Date of Conferral
11-12-2025
Date of Award
November 2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Maria Revell
Abstract
A major gap in acute care is the delayed initiation of palliative consultations. Although over 58 million people worldwide could benefit, only 14% receive such care. Despite evidence that early involvement improves outcomes, providers often overlook their value, leading to late referrals, typically after repeated hospitalizations or near end-of-life, when hospice may be more appropriate. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) educational intervention addressed a critical practice-focused question to enhance healthcare providers’ understanding of palliative care improve hospital-based patient outcomes. The intervention aimed to demonstrate a ≥20% knowledge gain from pretest to posttest scores related to distinguishing palliative care from hospice, understanding the benefits of palliative care, and identifying optimal referral timing. Results for 28 interdisciplinary providers exceeded the goal of >20%, with a knowledge gain of 70.5%, 54.8% in the benefits of palliative care, 94.4% in optimizing referral timing, and 73.7% in the distinction between palliative care from hospice. By equipping healthcare professionals with foundational knowledge, the project supports earlier, more effective integration of palliative care. This promotes patient centered care and improves the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses. This project has the potential to improve nursing practice by enhancing provider competency in early, culturally responsive palliative care. It also advanced equity by promoting timely, inclusive care and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for better patient outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Griffin, Lauren Elizabeth, "Advancing Palliative Care Competency Through an Evidence-Based Educational Intervention for Healthcare Providers" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18713.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18713
