Master's Thesis and Final Capstone Report Lists

Available for Checkout – AC805 .K465 2016
Full-Text Available Online
November 2016

Abstract: The aim of this project was to determine if providing detailed education to healthcare providers using an evidence-based, standardized method of scripting would improve compliance with intentional hourly rounding (IHR), ultimately increasing patient satisfaction scores. A 24-bed acute care medical unit at a Magnet-designated, Midwestern pediatric tertiary care hospital implemented IHR scripting as an evidence-based quality improvement (QI) project. Healthcare provider compliance with IHR was measured for one year prior to the introduction of the QI project. In coordination with the unit's Partnership Council, all healthcare providers attended an educational session on keyword scripting for quality and consistency assurance of IHR. Compliance with IHR was measured during QI project implementation and two weeks post-completion of the educational scripting sessions. The QI project included a comparison of pre- and post-scripting audited date of healthcare provider compliance with IHR. Unit patient satisfaction scores were measured through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). Satisfaction scores were assessed pre- and post-scripting to determine if patient satisfaction improved as a result of the QI project. Fifty-three healthcare providers were required to meet with a quality council mentor on an individualized basis to practice using the standardized, evidence-based scripting tool. Significant improvement in healthcare provider compliance with IHR was seen post-QI project. No evidence of statistically significant improvements in patient satisfaction occurred as a result of IHR compliance improvements.

Available for Checkout – AC805 .M75 2018
Full-Text Available Online
December 2018

Abstract: The objective of this comprehensive review is to analyze the current state of the neuro progressive care unit (NPCU) in Hospital A, and evaluate it in comparison to evidence-based practice recommendations of typical patient characteristics and associated nurse staffing and competencies in progressive care units of other hospitals. The current state is defined by the published NPCU Guidebook of Hospital A in which patient characteristics and nurse competencies are outlined. The current healthcare environment operates under pressures of limited and expensive resources, constrained budgets, and a looming nursing shortage. Critical care expenditures can be reduced by effectively utilizing progressive care units to provide clinically appropriate, high quality, and cost-effective patient care. Underutilization of a neuro progressive care unit prompts this review. English-language articles published on NPCUs were retrieved utilizing electronic databases and manual screening of titles and abstracts. Rapid critical appraisal and data extraction were completed for the final six articles found. This review features recommendations on (1) inclusion and exclusion criteria for the typical patient population admitted to Hospital A's NPCU, (2) necessary monitoring, appropriate medications, and interventions, and (3) appropriate staffing ratios and nursing competencies. It features evidence to support recommendations that influence an increase in appropriate utilization of Hospital A's NPCU. This will allow patients to be managed at an appropriate level of care outside of the ICU, where acute changes are still able to be identified and managed, readmissions to the ICU are minimized, and critical care costs are decreased.