Date of Conferral

2-27-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Barbara Barrett

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project involved the development and implementation of a staff education program to enhance the use of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) tool. The aim of the project was to address the inconsistent and inaccurate applications of the DASA tool by health staff, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention to address patient aggression and increased risk of violence to both staff and patients. The importance of addressing this issue within the context of nursing practice rests on the DASA tool’s importance as a means for nurses to assess patients with aggressive behavior, thereby facilitating timely and effective interventions that can have positive impacts on patient safety and overall care outcomes. The practice-based question that led to the development of this project focused on whether a structured educational intervention could enhance staff knowledge about appropriately applying the DASA tool. Pre- and post-assessment tests measured staff knowledge before and after the delivery of the project. The project data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis, and a paired t test was used to assess the project’s significance. The project findings indicated an increase in staff knowledge on how to more appropriately use the DASA tool in assessing risk for violence with a p value 0.003, which is < 0.05 and is therefore highly statistically significant. The findings revealed evidence of more accurate identification of risk levels and appropriate interventions. Improved knowledge of the DASA tool may allow nurses to have a positive impact on patients seeking psychiatric care, while ensuring culturally competent care is prioritized. These efforts may result in positive social change and enhanced diversity, equity, and inclusion .

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