Doctor of Nursing Practice projects (MU)

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https://hdl.handle.net/10355/99301

DNP Scholarly Project

The DNP Residency project is a faculty-guided scholarly experience that provides evidence of the student’s critical thinking and ability to apply research principles through identification of a significant practice problem, systematic appraisal of relevant scientific literature and outcome data; design of cost-effective, evidence-based, therapeutic interventions or programs; successful implementation of the selected interventions or program, and comprehensive evaluation of specific, measurable, and appropriate outcomes. The project will reflect the culmination of knowledge and skills developed during the DNP program. (Retrieved 2024/04/18 from https://nursing.missouri.edu/academic-programs/doctor-of-nursing-practice/dnp-program-requirements)

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Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 5 of 52
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    Screening for postpartum depression in mothers of two-week-old infants in the outpatient pediatric clinic
    (University of Missouri--Columbia., 2026) Haubrich, Victoria
    [EMBARGOED UNTIL 05/21/2026] Purpose: Although 10% to 20% of postpartum mothers are affected by Postpartum Depression (PPD), many are not screened. Early screening is recommended between 2-weeks to 6-months after delivery. The purpose of this QI project was to evaluate the current PPD screening practices used at QMG, with the intent to increase screening compliance, documentation, and referral. Study Design and Methods: Chart reviews occurred at October 2025 to December 2025 (T1) and January 2026 to March 2026 (T2) to determine if EPDS screening results were documented during the two-week, infant appointment, with positive results sent to mother’s obstetrician. The participants was comprised of two-week post-partum mothers whose infants were being treated at QMG. The EPDS tool was used for PPD screening. Chi-square analysis of contingency was used to analyze nominal data, and phi coefficient described intervention effect significance at .1 (small), .3 (moderate), and .7 (large). Statistical significance was defined as p ? .05. Results: There was a large statistically significant increase in screening for postpartum depression between T1 (n = 1) and T2 (n = 44), ?2 = (1, n = 105) = 93.2, p < .001, , ? = 1.00. There was a moderate statistically increase in referrals T1 (n = 0) and T2 (n = 5), ?2 = (1, n = 105) = 6.7, p < .03, ? = .3. Clinical Implications: This project highlighted the need for PPD screening in the outpatient Pediatric clinic. More work is needed to standardize and increase 42 screening processes in rural communities.
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    Improving infection prevention knowledge among BSN nursing students : a multi-modality simulation boot camp program
    (University of Missouri--Columbia, 2025) Grove, Traci R.; 0009-0009-1338-1272
    Background Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contribute significantly to patient morbidity, mortality and cost. Nursing students often struggle to consistently apply infection prevention practices, highlighting the need for experiential learning strategies. This quality improvement project implemented a multi-modality simulation boot camp to improve infection prevention competence and confidence among pre-licensure nursing students. Project objectives included increasing competence measured by the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument (CCEI), confidence measured by the Generalized Self- Efficacy (GSE) scale, and performance on the Safety and Infection Control subscale of the ATI Adult Health Medical-Surgical exam. Methods A review of literature supported simulation-based learning as an evidence-based method for improving infection prevention knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy. The intervention was delivered across two semesters and incorporated virtual reality, standardized participants, and task trainers. Faculty received preparatory education on simulation best practices. Evaluation measures included pre- and post-intervention CCEI and GSE scores, student perceptions (SET-M), faculty facilitator surveys, and ATI outcomes. Results Competence significantly improved, with CCEI median scores increasing from 4.0 to 6.0 (Z = -5.43, p < .001, r = .79). Confidence improved by more than 5% (U = 658.50, p < .001, r = .38). The Fall 2025 ATI group score was 58.1%, with 62.7% scoring above the national mean, a 2.2% increase over the 2024 cohort. Student and faculty perceptions were positive. Conclusions A multi-modality simulation boot camp strengthened infection prevention competence, confidence, and standardized exam performance. Continued integration of simulation across the curriculum is recommended to reinforce infection prevention behaviors and support patient safety outcomes. IRB Approval IRB approval through exempt review. Co-Authors Dr. Stefanie Birk, Dr. Anne Heyen, Dr. Stephanie Stewart, Dr. Kathleen Tenrreiro Learning Objective The purpose of this QI project was to improve infection prevention competence and confidence among nursing students by implementing a multi-modality simulation boot camp. Learners will apply lessons from the QI project to inform approaches enhancing infection prevention behaviors and patient safety.
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    Enhanching parental knowledge and intention to promote sun safety in children through theory- based educational intervention
    (University of Missouri--Columbia, 2025) Amaonye, Kimberly
    Background Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer, the most common malignancy in the United States. Children receive an estimated 25--50% of lifetime UV exposure before age 21, yet many parents lack knowledge or confidence to implement protective behaviors. Sun-safety education may help improve parental knowledge and compliance to sun protective strategies. This quality improvement project aimed to increase parental knowledge, intention, and confidence related to sun-protective behaviors following a brief educational session. Methods ● A brief education session was developed using evidence-based recommendations for pediatric sun safety. ● Completed pre- and post-surveys assessing knowledge (T/F, MC) and intention and confidence (5-point Likert). ● Descriptive statistics summarized the participant demographics and paired-samples t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-survey responses. Results ● Twenty-three participants completed both surveys. ● Knowledge trended upward but was not deemed statistically significant (t(22)=1.99, p=.059). Intention improved significantly for sunscreen use and protective clothing (t(22)=3.90--6.20, p≤.001). Confidence also increased significantly (t(22)=5.41, p<.001). Conclusions ● Findings support the benefit of continuing community sun-safety education to promote early skin cancer prevention. ● Assessing long-term retention is recommended for future study implementation. IRB Approval IRB approval through exempt review. Co-Authors Miriam Butler, DNP, NP-C, FNP-BC , Maithe Enriquez, PhD, APRN, FAAN , Dana Walraven Learning Objective The purpose of this QI project was to educate and improve parental/ caregiver knowledge, intention and confidence on sun protection in pediatrics.
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    Effectiveness of various treatment methods for generalized anxiety disorder
    (University of Missouri--Columbia, 2025) Petryshyn, Lauren
    Background According to the World Health Organization, approximately 301 million people are afflicted by an anxiety disorder. While it may first be identified in adulthood, anxiety symptoms frequently present in childhood or adolescence. Anxiety often leads to impairments in a person's quality of life, their productivity, and overall ability to function. There is a prevalence of 4.3% that the general population will develop GAD within their lifetime. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to discover the effectiveness of mindfulness as an adjunct to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for GAD. Methods There are several effective treatment methods for GAD, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, and stress management techniques such as mindfulness. Mindfulness has proven to be beneficial for both one's mental and physical well-being. Implementation included informing potential participants via infographics in the offices, along with an email. One challenge that occurred was difficulty recruiting participants within the short time frame of under two months. To evaluate the efficacy of this intervention, participants were asked to complete the GAD-7 and McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire pre-intervention and post-intervention. Results Two participants recorded they did participate in a mindfulness intervention three times a week but for less than the six-week time frame. Unfortunately, these results are inconclusive. Conclusions Future studies should be conducted at numerous sites with a longer time frame to recruit patients to better analyze the impact mindfulness has on patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder that are currently being treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. IRB Approval IRB approval through full review. Co-Authors Dr. Nancy M. Birtley, Dr. Kimberly Hammonds, Dr. Crystal Quarry, & Dr. Jan Sherman Learning Objective The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to discover the effectiveness of mindfulness as an adjunct to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for GAD.