Michelle Palokas

University of Missisippi Medical Center · School of Nursing

Objective The objective of this scoping review will be to identify barriers to and facilitators of screening children, adolescents, and adults for human trafficking in the health care setting. Introduction Human trafficking is a global issue that violates human rights and undermines the fabric of society. The effects of human trafficking span dome...

Introduction Ineffective communication between health care professionals is one of the leading causes of medical errors and can result in adverse events and patient harm. Improving the effectiveness of communication in health care is a worldwide necessity. Objective The aim of this project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding general...

Introduction Inpatient falls account for 6% to 24% of pediatric safety incidents and can lead to increased length of hospital stay, increased cost of care, and decreased satisfaction with care. A review of a pediatric hematology, oncology, neurology, and rehabilitation unit in a hospital in the southern United States revealed an average of one to t...

Introduction More than one in ten people globally live with a mental health illness. Adolescent mental health is a major contributor to that statistic, as 27% of adolescents have one or more mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems. School-based health care clinics can provide mental health services for this age group. Objectives T...

Introduction Stroke patients frequently experience debilitating deficits, and some receive a terminal diagnosis. Palliative care services are introduced to prioritize care, with the goal of improving quality of life. However, palliative care communication (PCC) is often delayed or used inefficiently with stroke patients. Objectives This project ai...

Introduction The routine use of heat-producing tools in the perioperative setting generates surgical smoke. Surgical smoke poses a known health hazard for perioperative staff working in the operating room. Objective The objective of this best practice project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding surgical plume management in a pediatri...

Introduction Immunosuppressed patients face increased health risks due to infections such as influenza or COVID-19. Scientific evidence supports improved health-related outcomes in this patient population, such as reduced hospitalizations, with up-to-date vaccinations. The project setting, a community-based rheumatology clinic, did not have a vacci...

Objective The aim of this best practice implementation project was to promote evidence-based practices (EBPs) for human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination among eligible HIV-positive patients. Introduction HPV-induced cancers are largely preventable by prophylactic vaccination of HPV-naïve individuals. Immunosuppression in HIV-positive patients pre...

Objective The objective of this review is to identify factors, tools, and interventions related to counselor biases and contraceptive counseling in women. Introduction Contraceptive counseling is the transfer of knowledge regarding contraceptive methods to aid an individual in selecting, discontinuing, or changing contraception. The counselor shou...

Objective The objective of this scoping review is to identify the barriers and facilitators of reproductive justice in pediatric health care. Introduction Reproductive justice is defined as the right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, to have or not have children, and to parent children in safe and sustainable communities. The reproductive just...

Introduction and objectives Ninety percent of maternal deaths are attributed to postpartum hemorrhage, with 50% being preventable. Annually, University of Mississippi Medical Center staff have more than 20,000 obstetrical encounters and deliver thousands of infants, with ∼75% being high-risk. The mother/baby unit, 3 Wiser, experienced two postpartu...

Objective The objective of this review is to determine the prevalence and incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium. Introduction Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted pathogen that can cause reproductive health issues in both men and women. Recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved testing has improved the capability to more readil...

Objective: The objective of this review was to explore what is known about implementing and evaluating the structural competency framework in undergraduate and graduate health science programs. This review also sought to identify outcomes that were reported as a result of adding this training to various curricula. Introduction: The structural co...

Objectives: The objective of this project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding the nursing assessment of pregnant women with hypertensive disorders admitted to the intrapartum unit. Introduction: Hypertension during pregnancy has been associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Ongoing evaluation and nursing care are key in...

Objective: The objective of this review is to synthesize the best evidence available to determine the prevalence and incidence of anal cancer in HIV-positive men. Introduction: Worldwide, an estimated 50,685 people were diagnosed with anal cancer in 2020 and an estimated 19,293 people died from the disease during the same year. From 2001 to 2015...

Objectives: The aim of this project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding conflict resolution in the hospital setting on a pediatric inpatient unit. Introduction: Conflict is an inevitable reality in healthcare organizations. Evidence suggests that to facilitate constructive conflict resolution among staff, organizational-level educa...

Objective: The objective of this review is to identify, appraise, and synthesize the best available qualitative evidence on the caregiving experiences of informal caregivers of adult stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduction: The functional and health outcomes of stroke patients are directly impacted by the mental and physical w...

Objectives: The objective of this project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding nursing communication with pediatric patients/families. Introduction: Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients/families is an essential component of patient care and plays a vital role in patient outcomes. Ineffective communicatio...

Objectives: The purpose of this evidence implementation project was to promote evidence-based practices regarding the delivery of diabetes self-management education via telehealth in conjunction with remote patient monitoring within the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Center for Telehealth. Introduction: Diabetes self-management educat...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map any barriers or obstacles to implementing a nurse residency program for new graduate nurses, and any facilitators that could ease the process of implementing a nurse residency program. Introduction: One way to prevent new nurse graduate turnover and reduce the organizational...

Objectives: The objective of this implementation project was to improve the cardiac catheterization lab multidisciplinary team's compliance with best practices regarding preprocedural care. Introduction: The cardiac catheterization lab performs numerous diagnostic and interventional outpatient procedures. Preprocedural care is a crucial step in...

Objective: This project aimed to promote evidence-based practices regarding the promotion of sleep and rest using nonpharmacological interventions for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children's of Mississippi. Introduction: Sleep is a basic physiological need that plays a fundamental role in the growth and development of in...

Objectives: The aim of this project was to increase compliance with rotation and documentation of rotation of oxygen saturation probes to reduce medical-device-related pressure injuries in children on a pediatric inpatient unit. Introduction: There are a multitude of factors that place hospitalized children at an increased risk for medical-devic...

Objectives: The aim of this implementation project was to improve compliance with best practice regarding nonpharmacological interventions used to promote sleep and rest in hospitalized pediatric patients in a nonintensive care setting. Introduction: Hospitalized children endure numerous hindrances to sleep and rest, including, but not limited t...

Objective: The objective of this review is to synthesize qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of parents and prospective parents when receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child in the perinatal period. Introduction: Increased awareness of parental experiences when receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis for their child may help...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to identify barriers to and facilitators for low dose computed tomography lung cancer screening uptake and adherence among rural populations in the United States. Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and cancer patients from rural areas have...

Objective: The objective of this review is to synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of trauma-informed, school-based interventions for children with a history of trauma or adverse experiences as they pertain to academic performance and health outcomes, including behavior, mental health, and socio-emotional functioning. Introduction: Ch...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to identify barriers and facilitators related to cancer clinical trial enrollment and participation among rural populations. Introduction: Advancing the effectiveness of cancer treatment and increasing early detection of cancer relies on enrollment and participation of individuals in cancer clin...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to identify and map the evidence on nonpharmacological interventions for acute pain management in patients with opioid tolerance and opioid abuse. Introduction: Opioid therapy is the mainstay of pain management for adults experiencing moderate-to-severe acute pain. However, considering the know...

Objective: The objective of this review is to examine mobile injury prevention programs for children and their families. Introduction: Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death worldwide for children aged one to 18 years. Providing injury prevention education to children and their families is a necessary and critical element in healt...

Background The management of acute pain in patients with pre-existing opioid tolerance or opioid use disorders presents unique challenges. In light of the concerns regarding opioid use, safe and effective alternatives to opioid medications are of increasing interest. Aims This study was conducted to determine if the use of guided meditation delive...

Objective: This scoping review will explore the challenges experienced by home care agencies and home care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes made to overcome these challenges. Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to home care agencies and providers worldwide. In response, home care agencies and p...

Objective: The objectives of this scoping review were to explore the existing literature related to millennial nurse-retention strategies and barriers, to examine and conceptually map the evidence, to extract any differences between Generation Y and Generation Z nurses, and to identify any gaps in the literature. Introduction: The millennial gen...

Objective: This scoping review aims to explore existing literature related to structural competency and how this concept is being implemented and evaluated in health sciences programs. Another aim is to examine and summarize any documented outcomes related to structural competency training. Introduction: Structural competency is a concept that w...

Objective: The objective of this umbrella review is to identify and evaluate the factors that contribute to a positive childbirth experience in laboring women in the hospital setting. Introduction: Childbirth is a milestone for women. Overall, the experience can positively or negatively affect self-esteem, bonding, future childbirth decisions, a...

Objective: The aim of this review was to evaluate the association between anti-thyroid antibodies and quality of life in people with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Introduction: Patients with Hashimoto's report symptom distress more often than those with non-autoimmune thyroid disorders. Therefore, anti-thyroid antibodies may be related to d...

Objective: The objective of this review was to map what is known about nurse manager emotional intelligence in relation to nurse job satisfaction and retention, and the tools used to measure emotional intelligence in this context. Introduction: As the health care environment responds to the demands of high-quality and low-cost care, nurse manage...

Objective: The objective of this review was to explore existing literature related to advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs, to examine and map the evidence, and to identify any gaps in the literature. Introduction: Internationally, there is literature regarding the implementation and benefits of professional advancement prog...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to explore the existing literature related to millennial nurse retention strategies and barriers; to examine and conceptually map the evidence; to extract any differences between nurse retention strategies and barriers for Gen Y and Gen Z; and to identify any gaps in the literature. Introduction:...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to explore strategies to improve financial literacy and related outcomes among medical students, residents, and fellows in the United States. Introduction: Financial wellness and literacy are essential parts of overall wellness for medical students, residents, and fellows. Financial illiteracy a...

Objective: The objective is to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacologic treatments compared to pharmacologic treatments in veterans with sleep disturbances. Introduction: Sleep disturbances in veterans are a common occurrence. If left untreated these individuals are susceptible not only to accidents and injuries but long-term psychiatric...

Objective: The objective of this review is to synthesize the best available evidence to determine the prevalence and incidence of adverse events in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome who have undergone catheter ablation. Introduction: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a rare congenital heart disease affecting the normal cardiac conduct...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to examine and map fasting times for adult intubated intensive care unit patients prior to general anesthesia, and patient outcomes following the cessation of enteral nutrition, to examine and conceptually map the evidence, and identify any gaps. Background: Malnutrition in critically ill inten...

Objective: The objective of this review is to explore existing literature related to free clinic oversight, and patient and health outcomes reported with the use of free clinics in the United States, to examine and conceptually map the evidence, and to identify any gaps. Introduction: Free clinics serve a unique role in American health care; how...

Objective: The objective of this review is to explore existing literature related to advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs in order to examine and map the evidence, and identify any gaps in the literature. Introduction: Most hospital systems utilize professional advancement models for their staff to recognize and reward emplo...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to explore existing literature on protocols initiated by nurses for a spontaneous breathing trial in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients in order to examine and conceptually map the evidence, and identify gaps in the literature. Introduction: The mechanically ventilated patient incurs high...

Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to explore the existing literature related to preventative interventions, protocols or guidelines for trauma patients at risk of cervical collar related pressure ulcers to examine and conceptually map the evidence, and to identify any gaps in the literature. Introduction: Cervical collars are n...

Objective: The objective of this review was to identify associations between premorbid neuropsychological conditions and pediatric mild traumatic brain injury/concussion recovery time and symptom severity. Introduction: There is a lack of evidence-based clinical guidelines for the care of children with a premorbid neuropsychological condition wh...

Objective: The object of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of computerized insulin titration protocols compared to manual insulin titration protocols for glycemic control in hospitalized adult patients. Introduction: Hyperglycemia is common during acute illness, and current recommendations for patients with altered glucose...

Review question: The question of this review is: what is the effectiveness of financial compensation for receiving a dose of long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication on the rate of medication adherence in adult patients with psychotic and bipolar disorders in an outpatient/community setting?

Objective: The objective of this review was to determine the effectiveness of intrathecal nicardipine compared to usual care on cerebral vasospasm and its impact on the following outcome measures: mean flow velocities, angiographic and/or clinical vasospasm, and infection rates. Introduction: The results of non-traumatic (aneurysmal) subarachnoi...

Review question: The question of this review is: What is the association of premorbid neuropsychological conditions with mild traumatic brain injury/concussion recovery time and symptom severity in children?

Review question: What are effective behavioral interventions and/or pharmacological methods for managing sleep disturbances in children with autism spectrum disorder?

Review question: What is the effectiveness of home monitoring on interstage survival rates, weight gain, hospital admissions and cost savings in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

Review objectives/questions The objectives of this scoping review are to explore the existing literature regarding protocols initated by nurses for a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients, to examine and conceptually map the evidence, and to identify any gaps in the literature. The questions of this review ar...

Review objective/question: The objectives of this review are to explore existing literature on discharge criteria, tools and strategies utilized in pediatric post-anesthesia care units (PACUs) after outpatient surgery, examine and conceptually map the evidence, and identify gaps in the literature.Specifically, the review question is: what criteria...

In order to provide excellent patient care and customer service, patient rounds should be efficient, effective, and timely. Also, essential healthcare team members should be present in rounds, to ensure interprofessional collaboration. Patients and families should also be included in rounds, to ensure accurate information is relayed and to ensure i...