Exploring reduction of periprosthetic joint infection through small changes in daily routines and cost-effective strategies.

This research project introduces a quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing or eliminating the risks associated with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) dislodgement. While PICCs are a valuable and useful tool at providing safe and effective intravenous medication administration, they do have the vulnerability of dislodgement which can have catastrophic consequences resulting in patient harm or death. Nurse-led implementation of the subcutaneously anchored securement system and interventions at the patient, department, and policy level can reduce or eliminate PICC dislodgement and the risk associated with inadequate PICC securement.

This evidence-based quality improvement project reviews solutions for enhancing safety and outcomes in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within rural hospital settings. Through the application of the Revised Iowa Model and systematically reviewing peer-reviewed articles and professional guidelines, the project aims at addressing key challenges and proposing evidence-based solutions. Solutions include patient-tailored care, staff training, and hospital-level policy actions. A SMART goal aims at measurable enhancement in patient safety and satisfaction through a systematic multi-level process for autism-informed care.

Falls among hospitalized elderly patients is a significant safety issue, with up to one million falls occurring annually in U.S. hospitals. With about 30% of the falls resulting in injury leading to increased hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. This project is aimed to reduce fall rates on a medical-surgical unit by 25% over six months using individual interventions based on the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework.

The issue of high blood pressure in jails calls for innovative techniques to screen, intervene, and educate about cardiovascular health. There are many patients that arrive under duress, intoxicated, or have pre-existing hypertension. Most do not seek treatment for hypertension due to a lack of obvious symptoms. If a patient is found to be hypertensive, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions must be implemented. It is important to distinguish individual risk factors and social needs to develop patient-centered care plans. High blood pressure management is a definitively complex issue in correctional healthcare, especially for those who experience health inequity.

Poster still in progress N/A

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Kidney damage is not reversible, but CKD can be stopped or its progression can be slowed. Diabetes and hypertension are the two main causes of CKD. Medical directors, nurse leaders, home care providers, and public health officials must be aware of the risks and take action to screen patients and educate them on how to prevent or manage CKD. Exercise lowers blood glucose and blood pressure and can prevent CKD. Smartwatches can be used by patients and monitored by healthcare providers to adjust physical activity, which can help stop or slow the progression of CKD.

This quality improvement project, guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, examines the potential impact of implementing the LUCAS mechanical chest compression device in rural hospitals. High mortality rates from cardiac arrest, partly due to inconsistent manual CPR and staffing limitations, have led to a review of the evidence supporting mechanical CPR. Proposed interventions include individual training, department-wide integration, and the development of institutional policies. The anticipated outcomes are increased rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), improved discharge survival rates, and enhanced staff competency in providing high-quality resuscitation.

This research explores how integrating outdoor environments into elderly rehabilitation programs may improve patient outcomes. Traditional rehabilitation often occurs in clinical indoor settings, but growing evidence suggests natural environments can enhance physical recovery and mental health. This study investigates whether outdoor therapy positively influences mobility, endurance, mood, and stress levels in elderly patients, aiming to highlight the potential for nature-based rehabilitation practices.

My senior project is a facility needs assessment of Prasch Hall Community Center in Blue Lake, California. It gathers feedback from community members and facility users regarding their overall satisfaction with the facility, and its programs. The surveys were given out to the public both physically and digitally to ensure accessibility. I then summarized the results in a report with charts, summaries for each of the questions, and both short-term (1-year) and long-term (5+ year) improvement plans. The goal is to help inform the City of Blue Lake’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan while strengthening community engagement and facility operations.