Transforming Healthcare through Excellence

Research Advancement

Research advancement is a cornerstone of the UW School of Nursing’s mission, driving innovation that transforms health care and improves patient outcomes. By fostering cutting-edge research, the School empowers faculty and students to address complex health challenges, develop evidence-based practices, and lead change both locally and globally. This commitment ensures nursing remains at the forefront of science and compassionate care.

Here are some notable areas of research advancement this year:

Empowering Men with Prostate Cancer: Innovative Online Tool Supports Informed Treatment Choices

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and choosing the right treatment can be challenging because options range from careful monitoring to surgery or radiation. To help men make informed decisions that align with their values and health needs, Professor Donna Berry, PhD, RN, FAAN, of Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Informatics, developed the Personal Patient Profile – Prostate (P3P). This online tool offers clear information about prostate cancer and treatment options, including potential side effects, and is available in English and Spanish for use on any device. The current study, led by Professor Berry, is testing how well P3P works when offered directly to newly diagnosed men across North Carolina, helping them prepare for conversations with their doctors. By making this tool widely accessible, the goal is to support better decision-making and improve care for men facing prostate cancer.

Supporting Healthy Beginnings: Home Visiting to Protect Babies from Stress-Related Aging

This study evaluates Promoting First Relationships® (PFR), a home visiting program delivered through primary care clinics to support sensitive caregiving for young children. Led by Monica Oxford, PhD, Research Professor of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing at UW Nursing, the program targets families from under-resourced communities—including Spanish- and English-speaking mothers—and aims to reduce stress-related impacts on cellular aging in both mothers and infants. Over a year, the research will track biological markers of aging to assess how PFR improves parenting and early health outcomes, offering a promising preventive approach within routine healthcare.

Evaluating Telehealth Home Visiting During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic forced child welfare services to rapidly shift from in-person to remote delivery to keep families safe. Led by Monica Oxford, PhD, research professor of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing at UW Nursing, this study evaluates how well an evidence-based home visiting program, Promoting First Relationships® (PFR), works when delivered online compared to traditional in-person visits and usual care. Researchers will assess how telehealth affects parent-child interactions, caregiver knowledge, child behavior, and foster care placements among families involved with child protective services in Washington State. The study also examines whether families have the technology to engage with telehealth and how satisfied they are with these services. Findings will help inform future use of telehealth in child welfare programs.

Tackling Public Health Challenges in Polarized Times: Research on Building Unity in Digital Health Campaigns

Dr. Nora Kenworthy, PhD, a professor at the UW Bothell School of Nursing & Health Studies, received the prestigious Andrew Carnegie Fellowship to support her groundbreaking research on how political polarization impacts public health efforts. Her project, “Public Health in Polarized Times: Finding ‘Islands of Solidarity’ for Effective Digital Public Health Campaigns in the U.S.,” aims to identify strategies that promote unity and collaboration in digital health messaging, helping to overcome divisions and improve public health outcomes.

Innovative Nurse-Led IV Safety Solution Advances Toward Reducing Medication Errors

A nurse-founded start-up, Crimson Medical Solutions, in collaboration with the University of Washington’s Digital Health Innovation Hub (DHIH), is developing the “IV Manager,” a color-coded, modular system designed to reduce IV line confusion and prevent medication errors in hospitals. This longstanding safety issue, which affects vulnerable patients, has been a silent challenge for nurses for decades. Led by Dr. Oleg Zaslavsky, UW School of Nursing associate professor and director of the Digital Health Innovation Hub, the project recently submitted a promising NIH Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) application for clinical validation using UW’s high-fidelity simulation lab. The innovation has received strong NIH support for its potential impact and interdisciplinary approach.

Study on Mindfulness and Opioid Use Disorder

The NIH has featured Cynthia J. Price, PhD, MA, LMT, a researcher in Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Informatics department at the UW School of Nursing, in a research spotlight highlighting her groundbreaking findings from a large randomized controlled trial. The study examines the immediate effects of a mindfulness-based intervention, Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy (MABT), as an adjunct to medication for opioid use disorder. Funded by the NCCIH and the HEAL Initiative, this research advances understanding of integrative approaches to addiction treatment.

ONR&I Marks a Year of Growth and Innovation

Over the past year, the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation (ONR&I) has embraced a new identity and mission, expanding its support for both research and innovation. A major milestone was the launch of the Research Roundup newsletter, which has become a valued resource for compliance updates, investigator highlights, and insights into digital health and philanthropic impact. ONR&I supported 65 research proposals, 120 internal reviews, 21 new awards, and 94 renewals—alongside $154,000 in intramural funding for early-stage projects and professional development. These accomplishments reflect a growing culture of collaboration, excellence, and nurse-led impact.

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Educational Innovation

Educational innovation is a cornerstone of the University of Washington School of Nursing’s commitment to excellence. As healthcare needs evolve, the School continues to adapt its programs to better prepare nurses for today’s complex care environments. From modernizing core curricula to expanding access through flexible learning formats, UW Nursing is advancing how nursing education is delivered. These innovations ensure graduates are well-equipped with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability to lead in a dynamic healthcare system.

Revamping the BSN for the Future of Nursing

The UW School of Nursing is undertaking a major revision of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, with a newly redesigned curriculum set to launch in Autumn 2027. This revision reflects the evolving needs of the healthcare system, emphasizing real-world clinical preparedness, equity, and interprofessional collaboration. Following this rollout, the School plans to expand pre-licensure nursing education across all three UW campuses, aiming to improve access and address the growing demand for nurses throughout Washington state by 2029.

DNP 3.0: Expanding Access to Advanced Practice Nursing Education

To better meet the needs of today’s students and Washington’s healthcare workforce, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program will introduce a newly structured curriculum—DNP 3.0—in Autumn 2027. Core coursework will shift to an online-plus-intensive model, combining the flexibility of remote learning with rich, in-person clinical immersion experiences. This hybrid approach will allow students across the state, including those in rural and underserved areas, to pursue advanced practice degrees without having to relocate.

New Graduate Certificate to Strengthen Nursing Education Workforce

In response to the urgent need for qualified nurse educators, UW Bothell is launching a Nursing Educator Graduate Certificate program. This offering is designed for practicing nurses who wish to gain the skills and credentials necessary to teach the next generation of nurses, helping to address the educator shortage and expand nursing program capacity across the region.

Innovative Teaching Methods to Enhance Student Learning

Across programs, the School is incorporating forward-thinking teaching methodologies to improve engagement and deepen learning. From case-based learning and virtual simulations to hybrid instruction and community-based projects, these methods prepare students to apply evidence-based knowledge in real-time clinical situations.

Competency-Based Education: A Student-Centered Shift

The UW School of Nursing is leading a significant shift toward competency-based evaluation, now being fully integrated into both the BSN and DNP programs. This approach ensures that students demonstrate mastery of essential skills and knowledge before advancing, rather than progressing solely based on time spent in class. It supports individualized learning, better aligns with clinical practice expectations, and ensures graduates are ready to provide high-quality, safe, and equitable care from day one.

Community Engagement

At the UW School of Nursing, community engagement is a cornerstone of our mission to improve health and advance equity. Faculty, students, and staff work in deep partnership with local, national, and global communities to co-create solutions that address real-world health challenges.

Rainier Rising: A Community-Driven Health Equity Initiative

In collaboration with the UW School of Social Work, College of Education, and more than 20 organizations across Rainier Valley, the UW School of Nursing is excited to support Rainier Rising—a growing initiative aimed at strengthening community health through collective impact. Funded by UW’s Population Health Initiative, the project will convene a summer gathering in August that brings together educators, service providers, and community leaders to co-develop actions for improving local health outcomes.

This partnership exemplifies our commitment to community-based learning: nursing faculty and students will engage directly with local residents and cross-sector allies, applying participatory research and equity-centered approaches. By designing health solutions together—from early childhood support to family wellness—the Rainier Rising project aligns closely with the School’s mission to foster inclusive, community-informed innovation in health and education.

Fostering Confidence and Connection: GLOW Adventure Camp for Young Adults with Ostomies

At the recent UW Dawg Tank event, Assistant Professor Dr. Kendra Kamp, PhD, RN, and Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Caeli Malloy from the UW School of Nursing presented their plan to develop the Gastrointestinal Ostomy Wellness (GLOW) Adventure Camp. This pioneering program aims to empower young adults living with fecal ostomies by offering adventurous outdoor activities in a safe and supportive setting. Designed to boost self-confidence, reduce stigma, and foster lasting peer connections, GLOW combines clinical expertise with community-building to redefine wellness and social belonging for young people navigating life with an ostomy.

Building Community Partnerships to Support BIPOC Nurses

Dr. Weichao Yuwen, PhD, RN, associate professor in the School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, is leading efforts to strengthen the education and career pathways of nursing students and professionals from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities.

Her work includes developing a toolkit to support and empower multicultural nursing associations, with a focus on building lasting community relationships. By centering mutual trust and collaboration, Dr. Yuwen is helping co-create programs and educational opportunities that reflect the needs and strengths of the communities she partners with. Through these efforts, she is working to reduce health disparities and create a more inclusive and equitable future for nursing.

Students Drive Real-World Impact Through Community Health Partnership with LETI

The Latino Education Training Institute (LETI), led by Executive Director Rosario Reyes, expanded its programming through partnerships with UW Bothell students. Based on student recommendations, LETI is integrating mental health education into both its women’s wellness program and the upcoming Senior Cafe, addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in Latino culture that often prevents community members from seeking support. Additionally, through collaboration with UW Bothell’s Social Determinants course, led by Shari Dworkin, PhD, MS, professor at UW Bothell, LETI is developing multigenerational partnerships that pair older and younger community members for technology education while strengthening staff capacity to incorporate social determinants of health into program development. Launched in June, the Senior Cafe will serve as the foundation for a multigenerational pathway connecting to youth programming this fall.

Toolkit to Help Schools Prevent Teen Dating Violence

Avanti Adhia, ScD, assistant professor in the UW Departments of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing and Epidemiology at the UW School of Nursing, developed a toolkit to help schools strengthen their response to and prevention of teen dating violence (TDV). Designed as a resource starting point, the toolkit supports school staff and administrators in building or enhancing policies and programs, encouraging collaboration among students, teachers, administrators, and community members. Successful implementation involves leadership support, regular meetings, and ongoing training for team members.

Technology and Innovation

Technology and innovation are driving forces at the UW School of Nursing, empowering nurses to lead advancements in health care delivery. From developing digital tools that support patient safety to pioneering AI-powered interventions for caregivers, our faculty and students are at the forefront of nurse-led innovation. Through the Digital Health Innovation Hub and cutting-edge simulation labs, we translate ideas into real-world impact. These efforts ensure that our graduates are not only skilled clinicians but also future-ready leaders shaping the future of health care.

Launching “Voices in Nursing Innovation” Fireside Chats

This spring, UW’s Digital Health Innovation Hub and the Office for Nursing Research & Innovation launched their first-ever Fireside Chat, held May 21 in the Sage of Suzzallo Library. In an intimate conversation, Dr. Oleg Zaslavsky, the Hub’s director, interviewed neonatal nurse innovator Dr. Elena Bosque about her path to multiple patents and the critical role of iteration in health tech—challenging norms with the mantra, “Innovation isn’t a one-and-done.”

This monthly, curated event series highlights nurse-led ingenuity, featuring candid discussions with clinician-innovators about their entrepreneurial journeys, patents, and hands-on approaches to solving everyday healthcare challenges. Designed to spark creativity and community, the series offers students, faculty, and practitioners opportunities to learn, ask questions, and connect directly with pioneers in digital health.

Safeguarding Mental Health for Older Adults with AI Innovation

UW Nursing PhD student Yanjing Liang and Dr. Jingyi Li (UW Tacoma) are working to reduce social isolation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment using cutting-edge AI. Their project explores a digital training platform powered by Multimodal Foundation Models—AI that uses images, text, and speech to simulate social interactions and provide personalized feedback. By helping users better understand and respond to social cues, the platform aims to boost connection, communication, and mental well-being in older adults.

Breaking Barriers in TB Care with AI and Mental Health Support

Dr. Sarah Iribarren, associate professor in Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Informatics at the UW School of Nursing, is leading an innovative project to improve tuberculosis (TB) treatment by integrating mental health support with artificial intelligence (AI). TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, and many patients also experience depression or anxiety, which worsens health outcomes. Dr. Iribarren’s project uses an AI-powered tool to provide personalized mental health support and health education while reducing the burden on healthcare workers. By offering tailored communication and culturally relevant resources, this approach aims to improve recovery, reduce stigma, and empower patients, especially in areas where healthcare access is limited.

Supporting Latino Family Caregivers with AI Technology

Dr. Weichao Yuwen, associate professor at the School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership on the UW Tacoma campus and adjunct associate professor of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, and Priscilla Carmiol Rodriguez, a PhD student in Nursing Science at the UW School of Nursing and pre-doctoral scholar at the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging, developed COCO, a chatbot that combines cutting-edge conversational AI technologies, evidence-based therapies, and tailored insights from care professionals.

Caring for children with chronic health conditions significantly impacts millions of family caregivers, especially within Latino communities who often face unique challenges accessing culturally and linguistically appropriate support. This project adapts the innovative mobile app “Caring of Caregivers Online” (COCO) — featuring an AI-powered chatbot — to better serve Spanish-speaking caregivers. COCO offers daily wellness check-ins, symptom tracking, and problem-solving support, making caregiving more manageable while improving health outcomes. By creating a culturally sensitive and accessible tool, this work aims to reduce caregiver burden and enable broader use of AI-based health support in diverse communities.