Date of Conferral

4-30-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Barbara Barrett

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent mental health conditions and significantly affect quality of life, daily functioning, and healthcare utilization among adult patients. Despite strong evidence supporting mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) as effective nonpharmacologic approaches for managing anxiety and depression, these interventions remain underutilized in many clinical settings due to limited staff knowledge and inconsistent referral practices. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to implement and evaluate a structured staff education program designed to improve staff knowledge of mindfulness-based interventions for adult patients with anxiety and depression. The practice-focused question examined whether staff education on MBIs would improve staff knowledge regarding the use of mindfulness as an intervention. The project was implemented using a pretest–posttest design with six interdisciplinary staff participants. The educational intervention consisted of a structured PowerPoint presentation that covered the definition, clinical benefits, patient eligibility, and referral processes for MBIs. Knowledge was assessed using a 10-question pretest and posttest. Results demonstrated a measurable improvement in staff knowledge, with mean scores increasing from 61% on the pretest to 88% on the posttest, reflecting a 27-percentage-point increase. The findings support the effectiveness of staff education in promoting implementation of evidence-based, nonpharmacologic interventions and improving access to holistic mental health care.

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