Date of Conferral
7-27-2026
Date of Award
July 2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Dr. Catherine Fant
Abstract
Psychotropic polypharmacy in outpatient mental health settings is associated with increased adverse drug events, reduced adherence, and higher healthcare utilization. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project developed and evaluated an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) to reduce inappropriate psychotropic polypharmacy among adults receiving outpatient psychiatric care. Guided by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model, a systematic literature review informed recommendations including structured medication reviews, standardized prescribing practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and shared decision-making. The guideline was evaluated by a multidisciplinary expert panel using the AGREE II instrument. Mean domain scores ranged from 6.3 to 6.8 on a 7-point scale, indicating strong methodological quality, clarity, and applicability. Experts recommended the guideline for implementation without major revisions. The findings support the CPG’s readiness to promote safer, more consistent, and equitable prescribing practices in outpatient mental health settings.
Recommended Citation
Okafor, Roseline Onyebuchi, "Reducing Psychotropic Polypharmacy in Outpatient Mental Health Settings" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20336.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20336
