Nursing grads present research at Pennsylvania Capitol

Two 2009 York College nursing graduates recently presented a poster to legislators and staff during an event titled Undergraduate Research at the Capitol - Pennsylvania.

Deneen Harbold (left) of Spring Grove and Charity Galinato of York, along with their advisor Associate Professor of Nursing Karen March, presented a poster titled “Best Practice for Eye Care in the Sedated ICU Patient.” Their project reviewed evidence supporting specific eye-care protocols as best practice for care of the sedated patient in the intensive care unit (ICU).

“The students exhibited a poster developed as part of an evidence-based practice assignment that was completed during their final semester in the nursing program,” said March. “This is a weighty project that demands critical thinking, research skill, and aptitude for writing and speaking on topic. “

Clinical questions that are investigated through this assignment are provided by staff nurses and clinical specialists at the Nursing Program’s affiliating agencies, according to March.  Some of the topics for this semester, for example, are:  “Does prone positioning of patients with ARDS and acute lung injury improve patient outcomes?," "What are the best practices for ST-segment monitoring for ischemia in the ICU?,"  "What are the best practices for assessing and treating pain in ICU patients?," and "What is the effect of critical care work hours on vigilance and safety in the ICU?"

Students research the available evidence for answers and document their findings in a scholarly paper and via a poster presentation. Research findings are shared with clinical staff.  “In this way, students help to jumpstart projects on real clinical questions,” March said. “Even more importantly, this experience helps to prepare our students for cutting edge practice at some of the best medical centers in the country.” 

Undergraduate Research at the Capitol-Pennsylvania (URC-PA) brings together college students, faculty, and Pennsylvania legislators to share the experiences of students engaged in research or scholarship at their colleges and universities. To that end, URC-PA provides an opportunity for students to present posters about their work at the State Capitol, and for students and their faculty mentors to meet with legislators and their staffs.

 Findings presented by the students: Critically ill, sedated ICU patients are vulnerable to developing eye complications due to the effects of sedative medications, mechanical ventilation, and muscle relaxants. These patients do not have control over normal protective mechanisms (opening and closing the eyelids) because of the effects of intravenous sedation and muscle relaxants. The blink reflex is rendered ineffective and eyelids often do not fully close. As a result, the eye becomes dry and is less than fully protected. Some of these eye complications may have devastating long-term effects for the patient.

Evidence suggests that some attempts have been made to promote standardized eye care for intensive care patients. A number of eye-care protocols and products have been tested with varying results. It is important for ICU nursing staff to utilize evidence-based practice in providing eye care to these patients to reduce the incidence of serious eye complications. Further evidence is needed in this area before a consensus can be made about best practice.