Date of Conferral

4-28-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Cara Krulewitch

Abstract

Summary The goal of this staff education project is to increase patient awareness of early detection and self-management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) through the education of staff in an Arkansas cardiovascular clinic. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Arkansas and the fourth highest in the country. The practice-focused question was: Does effective education for nursing staff regarding early detection and self-management of heart disease in adults help improve staff knowledge and willingness to educate patients as measured by pretest and posttest? Increasing patient knowledge in improving modifiable factors (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, monitoring of BMI, and cholesterol) can improve the condition of the patient living with heart disease. Assisting patients to adopt lifestyle changes can improve quality of life, reduce rehospitalizations, and minimize eventual complications. A pretest was given to nurses to measure their knowledge prior to the educational presentation. After the presentation, a posttest was given with the same questions. In the pretest, 61% (20 out of 33) of nurses correctly answered questions that assessed general CVD knowledge. After training, 91% (30 out of 33) of nurses correctly answered the questions. Personalized patient educational materials must be readily available for patients to take home. Books containing pictures will allow patients to easily understand complex concepts. Education personalized to each patient can achieve a more diversified and inclusive approach and deliver positive social change. Informed individuals often share what they learn with family and friends, creating ripple effects. This peer-to-peer influence can encourage communities to prioritize health and adopt healthier lifestyles, reducing morbidity and mortality.

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