Date of Conferral

11-17-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Kelly Fisher

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project focused on a staff education initiative aimed at reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in healthcare settings. HAIs contribute to patient morbidity, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Despite established infection control policies, inconsistencies in adherence had highlighted the need for targeted education. The central practice question guiding this project, conducted in a hospital setting, was, “How did implementing a comprehensive infection prevention education program for healthcare staff influence their knowledge?” The primary goal was to educate staff with the skills needed to minimize infection risks and enhance patient outcomes through effective prevention techniques. The initiative followed the ADDIE instructional design model. Pre- and post-assessments measured participants’ knowledge changes, while formative and summative evaluations assessed the program’s overall effectiveness. Interactive learning methods, including case studies, demonstrations, and quizzes promoted engagement and knowledge retention. The results showed an improvement in staff understanding infection control protocols. Mean pretest scores averaged 2.1 out of 5, while posttest scores averaged 4.8 out of 5, reflecting a notable increase in knowledge retention. Confidence levels shifted with improvement. Before training, only 20% of staff reported feeling highly confident in their ability to prevent HAIs. After training, 85% reported high confidence. The implications for nursing practice include improved adherence to infection prevention guidelines, enhanced patient safety, and the potential for a reduction in HAIs.

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