A national survey was conducted to determine the information technology skills nurse administrato... more A national survey was conducted to determine the information technology skills nurse administrators consider critical for new nurses entering the work force. The sample consisted of 2,000 randomly selected members of the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Seven hundred fifty-two usable questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 38%. The questionnaire used a 5-point Likert scale and consisted of 17 items that assessed various technology skills and demographic information. The questionnaire was developed and pilot tested with content experts to establish content validity. Descriptive analysis of the data revealed that using e-mail effectively, operating basic Windows applications, and searching databases were critical information technology skills. The most critical information technology skill involved knowing nursing-specific software, such as bedside charting and computer-activated medication dispensers. To effectively prepare nursing students with technology skills needed at the time of entry into practice, nursing faculty need to incorporate information technology skills into undergraduate nursing curricula.
Objectives: Removal of secretions from the subglottic space, which is the larynx cavity below the... more Objectives: Removal of secretions from the subglottic space, which is the larynx cavity below the glottis that contains the vocal cords, reduces the risk for ventilator associated pneumonia. Relationships between factors associated with subglottic secretion volume and viscosity have not been investigated. Subglottic secretions may have a possible link with systemic volume status and oral cavity hydration. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among systemic volume, oral cavity hydration, and subglottic secretion (SS) volume and viscosity in mechanically ventilated adults. Design: Seventy daily oral and SS samples were obtained over a 24-hour collection period from 15 mechanically ventilated adults. Markers of systemic volume and oral cavity hydration and measurements of SS volume and viscosity were collected and analyzed. Results: The daily volume of oral secretions ranged from 0 to 1.0 mL (SD 0.180 mL), and SS ranged from 0 to 15 mL (SD 22.9 mL). BUN/creatinine ratio (marker of systemic volume status) was moderately correlated with oral secretion volume (r = -0.43). Weak correlations were identified between SS volume and oral volume (r = 0.29) and SS viscosity and oral viscosity (r = 0.22). No other linear relationships were identified among the variables. Conclusions: This study confirmed that SS accumulation occurs, the amount varies widely, and the secretions are highly viscous. SS volume and viscosity were not found to have a very strong relationship with the variables measured. Nevertheless, clinical implications for practice are present. Further research is needed to understand secretion dynamics in ventilated adults to prevent complications and promote positive patient outcomes.
The current project assessed the oral health of residents in a long-term care (LTC) facility, imp... more The current project assessed the oral health of residents in a long-term care (LTC) facility, implemented a new evidence-based oral care protocol, and trained nursing staff about oral hygiene for older adults. A pre-/post-intervention design was used to measure knowledge, skills, and attitudes among 29 staff members. The oral health outcomes of 10 LTC residents without dysphagia were assessed after 14 days of protocol use. Knowledge improved from a mean total pre-test score of 88.8 to a mean total post-test score of 97.7 ( Z = −2.308, p = 0.021). The Oral Health Assessment Tool measured oral health outcomes at three time points in 10 older adults, and statistically significant improvement in oral health was identified ( p = 0.001). Nursing home staff play an important role in improving oral hygiene of older adults in LTC facilities by routinely using an easy to follow oral health protocol twice daily. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46 (5), 33–39.]
Pressure injuries (PIs) are common and costly complications in long-term care (LTC) residents. Ed... more Pressure injuries (PIs) are common and costly complications in long-term care (LTC) residents. Educating and coaching certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to communicate early skin changes is a PI surveillance strategy that may influence PI outcomes. A communication guide related to Skin, Clean, Activity, and Nutrition was developed for CNAs to promote prompt upstream communication to licensed nurses. A pre-/post-intervention design measured PI knowledge and skills in 24 CNAs, and PI incidence was tracked over a 6-week time period. CNAs demonstrated improvement in their PI surveillance role, comfort in identifying and reporting skin changes, keeping skin clean and dry, and resident nutritional status. Baseline PI incidence of 9.6% decreased to 0% by Week 3, and no new PIs occurred over 6 weeks. CNAs developed role awareness and knowledge in primary PI surveillance and were instrumental in a team approach to decrease PIs in a LTC setting. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47 (8), 21–28.]
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial pneumonia that occurs in critically ... more Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial pneumonia that occurs in critically ill patients and results in mortality rates as high as 71%. Subglottic secretions (SSs) are a known risk factor. Several clinical trials have shown that continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions (CASS) reduces the risk of VAP by nearly half. Optimal suction pressure levels needed to efficiently evacuate viscous SSs are unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe SSs and the effective suction pressure (20 mmHg, 30 mmHg, 40 mmHg, and 50 mmHg) needed to maximize evacuation efficiency based on SS volume (2 ml, 4 ml, and 6 ml) and viscosity (watery, thick, and gel-like). A laboratory model was designed to replicate a human trachea. Thick secretions had the highest percentage of mean recovery representative of evacuation efficiency of SSs (mean recovery of 86%). The suction pressure of 30 mmHg had the highest overall mean of secretion recovery (83%) across all viscosity types and amounts. This study demonstrated that higher viscosity secretions were easier to evacuate than lower viscosity secretions when 30-mmHg suction pressure was applied. Management of secretion viscosity may assist in secretion removal and delay VAP development. With increased understanding of the molecular structure of SSs, there is the potential that clinicians will be able to manipulate secretion viscoelastic properties to maximize evacuation efficiency of the secretions. Further research is needed to identify safe suction pressures for optimal evacuation of SSs in human subjects.
A national survey was conducted to determine the information technology skills nurse administrato... more A national survey was conducted to determine the information technology skills nurse administrators consider critical for new nurses entering the work force. The sample consisted of 2,000 randomly selected members of the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Seven hundred fifty-two usable questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 38%. The questionnaire used a 5-point Likert scale and consisted of 17 items that assessed various technology skills and demographic information. The questionnaire was developed and pilot tested with content experts to establish content validity. Descriptive analysis of the data revealed that using e-mail effectively, operating basic Windows applications, and searching databases were critical information technology skills. The most critical information technology skill involved knowing nursing-specific software, such as bedside charting and computer-activated medication dispensers. To effectively prepare nursing students with technology skills needed at the time of entry into practice, nursing faculty need to incorporate information technology skills into undergraduate nursing curricula.
Objectives: Removal of secretions from the subglottic space, which is the larynx cavity below the... more Objectives: Removal of secretions from the subglottic space, which is the larynx cavity below the glottis that contains the vocal cords, reduces the risk for ventilator associated pneumonia. Relationships between factors associated with subglottic secretion volume and viscosity have not been investigated. Subglottic secretions may have a possible link with systemic volume status and oral cavity hydration. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among systemic volume, oral cavity hydration, and subglottic secretion (SS) volume and viscosity in mechanically ventilated adults. Design: Seventy daily oral and SS samples were obtained over a 24-hour collection period from 15 mechanically ventilated adults. Markers of systemic volume and oral cavity hydration and measurements of SS volume and viscosity were collected and analyzed. Results: The daily volume of oral secretions ranged from 0 to 1.0 mL (SD 0.180 mL), and SS ranged from 0 to 15 mL (SD 22.9 mL). BUN/creatinine ratio (marker of systemic volume status) was moderately correlated with oral secretion volume (r = -0.43). Weak correlations were identified between SS volume and oral volume (r = 0.29) and SS viscosity and oral viscosity (r = 0.22). No other linear relationships were identified among the variables. Conclusions: This study confirmed that SS accumulation occurs, the amount varies widely, and the secretions are highly viscous. SS volume and viscosity were not found to have a very strong relationship with the variables measured. Nevertheless, clinical implications for practice are present. Further research is needed to understand secretion dynamics in ventilated adults to prevent complications and promote positive patient outcomes.
The current project assessed the oral health of residents in a long-term care (LTC) facility, imp... more The current project assessed the oral health of residents in a long-term care (LTC) facility, implemented a new evidence-based oral care protocol, and trained nursing staff about oral hygiene for older adults. A pre-/post-intervention design was used to measure knowledge, skills, and attitudes among 29 staff members. The oral health outcomes of 10 LTC residents without dysphagia were assessed after 14 days of protocol use. Knowledge improved from a mean total pre-test score of 88.8 to a mean total post-test score of 97.7 ( Z = −2.308, p = 0.021). The Oral Health Assessment Tool measured oral health outcomes at three time points in 10 older adults, and statistically significant improvement in oral health was identified ( p = 0.001). Nursing home staff play an important role in improving oral hygiene of older adults in LTC facilities by routinely using an easy to follow oral health protocol twice daily. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46 (5), 33–39.]
Pressure injuries (PIs) are common and costly complications in long-term care (LTC) residents. Ed... more Pressure injuries (PIs) are common and costly complications in long-term care (LTC) residents. Educating and coaching certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to communicate early skin changes is a PI surveillance strategy that may influence PI outcomes. A communication guide related to Skin, Clean, Activity, and Nutrition was developed for CNAs to promote prompt upstream communication to licensed nurses. A pre-/post-intervention design measured PI knowledge and skills in 24 CNAs, and PI incidence was tracked over a 6-week time period. CNAs demonstrated improvement in their PI surveillance role, comfort in identifying and reporting skin changes, keeping skin clean and dry, and resident nutritional status. Baseline PI incidence of 9.6% decreased to 0% by Week 3, and no new PIs occurred over 6 weeks. CNAs developed role awareness and knowledge in primary PI surveillance and were instrumental in a team approach to decrease PIs in a LTC setting. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47 (8), 21–28.]
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial pneumonia that occurs in critically ... more Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial pneumonia that occurs in critically ill patients and results in mortality rates as high as 71%. Subglottic secretions (SSs) are a known risk factor. Several clinical trials have shown that continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions (CASS) reduces the risk of VAP by nearly half. Optimal suction pressure levels needed to efficiently evacuate viscous SSs are unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe SSs and the effective suction pressure (20 mmHg, 30 mmHg, 40 mmHg, and 50 mmHg) needed to maximize evacuation efficiency based on SS volume (2 ml, 4 ml, and 6 ml) and viscosity (watery, thick, and gel-like). A laboratory model was designed to replicate a human trachea. Thick secretions had the highest percentage of mean recovery representative of evacuation efficiency of SSs (mean recovery of 86%). The suction pressure of 30 mmHg had the highest overall mean of secretion recovery (83%) across all viscosity types and amounts. This study demonstrated that higher viscosity secretions were easier to evacuate than lower viscosity secretions when 30-mmHg suction pressure was applied. Management of secretion viscosity may assist in secretion removal and delay VAP development. With increased understanding of the molecular structure of SSs, there is the potential that clinicians will be able to manipulate secretion viscoelastic properties to maximize evacuation efficiency of the secretions. Further research is needed to identify safe suction pressures for optimal evacuation of SSs in human subjects.
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