Together we transform research

In higher education, research findings come in the way of journal articles citing qualitative dynamics and quantitative efficiencies. Indeed, School of Nursing faculty have performed research, published articles in leading academic journals and presented at high-profile symposiums. However, some of the most impactful findings come forward in the words of patients and families.

Even before the pandemic reminded us of the importance of healthcare research, it was a critical Empowering Health campaign pillar. Professor and Associate Dean for Research Diane Treat-Jacobson led the PAD Prairie Initiative to promote awareness and improve treatment for the patients suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD). Funded by a grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, the initiative partnered the School of Nursing with rural community members to better diagnose, treat and educate health care providers, patients and the public about PAD.

The impact of Treat-Jacobson’s research was best evidenced by comments made by a PAD Prairie Initiative participant:

You don’t realize what you can do until you can’t do it. Then once you don’t have it anymore, you have to find out a way to get it back. And sometimes if you are lucky enough, as I am, you can get at least part of it back. When I started I couldn’t get out of the chair by myself. Now I can get out and move and do what I want to do when I want to do it. For example, now I can come out and sit in my backyard, which I couldn’t do before.

Although concluded in 2019, the Prairie PAD Initiative continues to take steps forward to improve care and impact the lives of patients and their families. You could say, the proof is in the PAD-ing.