Date of Conferral

7-21-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Kelly Fisher

Abstract

This educational intervention involved enhancing knowledge and competency of nursing staff in terms of application of motivational interviewing (MI) techniques to improve adherence to prescribed psychotropic medications among patients with mental health conditions. The project met criteria for a staff education initiative, directly addressing the ongoing issue of psychotropic medication nonadherence, a prevalent and pressing challenge at the project site. Clinicians observed frequent missed doses and treatment discontinuation, leading to symptom relapse, emergency room visits, and avoidable hospital admissions. These outcomes emphasized the need for a targeted intervention to support frontline nursing staff. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: Will an educational intervention on MI increase nurses’ knowledge, skills, and competence in terms of improving psychotropic medication adherence among psychiatric patients? The intervention was designed to equip nurses with MI strategies that help patients increase intrinsic motivation and overcome ambivalence about treatment. To assess the intervention’s effectiveness, pre- and posttest questionnaires were administered to 10 participating nurses. Training materials included case studies, clinical scenarios, role plays, and PowerPoint presentations. Postintervention results revealed an average learning gain of 48.4%, indicating a substantial increase in MI knowledge and application. Nurses demonstrated improved ability to initiate meaningful conversations about treatment adherence with patients. This project has broader implications for nursing practice by promoting individualized care among diverse populations, which supports inclusive practices and promotes a positive social change in mental healthcare.

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