Date of Conferral
8-6-2026
Date of Award
August 2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Margaret Harvey
Abstract
Summary The type of project is a staff education project, specifically on evidence-based weight loss strategies that the facility can use to manage adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and co-morbid mental health disorder(s). The evidence-based practice (EBP) question is: Does educating staff on weight loss strategies for T2DM with mental health disorder(s) improve staff knowledge and confidence within one month of staff education program implementation? The facility’s staff managed these patients using standardized diabetes management practices and have no formal staff education program that focuses on evidence-based weight loss strategies for this population. The staff has a vast knowledge disparity on these strategies, and knowledge is based on individual experience rather than standardized, evidence-based guidance. Thus, staff education intervention is necessary. Staff were educated for four weeks on evidence-based weight loss strategies, including lifestyle modification, nutrition, behavioral, and psychological strategies, and the need for patient-centered care. A pretest questionnaire was administered before the education and a posttest after education. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. The project found that staff knowledge improved by 54.3% and staff confidence by 39%. The project’s limitations include small sample size, short duration, and risk of response bias due to questionnaire responses. The recommendations are to have periodic refresher sessions and regular educational programs for both ongoing staff and recruits. This project has the potential to improve clinical staff knowledge and confidence, enhancing staff delivery of patient-centered, culturally-sensitive, and inclusive care and advancing diversity, equity, and positive social change within health care settings.
Recommended Citation
Somoye, Abimbola Oluwafunmilayo, "Staff Education on Evidence-Based Weight Management Strategies for Adults With Mental Health Disorders and Type II Diabetes Mellitus" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20542.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20542
