Ruth McCaffrey - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ruth McCaffrey

Research paper thumbnail of N-linked glycosylation of the V3 loop and the immunologically silent face of gp120 protects human immunodeficiency virus type 1 SF162 from neutralization by anti-gp120 and anti-gp41 antibodies

Journal of virology, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Drosophila mus301/spindle-C encodes a helicase with an essential role in dsDNA break repair and meiotic progression

Running head: mus301 encodes a helicase ABSTRACT mus301 was identified independently in two genet... more Running head: mus301 encodes a helicase ABSTRACT mus301 was identified independently in two genetic screens, one for mutants hypersensitive to chemical mutagens and another for maternal mutants with eggshell defects. mus301 is required for the proper specification of the oocyte and for progression through meiosis in the Drosophila ovary. We have cloned mus301 and show that it is a member of the Mus308 subfamily of ATP-dependent helicases and the closest homologue of human and mouse HEL308. Functional analyses demonstrate that

Research paper thumbnail of Vibroacoustic sound therapy improves pain management and more

Holistic nursing practice

Vibroacoustic therapy is a new sound technology that uses audible sound vibrations to reduce symp... more Vibroacoustic therapy is a new sound technology that uses audible sound vibrations to reduce symptoms, invoke relaxation, and alleviate stress. This technology is developed based on the recognition that external vibration can influence body function. Research demonstrates the effectiveness of vibroacoustic therapy. Implications for nurses include investigating the possibilities of vibroacoustic therapy in various nursing settings to promote patient well-being and improve the therapeutic environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Qigong practice: a pathway to health and healing

Holistic nursing practice

Qigong is a therapeutic Chinese practice that has been used for thousands of years to optimize an... more Qigong is a therapeutic Chinese practice that has been used for thousands of years to optimize and restore energy (Qi) to the body, mind, and spirit. Elements of Taoist and Buddhist philosophies form the foundation of Qigong, which promotes health and vitality through gentle exercises for the breath, body, mind, and the voice. One component of Qigong is T'ai Chi, an exercise modality that uses gentle movements. Research has demonstrated that Qigong and T'ai Chi have beneficial effects on the body and that these are becoming popular holistic modalities in the United States. Nurses should understand the philosophy, concepts, and elements of Qigong and T'ai Chi so that they can guide patients to the benefits of this ancient art and science.

Research paper thumbnail of Music listening as a nursing intervention: a symphony of practice

Holistic nursing practice, 2002

This article presents the use of music listening as an effective, noninvasive intervention design... more This article presents the use of music listening as an effective, noninvasive intervention designed to assist nurses in creating a healing environment to promote health and well-being. Music has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain, decreasing anxiety, and increasing relaxation. In addition, music has been used as a process to distract persons from unpleasant sensations and empower them with the ability to heal from within. As nurses develop practice patterns that are evidence based, the use of music listening could become an integral nursing intervention. To develop a guide for using music listening as a nursing intervention, six principles of practice are identified: intent, authentic presence, wholeness, preference, entrainment, and situating the client.

Research paper thumbnail of Effective anxiety treatment prior to diagnostic cardiac catheterization

Holistic nursing practice

Music therapy, massage, guided imagery, therapeutic touch, and stress management instruction have... more Music therapy, massage, guided imagery, therapeutic touch, and stress management instruction have been used successfully to decrease patient anxiety prior to diagnostic cardiac catheterization, providing better patient outcomes. The anxiety experienced among patients may have various causes, including not feeling cared about as an individual, too much waiting time before the procedure begins, and physical discomfort. This review determines nursing interventions that may effectively reduce anxiety prior to diagnostic cardiac catheterization.

Research paper thumbnail of Music Listening

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Interprofessional education in community-based Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treatment

Journal of Interprofessional Care, 2013

As the population ages and understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) impr... more As the population ages and understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) improves, the number of older adults diagnosed and treated for AD and related dementias is projected to increase. Dementia diagnosis, treatment and patient and family education are complex processes best done through collaboration among healthcare professions. The educational program described in this article aimed to create an interprofessional team approach to the diagnosis and treatment of dementia involving medical and family nurse practitioner students. A two-group treatment/control pretest posttest design was used to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes and appreciation for an interprofessional team approach to patient care. Findings from this interprofessional program demonstrated that nurse practitioner students gained higher levels of knowledge regarding AD, and medical students gained more positive attitudes toward these patients and their caregivers. Comments from students indicated that both medical and nursing students found the experience valuable. Understanding the roles that various providers play will help healthcare professional meet the challenge of caring for the increasing number of patients with memory loss and for their families.

Research paper thumbnail of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: What the Nurse Practitioner Should Know

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 2010

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners -JNP 269

Research paper thumbnail of Venothrombotic Events: Evidence-Based Risk Assessment, Prophylaxis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 2009

Venothrombotic events (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, are a common ca... more Venothrombotic events (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, are a common cause of death among community-dwelling, hospitalized, and recently hospitalized outpatients. Nurse practitioners are well positioned to complete a risk assessment, initiate prophylaxis for those at risk to prevent VTE, and provide early diagnosis and treatment if VTE does occur. This article presents information about the incidence and

Research paper thumbnail of Using the Creative Arts in Therapy and Healthcare: A Practical Introduction

Research paper thumbnail of Postauricular Pain with Bell's Palsy

The Nurse Practitioner, 2005

... Terri L. Frock is a former Visiting Assistant Professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of N... more ... Terri L. Frock is a former Visiting Assistant Professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University Davie campus in Davie, Fla. Ruth McCaffrey is an Assistant Professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University Boca ...

Research paper thumbnail of A program to improve communication and collaboration between nurses and medical residents

The Journal of …, 2010

A program was implemented for nurses and medical residents to improve communication and collabora... more A program was implemented for nurses and medical residents to improve communication and collaboration. It has been noted that communication and collaboration between members of the health care team improve patient outcomes and job satisfaction among nurses. Nurses on the unit where medical residents trained attended a 2-hour educational program that reviewed effective communication styles and positive aspects of collaboration, including role-playing examples. Medical residents received a self-learning packet with a posttest that was returned to researchers when completed. Focus groups, including both nurses and medical residents, were held twice a month for 6 months after the educational program. Overall improvements in communication, collaboration, patient outcomes, and job satisfaction were noted from the focus group data. The educational program proved to be successful in improving collaboration and communication between nurses and medical residents, which in turn improved patient care.

Research paper thumbnail of The lived experience of listening to music while recovering from surgery

Journal of Holistic Nursing, 2000

Music has been shown to have positive physiological and psychological effects on patients in prev... more Music has been shown to have positive physiological and psychological effects on patients in previous studies. In this study, the authors looked at the lived experience of listening to music and evaluated findings from a phenomenological perspective. Specifically, the authors described the following three themes that emerged from interview data with 8 participants who listened to music during postoperative recovery: (a) comfort from a discomforting condition, (b) familiarity in a strange environment, and (c) distraction from fear, pain, and anxiety. In addition, implications for the use of music by nurses are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Spiritual well-being and practices among women with gynecologic cancer

Oncology nursing …, 2009

To identify spiritual well-being and spiritual practices in women with gynecologic cancer. Descri... more To identify spiritual well-being and spiritual practices in women with gynecologic cancer. Descriptive, cross-sectional. Urban and rural communities in southeast Florida. Convenience sample of 85 women (X age = 65.72 years) with some form of gynecologic cancer. Participants completed questionnaires to assess spiritual well-being and spiritual practices while attending a healthcare clinic. Spiritual well-being, spiritual practices. The level of overall spiritual well-being was high, as were the levels of self-efficacy and life scheme (meaningfulness), as measured with two subscales. Most women reported use of several spiritual practices, including family activities, exercise, and listening to music. Additional study of the spiritual well-being and practices of women with cancer and comparisons with other groups of women are needed. Nurses can assume a role in encouraging spiritual practices and enhancing spiritual well-being in women with cancer.

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Testing of a DVT Risk Assessment Tool: Providing Evidence of Validity and Reliability

Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing, 2007

Background: Hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE) are prevent... more Background: Hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE) are preventable problems that can increase mortality. Early assessment and recognition of risk as well as initiating appropriate prevention measures can prevent DVT or PE.Aims: The purpose of this research project was to develop a DVT risk assessment tool and test the tool for validity and reliability.Methods: Three phases were undertaken in developing and testing the JFK Medical Center DVT risk assessment tool. Investigation and clarification of risk and predisposing factors for DVT were identified from the literature, expert nursing knowledge, and medical staff input. Second, item development and weighting were undertaken. Third, parametric testing for content validity measured the differences in mean assessment tool scores between a group of patients who developed DVT in the hospital and a demographically similar group who did not develop DVT. Interrater reliability was measured by having three different nurses score each patient and compare the differences in scores among the three.Findings: The DVT group had significantly higher scores on the JFK DVT assessment scale than did those who did not experience DVT. Interrater reliability showed a strong correlation among the scores of the three nurses (.98).Discussion: Providing a valid and reliable tool for measuring the risk for DVT or PE in hospitalized patients will enable nurses to intervene early in patients at risk. Basing DVT risk assessment on the evidence provided in this study will assist nurses in becoming more confident in recognizing the necessity for interventions in hospitalized patients and decreasing risk.Implications: Nurses can now evaluate patients at risk for DVT or PE using the JFK Medial Center's risk assessment tool.

Research paper thumbnail of N-linked glycosylation of the V3 loop and the immunologically silent face of gp120 protects human immunodeficiency virus type 1 SF162 from neutralization by anti-gp120 and anti-gp41 antibodies

Journal of virology, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Drosophila mus301/spindle-C encodes a helicase with an essential role in dsDNA break repair and meiotic progression

Running head: mus301 encodes a helicase ABSTRACT mus301 was identified independently in two genet... more Running head: mus301 encodes a helicase ABSTRACT mus301 was identified independently in two genetic screens, one for mutants hypersensitive to chemical mutagens and another for maternal mutants with eggshell defects. mus301 is required for the proper specification of the oocyte and for progression through meiosis in the Drosophila ovary. We have cloned mus301 and show that it is a member of the Mus308 subfamily of ATP-dependent helicases and the closest homologue of human and mouse HEL308. Functional analyses demonstrate that

Research paper thumbnail of Vibroacoustic sound therapy improves pain management and more

Holistic nursing practice

Vibroacoustic therapy is a new sound technology that uses audible sound vibrations to reduce symp... more Vibroacoustic therapy is a new sound technology that uses audible sound vibrations to reduce symptoms, invoke relaxation, and alleviate stress. This technology is developed based on the recognition that external vibration can influence body function. Research demonstrates the effectiveness of vibroacoustic therapy. Implications for nurses include investigating the possibilities of vibroacoustic therapy in various nursing settings to promote patient well-being and improve the therapeutic environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Qigong practice: a pathway to health and healing

Holistic nursing practice

Qigong is a therapeutic Chinese practice that has been used for thousands of years to optimize an... more Qigong is a therapeutic Chinese practice that has been used for thousands of years to optimize and restore energy (Qi) to the body, mind, and spirit. Elements of Taoist and Buddhist philosophies form the foundation of Qigong, which promotes health and vitality through gentle exercises for the breath, body, mind, and the voice. One component of Qigong is T'ai Chi, an exercise modality that uses gentle movements. Research has demonstrated that Qigong and T'ai Chi have beneficial effects on the body and that these are becoming popular holistic modalities in the United States. Nurses should understand the philosophy, concepts, and elements of Qigong and T'ai Chi so that they can guide patients to the benefits of this ancient art and science.

Research paper thumbnail of Music listening as a nursing intervention: a symphony of practice

Holistic nursing practice, 2002

This article presents the use of music listening as an effective, noninvasive intervention design... more This article presents the use of music listening as an effective, noninvasive intervention designed to assist nurses in creating a healing environment to promote health and well-being. Music has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain, decreasing anxiety, and increasing relaxation. In addition, music has been used as a process to distract persons from unpleasant sensations and empower them with the ability to heal from within. As nurses develop practice patterns that are evidence based, the use of music listening could become an integral nursing intervention. To develop a guide for using music listening as a nursing intervention, six principles of practice are identified: intent, authentic presence, wholeness, preference, entrainment, and situating the client.

Research paper thumbnail of Effective anxiety treatment prior to diagnostic cardiac catheterization

Holistic nursing practice

Music therapy, massage, guided imagery, therapeutic touch, and stress management instruction have... more Music therapy, massage, guided imagery, therapeutic touch, and stress management instruction have been used successfully to decrease patient anxiety prior to diagnostic cardiac catheterization, providing better patient outcomes. The anxiety experienced among patients may have various causes, including not feeling cared about as an individual, too much waiting time before the procedure begins, and physical discomfort. This review determines nursing interventions that may effectively reduce anxiety prior to diagnostic cardiac catheterization.

Research paper thumbnail of Music Listening

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Interprofessional education in community-based Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treatment

Journal of Interprofessional Care, 2013

As the population ages and understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) impr... more As the population ages and understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) improves, the number of older adults diagnosed and treated for AD and related dementias is projected to increase. Dementia diagnosis, treatment and patient and family education are complex processes best done through collaboration among healthcare professions. The educational program described in this article aimed to create an interprofessional team approach to the diagnosis and treatment of dementia involving medical and family nurse practitioner students. A two-group treatment/control pretest posttest design was used to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes and appreciation for an interprofessional team approach to patient care. Findings from this interprofessional program demonstrated that nurse practitioner students gained higher levels of knowledge regarding AD, and medical students gained more positive attitudes toward these patients and their caregivers. Comments from students indicated that both medical and nursing students found the experience valuable. Understanding the roles that various providers play will help healthcare professional meet the challenge of caring for the increasing number of patients with memory loss and for their families.

Research paper thumbnail of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: What the Nurse Practitioner Should Know

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 2010

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners -JNP 269

Research paper thumbnail of Venothrombotic Events: Evidence-Based Risk Assessment, Prophylaxis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 2009

Venothrombotic events (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, are a common ca... more Venothrombotic events (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, are a common cause of death among community-dwelling, hospitalized, and recently hospitalized outpatients. Nurse practitioners are well positioned to complete a risk assessment, initiate prophylaxis for those at risk to prevent VTE, and provide early diagnosis and treatment if VTE does occur. This article presents information about the incidence and

Research paper thumbnail of Using the Creative Arts in Therapy and Healthcare: A Practical Introduction

Research paper thumbnail of Postauricular Pain with Bell's Palsy

The Nurse Practitioner, 2005

... Terri L. Frock is a former Visiting Assistant Professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of N... more ... Terri L. Frock is a former Visiting Assistant Professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University Davie campus in Davie, Fla. Ruth McCaffrey is an Assistant Professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University Boca ...

Research paper thumbnail of A program to improve communication and collaboration between nurses and medical residents

The Journal of …, 2010

A program was implemented for nurses and medical residents to improve communication and collabora... more A program was implemented for nurses and medical residents to improve communication and collaboration. It has been noted that communication and collaboration between members of the health care team improve patient outcomes and job satisfaction among nurses. Nurses on the unit where medical residents trained attended a 2-hour educational program that reviewed effective communication styles and positive aspects of collaboration, including role-playing examples. Medical residents received a self-learning packet with a posttest that was returned to researchers when completed. Focus groups, including both nurses and medical residents, were held twice a month for 6 months after the educational program. Overall improvements in communication, collaboration, patient outcomes, and job satisfaction were noted from the focus group data. The educational program proved to be successful in improving collaboration and communication between nurses and medical residents, which in turn improved patient care.

Research paper thumbnail of The lived experience of listening to music while recovering from surgery

Journal of Holistic Nursing, 2000

Music has been shown to have positive physiological and psychological effects on patients in prev... more Music has been shown to have positive physiological and psychological effects on patients in previous studies. In this study, the authors looked at the lived experience of listening to music and evaluated findings from a phenomenological perspective. Specifically, the authors described the following three themes that emerged from interview data with 8 participants who listened to music during postoperative recovery: (a) comfort from a discomforting condition, (b) familiarity in a strange environment, and (c) distraction from fear, pain, and anxiety. In addition, implications for the use of music by nurses are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Spiritual well-being and practices among women with gynecologic cancer

Oncology nursing …, 2009

To identify spiritual well-being and spiritual practices in women with gynecologic cancer. Descri... more To identify spiritual well-being and spiritual practices in women with gynecologic cancer. Descriptive, cross-sectional. Urban and rural communities in southeast Florida. Convenience sample of 85 women (X age = 65.72 years) with some form of gynecologic cancer. Participants completed questionnaires to assess spiritual well-being and spiritual practices while attending a healthcare clinic. Spiritual well-being, spiritual practices. The level of overall spiritual well-being was high, as were the levels of self-efficacy and life scheme (meaningfulness), as measured with two subscales. Most women reported use of several spiritual practices, including family activities, exercise, and listening to music. Additional study of the spiritual well-being and practices of women with cancer and comparisons with other groups of women are needed. Nurses can assume a role in encouraging spiritual practices and enhancing spiritual well-being in women with cancer.

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Testing of a DVT Risk Assessment Tool: Providing Evidence of Validity and Reliability

Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing, 2007

Background: Hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE) are prevent... more Background: Hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE) are preventable problems that can increase mortality. Early assessment and recognition of risk as well as initiating appropriate prevention measures can prevent DVT or PE.Aims: The purpose of this research project was to develop a DVT risk assessment tool and test the tool for validity and reliability.Methods: Three phases were undertaken in developing and testing the JFK Medical Center DVT risk assessment tool. Investigation and clarification of risk and predisposing factors for DVT were identified from the literature, expert nursing knowledge, and medical staff input. Second, item development and weighting were undertaken. Third, parametric testing for content validity measured the differences in mean assessment tool scores between a group of patients who developed DVT in the hospital and a demographically similar group who did not develop DVT. Interrater reliability was measured by having three different nurses score each patient and compare the differences in scores among the three.Findings: The DVT group had significantly higher scores on the JFK DVT assessment scale than did those who did not experience DVT. Interrater reliability showed a strong correlation among the scores of the three nurses (.98).Discussion: Providing a valid and reliable tool for measuring the risk for DVT or PE in hospitalized patients will enable nurses to intervene early in patients at risk. Basing DVT risk assessment on the evidence provided in this study will assist nurses in becoming more confident in recognizing the necessity for interventions in hospitalized patients and decreasing risk.Implications: Nurses can now evaluate patients at risk for DVT or PE using the JFK Medial Center's risk assessment tool.