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Title: The Significance of Adult Day Care.
Creator: Waligora, Kyra, Tappen, Ruth M.
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research project is to investigate the impact adult day care centers have on cognitively impaired older adults and their caregivers. I extracted data from records of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center participants who have given consent and attended the center for a minimum of six months. I have discovered that participants benefit from this day center because they experience an improved quality of life, maintain a higher level of functioning, have more...
Show moreThe purpose of this research project is to investigate the impact adult day care centers have on cognitively impaired older adults and their caregivers. I extracted data from records of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center participants who have given consent and attended the center for a minimum of six months. I have discovered that participants benefit from this day center because they experience an improved quality of life, maintain a higher level of functioning, have more opportunities for socialization, and establish friendships and connections. Caregivers of participants enrolled in the day center also benefit because they receive access to caregiver support groups, are temporarily freed from the responsibility to care, and are pleased that participants attend the center and enjoy attending the center. These findings contribute to the current body of research literature that supports the contributions of adult day care centers.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0005040
Subject Headings: College students --Research --United States.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Applying Roach’s Six C’s of Caring to Gather Health Data through Telephone Interviewing.
Creator: Moffa, Christine M., Tappen, Ruth M., Liehr, Patricia, Graduate College
Abstract/Description: The use of the telephone to speak to study participants about health-related issues is useful when logistics make it difficult for participant and researcher to meet in person. However, gaining the trust of the participant can be a challenge, partly due to fears of fraud and identity theft. A spirit of openness and caring must come across the telephone lines between interviewer and interviewee. Roach’s six C’s can be applied to convey a sense of caring, thereby relaxing the participant and...
Show moreThe use of the telephone to speak to study participants about health-related issues is useful when logistics make it difficult for participant and researcher to meet in person. However, gaining the trust of the participant can be a challenge, partly due to fears of fraud and identity theft. A spirit of openness and caring must come across the telephone lines between interviewer and interviewee. Roach’s six C’s can be applied to convey a sense of caring, thereby relaxing the participant and increasing their sense of safety to enhance the quantity and quality of health data being collected. According to Roach, caring is manifested through six C’s – compassion, competence, confidence, conscience, commitment, and comportment. Interviewers can be trained through role playing and scripting using Roach’s caring model. Compassion is expressed by being sensitive to the anxiety and apprehension they may feel toward receiving a call from a stranger, who is asking about health-related issues. Competence is expressed by being able to give the participant the information they need to have an understanding as to what they are consenting. Confidence is achieved by ensuring the participant that the information they share will be used appropriately and for the greater-good. Conscience is expressed by following ethical research protocols, adhering to confidentiality, and respecting the relationship with the research participant. Finally, interviewers manifest caring through comportment by identifying themselves with their name, credentials, and institution; addressing the participant formally; using language the participant can understand; and projecting caring through tone of voice.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005839
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Basic knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease in rural populations.
Creator: Wiese, Lisa Kirk, Williams, Christine L., Tappen, Ruth M., Graduate College
Date Issued: 2013-04-12
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361371
Subject Headings: Alzheimer's disease, Rural population
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Perceived Swallowing Disorders in Healthy Aging Individuals: Impact on Quality of Life.
Creator: Singer, Clare, Keintz, Connie, Danesh, Ali, Graduate College, Engstrom, Gabriella, Ouslander, Joseph, Tappen, Ruth M.
Abstract/Description: With large numbers of Americans over 65 years of age, millions of elderly individuals could be at risk for swallowing disorders or dysphagia. These disorders can greatly affect a person’s quality of life and health. While the aging process in a healthy individual does not necessarily lead to impaired swallowing, aging can lead to changes in the swallowing process, known as presbyphagia (Robbins, et al., 1992). Further data is needed regarding prevalence, effects of lifestyle, and relationship...
Show moreWith large numbers of Americans over 65 years of age, millions of elderly individuals could be at risk for swallowing disorders or dysphagia. These disorders can greatly affect a person’s quality of life and health. While the aging process in a healthy individual does not necessarily lead to impaired swallowing, aging can lead to changes in the swallowing process, known as presbyphagia (Robbins, et al., 1992). Further data is needed regarding prevalence, effects of lifestyle, and relationship with fatigue and swallowing abilities in healthy aging individuals. The purpose of this study was to: investigate the prevalence of self-reported swallowing difficulties in a healthy aging population; determine if age, ethnicity, or gender impact whether healthy aging individuals perceive swallowing problems; and, if individuals reporting swallowing difficulties experience avoidance of social situations or if fatigue relates as a factor in presbyphagia. A significantly greater proportion of Hispanic Americans indicated swallowing difficulties than expected by chance, 18.8% "No" vs. 40.5% "Yes" (p = .0035). Further analysis indicated those who self-reported swallowing difficulties were less socially engaged (t = 1.75, p = .048) and, for people who self-reported swallowing difficulties a significant correlation between reduced social aspects of life and increased level of fatigue (r = -.473, p = .003).Previous studies have reported mealtime anxiety and avoidance of eating with other people in elderly individuals (Ekberg, 2002). Overall, the negative social impact from presbyphagia can seriously affect an individual’s quality of life, however, early identification of swallowing difficulties and remediation may be beneficial.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005912
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Evaluation of videotape as a form of patient education post-hip repair: Staff perspectives.
Creator: Biles, Teresa Ann., Florida Atlantic University, Tappen, Ruth M.
Abstract/Description: Nurses have been able to invent new and creative ways to educate patients due to advances in technology. One advance, the use of videotapes for patient education, has increased in popularity over the last decade. This study evaluated the use of a videotape entitled "Moving Along," which was designed for post-hip repair patient education. A questionnaire was used to determine healthcare personnel's perspectives regarding content of the videotape and recommendations regarding videotape use and...
Show moreNurses have been able to invent new and creative ways to educate patients due to advances in technology. One advance, the use of videotapes for patient education, has increased in popularity over the last decade. This study evaluated the use of a videotape entitled "Moving Along," which was designed for post-hip repair patient education. A questionnaire was used to determine healthcare personnel's perspectives regarding content of the videotape and recommendations regarding videotape use and length. Data analyzed consisted of responses to the questionnaire. Analysis of the results suggested that the videotape should aid patients recovering from hip surgery as the content was found to be informative. Suggestions for information that could be added as well as deleted in order to improve the videotape are also reported. Videotapes permit the patient to review material at leisure and may free the nurse for other responsibilities.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15457
Subject Headings: Patient education--Audio-visual aids, Video tapes in education, Postoperative care
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparison of the Boston Naming Test and Miami Naming Test in an Afro-Caribbean population over the age of 55.
Creator: Keane, Florence., Florida Atlantic University, Tappen, Ruth M.
Abstract/Description: The Boston Naming Test (60 items) and the newly developed Miami Naming Test (76 items) are designed to assess naming deficits and word-retrieval capacities. These two tests were compared in a sample of 106 Afro-Caribbean elders. Analysis included inter-rater, test-retest reliability and internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. The correlation between the scores of both raters on the Boston Naming Test was r=.9974 and r=.9984 on the Miami Naming Test. The test-retest reliability scores...
Show moreThe Boston Naming Test (60 items) and the newly developed Miami Naming Test (76 items) are designed to assess naming deficits and word-retrieval capacities. These two tests were compared in a sample of 106 Afro-Caribbean elders. Analysis included inter-rater, test-retest reliability and internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. The correlation between the scores of both raters on the Boston Naming Test was r=.9974 and r=.9984 on the Miami Naming Test. The test-retest reliability scores were r=.936 for the Boston Naming Test and r=.931 for the Miami Naming Test. The alpha level for the Miami Naming Test was .95 and the Boston Naming Test was .94. The individual items for both tests were evaluated for their level of difficulty and the scores on the Miami Naming Test were compared to the Boston Naming Test and the Mini Mental State Exam results. Results indicated acceptable levels of reliability for both the Boston Naming Test and the Miami Naming Test. This study shed light on which items should be replaced or deleted and future directions for research on assessment of dementia on older adults of Afro-Caribbean background. This study was supported by Minority Supplement grant #NR07744-01 and was guided by design of the parent grant Culture Bias in Expressive Ability in Dementia funded by the National Institute of Nursing research.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12178
Subject Headings: Language and languages--Examinations--Research, Aging--Psychological aspects, Medical care--Needs assessment, Dementia--Research--Cross-cultural studies, Educational tests and measurements
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Meta-Analysis of the Accuracy of Visual Inspection for Cervical Cancer Screening: Does Provider Type or Training Matter?.
Creator: Driscoll, Susan D., Tappen, Ruth M., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Background: A global cervical cancer health disparity persists despite the demonstrated success of primary and secondary preventive strategies, such as cervical visual inspection (VI). Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and death for women in many low resource areas. The greatest risk is for those who are unable or unwilling to access screening. Barriers include healthcare personnel shortages, cost, transportation, and mistrust of healthcare providers and systems. Using...
Show moreBackground: A global cervical cancer health disparity persists despite the demonstrated success of primary and secondary preventive strategies, such as cervical visual inspection (VI). Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and death for women in many low resource areas. The greatest risk is for those who are unable or unwilling to access screening. Barriers include healthcare personnel shortages, cost, transportation, and mistrust of healthcare providers and systems. Using community health workers (CHWs) may overcome these barriers, increase facilitators, and improve participation in screening for women in remote areas with limited access to clinical resources. Aim: To determine whether the accuracy of VI performed by CHWs was comparable to VI by physicians or nurses and to consider the affect components of provider training had on VI accuracy. Methods: A systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis of published literature reporting on VI accuracy, provider type, and training was conducted. Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, study quality, and publication bias assessments improved rigor and bivariate linear mixed modeling (BLMM) was used to determine the affect of predictors on accuracy. Unconditional and conditional BLMMs, controlling for VI technique, provider type, community, clinical setting, HIV status, and gynecological symptoms were considered. Results: Provider type was a significant predictor of sensitivity (p=.048) in the unconditional VI model. VI performed by CHWs was 15% more sensitive than physicians (p=.014). Provider type was not a significant predictor of accuracy in any other models. Didactic and mentored hours predicted sensitivity in both BLMMs. Quality assurance and use of a training manual predicted specificity in unconditional BLMMs, but was not significant in conditional models. Number of training days, with ≤5 being optimal, predicted sensitivity in both BLMMs and specificity in the unconditional model. Conclusion: Study results suggest that community based cervical cancer screening with VI conducted by CHWs can be as, if not more, accurate than VI performed by licensed providers. Locally based screening programs could increase access to screening for women in remote areas. Collaborative partnerships in “pragmatic solidarity” between healthcare systems, CHWs, and the community could promote participation in screening resulting in decreased cervical cancer incidence and mortality.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004755
Subject Headings: Women--Health and hygiene., Cervix uteri--Cancer--Diagnosis., Cervix uteri--Cancer--Prevention., Medical screening., Medical care--Quality control., Community health services.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Evaluation of speak for myself™ with patients who are voiceless.
Creator: Koszalinski, Rebecca S., Tappen, Ruth M., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Patients who are hospitalized and are without voice would like to participate in their care. This requires clear communication. Speak for Myself™ (SFM) was developed for use at the bedside so that communication may be facilitated between patient and nurse when the patient is voiceless. The objective of this study was to evaluate Speak for Myself™ at the bedside and to measure the outcomes. This was a mixed methods, one group pre-test-post-test, quasi-experimental study. Twenty adult patients...
Show morePatients who are hospitalized and are without voice would like to participate in their care. This requires clear communication. Speak for Myself™ (SFM) was developed for use at the bedside so that communication may be facilitated between patient and nurse when the patient is voiceless. The objective of this study was to evaluate Speak for Myself™ at the bedside and to measure the outcomes. This was a mixed methods, one group pre-test-post-test, quasi-experimental study. Twenty adult patients in three hospitals in South Florida agreed to use Speak for Myself™ during their acute care hospital stay (M = 8.86 hours). This group of participants (n = 20) ranged from 45 to 91 years old (males = 14; females = 6). Of the participants, 15 (75%) self-identified as European American, 2 (10%) self-identified as Hispanic, 2 (10%) self-identified as African American, and 1 (5%) self-identified as Asian. Ten of the participants (50%) were in respiratory failure. Two (10%) were receiving oxygenation measures related to unspecified complications of their illnesses. Of the remaining eight participants (40%), one each was receiving oxygenation measures due to atrial fibrillation, arteriosclerotic heart disease, cardiogenic shock, endocarditis, neck abscess, renal failure, status post seizure activity, and tongue metastasis.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004298
Subject Headings: Communication devices for people with disabilities, Nurse and patient, Nursing -- Practice, Nursing -- Research -- Methodology, Outcome assessment (Medical care), People with disabilities -- Means of communication
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development and Psychometric Testing of the Personal and Social Responsibility Scale for Health Professions Students (PSR Scale).
Creator: De Los Santos, Maria, Tappen, Ruth, Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Service learning is a pedagogy designed to teach democratic skills to prepare students to become civically engaged members of society. One of the challenges in the field of service learning is to demonstrate the effectiveness of this pedagogy. Common methodological problems include small sample sizes, difficulty differentiating correlation from causation, self-selection bias, and use of primarily qualitative and experiential outcome measures. The literature review failed to reveal any...
Show moreService learning is a pedagogy designed to teach democratic skills to prepare students to become civically engaged members of society. One of the challenges in the field of service learning is to demonstrate the effectiveness of this pedagogy. Common methodological problems include small sample sizes, difficulty differentiating correlation from causation, self-selection bias, and use of primarily qualitative and experiential outcome measures. The literature review failed to reveal any quantitative scales designed for the health professions. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a quantitative scale to measure service learning outcomes among health professions students, before and after an academic service learning activity. Phase 1 of the study, the development phase, involved an extensive review of the literature to develop the conceptual framework and identify the operational indicators to be measured. Items were adapted from existing scales that were consistent with the personal and social responsibility dimensions and found to possess at least minimally acceptable reliability and validity. Items were adapted to add the health professions perspective which resulted in the preliminary twenty-two item scale, divided into four subscales: Civic Responsibility, Self-Efficacy Toward Service, Civic Participation, and Social Justice Attitudes. Psychometric testing of this preliminary PSR Scale was done in 3 studies. Study 1 involved evaluation of content validity with subject matter experts utilizing a Content Validity Index. The scale was modified based on the results of the CVI and recommendations of the subject matter experts. The S-CVI/Ave for the entire scale was .84 suggesting content validity of the PSR Scale. Study 2 utilized principal components analysis of the subscales to validate the dimensions and operational indicators. Data was constrained to four factors which accounted for 60.56% of the total variance. Items with factor loadings less than 0.4 were deleted. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated for internal consistency. Based on these results, the scale was further revised by deleting items that decreased the Cronbach’s alpha. This resulted in a 16 item scale, containing four subscales, each with four items. The Cronbach’s alpha for the entire revised scale PSR Scale was .94. Study 3 involved testing the final 16 item version for sensitivity. Wilcoxon signed rank analysis revealed statistically significant changes pre and post service learning activity in the Civic Participation Subscale. Civic Participation Subscale items that were significant included “volunteering time to support my community”, “being involved in programs and activities that improve my community”, and “being involved in activities that improve the health of my community”. These findings suggest that participation in a service learning activity can increase civic participation. Psychometric testing of the Personal and Social Responsibility Scale (PSR) support preliminary validity, reliability and sensitivity of the instrument and the premise, consistent with prior research that changes in civic participation can occur as a result of service learning.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013171
Subject Headings: Health occupations students, Health professions, Psychometrics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Identifying descriptions of quality nursing care shared by nurse and patient in the acute care hospital environment.
Creator: Grimley, Karen A., Tappen, Ruth M., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Nursing care is considered a primary predictor of patient assessment of the overall hospital experience. Yet, quality nursing care remains difficult to define. Limited research about nurse or patient perspectives on what constitutes quality nursing care in hospital settings prevents the identification of a shared description or insight into their possible interrelationship. Research about nurse and patient descriptions is needed to establish behaviors, attributes, and activities associated...
Show moreNursing care is considered a primary predictor of patient assessment of the overall hospital experience. Yet, quality nursing care remains difficult to define. Limited research about nurse or patient perspectives on what constitutes quality nursing care in hospital settings prevents the identification of a shared description or insight into their possible interrelationship. Research about nurse and patient descriptions is needed to establish behaviors, attributes, and activities associated with quality nursing care to improve the health and well-being of hospitalized patients.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004375
Subject Headings: Nursing--Philosophy, Nurse and patient, Medical care--Quality control, Intensive care nursing--Quality control, Outcome assessment--Medical care, Total quality management, Evidence-based nursing.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Recognizing Functional Decline in Persons with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment).
Creator: Powers-Jarvis, Robin Story, Tappen, Ruth M., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Although not all persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) go on to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD), MCI is recognized as an early stage of AD. The effects of AD are devastating to all concerned. Research has identified that recognition of AD in its earliest stages and institution of known treatment modalities can forestall the ultimate outcome. Identification of the first subtle signs of MCI can assist in the recognition of this prodromal phase, and allow for institution of therapy while...
Show moreAlthough not all persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) go on to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD), MCI is recognized as an early stage of AD. The effects of AD are devastating to all concerned. Research has identified that recognition of AD in its earliest stages and institution of known treatment modalities can forestall the ultimate outcome. Identification of the first subtle signs of MCI can assist in the recognition of this prodromal phase, and allow for institution of therapy while still in the initial stages. Unfortunately, the development of MCI is insidious in nature, thus making it difficult to detect. The purpose of this study was to identify areas of functional decline that occur in MCI in an effort to improve its early identification. A mixed-methods design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Fifty-three participants with memory complaints were interviewed using a semi structured interview technique with open-ended questions, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and a list of eighty-five items previously identified as indicative of functional decline. Twenty-nine persons were divided into two groups: 1) those identified as probable MCI (consensus diagnosis) (n=15) and possible MCI (based on screening examination) (n=14) and 2) those identified as Normal (no cognitive impairment) (n=10), and their subjective functional deficits compared. The findings suggest that there were certain areas of functional decline more commonly experienced by persons in the MCI group than by unimpaired. These include difficulty recalling details of information and forgetting conversations. There were also other changes identified, such as adaptations on the part of persons with MCI (an increased dependence on memory aids, for example, lists and calendars) and a dec rease in social activities leading to an increase in social isolation. Additionally identified were functional activities that appear to remain intact in persons with early MCI. This study highlights the subtlety with which MCI assaults the functional abilities of individuals, thus making its early identification problematic. The results of this study will contribute by providing information that will help professionals who are assessing persons experiencing memory issues for the possible presence of MCI. Additionally, it is hoped that these findings will assist in the development of a measurement tool designed to assess for possible MCI.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004536
Subject Headings: Alzheimer's disease -- Diagnosis, Amnestic mild cognitive impairment -- Diagnosis, Dementia -- Diagnosis, Memory disorders in old age -- Diagnosis, Mild cognitive impairment -- Diagnosis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Older Hispanics Explanatory Model of Depression.
Creator: Sadule-rios, Nohemi, Tappen, Ruth M., Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Researchers have reported a high prevalence of depression among older Hispanics in the United States when compared to other ethnic groups. Cultural variations in the perception of depression sometimes make it difficult to recognize the disorder resulting in older Hispanic patients not being diagnosed and not receiving appropriate treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore older Hispanics’ explanatory model of depression and identify culture-specific factors that may help in the...
Show moreResearchers have reported a high prevalence of depression among older Hispanics in the United States when compared to other ethnic groups. Cultural variations in the perception of depression sometimes make it difficult to recognize the disorder resulting in older Hispanic patients not being diagnosed and not receiving appropriate treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore older Hispanics’ explanatory model of depression and identify culture-specific factors that may help in the recognition and treatment of depression. A mixed-method design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Fifty participants were interviewed using Kleinman’s Explanatory Models ethnographic approach with a vignette variation, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Cross Cultural Measure of Acculturation (CCMA). The findings suggest that this group of older Hispanics did not recognize depression as an illness but rather as the result of life stressors and personal weaknesses. People who experience depressive symptoms were described as being crazy, bored, worried, or having a problem of the nerves. These culturally coded terms may confound diagnosis among many Hispanics who find depression an unacceptable and shameful condition. This cultural pattern seemed to prevail among low and high-acculturated individuals which may complicate the diagnosis of depression by health care providers. This study highlights the complexity and diversity of this group of older Hispanics’ conceptual model of depression. The results of this study will contribute to nursing care by providing additional information that will help professionals when working with Hispanic patients with depression. Findings expand our understanding of older Hispanics (high and low-acculturated, depressed and non-depressed) groups’ conceptualization of depression and can be used to inform the adaptation of culturally relevant approaches to better serve the Hispanic community in this country.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004055
Subject Headings: Depression in old age, Ethnopsychology, Hispanic Americans -- Mental health
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Impact of Heart Failure Education Program on Haitian Older Adults with Heart Failure.
Creator: Cesar, Farah, Tappen, Ruth, Adonis-Rizzo, Tamara, Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with various manifestations (Groenewegen, Rutten, Mosterd, & Hoes, 2020). However, self-care for patients with complex illnesses, such as HF, can be very challenging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (2020) reported that an estimated 6.2 million adults in the United States had HF. It is generally estimated that between 1% and 2% of adults in developed countries have HF (Groenewegen et al., 2020). Although important advances in...
Show moreHeart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with various manifestations (Groenewegen, Rutten, Mosterd, & Hoes, 2020). However, self-care for patients with complex illnesses, such as HF, can be very challenging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (2020) reported that an estimated 6.2 million adults in the United States had HF. It is generally estimated that between 1% and 2% of adults in developed countries have HF (Groenewegen et al., 2020). Although important advances in managing HF were made before approximately 1990, improvements have been significant since that time (Choi et al., 2019). However, some patients with HF still struggle. The prognosis of HF remains poor for most patients. One estimate suggests 87%, 73%, 57%, and 35% survival rates at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively (Groenewegen et al., 2020). A radical treatment for HF is a heart transplant, but due to the shortage of donated organs, this option remains out of reach for most patients (McDonagh et al., 2021). Recent success in the transplantation of a porcine heart into a human recipient suggests that some HF patients may benefit from this procedure in the future, but today, patients diagnosed with HF may receive a heart transplant from a diseased human donor (Kotz, 2022).
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/faudnp000069
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Rates and factors associated with falls in older European Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, African-Americans, and Hispanics.
Creator: Vieira, Edgar, Tappen, Ruth M., Engstrom, Gabriella, da Costa, Bruno
Date Issued: 2015-10
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000193
Format: Citation

Title: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RESILIENCE IN LATER LIFE IN THE U.S. AND NEPAL.
Creator: Neupane Poudel, Bandana, Tappen, Ruth M., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Resilience has been suggestive of successful aging. However, the resilience literature lacks a well-developed theoretical model of resilience in later life for diverse groups. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the resilience and its predictive factors in participants 60 years and older from the U.S. and Nepal. Secondary data from the Healthy Aging Research Initiative and newly collected data from Nepal were analyzed. Independent t-test using Welch’s test was used to assess...
Show moreResilience has been suggestive of successful aging. However, the resilience literature lacks a well-developed theoretical model of resilience in later life for diverse groups. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the resilience and its predictive factors in participants 60 years and older from the U.S. and Nepal. Secondary data from the Healthy Aging Research Initiative and newly collected data from Nepal were analyzed. Independent t-test using Welch’s test was used to assess the differences in resilience, functional activity, frailty, social support, personality, spirituality, physical health, and mental health of participants between the two countries. One-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons of the groups using the Games-Howell post hoc test was conducted to assess the differences in resilience of participants across groups of ethnicities, frailty status, and religious attendance. Pearson correlations were used to assess the relationship of resilience with independent variables. Backward elimination regression was used to identify the predictive factors of resilience. The model fit for the constructed conceptual model in the study was tested by Structural equation modeling.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013800
Subject Headings: Resilience (Personality trait) in old age, Healthy Aging, Resilience (Personality trait)--Nepal, Resilience (Personality trait)--United States
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE MORAL COMFORT QUESTIONNAIRE AMONG HOSPITAL-BASED DIRECT-CARE REGISTERED NURSES.
Creator: Bermudez, Natalie, Tappen, Ruth M., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Moral comfort, an emerging concept in nursing, is defined as an individual’s feelings of ease with decisions and actions related to a moral dilemma. Moral comfort for nurses is the positive outcome of a moral situation or dilemma, while moral distress, a widely explored issue in nursing, is the negative outcome. However, nursing literature on the concept of moral comfort is limited. While several instruments to measure moral distress exist, an instrument to measure moral comfort was not found...
Show moreMoral comfort, an emerging concept in nursing, is defined as an individual’s feelings of ease with decisions and actions related to a moral dilemma. Moral comfort for nurses is the positive outcome of a moral situation or dilemma, while moral distress, a widely explored issue in nursing, is the negative outcome. However, nursing literature on the concept of moral comfort is limited. While several instruments to measure moral distress exist, an instrument to measure moral comfort was not found. The Moral Comfort Questionnaire (MCQ) was theoretically developed. The purpose of this study was psychometric evaluation of this new 35-item instrument. Direct-care hospital-based registered nurses (n = 466) participated from February 2019 to September 2019 in this IRB-approved study. Participants completed demographic information, the MCQ, and the Moral Distress Scale revised (MDSR). Psychometric evaluation included a priori content validation and multiple statistical analyses: Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, weighted kappa, Bland- Altman analysis (B&A), discriminant validity, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013445
Subject Headings: Nurses, Nursing, Nursing--Moral and ethical aspects, Nursing ethics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE RELATIONSHIP OF GENE EXPRESSION, STRESS, DEPRESSION, AND THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY.
Creator: Brennen, Marlene Brown, Tappen, Ruth, Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to explore differences in perceived stress, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the expression of histone acetylation (HAT) of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White women in their 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Black women are 2–3 times more likely to experience preterm birth (PTB) and maternal mortality than White women (Hoyert, 2022; Martin et al., 2019). Researchers have reported chronic stress associated...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore differences in perceived stress, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the expression of histone acetylation (HAT) of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White women in their 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Black women are 2–3 times more likely to experience preterm birth (PTB) and maternal mortality than White women (Hoyert, 2022; Martin et al., 2019). Researchers have reported chronic stress associated with factors such as experiencing discrimination, financial hardship, and abuse may induce dysregulation of the stress hormones (Kramer et al., 2013; Shapiro-Mendoza et al., 2016). Likewise, the stress hormones glucocorticoid and CRH dysregulation have been linked to early labor, preeclampsia, and maternal death (Kramer et al., 2013; Shapiro-Mendoza et al., 2016; Yu et al., 2013). Additionally, social status, gender, education, and income are recognized as social determinants of health. This study used an observational, cross-sectional design to analyze the differences in perceived stress, depression, GR, and HAT of the CRH gene between a group of Black and White pregnant women in their 2nd trimester of pregnancy. This study analyzed perceived stress, depression, and peripheral blood monocytes cells (PMBC) using secondary, deidentified data from pregnant women. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure stress, the profile in Mood Depression Scale measured depression, a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis was used to measure GR and HAT of the CRH gene. The data were analyzed using correlation and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to examine relationships and the differences between groups.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014286
Subject Headings: Social Determinants of Health, Gene expression, Pregnancy--Health aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Health-Related Quality of Life and Pain Intensity Among Ethnically Diverse Community- Dwelling Older Adults.
Creator: Park, Juyoung, Engstrom, Gabriella, Tappen, Ruth, Ouslander, Joseph
Abstract/Description: Chronic pain is highly prevalent in older adults and often negatively associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study compared HRQoL, including physical health and mental health, in persons of differing ethnicities, and identified factors associated with pain intensity and HRQoL in ethnically diverse older adults. Older adults with chronic pain from four ethnic groups (African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Hispanics, and European Americans) were recruited from the Florida...
Show moreChronic pain is highly prevalent in older adults and often negatively associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study compared HRQoL, including physical health and mental health, in persons of differing ethnicities, and identified factors associated with pain intensity and HRQoL in ethnically diverse older adults. Older adults with chronic pain from four ethnic groups (African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Hispanics, and European Americans) were recruited from the Florida Atlantic University Healthy Aging Research Initiative (HARI) registry. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to evaluate HRQoL, including functional status, emotional well-being, and social functioning. Of 593 persons in the four ethnic groups in the registry, 174 met the inclusion criteria (pain level of four or higher on an 11-point scale, lasting 3 months or longer). Among these 174, African Americans reported the highest level of pain intensity, followed by Afro-Caribbeans, Hispanics, and European Americans. Hispanics reported the highest physical health scores and the lowest mental health scores. In contrast, African Americans reported the highest mental health scores and the lowest physical health scores. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that ethnicity, lower physical health scores, and lower mental health scores were significantly (p # .01) associated with pain intensity. Understanding ethnic variations in response to pain intensity may address gaps in knowledge about HRQoL to reduce disparities in optimal care. Health care providers should consider ethnic norms and cultural diversity to provide optimal interventions for this population.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000502
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: RESIDENT, FAMILY, AND SNF STAFF PERCEPTIONS ON TRANSITIONING FROM ACUTE CARE TO A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY.
Creator: Kaye, Suzie E., Tappen, Ruth, Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Abstract/Description: Transitions in care have been a national priority for decades to promote the safe and timely passage of patients between levels of healthcare and across care settings. Improving hospital discharge processes is an important quality improvement initiative to reduce adverse outcomes, and thirty-day readmission rates and increase patients’ satisfaction after discharge. This qualitative design study explored the perceptions, experiences, and gaps in understanding the needs of the resident and...
Show moreTransitions in care have been a national priority for decades to promote the safe and timely passage of patients between levels of healthcare and across care settings. Improving hospital discharge processes is an important quality improvement initiative to reduce adverse outcomes, and thirty-day readmission rates and increase patients’ satisfaction after discharge. This qualitative design study explored the perceptions, experiences, and gaps in understanding the needs of the resident and family in the transition from a hospital to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). It is essential to understand the perspective of the residents, families, and healthcare professionals who experience this transitional process to inform future research, and practice initiatives and to effectively prepare the residents and families for this transition. The purposive sample included 15 residents, 13 family members, and 12 SNF staff. The setting was a SNF within a continuing care residential community with an 89-licensed-bed capacity in Palm Beach County, FL. This doctoral research applied a descriptive qualitative methodology to capture the essence of the perceptions of residents, families, and staff participants transitioning from acute care to a skilled nursing facility. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed with an interactive model utilizing open, pattern, and thematic coding, and data (network) display to help organize, inform, and justify conclusions and explanations. Overall, 53% of residents, and 62% of families expressed confusion, frustration, concern, uncertainty, disappointment, and stress.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014469
Subject Headings: Transitional Care, Nursing, Health care management
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (12)	+ -
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Tappen, Ruth M. (14)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University (12)	+ -
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing (11)	+ -
Tappen, Ruth (5)	+ -
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