Date of Conferral
9-26-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Sue Subocz
Abstract
This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to enhance medication safety by implementing a structured staff education initiative focused on standardized handoff communication using a medication reconciliation tool kit. Medication errors during transitions of care contribute to adverse drug events and patient harm. A lack of consistency in handoff processes was identified as a critical gap in practice. The practice-focused question guiding this project was: In an inpatient hospital setting, how does implementation of a standardized handoff tool kit affect nursing staff knowledge and communication practices related to medication reconciliation? The purpose was to educate nurses on utilizing a structured tool kit, such as SBAR (i.e., situation, background, assessment, recommendation), to promote accurate and effective communication during handoffs. The educational intervention followed the ADDIE model, incorporating analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation stages. Pre- and post-intervention tests were used to evaluate changes in staff knowledge. Interactive education, including handouts and simulation-based learning, supported knowledge retention. Post-implementation results demonstrated improved knowledge scores and increased compliance with the structured handoff protocol. The findings support the integration of the tool kit into routine nursing workflow to improve patient safety and care coordination .
Recommended Citation
HILAIRE, MODE, "Staff Education to Increase Nursing Staff Knowledge on Handoff Tool Kit for Medication Reconciliation" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18435.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18435
