Jasmine Travers

Faculty

Jasmine Travers Headshot

Jasmine Travers

AGPCNP-BC CCRN PhD RN

Assistant Professor

1 212 992 7147

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Jasmine L. Travers is an assistant professor of nursing at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her career is dedicated to designing and conducting research to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in vulnerable older adult groups using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Her current work focuses on mitigating disparities in appropriate access and use of in-home and facility-based long-term care for older adults (i.e., home & community-based settings, nursing homes, and assisted living). Currently, Travers is the principal investigator of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation four-year Career Development Award through the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program which she is examining the association of neighborhood disadvantage with nursing home outcomes using large-scale nursing home data and a Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leader five-year K76 Award through the National Institute on Aging which in this mixed-method study she will develop a survey instrument aimed to identify unmet needs that are disproportionately driving avoidable nursing home placements. Most recently, Travers served on the National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine Committee on the Quality of Care in Nursing Homes which on April 6, 2022, released the widely anticipated report titled, The National Imperative to Improve Nursing Home Quality.

Travers has published widely on the topics of aging, long-term care, health disparities and inequities, workforce diversity and workforce issues, vaccinations, and infections. She has presented her work at regional and national health services research, gerontological, nursing, and public health conferences.

Prior to joining the faculty at NYU, Travers completed a postdoctoral fellowship with the National Clinician Scholars Program at Yale University and a T32-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the New Courtland Center for Transitions and Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

Travers received her Ph.D. at Columbia University School of Nursing, MHS at Yale University, MSN in Adult-Gerontological Health at Stony Brook University, and BSN at Adelphi University.

PhD, Columbia University
MSN, Stony Brook University
MHS, Yale University
BSN, Adelphi University

Gerontology
Underserved populations

Eastern Nursing Research Society
American Geriatrics Society
Gerontological Society of America
Academy Health

Rising Star Research Award, Eastern Nursing Research Society (2022)
Health in Aging Foundation New Investigator Award, American Geriatrics Society (2022)
Committee Member, Committee on the Quality of Care in Nursing Homes, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2020)
Scholar, National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale University (2020)
Early Career Alumni Award: Emerging Nurse Leader, Columbia University (2020)
Jonas Policy Scholar, American Academy of Nursing, Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare (2019)
Douglas Holmes Emerging Scholar Paper Award, Gerontological Society of America (2018)
Dean’s Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania Vice Provost Office (2018)
Associate Fellow, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania (2018)
Awardee, 10 Under 10 Young Alumni Recognition, Adelphi University (2018)
Jonas Nurse Leader Scholar, Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare (2016)
Pre-Dissertation Student Research Award, The Behavioral & Social Sciences Section of The Gerontological Society of America (2016)

mHealth Technology as a Persuasive Tool for Treatment, Care and Management of Persons Living with HIV

Schnall, R., Bakken, S., Rojas, M., Travers, J., & Carballo-Dieguez, A. (2015). AIDS and Behavior, 19, 81-89. 10.1007/s10461-014-0984-8
Abstract
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) technology can be a valuable tool in the management of chronic illnesses, including HIV. Qualitative research methods were used to identify the desired content and features of a mobile app for meeting and improving the healthcare needs of persons living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted six focus group sessions with 50 English-or Spanish-speaking PLWH in New York City. To inform data analysis and to illustrate how mHealth technology can be used as a persuasive strategy for improving the health of PLWH, we integrated Fogg’s functional role triad for computing technology model with the self-determination theory to illustrate how mHealth technology can be used as a persuasive strategy for improving the health of PLWH. Participants suggested several tools for meeting their healthcare needs, including: reminders/alerts, lab results tracking, and notes on health status. mHealth technology can function as a social actor by providing chat boxes/forums, testimonials of lived experiences, and personal outreach. Examples of media that can be used as a persuasive technology include games/virtual rewards, coding of health tasks, and simulations on how to connect with PLWH. Findings from these focus groups can be used to design a mobile app for PLWH that is targeted to meet their healthcare needs.

Perceived barriers to infection prevention and control for nursing home certified nursing assistants: A qualitative study

Travers, J., Herzig, C. T., Pogorzelska-Maziarz, M., Carter, E., Cohen, C. C., Semeraro, P. K., Bjarnadottir, R. I., & Stone, P. W. (2015). Geriatric Nursing, 36(5), 355-360. 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2015.05.001
Abstract
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections, while preventable, result in increased morbidity and mortality in nursing home (NH) residents. Frontline personnel, such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs), are crucial to successful implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. The purpose of this study was to explore barriers to implementing and maintaining IPC practices for NH CNAs as well as to describe strategies used to overcome these barriers. We conducted a multi-site qualitative study of NH personnel important to infection control. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Five key themes emerged as perceived barriers to effective IPC for CNAs: 1) language/culture; 2) knowledge/training; 3) per-diem/part-time staff; 4) workload; and 5) accountability. Strategies used to overcome these barriers included: translating in-services, hands on training, on-the-spot training for per-diem/part-time staff, increased staffing ratios, and inclusion/empowerment of CNAs. Understanding IPC barriers and strategies to overcome these barriers may better enable NHs to achieve infection reduction goals.

"Striving for excellence": Minimum data set coordinators' perceptions of their role in the nursing home

Bjarnadottir, R. I., Semeraro, P. K., Herzig, C. T., Pogorzelska-Maziarz, M., Carter, E., Cohen, C. C., Travers, J., & Stone, P. W. (2015). Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 41(9), 32-41. 10.3928/00989134-20150728-09
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to explore how Minimum Data Set (MDS) coordinators perceive their role and the assessment process. Eleven MDS coordinators from 10 geographically dispersed nursing homes (NHs) were interviewed between May and September 2013. Four broad themes emerged from content analysis: (a) information gathering, (b) interdisciplinary coordination, (c) role challenges, and (d) resources. The fi rst two themes referred to key components and competencies in the MDS coordinators' role, the third theme dealt with certain challenges inherent in the role, and the fourth theme highlighted resources that helped address these challenges. The current study provides insight into how MDS coordinators perceive their role, as well as some of the challenges they face to successfully enact that role. The current fi ndings can help inform NH management staff, such as directors of nursing and NH administrators, and policy makers, on how best to support MDS coordinators' work to enable effi cient and accurate resident assessment processes.

Time and costs of preparing and submitting an NIH grant application at a school of nursing

Kulage, K. M., Schnall, R., Hickey, K. T., Travers, J., Zezulinski, K., Torres, F., Burgess, J., & Larson, E. L. (2015). Nursing Outlook, 63(6), 639-649. 10.1016/j.outlook.2015.09.003
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Schools of nursing spend considerable time and finances pursuing federal research funding, yet the costs of such efforts are unknown. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the time and costs to a school of nursing to prepare a National Institutes of Health grant application. Method: We prospectively recorded time and calculated costs in grant preparation undertaken by principal investigators and research administrators in one school of nursing. Results: Principal investigators' time ranged from 69.8 to 162.3 hr, research administrators' time ranged from 33.9 to 56.4 hr, and costs ranged from $4,784 to $13,512 per grant. With funding rates of 5% to 15%, costs for one funded R01 would be $72,460 to $270,240. Discussion: Grant writing activities represent a major time commitment to faculty and staff and costs to the school. To maximize potential for success, schools of nursing must provide costly resources to support its grant writing enterprise. Conclusions: Less costly and more efficient models of attaining research funding are needed for the sustainability of the nursing profession.

Understanding HIV Testing Behaviors of Minority Adolescents: A Health Behavior Model Analysis

Schnall, R., Rojas, M., & Travers, J. (2015). Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 26(3), 246-258. 10.1016/j.jana.2014.08.005
Abstract
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults are the fastest-growing age group of people living with HIV infection in the United States. Yet many adolescents and young adults with high-risk behaviors for HIV are unaware of their HIV status and have never had an HIV test. The purpose of our work was to understand minority adolescents' beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to HIV testing. We conducted focus group sessions with 41 minority adolescents to assess their perceptions about HIV testing. We triangulated the findings from our focus group data with data from a 125-question survey. Analysis of focus group data demonstrated that Perceived Susceptibility, Perceived Severity, Perceived Benefits, Perceived Barriers, and Cues to Action influenced adolescents' decisions to get tested for HIV. Findings support the need to design interventions that address adolescents' perceived barriers to HIV testing and increase access to and knowledge about HIV testing.

Understanding infection prevention and control in nursing homes: A qualitative study

Stone, P. W., Herzig, C. T., Pogorzelska-Maziarz, M., Carter, E., Bjarnadottir, R. I., Semeraro, P. K., Cohen, C. C., Travers, J., & Schweon, S. (2015). Geriatric Nursing, 36(4), 267-272. 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2015.02.023
Abstract
Abstract
Infections have been identified as a priority issue in nursing homes (NHs). We conducted a qualitative study purposively sampling 10 NHs across the country where 6-8 employees were recruited (N = 73). Semi-structured, open-ended guides were used to conduct in-depth interviews. Data were audiotaped, transcribed and a content analysis was performed. Five themes emerged: 'Residents' Needs', 'Roles and Training' 'Using Infection Data,' 'External Resources' and 'Focus on Hand Hygiene.' Infection prevention was a priority in the NHs visited. While all sites had hand hygiene programs, other recommended areas were not a focus and many sites were not aware of available resources. Developing ways to ensure effective, efficient and standardized infection prevention and control in NHs continues to be a national priority.

EHealth interventions for HIV prevention in high-risk men who have sex with men: A systematic review

Schnall, R., Travers, J., Rojas, M., & Carballo-Diéguez, A. (2014). Journal of Medical Internet Research, 16(5), e134. 10.2196/jmir.3393
Abstract
Abstract
Background: While the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence rate has remained steady in most groups, the overall incidence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been steadily increasing in the United States. eHealth is a platform for health behavior change interventions and provides new opportunities for the delivery of HIV prevention messages. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the use of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention in high-risk MSM. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, OVID, ISI Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, and Google for articles and grey literature reporting the original results of any studies related to HIV prevention in MSM and developed a standard data collection form to extract information on study characteristics and outcome data. Results: In total, 13 articles met the inclusion criteria, of which five articles targeted HIV testing behaviors and eight focused on decreasing HIV risk behaviors. Interventions included Web-based education modules, text messaging (SMS, short message service), chat rooms, and social networking. The methodological quality of articles ranged from 49.4-94.6%. Wide variation in the interventions meant synthesis of the results using meta-analysis would not be appropriate. Conclusions: This review shows evidence that eHealth for HIV prevention in high-risk MSM has the potential to be effective in the short term for reducing HIV risk behaviors and increasing testing rates. Given that many of these studies were short term and had other limitations, but showed strong preliminary evidence of improving outcomes, additional work needs to rigorously assess the use of eHealth strategies for HIV prevention in high-risk MSM.

Use of Design Science for Informing the Development of a Mobile App for Persons Living with HIV

Schnall, R., Rojas, M., Travers, J., Brown, W., & Bakken, S. (2014). AMIA . Annual Symposium Proceedings AMIA Symposium. AMIA Symposium, 2014, 1037-1045.
Abstract
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) technology presents opportunities to enhance chronic illness management, which is especially relevant for persons living with HIV (PLWH). Since mHealth technology comprises evolving and adaptable hardware and software, it provides many challenging design problems. To address this challenge, our methods were guided by the Information System Research (ISR) framework. This paper focuses on the Design Cycle of the ISR framework in which we used user-centered distributed information design methods and participatory action research methods to inform the design of a mobile application (app) for PLWH. In the first design session, participants (N=5) identified features that are optimal for meeting the treatment and management needs of PLWH. In the second design session, participants (N=6) were presented with findings from the first design session and pictures of existing apps. Findings from the Design Cycle will be evaluated with usability inspection methods. Using a systematic approach has the potential to improve mHealth functionality and use and subsequent impact.