Date of Award

Summer 2024

Document Type

DNP Executive Summary

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Dr. Douglas Stephens

Preceptor

Dr. Cynthia Jackson

Abstract

Background: Individuals who use tobacco are at an increased risk for the development of heart disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Tobacco use is one of the most preventable causes of death in the world.

Purpose: The focus of the quality improvement project was to improve access to tobacco cessation resources in patients with tobacco use disorder at a primary care clinic.

Methods: Weekly stakeholder meetings were held to ensure the validity of the project. The plan, do, study, act (PDSA) model of continuous quality improvement guided the project. A comprehensive tobacco-cessation program including informational materials and cards with resource referrals for patients was developed. Nurse practitioners offered informational cards to patients whose electronic health records indicated a diagnosis of tobacco use disorder. Cards included referral information on national, state, and community tobacco-cessation resources.

Results: Out of the 127 patients total, 43 patients (34%) had a diagnosis of tobacco use disorder on their electronic medical record. Of those, 29 accepted and 14 declined the informational cards.

Conclusion: The community clinic plays a vital role in resource allocation for tobacco users. Nurse practitioners should continue to provide patients with continuing education and access to resources.

Keywords: tobacco cessation, outpatient clinics, smoking cessation, and nicotine dependence

Eaton DNP Poster.pdf (2037 kB)
DNP Project Poster

Eaton DNP Slide Presentation.pdf (985 kB)
DNP Slide Presentation

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