Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services: Recent submissions
Now showing items 1-20 of 83
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Moving the Interprofessional Education (IPE) Needle Forward to Collaborative Education and PracticeSlide deck for the presentation.
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Collaborative Learning Environments: Preparation, Culture Change, & ActivitiesSlide deck for presentation.
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Event ProgramProgram for the May 16, 2022 event, How can We Improve Student Learning Outcomes from Interprofessional Models Across the Continuum of Education to Practice? Includes schedule and speaker biographies.
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Speaker BiographiesContains biographies for Shelly Conrad Cohen and Keith Mascoll, the two people presenting at the May 16, 2022 Inter-Professional Education Workshop.
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Language Barriers In US Healthcare: Research In Limited English Proficiency Patient Experience And Health OutcomesThis review covers literature published to the National Library of Medicine from 2010-2021 on the use of Spanish and other non-English languages used in healthcare settings in the United States. Despite the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Service (CLAS) Standards created by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2010, it is well-documented that patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) still receive lower quality care. The studies reviewed indicate a lack of standardization in the use of interpretation services and other intervention strategies can increase patient satisfaction, as well as a tendency to underutilize these services when available. Further research must be done on how to promote the use of interpretation services among healthcare providers, how LEP patients navigate topics around mental health, and perspectives of how interpretation services should be used from LEP patients themselves.
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Recognizing the Impact of Sensory Processing Differences: Social Work Assessment and InterventionSensory processing differences impact up to 20% of the general population of the United States, yet social workers may not receive training on this neurobiological condition. Sensory processing in an important concept for practicing social workers to understand, as the underlying cause of behavior is what guides our treatment; accurate intervention relies on accurate assessment. This presentation will introduce the theory of sensory integration and current neuroscience understandings of sensory processing, discuss symptom presentation, co-morbid and differential diagnoses, and implications for social work assessment and intervention.
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Disability Competence: An Often-Overlooked Aspect of Cultural Competence in Social WorkIn this talk on cultural competence, we will examine the social construction of disability as distinct from impairment. We will learn about the basics of disability oppression and the response of disability communities in the form of various resistance movements. A review of various hot topics in current U.S. disability culture will be presented. An overview of the guiding principles of empowerment-oriented disability social work practice will be offered before workshop participants will have a chance to explore their own able-bodied privilege. Learning objectives: To discuss social construction of disability; To introduce basics of disability oppression; To review disability resistance movements; To describe hot topics in disability culture; To identify guiding principles for empowerment-oriented disability social work practice; To explore able-bodied privilege.
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The Learning Needs of Newly Licensed Registered NursesNurses are on the frontline of healthcare delivery. The learning needs of newly licensed registered nurses are poorly understood. The aim of this study is to identify the specific learning needs of these newly licensed nurses so that they are able to confidently provide excellent care to culturally, ethnically, and racially diverse patients. A qualitative approach was used to complete this study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit ten newly licensed registered nurses who were interviewed by phone. The interviews were transcribed. Questions targeted working nurses experiences with nursing skills, interdisciplinary interactions, and documentation. Data was analyzed and coded for the identification of themes. Gaps in the literature exist regarding the specific learning needs of newly licensed registered nurses. Understanding their learning needs can provide insight into how to better transition student nurses to registered nurses so that they are able to adequately and safely take care of a diverse patient population and work successfully as new nurses.
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Risks and Benefits of Self-Diagnosis Using the InternetAs technology use increases, self-diagnosis using a symptom checker on the World Wide Web has become a topic of discussion in the health field. Given that many in the United States continue without access to medical care, it is becoming common practice for patients to self-diagnose using information sought on the internet. Health literacy of internet health information is a concern, especially among vulnerable populations, such as immigrants and those without access to health insurance. The aim of this study is to understand the phenomenon of self-diagnosis using the internet as a source of health information among a convenience sample of Salem State University students (N= 150). A survey instrument was used to examine the following: perception of accurate health information sought throughout the internet; follow-up with primary physicians, how much trust is placed in internet self-diagnosis, and how often participants use the internet to self-diagnose. Data was analyzed using thematic coding methods. The internet provides us with access to information, yet among those seeking health-related information, there is a concern that critical health information can either be misinterpreted, unreliable or both. Self-diagnosis using the internet is a particular concern if patients are using the internet in the place of a physician. Results from this study can inform healthcare professionals about college faculty, staff and student perceptions regarding use of the internet to self-diagnose prior to seeing a primary physician, as well as inform future study of this phenomenon.
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Assessing the Nutritional Health of College Students: An Ethnographic ApproachThe culture of college students does not appear to give adequate attention to nutritional health. The purpose of this study seeks to explore whether college students are at risk for imbalanced nutrition. Among the studies reviewed, samples suggest that college students are at risk for imbalanced nutrition due to their financial instability, lack of nutritional knowledge, and inability to obtain healthy foods. The results of this systematic review of the literature suggest that implementations of nutritional education may reduce those risks.
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Student Nurses' Knowledge of End-of-Life Treatment Options in Dementia PatientsDementia is a serious disease that affects 46.8 million elders globally with 9.9 million new cases each year. It is not often understood that dementia is considered a terminal illness, and it is thought that misconceptions about dementia may be a factor of poor quality of care for this vulnerable population at the end of their lives. Nurses are on the front lines of caring for dementia patients, however nurses may lack knowledge of how to best care for dementia patients and their families. A qualitative survey study will be conducted using a convenience sample of Salem State nursing students (N= 100). Specific study aims include: do nursing students know about dementia, advanced directives, and end of life care and treatment options specifically related to the dementia patient? Thematic coding methods will be used to analyze the data. Results from this study will help identify knowledge needs of nursing students related to end-of-life treatment for dementia patients. Understanding knowledge needs of nurses can further inform future educational programs for nursing students in order to increase the quality of care for this population.
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Shameless: An Examination of Addiction and Alcoholism in the FamilyThe principle objective of this paper is to examine the effects of alcoholism and addiction on the family system through the analysis of a fictional family, the Gallaghers from Shameless. To explore the role of alcoholism and addiction in the family, this paper analyzes the family system through resilience, happiness, and family intervention. Because alcoholism and addiction are stigmatized in the media, people suffering from these two diseases have been dehumanized. The producers of Shameless have the opportunity to create a television series that accurately portrays alcohoism and addiction and the effects it has on families. A realistic depiction of alcoholism and addiction impacts the audience's perception of the two diseases.
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The Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation for Post-Myocardial Infarction PatientsMyocardial infarction is one of the most significant causes of death worldwide. Factors leading to a patient's risk of having a myocardial infarction are obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension, and a sedentary lifestyle. If patients knew of these risks, the likelihood of a myocardial infarction occurring could decrease. Because of a lack of information about the topic, many patients unfortunately experience a myocardial infarction before it is preventable. Lack of knowledge about how serious the disease is and treatment is also a reason for not going through with cardiac rehabilitation. People around the world need to be educated about myocardial infarction risks and the positive outcomes of attending cardiac rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to improve the quality of life of myocardial infarction patients by determining the long-term benefits of going through with cardiac rehabilitation. A review of the literature was conducted. CINAHL was used to search articles pertaining to the research topic. Results include the following: a lack of cardiac knowledge led to patients' unawareness of the need for attending cardiac rehabilitation; patients improved both physically and psychologically after attending rehabilitation; individualized education has been the most effective for myocardial infarction patients. Myocardial infarction can potentially be prevented through education of cardiac patients on the benefits and importance of cardiac rehabilitation. Results from this study have implications for helping to decrease morbidity and mortality among this high-risk population.
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Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Residents in Nursing Homes: Knowledge and Strategies for the Novice NurseBackground and Significance: Quality of Life (QOL) is a major focus of practice in all areas of nursing, including promoting QOL for the elderly. New graduate Registered Nurses (RNs) have the option of working in a nursing home for their first career opportunity. The significant increase in the Baby Boomer population (nearly tripling between 1980-2030) will cause an influx of nursing home residents as they require nursing home services. Review of the Literature: Quality of Life (QOL) is important to providing quality, holistic care. Many factors encompass QOL. It is necessary for the new graduate RN to learn about interventions that positively impact nursing home residents' QOL. The literature review speaks only about first-hand studies focusing on nursing home residents' own interpretations of QOL factors. Several QOL domains were identified including promoting comfort, meaningful relationships, and maintaining autonomy and dignity. Undergraduate nursing education and new graduate orientation programs offer little information on the nurse's role in promoting QOL in the elderly. Implications for Novice Nurse Education: A table was adapted to show the QOL domains for the Elderly and possible RN Interventions to positively impact nursing home residents QOL. Provided with education focused on competencies for promoting QOL in the elderly, the new graduate RN will be able to use the interventions presented in the table to realize ways to positively impact QOL of nursing home residents during their first nursing experience as a novice nurse.
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Information Available to Patients Diagnosed with Dementia: Interviews With Caregivers and Their ExperiencesPurpose: Dementia is a prevalent problem for older adults and their families. Early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach for treatment have been linked to better quality of life. The primary objective of this study was to discover what information is available to patients with dementia upon diagnosis and how beneficial the information given is perceived by the primary caregivers. Secondary objectives included types of resources most utilized by the caregiver and how caregivers found out about such resources. Methods: A qualitative study design was employed using snowball sampling methods and semi-structured interviews among primary caregivers (n= 5) of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (n= 3), Lewy Body Dementia (n= 1), and Dementia Unspecified (n= 1) respectively. Thematic coding methods were used to identify potential barriers to accessing timely information regarding disease prognosis and optimal resources. Results: Several themes emerged from caregiver interviews. Central themes found among the caregivers include: 1.) chronic grief 2.) chronic frustrations 3.) chronic guilt 4.) total responsibility of care. Several subthemes emerged that compound upon these caregiver experiences including provider related parries such as lack of quality information, and access barriers including difficulty finding community resources. Conclusion: Caregivers interviewed in this study perceive support from their health care team in general, yet have limited perceived support in navigating how to access community resources. Patients and their families need guidance and support from the health care team upon diagnosis, yet also need ongoing support and education while caring for a loved one with Dementia.
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Depression and Mental Health Awareness Regarding Adololescents Within the Primary Health Care Setting: Study ProtocolBackground: Depression is a serious illness, warranting adequate access to care and treatment among adolescents. The aim of this study was to further understand college students’ perception of mental illness and perceived parental views regarding mental health disorders. Methods: Ethnicity and fields of study were analyzed to note any significance amongst the groups. Convenience sampling was used, targeting participants’ ages 18-25 years at Salem State University. Using mixed methods methodology, participants was asked to conduct a survey questionnaire. Survey questions were geared towards participant perception of depression, and perceptions of parental views on mental illness. Results: A total of 266 anonymous surveys were collected and analyzed to find that the majority of participants’ parental views on education and depression were correct. On the other hand, 25% of surveyors believed that their parents would believe that depression is caused by bad or weak character. As for ethnicity, Asian or Pacific Islander (50%), Hispanic or Latinos (35%), and Black or African American (36%) were more likely to think that their parents would believe that depression is caused by bad or weak character. As for fields of study, non-science majors were more likely to have stigmatizing beliefs in regards to depression. Conclusion: Further education on depression knowledge should be acknowledged in the school system, media, and more importantly; our health care system. Increased and more in-depth screenings for adolescent depression should be seen by the primary health care provider in order to decrease the number of untreated depression cases. For future studies, a more in-depth survey should be distributed with a larger sample size to increase the numbers in diversity.
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Systematic Literature Review: A Family Approach to Postnatal DepressionThrough a systematic review of literature, this research project explores a family approach to postnatal depression (PND). Within the first year of giving birth, seven to 15 percent of woman experience postnatal depression. Postnatal depression does not solely affect new mothers, but also fathers and babies. In conducting a systematic review of Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Boston Public Library Electronic Resources, and Education Resources Information Centre Database (ERIC), along with Google and Google Scholar, nine peer-reviewed studies were ultimately selected for inclusion in this review. The systematic literature review revealed the benefits of a family approach to postnatal depression. Three main themes emerged from the research: 1) social and relationship support; 2) paternal PND; and 3) PND stigma. According to the results found in this review, teaching about PND should be focused on the all-new families in addition to the new mother. These results demonstrate teaching interventions should occur during the prenatal and postnatal time to reduce PND instances in both women and men.
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Advancements of Nursing Roles in Pediatric Burn CareBurns are a common injury for children, especially in toddlers and adolescents. Nurses are in the front line of care and possess many roles within the care of pediatric burn patients. Nursing roles in pediatric burn care can be organized into three major areas of care, including acute, rehabilitative and psychological. it is the roles that nurses carry out that make a difference in the long term quality of life in the pediatric burn patient. Goals and objectives: To address nursing roles in all three major areas of nursing care in pediatric burn care, acute care, rehabilitation care, psychosocial care, long term care and follow-up care.
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Maximum Sentencing Under Section 35The Massachusetts General Law Chapter 123 Section 35 allows a person to be involuntarily committed into a treatment facility for drug/alcohol abuse for a maximum of 90 days if suspected to pose an immediate risk to themselves or others. This law changed on July 1st, 2012 when it was previously a maximum of 30 days. A further look will be taken into what precipitating factors led the legislature to extend the maximum sentence, and what effect this has had on the treatment of the men in the facility. This research takes a step inside a facility where Section 35’s are sent, and breaks down the issues that lead the men into this facility. In addition, survey results will be presented that show which drugs have proven themselves most problematic in leading to the forced detox. Recommendations will be presented on how the Section 35 process could be improved, as viewed from the opinions of the men in the facility, psychologists who recommend the detox, clinicians of the facility, and Senator Jen Flanagan, who recently led a panel discussion on the Section 35 process.
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How Stigma and Negative Attitudes Towards the Mentally Ill Affect Patients' Quality of Care: Moving Towards a Better Understanding for ChangeBackground: 1 out of every 4 American adults currently have a form of mental illness, while 50% of others will develop a mental disorder at some point in time. Mental illness not only emotionally deteriorates a person; it impairs one’s ability to function daily. Mental illness is highly correlated with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiac conditions and obesity, as well as homelessness and drug and alcohol dependency. The mentally ill are less likely to access healthcare for treatment due to experienced stigmatization, negative attitudes and stereotypes due to their diagnosis. The aim of this study is to detect and understand the negative attitudes towards the mentally ill, and to recognize how to work towards facilitating change in health care. Methods: CINAHL databases were searched to identify studies performed relating to the stigmatization of mental illnesses and how negative stereotypes affected patients’ quality of care. Results included data from qualitative and quantitative studies. Out of 171 reviewed papers, 11 met the criteria to perform this literature analysis. Results: Stigma towards the mentally ill is a prominent theme identified within the literature. Evidence based changes to eliminate stigma and negative attitudes towards mental disorders must be taken to improve quality of care. Understanding experienced stigma among the mentally ill is a first step to promote much-needed changes to health care delivery.
