Date of Conferral

2-9-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Lilo Fink

Abstract

This doctoral project focused on developing and evaluating a clinical practice guideline (CPG) to address the lack of standardized interdisciplinary communication between psychologists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) in a pediatric outpatient psychiatric setting. Inconsistent communication practices, including informal conversations, delayed documentation, and unstructured messaging, contributed to fragmented care and inefficient treatment coordination. To address this gap, an evidence-based, structured communication framework was developed to guide interdisciplinary collaboration. The guideline was developed using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model and supported by a review of 14 evidence sources spanning Levels I to V of the literature. A four-member multidisciplinary expert panel evaluated the guideline using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. All six AGREE II domains exceeded the predefined 70% quality benchmark, with standardized domain scores ranging from 79% to 87%. The first global assessment item for quality received unanimous ratings of 7; the second item on recommendation for use was rated 100% “yes,” indicating the highest possible perceived quality and full endorsement for clinical practice. The resulting CPG offers a standardized framework for interdisciplinary communication designed to enhance care coordination, reduce fragmentation, and promote timely, consistent information exchange for pediatric patients with complex psychiatric needs.

Download

Included in

Communication Commons

Share

 
COinS