Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Mary Martin

Abstract

Military members and their families face unique stressors related to separation and reintegration. These life-changing events can lead to domestic violence, divorce, depression, suicide, and behavioral problems within the family. It was unknown whether the implementation of a nursing clinical practice guideline (CPG) would help nurses to identify family functioning concerns or psychosocial issues enabling earlier interventions. The purpose of this doctoral project was to create a CPG that can be used at military treatment facilities (MTFs) to screen military members and their families to identify family functioning concerns so that the provider can make referrals as needed. The circumplex model of marital and family systems was used to address the problem. The Family Satisfaction Scale was identified as a tool in accord with the circumplex model that nurses can use for screening patients. Finally, the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) was used to develop and grade the CPG. A systematic review of the literature yielded 16 evidence-based studies applicable to the project. Using the Hierarchy of Evidence for Intervention Studies, the articles were rated based on the types of evidence; 13 articles were Level VI, 1 was a Level II, and 2 were Level I. Four doctoral nurses appraised the CPG using the AGREE II. Overall scores were greater than 85% in all domains of the AGREE II. Recommendations include disseminating the CPG to all MTFs and civilian facilities that treat military families. Nursing staff should screen all patients who meet the criteria provided. Early identification and treatment may result in improvements in military families’ lives.

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