Participatory needs assessment and action planning for a clinical and translational research network.

The goal of this study was to assess the utility of participatory needs assessment processes for continuous improvement of developing clinical and translational research (CTR) networks. Our approach expanded on evaluation strategies for CTR networks, centers, and institutes, which often survey stakeholders to identify infrastructure or resource needs, using the case example of the Great Plains IDeA-CTR Network. Our 4-stage approach (i.

Dairy Caretaker Perspectives on Performing Euthanasia as an Essential Component of Their Job.

The objectives of this study were to identify caretakers' perceptions and stressors related to performing on-farm euthanasia as well as potential ideas for intervention strategies to alleviate negative effects of performing euthanasia on caretaker well-being. Additionally, we aimed to determine how euthanasia methods, procedures, and training correlate with dairy caretakers' attitudes toward performing on-farm euthanasia and their job satisfaction and sense of well-being. Thirty-eight dairy caretakers (19 workers, 15 supervisors, 3 owners, 1 veterinarian) participated in focus groups or interviews conducted and recorded on five Northern Colorado dairies.

Social Network Analysis of an Agricultural Center: Stakeholders and the Transfer of Information.

We conducted a social network analysis (SNA) of Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) to describe stakeholder networks for agricultural Research and Education/Outreach. This was a two-phase study. First, the went to N = 9 CS-CASH leaders to identify their key stakeholders.

Preliminary Study Exploring Caretaker Perspectives of Euthanasia on Swine Operations.

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of euthanasia training, caretaker perceptions of euthanasia, and available resources for individuals who perform euthanasia as part of their job on swine operations in the United States. An online survey was distributed via an e-newsletter and in-person recruitment at swine industry events. Survey questions were related to training, attitudes towards performing euthanasia, work environment, and communication.

Preliminary Exploration of Swine Veterinarian Perspectives of On-Farm Euthanasia.

Euthanasia is a critical component in swine production and veterinarians play an important role in euthanasia protocol development and training. This study aimed to understand veterinarian involvement in and perspectives on euthanasia on pig farms. An online survey was disseminated both at a pig welfare conference and online via a veterinarian e-newsletter.

Determination of Dairy Cattle Euthanasia Criteria and Analysis of Barriers to Humane Euthanasia in the United States: The Veterinarian Perspective.

When dairy cattle become ill or injured to the extent that recovery is unlikely or impossible, on-farm euthanasia should be used as a tool to eliminate pain and suffering. Our study aimed to identify decision-making criteria and the most common factors considered by veterinarians when making and carrying out euthanasia decisions. Dairy cattle veterinarians were recruited to participate in an online survey (Part I, 61 surveys collected) or in one of three focus groups (Part II, 4-10 veterinarians/group, = 22).

Determination of Dairy Cattle Euthanasia Criteria and Analysis of Barriers to Humane Euthanasia in the United States: Dairy Producer Surveys and Focus Groups.

There are currently no clear guidelines in the US and some other countries regarding euthanasia decision making timelines for dairy cattle that become injured or ill to the extent that recovery is unlikely or impossible. Our study aimed to identify decision making criteria and the most common factors considered when making and carrying out euthanasia decisions. Dairy producers were recruited to participate in a mailed survey (Part I, 307 completed surveys were returned) or in one of three focus groups (Part II, 8-10 producers/group, = 24).

Examining the Impact of Board-Certified Registered Nurses in Skilled Nursing Facilities Using National and State Quality and Clinical Indicators.

A convenience sample of skilled nursing facilities was selected from a sample of graduates of an online training program for RNs who subsequently achieved board certification in gerontological nursing (RN-BC). Facilities that employed one or more RN-BC were pair-matched using 11 organizational characteristics with facilities that did not employ a RN-BC. Facility data were collected at two time points, and differences between time points and between facility type (RN-BC versus non-RN-BC) were analyzed.

Pharmacokinetics of transdermal flunixin in sows.

The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of flunixin in 12 nonlactating sows following transdermal (TD) flunixin (3.33 mg/kg) and intravenous (IV; 2.20 mg/kg) flunixin meglumine (FM) administration using a crossover design with a 10-day washout period.

Policy analysis of access to and reimbursement for nonpharmacologic therapies for cancer-related fatigue.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is an important public health issue that involves millions of community-dwelling cancer survivors. CRF is the most debilitating patient reported symptom related to cancer therapies and exacts a significant economic and social toll. It adversely impacts patients' work, social relationships, and overall quality of life.

Innovation diffusion in an agricultural health center: moving information to practice.

This article presents a case study logic model-approach of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) - one of eleven federally funded Agricultural Health and Safety Centers in the United States. We used social network analysis (SNA) to examine how information generated from CS-CASH regarding respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) use is disseminated across their network of key stakeholders and ultimately to end-users (i.e.

The feasibility and promise of mobile technology with community health worker reinforcement to reduce rural preterm birth.

Objectives: (1) Assess feasibility of a smartphone platform intervention combined with Community Health Worker (CHW) reinforcement in rural pregnant women; (2) Obtain data on the promise of the intervention on birth outcomes, patient activation, and medical care adherence; and (3) Explore financial implications of the intervention using return on investment (ROI).

Sample: A total of 98 rural pregnant women were enrolled and assigned to intervention or control groups in this two-group experimental design.

Intervention: The intervention group received usual prenatal care plus a smartphone preloaded with a tailored prenatal platform with automated texting, chat function, and hyperlinks and weekly contact from the CHW.

Identification of populations at risk: Stillbirth toolkit for health care providers.

Background: Maternity care and women's health are measured, in part, by the stillbirth rate of a country. The purposes of this pilot project were to: a) establish a baseline of health care provider knowledge regarding stillbirth risk factors based on geographic distribution (urban/rural) and provider licensure (MD, APRN, PA, CNM) and b) evaluate the utility of a Stillbirth Risk Factor Toolkit and its effects on provider knowledge.

Methods: Evaluative research using a retrospective pre-posttest survey design was completed.

Evaluating Effective Leadership and Governance in a Midwestern Agricultural Safety and Health Coalition.

Agricultural Centers are a coalition of organizations and individual members with a common purpose: to improve the health and safety of the agricultural community. Successful leadership and governance are essential in accomplishing these goals. This article examined the effectiveness of a midwestern Agricultural Health and Safety Center (Ag Center) leadership and governance structure.

Community Advisory Board Members' Perspectives Regarding Opportunities and Challenges of Research Collaboration.

This case study examines the perspectives of rural community advisory board (CAB) members regarding the opportunities and challenges of partnering with academic investigators on funded research. We used a sequential exploratory design to evaluate the phenomena. Qualitative and quantitative data from CAB members were integrated to gain better understanding.

Social Networking in an Agricultural Research Center: Using Data to Enhance Outcomes.

The purpose of this article is to present a case study of one midwestern Agricultural Center (Ag Center) that used social network analysis (SNA) to (1) evaluate its collaborations with extramural stakeholders and (2) strategically plan for extending outreach for goal achievement. An evaluation team developed a data collection instrument based on SNA principles. It was administered to the Ag Center's intramural stakeholders (N = 9), who were asked to identify the key extramural stakeholders with whom they had collaborated within the previous 12 months.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices for Respiratory and Hearing Health among Midwestern Farmers.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices for hearing and respiratory health/safety among farmers in seven Midwestern states served by a federally funded Agricultural Center. Findings provided a baseline to longitudinally track the Agricultural Center's program outcomes and to design community education to improve safety and health among farmers.

Design And Sample: This was a cross-sectional study using a 30 item mailed survey to describe farmers' operations, demographics, health conditions, related information sources, and knowledge/attitude/practices for personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.

Informing Health Policy Decision Makers: A Nebraska Scope of Practice Case Study.

Medicare patients seeking care from nurse practitioners (NPs) increased 15-fold from 1998 to 2010, and a 2.5-fold patient increase was recorded in states that have eased the regulatory environment for NPs. It is increasingly important that state regulatory and licensing boards-charged with protecting the public through the assurance of a qualified health-care workforce-examine whether their state regulatory environment restricts or promotes public access to quality health care.

Children's Agricultural Safety Network: Evaluating Organizational Effectiveness and Impacts.

Coalitions that are effectively organized and led are more likely to achieve their intended program outcomes and impacts, as well as achieve sustainability. External evaluation of the coalition's governance and leadership can help identify strengths and areas for improvement. This article describes the evaluation of the Children's Agricultural Safety Network (CASN)-a national coalition, or network of 45 organizational members.

Social marketing campaign promoting the use of respiratory protection devices among farmers.

This article describes the formal use of marketing concepts in a systematic approach to influence farmers to voluntarily increase respiratory protective device (RPD) use. The planning process for the project incorporated six key decision or action points, each informed by formative research or health behavior theory. The planning process included developing behavior change strategies based on a 4P model (product, price, place, and promotion).

Retooling the RN workforce in long-term care: nursing certification as a pathway to quality improvement.

This article describes a project to improve nursing care quality in long-term care (LTC) by retooling registered nurses' (RN) geriatric clinical competence. A continuing education course was developed to prepare LTC RNs (N = 84) for national board certification and improve technological competence. The certification pass-rate was 98.

Policy considerations for improving influenza vaccination rates among pregnant women.

Background: Influenza exposure during pregnancy can cause severe health problems for both the mother and her offspring, including an increased risk of mortality. Influenza vaccination during all trimesters of pregnancy is safe and effective, and recommended by professional organizations such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Despite these recommendations, the U.

Conceptual models to guide best practices in organization and development of State Action Coalitions.

The RWJF/AARP National Campaign for Action established a goal of establishing Action Coalitions in every state by 2012. Last year, a small Steering Committee formed in Nebraska and used two conceptual models to guide the organization and development of its Action Coalition. The purpose of this article is to present the Internal Coalition Outcome Hierarchy (ICOH) model that guided development of partnership and coalition building.