Date of Conferral
2019
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Marisa Wilson
Abstract
A lack of consistent, evidence-based practices for blood lead testing of children existed in a local public health department (LHD). No known blood lead level is safe, and toxicity can result in behavioral and cognitive impairments. The purpose of this project was to develop and analyze a clinical practice guideline to establish blood lead testing procedures in the LHD to improve testing procedures and enhance future testing within the jurisdiction. The RE-AIM framework was used to address the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the clinical practice guideline. Five experts evaluated the guideline using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation instrument. The assessment results indicated 96.4% agreement across all domains. The experts agreed unanimously to recommend adoption of the clinical practice guideline. Implementation of the guideline might advance nursing practice and patient care in the LHD through incorporation of evidence-based practices. Implementation might also lead to early identification of lead-burdened children and may provide the opportunity for treatment to mitigate cognitive and behavioral deficits related to lead toxicity, thereby improving child health and decreasing related health care costs. Engagement of the clinical practice guideline will support positive social change through the empowerment of public health nurses to provide optimal care to a population of children at risk of deleterious and long-term side effects of lead exposure.
Recommended Citation
Johnson Himes, Becky Sue, "Blood Lead Testing Guideline Development for a Public Health Department" (2019). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 6443.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6443
