School of Nursing happenings

Jan. 9 — Professor named to statewide advisory board
Leigh Ann Simmons, a professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, has been appointed to the advisory board for the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine. Launched in 2015, the initiative drives the development of innovative technologies and personalized strategies to coordinate cross-sector partnerships for prevention, diagnosis and treatment to improve the health and well-being of all Californians. The purpose of the council is to advise and make recommendations to the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) on matters related to the initiative. Leigh Ann’s experience leading the ReACH Equity T32 predoctoral training program could help support in designing professional development activities for a new doctoral student cohort of grantees.

Jan. 9 — Professor publishes study on artificial intelligence in heart journal
Shu-Fen Wung, a professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, published the study, “Artificial intelligence applications for enhancing patient self-care education following sternotomy: Development and initial evaluation,” in Heart & Lung. Shu-Fen and her team have developed an artificial intelligence application that provides personalized self-care education for patients recovering from heart surgery to reduce preventable hospital readmissions. Initial evaluations indicate that it effectively addresses common recovery questions and has received high ratings from clinical experts, underscoring its potential as a reliable resource for home post-surgical care. The journal is the official publication of the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses, and publishes original, peer-reviewed articles that advance the clinical and translational science of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.

Jan. 3 — Professor publishes review in physiology journal
Shu-Fen Wung, a professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, published “Health effects of plants, light, and natural elements of biophilic interventions in confined settings: a systematic review,” in Frontiers in Physiology. The systematic review found that biophilic interventions — those that incorporate elements like plants, natural light and other features of nature — significantly enhance health and resilience in highly confined settings, such as hospitals and eldercare facilities. These strategies effectively reduce physiological stress, improve mood and accelerate recovery. They are being implemented through tailored, often pathogen-free systems designed to address environmental challenges and infection control issues.

Jan. 2 — Clinical researcher funded for traumatic brain injuries in children
Lori Kennedy, an associate professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, received $100,000 grant from Children’s Miracle Network to support “$100,000 from the Children's Miracle Network to support “Optimal Virtual Care for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Children.” Lori’s research will test a regional telehealth model for children with mild traumatic brain injury that combines application of Brain Injury Guidelines and pediatric neurosurgeon consultation with structured follow-up provided by advanced practice providers. The study aims to improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary transfers and promote equitable access to specialty care for families across rural and underserved communities. Lori is a clinical nurse scientist who serves as director of the Center for Nursing Science at UC Davis Health.

Jan. 1 — Professor co-authors policy statement for American Heart Association
Shu-Fen Wung, a professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, co-authored the policy statement, "Genetic and Genomic Testing in Cardiovascular Disease," in Circulation. The new statement updates a previous AHA policy from over a decade ago and provides a comprehensive framework for public policy. It is essential for ensuring equitable access, appropriate regulatory oversight, and ethical stewardship of data related to genetic and genomic testing. The policy statement serves as a roadmap for policymakers, payers and researchers. It urges them to take decisive action to ensure that advances in genomics lead to high-quality, nondiscriminatory and universally accessible care for patients with cardiovascular conditions. Circulation is a journal of the American Heart Association that publishes original research manuscripts, review articles and other content related to cardiovascular health and disease