Date of Conferral
5-6-2025
Date of Award
May 2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Dr. Corinne Romano
Abstract
This DNP project was a staff education created to address the practice problem of staff knowledge deficit around polypharmacy management in an outpatient internal medicine clinic. Inadequate staff education and inconsistent use of validated tools contribute to medication errors, adverse drug events, and fragmented care, thereby increasing health care costs and patient risk. The practice-focused question was: Will staff education on the importance of polypharmacy management increase staff knowledge? The purpose of this education project was to implement and evaluate a targeted staff education program focused on polypharmacy risks, safe prescribing practices, and the application of evidence-based strategies, such as medication reconciliation and deprescribing. The presurvey was completed and returned via pre-addressed, confidential envelopes by all twelve participants. Four weeks later, I delivered a 15-minute, in-person educational session. A post-survey, identical to the pre-survey, was completed, mailed, and returned within one week of the session. Results showed an increase in staff knowledge scores (60% to 85%) and confidence levels (55% to 80%). Key recommendations include adopting standardized training modules and implementing ongoing quality assurance. This project strengthens nursing practice through evidence-based deprescribing to enhance patient safety. The project promotes social change by improving equitable medication management among older adults experiencing polypharmacy. Inclusive education and interdisciplinary collaboration has the potential to advance culturally competent care and reduce disparities in pharmacological outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Emmanuel, Ronie, "Staff Education On the Importance of Polypharmacy Management" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17685.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17685
