Audrey Lyndon

Faculty

Audrey Lyndon Headshot

Audrey Lyndon

PhD RNC FAAN

Executive Vice Dean
Vernice D. Ferguson Professor in Health Equity

1 212 922 5940

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Prof. Lyndon is the Vernice D. Ferguson Professor in Health Equity and Executive Vice Dean at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her work focuses on three key areas: maternal health equity, community health engagement, and developing the nursing science and healthcare workforce. Lyndon’s maternal health work has focused on patient safety and quality in maternity and neonatal care, including improving communication and teamwork among clinicians; identifying parents’ perspectives on safety during labor, birth, and neonatal care; developing nurse-sensitive outcomes for labor and birth; researching severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality; and holistic perinatal wellbeing. Her team has conducted groundbreaking research on the differences in clinicians’ and parents’ perspectives on speaking up about safety concerns, as well as developing an understanding of how women and parents conceptualize safety during childbirth and neonatal intensive care. Lyndon co-chaired the development of the CMQCC Obstetric Hemorrhage Toolkit, which became a national and international model for maternal safety bundles and collaborative quality improvement. Lyndon led an interdisciplinary research study funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that established hospital-level exclusive breastfeeding rates and cesarean birth rates as nurse-sensitive outcomes. Lyndon’s current work focuses on understanding the experiences of communities that have faced higher rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality. She and her team seek to gain a deeper understanding of the support needs and research priorities of severe maternal morbidity survivors, and to develop community-driven prevention targets for SMM and maternal health complications. Lyndon’s dedication to developing the nursing science and healthcare workforce includes mentoring and sponsoring clinicians and scientists from underserved communities. Her goals are to develop effective pathway programs for these individuals to pursue careers in nursing, nursing science, and clinical specialties.

 

PhD, University of California
MS, University of California
BA, University of California

Health Services Research
Qualitative Research
Women's health

American Academy of Nursing
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Educational Affiliate
American Nurses Association
Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses

Vernice D. Ferguson Professor in Health Equity, Rory Meyers College of Nursing (2021)
PhD Program Mentor of the Year, University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing (2019)
James P. and Marjorie A. Livingston Chair in Nursing Excellence, University of California, San Francisco (2018)
Reviewer of the Year, Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing (2017)
Irving Harris Visiting Professor, University of Illinois, Chicago College of Nursing (2015)
Distinguished Professional Service Award, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (2013)
Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2012)
Award of Excellence in Research, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (2011)

What makes or mars the facility-based childbirth experience: thematic analysis of women's childbirth experiences in western Kenya

Lyndon, A., Afulani, P. A., Kirumbi, L., & Lyndon, A. (2017). (Vols. 14, Issue 1, p. 180).
Abstract
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for approximately 66% of global maternal deaths. Poor person-centered maternity care, which emphasizes the quality of patient experience, contributes both directly and indirectly to these poor outcomes. Yet, few studies in low resource settings have examined what is important to women during childbirth from their perspective. The aim of this study is to examine women's facility-based childbirth experiences in a rural county in Kenya, to identify aspects of care that contribute to a positive or negative birth experience.

Consequences of Inadequate Staffing Include Missed Care, Potential Failure to Rescue, and Job Stress and Dissatisfaction

Simpson, K. R., Lyndon, A., & Ruhl, C. (2016). (Vols. 45, Issues 4, pp. 481-490). 10.1016/j.jogn.2016.02.011
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate responses of registered nurse members of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) to a survey that sought their recommendations for staffing guidelines and their perceptions of the consequences of inadequate nurse staffing. The goal was to use these member data to inform the work of the AWHONN nurse staffing research team. Design: Secondary analysis of responses to the 2010 AWHONN nurse staffing survey. Setting: Online. Participants: AWHONN members (N = 884). Methods: Review of data from an online survey of AWHONN members through the use of thematic analysis for descriptions of the consequences of inadequate nurse staffing during the childbirth process. Results: Three main themes emerged as consequences of inadequate staffing or being short-staffed: Missed Care, Potential for Failure to Rescue, and Job-Related Stress and Dissatisfaction. These themes are consistent with those previously identified in the literature related to inadequate nurse staffing. Conclusion: Based on the responses from participants in the 2010 AWHONN nurse staffing survey, consequences of inadequate staffing can be quite serious and may put patients at risk for preventable harm.

Consequences of Inadequate Staffing Include Missed Care, Potential Failure to Rescue, and Job Stress and Dissatisfaction

Lyndon, A., Simpson, K. R., Lyndon, A., & Ruhl, C. (2016). (Vols. 45, Issues 4, pp. 481-90).
Abstract
Abstract
To evaluate responses of registered nurse members of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) to a survey that sought their recommendations for staffing guidelines and their perceptions of the consequences of inadequate nurse staffing. The goal was to use these member data to inform the work of the AWHONN nurse staffing research team.

From the closest observers of patient care : A thematic analysis of online narrative reviews of hospitals

Bardach, N. S., Lyndon, A., Asteria-Peñaloza, R., Goldman, L. E., Lin, G. A., & Dudley, R. A. (2016). (Vols. 25, Issues 11, pp. 889-897). 10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004515
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Patient-centred care has become a priority in many countries. It is unknown whether current tools capture aspects of care patients and their surrogates consider important. We investigated whether online narrative reviews from patients and surrogates reflect domains in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) and we described additional potential domains. Design: We used thematic analysis to assess online narrative reviews for reference to HCAHPS domains and salient non-HCAHPS domains and compared results by reviewer type (patient vs surrogate). Setting: We identified hospitals for review from the American Hospital Association database using a stratified random sampling approach. This approach ensured inclusion of reviews of a diverse set of hospitals. We searched online in February 2013 for narrative reviews from any source for each hospital. Participants: We included up to two narrative reviews for each hospital. Exclusions: Outpatient or emergency department reviews, reviews from self-identified hospital employees, or reviews of

From the closest observers of patient care: a thematic analysis of online narrative reviews of hospitals

Lyndon, A., Bardach, N. S., Lyndon, A., Asteria-Peñaloza, R., Goldman, L. E., Lin, G. A., & Dudley, R. A. (2016). (Vols. 25, Issues 11, pp. 889-897).
Abstract
Abstract
Patient-centred care has become a priority in many countries. It is unknown whether current tools capture aspects of care patients and their surrogates consider important. We investigated whether online narrative reviews from patients and surrogates reflect domains in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) and we described additional potential domains.

Maternal hemorrhage : Quality improvement collaborative lessons

Lyndon, A., & Cape, V. (2016). (Vols. 41, Issues 6, pp. 363-371). 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000277
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe user experience with implementation of an obstetric hemorrhage toolkit and determine the degree of implementation of recommended practices that occurred during a 31-hospital quality improvement learning collaborative. Study Design and Methods: This descriptive qualitative study included semistructured interviews with 22 implementation team leaders and review of transcripts from collaborative reporting calls recorded during the hemorrhage collaborative. Interviews included openended, closed, and ranking questions. Numeric responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Open-ended responses and call transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results: Each of the 10 core toolkit components was ranked as currently "implemented" or "implemented and sustained" by at least 77% of interviewees. Most core elements were deemed "critical to retain." Respondents found debriefing the most difficult element of the toolkit to implement and sustain. Organizational context was the overarching theme regarding factors facilitating or constraining implementation. This included organizational structure and culture, previous experience with quality improvement, resources, and clinician engagement. Nurses were deeply involved in implementation and "physician buy-in" was a frequently mentioned facilitator when present and barrier when absent. Clinical Implications: Greater understanding of and attention to organizational context and resources, greater appreciation for nursing involvement, and increased recognition of the role of organizational leadership are needed to facilitate widespread improvement initiatives in maternity care. Implementation science approaches may be useful in achieving national goals for maternal quality improvement and safety.

Maternal Hemorrhage Quality Improvement Collaborative Lessons

Lyndon, A., Lyndon, A., & Cape, V. (2016). (Vols. 41, Issues 6, pp. 363-371).
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe user experience with implementation of an obstetric hemorrhage toolkit and determine the degree of implementation of recommended practices that occurred during a 31-hospital quality improvement learning collaborative.

Patient Safety Implications of Electronic Alerts and Alarms of Maternal - Fetal Status During Labor

Lyndon, A., Simpson, K. R., Lyndon, A., & Davidson, L. A. (2016). (Vols. 20, Issues 4, pp. 358-66).
Abstract
Abstract
When nurses care for women during labor, they encounter numerous alerts and alarms from electronic fetal monitors and their surveillance systems. Notifications of values of physiologic parameters for a woman and fetus that may be outside preset limits are generated via visual and audible cues. There is no standardization of these alert and alarm parameters among electronic fetal monitoring vendors in the United States, and there are no data supporting their sensitivity and specificity. Agreement among professional organizations about physiologic parameters for alerts and alarms commonly used during labor is lacking. It is unknown if labor nurses view the alerts and alarms as helpful or a nuisance. There is no evidence that they promote or hinder patient safety. This clinical issue warrants our attention as labor nurses.

Patient Safety Implications of Electronic Alerts and Alarms of Maternal – Fetal Status During Labor

Simpson, K. R., Lyndon, A., & Davidson, L. A. (2016). (Vols. 20, Issues 4, pp. 358-366). 10.1016/j.nwh.2016.07.004
Abstract
Abstract
When nurses care for women during labor, they encounter numerous alerts and alarms from electronic fetal monitors and their surveillance systems. Notifications of values of physiologic parameters for a woman and fetus that may be outside preset limits are generated via visual and audible cues. There is no standardization of these alert and alarm parameters among electronic fetal monitoring vendors in the United States, and there are no data supporting their sensitivity and specificity. Agreement among professional organizations about physiologic parameters for alerts and alarms commonly used during labor is lacking. It is unknown if labor nurses view the alerts and alarms as helpful or a nuisance. There is no evidence that they promote or hinder patient safety. This clinical issue warrants our attention as labor nurses.

Women's Experiences Being Diagnosed With Peripartum Cardiomyopathy : A Qualitative Study

Dekker, R. L., Morton, C. H., Singleton, P., & Lyndon, A. (2016). (Vols. 61, Issues 4, pp. 467-473). 10.1111/jmwh.12448
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Cardiovascular disease has been identified as the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States, with cardiomyopathy, including peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), accounting for 12% to 16% of all pregnancy-related deaths. The purpose of this study was to describe women's experiences being diagnosed with PPCM. Methods: This investigation was conducted using a qualitative design. We collected publicly available narratives posted by 92 women with PPCM (mean [SD] age 29 [6] years, mean [SD] ejection fraction 25.5 [10.8]%) in 3 online support groups. Data were coded and thematically organized so as to produce a richly detailed account of this experience. Results: The experience of diagnosis was marked by the women's distinct memories of their initial symptoms and whether they were dismissed or taken seriously. The most commonly reported symptoms were extreme shortness of breath, orthopnea, tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain, cough, and edema. Nearly 40% of women experienced symptom dismissal by health care providers. One-fourth of women were initially given inaccurate diagnoses ranging from “new mom anxiety” to asthma. Women described their initial reaction to diagnosis as feeling terrified, devastated, and feeling a sense of doom. Women had difficulty caring for their newborns during the postpartum period, and they struggled with the medical advice they received to not get pregnant again. Discussion: Despite experiencing severe subjective and objective symptoms, nearly 40% of women with PPCM experienced symptom dismissal by health care providers, in part due to the overlap between normal symptoms of pregnancy or the postpartum period and symptoms of heart failure.