Perioperative Utility of the SuperNO2VA Device for Airway Obstruction

Current literature supports the utility of positive pressure ventilation devices in reducing airway obstruction in patients at high risk for respiratory complications during sedation. The SuperNO2VA device has been shown in several studies to improve oxygenation and reduce hypoxemic episodes in high-risk patients, particularly those with OSA and obesity. Studies comparing nasal CPAP to traditional oxygen delivery methods indicate that nasal CPAP is more effective in maintaining airway patency and preventing hypoxemia during sedation. Studies specifically examining the SuperNO2VA device demonstrate its effectiveness in improving respiratory stability and reducing the frequency of hypoxemic events as well as airway interventions in obese patients during sedation procedures. Additionally, studies have shown that the SuperNO2VA device is effective at maintaining ventilation and oxygenation in this patient population during anesthesia induction as well as postoperatively during anesthesia recovery

Maintaining Airway Patency in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) consists of intermittent or recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. Obstructions can also occur when receiving sedation for endoscopic procedures. Up to 54% of patients experience severe hypoxemia secondary to sedation-related upper airway obstruction, with incidences being worsened by OSA and obesity. Newly created devices, such as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, utilize positive pressure to keep the patient’s airway patent and prevent complications during endoscopies. Although these devices are not routinely used during gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, they can be utilized in patients with OSA to help prevent airway obstructions during sedation

Factors affecting integration of the nurse practitioner workforce into health systems: A Delphi consensus study

Research has documented the positive impact of the nurse practitioner workforce on patient and system outcomes in multiple countries. Achieving these outcomes relies on successfully integrating the workforce into the health system. Research has reported negative effects of integration barriers on the ability for nurse practitioners to improve outcomes. Barriers include scope of practice restrictions, organizational climates inconducive to nurse practitioner care, and lacking mentorship. To design efficacious policies, organizational and national policy decision-makers require knowledge of the factors affecting the integration of this human resource into care settings. No research has synthesized these factors into an easily understandable and applicable inventory for policy decisionmakers. This study aimed to reach expert consensus on an inventory of factors affecting the integration of nurse practitioners into the health system

Effects of Dyadic Motivational Interviewing (MI-Dyad) Program for Improving Activity Participation of Stroke Survivors and Family Caregivers: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study

This study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of a dyadic motivational interviewing (MI-Dyad) program for stroke survivors and family caregivers (i.e., stroke dyads) (Trial registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2500100532)

The Impact of Multimorbidities on Social Determinants of Health on Select Hospital-acquired Conditions in the Older Adult Population across an Academic Health System: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this research study was to identify social determinants of health (SDoH) & multi-morbidities associated with hospital-acquired falls & pressure injuries (PrIs)in line with Age-Friendly & High Reliability Organizations (HRO) principles

Development and Evaluation of a Multiple Sclerosis-Related Suffering Index

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disease characterized by complex physical, psychological, and emotional challenges that profoundly impact patients’ quality of life. Despite advances in symptom management, the multifaceted suffering experienced by individuals with MS remains inadequately measured, understood, and addressed. This study aimed to develop and validate the Wilder Multiple Sclerosis Suffering Index (WMSSI), a novel tool designed to quantitatively measure the unique dimensions of suffering in this population

Best Practice for Perioperative Airway Management of Ludwig\u27s Angina

In patients with Ludwig’s angina, what should be considered best practice for perioperative airway management? Ludwig’s angina (LA) is a complex, devastating, and potentially life-threatening diagnosis that poses an 8% mortality rate. Death is due to asphyxiation from a severe and rapidly spreading bacterial cellulitis of the submandibular, sublingual, and submental cavities of the mouth. Complications of LA include diffuse cervical edema, limited cervical range of motion, restricted oral opening, trismus, posterior distension of the tongue, excessive salivation, muffled voice, and dysphagia among others

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol

Problem: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to minimize surgical stress, improve patient outcomes, and shorten hospital stays. While ERAS has shown benefits in various surgical disciplines, challenges were faced in implementing and customizing these protocols for specific populations. This project evaluated how ERAS interventions impact recovery metrics, including hospital length of stay, bowel recovery, and cardiac rehabilitation outcomes. Intervention: ERAS-based perioperative care strategies were implemented focusing on early mobilization, optimized pain management, reduced opioid use, and timely enteral nutrition. The patients were monitored for compliance and adherence to protocol components to assess their effect on recovery. Measures: Primary outcome measures were defined as hospital stay duration, bowel movement improvement, and completion of cardiac rehabilitation step 5. The pre-intervention and post-intervention groups were compared to determine effectiveness. Results: The findings did not demonstrate improvement in hospital length of stay, enhanced bowel movement, or cardiac rehabilitation step 5 in the post-intervention group. Factors potentially influencing the findings include the low number of participants in the post-intervention group and the co-morbidity factors of the participants. These results highlight the need to investigate adaptations of ERAS for specific patient populations. Conclusions: Due to the low number of participants in the post-intervention group, it is recommended that further study be done in a longer time frame. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions and the continued refinement of ERAS strategies to maximize patient benefits while mitigating unintended consequences

Implementation of Cancer Screenings on a Mobile Care Unit

Purpose: Increase early detection of colorectal and cervical cancers among underserved populations in the Baton Rouge area through a mobile health clinic that provides accessible, no-cost services, including cancer screenings

Exploring Predictors of Resilience and Burnout in Acute Care Nursing Leaders

Individuals who work in nurse leader roles are vital to support safe patient care and achievement of organizational goals. They are also at risk for burnout and low levels of professional well-being. This presentation will offer a summary of a research study that explored variables associated with mental well-being in acute care nurse leaders and identified predictors of resilience and burnout