Date of Conferral
1-9-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Joan Moon
Abstract
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are a category of medications principally employed for the treatment of certain mental illnesses. One major downside of the medications is their tendency to induce weight gain, which can result in negative metabolic consequences and raise the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. The clinic setting was focused on the mental health component for the patients on SGAs, and there was little time and ability to address physical health needs, such as weight gain, nutrition, and exercise, which led to comorbidities and possible exacerbation of the mental health issues. Therefore, the purpose of this doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project was to develop and evaluate a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for lifestyle management of clients on SGAs. The project questions were two-fold. The first question was: Will the evidence-based literature support the CPG? The second question was relative to the guideline being evaluated by an expert panel using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II Instrument: Will the clinical practice patient education guidelines (CPPEG) meet the AGREE threshold of 7 (100%)? The CPPEG did not reach a perfect score of 7, but did earn 6.66 (94%), which is within the acceptable range. Five end users/stakeholders evaluated and unanimously agreed to support the implementation of the CPPEG in the clinic. The CPPEG will guide the interdisciplinary team in the promotion of weight management in tandem with mental health services for clinic patients on SGAs. The guideline is inclusive of all communities, which will result in positive social change as patients on SGAs experience decreased stigmatization relative to being overweight and recognize the benefits from achieving optimal physical health, thus improving the human condition.
Recommended Citation
Andrade, Althea G., "Clinical Practice Guideline for Lifestyle Management of Clients on Second Generation Antipsychotic Medications" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16915.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16915
