Date of Award

Spring 5-2022

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Lisa Morgan

Committee Chair School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Member 2

Dr. Carolyn Coleman

Committee Member 2 School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Nearly 43% of African American men have Hypertension (HTN). HTN is a major reversible health problem for young adult, African American males. Identifying health behaviors to enhance longevity is essential due to the “excess burden of preventable, chronic diseases and premature death among African American men. The “role of social determinants of health (SDOH) on outcomes, and the possible role these determinants play in disparities have largely been ignored” (Haggart, 2018, pp. 2, 8).

Interventions that address SDOH must take a multicomponent approach. Evidence has been established that adhering to a healthy lifestyle reduces the burdens and risks associated with uncontrolled chronic disease (Hong & Manious, 2020). The purpose of this DNP project was to assess provider interaction at a Federally Qualified Health Clinic (FQHC) with addressing unmet social needs at routine health visits for African American males, ages 18-39.

A retrospective chart review was conducted of the period 6 months prior to the start of the intervention. After the chart review, during triage, with the patients that met criteria, the nurses assessed the questions on the SDOH tool. The healthcare providers, later during the visit, utilized the tool to select or modify an appropriate treatment plan. At the completion of the project, another chart review was conducted to assess whether the SDOH tool was utilized.

Delivering quality care must be the foundation to which healthcare services are provided to each individual or population served. Through assessment of SDOH with every patient encounter, the FQHC can clear the way for desired health outcomes and decrease adverse outcomes. Providing a concise, standard tool to assess SDOH for utilization at every patient visit will ensure that the patients receive adequate treatment; as well as increase the FQHC’s ability to deliver quality care.

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