Date Created

12-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Nursing, Nursing Student Work

First Advisor

Parker, Carlo

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze adverse health outcomes resulting from a disruption caused by Hurricane Harvey in the continuity of patient care for two geographically distinct patient populations: long-term care patients diagnosed with dementia in Dallas County, Texas and Harris County, Texas. Review of the literature revealed three themes: patient transitions from one level of care to another, members of the healthcare team (healthcare professionals, caregivers), and policies and strategies. The research design was a retrospective, quantitative, comparative, quasi-experimental design. The population of study consisted of long- term care patients diagnosed with dementia, N = 5,539. The first hypothesis was there would be a statistically significant difference in the adverse health outcomes between Harris County, Texas, and Dallas County, Texas during times when neither county was affected by a disaster or severe weather event. The second hypothesis was there would be a statistically significant difference between Harris County, Texas, and Dallas County, Texas regarding adverse health outcomes due to disruptions in continuity of patient care caused by Hurricane Harvey for long- term care residents diagnosed with dementia. Data analysis found each hypothesis was not statistically significant. Implications of the study draw attention to an important issue: the continuity of care for a vulnerable population—long-term care of patients diagnosed with dementia.

Extent

91 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

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