College of Nursing Doctoral Student Receives competitive research award from Delta Psi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International

Tracey Vitori, MSN, MS, M.Ed, APRN, doctoral candidate, received a competitive research award from Delta Psi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International for $1500 to support her dissertation research. The purpose of this study, titled the “Association of psychological distress to surgical outcomes and quality of life in patients and their caregivers after cardiac surgery”,  is to evaluate the association of patient and caregiver psychological state (anxiety, depression, hostility) with quality of life in both patient and caregiver, and postoperative complications after cardiac surgery.  The findings from this investigation could support the development of tailored interventions for both patient and caregiver to facilitate recovery after cardiac surgery and support the caregiver during this experience. Dr. Susan Frazier is Tracey's mentor.