Research is a cornerstone of education at Dominican University of California. Posters in this collection showcase student research presented at conferences.
Browse our research posters by department
Barowsky School of Business | Education | Global Public Health | Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Nursing | Occupational Therapy | Physician Assistant Studies | Psychology
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Medical-Grade Honey and Standard Dressings in Burn Wound Care: Evaluating Effectiveness, Cost, and Patient Outcomes
Chloe Shin and Andrew Golonka
Background: Burn injuries burden the healthcare system globally as silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is the standard treatment even though it delays healing and is highly costly. Medical-grade honey (MGH) demonstrates superior antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, however, there are still evidence gaps when comparing effectiveness, cost efficiency, and patient centered outcomes. Purpose: This study aims to compare MGH and SSD amongst these gaps to inform evidence based burn care. Methods: A randomized controlled trial will enroll 100 people between 25-50 years of age with first and second degree burns, < 20% total body surface area within two hospital burn units. Participants will be assigned to either MGH or SSD treatment. The study will be a single blind design where dermatologists evaluating the wound photographs will not know the treatment given. Primary outcomes include wound healing time, infection rates, and patient reported pain scores. Secondary outcomes will focus on cost effectiveness analyses and patient quality of life. Standardized protocols will be implemented for data collection, wound assessment, and safety monitoring. Results: We anticipate that MGH will have lower infection rates, promote faster wound healing, improved outcomes from patient reports, and better cost effectiveness through shorter hospital stays and reduced medical treatments compared to SSD. Conclusion: This study will provide evidence comparing MGH and SSD across economic, clinical, and patient centered outcomes. If our hypothesis aligns with the results, MGH could be a new evidence based standard in burn care as it offers many advantages over SSD in patient comfort, healing efficiency, and medical costs. The findings will provide areas for future research, especially long term outcome and a bigger patient population.
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Advanced Screening for Intimate Partner Violence to prevent Adverse Pregnancy and Maternal Outcomes
Emilia R. Valdez
Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of IPV screening education is essential in preventing these adverse pregnancy outcomes from occurring. Method: A randomized, cohort study with a quantitative- experimental design will be used to examine the effectiveness of proposed IPV education programs for healthcare providers. Eight selected OBGYN offices will be used in this study. Four will be randomly selected to implement IPV education on the proposed screening tool while four will not receive IPV education but will receive the screening tool. Data: The data for this study has yet to be collected, yet the expected results will display the implementation of IPV education and universal screening will allow for early detection of IPV. Descriptive statistics will be used to compare the effectiveness of IPV education in the experimental group versus the control group. Inferential statistics will be used to determine a p- value. If the p-value is < 0.05 the results of the experimental group are statistically significant meaning the implementation of IPV education for healthcare providers and use of proposed IPV screening tools to identify individuals exposed to IPV during pregnancy would be proven. Conclusion: Intimate Partner Violence education and training for healthcare providers will contribute to early intervention for pregnant individuals exposed to IPV and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes from occurring.
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Reassessing Pet Allergy Prevention in Children Through Early Pet Exposure in Toddlerhood
Reynaldo A. Adalin III
Background: Allergies are among children's most common health issues growing up, impacting them daily and into adulthood. Among these allergies, pet allergies have become increasingly common with children around the globe developing sensitization to common household pets such as cats and dogs. Several factors cause pet allergies, including proteins found in an animal's skin, saliva, urine, and dander, which are the most problematic due to their ability to remain airborne for a prolonged period. Objective: To examine the relationship between early exposure to pets during toddlerhood versus later exposure at school age and the development of pet allergies. By studying the effects of early pet exposure, we can have more precise insights into whether growing up with a pet in the household plays a crucial role in reducing the development of pet allergies. Method: To accomplish the purpose of this study, researchers will use a mixed method, quantitative and qualitative, prospective cohort study design to investigate the effectiveness of early pet exposure in toddlers in reducing the development of pet allergies. Results: The data for this study have not been collected yet, but the expected results are that children who have pets during toddlerhood will have less incidence of pet allergies and allergy symptoms than children who are introduced to pets during school age or beyond. Conclusion: Reconsidering previous studies on early pet exposure therapy can provide a modern perspective on treating allergies through exposure therapy while closing the gap in knowledge about the relationship between the immune system and pet allergens. Understanding the potential protective benefits of early pet exposure could lead to strategies that mitigate pet allergies, enhancing children's long-term health and quality of life.
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Occupational Therapy Students’ Perspectives on Co-Curricular Resilience Programming
Dan Kavin Agbayani, Stephen Beck, Nicole Colombo, Danielle Tirpack, and Mikayla Hilario
Occupational Therapy (OT) students and healthcare workers face significant stress due to academic and professional demands. This stress, if prolonged, can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Resilience, the ability to adapt to challenging experiences, can mitigate the effects of stress and burnout. Resilience has been linked to mindfulness, self-compassion, social support/ connection, and physical activity. While resilience programs have shown positive effects for college students and healthcare providers, there is limited research on resilience programming tailored for OT students. This study aimed to fill this research gap by assessing OT students’ utilization of and satisfaction with a co-curricular resilience program offered by the OT department at Dominican University of California. This study also sought to assess the perceived impacts of this resilience program. To meet these objectives, this research project employed a 57-item survey developed using Qualtrics. Results showed that an Instagram page was the most utilized resilience resource and that participants were most satisfied with group hiking events. Group meditation sessions had the greatest impact on participants’ ability to focus on the present moment, while group hiking events had the greatest impact on participants’ sense of belonging, ability to cope with stress, and ability to extend kindness to themselves. This study’s results demonstrate the value of the co-curricular resilience program offered through the Dominican OT department. These results may inform future resilience programming at Dominican or the formation of new resilience programs at other higher education settings.
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Breaking the Mold: Exploring the Influence of Gender Roles on Men's Choice of Nursing Specialties and Its Implications for Patient Care
Cid Rowel Agustin
Gender roles and stereotypes continue to shape societal perceptions and expectations within the nursing profession. While strides have been made towards gender equality, male nurses remain underrepresented in certain nursing specialties. Understanding the influence of gender roles and stereotypes on male nurses' specialty selection is essential for promoting diversity and enhancing patient care outcomes. This study aims to explore how perceptions of gender roles and stereotypes impact the career decisions of male nurses and the subsequent implications for future patient care. By examining this complex interplay, we seek to uncover insights that can inform strategies for fostering inclusivity and improving healthcare delivery within the nursing profession.
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Evaluating the Mental Health of Newly Graduated Nurses in Transition from Undergraduate Training to Professional Practice
Victor Louis C. Alinas IV
Background: There is an increasing demand for nurses worldwide as healthcare systems slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, there is a high turnover of registered nurses and an even higher turnover in the demographic of newly graduated nurses. Newly graduated nurses (NGNs) are constantly faced with high levels of stress upon starting out in the professional environment and as a result of mental burnout and inadequate preparation, there is a notably high turnover of newly graduated nurses within their first year of employment. Purpose: This research aims to use existing information on the transition from undergraduate training to professional practice to evaluate the mental health of newly graduated nurses and to help develop a greater understanding of the importance of well-being. The implementation of this understanding into clinical orientation has the potential to significantly reduce the turnover rate and promote job satisfaction for newly graduated nurses. Method: To accomplish this research, a mixed-methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative data will be applied to explore the experiences of newly graduated nurses transitioning from undergraduate training to professional practice. The quantitative component will use a validated scale to measure specific emotions experienced during the transition, while the qualitative component will provide a fully captured understanding of the perceptions and perceived mental health status of newly graduated nurses during this period. Results: The data for this study has yet to be collected, but the expected results will prove the hypothesis that the transition from undergraduate training to professional practice can significantly impact the mental health of newly graduated nurses during their first year of employment.
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Developmental Effects of Child Abuse: The Relevance of Timing
Laura Luz Alvarez Pineda and Karla Susana Saldaña
Background: Early physical, sexual, and emotional child abuse has been associated with long-life cognitive, emotional, and physical health repercussions. Purpose: The current paper, in addition to a literature review, proposes a research design to examine the emotional outcomes of physical, emotional, and sexual child abuse on Hispanics when a psychosocial therapy program is implemented. Methods: Participants will be recruited from children’s hospitals, daycares, and preschools around the Bay Area. Parental-informed consent will be obtained prior to participation. This longitudinal quantitative quasi-experimental study will be comprised of three phases to measure posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Results: Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) procedure, descriptive statistics, and a t-test will be used to interpret the data and identify a correlation between participation in psychosocial therapy and the improvement of posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation in young Hispanic adults who have been victims of child abuse. Conclusion: Determining emotional outcomes of the implementation of a psychosocial therapy program on children with a history of child abuse into young adulthood is related to nursing as nurses are often the first to recognize and initiate treatment for this vulnerable population. This proposal will help healthcare professionals understand the importance of treatment in the development and mental health of child maltreatment victims.
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Tackling Fall Risk in Geriatric Dementia Patients: The Impact of Medication Reconciliation Relating to Polypharmacy & Falls
Jenl Khristen Ang
Over half of the elderly population are taking three or more prescription drugs daily. For those aged 65 and older, polypharmacy, taking five or more medications, is common due to conditions like hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes (CDC, 2019). Managing these medications can be challenging, especially for those with dementia, who may also take drugs for conditions such as diabetes or depression, which can worsen cognitive impairment (Chippa & Roy, 2023). The complex regimens and increased sensitivity to medications heighten the risk of adverse events, particularly falls, a major cause of injury, hospitalizations, and loss of independence in older adults (Mueller et al., 2018). Studies suggest that medication reconciliation, or regularly reviewing a patient’s medications, could help reduce falls and improve safety for elderly individuals with dementia.
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The Impact of Workplace Stressors on Anxiety Levels and Mental Health Among Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses
Kelsey Ericah Ang
Background: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses work in a high-stress environment where they are exposed daily to traumatic situations. The demanding emotional and physical challenges contribute to significant psychological burdens, including increased stress and anxiety. Purpose: The current paper proposes a research design to examine the outcomes of stress, anxiety levels, and mental well-being on PICU nurses when workplace support and structured debriefing sessions take place following a traumatic event. Methods: Participants will be recruited from PICU hospitals in Northern California. Participation will be voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained prior to the study. The selection criteria will include registered nurses with a minimum of three years of experience in the PICU setting. Results: Standardized mental health assessment scales, such the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale will be used to gather quantitative data as well as descriptive statistics which will provide an overview of baseline psychological variables. Afterwards, inferential statistics such as the t-test will be used to compare the averages between the control group and the intervention group, utilizing pre- and post-test measures. The analysis will then examine correlations between the participation in structured debriefing following a critical incident and the improvements in psychological outcomes, including reduced anxiety levels, decreased stress, and improved psychological well-being among PICU nurses. Conclusion: Workplace stressors significantly impact the emotional health of PICU nurses and can result in heightened levels of stress and anxiety. By addressing the foundation of these challenges, this study recognizes the importance of mental health interventions as it supports the development of strategies to strengthen overall well-being of pediatric nurses working in critical care settings.
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Effectiveness of Early Intervention Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Milan Grace Mendoza Baccay
Background: Autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common developmental disorders, which affects the way a child learns and gains certain skills. Intervention programs aid in the development of these skills and allow children with autism to reach their full potential. Purpose: The following paper examines the effectiveness of early intervention programs on the social, behavior, and cognitive skills for children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Participants will be recruited from local schools and community based organizations and their parents will be highly encouraged to participate. They will be separated into two groups: experimental and control. This mixed-methods study will consist of four phases to assess the efficacy of early intervention programs for children with autism. Results: Independent sample t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and descriptive statistics will be used to interpret the data found and establish any significant differences in the development of the two groups. Conclusion: Determining the effectiveness of early intervention programs for children with autism is a key factor in helping these children reach their full potential developmentally.
Keywords: early intervention for children with autism, programs for autism spectrum disorder, children with autism, efficacy or effectiveness, and early intervention or intervention programs
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Nurse Suicide: Examining Depression and Anxiety in Critical Care Settings
Arianna Bernardine Barata
Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, yet the demanding work environment often exposes them to stressors, leading to the development of depression and anxiety. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) (2021), 50.8% of nurses have stress, 74% have anxiety, 70.8% have depression, and 79.1% have at least one of them. Burnout, understaffing, COVID fatigue, alarm fatigue, patient ratios, and disrupted sleep patterns are some of the stressors nurses contend with in every shift. While some nurses may cope and overcome these challenges, many face more severe issues, such as suicide. Nurse suicide is an issue that has begun to grow exponentially across the United States. Howard (2023) reported an annual suicide rate of 14 per 100,000 nurses. Compared with other U.S. workers, nurses are at higher risk for suicidal ideation, and nurses with such ideation are more reluctant to seek help than those without it (Elizabeth et al., 2021). In this paper, critical nurses are defined as nurses who work in intensive care and oncology units. There is limited research on the efficacy of resources used to decrease anxiety and depression in the workplace. Some interventions can be implemented to decrease the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the critical care nurse setting. The purpose of this Research proposal is to identify the factors causing depression and anxiety in nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit versus the oncology department and determine if meditation and visualization are effective in decreasing the rates of depression and anxiety. How does the practice of meditation reduce the incidence of depression and anxiety in nurses, specifically analyzing ICU and Oncology nurses? The hypothesis is that meditation and visualization will decrease the amount of depression and anxiety in ICU and oncology nurses.
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Male Caregiver Strain: The Mental Effects of Being an Informal Caregiver for a Family Member with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Alessandra M. Barillas and Elijah Rammel B. Borja
Background: Caregivers are vital in fulfilling patients' primary care needs, and families prefer them over sending their loved ones to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia are prevalent conditions necessitating continuous assistance due to memory and cognition impairments. As a result, support is essential for tasks like mobility, feeding, bathing, and perineal care, as well as emotional and physical challenges inherent in caregiving. Purpose: Upon diving into the mental health impacts of serving as an informal caregiver for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, a notable research gap becomes evident, especially concerning male caregivers. This lack of information may stem from a potential reluctance among male caregivers to openly share their experiences and emotions due to fears of societal judgment. Additionally, they might avoid seeking support, feeling obligated by a sense of duty and loyalty to care for their loved ones unconditionally. This thesis proposal intends to shed light on the physical and mental well-being of male caregivers in their roles as informal caregivers for individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. The thesis will examine differences in caregiving responsibilities, the impact on health, experiences of burnout and strain, and the coping strategies used by male caregivers compared to their female counterparts. Method: The assessment will comprise 10 multiple-choice questions and three written response questions focusing on caregivers' responsibilities and the perceived impact of these duties on their lives. Results: Data collection for this qualitative study is pending; however, the survey anticipates illuminating the experiences of the male caregivers interviewed.
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Pediatric Hemorrhagic Stroke: Family Perspectives
Louis Barnett, Sabrina Montano, Deana Vander Meulen, Charissa Thompson, and Alma Martinez Pamatz
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Reducing Paternal Stress in the NICU: The Role of Supportive Nursing Interventions
Kylie Bennett
The neonatal intensive care unit, also known as the NICU, is a special unit for newborn babies who require intensive medical care (Stanford Medicine Children's Health, 2019). As of February 2024, 1 in 10 infants born in the United States is admitted to the NICU (Goodman et al., 2024). An infant’s NICU hospitalization generates significant stress for parents. Fathers of NICU infants often face unique stressors, and are commonly overlooked in the NICU environment (Rajabzadeh et al, 2020). With limited research on nursing interventions to address this stress specifically for fathers, this emphasizes the importance of exploring the stressors and support needs of fathers with infants in the NICU, as well as understanding what nursing interventions are being implemented to support fathers and reduce their stress during this difficult period.
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Effectiveness of Harm Reduction and Narcan Education for Young Adults
Jason Bolfango
Education on the Harm Reduction Model is an upstream preventative approach to addressing the opioid crisis and a strategic method to promote safety among young adults.
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Unleashing Wellness: Exploring the Impact of Pet Therapy on Anxiety Reduction, Quality of Life, and Treatment Adherence in Pediatric Oncology Patients
Karina Brouwer
Pet therapy is a complementary type of therapeutics in which a person and animal have a guided interaction with the purpose of helping someone cope with physical and/or mental illness. Animal-assisted therapy is used in numerous settings and has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and decrease anxiety and depression (Husson University, 2022). In particular, pediatric oncology patients have enormous amounts of stress in their lives, which leads to increased anxiety and decreased quality of life (Children's Cancer Cause, 2023). While evidence shows that integrating pet therapy in pediatric oncology patients produces significant benefits on anxiety levels and perception of quality of life, there is a lack of substantial research regarding how these benefits lead to increased treatment adherence. It is pivotal for nurses and other healthcare professionals to understand the impact of pet therapy on pediatric oncology patients in order to implement a holistic approach to treatment that aims to address both the physical and psychological needs of the patient.
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Advancing School Nursing Practice: A Novel Approach to Screening for Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children
Ashley Bunting and Isabella Cavlan
California schools currently only screen for vision and hearing, leaving many other health concerns unaddressed. Among these, gastrointestinal (GI) health is particularly significant, as digestive disorders can lead to severe consequences, like malnutrition and stunted growth. By incorporating routine GI screenings, school nurses can promote the early detection of disease, allowing for timely intervention and improved health outcomes in children.
Based on existing literature, we have developed a novel pediatric GI screening tool for school nurses to use in routine screenings, presented below. -
Incorporation of Nutrition Education with Medication Inject to sustain Weight Loss
Julia Calvelo
Nationwide prevalence of obesity is related to comorbidities including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. The United States spends nearly $173 billion annually for the medical cost of obesity, and obese adults have a difference of $1,861 of medical costs than those with healthy weight (CDC, 2022). Overweight individuals experience chronic health issues, resuling in a significant financial burden due to increased costs associated with medical treatment. Ozempic is a newly approved drug accepted by the FDA in 2017 to treat diabetes but is now gradually being implemented as a weight loss medication. It is used in conjunction with exercise and diet in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control; however, continuous nutrition treatment is necessary in order to prevent rebound weight gain. Obesity is a significant public health challenge in the United States resulting from lack of access to education and networks to health and nutrition. Ethnicity and a community’s socio-economic factors play a role in proper access to education of healthy management of weight loss. Further problems arise when young adults discontinue weight loss medication without the proper support of nutrition education and an exercise regime. In order to sustain clinical weight loss and decrease the susceptibility of comorbid risks, lifestyle interventions are advised (Amaro, 2022). There is limited research on interventions to help with preventing weight gain after discontinuing medication.
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The Critical Role of External Involvement in Supporting Adolescent Mothers Facing Postpartum Depression
Samantha Campopiano
Postpartum depression (PPD) can occur in mothers after birth. PPD affects one in seven women during their first year of postpartum. PPD does not have a definitive cause, but underlying contributions include hormonal changes, metabolic pathway changes, and a new onset of stressors. After birth, the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels can trigger or worsen the depressive episodes seen in PPD. PPD risk factors encompass the following determinants: psychological, obstetric, social, lifestyle, and family history (Carlson et al., 2024). Postpartum depression is more common in adolescents than adult mothers (Phipps et al., 2013). Research shows adolescents who don’t have family support or approval struggle immensely when trying to cope with postpartum depression (Obichili et al., 2023). Typically, adolescents struggle to adjust to parenthood more than their adult counterparts (Oladeji et al., 2019).
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Nursing Students’ Attitudes and Preparedness for MAiD
Kristal Candray
As the aging population grows, terminal illness diagnoses are increasing, which has increased global interest in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS), and euthanasia. However, there hasn’t been much research on how nursing students in California feel about MAiD or how well their education prepares them for these practices. Studies show that religious beliefs and prior knowledge or clinical experience with MAiD can influence students’ attitudes and sense of preparedness. Qualitative research has also identified common challenges, like role confusion, conflicts between ethics and religion, and the need for better education on the topic. Despite this, there’s no research exploring whether nursing students’ attitudes match their stage of moral development or how Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory might shape this development. This study aims to explore how nursing students feel about MAiD and how prepared they think they are to support patients, which is especially important as chronic illnesses and end-of-life care needs continue to grow.
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How to Save a Life: the Impact of CPR and Bleeding Control Education on Adolescents
Emily Charlton
Background: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and uncontrolled traumatic bleeding are two of the leading causes of death globally. Death due to OHCA and bleeding is largely preventable. With appropriate bystander intervention, positive outcomes in cases of OHCA and traumatic bleeding would greatly increase. Purpose: Bystander ability and intent to provide emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and bleeding control is dependent on educational programs including death prevention first aid. Upon review of research, a gap was identified in adolescent death prevention training. The purpose of this proposed prospective study is to determine the effect of a high school education curriculum on adolescent technical knowledge and intention to act in a situation involving cardiac arrest or uncontrolled bleeding. Design: This proposal outlines a longitudinal study with two phases conducted in a six month duration. Phase one and phase two will each be a quasi-experimental mixed methods study design. Sample: This study will include faculty and students at public high schools located in Marin County and San Francisco, California chosen by random selection. Methodology: Phase one will include a demographic data collection, pre test questionnaire with multiple choice knowledge content to assess technical knowledge and Likert scale statements to assess attitude, educational intervention, initial post test questionnaire, and initial focus groups. Phase two will include a post test questionnaire six months following the initial pre test and repetition of focus groups. Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed using a sequence of matched pair t-tests and a repeated measures ANOVA test to determine significant changes in attitude and knowledge before, immediately after, and six months after education.
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Effects of California’s Mandated Staffing Ratios
Connie Cheng
California passed Mandated Staffing Ratio legislation (A.B. 394) in 2002 to regulate nurse-to-patient ratios in acute care hospitals to address nursing burnout, adverse patient outcomes, and errors. Ratios were determined by the California Health Department.
The study aims to understand if California's Mandated Staffing Ratio legislation effectively reduced nursing satisfaction, medication errors, and hospital-acquired infections since its implementation in 2004 by focusing on Medical-Surgical units (Med-Surg).
