{"title":"A Standardized Protocol for Assessing and Addressing Social Determinants of Health.","authors":"Mary D Chenge, Dianne Conrad","doi":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000918","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000918","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Assessing and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is essential to improving patient outcomes and reducing health care costs.</p><p><strong>Problem: </strong>Although SDOH screening tools exist, many health care organizations lack a standardized process for assessing and addressing social needs.</p><p><strong>Approach: </strong>A structured process was developed to increase SDOH screenings, social work referrals, and reimbursement. This included an organizational assessment, selection of an evidence-based screening tool, protocol development, and implementation using the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework.</p><p><strong>Outcomes: </strong>To review the outcomes of implementing a standardized process for addressing SDOH, a quality improvement project at a primary care clinic was reviewed showing improvement in screenings, referrals, and reimbursements for billable screenings.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Implementing a standardized SDOH protocol can improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary health care visits, and increase reimbursements for organizations. Continued evaluation is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":16931,"journal":{"name":"Journal of nursing care quality","volume":"41 2","pages":"119-127"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147344652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Increasing Symptom Recognition Using Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes in an Oncology Research Clinic.","authors":"Kimberly Freitas, Chia-Lin Tsai, Shu-Yi Wang","doi":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000911","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000911","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The subjective nature of symptoms makes them challenging for providers to effectively assess. Implementing electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) surveys could improve symptom recognition and decrease emergency department (ED) visits and symptom severity while increasing psychosocial discussions.</p><p><strong>Local problem: </strong>An oncology clinic's initial symptom assessment process focused on common oncological complaints, leading to unmet symptom management needs and resulting in approximately 23 monthly ED visits.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were used to guide this project.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>Patients completed ePRO surveys which allowed visits to be focused on self-identified severe symptoms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average number of monthly ED visits declined from 23.25 to 19.5 ( P = .10), and severe adverse events decreased from 0.27 to 0.25 ( P = .95). Discussions concerning depression rose from 21% to 23.3% ( P = .78).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Implementing ePRO surveys was associated with a reduction in ED visits and an increase in psychosocial conversations, indicating that ePROs may contribute to improved value-based care.</p>","PeriodicalId":16931,"journal":{"name":"Journal of nursing care quality","volume":" ","pages":"171-177"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144958464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Isabel Maria Pereira da Rocha, Maria Manuela Martins, Luís Miguel Ferreira, Ana Paula Carvalho, Regina Pires
{"title":"Safe Practices in Nursing Care for Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Isabel Maria Pereira da Rocha, Maria Manuela Martins, Luís Miguel Ferreira, Ana Paula Carvalho, Regina Pires","doi":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000923","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000923","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a high-complexity procedure requiring specialized nursing to ensure care safety and quality.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study is to map safe nursing practices for patients undergoing BMT.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search, based on the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework, was conducted across 5 databases: MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Academic Search Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies published between 2014 and 2024 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were considered.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six studies were included. Key practices identified included structured medication administration protocols, infection prevention strategies, transfusion safety, graft infusion techniques, and the importance of professional training.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Safe nursing practices are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring quality care in BMT. The findings highlight the relevance of evidence-based protocols and continuous education to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16931,"journal":{"name":"Journal of nursing care quality","volume":" ","pages":"128-133"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145513089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda Davidson, Rebecca Kitzmiller, Carrie Palmer, Elena Stock
{"title":"A Fall Prevention Program Evaluation in a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit.","authors":"Amanda Davidson, Rebecca Kitzmiller, Carrie Palmer, Elena Stock","doi":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000910","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000910","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16931,"journal":{"name":"Journal of nursing care quality","volume":" ","pages":"107-110"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144958351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Qualitative Study of the Lived Transition in Care Experiences of Patients With COPD Over the Age of 65.","authors":"Judy Badia, Nicolette McPartland, Debbie Pierce","doi":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000893","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000893","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is complex due to comorbidities, symptom variability, and the need for long-term care, which can lead to high 30-day hospital readmission rates.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of patients with COPD discharged from the hospital setting, focusing on the patients' perspectives on discharge planning to enhance care transitions and reduce readmissions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A semi-structured qualitative design was employed over 3 months, involving 10 patients with COPD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Key areas for improving care transitions include anxiety management, enhancing nursing education, strengthening support for patients and care partners, preventing functional decline, standardizing care, and increasing patient engagement in discharge planning.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Targeting these opportunities may enhance patient outcomes and optimize care transitions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16931,"journal":{"name":"Journal of nursing care quality","volume":" ","pages":"178-184"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144637371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using Scripting to Reduce Patient Refusals of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Treatments.","authors":"Kizzie J Charles","doi":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000917","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000917","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16931,"journal":{"name":"Journal of nursing care quality","volume":" ","pages":"115-118"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145244707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bias, Poverty, and Caring: Preparing Nurses for Equitable Practice.","authors":"Angie Shilling","doi":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000932","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000932","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16931,"journal":{"name":"Journal of nursing care quality","volume":" ","pages":"192"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145513119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Implementing Competency-Based Orientation to Enhance Preparedness and Confidence in New Nurses Managing High-Risk Obstetric Emergencies.","authors":"Gina Holman","doi":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000937","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000937","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16931,"journal":{"name":"Journal of nursing care quality","volume":" ","pages":"118"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145714812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lexus Ujano-De Motta, Marina McCreight, Lauren McKown, Brianne Morgan, Marguerite Daus, Heidi Sjoberg, Robert P Klocko, Chelsea Leonard, Christine D Jones
{"title":"Program Infrastructure's Role on Sustainment of a Veterans Care Coordination Program: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Lexus Ujano-De Motta, Marina McCreight, Lauren McKown, Brianne Morgan, Marguerite Daus, Heidi Sjoberg, Robert P Klocko, Chelsea Leonard, Christine D Jones","doi":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000906","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000906","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Program infrastructure is essential for sustainment of care coordination programs, yet current infrastructure models remain understudied in clinical settings.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To understand perspectives and experiences of frontline nurse implementors regarding plans, barriers, and facilitators to sustainment of an evidence-based care coordination program for Veterans known as the Transitions Nurse Program.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 nurse implementors across 2 program waves. Data were analyzed using iterative, team-based deductive and inductive content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four key program infrastructure factors emerged: nuances of dual nurse roles, leadership support, financial considerations, and social work integration.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Transitions Nurse Program sustainment is informed by the interplay of program infrastructure factors. Leadership should consider how hiring nurses with dual roles impacts program sustainment.</p>","PeriodicalId":16931,"journal":{"name":"Journal of nursing care quality","volume":" ","pages":"164-170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144821625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}