In Vitro and In Vivo Testing of Microbe Growth on Antimicrobial Nursing Scrubs.

Around 5% to 10% of hospitalized patients develop a hospital-acquired infection (HAI). Scrubs are a potential vector of HAIs. To compare the antimicrobial characteristics of scrubs with and without an antimicrobial fabric coating, as tested in the laboratory (in vitro) and hospital (in vivo) environments.

Predicting the Onset of Sepsis Using Vital Signs Data: A Machine Learning Approach.

Sepsis is a major cause of mortality among hospitalized patients. Existing sepsis prediction methods face limitations due to their reliance on laboratory results and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). This work aimed to develop a sepsis prediction model utilizing continuous vital signs monitoring, offering an innovative approach to sepsis prediction.

The Effect of a Mobile Health App on Treatment Adherence and Revenue at Physical Health Clinics: Retrospective Record Review.

Background: A significant number of patients do not adhere to their prescribed course of physical therapy or discharge themselves from care. Adhering to prescribed physical therapy, including attending physical therapy clinic appointments, contributes to patients achieving the goals of therapy including reducing pain and increasing functionality. Web-based platforms have been demonstrated to be effective means for managing clinical patients with musculoskeletal pain, similar to managing them in person.

Heart Rate Response and Flexibility Following Single Bout of Training Using a Seated Elliptical Trainer Among Younger and Older Adults.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a 30-minute activity session using a seated elliptical trainer on heart rate response, knee and ankle range of motion and satisfaction among older and younger adults. Prior to and following completing a 30-minute bout of activity using a seated elliptical trainer, each participant's leg flexibility was assessed. During every minute of the activity, the participant's heart rate was recorded.

Referrals, etiology, prevalence, symptoms, and treatments of chronic cough: A survey of allergy specialists.

Background: Chronic cough (CC) affects 11% of the US adult population, and these patients experience persistent symptoms despite adherence to recommended treatment protocols. Further research is needed to identify effective therapies to treat CC.

Objective: To describe the referral sources, etiology, prevalence, symptoms, and treatments for patients diagnosed with having CC who present to allergy specialists (AS).

Analysis of a panel-based pharmacogenomics testing program among members of a commercial and Medicare client of a pharmacy benefits manager.

Although the field of pharmacogenomics (PGx) has existed for decades, use of pharmacogenomic information by providers to optimize medication therapy for patients has had relatively slow adoption. There are many factors that have contributed to the slow adoption of PGx testing, but it is partially due to a lack of coverage by payers. If PGx testing is covered by payers, frequently only testing of a specific gene is covered, rather than a panel of many genes.

Effect of a Mobile Health App on Adherence to Physical Health Treatment: Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Adherence to prescribed medical interventions can predict the efficacy of the treatment. In physical health clinics, not adhering to prescribed therapy can take the form of not attending a scheduled clinic visit (no-show appointment) or prematurely terminating treatment against the advice of the provider (self-discharge). A variety of interventions, including mobile phone apps, have been introduced for patients to increase their adherence to attending scheduled clinic visits.

Attaining Quality Matters Certification for a Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.

Increased demand for nurses and improved technology have increased the development and popularity of online education programs over the past two decades; however, the online format has revealed numerous pedagogical and implementation challenges. One primary challenge is the lack of structural design standards across all courses in the program. The lack of standardization is linked to decreased student outcomes, satisfaction, and retention.

Comparing nurse practitioners/physician assistants and physicians in diagnosing pediatric abdominal pain for ESI level 3 patients seen in the emergency department.

Background: Accuracy of emergency department (ED) diagnosis affects care management including tests, discharges, and readmissions.

Purpose: This retrospective study compared nurse practitioners/physician assistants (NPs/PAs) with physicians (MDs/DOs) on accuracy of diagnosing Emergency Severity Index (ESI) level 3 pediatric abdominal pain (AP) in the ED. Abdominal pain unrelated to trauma is a common ED pediatric visit.

Implementing Continuous Quality Improvement in an Integrated Community Urology Practice: Lessons Learned.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of 2 different continuous quality improvement interventions in an integrated community urology practice. We specifically assessed the impact of audited physician feedback on improving physicians' adoption of active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer (CaP) and adherence to a prostate biopsy time-out intervention.

Materials And Methods: The electronic medical records of Genesis Healthcare Partners were analyzed between August 24, 2011 and September 30, 2020 to evaluate the performance of 2 quality interventions: audited physician feedback to improve active surveillance adoption in low-risk CaP patients, and audited physician feedback to promote adherence to an electronic medical records embedded prostate biopsy time-out template.

The Emerging Scholars' Network Within MNRS: From Acorns to Oaks.

As the nursing faculty shortage persists, there is an urgent need to develop emerging nurse scholars into research leaders capable of advocating for the profession and expanding on the mission to improve health. To address this need, the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) commissioned a student task force that led to the development of the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN). The purpose of this article is to describe how the ESN was developed, integrated, and promoted within the MNRS to advance the overall mission and sustainability of the society.

Midcareer Faculty Needs Identified by the Midwest Nursing Research Society Midcareer Scholars Task Force.

The midcareer academic period is largely unexplored despite its lengthy duration and challenging career expectations at academic institutions. The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) formed a Midcareer Scholars Task Force to address this gap. All active members of MNRS were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey, of which 286 members completed.

Electromyographic Analysis of Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, and Tensor Fascia Latae During Therapeutic Exercises With and Without Elastic Resistance.

Background: Strengthening and activation of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius while minimizing the contribution of the tensor fascia latae are important components in the treatment of many lower limb injuries. Previous researchers have evaluated a myriad of exercises that activate the gluteus maximus (GMax) and gluteus medius (GMed), however, limited research has been performed describing the role of the addition of elastic resistance to commonly used exercises.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to determine the gluteal-to-tensor fascia latae muscle activation (GTA index) and compare electromyographic muscle activation of the GMax, GMed, and TFL while performing 13 commonly prescribed exercises designed to target the GMax and GMed.

Comparing nurse practitioners/physician assistants and physicians in diagnosing adult abdominal pain in the emergency department.

Background And Purpose: This retrospective study compared nurse practitioners and physician assistants (NPs/PAs) with physicians on their assignment of Emergency Severity Index level 3 (ESI level 3) acute abdominal pain (AAP) in the emergency department (ED).

Methods: Data obtained from a large ED group staffing four hospitals yielded 12,440 de-identified, adult patients diagnosed on ED admission with AAP ESI level 3 for descriptive analysis with logistic regression.

Conclusions: Results revealed that the comparison of ESI level 3 AAP diagnoses was consistent between admission and discharge 95.

Pearls and Pitfalls of Team Science.

Formidable health problems are often best addressed by teams of scientists with varied expertise. This diversity among team members and complexities in managing teams can lead to challenges in designing, funding, conducting, and reporting research. Team science difficulties can be addressed by sophisticated planning, frequent reassessment and realignment of team strategies with goals, and consistent transparent communication.

Efficacy and safety of a novel skin cleansing formulation versus chlorhexidine gluconate.

Background: This study evaluated whether a multi-ingredient surfactant colloidal silver technology was noninferior to a 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) antiseptic on immediate and persistent antimicrobial activity.

Methods: The inguinal regions of 81 healthy adults were demarcated into 4 quadrants, and 3 were used for testing each product at baseline, 10 minutes, and 6 hours postapplication. The log of the number of colony forming units was obtained using a cylinder sampling technique.

Launching Successful Beginnings for Early Career Faculty Researchers.

Junior faculty follow a research path replete with challenges as they strive to create knowledge in their area of interest while balancing new responsibilities. Unlike graduate school, where students focus inward on personal development, junior faculty must add responsibilities in ways that hold them accountable as members of a university. This special article deals with three themes of interest to new junior faulty launching research programs: personal development, collaboration and team development within university settings, and funding advice.

The effect of gender on transformational leadership and job satisfaction among Saudi nurses.

Aim: To compare nurses' job satisfaction and perceptions of transformational leadership style of their manager among four different nurse/manager gender dyads in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Women and men differ on many behavioural characteristics and are influenced by the cultural environment. Understanding these differences may have an impact on leadership behaviours and job satisfaction.

The impact of simulation sequencing on perceived clinical decision making.

An emerging nursing education trend is to utilize simulated learning experiences as a means to optimize competency and decision making skills. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in students' perception of clinical decision making and clinical decision making-related self-confidence and anxiety based on the sequence (order) in which they participated in a block of simulated versus hospital-based learning experiences. A quasi-experimental crossover design was used.

The Effect of Mantram Repetition on Burnout and Stress Among VA Staff.

In this study, the authors determined the effect of a structured Internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) on burnout and stress of conscience (SOC), stress related to ambiguity from ethical or moral conflicts among health care workers (HCWs) within the Veteran Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. A secondary purpose was to determine whether practicing meditation prior to the study combined with MRP affected burnout or SOC. The MRP teaches the mindful practices of repeating a mantram, slowing down, and one-pointed attention for managing stress.

Answering Wicked Questions: Dealing With Opposing Truths as a Nursing Associate Professor.

Nursing associate professors frequently are confronted with increasing responsibilities and fewer resources. These challenges commonly contribute to declines in job satisfaction and may result in departing academe. This article addresses these challenges by providing answers to four common "wicked questions" experienced by nursing associate professors: (a) How do I decline a request from a supervisor to take on additional responsibilities while continuing to support the mission of the school and advance my own scholarly productivity? (b) How do I handle the workload of multiple doctoral students with a variety of content areas that are different from my own and maintain my own level of productivity? (c) How do I handle expectations for more service, and leadership for the school, university, and professional organizations, yet the teaching and research responsibilities have not changed or have increased? and (d) What are some additional tips to being a more productive nursing associate professor?

Impact of a Combined Value-Based Insurance Design and Medication Therapy Management Program on Diabetes Medication Adherence.

Background: Value-based insurance design (VBID) waives or reduces prescription copayments in order to decrease member cost barriers to refilling medications. Medication therapy management (MTM) is a member clinical intervention designed to reinforce members' knowledge of their medications, which addresses barriers to medication adherence. Both methods have been shown to increase adherence in members, particularly when used in combination.

Strategies to Build Authorship Competence Among PhD Students.

Publication in refereed journals is an important responsibility of PhD-prepared nurses. Specialized writing skills are crucial for effective professional publication. The capacity to develop and publish articles is best learned during doctoral education.