Date of Conferral

6-10-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Cheryl Holly

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project is a staff education program aimed at improving nursing care for elderly patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) through education on the collaborative care model (CCM). The practice concern addressed is the underrecognition and undertreatment of PSD in elderly patients in a rehabilitation setting due to a lack of staff knowledge and confidence in screening for PSD in the elderly. The aim of this DNP project was to provide staff with the knowledge necessary to engage PSD screening as a part of the CCM, which has the potential to enhance PSD management and improve patient outcomes. Ten staff members completed the program, six registered nurses (RNs) and four advanced nurse practitioners (APNPs). The program consisted of four modules on PSD in the elderly, the CCM, communication and documentation, and quality improvement. Results indicated the posttest score increased on average, 28 percentage points (pretest = 78%; posttest = 100%). These results were significant at p = .001887 using a paired t test. Confidence levels using a Likert scale indicated that although the staff were knowledgeable about screening tools for PSD, they felt there was more to learn about the use of and interpretation of the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9) ("see Appendix A and B"). This project has implications for nursing practice in terms of strengthening staff competencies in managing elderly mental health. The project also promotes equity in geriatric mental health treatment and advances inclusive care methods during post-stroke recovery.

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