Initiating an Insulin Safety Campaign to reduce the incidence of glycemic harm events for hospitalized adults 65 and older.

Background: During calendar years 2021 through 2023, our health system admitted 200,837 persons 18 years and older with diabetes, of which 61% (n = 123,393) were 65 years and older with orders for insulin administration. The incidence of diabetes among hospitalized persons 65 and older continues to increase in the United States, with 24 million adults 65 and older with diabetes reported in 2020. Insulin, a high-risk medication, has the potential for adverse drug events, which can cause significant harm to patients, potentially resulting in death.

Reducing Sternal Wound Infection Rates in Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery with Sternotomy.

Local Problem: Sternal wound infections (SWIs), whether superficial or deep, are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. From 2016 to 2017, our facility saw a 50% decrease in SWIs among patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery with sternotomy. From 2017 to 2018, however, we identified a 33% increase in SWIs, prompting us to address our cardiac nurses' sternal wound care education and practice.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Alternating Pressure Overlay in Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Local Problem: In 2019 and the first half of 2020, our facility experienced an increase in the number and severity of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) among our cardiothoracic surgery population. Fifty percent of these HAPIs occurred within 72 hours of surgery. A review of the literature revealed that alternating pressure overlays (APOs) have been successfully used to prevent HAPIs in surgical patients.

Reducing Anxiety Among Nurse Leaders Through Virtual Animal-Related Engagement.

This project explored the relationship between virtual animal-related engagement (ARE) and anxiety in nurse leaders. A quality improvement project used a valid and reliable visual analog scale from 0 to 100 for self-reporting of anxiety in nurse leaders. Baseline and intervention group data were collected for 2 weeks at 15 and 5 minutes before the daily leadership huddle.

The effect of inpatient addiction screening and intervention on readmissions.

Aim: The number of individuals in the United States (US) needing treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) but not receiving treatment at a specialty facility was reported to be almost 18 million in 2019. This study measured the difference in subsequent hospital visits between groups, one receiving screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) and one receiving usual care.

Background: There are studies that discuss SBIRT in terms of process evaluation, staff training, reduced readmission rates, and self-reported reductions in substance use.

Dedicated Education Unit Improving Critical Thinking and Anxiety: A Longitudinal Study.

Seventeen senior bachelor of science in nursing students participated in a dedication education unit. The longitudinal study findings were statistically significant (p < .05) in all areas of measure: Health Education System Inc, critical thinking scores, decreased anxiety, self-efficacy, self-confidence in clinical decision-making, and confidence.