PROVISION OF FORMAL EDUCATION TO NURSING STAFF: KANGAROO MOTHER CARE WITHIN MATERNAL-CHILD UNITS

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is an evidence-based intervention that improves neonatal outcomes and reduces mortality in infants. KMC is not fully integrated into local hospital maternal-child departments and nursing professionals do not have a standard education offering concerning KMC. While the use of KMC is not entirely absent, nursing knowledge and understanding of its correct execution leads to lesser occurrences of KMC initiation. This scholarly project addresses nursing knowledge as a practice quality improvement. A literature review was completed, including searches through CINAHL, Merck Manuals, MEDLINE Plus Health Information, ProQuest, and UpToDate. A pretest, educational video, and posttest were then developed and electronically distributed to a convenience sample of twenty-eight nursing professionals within a local hospital’s maternal-child department. The data gathered from the pretests and posttests show that there was a significant increase in the knowledge of nurses regarding KMC after viewing the educational presentation provided. This was the anticipated outcome for this project. In the long-term, it is expected that educating nurses about KMC will have a trickle-down effect and lead to improved utilization of KMC by caregivers with nursing guidance, improved health outcomes, and parental knowledge

Efecto terapéutico del movimiento imaginado en dolor de miembro fantasma en amputados de extremidad superior. Una revisión sistemática

RESUMEN: Introducción: El dolor de miembro fantasma es una patología común en pacientes amputados (50-85%), y aunque la patofisiología y la etiología de las condiciones siguen siendo un misterio, la evidencia defiende un ‘modelo multifactorial’, así siendo útil el movimiento imaginado para acceder a las redes corticales motoras para reajustar la sensación percibida por el amputado. Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática de la evidencia que aporta la literatura publicada en relación al efecto terapéutico y sobre todo analgésico del movimiento imaginado en pacientes con dolor de miembro fantasma de la extremidad superior. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda electrónica inicial se llevó a cabo entre diciembre del 2.015 y Marzo 2.016, continuando a partir de ahí entre junio del 2.016 y agosto del 2.016 en las siguientes bases de datos: Medline, PEDro, ENFISPO y Cochrane. Se hizo una selección de diferentes artículos que cumplía el criterio de inclusión y de exclusión establecidos. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: estudios enfocados a pacientes con dolor de miembro fantasma de la extremidad superior en diferentes fases, quienes se someten a una intervención fisioterapéutica de movimiento imaginado, siendo los resultados evaluados pre- y post- intervención mediante pruebas estandarizadas, posiblemente con una evaluación tras la intervención. Se incluyeron 3 estudios. Resultados: los estudios tuvieron un tamaño de muestra pequeño, con diferentes niveles de evidencia aunque cubriendo adecuadamente la población de amputados. Se utilizaron pruebas de evaluación diferentes pero comparables y los periodos de intervención fueron variados. Se dieron análisis estadísticos. Discusión: Estos estudios parecieron aportar evidencia apoyando el movimiento imaginado como un tratamiento viable y beneficioso para el dolor de miembro fantasma, aunque se requiere tamaños de muestra más grandes para poder corroborarlo.ABSTRACT: Introduction: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common pathology in amputees (50-85%), and though the pathophysiology and aetiology of the conditions remain a mystery, evidence points towards a ‘multifactorial model’, thus being useful motor imagery to access the cortical motor networks to readjust the sensation perceived by the amputee. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the evidence provided by the published literature regarding the therapeutical and especially analgesic effect of motor imagery in patients with upper limb PLP. Methods: an initial electronic search was carried out between December 2015 and March 2016 continuing thereafter between June 2016 and August 2016 in the following databases: Medline, PEDro, ENFISPO and Cochrane. A selection was made of different articles that met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria are: studies aimed at patients with PLP of the upper extremity at different stages, who are submitted to a motor imagery physiotherapy intervention, the results to be measured pre- and post- intervention by standardized tests and ,in some cases, with a follow-up assessment.3 studies were included. Results: the studies were of small sample size, with different levels of evidence though appropriately covering the amputee population. Different but comparable outcome measures were used and different intervention periods were applied. Statistical analysis was given of the results in each. Discussion: These trials seem to provide evidence supporting motor imagery as a viable and beneficial treatment for PLP, though bigger sample sizes are needed to corroborate this.Grado en Fisioterapi

cereus Fun: An Introduction to Microbiological Techniques

Microbiology is a field of science devoted to the study of organisms that are too small to see; therefore, an engaging laboratory experience is often the key to capturing students\u27 interest. It was with this in mind that this book was first conceived and developed. The goal was to provide undergraduate microbiology students with an engaging and meaningful laboratory experience that nurtured a sense of discovery and encouraged greater interest in microbiology as a topic, a field of study, or a career. This lab manual – which has been field-tested by hundreds of microbiology students over several years – builds skills while reinforcing core microbiology concepts introduced in lectures. The curriculum builds from the ground up. It begins with an introduction to biosafety practices and work with biological hazards, basic but essential microscopy skills, and aseptic technique and culture methods, and then it builds to include more advanced methods. The progression includes a semester-long investigation of a bacterial isolate and culminates with a practical evaluation of all of the microbiology skills learned in the course

LibGuides 2.0 Continued: Implementing Best Practices in Design and Accessibility After Migration

Since migrating LibGuides from version 1.0 to 2.0 in 2015, librarians at Gardner-Webb University have adopted a continuous evaluation approach that addresses best practices in LibGuides design, accessibility, and instruction techniques. This presentation will provide an overview of Gardner-Webb Library’s experiences with the migration and evaluation process. The librarians formed a professional learning community (PLC) to choose colors, fonts, and layout templates to use after the migration that would fit in with the university’s branding. In 2018, one of the librarians provided best practices and training in accessibility for people with disabilities. In the summer of 2019, two of the librarians led an effort to refresh or delete outdated LibGuides, update all LibGuide pages to include friendly urls, and group them into their respective topic areas. At a small academic institution, finding a balance between best practices and allowing creative flexibility can be a challenge, particularly when attempting to establish new best practices. It is important to understand the diverse needs of the users who will be navigating the guides, as well as the institution’s culture. From this session, participants will take away ideas and tools to identify and evaluate the design and accessibility of their LibGuides, which will support information literacy instruction both face-to-face-and online

Friends in the Desert Foundation, Inc. Program Evaluation

This report presents an evaluation of the Friends in the Desert, Foundation Incorporated (FID), a sit-down feeding program in downtown Henderson, Nevada. The evaluation identified both strengths of the program and opportunities for growth. Major components of this report are presented in the following order: scope of work, research design, findings, recommendations, conclusions and limitations. The report recommendations provide the agency’s members and principal stakeholder groups with proposals designed to improve the program’s financial position and long-term viability. These recommendations focus on opportunities for restructure, growth, and uninterrupted success. FID is a sit-down feeding program located at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Henderson, Nevada. The agency’s main purpose is to feed those in need and to offer additional services based on availability of resources. Other services provided include health and wellness checks, pro-bono legal services, the provision of clothing items and toiletries, and bus passes for use to travel to specific appointments such as doctor visits. The need for this program evaluation was identified at both the regional and program levels. Regionally, there are many issues associated with feeding the homeless, especially if not done in a controlled setting. These issues include: a potentially dangerous environment; safety of the people distributing the food; increase in trash, litter, pests/bugs, spread of disease, defecation/urination; congregation in public areas and parks; numerous complaints from members of the community; loitering and panhandling, and a variety of other issues. At the program level, FID had a number of questions to address and challenges that they hoped to obtain more information about or find solutions for. FID wanted to find out more about their client demographics and to obtain recommendations from an outside party regarding ways to improve the agency’s current financial situation. Research methods used in this study were both qualitative and quantitative in nature and selected in accordance with the type of data being collected and analyzed. Information was obtained through multiple channels including: program document review; benchmark study; client survey; City of Las Vegas homeless summit attendance; and conducting multiple phone interviews with government agencies. The following research questions were then developed: 1. Who is using the program? 2. Does program attendance fluctuate? If so, why? 3. How many clients want or need additional services? 4. How can the feeding model be improved? Major findings were split into sections according to the methodology: program review findings, benchmark findings, survey findings, and Homeless Summit findings. A positive correlation was found when historic program data was analyzed in comparison to Bureau of Labor Statistics for the same years. When the unemployment rate dropped, the number of clients served meals also dropped, and during years of the recession when unemployment rates surged, FID meal attendance also grew. Survey findings closely resembled those of the 2013 Southern Nevada Homeless Census. 70% of the clients utilizing the program are currently homeless, and the majority of program participants are white males. The largest distribution of users is between the ages of 51 to 60, and 35% are attending meal services 5-6 days per week. 89% of the clients reported that they are unemployed, and 31% reported that they currently live on the “streets.” Benchmark findings showed that all three charities examined were receiving some sort of grant funding (local/state/federal) and all have a business plan and a written set of documents relating to operation policies and procedures. At the Homeless Summit, it was made clear that the principal summit objective was to increase collaboration amongst local government and faith-based organizations that provide homeless support programs and services. The “It takes a village” concept was used to illustrate the need for increased partnership, collaboration, and communication amongst all agencies. Organizations were encouraged to partner with other organizations like FID who are already offering meal services in controlled settings. The project team developed four principal recommendations: 1. Increase inter-agency collaboration and partnership 2. Develop a comprehensive business plan 3. Apply for grant funding 4. Utilize the survey tool to improve strategic decision making, increase interagency partnership, and secure additional funding By collaborating, agencies can maximize effectiveness and decrease the incidences of duplication of programs and services. The coordination of community services is imperative to achieving the regional goal. In maintaining working relationships with similar organizations in the valley, FID will gain the opportunity to learn about other programs and services; share best practices; learn how government partnerships can improve their program; and expand their volunteer base. The development and implementation of a business plan is needed in order to underpin program operations; improve record keeping; secure funding; and enhance the overall efficiency of program. Applying for grants will stabilize funding streams, which increases the possibility of adding to existing programs and services. Finally, utilizing and expanding the survey tool for future research can provide data used to demonstrate the programs’ measurable outputs. The results of the survey can be instrumental in performing a gap analysis, which would compare current programs and services against those that are critically needed

Efficacy of Animal-Assisted Therapy Across Pediatric Care Settings: A Systematic Review

With alternative therapies and complementary medicine becoming increasingly popular and supported by research, it is important for healthcare workers to be prepared to encounter and use these therapies in practice. A common problem in the pediatric healthcare setting is stress in patients and families during healthcare treatment. Animal assisted therapy (AAT), more commonly known as pet therapy, is a form of complementary alternative therapy that has been examined in this population. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the effect of AAT on treatment outcomes in pediatric patients across clinical settings. The methods used to guide this systematic review include unbiased selection of twenty primary sources using the CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed, and Medline databases. Evidence from research shows mixed, but generally positive, results about effect of AAT on anxiety levels, pain, behavior, and treatment outcomes. Therefore AAT may be a beneficial alternative therapy for this population

Faculty attitudes and knowledge regarding college students with disabilities

The presence of students with disabilities (SWD) at colleges and universities in the United States has increased significantly in recent years, yet many of these students continue to encounter significant barriers that can have a profound impact on their college experience. Salient factors that contribute to the challenging climate for SWD include lack of faculty knowledge and awareness of the issues that face these students, as well as negative attitudes toward disability and the provision of accommodations. The current study examined faculty attitudes and knowledge regarding SWD via an online, anonymous survey (n = 123). Results suggest that although faculty have generally positive attitudes toward SWD, they are more likely to hold negative attitudes toward students with mental health disabilities and learning disabilities than toward students with physical disabilities. This study also identified several misconceptions and gaps in knowledge about offices of disability services and provision of accommodations that could negatively impact students. Faculty respondents also expressed strong interest in professional development opportunities related to SWD. Implications of these findings and future directions are also addressed