SPONSORHIP OF NURSING RESEARCH & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROJECTS

2024 Awards

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1. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as a Possible Treatment of PTSD-like Fear Symptoms in Females Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury  (Graduate Research)
   
   The purpose of this study will be to examine the effect of ALA on PTSD-like symptoms in a preclinical murine model following an mTBI. The secondary aim is to determine the effect of ALA on anxiety-like behavior and the preservation of inhibitory neurons in the structures of the brain that aid emotional regulation and extinction learning. 
   Major Kathryn Capple, USAF, NC
   Uniformed Services University
    

2. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and CCR5/CCL5 in Hippocampus Post Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries: PTSD Memory Linking Implications (Graduate Research)
   The purpose of the study is to utilize a murine model to investigate the temporal dynamics of CCR5 and CCL5 mRNA changes following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and their effect on the closure of the memory-linking process while also exploring the therapeutic potential of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in mitigating mTBI effects. This investigation aims to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of PTSD following mTBI. 
   LT Choang Lai, USN, NC
   Uniformed Services University
    

3. Acquisition of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Skills Using an Escape Room (Graduate EBP) 
   The purpose of this project is to provide military critical care nurses with an escape room skill validation platform to address the need for a hands-on training component for nurses attempting to gain competency and self-efficacy with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in low-volume facilities.
   Major Jennifer Armon
   University of Nevada-Reno
    

4. Non pharmacologic Sleep Interventions for Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (High Priority Award) 
   Insomnia is a common sleep disorder among service members and affects approximately 40% of active-duty military personnel. Unique to the military are deployment-related stressors such as combat exposure, irregular sleep-wake schedules, and austere environments. Each of these stressors can contribute to the development of acute and chronic insomnia. Further, insomnia can exacerbate stressors and is a risk factor for developing traumatic stress reactions, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicide. Insomnia also contributes to impaired cognitive function, higher risk of accidents, injuries, and co-occurring mental health conditions. The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis will be to review the efficacy of non-pharmacologic sleep interventions for service members, reservists, and US National Guard members that are versatile for use during deployment, at home station and in prolonged casualty care scenarios. 
   Dr. Heather King CAPT(ret)
   University of Tennessee Health Science Center
    

5. Effect of Intraosseous vs. Intravenous Lidocaine in a Cardiac, Hypovolemic Arrest Model (High Priority Award)
   Hemorrhage is the number one cause of death both on and off the battlefield.However, establishing intravenous (IV) access may be challenging and very time-consuming, particularly for patients who are in hypovolemic shock, even for the most skilled clinician. For every minute of delay in resuscitation, there is a decrease of 9 percent in achieving ROSC. It is imperative that researchers find the most effective and fastest route in administering resuscitation drugs to achieve ROSC. This study will provide data-based evidence for the most effective and least amount of epinephrine to achieve ROSC.
   Dr. Arthur Johnson, Col(ret)
   Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio

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2023 Awards
 

1. The Effects of Ketamine Administration on Synaptic Density following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in an Animal Model (Graduate Research)
   The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of ketamine infusion following mTBI on two key outcomes: synaptic density in brain tissue and stress hormone levels in blood. This may lead to a clinically relevant means for nurses to intervene in early mTBI progression, improving patient outcomes.
   CDR Martin L. Boese, USN, NC
   Uniformed Services University
    

2. A Musculoskeletal Training Program for US Army Infantry Initial Entry Trainees (Graduate EBP)
   The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to implement a neuromuscular and strength training program to reduce new lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries in infantry initial trainees at Ft Benning, GA. PICOT: Among initial entry infantry trainees (P), does a musculoskeletal program, including neuromuscular re-education, plyometrics, core stabilization, and strength training (I) compared to the current training program (C), influence graduation rate, lost training time, and new acute lower body musculoskeletal injuries rates (O) during the 22 weeks of basic training (T).
   CPT Richkard Saint Louis, AN, USA
   197th Infantry Brigade
   University of Alabama at Birmingham
    

3. Nurse Retention Among Army Nurse Corps Officers (Graduate Research)
   The aims of the study are  to explore how concepts within the military nurse ecosystem influence active-duty Army nurses’ intentions to stay in the military nurse profession and explore how concepts within the military nurse ecosystem related to military policy influence active-duty Army nurses’ intentions to stay in the military nurse profession.
   MAJ Stephanie Kessinger
   Martin Army Community Hospital
   The University of Colorado Denver – Anschutz Medical Campus
    

4. Health and Strength: Randomized Controlled Trial of Spiritually Integrated Treatment for Moral Injury and Moral Distress in Military Healthcare Providers (Follow On Research)
   The aim of this study is to use a crossover design trial to determine the effectiveness of the BSS intervention at reducing moral injury, moral distress, and intent to leave and increasing generalized resilience and moral resilience in participants completing a 90-minute weekly group session delivered over 6 weeks compared to waitlist control group participants in a military nursing personnel sample.
   COL Angela Simmons
   Air Force Research Laboratory
   Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
    

5. USMC Drill Instructors’ Eating and Making Weight Behaviors: A Mixed Methods Study (Novice Research)
   The purpose of this study is to examine eating and making weight behaviors of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Drill Instructors (DIs) within the context of USMC culture and body composition and military appearance program (BCMAP) standards.
   CAPT (S) Melissa Troncoso
   Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
   Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
    

6. Development of a BioChip for Rapid Detection of Urinary Tract Infection (High Priority Research)
   This project aims to develop and validate a portable point-of-care lab-on-a-chip device that can simultaneously identify 12 common urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens in urine samples within 30 minutes. The results will be visible to naked eyes without requiring any additional reading equipment or  power.
   Lt Col Sarah Huffman
   David Grant Air Force Medical Center
    

7. Spinal Delta and Kappa Opioid Receptor Heteromers as a Target for Pain Reduction (Novice Research)
   This study investigates whether δ/κ heteromers in the spinal cord are viable targets for treating  pain. The incidence of pain conditions among members of the U.S. military after combat deployment is nearly double that of the general population. While currently available opioid medications that target individual opioid receptors have considerable potential to reduce pain, they also possess dangerous side effects and abuse liability that limit their utility and benefit to the patient. Individual δ (delta) and κ (kappa)-opioid receptors can join together to form a combined receptor (heteromer) that represents a novel therapeutic target and responds differently than individual opioid receptors. When activated in peripheral nerves, this heteromer has demonstrated the potential to reduce pain in animal models without causing respiratory depression or other dangerous side effects, making it an exciting target for pain  control.
   LTC Jonathan Yost
   University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio
    

8. Effects of Temperature Extremes on Medications in an Austere Environment (Novice Research)
   The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of heat and cold exposure on these agents and determine if there is a negative impact on their effectiveness. To date, no study has examined the effect of multiple freeze-thaw cycles on medications commonly used by anesthesia providers in the field.
   LTC John Reed
   Eisenhower Army Medical Center
    

9. Activity and Mobility Promotion (AMP) Program (EBP)
   The purpose of this Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) initiative is to implement a system-level early mobility program to enhance patient recovery by increasing mobility in the acute care setting at  Tripler Army Medical Center.
   MAJ Wendy Hamilton
   Tripler Army Medical Center
    

10. Effects of Acupuncture for Perceived Stress and Health in Military Service Members (Novice Research)
    The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a Manual Standardized Stress Acupuncture (MSSA) protocol as an adjunct treatment to a short-term mindfulness therapy for perceived stress and general health in service members (i.e., active duty military personnel and veterans).
    Dr. Jane Abanes, CDR (ret)
    Naval Medical Center San Diego
    University of California San Francisco
     

11. A Delphi Study To Identify Military Unique Competencies For Combat Palliative And End-Of-Life Care
    (High Priority)
    The overall purpose of the study will be to examine nurses’ perceptions of military unique palliative and EOL competencies needed for are in austere, changing, and mass casualty situations in a theater of operations and in stateside care nursing.
    Dr. Deborah Kenny Lt Col (ret)
    University of Colorado Denver
     

12. Exploring Women's Health Issues in the US Military Reserves using the Social Ecological Model for Military Women’s Health (High Priority)
    The purpose of this study is to develop theoretically informed, evidence-based guidance for health policy decision-makers to improve the medical readiness of female RCSM.
    Dr. Lori Trego Col (ret)
     

13. Anticipating Future Combat Needs: Radiation Burn Training for Nurses (High Priority)
    This study aims to adapt the existing Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) curriculum to focus on nurse response to a radiological incident within a operational or austere environment, and to examine the elements of cognitive readiness despite uncertainty in caring for patients involved in radiological incidents.
    Major Angela Samosorn, USA, NC
    59th Medical Group
     

14. Severe Burn Nursing Care in Large Scale Combat Operations: A Qualitative Study (High-Priority)
    The aims of this study are to: 1) describe the experience of military nurses who cared for severe burn patients in theater, and 2) analyze accounts from military nurses who cared for severe burn patients in theater in order to provide recommendations for training and future direction concerning severe burn nursing care in large scale combat operations.
    Dr. Catherine Cox CAPT (ret)
    George Washington University
     

15. Rehabilitative Interventions for Flight associated MSK Injury in Military Pilots/Crew: Systematic Review/Meta Analysis (High Priority)
    Dr. Laura Talbot Col (ret)

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2022 Awards

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1. Increasing Resiliency in Air Force Personnel: A Multi-Site Study (Follow-on)

   The purpose of this proposed follow-on study is to examine the effectiveness of the Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) in increasing resilience in U.S. Air Force personnel in real-world settings at Joint Base Andrews, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Nellis Air Force Base, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
   Col Stephen Hernandez, USAFR, NC
   59th Medical Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Nellis Air Force Base, NV; Joint Base Andrews, MD
    

2. Virtual Nursing: Care of Patients on Continuous Remote Monitoring: Descriptive Analysis of Nurses Caring for Patients 24/7 in Remote Locations with Continuous Remote Monitoring (Novice)
   This study aims to identify the acuity level of patients in remote locations with continuous remote monitoring by evaluating nurse/patient interactions (i.e., video, phone, and text encounters) and nursing documentation; and to describe the workflow of nurses caring for patients 24/7 in remote locations with continuous remote monitoring.
   Maj Stephanie Raps, USAF, NC
   59th Medical Group, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
    

3. Leveraging the Mission Wellness Mobile Application to Support Career and Family Planning in U.S. Service Members (High Priority)
   This project aims to build on the success of the Mission Wellness smartphone mobile application and to partner with CONUS and OCONUS military installations to broaden topics within sexual, reproductive, and mental health, and to partner with the TSNRP and VA to increase research and continuity of care for current and former Service members.
   Col(r) Candy Wilson, USAF, NC
   Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
    

4. The Prevalence and Culture of Horizontal Violence among Healthcare Professionals Serving at a Large Military Treatment Facility (Novice)
   The purpose of this study is to explore and describe horizontal violence within a multi-disciplinary context at a Military Treatment Facility.
   LCDR Shawna Grover, NC, USN
   Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
    

5. Health and Readiness of Women and Gender Diverse Female Service Members: A Scoping Review of the Literature 2011-2022 (Follow-on)
   The purpose is to systematically identify and assess the literature relevant to the health and readiness of active duty women and gender diverse female Service members (ADW and AD-GDI); to identify gaps between the knowledge base and healthcare needs; and to explore a model for evidence-based policy recommendations.
   LTC Lelani Siaki, AN, USA
   Tripler Army Medical Center
    

6. An Exploratory Study of Vitamin K2 and Readiness in an Active Duty Population (Novice)
   The purpose of this study is to characterize K2 status in an active duty population and explore its relationship with Soldier bone health, metabolic health, and inflammation status in the context of readiness.
   LTC Racheal Wood, AN, USA
   Madigan Army Medical Center
    

7. Data to Support Decisions: MHS Genesis and a National Nursing Database (Initial)
   This descriptive pilot study will measure the value and feasibility of collecting, submitting, and using the NDNQI® as well as appraise stakeholder perspectives of NDNQI® participation to determine compatibility with MHS Genesis and utility of the reports.
   COL Pauline Swiger, AN, USA
   Madigan Army Medical Center, Winn Army Community Hospital
    

8. Determining the Relationships Between Nurses’ Perceptions of Managerial Coaching, Role Ambiguity, and Quality and Safety Competencies (Graduate)
   This study will establish baseline data to evaluate the relationships between managerial coaching, role ambiguity, the QSEN competencies, and the demographic characteristics among nurses working in a military medical facility.
   MAJ Allison Ferro, AN, USA
   Broke Army Medical Center, The University of Texas at Austin
    

9. Feasibility and Effectiveness of Novel Neck Training Device: A Pilot Study (Initial)
   The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy and adherence of a 12-week TopSpin360 training regimen on important physiologic and performance outcome measures between an intervention group and control perform standard neck exercise.
   COL William Brown, AN, USA
   Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
    

10. Dose Response of Endotracheal Administration of Epinephrine in a Cardiac Arrest Porcine Model (Initial)
    This study will investigate the dose response of epinephrine administered by the ET route in both normovolemic and hypovolemic adult cardiac arrest models.
    LTC Joseph O'Sullivan, AN, USA
    United States Army Graduate Program of Anesthesia Nursing
     

11. The Military Family and Service Member Deployment: A Scoping Review (Novice)
    The aim of this study is to assess the evidence published in peer-reviewed journals to provide an overview of the experiences of military families in regard to the deployment of U.S. military Service members.
    MAJ Wendy Hamilton, AN, USA
    Evans Army Community Hospital
     

12. A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study Examining Audiovisual Stimulation to Improve Sleep, Pain, and Well-Being in Military Healthcare Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic (High Priority)
    The purpose of this pilot study is to test the efficacy of an audiovisual stimulation (AVS) program for the promotion of sleep and reduction of fatigue risk in military health care workers with chronic pain, explore its effect on secondary outcomes, and examine study feasibility.
    COL(r) Ann Nayback-Beebe, AN, USA
    San Antonio Military Medical Center
     

13. Home Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injury in A/D: Systematic Review/Meta Analysis (Initial)
    The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis will be to review the efficacy of self-managed home therapies in musculoskeletal disorders in military populations to define plausible best practices that result in better outcomes for warfighters and improved deployability and retention of military personnel with decreased costs.
    Col(r) Laura Talbot, USAF, NC
    University of Tennessee Health Science Center
     

14. Prevalence and Symptoms of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Active Duty Military Personnel (High Priority)
    The purpose of this study is to determine prevalence and symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome in active-duty military, particularly nursing personnel. The results can enhance the readiness of our military personnel and impact understanding to guide future research on post-COVID-19 syndrome in the U.S. military.
    CAPT (ret) Janet Pierce, NC, USN
    University of Kansas Medical Center

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