Date of Conferral

8-28-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Mary Verklan

Abstract

The staff education project was designed to address medication non-adherence among mental health patients in an outpatient psychiatric clinic by enhancing the knowledge and skills of mental health nurses and nurse practitioners. The lack of structured, evidence-based training on medication adherence strategies has contributed to poor patient outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs. Clinic patient reports indicated 50% medication non-adherence, highlighting the need to address non-adherence through effective nursing-led education, medication management, and adherence monitoring. The project assessed whether enhancing the outpatient healthcare providers’ skills and knowledge through a structured, evidence-based program would improve the providers’ medication adherence strategies. The project utilized psychoeducation, motivational interviewing (MI), shared decision-making (SDM), and digital adherence tools. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Health Literacy Questionnaire was used to measure changes in provider skills, knowledge, and confidence pre- and post-training. Results showed a 44.6% increase in knowledge and skills and a 40% improvement in participants’ confidence in applying adherence strategies. Electronic health record (EHR) audits tracking patient adherence showed an 18.2% increase, Perx app improved by 18%, and telehealth participation increased by 14%. Findings showed that the education project enhanced provider competency and confidence in addressing medication adherence. Recommendations include ongoing training, adherence tracking tools, and the retention of effective strategies to sustain progress. The project advanced nursing practice; promoted equitable, inclusive, patient-centered care, and supported positive social change through improved health outcomes.

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