Date of Conferral

8-13-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Sandra Wise

Abstract

Missed or delayed administration of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications remains a practice concern in outpatient mental health care because treatment gaps can interrupt continuity, increase relapse risk, and contribute to avoidable hospitalization. The practice problem addressed in this staff education project was inconsistent use of a standardized electronic health record (EHR)-based LAI tracking and reminder workflow. The project purpose was to improve staff knowledge, documentation consistency, reminder use, and follow-up practices for adults receiving LAI antipsychotic medications. The practice-focused question asked whether staff education on an EHR-based LAI tracking and reminder system would improve adherence monitoring and follow-up processes compared with baseline practice. The Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice Model guided evidence appraisal, translation, implementation, and evaluation. Evidence supported the project because reminder processes have been associated with improved LAI compliance, standardized documentation supports LAI medication safety, and nurse- led adherence interventions can strengthen medication-management behaviors. Nurse received education to identify patients prescribed long-acting injectables (LAIs), manage EHR reminders, document injections, and follow up on missed appointments. Deidentified findings showed improved EHR use, documentation, recognition of overdue injections, and interdisciplinary communication. The standardized workflow can be sustained through onboarding, refresher training, monthly audits, and nurse leadership.

Included in

Psychology Commons

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