Date of Conferral

5-30-2024

Date of Award

May 2024

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

joan hahn

Abstract

In 2010, nearly 1 in 5 visits to the emergency department (ED) were categorized as potentially avoidable, resulting in a significant $65 billion increase in health care expenditures and exacerbating ED overcrowding. This project addressed whether a staff education initiative focused on evidence-based patient teaching strategies can enhance nurses’ patient education skills regarding when patients should seek medical attention. Utilizing theories, such as the diffusion of innovation theory and transformational theory, a staff education program was developed in this project informed by evidence-based practice. Credible sources, including nursing databases and professional organizations, were used to identify the gap in nursing practice and justify the importance of enhancing patient education skills. The program content focused on educating nurses about effective patient teaching techniques on continuous glucose monitoring device usage and appropriate medical attention-seeking behaviors. The staff education program was evaluated using descriptive statistics to measure changes in knowledge among 10 nursing staff participants. Findings from the project demonstrated a mean 46% increase in knowledge among the participants. The project has significant implications for professional development, patient engagement, and potentially reducing avoidable ED visits and associated costs. This DNP project underscores the potential of evidence-based staff educational programs to enhance nurse practitioners’ patient education skills and decrease avoidable ED visits. The substantial increase in knowledge among participants suggests that educating nurses on patient education can lead to positive social change through improved health care delivery and patient outcomes.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

 
COinS