Date of Conferral

8-18-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Camilla Jaekel

Abstract

This staff education-focused doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project addressed the critical practice problem of one southern health care facility staff’s knowledge on the integration of social determinants of health (SDOH) into home health care plans. Despite SDOH screening, clinicians lacked standardized training to effectively assess and intervene on factors such as housing, transportation, and food insecurity, contributing to preventable hospitalizations, particularly in vulnerable populations. The practice-focused question addressed whether an evidence-based education module could improve home health nurses’ knowledge and application of SDOH in assessments and care plans. The project’s purpose was to develop, implement, and evaluate this training to enhance clinician competency and patient outcomes. Analytical strategies included pre- and postimplementation tests (N = 41 clinicians) analyzed by statistical comparisons (t tests and chi-square tests). Findings demonstrated significant improvements: The accurate definition of SDOH rose from 35% to 92%, confidence in assessments increased from 28% to 82%, and SDOH documentation improved from 13% to 67%. Key products included standardized SDOH assessment tools, training modules, and referral pathways. Recommendations emphasized integrating the module into employee onboarding, embedding SDOH tools within electronic health records and establishing an interdisciplinary committee to ensure sustainability. Implications for nursing practice included more equitable, patient-centered care. At the same time, social change is supported by addressing systemic barriers to health equity by fostering attention to SDOH with potential to reduce disparities through structured clinician education.

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