Date of Conferral

5-21-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Patricia Schweickert

Abstract

This doctoral project implemented a staff education program to enhance smoking cessation knowledge in a mental-health care setting. Despite the well-documented risks, smoking cessation efforts remain insufficient, often due to providers’ limited knowledge and confidence in delivering effective interventions. The practice-focused question for this project was: Will implementing a staff education program improve health care providers’ knowledge of smoking cessation strategies as compared pre- to posteducation? The purpose was to equip providers with evidence-based techniques to enhance patient smoking cessation. A comprehensive literature review using the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model was performed, and 20 relevant articles were identified supporting smoking cessation strategies. The strength of the evidence includes systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, representing Levels I and II evidence. Analytical strategies included pre- and postintervention assessments to measure changes in staff knowledge and confidence. The education program incorporated theoretical instruction, interactive case studies, and role-playing exercises based on the ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange (5A’s) model. The education program significantly improved the 25 participants’ knowledge of smoking cessation strategies, with pretest scores averaging 5.8 out of 15 (38.7%) and posttest scores increasing to 13.2 out of 15 (88%), demonstrating increased knowledge. Recommendations include continued staff education and integrating smoking cessation education into routine clinical practice. This initiative promotes positive social change by addressing health disparities; fostering equitable access to smoking cessation support; and empowering providers to deliver inclusive, patient-centered care.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

 
COinS