RSS 1.0Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services
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The Necessity For Disability In Social Work EducationAlthough over a quarter of the United States population has one or more disabilities, past studies and reviews of the social work curriculum indicate that students do not receive a well-rounded education on the topic. Building upon previous studies, this research study aimed to further understand social workers’ education around disability in their social work programs. Social work students and graduates (N=78) completed an anonymous online survey exploring this topic. Social workers strongly believe that this is an important topic for social work education. While most learned about mental health disabilities, fewer than half reported learning about other types of disabilities (e.g., cognitive/intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, visual impairments, invisible disabilities). Only one-third believed they had learned how to recognize ableism in practice. These findings suggest that while some programs include substantial disability content, other programs have substantial work to do in this area. Implications from this study urge social work programs to enhance visibility about disability in both the curriculum and the community. Most social work students understand the importance of disability education and wish it was covered more in the classrooms. The voices of disabled students indicate that disability is something that warrants more presence and celebration in social work programs. Another important implication is that the level of disability education a social work student receives is dependent on the program they attend, so disability is a topic that is being covered in some courses and programs. This demonstrates the need for consistency amongst accredited social work programs to ensure students are equally prepared to work with disabled clients.
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The Need For Empathetic Care In The Healthcare System Is Essential To Build Patient-Physician Relationships: A Systematic Review Of LiteraturePatient happiness is a crucial aspect of healthcare that is frequently undervalued and oversimplified. Each patient has unique requirements that must be met. It is important that healthcare professionals respect patients' concerns and feelings about their care and treatment. Respect is a critical element of a high-performance healthcare team. It contributes to the development of a positive environment where patients feel respected as people, and staff can thrive in their care. In a setting where respect is valued, people perform better, are more creative, and show strong resilience. What one patient experiences or understands, another patient can feel very differently. It is necessary for healthcare providers to view their patients as more than just a source of earnings. Healthcare professionals must approach each patient with an awareness of their uniqueness and the goal of establishing a working relationship; this makes the experience for both the patient and the healthcare provider much more pleasant. To achieve a shared objective, a provider-patient relationship needs to be characterized by open communication and mutual trust. Furthermore, there is a lack of awareness of the value of compassionate care throughout the healthcare system, which would benefit both patients and healthcare professionals. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate the boundaries of appropriate empathy and communication between a healthcare provider and their patient. The findings of this study will help us understand patient experiences when there is increased empathetic communication between patients and healthcare professionals.
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An Exploratory Analysis of the Lived Experiences of the Glass SiblingGlass siblings are siblings of individuals with disabilities or chronic physical or mental illnesses. While the literature is replete with information on individuals with disabilities, there is limited research about the lived experiences of glass siblings. This qualitative research study seeks to understand the experiences of individuals with siblings with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Three themes emerged from the study, including (a) Carrying Guilt, Anxiety, and Empathy, (b) Social Support is Essential, and (c) Doing What Needs to be Done. The overall findings implicate social work professional efforts that validate the glass siblings’ experiences, increase connections to adequate support, and mobilize resources that reduces stress related to caregiving.
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The Nurses’ Thought on Physical Restraints in the Healthcare SettingBackground: In healthcare, patient safety is highly prioritized. Health care providers may care for patients who are mentally altered due to a medical condition. When a situation escalates and the safety of the patient or staff is at risk, it's up to the judgment of the nurse if physical restraints are needed. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the nurse thinks when physical restraints are indicated. Method: A systematic review of literature took place for the research of this paper. The databases used were PubMed and CINAHL. The time frame is 2017 to 2023 in order to stay up to date with the views on the subject. Keywords would be "United States of America," "Nursing Practice/Care," "Adult," "Physical Restraints," and "cognitive impaired." The adult population found in the non-psychiatric setting is the focus of this paper. Analysis: Articles mentioned how physical restraints should not be the first option. Nurses are trained to use other techniques in order to diffuse a situation. In emergency situations, the physical restraints can be placed without a medical doctor order, but must get order within the hour. When the patient is in restraints, they should still have access to care like drinking, toileting, and comfort. Conclusion: Physical restraints should be the last resort when it comes to keeping the patient/staff safe. When physical restraints are in effect, the nurse should follow hospital guidelines on physical restraints. The restraints should be immediately removed when it is no longer needed.
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Early Detection And Preventative Methods Of Deep Vein Thrombosis In Postoperative Patients From A Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Review Of Nursing LiteratureDeep Vein Thrombosis is a serious complication following any extensive surgery such as a total joint arthroplasty (TJA) where the entire joint is replaced. An analysis of existing literature was evaluated to identify the most effective course of action in regard to medication, intervention, patient assessment, and effective education of both the patient and the care team. Through this review, it was determined that to provide the most comprehensive care aimed toward preventing DVT occurrence, it would be beneficial to determine which medication not only works the best but makes the most sense for the patient in regard to finances and side effects. Furthermore, ensuring that there are clear guidelines or policies provided by the institution for assessments of the patient both preoperative and postoperative to determine risk and or occurrence of signs and symptoms indicative of a developing thrombus. Such assessment would entail a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment, imaging, and blood tests to identify a baseline prior to surgery that can be compared to any results following. Finally, it was ascertained that providing the client with education and evaluating their understanding of their risk and concerning signs is crucial to the early detection of such a disorder. Equipping the care team with this knowledge and tools, it should help in the decrease of occurrence and or severity of DVT following a TJA due to early action and identification.
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Treatments for Adolescents Affected by Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review of LiteratureA systematic literature review (analysis) for treatment options for patients diagnosed with eating disorders or predisposed to risk behaviors. Eating disorders are a mental health concern that affects many adolescents, who are more at risk due to certain behaviors such as body dissatisfaction or distortion, circadian rhythm disorders, or other diagnoses of mental/physical health such as obesity, poor nutrition, anxiety, depression, for example. This review is for the purpose of awareness of evidence-based practice in treatment and how care of patients in treatment plans can be improved in order to provide the best quality.
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The Comprehensive Care of Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): The Application of Evidence to Nursing PracticeThe incidence of opioid misuse rates in pregnancy has been rising at alarming rates in recent years, paralleling the opioid epidemic seen in the general population since the 1990s. This public health crises poses a significant risk for complex medical needs in pregnant women and their fetuses and is one reason why many pregnant women do not seek prenatal care. Nurses must use pregnancy's unique opportunity to address the complex health needs of women with opioid use disorder (OUD) to promote optimal maternal and fetal outcomes. The Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literal (CINAHL) was used to complete a systematic review of literature to identify common issues and areas for improvement in obstetric nursing practice related to the care of pregnant women with OUD. Common themes identified in the literature are the need for early screening and prenatal care and lack thereof in women with OUD; the use of medication-assisted treatment to manage and lessen the harmful effects of OUD and why it is a safer option than detox; and the significance of forming a trusting, non-judgmental relationship between the care team and mother to remove the stigma surrounding opioid use. Implementing these measures will provide nurses with the necessary information to support the mother's and her fetus's personalized needs and improve obstetric nursing care. The ultimate goal for these women is to reach a safe and successful delivery and further optimize health outcomes.
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Advancements of Nursing Care in Interventions to Reduce Overprescribing and Adverse Effects of Opioids Postoperative Pain ManagementOpioids are a class of medications that block receptors in the brain that signal pain. The use of this medication can result in substance abuse disorder which poses a risk of overdose and death. The rise in opioid prescriptions highlights the demand for new interventions to be implemented when assessing the need for opioids in treatment plans. A licensed prescribing healthcare provider uses diagnostic tools to evaluate the requirement of a medication. By encouraging the use of effective interventions in healthcare facilities, there will be a reduction in overprescribing; decreasing the risk of poorly managed treatment, opioid abuse disorder, overdose, and death. Opioids can be taken responsibly and are effective in managing pain. However, there are measures that can be implemented to ensure medication is not being abused and is the right match. A systematic literature review was performed using the CINAHL Plus database to investigate interventions that healthcare providers have implemented to prevent overprescribing of opioids. Major themes are (a) presentation of prescribing behaviors to surgeons reduced overprescribing, (b) standardization of number of pills distributed based on surgeries decreases number of opioids prescribed, (c) screening tools to properly assess client qualifications for opioids, (d) non-narcotic methods: use of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block. The opioid crisis, management of opioids, prescribing behaviors amongst healthcare providers, and interventions targeting opioid abuse, are topics of focus for this literature review. In order to prevent complications in clients taking opioids, interventions must be implemented.
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Myths, Implicit Bias, and Pain Medication Disparities in Emergency Department Settings: A Systematic Review of the LiteratureA disparity in healthcare is any preventable difference that impacts a patient's health outcomes. Disparities arise from health inequities which false beliefs, lack of education, and implicit bias can impact. Implicit bias is defined as holding attitudes toward others or associating certain stereotypes with groups of people without our conscious knowledge. Marginalized communities across the United States face a myriad of health inequities due to implicit biases of healthcare providers; one example being pain medication administration rate among patients of color. The registered nurse is vital in protecting patients of color from health disparities perpetuated by the hands of our profession. The CINAHL database was used to conduct a systematic review of the literature to identify reasons that pain medication disparities might occur in Emergency Department settings. It was also utilized to identify evidence-based practices that could be implemented to decrease incidents of implicit bias in the healthcare system. Significant themes are a) Myth perpetuation regarding race and pain, b) Implicit biases of healthcare providers impact pain medication administration rates for patients of color, and c) Educational and nursing leadership-driven protocols regarding implicit biases. The nursing community is in a pivotal position to help mitigate the risk of poor health outcomes associated with pain medication disparities due to healthcare provider-held implicit biases. Nursing educators and hospital leadership must create an environment that recognizes the culture of implicit biases and supports the necessary work to mitigate the negative impact on patient outcomes. Additionally, introducing a comprehensive nursing education curriculum focused on delivering equitable care while promoting a culture of change would allow future nurses to help break down barriers that impede upon patient care.
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PingTRACKS: Black Maternal HealthIn this poster, I will explain how black maternal women have been affected by the healthcare system in the US. Black women are three times more likely to die due to childbirth than white women. Many causes of death are preventable if doctors adequately care for their patients of color. Some leading causes of black maternal mortality are cardiomyopathy and blood pressure-related disorders. The US healthcare system is rooted in racism directly related to black women's mortality rates.
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Creating Ecobricks To Reduce Platic WasteEcobricks is a productive and engaging product that is suitable for all individuals, regardless of ability and needs. The purpose of the project is to help reduce plastic waste in our oceans and our land, that contribute to harming our ecosystem. Ecobricks are essentially an alternative to the traditional red bricks that are used to create different building structures. They are called "Ecobricks" because they consists of PET bottles that are reusuable and are filled with non-biodegradable and non-recycable plastic. The bottles do not contain any metals, glass, sharp objects, or bio-degradable items. They also contain only clean and dry plastics. These bottles are then used to make different building projects (there are some photos of building projects done, using the Ecobricks).
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Long Term Benefits Of Holistic Treatment: Massage Therapy As Part Of A Wellness PlanThe objective of this senior project was to raise awareness about the significance and advantages of holistic therapy. During the internship at Body & Soul Massage, various newsletters, social media content, and blog posts were developed to educate individuals about the benefits of holistic treatments. Some clients were interviewed, and others provided their testimonies were collected from the previous year to the present. Massage sessions from the past week were reviewed and recorded for the monthly session total. By comparing the total sessions from this year, last year, the month, and the week prior, insights into the business's growth and areas for improvement were gained. This also identified areas requiring more promotion or additional availability time to ensure clients received the best possible service.
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Implementation Of Initiatives To Improve The Quality Of Nutrition And Food Service For Patients At BIDMCBIDMC required an individual that could assist in the improvement of operations in the department of Food Service and Nutrition. With the proper resources, completing weekly tasks such as patient rounds, and reporting the necessary feedback from patients to the kitchen staff and general supervisor was easily achieved. A high volume of negative feedback,prompted initiatives to improve; kitchen workflow, timeliness of food delivery, and creation of accommodations. Although the data for the increase in positive feedback is not available at this time, comments about improvements in food quality, and service have been provided and emphasized.
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Pathways To Success: Guidelines For New And Established EmployeesThis project focused on new and established Patient Service Representative (PSR) employees, with the intent to improve the necessary resources for them to succeed in their roles. Through a survey, we were able to determine the concerns and needs of the PSRs. By collecting this information, new guidelines were established, and the needs of the office were refocused while still concentrating on the areas in which more help and assistance was needed. The resource binder that was developed as a result of this project will help PSR employees become more independent, successful, and self-driven to handle the daily workload of the office.
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Salem Board Of Health, Narcan Distribution & Awareness In The CommunityThe goal of this project was to teach and spread awareness on effective ways to use narcan to keep people in the community safe.
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COVID's Impact On Hospice: Strategies To Combat And Maintain Quality CareThis project aimed to dive deeper into the protocols utilized by Beacon Hospice to combat the coronavirus while maintaining a high quality of care for the patients and their volunteers. Client interactions and internal operations were also investigated during this internship. Which demonstrated how behind-the-scenes work is equally essential as hands-on care. Suggestions to modify and help improve the data collection sheets were proposed. This resulted in enhanced record-keeping to ensure the best patient care and communication among the staff.
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Overcoming Language Barriers: Transvaginal Ultrasound Translation Sheets For Radiology PatientsSouth Shore Hospital is a nonprofit health organization that provides community care, home health, specialty care, primary care, emergency and urgent care, and wellness services. This senior internship aimed to create a resource about Transvaginal Ultrasound for staff to provide their non-English speaking patients. Ten staff members of the Ultrasound Department were interviewed about specific language barriers when working with their patients. As a result, the existing English version was translated into five documents to assist patients who spoke Cantonese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese. According to staff, the translation sheets will improve communication with non-English speaking patients (especially understanding the exam) and overall patient satisfaction. After this internship, the department will continue to use the translation sheets to prevent future language barriers.
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Factors Impacting Dental Health Disparities In Children In U.S.A.One of the most chronic preventable childhood diseases is Dental caries; a major serious public health concern from infancy to age 18 in the USA. The two most common socio-economic factors cited for lack of dental caries treatment are lifetime poverty and low health literacy. Other factors include food insecurity, lack of nutritious foods, increased consumption of processed sugars, obesity, chronic health conditions, low-income status, lack of health and dental insurance, lack of affordable housing, lack of access to care, racial discrimination, decreased exposure to fluorides, and language barriers. Caries prevention and treatment programs in schools could help reduce the gap of untreated children. Private dental practices could attempt to improve this situation with free screening and referral programs.
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The Price To SurviveThis capstone project describes a personal healthcare journey with Type I Diabetes in the United States and the fluctuating price of insulin necessary to treat this disease. This paper emphasizes the dangerous toll on a person’s health and quality of life that results from the choices and sacrifices one must make to purchase and have on hand the supply of insulin needed on a daily basis. The "Cost To Survive" is explained through a narrative of personal experience, the diabetic literature, online news reports, and a President’s stand on the issue. A vivid diagram illustrates the complex and convoluted insulin supply chain that master-minds extreme price-fixing of insulin in the United States. Rationing of insulin supply is a dangerous but necessary technique for some persons-that leads to health disparity and fast forwarding of dangerous side effects that may be fatal as a result of untreated diabetes.
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Spanish Club Pilot ProjectThe Spanish Club Pilot Project was to increase the exposure to Spanish language for both native and non native speakers. Created to increase basic terminology, comfort with learning, and for opportunities for communication.
