Karen Devereaux Melillo | University of Massachusetts, Lowell (original) (raw)

Papers by Karen Devereaux Melillo

Innovation in Aging

In 2020, the UML AFU campus launched the AFU Inventory and Climate Surveys (in partnership with U... more In 2020, the UML AFU campus launched the AFU Inventory and Climate Surveys (in partnership with UMass Boston). The results identified a need for campus improvement related to “involving retired faculty in University activities’ (Principle 9) and “promoting intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages” (Principle 4). An IRB-approved follow-up survey invited respondents to participate in one-hour virtual qualitative interviews to explore the research question: What are the perceptions of Emeritus Professors regarding AFU Principles 4 and 9? Emeritus Professor interviews (n=19) were held in 2021. Four researchers completed the content analyses, which revealed six major themes: promoting intergenerational learning activities; considering emeritus group; being proactive; supporting continued UML relationships; meaning of emeritus and preferred engagement; actual and perceived benefits. The findings will be discussed as to how A...

Innovation in Aging

The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Climate Survey (in collaboration with UMass Boston) in 2019 ide... more The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Climate Survey (in collaboration with UMass Boston) in 2019 identified the need to engage the University’s own emeriti professors; this need reflects the AFU Principle 9. The objective of this study was to explore emeriti professor’s perspectives and areas of interest in intergenerational activities. After IRB approval, an online Qualtrics survey was sent to 315 emeriti professors. Eighty-six (27.3%) participants responded to the survey. About 60% reported interest in guest lecturing either online or face-to-face, and 48% reported interest in sharing retirement experiences with students. In addition to descriptive statistics this paper will present the analysis of open-ended questions relating to intergenerational education, research, service activities and their interest in establishing an emeriti association as a venue to connect with the University. The AFU principles will be discussed in the context of engaging emeriti professors in intergenerat...

Innovation in Aging, Dec 1, 2020

Innovation in Aging, Nov 1, 2022

Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Feb 1, 2010

Rehabilitation Nursing, Sep 1, 2006

Innovation in Aging, Nov 1, 2022

Innovation in Aging, Dec 1, 2021

Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Jun 1, 2016

Research in Gerontological Nursing, 2009

Dehydration is a common problem among older adults and can negatively affect their health. This c... more Dehydration is a common problem among older adults and can negatively affect their health. This cross-sectional descriptive study used survey findings and focus group interviews to investigate dehydration problems among community-dwelling older adults and to identify strategies perceived to be helpful in preventing dehydration in this population. The survey sample ( n = 18) and four focus groups ( n = 36) included health care providers in the northeast United States from provider agencies representing emergency care, home care, primary care, and community health care. Survey findings indicated that 89% of participants identify dehydration as a problem affecting older adults, and 94% noted the need for a public campaign on dehydration awareness and reduction. Four major themes emerged: Intentional Avoidance and Caution, Lack of Awareness/Education/Understanding, Poor Access to Fluids, and Social and Environmental Influences. Strategies identified to promote hydration in community-dwelling older adults included community partnerships, community education, community engagement, and interdisciplinary approaches. This study provides useful information and detailed strategies recommended by health care providers for designing interventions to promote hydration for community-dwelling older adults.

Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, Oct 1, 2013

Delirium is a widespread complication of hospitalization and is frequently unrecognized by nurses... more Delirium is a widespread complication of hospitalization and is frequently unrecognized by nurses and other healthcare professionals. Patients with neuroscience diagnoses are at increased risk for delirium as compared with other patients. The aims of this quality improvement project were to (1) increase neuroscience nurses' knowledge of delirium, (2) integrate coaching into evidence-based practice, and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of this combined approach to improve nurses' recognition of delirium on a neuroscience unit. Institutional review board approval was obtained. A retrospective chart review of randomly selected patients admitted before the intervention was completed. The (modified) Nurse's Knowledge of Delirium Tool was electronically administered to nursing staff (n = 47), followed within 2 weeks by a didactic presentation on delirium. Bedside coaching was performed over a period of 4 weeks. The (modified) Nurses Knowledge of Delirium Tool was electronically readministered to nurses 4 weeks later to determine the change in aggregate knowledge. A postintervention chart review was conducted. SPSS software was used to analyze descriptive statistics with regard to chart reviews, documentation, and change in questionnaire scores. Findings reveal that neuroscience nurses recognize the absence of delirium 94.4% of the time and the presence of delirium 100% of the time after a didactic session and coaching. The postintervention chart review showed a statistically significant increase (p = .000) in the documentation of delirium screening results. Expert coaching at the bedside may be a reliable method for teaching nurses to use evidence-based screening tools to detect delirium in patients with neuroscience diagnoses.

Journal of Advanced Nursing, Mar 1, 1996

Advances in family practice nursing, May 1, 2022

Rehabilitation Nursing, Mar 1, 2007

Jones & Bartlett Learning eBooks, 2011

... Gambling 404 Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness with Follow-Up 406 Related Issues Pertaini... more ... Gambling 404 Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness with Follow-Up 406 Related Issues Pertaining to Problem and Pathological Gambling in Older ... 418 Prevention 418 Summary 420 Acknowledgments 420 References 420 19 End of Life 423 Michelle Doran Karyn Geary Gold ...

The Nurse practitioner, Aug 1, 2000

Nursing Forum, Jul 1, 2011

The current economic climate has resulted in many experienced nurses returning to the workforce. ... more The current economic climate has resulted in many experienced nurses returning to the workforce. Despite this, the nursing shortage is looming in our future and the recruitment of a diverse nursing workforce reflective of the population remains a high priority. The Merrimack Valley in northeastern Massachusetts has two large cities, Lawrence and Lowell, in which the Hispanic and the Southeast Asian populations are disproportionately higher than state and national levels. Through the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Bring Diversity to Nursing Project, partnerships with both city school systems were developed and after-school programs aimed at highlighting nursing as a career choice were initiated. Mr. Thompson's Heart is the focus of a middle school, pre-entry program developed by faculty. Introducing career choices in middle school gives students fundamental information about careers and how to begin investigating them. Mr. Thompson's Heart introduces nursing as a career choice combining career information with a focus on developing healthy lifestyle habits. Multiple hands on activities create excitement and interest in the nursing profession.

Journal of cultural diversity, Jul 1, 2013

Abstract: Despite modest gains in ethnic and racial minority representation in the nursing profes... more Abstract: Despite modest gains in ethnic and racial minority representation in the nursing profession, the current nursing workforce does not mirror the U.S. population. Efforts to increase and maintain baccalaureate-prepared minority nurses to begin to reflect the diverse population needing culturally responsive, high quality care is a continuing goal of nursing education and practice. Because of this, initiatives focusing on increasing ethnic and cultural diversity of healthcare workers are of high priority. The Bring Diversity to Nursing (BDN) project describes the University of Massachusetts Lowell's success at pre-entry, retention, and graduation of minority and educationally and economically disadvantaged students. The resultant graduation and practice of BDN students as professional nurses can contribute to addressing health care needs and reducing health disparities in the Lowell and Lawrence communities and beyond.Key Words: Diversity, Pre-entry Recruitment, Nursing Student Retention, Economically Disadvantaged, Educationally Disadvantaged, Health Disparities, Culturally Competent Care, Baccalaureate Nurses, Nursing EducationThere is a clear link between lack of diversity in the nursing workforce and nursing's ability to effectively address health disparities with high-quality, culturally competent care (AACN, 2011; Huston, 2008). Efforts to increase and maintain baccalaureate-prepared minority nurses to begin to reflect the diverse population needing culturally responsive, high quality care is a continuing goal of nursing education and practice. Because of this, initiatives focusing on increasing ethnic and cultural diversity of healthcare workers are of high priority. Despite modest gains in ethnic and racial minority representation in the nursing profession, the current nursing workforce does not mirror the U.S. population. Attempts to recruit, retain and graduate a diverse cadre of professional nurses remain a goal for nurse educators and nursing programs. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) (2009) has identified the need to "attract students from underrepresented groups in nursing - specifically men and individuals from African American, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian and Alaskan native backgrounds" (p. 1). To address this critical need, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Nursing, provided federal funding for Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) grants to colleges and universities. The purpose of tne NWD program is to provide funding for projects to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds through three major components: Pre-Entry Preparation, Retention, and Student Scholarships and /or Stipends.In July 2008, the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) Department of Nursing received funding from the Bureau of Health Professions to support the Bring Diversity to Nursing (BDN) project. This funding, coupled witn funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Workforce Development grant 20072010, allowed the Nursing Program to begin to address the needs in the northeast area of Massachusetts known as the Merrimack Valley.UML is located in tne Merrimack Valley where the two largest cities are Lowell and Lawrence. These cities are culturally diverse and have Hispanic and/or Asian populations that are disproportionately higher than the state levels. Both socioeconomic and health disparities exist in Lowell and Lawrence. The city of Lowell has an estimated population of 98,766 with a growing number of individuals of Asian and Hispanic backgrounds. Twenty-four percent were not born in the U.S., and 17.5% of all persons in Lowell live below the poverty level, compared to 13% statewide (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2008a). The city of Lawrence has a population of 71,234. It, too, is an ethnically diverse city with a primarily Hispanic background representing nearly 71% of the population, ana 34. …

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships

Innovation in Aging

In 2020, the UML AFU campus launched the AFU Inventory and Climate Surveys (in partnership with U... more In 2020, the UML AFU campus launched the AFU Inventory and Climate Surveys (in partnership with UMass Boston). The results identified a need for campus improvement related to “involving retired faculty in University activities’ (Principle 9) and “promoting intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages” (Principle 4). An IRB-approved follow-up survey invited respondents to participate in one-hour virtual qualitative interviews to explore the research question: What are the perceptions of Emeritus Professors regarding AFU Principles 4 and 9? Emeritus Professor interviews (n=19) were held in 2021. Four researchers completed the content analyses, which revealed six major themes: promoting intergenerational learning activities; considering emeritus group; being proactive; supporting continued UML relationships; meaning of emeritus and preferred engagement; actual and perceived benefits. The findings will be discussed as to how A...

Innovation in Aging

The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Climate Survey (in collaboration with UMass Boston) in 2019 ide... more The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Climate Survey (in collaboration with UMass Boston) in 2019 identified the need to engage the University’s own emeriti professors; this need reflects the AFU Principle 9. The objective of this study was to explore emeriti professor’s perspectives and areas of interest in intergenerational activities. After IRB approval, an online Qualtrics survey was sent to 315 emeriti professors. Eighty-six (27.3%) participants responded to the survey. About 60% reported interest in guest lecturing either online or face-to-face, and 48% reported interest in sharing retirement experiences with students. In addition to descriptive statistics this paper will present the analysis of open-ended questions relating to intergenerational education, research, service activities and their interest in establishing an emeriti association as a venue to connect with the University. The AFU principles will be discussed in the context of engaging emeriti professors in intergenerat...

Innovation in Aging, Dec 1, 2020

Innovation in Aging, Nov 1, 2022

Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Feb 1, 2010

Rehabilitation Nursing, Sep 1, 2006

Innovation in Aging, Nov 1, 2022

Innovation in Aging, Dec 1, 2021

Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Jun 1, 2016

Research in Gerontological Nursing, 2009

Dehydration is a common problem among older adults and can negatively affect their health. This c... more Dehydration is a common problem among older adults and can negatively affect their health. This cross-sectional descriptive study used survey findings and focus group interviews to investigate dehydration problems among community-dwelling older adults and to identify strategies perceived to be helpful in preventing dehydration in this population. The survey sample ( n = 18) and four focus groups ( n = 36) included health care providers in the northeast United States from provider agencies representing emergency care, home care, primary care, and community health care. Survey findings indicated that 89% of participants identify dehydration as a problem affecting older adults, and 94% noted the need for a public campaign on dehydration awareness and reduction. Four major themes emerged: Intentional Avoidance and Caution, Lack of Awareness/Education/Understanding, Poor Access to Fluids, and Social and Environmental Influences. Strategies identified to promote hydration in community-dwelling older adults included community partnerships, community education, community engagement, and interdisciplinary approaches. This study provides useful information and detailed strategies recommended by health care providers for designing interventions to promote hydration for community-dwelling older adults.

Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, Oct 1, 2013

Delirium is a widespread complication of hospitalization and is frequently unrecognized by nurses... more Delirium is a widespread complication of hospitalization and is frequently unrecognized by nurses and other healthcare professionals. Patients with neuroscience diagnoses are at increased risk for delirium as compared with other patients. The aims of this quality improvement project were to (1) increase neuroscience nurses' knowledge of delirium, (2) integrate coaching into evidence-based practice, and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of this combined approach to improve nurses' recognition of delirium on a neuroscience unit. Institutional review board approval was obtained. A retrospective chart review of randomly selected patients admitted before the intervention was completed. The (modified) Nurse's Knowledge of Delirium Tool was electronically administered to nursing staff (n = 47), followed within 2 weeks by a didactic presentation on delirium. Bedside coaching was performed over a period of 4 weeks. The (modified) Nurses Knowledge of Delirium Tool was electronically readministered to nurses 4 weeks later to determine the change in aggregate knowledge. A postintervention chart review was conducted. SPSS software was used to analyze descriptive statistics with regard to chart reviews, documentation, and change in questionnaire scores. Findings reveal that neuroscience nurses recognize the absence of delirium 94.4% of the time and the presence of delirium 100% of the time after a didactic session and coaching. The postintervention chart review showed a statistically significant increase (p = .000) in the documentation of delirium screening results. Expert coaching at the bedside may be a reliable method for teaching nurses to use evidence-based screening tools to detect delirium in patients with neuroscience diagnoses.

Journal of Advanced Nursing, Mar 1, 1996

Advances in family practice nursing, May 1, 2022

Rehabilitation Nursing, Mar 1, 2007

Jones & Bartlett Learning eBooks, 2011

... Gambling 404 Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness with Follow-Up 406 Related Issues Pertaini... more ... Gambling 404 Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness with Follow-Up 406 Related Issues Pertaining to Problem and Pathological Gambling in Older ... 418 Prevention 418 Summary 420 Acknowledgments 420 References 420 19 End of Life 423 Michelle Doran Karyn Geary Gold ...

The Nurse practitioner, Aug 1, 2000

Nursing Forum, Jul 1, 2011

The current economic climate has resulted in many experienced nurses returning to the workforce. ... more The current economic climate has resulted in many experienced nurses returning to the workforce. Despite this, the nursing shortage is looming in our future and the recruitment of a diverse nursing workforce reflective of the population remains a high priority. The Merrimack Valley in northeastern Massachusetts has two large cities, Lawrence and Lowell, in which the Hispanic and the Southeast Asian populations are disproportionately higher than state and national levels. Through the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Bring Diversity to Nursing Project, partnerships with both city school systems were developed and after-school programs aimed at highlighting nursing as a career choice were initiated. Mr. Thompson's Heart is the focus of a middle school, pre-entry program developed by faculty. Introducing career choices in middle school gives students fundamental information about careers and how to begin investigating them. Mr. Thompson's Heart introduces nursing as a career choice combining career information with a focus on developing healthy lifestyle habits. Multiple hands on activities create excitement and interest in the nursing profession.

Journal of cultural diversity, Jul 1, 2013

Abstract: Despite modest gains in ethnic and racial minority representation in the nursing profes... more Abstract: Despite modest gains in ethnic and racial minority representation in the nursing profession, the current nursing workforce does not mirror the U.S. population. Efforts to increase and maintain baccalaureate-prepared minority nurses to begin to reflect the diverse population needing culturally responsive, high quality care is a continuing goal of nursing education and practice. Because of this, initiatives focusing on increasing ethnic and cultural diversity of healthcare workers are of high priority. The Bring Diversity to Nursing (BDN) project describes the University of Massachusetts Lowell's success at pre-entry, retention, and graduation of minority and educationally and economically disadvantaged students. The resultant graduation and practice of BDN students as professional nurses can contribute to addressing health care needs and reducing health disparities in the Lowell and Lawrence communities and beyond.Key Words: Diversity, Pre-entry Recruitment, Nursing Student Retention, Economically Disadvantaged, Educationally Disadvantaged, Health Disparities, Culturally Competent Care, Baccalaureate Nurses, Nursing EducationThere is a clear link between lack of diversity in the nursing workforce and nursing's ability to effectively address health disparities with high-quality, culturally competent care (AACN, 2011; Huston, 2008). Efforts to increase and maintain baccalaureate-prepared minority nurses to begin to reflect the diverse population needing culturally responsive, high quality care is a continuing goal of nursing education and practice. Because of this, initiatives focusing on increasing ethnic and cultural diversity of healthcare workers are of high priority. Despite modest gains in ethnic and racial minority representation in the nursing profession, the current nursing workforce does not mirror the U.S. population. Attempts to recruit, retain and graduate a diverse cadre of professional nurses remain a goal for nurse educators and nursing programs. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) (2009) has identified the need to "attract students from underrepresented groups in nursing - specifically men and individuals from African American, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian and Alaskan native backgrounds" (p. 1). To address this critical need, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Nursing, provided federal funding for Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) grants to colleges and universities. The purpose of tne NWD program is to provide funding for projects to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds through three major components: Pre-Entry Preparation, Retention, and Student Scholarships and /or Stipends.In July 2008, the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) Department of Nursing received funding from the Bureau of Health Professions to support the Bring Diversity to Nursing (BDN) project. This funding, coupled witn funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Workforce Development grant 20072010, allowed the Nursing Program to begin to address the needs in the northeast area of Massachusetts known as the Merrimack Valley.UML is located in tne Merrimack Valley where the two largest cities are Lowell and Lawrence. These cities are culturally diverse and have Hispanic and/or Asian populations that are disproportionately higher than the state levels. Both socioeconomic and health disparities exist in Lowell and Lawrence. The city of Lowell has an estimated population of 98,766 with a growing number of individuals of Asian and Hispanic backgrounds. Twenty-four percent were not born in the U.S., and 17.5% of all persons in Lowell live below the poverty level, compared to 13% statewide (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2008a). The city of Lawrence has a population of 71,234. It, too, is an ethnically diverse city with a primarily Hispanic background representing nearly 71% of the population, ana 34. …

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships