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Evaluating the Impact of CPR Coaching on Staff Confidence in Adult Psychiatric Setting
(2026) Farrow, Lynne; Glass, Kayla
Introduction: There is a need to strengthen and increase retention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge and skills of healthcare providers to ensure best performance during cardiac arrest events. Existing literature shows that traditional methods of teaching that are being used during training sessions are not effective. This project aims to evaluate whether educating staff in the role of the CPR coach would boost knowledge and confidence in basic life support (BLS) skills.
Methods: This quality improvement project used a pre-post survey design within a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework to evaluate the impact of educating staff on the concept of the CPR coach role. Nurses and clinical technicians working on an adult psychiatric unit of an academic hospital center took part in an educational training session that focused on how to be an effective CPR coach during simulated cardiac arrest events. These sessions aimed to raise awareness of current BLS guidelines and build confidence through hands-on skills. Unit defibrillators were used to provide participants with real-time visual and verbal feedback on CPR performance. Questionnaires captured and measured data on CPR knowledge and perceived confidence levels.
Results: Participants felt increased confidence and showed improved knowledge of BLS concepts after being trained in how to be an effective CPR coach. These results could potentially affect patient care by improving the quality and effectiveness of cardiac arrest efforts, which may lead to better patient outcomes.
Discussion: Incorporating evidence-based practice tools into educational sessions provide staff with opportunities to improve overall care. Focusing on the role of the CPR coach directly influences delivery of care and could possibly improve patient outcomes in the future.
Implementation of the ADA Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test to Improve Early Identification in a Rural Federally Qualified Health Center
(2026) Eicher, Dana G.; Lee, Amy
Introduction/Purpose: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disproportionately affects adults in rural, medically underserved communities where limited access to preventive services contributes to delayed diagnosis and poorer health outcomes. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test within a rural Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) to improve identification of adults at risk for T2DM and increase delivery of diabetes prevention education.
Methods: Guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, this QI project utilized a quantitative descriptive design. During an 8-week implementation period, eligible adult patients (age ≥35 years and/or body mass index >25) were screened using the ADA Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test during routine clinic visits. Patients identified as high risk (score ≥5) received same-day education using the ADA Diabetes Plate Method. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate project outcomes.
Results: A total of 81 eligible patients were included in the final analysis. Screening was completed for 100% (81/81) of eligible patients. Of those screened, 59.3% (48/81) were identified as high risk for T2DM, and 93.8% (45/48) received documented diabetes prevention education. Both project objectives were achieved, with screening and education rates exceeding the project target of 80%.
Discussion: Implementation of the ADA Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test was feasible and effective within a rural FQHC setting. The project successfully integrated standardized diabetes risk screening into routine clinical workflows and increased delivery of diabetes prevention education. Findings support the use of low-cost, evidence-based screening tools to improve preventive care and promote early identification of adults at risk for T2DM in rural primary care settings.
Implementing the PUSH v3 Tool in a Rural General Surgery Clinic
(2026) Edwards, Magan; Hobbs, Jill R.
Introduction/Purpose: Chronic wounds present a significant burden, particularly in rural settings where documentation practices are often inconsistent. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH v3) tool in a rural general surgery clinic to standardize wound documentation and improve staff confidence.
Methods: A pre- and post-implementation design guided by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model was used. Clinical staff received education on the PUSH v3 tool, and data were collected through chart audits and staff confidence surveys. Independent-samples and paired-samples t tests were used to evaluate outcomes.
Results: A total of 101 wound encounters were reviewed. Mean chart audit scores increased from 5.94 to 7.76 following implementation, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in documentation completeness, t(99) = ˗5.36, p < .001. Mean staff confidence scores increased from 17.5 to 25.0, with a statistically significant increase identified by paired-samples t testing, t(1) = ˗15.00, p = .004.
Discussion: Implementation of the PUSH v3 tool improved documentation completeness and staff confidence. Standardized assessment enhanced documentation consistency and communication among clinicians.
Conclusions: The PUSH v3 tool provided an effective and sustainable method for improving wound documentation practices. Findings support the use of standardized wound assessment tools to promote evidence-based wound management.
Standardizing Depression Screening in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women in a Primary Care Setting
(2026) Cummings, Thelma; Wilson, Kimberly
Introduction and Purpose: Depression is a significant mental health concern for middle-aged women, particularly during the menopausal transition. Epidemiologic studies estimate that one-fifth of women experience major depressive disorder, and adults aged 45–64 are among the most likely to use depression medication, reflecting a higher prevalence in this age group. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend universal adult depression screening. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to improve healthcare outcomes and quality of life by standardizing depression screening using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) tool.
Methods: The project was implemented through a structured educational intervention to reinforce standardized adherence to the clinic’s existing PHQ-9 screening workflow and referral procedures. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected through retrospective chart reviews, including the number of completed PHQ-9 screenings, associated scores, and referrals to mental health providers.
Results: During the pre-implementation period, 20 eligible visits were identified, with PHQ-9 screening completed in 7 visits (35.0%) and no referrals. During the post-implementation period, 9 eligible visits were identified, with screening completed in 2 visits (22.2%) and no referrals. Overall, screening rates decreased, and referral rates remained at 0%, reflecting multiple implementation barriers.
Discussion: Screening rates decreased, and no referrals were made, likely due to inconsistent documentation, workflow non-adherence, and limited provider engagement, which limited adequate capture of screening activity and follow-up actions.
Evaluating Prenatal Group Care Delivery Model
(2026) Sigala, Sandra A.; Welch, Teresa
Introduction/Purpose: Enhancing patient experience and expanding access to care for women in Central Texas requires innovative service delivery models, particularly within underserved populations. A Federally Qualified Health Center serving approximately 130,000 uninsured and underinsured patients has re-implemented and expanded group prenatal care using the Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI) model. This approach shifts prenatal care from the traditional individual 20‑minute visit to a group-based model in which 10–12 women beginning in the first trimester receive their subsequent prenatal visits in a facilitated group setting.
Methods: This DNP project employed the CDC Program Evaluation Framework to assess the impact of group prenatal care on patient satisfaction, appointment adherence, and organizational access metrics, including “early entry to care.” Program outcomes were compared with traditional prenatal visits during the project period to evaluate trends and model effectiveness.
Results: Across eight cohorts, 102 patients completed 835 return maternity visits, with 73.2% occurring in group sessions. Group care participants completed an average of 8.27 visits, compared with 6 visits among patients in traditional care. Patient satisfaction was consistently high. The overall no‑show rate for group participants was 24.41%, modestly lower than the organizational baseline of 27%. Organizational access improved, with average lead time for initial prenatal appointments decreasing from 42 to 32.66 days, though this improvement cannot be attributed solely to the group model.
Implications: Findings indicate that group prenatal care is a feasible, patient‑centered model that enhances engagement, supports continuity, and may contribute to improved access for underserved populations. Continued evaluation is warranted to optimize outcomes and assess long‑term sustainability.