Date of Award

Spring 2019

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Lachel Story

Committee Chair School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Member 2

Dr. Carolyn Coleman

Committee Member 2 School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Abstract

Considerations to be contemplated in daily health delivery systems are complex and require varied approaches to deliver best-care processes that produce optimal patient outcomes. Specialty practice sites not only require the capability but also necessitate proficiency and dedication in meeting and exceeding essential healthcare competencies. A psychiatric treatment center specialty practice was the setting for this DNP project. The focus of this project included: (1) care resourcefulness, (2) safety initiatives, (3) increased privacy and confidentiality compliance, and (4) cost-efficiency measures.

Technology use beyond the security of the safety available within the treatment complex is a current policy at the psychiatric treatment center producing suboptimal results. This project addressed the suboptimal care processes resulting from the use of the emergency department (ED) for the admitting electrocardiogram (ECG). Concentrated methods in support of this project change initiative included (1) literature research, (2) patient charting, (3) organizational expenses, (4) two policy briefs, and (5) two surveys. Project methods produced successful outcomes in acceptance of this project’s initiative.

Literature supported decreased use of EDs for nonurgent health needs along with extensive recommendations in support of the clinical ECG. Extrapolated data exhibited greater sub-optimal care processes associated with obtaining the ECG at the ED than anticipated, as well as the generation of significant organizational costs. Policy briefings contained concise research results in support of an on-site ECG. Surveyors were in favor of the presented project solution. The purchase of an ECG will be a short-term technological investment that will produce profitable long-term returns in care quality and care delivery as well as being financially resourceful.

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