Thesis--University of Texas at Austin. / Vita. Photocopy of typescript. Ann Arbor, Mich. : University Microfilms International, 1977. -- 21 cm. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Southern Mississippi. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 67-70).

Thesis (Ed. Spec.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2004. / Field study. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Colorado, 1972. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [149]-153).

Thesis--Catholic University of America.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Abstract The Mediating Effect of Distress Caused by Constipation on Predictors of Quality of Life of Hospice Patients with Cancer. Key positive outcomes for hospice patients include the prevention and alleviation of physical and psychological distress, maintenance of physical and mental functioning and all aspects of quality of life. This research used secondary analysis of previously gathered data to answer new research questions with alternative strategies to examine relationships not previously analyzed. The researchers collected data from 717 cancer patients who had been admitted to one of two private hospices. The aim of their experimental intervention was to define the effectiveness of using standardized assessment tools to provide systematic feedback to hospice staff about hospice patients and their caregivers. The aim of this secondary analysis was to assess the mediating effect of constipation distress on the relationship between constipation intensity and the hospice patients' QOL. Variables included in the analysis were: Quality of Life, Constipation Distress, Sociodemographic Characteristics (Age, gender, marital status, race/ culture, education, and socioeconomic status), Clinical Characteristics (Type of cancer, Co-morbidities, Functional/mental Health status), and Constipation Intensity. The data analyzed using descriptive statistics, including the frequency, percentage, means and standard deviation for quality of life. A relationship between quality of life and sociodemographic variables and between quality of life and clinical characteristics were evaluated with Pearson correlation coefficients. An exploratory mediation analysis was used to assess the mediation effect of the constipation distress. Results showed that age, ethnicity, constipation severity and functional status were predictors of QOL (P<0.0), and the bootstrapping showed that constipation distress has a mediation effect on the relationship between constipation severity and quality of life. The symptom intensity and distress as well as the relationship between constipation and quality of life need to be seen in a holistic approach to achieve the best symptom management for cancer patients.

<p> Heart Failure readmissions (HFR) significantly contribute to all cause hospital readmissions rates. Current evidence on the effectiveness of interventions for reduction of HFR is inconclusive. Recent research suggests that nurses&rsquo; emotional intelligence (EI) may be associated with better patient outcomes. </p><p> The purpose of this study was to examine if nurses&rsquo; EI is significantly related to HFR and if that relationship is mediated through patient satisfaction with care. One hundred and thirty six Registered Nurses were recruited from 11 in-patient units at a large teaching hospital in the south eastern United States. Two surveys were mailed to eligible participants; the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory 2.0 and a demographic survey. Patient satisfaction was measured with the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. The unit of observation for the analysis of the current study was the individual nursing unit with monthly measures for 14 months. Nurses EI was assessed at a single point in time and served as the basis for the data collected. </p><p> Results of one-way ANOVA showed a non-significant small trend of higher total EI being associated with lower rates of HFR. The generalized estimating equation model was used to account for correlated observations and revealed a greater non-significant likelihood for higher total EI to translate to no HFR. Results of Pearson&rsquo;s correlations found non-significant positive correlations between nurses total EI and the patient satisfaction items of rate hospital, nurses&rsquo; courtesy and respect, nurse listening, nurse explaining, and nurse communication. The linear mixed model to account for correlated observations showed small non-significant trends for total nurse EI and all patient satisfaction items. Results of one-way ANOVA showed no association between patient satisfaction and HFR. When accounting for correlated observations, increases in total nurse EI were not significantly associated with the predicted odds of no HFR. In conclusion, the examination of the aims in this study demonstrated results that were in the expected direction but not at the level expected. The findings of this study indicate that there is a need to further examine how nurses&rsquo; EI may influence patient outcomes. </p>

<p> HIV/AIDS epidemic is a significant public health issue in the United States (U.S.). A dearth of research focusing on the need to increase HIV screening across healthcare settings (Branson et al., 2006; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010) exists, yet few studies focus on the healthcare providers perspective. Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examined nurse practitioner (NP) attitudinal, normative, and control beliefs toward routine HIV screening and their associations and relationships with intentions and behaviors.</p><p> A cross sectional study was conducted using a random sample of 600 members from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. A total of 180 NPs completed a questionnaire. SPSS Version 22 was used for analysis. Although NPs care for a majority of patients aged 13 - 64, few (25.3%) report routine HIV screening while almost half (48.2%) report having intentions. NPs with higher HIV screening intentions were associated with higher HIV screening behaviors, positive attitude scores, higher normative expectation scores, higher normative priority scores, higher facilitator scores, and lower control barrier scores. Logistic regression revealed that social normative expectations and control facilitators predicted intentions toward routine HIV screening. Higher HIV screening behaviors were associated with positive attitude scores, higher normative expectation scores, and lower control barrier scores. Logistic regression revealed that social normative expectations and attitudes predicted behaviors toward routine HIV screening. Logistic regression revealed few beliefs or demographic variables predicted intentions and behaviors. Practicing for 10 -20 years predicted HIV screening intentions, while belief of obtaining consent from a parent/guardian in patients &lt;18 years of age, both rural and suburban communities, and having little to no specialty education in HIV screening were found to be most predictive of not routinely screening for HIV. Office staff support was found to be most predictive of HIV screening behaviors. The TPB is a valuable framework to examine healthcare provider behavior. The NP plays an important role in screening and case finding while focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. Greater coordinated efforts are needed to help NPs incorporate universal HIV screening into healthcare settings. </p>