First Advisor

Parker, Carlo

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

12-2022

Department

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

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

Local Identifiers

Mufich_unco_0161D_11076.pdf

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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