Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Cynthia Fletcher

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) pain is a major social problem for older adults and has psychological and physical implications. In the clinic where the project was implemented, the family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are not addressing the OA pain of the older adult patients according to the evidence-based practice (EBP) guidelines. The purpose of this project was to educate FNPs on EBP guidelines regarding nonpharmacological intervention for chronic pain in OA patients. Knowles’ adult learning theory guided the development of the education program specific to the unique learning style of the FNPs. Fourteen FNPs who treat patients with OA in 3 clinic settings participated in the staff education program regarding the most current, evidence-based, nonpharmacological guidelines to manage chronic pain in older adults with OA. The participants completed a pretest to measure FNPs’ knowledge about managing chronic pain in older adults with OA prior to the education program and a posttest after the program through the facility intranet. The implementation of this project was completed within 9 months Descriptive statistical analysis was used to determine the percentage difference between the pre- and posttest scores. The findings indicated that FNPs’ knowledge increased after participating in the education program. Recommendations include continuing education courses on arthritis management for the FNPs and access to online disease management tools that provide quick EBP guidelines on OA management. The project has potential implications for positive social change for several groups, including FNPs, older adult patients suffering from OA pain, the caregivers, and family members of the patients with OA, by increasing the FNPs’ knowledge and provides tools needed to decrease the patients’ pain.

Download

Share

 
COinS