A meta-analysis from Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes & Policy Research has linked better nurse work environments to lower odds of negative outcomes, including patient mortality. The study analyzed data from over 2,600 hospitals and found a strong association between the nurse work environment and patient and clinician well-be...
A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that the nursing work environment plays a significant role in how nurses evaluate EHR usability and its impact on quality and safety of care. The study, which analyzed data from over 12,000 nurses, showed that hospitals with better work environments had fewer repo...
A new online intervention tool shows promise in decreasing sexual risk-taking and promoting HIV/STI prevention behaviors among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The My Desires & Expectations (myDEx) tool was pilot-tested in a randomized trial and found to improve HIV prevention behaviors and emotional decision-m...
Cancer clinical trial patients need care plans after trials end, yet little is known about initiating advance planning discussions. Researchers emphasize the importance of engaging patients and families in conversations about end-of-life care and palliative care. They stress the need for better data on post-trial needs and expectations.
A new study found that most nurses rate hospital end-of-life care unfavorably due to painful procedures and lack of teamwork. However, effective nurse-physician collaboration and manageable workloads can improve care quality.
A new study published in the journal Obesity suggests that alcohol consumption may attenuate long-term weight loss in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Participants who abstained from alcohol during a lifestyle intervention program lost more weight than those who drank, highlighting the importance of limiting alcohol intake for effective we...
A University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing article highlights how nurses understand factors leading to firearm violence and investigate ways to prevent it. The research identifies priority areas for nursing science to address this public health problem.
A new decision support tool, DIRECT CDS, has been developed to optimize post-acute care (PAC) referrals and improve patient outcomes. The algorithm helps clinicians identify patients most in need of PAC and suggests the level of care required.
A new study published in Health Affairs highlights the importance of improving nurse work environments and adequate staffing in reducing patient harm. Hospitals that implemented these changes saw significant improvements in patient safety indicators, while those that didn't experienced worsening care environments.
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has released new best practices for verifying the correct placement of nasogastric tubes in pediatric patients. These guidelines aim to improve patient safety by standardizing education, tube verification methods, and radiographic evaluation.
A Penn Nursing study found that parents with lower education levels were more likely to access a web-based health program, but still struggled with computer and internet access. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive digital health resources to address health disparities among Puerto Rican adolescents.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that rapid weight gain during infancy may be a risk factor for later obesity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mothers who experienced pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity were more likely to have a child with overweight or obesity at ages 2-5.
Cynthia Connolly's book 'Children and Drug Safety: Balancing Risk and Protection in Twentieth Century America' received the APHA award for outstanding historical research and original contribution to science policy. The book explores the politics of pediatric drug safety and its impact on public health.
A new Medicare model is producing expert nurses to address the shortage of primary care in the US. The University of Pennsylvania researchers' innovative model combines training capacities across health systems, hospitals, and universities to provide high-quality clinical training for advanced practice nurses.
The article highlights conflicting guidance on opioid prescribing, potentially jeopardizing pain management for patients with cancer. Key areas of concern include CDC guideline recommendations that don't align with NCCN guidelines, and the lack of evidence for non-pharmacologic treatments to manage moderate to severe pain.
New research reveals four essential skills for nurse leaders to facilitate successful cross-sector collaborations promoting community cultures of health. Nurse leaders must possess knowledge, attitudes, and skills as facilitators, partners, and relationship-builders to address social conditions affecting population health.
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores how injured black men in Philadelphia perceived their psychological symptoms after injury and the factors that guided their decisions to seek professional mental health help. The study found that despite suffering from severe psychological symptoms, very few ...
Researchers identified five essential themes for consistent and supported care transitions, including preparing individuals with dementia and their caregivers, evaluating preferences and goals, and creating inter-professional collaborative team environments. The findings suggest that person-centered care is crucial for achieving outcom...
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing used implementation science to evaluate cervical cancer prevention programs in sub-Saharan Africa. They identified a need for additional organizational and structural support to sustain implementation and improve cervical cancer prevention.
A Penn nursing study found that sex communication with parents is rarely discussed among gay, bisexual, and queer male adolescents, often being heteronormative and reactionary. The study suggests that targeted family-based sexual health discussions can minimize risk behaviors and improve overall health outcomes for this demographic.
A new, simplified Braden QD Scale better predicts pressure-related skin injuries in pediatric patients. The scale identifies combined immobility- and device-related risks, allowing for more effective prevention strategies.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing article highlights the importance of carefully using language when discussing end-of-life futility with patients and families. Clear communication can alleviate suffering and provide comfort during a challenging time.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that urban black men experience varying emotional responses to intentional and unintentional injuries, including heightened feelings of fear and distrust. These reactions can lead to social withdrawal and inadequate support, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed int...
Hospital patients believe inadequate nursing staff negatively impact their care experience. The study highlights the importance of sufficient nurse-to-patient ratios in improving patient satisfaction and overall hospital quality.
A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found delayed lactogenesis II and excessive gestational weight gain associated with breastfeeding difficulties in obese women. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to support these women in achieving their personal breastfeeding goals.
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's Connie M. Ulrich emphasizes the value of ethic preparedness among nurse bioethicists, addressing challenges in everyday practice and nursing's role in bioethics and care delivery.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores the contextual social and structural factors that drive disparate HIV/AIDS rates. The study found nuanced differences by gender and race/ethnicity in modes of transmission profiles across different geographic locations.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing highlights the challenges of transitioning severely obese patients to nursing homes after acute care stays. The researchers found that patient size and bariatric equipment availability can act as barriers, leading to poor outcomes and increased costs.
A new study found that hospitals caring for high fractions of black infants are more likely to miss critical nursing care, which can affect survival and development. This missed care often involves teaching and counseling parents, as well as preparation for discharge, highlighting the need for supportive care environments with adequate...
A new study found a significant association between individual and community level educational status and transactional sex behavior, which is an HIV risk factor. The researchers suggest that undereducated neighborhoods may be more prone to informal economies, leading residents to engage in transactional sex.
A recent study published in Nursing Outlook found that home care nurses working in better work environments are less likely to miss required care, report burnout, or intend to leave their jobs. The researchers suggest that improving work environments can lead to improved care quality and reduced turnover.
African-American Muslim women's breastfeeding rates are low, with less than 62% initiating and 14% exclusively breastfeeding for six months. Engaging Islamic teachings through community education may increase breastfeeding exclusivity and duration.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that intersections between law enforcement and trauma care activities vary, but can impact patient trust and recovery. Patients perceived police interactions as stressful or respectful, depending on the context.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing suggests that aggressive end-of-life care for advanced lung cancer patients is not associated with better patient outcomes. The research found that high rates of chemotherapy and mechanical ventilation in the final days of life were linked to lower overall ratings of care.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's BSN-PhD program combines rigorous coursework with a clinical nurse fellowship to accelerate education opportunities for the next generation of nurse researchers. This innovative approach prepares PhD students earlier in their careers, enabling them to conduct rigorous, clinically relev...
A new study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies suggests that psychoeducation and skills building can help sever the emotion-behavior link contributing to HIV/STI risk among black adolescents with mental illnesses. The study found that improving coping mechanisms to regulate emotions may be crucial for preventing HIV/S...
The Community Champions program has a positive impact on community members, increasing communication, leadership, care, and advocacy skills in nursing students. The program's inter-professional collaborations lead to improved outcomes in underserved communities.
A new study proposes strategies to intensify prevention efforts in communities heavily affected by HIV, highlighting structural factors that contribute to HIV disparities. Researchers found that demographic, physical and social contexts where individuals interact are associated with behavioral and biological HIV risk.
A Penn/CHOP study investigates employee perceptions of road risks and strategies to reduce road traffic injuries in India. The research highlights the need for balancing local prevention efforts with an overarching, evidence-based corporate approach to protect employees.
A University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing study finds that retail-based clinic growth is linked to scope-of-practice reform for nurse practitioners in states like Pennsylvania. The reform led to increased accessibility and convenience for patients, as nurse practitioners were able to provide a wider range of services
A new study found that trauma patients define successful outcomes as returning to work, resuming family roles, achieving independence, recapturing normality, and achieving comfort. The study highlights the importance of understanding different perceptions of injury recovery among patients, family members, and clinicians.
A recent hospital discharge, and prepares them for successful transition back into community settings. Older black patients bear a disproportionate risk of readmissions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Researchers aim to design an outreach program promoting awareness and prevention options among at-risk women. The study will focus on Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas, surveying women's thoughts and obstacles surrounding PrEP usage.
A new European study published in BMJ Quality and Safety found that hospitals employing more nurse assistants than professional nurses have higher mortality rates, lower patient satisfaction, and poorer quality of care. The study highlights the risks to patient safety and quality in these settings.
A cross-sectional study of nearly 107,000 Medicare patients found that older black adults have a 30% increased likelihood of readmission compared to white counterparts. Increasing nurse-to-patient staffing ratios may help reduce these disparities by improving health outcomes for all patients, particularly high-risk groups.
A new NIH-funded project aims to encourage young men at risk for HIV and other STIs to get tested using a personalized web app. The Get Connected app provides customized content based on users' risk profiles, values, and needs.
A research team from Penn Nursing, University of Michigan School of Nursing and Emory's School of Public Health is awarded a $9 million grant to test an HIV prevention intervention for adolescent men who have sex with men. The iCON intervention offers life skills training and community-based resources through an online app.
Single parents living in urban low-income neighborhoods with high levels of community violence experience significant symptoms of stress and depression, affecting their children's emotional health. Research emphasizes the need for further study and programmatic interventions supporting the overall health of housing unstable families.
A University of Pennsylvania study examined intimate partner violence and relationship power among South African adolescents, finding that girls with lower power were more likely to have multiple partners. The research suggests that targeting gender-specific components in HIV prevention interventions could help reduce transmission rates.
A Penn Nursing study found that unmet nursing care is associated with higher rates of rehospitalization among black patients with acute myocardial infarction. The study suggests that ensuring adequate resources for nurses can help reduce health disparities.