DOCUMENTING COMPETENCE: EVIDENCE OF EXCELLENCE IN NURSE ANESTHESIA PRACTICE

Sweeping changes in the healthcare environment reveal a greater need for the placement of qualified, cost-effective providers in all areas. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) have a proven track record of safety. However, a gap exists in identifying, quantifying, and linking existing practice evidence to the performance of individual CRNAs. The purpose of this project was to develop a practice portfolio for each CRNA that would provide evidence of competent performance in a rural acute care setting. The project demonstrated that CRNA practice portfolios can be utilized to demonstrate competent practice through the compilation of objective and quantifiable evidence

Effect of Tai Chi on Vascular Function Among Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy

Foot pain due to Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) is one of the factors affecting walking ability. It has been reported that diminished vascular function contributes to a decrease in physical function in individuals with PN. Microvascular disturbances have been reported in humans with neuropathic pain. Tai Chi, a Chinese conditioning exercise, has been associated with enhanced endothelial function. However, the effect of Tai Chi training on microvascular function in patients with PN has not been studied. This study aimed to assess the effects of Tai Chi on vascular function (i.e., vascular reactivity) and functional exercise capacity among patients with PN. Thirty-seven participants (men = 21, women = 16) were randomly assigned to either Tai Chi exercise (Ex, n = 20, age: 71 ± 9.50 years) or control group (Con, n = 17, age: 75 ± 9.02 years). Exercise training consisted of 12-week progressive Tai Chi (i.e., Yang Style), offered 3 times per week, 60 minutes sessions. The Con group did not participate in any exercise activity. Before and after training, vascular function [finger tip digital thermal monitoring of vascular reactivity] and functional exercise capacity [Six-Minute Walk test (6MW)] were evaluated. The Ex group experienced a significant 25% increase in vascular reactivity index from baseline [1.93 ± 0.43 to 2.41 ± 0.47, (P \u3c 0.05)]. In addition, the 6MW test increased significantly in the Ex group by 28% [pre = 392 ± 93; post = 503 ± 105 m, (P \u3c 0.05)]. In the control group no significant changes were observed in either vascular function [1.83 ± 0.43 to 1.81 ± 0.37] or in the 6MW test [393 ± 142 to 398 ± 149 m]. Participants experienced no complications and/or falls as a result of the intervention. These findings demonstrated that in patients with PN, a 12-week progressive Tai Chi exercise program was capable of increasing not only vascular function, specifically vascular reactivity index, but also of increasing the distance covered during the 6MW test. Clearly, this study underlies the importance of Tai Chi as an effective and safe exercise intervention suitable for patients with PN

Tai Chi Exercise on Muscle Strength and Physical Function in Peripheral Neuropathy Patients

This poster was presented at the American College of Sports Medicine\u27s (ACSM) 63rd Annual Meeting and World Congresses, Boston, MA.https://scholarworks.uttyler.edu/fac_posters/1016/thumbnail.jp

Panel Presentation: Research, Innovation, Entrepreneurship in Community and Health Wellness

Barbara Chapman, DNP - Mobile Health, Telehealth and Telepsychiatry: Meeting Patients Where They Are Sandra Petersen, DNP - Addressing Community Mental Health and Educating Students through Mobile & Telehealth Initiatives Carol Rizer, DNP - The INTUNE Advanced Nursing Education Workforce HRSA Grant Projec