Research Briefs / Volume 3

Closing the Gap: In 2013, the American Academy of Nursing called for increased nursing advocacy in tobacco control. Years later, tobacco continues to drive health disparities. This literature review aims to provide an updated picture of tobacco dependence and recommend further action for nurses to deliver tobacco dependence treatment. 

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes: Tobacco dependence continues to cause health disparities, particularly in marginalized groups. This literature review found that nurse-led tobacco dependence treatment interventions often led to cessation. 

Optimizing Resources: This low-cost study found that training and utilizing nursing staff to deliver tobacco treatment is an effective way to increase patient cessation. 

Volume 3, Issue 2 

April 2026 

Closing the Gap: This study identifies telehealth usage disparities by geography, demographics, and insurance structure to pinpoint areas of growth for telehealth accessibility. 

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes: This study indirectly supports patients by identifying barriers to accessing care. If available, use of telehealth increases access to mental healthcare services, continuity of care, and convenience (decreased time and transportation barriers). Over time, better access leads to consistent treatment and improved mental health outcomes. This study identified that patients with more severe mental illness are more likely to use telehealth; suggesting telehealth supports those with greater care needs.

Optimizing Resources: This study identifies both where telehealth is underused and where it is most effective. This improves efficiency by identifying populations to direct resources. 

Volume 3, Issue 3 

June 2026 

Closing the Gap: This pilot study identifies mindfulness-based techniques as an effective tool for providers to implement with individuals with psychiatric challenges engaged in tobacco treatment  

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes: This study supports patients by training Behavioral Health Care Providers in mindfulness techniques that can help patients stop tobacco use.  

Optimizing Resources: This pilot study utilizes a 1-hour training to educate and empower Behavioral Health Care Providers in mindfulness techniques for use with patients.  

Volume 3, Issue 4 

August 2026  

Written by: Jessica Borzansky

Closing the Gap: Mental health concerns are common among college students and may be especially prevalent among nursing students due to demanding, rigorous academic education. Nursing students tend to experience anxiety and depression. Despite the mental health challenges many nursing students face, they tend to not seek psychiatric help. Recognizing factors that influence help-seeking behaviors is crucial for developing interventions that support student’s physical, mental, and academic success. 

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes: Taking care of nursing students leads to more nurses in the healthcare field. Nursing staff is essential to a healthy healthcare ecosystem.  

Optimizing Resources: The survey tested in this study, the Mental Health Help-Seeking Scale (MHHSS), was found to be a reliable tool to measure nursing students’ intentions to seek professional mental health services. This survey is low cost and understandable to a lay audience.