Date of Award

Summer 2021

Document Type

Final DNP Paper

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Donna Dunn, Ph.D., CNM, FNP-BC

Preceptor

Sarah Covington, CRNP

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Adenomatous polyps cause 90% of colorectal cancer. These polyps can be identified before they become cancerous through numerous colorectal cancer screenings. There are many ways to help cover the cost of screenings or to make them no cost to patients, but the number of individuals who have ever been screened or who are current with screening recommendations remains low. This DNP project aims to provide education to providers and individuals regarding the various type of colorectal cancer screening options. A reduction in fears and improved knowledge regarding colorectal cancer screening frequency, type, and meaning was explained. Giving individuals the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare and preventative health are the researcher's goals. This project’s design was quantitative and identified individuals who met the age requirements for recommended colorectal cancer screening. Upon identification, these individuals were provided with educational materials and a referral for colorectal cancer screening. Upon completion of the educational portion of the project, the researcher documented a colorectal cancer screening referral in the electronic medical record and then documented the billing code for preventative education. The implications in nursing that this project provided include compliance with preventative screening recommendations, and improved patient and provider knowledge. The goal was to increase colorectal cancer screening rates to create a reduction in colorectal cancer rates. These would then increase survival rates, job productivity, and reduce healthcare costs.

Included in

Nursing Commons

COinS
 
 

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