Two DNP alumni publish articles along with Susan Schneider in the June issue of Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing.

Alumni Victoria Sherry and Schneider publish an article entitled "Metastatic Lung Cancer and Distress: Use of the Distress Thermometer for patient assessment." Other co-authors include experts from the University of Pennsylvania.

Abstract: Patients with metastatic lung cancer experience high levels of distress related to their disease trajectory and treatment. Oncology nurses are experts in patient care and symptom management, giving them an opportunity to screen and treat patients' distress.
 The objectives of this study were to screen patients for distress and manage their symptoms to positively affect their quality of life, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes, and to reduce healthcare costs. This quality improvement project was conducted to pilot the Distress Thermometer (DT) into the care of patients with thoracic cancer and to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention, consisting of a patient education pamphlet and a nurse coaching call, on distress levels. Severe distress was reported in more than half the patients. A paired-sample t test revealed a significant decrease in distress scores following the intervention.

Alumni Tracy Krimmel and Schneider publish an article entitled "Influenza Adherence Tool Kit: Implementation and evaluation among allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation recipients." Other co-authors include experts from the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick, and Walgreens in Irving, Texas.

Abstract: Allogeneic transplantation is associated with significant complications, such as influenza, a common virus in the post-transplantation setting that can be detrimental to patients. Therefore, patients should adhere to influenza vaccinations. The objectives of this project were to improve influenza adherence rates from 2015-2016, to increase transplantation recipients' knowledge of the importance of vaccination, and to evaluate the barriers to and facilitators of adherence rates to influenza vaccinations.
 A pre-/postscreening survey was used, as well as a tool kit with an education pamphlet and financial incentive, and a reminder letter. Forty-eight eligible patients participated in the study, and 32 completed the prescreening questionnaire. The adherence rate for the 2015-2016 influenza season improved compared to the baseline vaccination rate. The findings revealed a strong association between provider recommendation and vaccination adherence.