Date of Conferral

12-4-2025

Date of Award

December 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Margaret Harvey

Abstract

This doctoral study is a quality-improvement educational program in an outpatient mental health clinic designed to address the underutilization of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics due to gaps in providers’ knowledge. The project question centered on whether structured education on LAIs antipsychotics increases providers’ knowledge in an outpatient mental health setting. The purpose of this project is to increase LAI antipsychotic utilization by educating providers about the advantages, safety, and appropriate administration to promote consistent implementation. In this project, I used a single-group pre/post design including six participants, incorporating a 12-item questionnaire and 5-point Likert scale questions (Not at all/Somewhat/Very Much). A PowerPoint education module was sent to participants via email; the pretest was conducted before viewing the module; and the posttest was administered thereafter. A formative analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel to calculate mean percentages and a p value. Knowledge increased from 4.67/7 (66.7%) to 7/7 (100%), p = .022. The education provided on LAI antipsychotics was found to be successful. Recommendations for maintaining sustainability include, incorporating the educational module into new hire onboarding process and annual refreshers, monthly audits, and designation of LAI champions. Positive social changes resulting from this program include improved adherence to treatment and reduced unnecessary relapses and hospitalizations for schizophrenia patients. Addressing the knowledge gap enhances evidence-based nursing care, ensures access to LAIs for all eligible patients, and strengthens continuity and safety during care transitions for improved patient outcomes.

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