Date of Conferral

3-31-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Deborah Lewis

Abstract

Despite rising evidence supporting the efficacy of mobile health (mHealth) applications to enhance medication adherence among individuals with mental health conditions, there is little utilization of these applications within mental health facilities. This project aimed to address the issue of implementing an interactive education program to enhance the knowledge of mental health staff and skills in the application of mHealth apps to enhance medication adherence. The main objective of this project was to fill the gap between conducting research and implementing its outcomes by providing staff with the knowledge and skills to incorporate mHealth applications into their daily practice. The education session was delivered using a PowerPoint presentation to five participants in an outpatient psychiatric facility. It began with a brief overview of the importance of adherence for patient outcomes, safety, and healthcare cost. An mHealth app was then introduced, highlighting key features such as medication reminders. The study utilized pretest–posttest analysis, and the knowledge gained was calculated using normalized learning gain (NLG) formula. A mean score of 68% in the pretest showed an increase to 86%, with an absolute increase of 18%, and 75% of staff noted the mHealth potential as a self-management support tool for patients. This project enables evidence-based practice (EBP) integration in other ways, such as increasing attention to digital literacy skills, enhancing consistency in medication adherence support, and facilitating patient engagement. The implications for practice and social change include enhancing staff competence, facilitating universal access, enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in health care through technology, and the possibility of a reduction in medication nonadherence or preventable hospital readmissions for psychiatric populations.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

 
COinS