Date of Conferral
5-5-2025
Date of Award
May 2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Catherine Garner
Abstract
This doctoral project implemented a staff education program to enhance early recognition and escalation of patient deterioration. Conducted at a 343-bed acute care hospital, the initiative addressed the ongoing problem of delayed detection and response to clinical decline, which often results in rapid response team activations and code blue events. Delays in intervention increase patient morbidity and mortality, despite many of these events being preventable through timely action. The project evaluated whether an interactive targeted education program could improve nursing staff’s knowledge, confidence, and willingness to activate escalation protocols, including Condition H and Code Help. Pre- and post-education surveys were completed by 34 nurses. The mean pretest score was 68.4% (SD = 9.2), which increased to a posttest mean of 88.1% (SD = 6.7), indicating a 19.7 percentage point improvement in overall comprehension and confidence. Additionally, 91% of participants reported they felt more prepared to escalate care after the training. These results align with literature emphasizing the value of educational interventions in strengthening clinical judgment and early warning. Evidence has supported that involving patients and families in recognizing deterioration leads to better outcomes and increased trust. This initiative supports positive social change by improving access to timely interventions, enhancing health equity, and promoting inclusive patient-centered care practices.
Recommended Citation
Pantaleon, Kein Gareth Rufino, "Staff Education to Early Detection and Response to Patient Decline" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17706.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17706
