Date of Conferral

6-20-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Patricia Schweickert

Abstract

This doctoral project was a clinical practice guideline (CPG) aimed at addressing the practice problem of inappropriate selection of patients for telepsychiatry visits. The issue is significant in nursing practice, as the misalignment between patient needs and telehealth capabilities often results in appointment cancellations. The practice focus question guiding this project was “Does the evidence support development and expert panel validation via the Appraisal of Guideline for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) of a CPG for appropriate selection of mental health conditions for telepsychiatry visits that is also approved for use in practice by end users?” The project successfully developed and validated a CPG. A systematic review of current literature using the John Hopkins model was conducted as part of the analytical strategy. There were 80 articles reviewed, and 20 high-quality studies were selected to support this initiative. A three-person expert panel assessed the CPG using the AGREE II instrument. Results yielded domain scores in Domains 1 through 6 ranging from 70% to 90%. The overall quality score was 82%, and the end-user recommendation was 4.0 out of 5, confirming the guideline’s methodological rigor and practical applicability. Key recommendations include integrating telepsychiatry for conditions like depression and anxiety while addressing crisis intervention challenges. Findings support evidence-based nursing practice by enhancing access to quality mental health care, promoting patient-centered approaches, and improving clinical decision-making. Additionally, the project advances diversity, equity, and inclusion by increasing mental health access for underserved populations, reducing disparities in psychiatric care, and fostering a more inclusive healthcare system.

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