Honors College Theses

Publication Date

4-20-2015

Major

Nursing (BSN)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Deborah Allen

Abstract

This Honors thesis outlines the creation of “I’ve Been Diagnosed: A Champion! Crohn’s & Colitis Family Day”—an experience designed to provide Southeast Georgia children and families affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) an opportunity to enhance community involvement and build a support network through therapeutic recreation, team-based activities, education, and a positive family-centered environment. Following the nursing process focusing on the community as the patient, this paper is organized by assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation. A literature review was conducted and interviews with a medical professional and a patient were completed. Specific interventions were planned using the nursing process by identifying community needs. The planning process involved collaboration among formed partners within the university community, including Georgia Southern University Student Health Services and Campus Recreation and Intramurals, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of American-Atlanta Chapter, and local gastroenterology physicians who assisted in participant recruitment. Student volunteers were recruited and trained to assist in facilitating the event, acting as a liaison to Georgia Southern. On the day of the event (April 12, 2014), five southeast Georgia families participated in our one-day camp-like experience, which included dancing, a carnival, team-building games, arts and crafts, the Southern Adventure’s Challenge Course and rock wall, disease education and a support group, and a closing ceremony. Through this program, families were able to build a stronger community and find support in each other, along with becoming closer as a family unit and better able to cope with the affects of IBD.

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