Date of Conferral

4-15-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Anna Hubbard

Abstract

Prediabetes is a significant public health concern in the United States, as many individuals remain undiagnosed or inadequately managed, which increases the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes and associated complications. Primary care settings are essential for early identification and prevention. However, gaps in staff knowledge and inconsistent application of evidence-based guidelines frequently hinder effective management. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education project aimed to enhance healthcare staff knowledge and confidence in screening for and managing prediabetes within a primary care clinic. The central question guiding this project was whether evidence-based staff education could improve healthcare staff knowledge and confidence regarding prediabetes identification and patient education. Educational materials were developed in accordance with current clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based recommendations, with a focus on screening, lifestyle modification, and patient counseling. A pre- and post-intervention questionnaire design measured changes in staff knowledge and confidence following the educational sessions. Descriptive analysis compared results before and after implementation. Results demonstrated improvements in staff knowledge and confidence in identifying prediabetes and providing patient education on lifestyle interventions, including nutrition and physical activity. The project supported greater consistency in screening practices and strengthened the nursing role in preventive care. Limitations included a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data. Despite these limitations, the findings support the value of staff education in strengthening preventive care practices. This project contributes to positive social change by promoting early intervention, improving preventive care delivery, and supporting efforts to reduce diabetes-related health disparities among diverse populations. Ongoing education and integration of evidence-based prediabetes management into routine clinical practice are recommended to sustain these improvements.

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