Date of Conferral

11-13-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Mark Wells

Abstract

This doctor of nursing practice (DNP) project is a staff education initiative addressing the underdiagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among immigrant patients. The project was developed in response to inconsistent screening practices, lack of standardized tools, and limited provider confidence in assessing PTSD in culturally diverse populations. The purpose is to equip clinical staff with the knowledge and skills to apply the HTQ appropriately and consistently, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and supporting equitable access to mental healthcare. The practice-focused question guiding this project was: Can an educational intervention using the HTQ improve staff’s ability to identify PTSD symptoms among immigrant patients in an outpatient clinic setting? The project was designed using the ADDIE instructional model to deliver three 1-hour interactive sessions to a multidisciplinary team of 12 clinicians, including physicians, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, and mental health counselors. Educational materials developed for this program include an HTQ quick guide, a narrated slide deck, pre/post-test assessments, and feedback tools. Evaluation was both formative and summative with faculty and stakeholder review of materials and post implementation knowledge assessments, confidence ratings, and staff feedback, respectively. The project findings support improved awareness of cultural considerations, expanded understanding of trauma-informed care principles, and increased ability to communicate with patients. Anticipated implications include improved patient safety, promoting health equity with sustainable incorporation of evidence-based screening practices into organizational workflows.

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