Date of Graduation

Summer 8-11-2023

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

<--Please Select Department-->

Program

MSN project

Abstract

Problem: The gastrointestinal occult blood test is a point-of-care (POC) test used to detect the presence of occult (hidden) gastrointestinal bleeding via stool or gastric contents. Existing fecal and gastric occult blood point-of-care (POC) testing requires separate and unique sampling cards and developer, respectively. Separate fecal/gastric tests are less definitive and take longer than a combined test. Fecal/gastric testing can be improved and more effective using a combined testing mechanism.

Context: This project includes the microsystem of the emergency department, which involves groups of medical professionals, such as groups of clinicians and staff working together with a shared clinical goal to provide the best care for the population of patients.

Intervention: The CNL worked with an emergency department third-year resident and an emergency department attending to compare a commercially available combined fecal/gastric occult blood point of care (POC) testing platform in place of separate fecal and gastric occult blood POC testing platforms currently used. Methods to obtain combined samples were the same procedure as currently done with separate tests.

Measures: Clarity and definitiveness of both combined and separate cards were reviewed through photographs. A before and after survey was presented to staff for their input on preference when it comes to the quality of the different POC cards used in clinical practice.

Result: The combined fecal/gastric POC testing cards were 100% in quality and effectiveness tested against current practice of separate cards. This was established in chart review and photographs for clarity. 100% of registered nurses and providers that participated in the survey find the combined fecal/gastric POC testing more effective in practice. Twenty samples were obtained from fecal specimen, and twenty samples were obtained from gastric specimen. In total, forty samples were obtained (n = 40, 20 fecal, 20 gastric).

Conclusion: Combined fecal/gastric POC testing is superior and more effective than separate testing cards. Combined fecal/gastric POC tests are valuable to patients and staff in the emergency department.

Keywords: Emergency department, point-of-care testing, gastrointestinal bleed, fecal, gastric

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