Date of Award

Fall 12-7-2023

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Carolyn Coleman

Committee Chair School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Member 2

Dr. Lakenya Forthner

Committee Member 2 School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Abstract

The social determinants of health encompass the various circumstances and environments in which individuals reside, develop, labor, and experience aging (Social Determinants of Health, 2022). These variables significantly contribute to the existence of health inequities and disparities within populations. In order to effectively mitigate health disparities, it is imperative to consider the various determinants that influence health outcomes, as this consideration is crucial for advancing the goal of achieving health equity. This public health concern encompasses multiple sectors within our society, necessitating the collaboration of various organizations and communities to effectively address and mitigate its impact.

The fundamental aim of this Doctor of Nursing (DNP) project is to emphasize the evaluation of social determinants of health in primary care through the implementation of the PRAPARE screening tool. Additionally, the DNP project seeks to ascertain if the use of this screening tool leads to the generation of community resource referrals. The objective is to promote primary care clinicians and other healthcare professionals to transcend the physical dimension of treatment and prioritize a comprehensive approach that encompasses patient-centered care, ultimately resulting in improved health outcomes.

The research methodology employed in this study was the recruitment of 78 participants from a small rural clinic over four weeks. These participants were asked to complete a paper-based version of the PRAPARE screening instrument. At the end of the specified duration, the referrals would undergo an evaluation and enumeration to portray the quantity of community resource referrals produced as a direct outcome of the study. A basic statistical analysis was conducted, employing a standard threshold of 50% for comparative purposes. The findings of the screening indicated that 50 out of 78 patients would derive benefits from community resource referrals aimed at addressing their social needs while 28 out of the 78 either chose not to answer the survey questions or did not have an identified need. The p-value showed statistical significance based on the data collected. Consequently, it is apparent that the prioritization of screening for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in primary care settings is crucial for mitigating health inequities and disparities.

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