Date of Conferral

8-12-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Betsy Rodgers

Abstract

This staff education project involves addressing the gap in using a standardized prediabetes screening protocol at an outpatient primary care clinic in Maryland, which leads to missed early interventions. Standardizing this process is vital for nursing practice to promote preventive care and optimize workflows. The practice-focused question was for medical support assistants (MSAs) at an outpatient primary care clinic: How does implementing a competency-based education program on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prediabetes Risk Test (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.) affect staff knowledge, workflow confidence, and screening compliance over a 7-week period? The purpose was to educate MSAs on how to accurately implement and document this screening tool during routine intake. Analytical strategies included quantitative evaluation of MSAs' pre- and post-education assessments and tracking screening completion rates through electronic health record (EHR) chart audits. Findings indicated increased staff competency, higher confidence in using the screening tool, and notably improved screening compliance, which rose from 79% to 100%. Major products included a 15-minute educational presentation and quick reference workflow guide. Task-shifting screenings to intake staff efficiently improves early disease detection. Nursing implications include enhanced workflow efficiency and empowered interprofessional teams. Ensuring early detection of prediabetes promotes positive social change, diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing equal access to preventive care and reducing long-term chronic health disparities among vulnerable populations.

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