Date of Award
Summer 2025
Document Type
DNP Executive Summary
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Faculty Chair
Dr. Laura Barrow
Preceptor
Dr. Pradeep Chaganti
Abstract
Background: An estimated 76 million people worldwide suffer from alcohol use disorder, accounting for almost two million deaths annually. The Joint Commission has made it a requirement to screen all patients admitted to an inpatient facility for health-related social needs, including alcohol use. By doing so, outpatient resources can be provided appropriately.
Purpose: The facility of interest does not currently have a discharge follow-up protocol. The purpose of this project was to implement an evidence-based protocol to follow-up one week after discharge to determine if patients accessed the community resources provided for alcohol use disorder and to determine whether the resources were beneficial.
Project Design: Patients identified as having alcohol misuse on screening tools were provided resources at their time of discharge. These patients were followed up with to determine if resources could be used appropriately. Telephone calls were used as follow-up, as this was a cost-effective and easy way to contact patients.
Results: Fifty patients were identified as having alcohol misuse and were called via telephone to assess if resources were beneficial. Thirty-four patients were identified as effectively using resources, accounting for 68% of the population. Nine patients were unable to utilize the resources and needed additional community assistance. Seven patients refused to participate in the survey.
Conclusion: The use of post-discharge telephone calls was an effective way to follow-up with patients to determine the efficacy of discharge resources. Facilities can identify trends in resource use and efficacy to reduce readmissions, improve healthcare outcomes, and reduce patient morbidity.
Recommended Citation
Carpenter, Jolie M., "National Patient Safety Goals: Reducing Health Care Disparities in Adult Patients with Alcohol Misuse" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 133.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/133
DNP Project Powerpoint
Jolie Carpenter DNP Poster.pptx (107 kB)
DNP Project Poster