Screening Tools for Alcohol Use Disorder Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

Purpose: As the number of older adults increases, the volume of alcohol-related problems among the older adult population also rises. The purpose of the current scoping review was to summarize and disseminate research findings related to screening for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in older adults (aged ≥60 years) and determine if research gaps exist in the current literature.

Method: The concepts of older adults, screening tools, AUD, and instrument evaluation were searched in Medline, APA PsycINFO, and CINAHL.

Assessing the effectiveness of virtual reality to promote empathy for patients through a mixed-methods study.

Objective: To describe the implementation and outcomes of EmpathyVR, an immersive experience using virtual reality (VR) to promote empathy for patients with physical limitations due to chronic diseases.

Methods: First-year student pharmacists participated in a learning experience that incorporated VR and stiff gloves to simulate physical limitations associated with color-blindness and arthritis, respectively. Students completed pre- and post-intervention surveys that included the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale and measures of immersion, user enjoyment, perceived usefulness for learning, and adverse effects of the experience.

Mapping the intersection of social determinants of health, postpartum visit attendance, and pregnancy-related deaths: A scoping review.

Background: Maternal health outcomes in the United States raises concern due to elevated rates of pregnancy-related deaths compared to other developed and underdeveloped countries. This scoping review explores relationships between social determinants of health (SDOH), postpartum visit attendance, and pregnancy-related deaths.

Methods: Utilizing the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-Scr guidelines, a systematic review was conducted to identify pertinent literature.

Activities to promote empathy for patients among pharmacy learners: A scoping review.

Background: Provider empathy has been shown to be directly linked to improved patient outcomes. The objective of this scoping review of the literature was to identify and describe learning activities that promote empathy for patients among pharmacy learners.

Methods: This scoping review was conducted using the following inclusion criteria: publication in English, activities conducted in any academic pharmacy training program (professional degree program, experiential, residency, or fellowship), description of the learning activity(ies) provided, and focus on the experience of empathy/caring/compassion for patients, either human or animal.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Education for Mothers Awaiting Appointments in Rural OB/GYN Office.

A partnership between a nursing program and a rural obstetric office provided education to pregnant and postpartum women about coping with infant crying and the dangers of shaking a baby. Undergraduate nursing students delivered the Period of PURPLE Crying () educational program to 148 mothers. Change in knowledge about infant crying and the community clinical experience was evaluated.

The Influence of Journaling on Nursing Students: A Systematic Review.

Background: Nursing students often experience anxiety and stress from the expectations to develop clinical reasoning skills, internalize new knowledge, and learn to care for patients. Previous research has proposed reflective thinking as a tool to lessen anxiety and promote metacognition. This article examines the role of journaling in promoting reflection among undergraduate nursing students.

Expanding Access: An Evaluation of ReadCube Access as an ILL Alternative.

ReadCube Access is a patron-driven, document delivery system that provides immediate access to articles from journals owned by Nature Publishing Group. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of ReadCube Access as an interlibrary loan (ILL) alternative for nonsubscribed Nature journals at Auburn University, a research university with a School of Pharmacy and a School of Veterinary Medicine. An analysis of ten months' usage and costs are presented along with the results of a user satisfaction survey.

Smartphone use to answer clinical questions: a descriptive study of APNs.

This study examines the use of smartphones by Alabama Advanced Practice Nurses to find information to address clinical questions and seeks to describe the types of questions answered using smartphones; barriers to information seeking; apps and online resources perceived as most helpful; and training/resource needs. Information collected in this study can be used by libraries that serve nursing students to develop training and resources to assist both nursing students and practicing nurses to become more efficient and effective information seekers.

Connecting with health science students and faculty to facilitate the design of a mobile library website.

Observing increasing usage of smartphones by students and faculty of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, librarians at Rowland Medical Library decided to explore student and faculty interest in a mobile website for the library. Focus groups were held to examine interest in a site, essential resources to include on a site, and format of the site itself. The study found significant interest in the development of a mobile library website; additionally, participants believed it essential that the site be simple and easy to use and that only certain library resources should be included on the site.