Date of Conferral

8-6-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Melanie Braswell

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated the impact of a structured staff educational intervention on ambulatory surgery center (ASC) staff knowledge of Universal Protocol and SOAP (Surgeon, Operating Room, Anesthesia, and Preprocedure Ready) documentation. A practice gap was identified in staff knowledge of perioperative safety processes that are essential for preventing surgical safety events. The purpose of this doctoral project was to improve ASC staff knowledge of Universal Protocol and SOAP readiness documentation through an evidence-based educational intervention designed to strengthen perioperative safety practices. The practice-focused question was: According to the evidence, in multi-specialty ASC staff, what is the impact of an educational in-service on Universal Protocol and SOAP documentation on the increase in staff knowledge? Knowledge was measured using a 10-question pre-test and post-test, and 29 staff members participated. I analyzed data using Microsoft Excel to calculate aggregate average scores and a paired-samples t-test. Results showed an increase from 91.03% to 96.21%, demonstrating a 5.18% improvement in knowledge. The paired-samples t-test demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge, t(28) = 2.82, p = .009. Findings indicated an increase in staff knowledge. Recommendations include incorporating this education into orientation and annual competency programs and providing ongoing reinforcement of Universal Protocol requirements to promote consistent safety practices. Implications support the use of targeted education to strengthen perioperative safety practices, support patient safety, regulatory compliance, and equitable access to evidence-based training across staff roles.

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