Sarah Farrell - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sarah Farrell

Research paper thumbnail of Identifying and treating agitated behaviors in the long-term care setting

Lippincott's primary care practice

This article provides information on identification, assessment, and intervention techniques for ... more This article provides information on identification, assessment, and intervention techniques for agitated behaviors in the long-term care setting. Although the emphasis is on prevention and management of agitation, the article offers suggestions to assist health care providers in differentiating between delirium, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and dementia, which may place a resident at risk for agitation. Basic treatment approaches for each of these disorders is also reviewed.

Research paper thumbnail of Nursing management of acute psychotic episodes

The Nursing clinics of North America, 1998

Communicating with an individual experiencing an acute psychotic episode involves skills that can... more Communicating with an individual experiencing an acute psychotic episode involves skills that can be learned and refined. People experience psychosis in a variety of ways. Assessment skills and increased awareness of self are clinical skills that can be learned to improve communication and intervention with persons experiencing acute psychosis. This article defines characteristics of acute psychotic episodes with assessment parameters, initial nursing interventions, and referral sources. The authors offer a model for managing acute psychosis. This staged approach provides options for interventions based on accurate identification of the stage of psychosis.

Research paper thumbnail of The clubhouse model as exemplar. Merging psychiatric nursing and psychosocial rehabilitation

Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 1997

1. Psychiatric nurses have much to learn from and offer to the field of psychosocial rehabilitati... more 1. Psychiatric nurses have much to learn from and offer to the field of psychosocial rehabilitation and the psychiatric rehabilitation approach. 2. Psychiatric rehabilitation hopes to increase the functioning of persons with psychiatric disabilities so they can be successful in their environments with the least amount of ongoing professional intervention. 3. The hope of recovery, and of living, working, and loving in a community, is a significant advance from previous notions of how to care for persons with mental illness.

Research paper thumbnail of Rural and urban differences in continuity of care after state hospital discharge

Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.), 1996

In a study to determine differences in continuity of care for state hospital patients discharged ... more In a study to determine differences in continuity of care for state hospital patients discharged to rural and urban areas, all community mental health centers in Virginia were asked to complete a brief questionnaire about each patient discharged to the centers in fiscal year 1992. Discharges to rural centers had significantly higher levels of continuity of care on four of five dimensions of continuity. The authors conjecture that rural centers' lower staff ratios and decreased role boundaries may make them better able than urban centers to carry out the diverse tasks needed to help discharged patients resume community living.

Research paper thumbnail of eScreening: Developing an Electronic Screening Tool for Rural Primary Care

2006 IEEE Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium, 2006

The Rural Health Care Research Center at the University of Virginia, School of Nursing, conducted... more The Rural Health Care Research Center at the University of Virginia, School of Nursing, conducted a pilot study to develop a computer-based electronic screening tool that screens for alcohol abuse and depression among rural patients in a primary care setting. The eScreening tool provides a graphical user interface with audio outputs for users who may be functionally or computer illiterate. The interface is a Macromedia Flash movie shown on a web site. A database automatically and anonymously records the screening data. Two phases of user-testing for a prototype of the eScreening tool were conducted in June and July 2005. Future work on the eScreening tool entails expanding administrative controls, including screenings for other disorders, and providing a Spanish version. I. INTRODUCTION HIS work arises from the needs of the Rural Health Care Research Center, at the University of Virginia's (UVa) School of Nursing, which conducted a series of pilot studies [1]. One of the pilots called for the development of a computer-based electronic screening technology for rural visitors to primary care clinics. Specifically, the screening is for depression and alcohol abuse. Depression appears in nearly 10% of the American population [2]. Approximately 40% of patients with major depression (MDD) receive their health care through primary care [3; 4]. As much as 50% of MDD cases are undiagnosed in primary care [5]. The specific aims of the pilot study were: 1) Explore the perceptions of consumers and providers regarding the feasibility of a computer-based electronic screening tool in rural primary care; 2) Test a computer-based electronic touch screen tool, eScreening, for depression and alcohol use with rural consumers in primary care; and 3) Explore consumers' and providers' responses to implementation of the eScreening [1]. This paper describes the design and Manuscript received April 14, 2006.

Research paper thumbnail of Augmenting Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Theory

Perspectives In Psychiatric Care, 2003

The complex nature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) necessitates a multifaceted approach to... more The complex nature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) necessitates a multifaceted approach to treatment. To examine Antonovsky's sense of coherence theory as a framework for psychotherapy to optimize treatment for individuals with OCD. Selective literature review. Antonovsky's sense of coherence theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding the multiple pathways by which cognitive behavioral therapy can maintain and improve outcomes for people struggling with OCD.

Research paper thumbnail of Using an Interview Guide to Assess Suicidal Ideation

The Nurse Practitioner, 2002

More than 50% of Americans who commit suicide have seen their primary care provider in the weeks ... more More than 50% of Americans who commit suicide have seen their primary care provider in the weeks before their suicide. As primary care providers, we may miss opportunities to assess for suicidal ideation. Here, we present an interview guide that helps assess suicidal ideation in primary care patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2002

The incidence of tardive dyskinesia as a side effect of antipsychotic medications is well documen... more The incidence of tardive dyskinesia as a side effect of antipsychotic medications is well documented in the literature on the treatment for schizophrenia. Although the new generation of atypical neuroleptics helps diminish the incidence of such side effects, a complete elimination has yet to be fully realized. Nurses continually observe and assess patients. As such, nurses in all settings can effectively contribute to both preventative and palliative care of the patient who is about to receive or is currently receiving antipsychotic medications. Familiarity with the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and expertise in the application of AIMS in patient assessment assist in these important prevention efforts.

Research paper thumbnail of Early childhood mental health: services that can save a life

Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2004

The Give a Kid a Chance Omnibus Mental Health Services Act of 2003 (H.R.81) is a worthwhile propo... more The Give a Kid a Chance Omnibus Mental Health Services Act of 2003 (H.R.81) is a worthwhile proposal that endorses mental health services for children, adolescents, and their families. House Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas, who is the author of H.R. 81, provides a convincing argument about the need for mental health specialty services for children, adolescents, and their families (Thomas.loc.gov, 2003). Currently, a substantial portion of the pre-adult population has some sort of mental/emotional problem and would benefit by having access to mental health services. She proposes that early intervention for childhood mental disorders will result in optimal psychosocial outcomes during the teenage years and into adulthood. H.R. 81 will be examined using a policy analysis approach. The analysis will explore the description of the problem, significance of the problem situation, assessment and outcomes of prior efforts, need for analysis, major stakeholders, goals and objectives, measures of effectiveness, potential solutions, alternatives, future consequences, spillovers and externalities, constraints and political feasibility, and policy recommendations.

Research paper thumbnail of Childhood obesity: policy issues in 2003

Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2003

The problem of obesity is one that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The proportion o... more The problem of obesity is one that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The proportion of overweight and obese people in the United States and other heavily industrialized nations is increasing at an alarming rate. In December 2001, The Surgeon General declared it a top national priority in his report "A Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity" (Carmona, 2003). Obesity is directly related to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and even premature death. The increasing number of overweight people in the United States, therefore, represents a veritable public health threat to the entire population. Fortunately, obesity is preventable in most of its cases. The current culture with its prevalence of fast food, the dearth of healthy eating options, and the sedentary lifestyles of most Americans is not conducive to preventing obesity. New policy must strive to counteract the current cultural effects in order to create effective preventative measures against obesity.

Research paper thumbnail of From DREAM to REALITY

Journal of Christian Nursing, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Electronic Screening for Mental Health in Rural Primary Care

CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 2009

Despite attention to prevention and screening for depression and alcohol use, Healthy People 2010... more Despite attention to prevention and screening for depression and alcohol use, Healthy People 2010 objectives continue to include goals to increase the detection of depression and decrease the rates of alcohol abuse. These problems remain significant. The overall goal of this study was to develop a computer-based electronic screening tool and to determine the feasibility of implementing computer-based electronic screening technology (eScreening) for rural visitors to a primary care clinic. The study called specifically for an electronic touch screen with voice prompts. This tool, called the eScreening tool, screens for alcohol abuse and depression among rural patients in a primary care setting. The screening was offered to rural adults who are not in acute distress and not at end-of-life, regardless of their stated reason for seeking medical care. Phase one of the pilot was used to determine the perceptions of nurses, other providers and consumers regarding the acceptability and perceived usefulness of an eScreening tool. Phase two involved user testing of the eScreening tool. The longer-term goals of the research program are to work with rural nurses Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Research paper thumbnail of Technology and rural mental health

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting whether patients receive continuity of care after discharge from state hospitals: Policy implications

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 1999

This article reports the results of a comprehensive study of predictors of factors influencing co... more This article reports the results of a comprehensive study of predictors of factors influencing continuity of care for individuals discharged from state hospitals to communities. Continuity of care is defined and the predisposing, enabling and need factors are examined using a statewide database. The conceptual model is based on community support system principles, and it drives the research. The findings will influence policy, which will then affect community support system principles. Logistic regression analysis is employed as statistical analysis that lends itself to graphical form. Implications for policy and future research are presented.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effectiveness of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as Psychotherapists

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2005

This article explores the effectiveness of advanced practice registered nurses as psychotherapist... more This article explores the effectiveness of advanced practice registered nurses as psychotherapists. Psychiatric/mental health (PMH) clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) possess the training, skills, and abilities necessary to provide effective psychotherapy. A case study is examined involving a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder who underwent psychotherapy by a PMH CNS graduate student. Evidence is presented that CNSs follow evidence-based procedures with effective outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Web technology for persons with serious mental illness

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2004

Based on preliminary studies using staff focus groups and consumer interviews, a web-based homepa... more Based on preliminary studies using staff focus groups and consumer interviews, a web-based homepage portal was developed for use by staff and consumers in community mental health clinics. Standard user-testing methods were used to interview and observe participants who were discharge-ready from a state psychiatric facility. As the participants navigated the portal, they "talked aloud" and were presented scenarios to gain their opinions about design and content. The final result was a web portal with communication, education and support features that was ready for further development to deal with issues of privacy, confidentiality, and security, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Shared Decision Making in Mental Health Treatment: Qualitative Findings From Stakeholder Focus Groups

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Determinants of continuity of care for persons transitioning from state psychiatric facilities to communities

Research paper thumbnail of in Continuity of Care After

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES, Jun 1, 1996

In a study to determine differences in continuity of care for state hospital patients discharged ... more In a study to determine differences in continuity of care for state hospital patients discharged to rural and urban areas, all community mental health centers in Virginia were asked to complete a brief questionnaire about each patient discharged to the centers in fiscal year 1992. Discharges to rural centers had significantly higher levels of continuity of care on four of five dimensions of continuity. The authors conjecture that rural centers' lower staff ratios and decreased role boundaries may make them better able than urban centers to carry ...

Research paper thumbnail of Connecting congregations: technology resources influence parish nurse practice

Computers Informatics Nursing, May 1, 2009

This descriptive pilot study evaluated the influence of health resource information education and... more This descriptive pilot study evaluated the influence of health resource information education and the use of Web-based communication technology on the professional practice of the parish nurse in the congregational setting. Five parish nurse participants from varied denominations in rural and nonrural Virginia received a laptop computer, printer, video projector, and webcam along with high-speed Internet access in each congregational setting. The nurses attended two group education sessions that incorporated computer ...

Research paper thumbnail of Identifying and treating agitated behaviors in the long-term care setting

Lippincott's primary care practice

This article provides information on identification, assessment, and intervention techniques for ... more This article provides information on identification, assessment, and intervention techniques for agitated behaviors in the long-term care setting. Although the emphasis is on prevention and management of agitation, the article offers suggestions to assist health care providers in differentiating between delirium, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and dementia, which may place a resident at risk for agitation. Basic treatment approaches for each of these disorders is also reviewed.

Research paper thumbnail of Nursing management of acute psychotic episodes

The Nursing clinics of North America, 1998

Communicating with an individual experiencing an acute psychotic episode involves skills that can... more Communicating with an individual experiencing an acute psychotic episode involves skills that can be learned and refined. People experience psychosis in a variety of ways. Assessment skills and increased awareness of self are clinical skills that can be learned to improve communication and intervention with persons experiencing acute psychosis. This article defines characteristics of acute psychotic episodes with assessment parameters, initial nursing interventions, and referral sources. The authors offer a model for managing acute psychosis. This staged approach provides options for interventions based on accurate identification of the stage of psychosis.

Research paper thumbnail of The clubhouse model as exemplar. Merging psychiatric nursing and psychosocial rehabilitation

Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 1997

1. Psychiatric nurses have much to learn from and offer to the field of psychosocial rehabilitati... more 1. Psychiatric nurses have much to learn from and offer to the field of psychosocial rehabilitation and the psychiatric rehabilitation approach. 2. Psychiatric rehabilitation hopes to increase the functioning of persons with psychiatric disabilities so they can be successful in their environments with the least amount of ongoing professional intervention. 3. The hope of recovery, and of living, working, and loving in a community, is a significant advance from previous notions of how to care for persons with mental illness.

Research paper thumbnail of Rural and urban differences in continuity of care after state hospital discharge

Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.), 1996

In a study to determine differences in continuity of care for state hospital patients discharged ... more In a study to determine differences in continuity of care for state hospital patients discharged to rural and urban areas, all community mental health centers in Virginia were asked to complete a brief questionnaire about each patient discharged to the centers in fiscal year 1992. Discharges to rural centers had significantly higher levels of continuity of care on four of five dimensions of continuity. The authors conjecture that rural centers' lower staff ratios and decreased role boundaries may make them better able than urban centers to carry out the diverse tasks needed to help discharged patients resume community living.

Research paper thumbnail of eScreening: Developing an Electronic Screening Tool for Rural Primary Care

2006 IEEE Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium, 2006

The Rural Health Care Research Center at the University of Virginia, School of Nursing, conducted... more The Rural Health Care Research Center at the University of Virginia, School of Nursing, conducted a pilot study to develop a computer-based electronic screening tool that screens for alcohol abuse and depression among rural patients in a primary care setting. The eScreening tool provides a graphical user interface with audio outputs for users who may be functionally or computer illiterate. The interface is a Macromedia Flash movie shown on a web site. A database automatically and anonymously records the screening data. Two phases of user-testing for a prototype of the eScreening tool were conducted in June and July 2005. Future work on the eScreening tool entails expanding administrative controls, including screenings for other disorders, and providing a Spanish version. I. INTRODUCTION HIS work arises from the needs of the Rural Health Care Research Center, at the University of Virginia's (UVa) School of Nursing, which conducted a series of pilot studies [1]. One of the pilots called for the development of a computer-based electronic screening technology for rural visitors to primary care clinics. Specifically, the screening is for depression and alcohol abuse. Depression appears in nearly 10% of the American population [2]. Approximately 40% of patients with major depression (MDD) receive their health care through primary care [3; 4]. As much as 50% of MDD cases are undiagnosed in primary care [5]. The specific aims of the pilot study were: 1) Explore the perceptions of consumers and providers regarding the feasibility of a computer-based electronic screening tool in rural primary care; 2) Test a computer-based electronic touch screen tool, eScreening, for depression and alcohol use with rural consumers in primary care; and 3) Explore consumers' and providers' responses to implementation of the eScreening [1]. This paper describes the design and Manuscript received April 14, 2006.

Research paper thumbnail of Augmenting Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Theory

Perspectives In Psychiatric Care, 2003

The complex nature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) necessitates a multifaceted approach to... more The complex nature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) necessitates a multifaceted approach to treatment. To examine Antonovsky's sense of coherence theory as a framework for psychotherapy to optimize treatment for individuals with OCD. Selective literature review. Antonovsky's sense of coherence theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding the multiple pathways by which cognitive behavioral therapy can maintain and improve outcomes for people struggling with OCD.

Research paper thumbnail of Using an Interview Guide to Assess Suicidal Ideation

The Nurse Practitioner, 2002

More than 50% of Americans who commit suicide have seen their primary care provider in the weeks ... more More than 50% of Americans who commit suicide have seen their primary care provider in the weeks before their suicide. As primary care providers, we may miss opportunities to assess for suicidal ideation. Here, we present an interview guide that helps assess suicidal ideation in primary care patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Schizophrenia, tardive dyskinesia, and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2002

The incidence of tardive dyskinesia as a side effect of antipsychotic medications is well documen... more The incidence of tardive dyskinesia as a side effect of antipsychotic medications is well documented in the literature on the treatment for schizophrenia. Although the new generation of atypical neuroleptics helps diminish the incidence of such side effects, a complete elimination has yet to be fully realized. Nurses continually observe and assess patients. As such, nurses in all settings can effectively contribute to both preventative and palliative care of the patient who is about to receive or is currently receiving antipsychotic medications. Familiarity with the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) and expertise in the application of AIMS in patient assessment assist in these important prevention efforts.

Research paper thumbnail of Early childhood mental health: services that can save a life

Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2004

The Give a Kid a Chance Omnibus Mental Health Services Act of 2003 (H.R.81) is a worthwhile propo... more The Give a Kid a Chance Omnibus Mental Health Services Act of 2003 (H.R.81) is a worthwhile proposal that endorses mental health services for children, adolescents, and their families. House Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas, who is the author of H.R. 81, provides a convincing argument about the need for mental health specialty services for children, adolescents, and their families (Thomas.loc.gov, 2003). Currently, a substantial portion of the pre-adult population has some sort of mental/emotional problem and would benefit by having access to mental health services. She proposes that early intervention for childhood mental disorders will result in optimal psychosocial outcomes during the teenage years and into adulthood. H.R. 81 will be examined using a policy analysis approach. The analysis will explore the description of the problem, significance of the problem situation, assessment and outcomes of prior efforts, need for analysis, major stakeholders, goals and objectives, measures of effectiveness, potential solutions, alternatives, future consequences, spillovers and externalities, constraints and political feasibility, and policy recommendations.

Research paper thumbnail of Childhood obesity: policy issues in 2003

Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2003

The problem of obesity is one that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The proportion o... more The problem of obesity is one that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The proportion of overweight and obese people in the United States and other heavily industrialized nations is increasing at an alarming rate. In December 2001, The Surgeon General declared it a top national priority in his report "A Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity" (Carmona, 2003). Obesity is directly related to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and even premature death. The increasing number of overweight people in the United States, therefore, represents a veritable public health threat to the entire population. Fortunately, obesity is preventable in most of its cases. The current culture with its prevalence of fast food, the dearth of healthy eating options, and the sedentary lifestyles of most Americans is not conducive to preventing obesity. New policy must strive to counteract the current cultural effects in order to create effective preventative measures against obesity.

Research paper thumbnail of From DREAM to REALITY

Journal of Christian Nursing, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Electronic Screening for Mental Health in Rural Primary Care

CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 2009

Despite attention to prevention and screening for depression and alcohol use, Healthy People 2010... more Despite attention to prevention and screening for depression and alcohol use, Healthy People 2010 objectives continue to include goals to increase the detection of depression and decrease the rates of alcohol abuse. These problems remain significant. The overall goal of this study was to develop a computer-based electronic screening tool and to determine the feasibility of implementing computer-based electronic screening technology (eScreening) for rural visitors to a primary care clinic. The study called specifically for an electronic touch screen with voice prompts. This tool, called the eScreening tool, screens for alcohol abuse and depression among rural patients in a primary care setting. The screening was offered to rural adults who are not in acute distress and not at end-of-life, regardless of their stated reason for seeking medical care. Phase one of the pilot was used to determine the perceptions of nurses, other providers and consumers regarding the acceptability and perceived usefulness of an eScreening tool. Phase two involved user testing of the eScreening tool. The longer-term goals of the research program are to work with rural nurses Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Research paper thumbnail of Technology and rural mental health

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting whether patients receive continuity of care after discharge from state hospitals: Policy implications

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 1999

This article reports the results of a comprehensive study of predictors of factors influencing co... more This article reports the results of a comprehensive study of predictors of factors influencing continuity of care for individuals discharged from state hospitals to communities. Continuity of care is defined and the predisposing, enabling and need factors are examined using a statewide database. The conceptual model is based on community support system principles, and it drives the research. The findings will influence policy, which will then affect community support system principles. Logistic regression analysis is employed as statistical analysis that lends itself to graphical form. Implications for policy and future research are presented.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effectiveness of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses as Psychotherapists

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2005

This article explores the effectiveness of advanced practice registered nurses as psychotherapist... more This article explores the effectiveness of advanced practice registered nurses as psychotherapists. Psychiatric/mental health (PMH) clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) possess the training, skills, and abilities necessary to provide effective psychotherapy. A case study is examined involving a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder who underwent psychotherapy by a PMH CNS graduate student. Evidence is presented that CNSs follow evidence-based procedures with effective outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Web technology for persons with serious mental illness

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2004

Based on preliminary studies using staff focus groups and consumer interviews, a web-based homepa... more Based on preliminary studies using staff focus groups and consumer interviews, a web-based homepage portal was developed for use by staff and consumers in community mental health clinics. Standard user-testing methods were used to interview and observe participants who were discharge-ready from a state psychiatric facility. As the participants navigated the portal, they "talked aloud" and were presented scenarios to gain their opinions about design and content. The final result was a web portal with communication, education and support features that was ready for further development to deal with issues of privacy, confidentiality, and security, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Shared Decision Making in Mental Health Treatment: Qualitative Findings From Stakeholder Focus Groups

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Determinants of continuity of care for persons transitioning from state psychiatric facilities to communities

Research paper thumbnail of in Continuity of Care After

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES, Jun 1, 1996

In a study to determine differences in continuity of care for state hospital patients discharged ... more In a study to determine differences in continuity of care for state hospital patients discharged to rural and urban areas, all community mental health centers in Virginia were asked to complete a brief questionnaire about each patient discharged to the centers in fiscal year 1992. Discharges to rural centers had significantly higher levels of continuity of care on four of five dimensions of continuity. The authors conjecture that rural centers' lower staff ratios and decreased role boundaries may make them better able than urban centers to carry ...

Research paper thumbnail of Connecting congregations: technology resources influence parish nurse practice

Computers Informatics Nursing, May 1, 2009

This descriptive pilot study evaluated the influence of health resource information education and... more This descriptive pilot study evaluated the influence of health resource information education and the use of Web-based communication technology on the professional practice of the parish nurse in the congregational setting. Five parish nurse participants from varied denominations in rural and nonrural Virginia received a laptop computer, printer, video projector, and webcam along with high-speed Internet access in each congregational setting. The nurses attended two group education sessions that incorporated computer ...