Date of Conferral

2-19-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

M. Terese Verklan

Abstract

In this project, I implemented a staff education initiative at an outpatient psychiatric facility in Michigan to address gaps in clinicians’ and office managers’ knowledge of evidence-based patient engagement strategies. Limited understanding had hindered patient participation in treatment planning, symptom self-management, and shared decision-making, key components of recovery-oriented care. The education initiative was aimed at enhancing staff competencies to strengthen therapeutic alliances, improve treatment adherence, and support positive mental health outcomes. Guided by a practice-focused question, in the project I examined whether an evidence-based staff education program would improve patient engagement among adults receiving outpatient mental health services. A pre-/postintervention evaluation design was employed using the Behavioral Health Care Competency (BHCC) assessment tool to measure staff knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to patient engagement strategies. Ten staff members, including psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychotherapists, and office managers, completed both assessments. Analysis of assessment scores demonstrated a 16.2 percentage-point improvement in patient engagement knowledge following the educational intervention. The findings indicate that targeted, evidence-based staff education effectively addresses knowledge gaps and enhances providers’ ability to actively engage patients in their mental health care. Ongoing education is recommended to sustain improvements; promote equitable, patient-centered mental health practices; and support positive social change by improving adherence, therapeutic alliances, and overall clinical outcomes.

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