Deirdre K. Thornlow, PhD, RN, CPHQ is an advanced practice nurse with over 20 years experience in healthcare leadership. She has held numerous leadership positions throughout her career, including Director of Quality Operations at The George Washington University Hospital and Gerontology Project Director for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Dr. Thornlow is an Assistant Professor at the Duke University School of Nursing, a John A. Hartford Foundation Claire M. Fagin Fellow, and a Senior Fellow in the Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development.
Dr. Thornlow is pursuing a program of health services research that capitalizes upon her expertise in acute care quality and patient safety. She completed several related research projects as first steps toward understanding the relationship among hospital characteristics, patient safety practices, and patient outcomes. Her dissertation research, Relationship of Hospital Systems and Utilization of Patient Safety Practices to Patient Outcomes, was funded by a National Research Service Award from the National Institute of Nursing Research and was selected as the 2007 most meritorious dissertation by the University of Virginia School of Nursing faculty. In this study, Dr. Thornlow reported that hospitals using fewer patient safety practices demonstrated higher rates for certain adverse events. She has since expanded this work to focus on patient safety in hospitalized older adults by examining the role that nurses play in preventing, mitigating or even exacerbating postoperative complications in hospitalized older adults. Dr. Thornlow is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), and a member of the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), Academy Health, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Gerontological Society of America.
PhD | University of Virginia School of Nursing |
MS | University of California-Los Angeles School of Nursing |
BSN | Pennsylvania State University |
CPHQ | Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality |
Dr. Thornlow's clinical interests include acute care quality and patient safety.
2010 2010-2012 Claire M. Fagin Postdoctoral Fellow, Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity (BAGNC) Program (funded by John H. Hartford Foundation/Atlantic Philanthropies)
2007 Outstanding PhD Student Publication, The University of Virginia
2007 Phyllis J. Verhonick Research Award, The University of Virginia
2006 Barbara Brodie Scholars Award, The University of Virginia
2004 National Research Service Award, National Institute of Nursing Research
2003 Doctoral Scholarship, University of Virginia School of Nursing
1992 Clinical Nurse Specialist Trainee Award, Department of Veterans Affairs
1992 Graduate Scholarship Award, Kaiser Permanente
1992 Professional Nurse Traineeship, UCLA
1988 Achievement Medals, U. S. Army
2013 -- Pubmed # 24297156 Thornlow, D. K., Oddone, E., Anderson, R. Cascade iatrogenesis: a case-control study to detect postoperative respiratory failure in hospitalized older adults. Res Gerontol Nurs. March, 2014; 7(2); 66-77
2014 -- Pubmed # 24279889 Heflin, M. T., Pinheiro, S. O., Konrad, T. R., Egerton, E. O., Thornlow, D. K., White, H. K., McConnell, E. J. Design and evaluation of a prelicensure interprofessional course on improving care transitions. Gerontol Geriatr Educ. January, 2014; 35(1); 41-63
2013 -- Pubmed # 23117793 Turner, K., Frush, K., Hueckel, R., Relf, M. V., Thornlow, D., Champagne, M. T. Implementation of the Josie King Care Journal in a pediatric intensive care unit: a quality improvement project. J Nurs Care Qual. Jul-Sept, 2013; 28(3); 257-64
2012 -- Pubmed # 22543067 Segall, N., Bonifacio, A. S., Schroeder, R. A., Barbeito, A., Rogers, D., Thornlow, D. K., Emery, J., Kellum, S., Wright, M. C., Mark, J. B., Durham VA Patient Safety Center of Inquiry Can we make postoperative patient handovers safer? A systematic review of the literature. Anesth Analg. July, 2012; 115(1); 102-15
2011 -- Pubmed # 21836453 Carman, M. J., Phipps, J., Raley, J., Li, S., Thornlow, D. Use of a clinical decision support tool to improve guideline adherence for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Skin and soft tissue infections. Adv Emerg Nurs J. December, 2011; 33(3); 252-66
2011 -- Pubmed # 22372083 Vinson, M. H., McCallum, R., Thornlow, D. K., Champagne, M. T. Design, implementation, and evaluation of population-specific telehealth nursing services. Nurs Econ. September-October, 2011; 29(5); 265-72
2011 -- Pubmed # 21037484 Fuchs, M. A., Sexton, D. J., Thornlow, D. K., Champagne, M. T. Evaluation of an evidence-based, nurse-driven checklist to prevent hospital-acquired catheter-associated urinary tract infections in intensive care units. J Nurs Care Qual. Apr-Jun, 2011; 26(2); 101-9
2011 -- Thornlow, D. K. Advanced practice nursing: inquiry and evaluation. In Advanced Practice Nursing: Emphasizing Common Roles (3rd Ed.), edited by Stanley, J. M. 2011; Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Co..
2010 -- Pubmed # 20546364 Baernholdt, M., Jennings, B. M., Merwin, E., Thornlow, D. What does quality care mean to nurses in rural hospitals? J Adv Nurs. June, 2010; 66(6); 1346-55
2010 -- Pubmed # 20304374 Thornlow, D. K., McGuinn, K. A necessary sea change for nurse faculty development: spotlight on quality and safety. J Prof Nurs. March, 2010; 26(2); 71-81
2010 -- Pubmed # 19927965 Thornlow, D. K. Increased risk for patient safety incidents in hospitalized older adults. Medsurg Nurs. January 8, 2010; 18(5); 287-91
2009 -- Pubmed # 19643409 Thornlow, D. K., Anderson, R., Oddone, E. Cascade iatrogenesis: factors leading to the development of adverse events in hospitalized older adults. Int J Nurs Stud. November, 2009; 46(11); 1528-35
2009 -- Pubmed # 19625831 Thornlow, D. K., Merwin, E. Managing to improve quality: the relationship between accreditation standards, safety practices, and patient outcomes. Health Care Manage Rev. October, 2009; 34(3); 262-72
2008 -- Thornlow, D. Relationship of Patient Safety Practices to Patient Outcomes. Saarbrucken, Germany: VDM Publishing 2008; Saarbrucken, Germany: VDM Publishing.
2008 -- Pubmed # 18942535 Payne, J. K., Thornlow, D. K. Clinical perspectives on portable do-not-resuscitate orders. J Gerontol Nurs. 2008; 34(10); 11-6
2008 -- Pubmed # 18709751 Thornlow, D. K. Nursing patient safety research in rural health care settings. Annu Rev Nurs Res. 2008; 26; 195-218
2006 -- Pubmed # 16564478 Thornlow, D. K., Auerhahn, C., Stanley, J. A necessity not a luxury: preparing advanced practice nurses to care for older adults. J Prof Nurs. 2006; 22(2); 116-22
2006 -- Pubmed # 16564471 Latimer, D. G., Thornlow, D. K. Incorporating geriatrics into baccalaureate nursing curricula: laying the groundwork with faculty development. J Prof Nurs. 2006; 22(2); 79-83
2006 -- Pubmed # 16501398 Thornlow, D. K., Stukenborg, G. J. The association between hospital characteristics and rates of preventable complications and adverse events. Med Care. 2006; 44(3); 265-9
2006 -- Pubmed # 17078418 Merwin, E., Thornlow, D. Methodologies used in nursing research designed to improve patient safety. Annu Rev Nurs Res. 2006; 24; 273-92
2006 -- Thornlow, D., Latimer, D., Kingsborough, J., Arietti, L.T. Caring for an Aging America: Guide for Nursing Faculty. Washington, DC: American Association of Colleges of Nursing 2006; Washington, DC:: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
2005 -- Pubmed # 16179239 Berman, A., Mezey, M., Kobayashi, M., Fulmer, T., Stanley, J., Thornlow, D., Rosenfeld, P. Gerontological nursing content in baccalaureate nursing programs: comparison of findings from 1997 and 2003. J Prof Nurs. 2005; 21(5); 268-75
2003 -- Berman, A., Thornlow, D Focus on geriatric patients. American Nursing Student. 2003; 5(1); 10-11
2005 -- Pubmed # 15739682 Berman, A., Thornlow, D. Your bright future in geriatric nursing. Imprint. 2005; 52(1); 24-6
1995 -- Pubmed # 7774269 Thornlow, D. K. Is chest physiotherapy necessary after cardiac surgery? Crit Care Nurse. 1995; 15(3); 39-46; quiz 47-8
1993 -- Pubmed # 8358464 Thornlow, D. K. Case study: heart transplantation--increased incidence of acute rejection in female recipients. Am J Crit Care. 1993; 2(2); 157-60
Cascade Iatrogenesis: Postoperative Respiratory Failure in Hospitalized Older Adults
John A. Hartford Foundation
10-224
09/2010-08/2012
Role: PI
Project Goal: Examine factors associated with older adults’ risk for developing a common cascading complication, including events that may ‘trigger’ the cascade towards postoperative respiratory failure, yet may be preventable through nursing care. Planned investigations include both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify and test nursing care variables that may explain cascade iatragenesis.
‘Cascade Iatrogenesis:’ Postoperative Respiratory Failure in Hospitalized Older Adults
Duke University School of Nursing Office of Research Affairs
01/2009-12/2009
Role: PI
Project Goal: This study is designed to investigate the early events in cascade iatrogenesis, using the example of postoperative respiratory failure. Investigator will examine factors associated with older adults’ risk of developing postoperative respiratory failure, including precursor events that may trigger the initial cascade and the nursing care variables that may prevent or mitigate risk.
Mentoring Grant in Gerontology
University of Iowa Gerontological Nursing Intervention Research Center
01/2008-12/2008
Role: PI
Project Goal: To establish mentoring relationship between junior and senior faculty. Dr. Marita Titler, Professor and Director of Research, Quality and Outcomes Management for the Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care at The University of Iowa Health Center, is an expert in nursing outcomes / effectiveness research and has agreed to serve as mentor.
Outcomes of Nursing Management Practice in Nursing Homes
National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Nursing Research
R56-NR003178-09
09/2009-08/2010
Role: Co-Investigator
Project goal: Test the benefit of a new staff interaction intervention (CONNECT) over and above a falls quality improvement intervention in reducing patient fall rates in nursing homes.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
1D09-HP14827-01-001D09-HP14827-01-00
07/2009-06/2012
Role: Faculty
Project Goal: To develop, implement, and operate the Duke University School of Nursing DNP program, the first in North Carolina.
Geriatric Education Center: Transitions of Care for the Elderly: An Inter-professional Course for Advanced Learners
Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions
09/2007-08/2010
Role: Faculty
Project Goal: To increase the ability of interdisciplinary health professions faculty to engage in interdisciplinary faculty development and coursework in the areas of palliative care, transitional care, and long-term care through continuing education and mini-fellowship activities.
Gerontology Mentoring Grant
University of Iowa Gerontological Nursing Intervention Research Center
09/2007-08/2008
Role: PI
Project Goal: To establish mentoring relationship between junior and senior faculty. Dr. Marita Titler, Professor and Director of Research, Quality and Outcomes Management for the Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care at The University of Iowa Health Center, is an expert in nursing outcomes / effectiveness research and has agreed to serve as mentor.
Relationship of Patient Safety to Patient Outcomes
National Research Service Award, National Institute of Nursing Research
F31 NR009320-01
09/2004-05/2007
Role: PI
Creating Careers in Geriatric Nursing
John A. Hartford Foundation
10/2001-10/2005
Role: Project Director
Project Goal: The grant provides funds to schools of nursing, which in turn award graduate education scholarships to exemplary students who have demonstrated leadership potential and dedication to caring for older adults. The grant eliminates financial barriers to education and encourages networking, mentorship, role modeling, and leadership skill development.
Enhancing Geriatric Nursing Education for Baccalaureate and Advanced Practice Nursing Programs (Renewal: Enhancing Gerontology in Senior-level Undergraduate Courses)
John A. Hartford Foundation
05/2001-05/2005
Role: Project Director
Project Goal: To support gerontology curriculum development and new clinical experiences in 30 selected baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs.
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Summer 2011 | Vol. 7 No. 2
Pushing the Boundaries