated deaths in this age group. Despite opioids being a major contributor, indications remain that adolescent prevention efforts should focus on total substance abstinence. Evidence consistently highlights adverse childhood experiences and mental dysfunction

Substance use among adolescents is incessantly problematic, but its recent collision with a rising opioid epidemic has exponentiated deaths in this age group. Despite opioids being a major contributor, indications remain that adolescent prevention efforts should focus on total substance abstinence. Evidence consistently highlights adverse childhood experiences and mental dysfunction as the strongest predictors of youth substance use initiation, and parent-focused interventions as the most significant prevention model. Participants in this project included five parents, with a teen between 11 and 16 years of age, who had recently experienced homelessness or where currently living in a transitional shelter. Guided by the Transtheoretical Model, this project assessed the impact of an evidence-based parenting program among high-risk families. Participants completed the Teen Triple P Online program from home while receiving weekly text message support. Each parent completed a pre-and post- Conflict Behavior Questionnaire (r=.86) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (r =.71–.81), and a Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. A two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed on the matched pairs of pre- and post- measures with the mean scores compared. Though statistically insignificant results were yielded, this quality improvement project found a clinically significant decrease in conflict behavior and parental anxiety, depression, and stress after completing the Teen Triple P Online program. Participant satisfaction with the program and subsequent family improvements was also found. These results suggest that interventions that decrease family conflict and improve a parent’s mental health, directly impact major family factors that contribute to adolescent substance use and adverse childhood experiences. This project contributes to the evidence that positive parenting programs have an impact at the individual, family, and societal levels.
Created2022-05-01
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BACKGROUND: Strokes remain the number one cause of long-term disability in the United States. Delays in reperfusion after a stroke increase a patient’s risk for unfavorable outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this project is to decrease the time from patient’s arrival to the emergency department (ED) to interventional radiology (IR)

BACKGROUND: Strokes remain the number one cause of long-term disability in the United States. Delays in reperfusion after a stroke increase a patient’s risk for unfavorable outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this project is to decrease the time from patient’s arrival to the emergency department (ED) to interventional radiology (IR) for mechanical thrombectomy intervention by educating nurses on how to identify IR-qualifying strokes using specific screening tools. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory will serve as an essential model to guide this project. METHODS: A PowerPoint presentation and brochure were distributed to all ED nursing staff via email at a large urban teaching hospital in the Southwestern United States. These documents discussed the vision, aphasia, neglect (VAN) and balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, time (BE-FAST) screening tools which have high rates of reliability and validity in detecting large vessel occlusions (LVOs) and posterior circulation strokes. Included was a 5-question survey to assess for completion of provided material. Data on the facilities door-to-interventional radiology (IR) times were collected for two months and compared to data from the previous two months prior to the intervention. IRB approval was obtained from the project site. RESULTS: Average door-to-IR times at project site decreased by twenty-eight minutes after ED nurses received stroke screening tool education. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The ability to recognize stroke symptoms consistent with LVOs and posterior circulation strokes upon arrival to the ED allows for timely IR intervention which supports better patient outcomes.
Created2022-04-29
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Objective: Chronic low back pain in adults is a global health and economic problem. Many with back pain experience compromised sleep. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a gold standard in improving sleep among individuals with pain, this approach requires trained staff. The sleep hygiene education and meditation techniques, components

Objective: Chronic low back pain in adults is a global health and economic problem. Many with back pain experience compromised sleep. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a gold standard in improving sleep among individuals with pain, this approach requires trained staff. The sleep hygiene education and meditation techniques, components of CBT, were utilized in patients with chronic low back pain to improve sleep quality. Methods: Twenty patients with chronic back pain volunteered to receive sleep hygiene education and meditation videos to practice for 12 weeks and participate in 4-weekly phone calls. Participants were assessed at baseline and post-treatment with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants were patients at a local pain clinic with chronic low back pain without untreated mental illness, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome. Informed consent was obtained from participants, along with demographic data. Participants received a brochure with education information to engage daily for 12 weeks. Participants were then contacted weekly by phone to review the learned information. Results: 13 participants completed the post-intervention questionnaire (35 % attrition rate). Mean age was 55.15 yrs. and most were female (n=11). Paired t-test demonstrated that change in pre and post PSQI score, and Medication Use did not show statistical significance (p=0.372; p=0.502). However, Subjective Sleep Quality had clinical significance (p=.022) suggesting individuals thought their sleep have improved. Discussion: Sleep hygiene education and meditation techniques is an approach for individuals considering non-invasive and cost-effective approach to improve sleep
Created2022-04-29
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Description
Background: This quality improvement project examined the effect an educational intervention focused on the psychosocial needs of cancer patients had on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) of a group of nurses. While nurses understand the physical toll of cancer, they may forget the impact cancer has on mental health. The

Background: This quality improvement project examined the effect an educational intervention focused on the psychosocial needs of cancer patients had on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) of a group of nurses. While nurses understand the physical toll of cancer, they may forget the impact cancer has on mental health. The project was guided by the Health Belief Model. Methods: Consent was obtained from 15 participants working as nurse advocates for a large insurance company. Nurse advocates are tasked with improving the health of patients and connecting them to additional resources. A twenty-minute educational intervention focused on the impact cancer has on mental health and the benefit of multiple psychosocial supportive resources was delivered to the participants. Education included a comprehensive review of the resources available for cancer patients at the project site. Participants were then given 10 minutes to complete a retrospective post-then-pre survey, based on a Likert Scale. Results: Statistically significant improvements in survey scores were observed in each of the three KAB domains. Statistical analysis confirmed improvements in survey scores were significant and not likely due to random variation. Participants also referred more patients into a cancer support program following the intervention. Conclusion: A brief educational intervention was able to improve KAB scores among nurses. There was also an increase in the number of patients these nurses referred into a psychosocial supportive program. Nurses that better understand the mental health needs of cancer patients are more likely to connect them with psychosocial resources. This intervention will become part of standard training for new nurse advocates at the project site.
Created2022-05-02
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Description
Objectives: Asthma education is essential for every pediatric asthma management plan. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Quality Improvement (QI) project, guided by the Social Cognitive Theory, aims to explore effective and innovative interventions for asthma management and determine if telehealth is an effective way to deliver asthma education to

Objectives: Asthma education is essential for every pediatric asthma management plan. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Quality Improvement (QI) project, guided by the Social Cognitive Theory, aims to explore effective and innovative interventions for asthma management and determine if telehealth is an effective way to deliver asthma education to parents. Methods: Parents (n = 5) of children with asthma at an urban pediatric primary care clinic were recruited to attend four weekly, 60-minute asthma education sessions over Zoom®. Participants were recruited with flyers and clinic referrals. Participants answered pre- and post-intervention online questionnaires following informed consent, including the Parental Asthma Management Self-Efficacy Scale (PAMSES), the Asthma Control Test (ACT), and a parent program evaluation. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to analyze data and measure mean differences in pre-and post-parent self-efficacy and asthma control in their child. Results: The results include a statistically significant change in pre-intervention and post-intervention mean PAMSES scores. There was no significant difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention ACT scores; however, there was an increase in mean ACT scores from baseline. Conclusions: Telehealth is a practical and cost-effective way to address gaps in asthma education and improve patient outcomes. The use of telehealth may be an effective way to address gaps in parent/patient education regarding the prevention of and management of asthma symptoms. Ongoing assessment is needed to evaluate if asthma telehealth education can be effective in other settings, languages, and age groups.
Created2022-04-29
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Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to train healthcare professionals (HCP) on evidence-based interventions for domestic violence (DV). Background: DV occurs at high rates and negatively impacts physical and mental health. Intermittently screening patients for DV is healthcare’s current response and this is inadequate. Evidence shows the most

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to train healthcare professionals (HCP) on evidence-based interventions for domestic violence (DV). Background: DV occurs at high rates and negatively impacts physical and mental health. Intermittently screening patients for DV is healthcare’s current response and this is inadequate. Evidence shows the most effective way to assist DV victims is through active psychoeducation. Active psychoeducation involves a conversation between the HCP and patient about relationship safety, the sharing of local resources, and a referral to a local DV agency if warranted. Methods: A virtual educational intervention was recorded and made available to members of a professional nursing organization in the Western United States. The educational intervention provided instruction on the Confidentiality, Universal education, Empowerment, Support (CUES) method, an active psychoeducation technique. The post-education survey was a modified version of Project Catalyst’s Post-Training Survey for Community Health Centers with twenty-one questions pertaining to understanding of the training and intention to incorporate CUES into clinical practice. Results: Eleven participants completed the educational intervention and post-education survey. Descriptive statistics demonstrated that participants strongly agreed (73%) and agreed (27%) that the training improved their ability to provide active psychoeducation on DV. All participants reported an intention to incorporate CUES into their clinical practice. Conclusion: Training HCP to provide active psychoeducation on DV to their patients increases professionals’ ability to incorporate this evidence-based method into clinical practice.
Created2021-04-09
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Objective: To assess the attitudes and knowledge of behavioral health technicians (BHTs) towards opioid overdose management and to assess the effect of online training on opioid overdose response on BHTs’ attitudes and knowledge, and the confidence to identify and respond to opioid overdose situations. Design/Methods: Pre-intervention Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and Opioid Overdose Attitude

Objective: To assess the attitudes and knowledge of behavioral health technicians (BHTs) towards opioid overdose management and to assess the effect of online training on opioid overdose response on BHTs’ attitudes and knowledge, and the confidence to identify and respond to opioid overdose situations. Design/Methods: Pre-intervention Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and Opioid Overdose Attitude Scale (OOAS) surveys were administered electronically to five BHTs in 2020. Data obtained were de-identified. Comparisons between responses to pre-and post-surveys questions were carried out using the standardized Wilcoxon signed-rank statistical test(z). This study was conducted in a residential treatment center (RTC) with the institutional review board's approval from Arizona State University. BHTs aged 18 years and above, working at this RTC were included in the study. Interventions: An online training was provided on opioid overdose response (OOR) and naloxone administration and on when to refer patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) for medication-assisted treatment. Results: Compared to the pre-intervention surveys, the BHTs showed significant improvements in attitudes on the overall score on the OOAS (mean= 26.4 ± 13.1; 95% CI = 10.1 - 42.7; z = 2.02; p = 0.043) and significant improvement in knowledge on the OOKS (mean= 10.6 ± 6.5; 95% CI = 2.5 – 18.7; z =2.02, p = 0.043). Conclusions and Relevance: Training BHTs working in an RTC on opioid overdose response is effective in increasing attitudes and knowledge related to opioid overdose management. opioid overdose reversal in RTCs.
Created2021-04-12