Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Mary T. Verklan

Abstract

The absence of a practice guideline for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the cardiology department creates differing practice preferences among providers, leading to deviations in practice among staff. Variations in practice can affect the quality of care that is provided to patients. This project was guided by research statements indicating that there was a difference in the screening approach for PAD among health practitioners at preimplementation and postimplementation and that an 85% compliance with the guideline would signify consistency in the provision of care. Rogers' theory of diffusion of innovations was used to facilitate the adoption of the guideline. This project helped close the gap between research (adoption of a guideline) and practice (compliance in the use of evidence in clinical practice). Using random medical record reviews and pretest-posttest design, the results of the project showed that patterns of using the PAD guideline in practice at preimplementation significantly differed compared to postimplementation. The rates of screening for the compliance of the PAD guideline showed approximately an eightfold increase. The adoption of the PAD guideline has implications for policy, because adopting the PAD guideline helped standardize the care, improve effectiveness of care in nursing practice, evaluate quality through use of research, and promote social change by improving patient outcomes.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

 
COinS