<p> Objective: To evaluate the utilization of computer decision support software by nurse practitioners and the effect on functional outcomes for patients with low back pain.</p><p> Design: The DNP project used a cohort study design utilizing a convenience sample of patients with nonspecific low back pain to evaluate the intervention. The study was divided into two phases. During each phase the patients completed the functional tools on initial treatment and then again at approximately six weeks. The initial phase measured outcomes following the clinicians&rsquo; current treatment model without benefit of support software. During the second phase, the computerized clinical decision support software was introduced and implemented. The results were compared of Phase I outcomes were compared to the results of Phase II to determine if the software indeed improved functionality with the patient.</p><p> Measurements: A change in the patient&rsquo;s functional outcomes judged whether the treatment plan was effective. The functional tools utilized in the study were the Oswestry Disability Index and the Roland-Morris Questionnaire. The computer decision support software utilized was <i>iOutcomes</i>. </p><p> Results: There were 249 patients verbally consenting for this study with 104 individuals electronically signing consent. Of the 249 participants, 104 individuals completed the written consent. Of the 104 individuals giving written consent, only 94 completed the entire registration process. Of the 94 individuals completing the registration process, only 37 completed the initial functional tools assessment. Of the 37 individuals completing the initial functional tools, only 34 completed the 6-week follow up functional tools.</p><p> The findings of the pre-treatment and post-treatment did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference with the introduction of the computer decision support software. The mean for the difference in the ODI and the difference of the RDQ was -1.65 (p = 0.177, SD = 6.96). There was no improvement demonstrated between Phase I and Phase II in regards to the introduction of the computer decision support software.</p>

<p> This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study designed to describe the experience of HIV medication adherence using a mobile phone application. For the purpose of this qualitative study, nine semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted over a three-month period at an AIDS service organization in Central Texas. The data were analyzed following the principles of thematic analysis. During analysis, four themes were identified and relations between these themes were delineated to reflect the experiences of the 23 participants. Improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy is key in reducing the morbidity and mortality of HIV disease; and daily medication adherence may prevent the occurrence of the development of drug resistant mutant strains of HIV (Mbuagbaw et al., 2011). Adherence to ART may be complex secondary to person, behavioral, and treatment factors (Halkitis, Palamar, &amp; Mukjerjee, 2008); and noncompliance to taking daily HIV medications may be considered a community health issue secondary to risk for viral transmission. The mobile phone application, Care4TodayTM Mobile Health Manager, was the intervention tool; and collection of focus group discussion outcomes over a three-month period with baseline versus end-of-study data determined the feasibility and acceptability of this medication adherence intervention. The greater the intention to engage in a behavior, such as daily adherence to HIV medication regimes, the greater is the likelihood of its performance. The findings suggest that when individuals are offered the necessary resources, such as a mobile phone medication reminder application, they may have greater success in performing the behavior.</p>