Saint Anselm College

About: Saint Anselm College is a education organization based out in Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Politics & Nurse education. The organization has 255 authors who have published 522 publications receiving 7222 citations.

Connected world, connected profession: Increased recognition of opportunities for local and global engagement by psychologists in postcrisis communities.

Abstract: This article examines an international psychologist-delivered consulting effort focused on social-services improvement in postcrisis communities. It reviews the experience of a Fulbright-supported research program to provide trauma-informed addiction-service capacity-building through a consulting-psychology approach in Cyprus. In evaluating the experience, the author shares important lessons that may serve as a call to action and primer for psychologists who aim to have an impact on their local and global communities in ways that can enrich the capacity to recover from crisis, extend the reach of the discipline, and expand the professional identity of psychologists.

Curriculum Development in Gerontological Nursing Education

Abstract: Many departments of nursing across the country are making concerted efforts to integrate gerontological nursing concepts into their curriculum. In general, many of these faculty members do not have advanced education in gerontology and, therefore, are unclear as to which concepts are vital in educating the generalist nurse. This, couple with the question of how to teach these concepts, leaves faculty wanting advice and direction. With the benefit of five years of federal funding, the authors share their experience of integrating content relative to the older adult into the nursing curriculum.

Effectiveness of Postpartum Education in the Reducing Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Abstract: Paper Presentation Objective To determine if an educational intervention provided during postpartum hospitalization is effective in decreasing the symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 6‐weeks, 3‐months, and 6‐months postpartum. Design Quasi‐experimental. Setting A 12‐bed maternity unit of an acute care hospital in New England. Sample A sample of 240 women was recruited: the first 120 women served as the control group (usual care) and the next 120 women served as the educational intervention group. Respondents were predominantly White (89%) and multiparous (65%). The average age was 29.7 (range 19–40), and 34% were eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. More than one third (36.7%) had a history of depression prior to pregnancy. Methods During postpartum hospitalization, participants completed written questionnaires including demographic, delivery, and infant feeding information as well as the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory (PDPI). Education about PPD was provided verbally and in writing at the bedside to respondents in the treatment group by a member of the research team based on the fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services “Depression during and after Pregnancy.” Follow‐up by mail and telephone was completed at 6‐weeks, 3‐months, and 6‐months postpartum with a self‐report questionnaire, including the EPDS, updates regarding the health of mother and infant, and any employment or major life changes. Results The educational intervention did not have a significant effect on EPDS scores at any of the three data collection points. History of depression and anxiety was the most significant predictor of symptoms. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice These results suggest that the postpartum period is important for identifying women at risk for depression, but that education during this time may not be effective. Further study is needed to determine a more appropriate time and method of intervening to ensure adequate care. Limited nursing time during the brief hospitalization may be better spent on implementing a mechanism for ensuring adequate follow‐up after discharge for women at risk.