Date of Conferral

2-18-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Corrine Wheeler

Abstract

Medication adherence is a critical component of effective psychiatric treatment, yet staff understanding and consistent reinforcement of adherence strategies are often limited in outpatient behavioral health settings. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented a staff education initiative to improve knowledge and awareness of medication adherence using the ESPACOMP Medication Adherence Reporting Guideline (EMERGE) as the foundational framework. The program was conducted in an outpatient psychiatric facility and aimed to align staff knowledge with evidence-based standards for monitoring and supporting adherence. Educational sessions were delivered to clinical staff, incorporating key components of EMERGE to clarify terminology, enhance consistency in reporting, and promote adherence-supportive practices. A pre-test and post-test design was used to evaluate changes in staff knowledge and comprehension. Results demonstrated measurable improvement in understanding of medication adherence concepts and reporting guidelines. This project underscores the importance of structured, guideline-based staff education in promoting best practices for medication adherence within psychiatric outpatient settings.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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