Date of Conferral
2-11-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Terese Verklan
Abstract
This Doctor of Nursing Practice project addressed the critical issue of medication nonadherence among mental health patients by implementing a staff education program at an outpatient clinic in the Mid-Atlantic region USA. The program focused on enhancing staff knowledge and confidence through training in psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Nonadherence often leads to relapse, hospitalization, and poor outcomes, compounded by a lack of structured interventions at the project site. Sixteen clinic staff members participated in biweekly training sessions over a one-month period. Pre- and post-training assessments revealed a 44.79% increase in staff knowledge and a 50% improvement in confidence levels, with 100% of participants expressing confidence post-intervention. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted education in equipping staff to address adherence barriers, fostering patient-centered care, and aligning with organizational goals. Recommendations include regular training updates, integration into onboarding programs, and expansion to other departments to sustain improvements and broaden the impact. This project contributes to improved mental health outcomes, promotes equity in care, and underscores the value of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing systemic and patient-specific barriers to medication adherence.
Recommended Citation
Mbadugha, Uzoamaka lynda, "Enhancing Staff Impact on Medication Adherence in a Mental Health Outpatient Clinic" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17268.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17268
