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Exploring Health Literacy: A Research Journey – News

Gabrielle Rossi: Pioneering Research in Health Literacy for Cardiac Care

In the ever-evolving field of nursing, the importance of research cannot be overstated. For senior nursing student Gabrielle Rossi, her journey into the world of research began with a pivotal course: NUR 336 Research & Theory for Evidence-Based Practice. This course ignited a passion within her, compelling her to explore how research could enhance her future nursing career, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU) with a focus on cardiac care.

A Spark of Interest

In January 2024, driven by her newfound enthusiasm, Rossi reached out to Dr. Marilyn Prasun, a distinguished figure in nursing with multiple credentials, including Ph.D., CCNS, CNL, CHFN, and FAHA. Rossi expressed her desire to pursue an independent study, eager to delve deeper into the intersection of research and nursing practice. This initiative marked the beginning of a collaborative journey that would not only enrich Rossi’s academic experience but also contribute valuable insights to the nursing community.

The Importance of Health Literacy

During their discussions, Dr. Prasun introduced Rossi to the concept of health literacy, a critical component of effective patient care. Health literacy refers to a patient’s ability to understand and utilize health information to make informed decisions about their care. Rossi articulated a poignant question: “If patients don’t understand the education they are receiving from their nurses, how can they go home and take care of themselves?” This question became the cornerstone of their research, highlighting the necessity of effective communication in healthcare settings.

Designing the Research

With a clear focus on health literacy, Rossi and Dr. Prasun began brainstorming the design of their research project. After considering various methodologies, they decided that surveys would be the most effective way to gather data. They chose a validated health literacy screener developed by Dr. Chew, which consists of 16 carefully crafted questions aimed at assessing patients’ understanding of their health conditions.

The survey was designed to evaluate not only the patients’ health literacy but also their perceived competence and confidence in managing their health. Key questions included:

  • “How confident are you in filling out medical forms by yourself?”
  • “How often do you have problems learning about your medical condition because of difficulty understanding written information?”

These questions were strategically selected to provide insights into the challenges patients face in comprehending their health information.

Launching the Survey

By June 1, 2024, Rossi and Dr. Prasun launched their survey, targeting heart failure patients. To maximize participation, they utilized a multi-faceted approach, disseminating the survey through professional networks and various social media platforms. Dr. Prasun leveraged her connections with practicing colleagues, encouraging them to share the survey with their patients. This strategy aimed to create a comfortable environment for patients, increasing the likelihood of honest and thoughtful responses.

As of now, the survey has garnered approximately 40 valid responses. Once the survey period concludes, Rossi and Dr. Prasun will analyze the data to assess how confident patients feel in managing their health based on the education they receive from healthcare professionals.

Looking Ahead: Presenting Findings

Rossi has ambitious plans for her research findings. She hopes to present her results at the ISU Symposium, aiming to contribute to a broader understanding of health literacy not only in cardiac care but across all areas of patient care. This research journey represents a significant step in Rossi’s career, aligning her aspirations of working in the ICU with her commitment to ensuring that patients are equipped with the knowledge they need to take control of their health.

Conclusion

Gabrielle Rossi’s dedication to research exemplifies the vital role that nursing students can play in advancing healthcare practices. By focusing on health literacy, she is not only enhancing her own skills as a future nurse but also contributing to the larger conversation about patient education and empowerment. As she continues her journey, Rossi stands as a beacon of hope for the future of nursing, where evidence-based practice and compassionate care go hand in hand.

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