Date of Graduation

Fall 12-15-2023

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

MSN project

Abstract

Problem: This quality improvement project aimed to increase nurse education about Lovenox

prophylaxis within the postpartum unit to reduce risks of pulmonary embolism among high-risk postpartum women in the postpartum unit. Context: A microsystem assessment was completed by Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) students in the postpartum unit at Hospital X located in the southern Bay Area. This unit accommodates 25 beds and provides care for postpartum mothers after both cesarean section and vaginal births. Intervention: An anonymous pre-intervention survey was distributed to the registered nurses on the unit. Educational handouts were created and distributed to the nurses on the unit. After the education, an anonymous post-intervention survey was administered to assess its effectiveness. Measures: After conducting a microsystem assessment, the students gathered data to assess the nurses' self-knowledge about Lovenox and its usage for pulmonary embolism. Out of the 72 registered nurses on the unit, only 25 participated in the study. Edible incentives were employed to encourage active participation and were provided for completing both the pre- and post-surveys, as well as after the education. The post-survey aimed to gauge the effectiveness of the educational material and determine if nurses would be receptive to having an annual refresher course on Lovenox.

Results: Analysis of the pre-intervention survey revealed that 60% (n=15) of nurses rated a five on a scale of 1-5, indicating they knew what Lovenox was and how it was being used on the unit. Additionally, 76% (n=19) of nurses, also rated a five, expressed comfort in administering Lovenox prophylactically and monitoring patients post-administration. Moreover, 40% (n=10) of nurses, rated a five, indicated knowledge of the signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism. Qualitative data revealed that some nurses had not received a refresher course since nursing

IMPROVING LOVENOX NURSE EDUCATION IN A POSTPARTUM UNIT 5

school, others had not received one since starting on the unit, or it had been many years ago. Following the distribution of the education material, the post-intervention results demonstrated an increase in nurse knowledge about Lovenox and its usage from 60% to 72% (n=18). Additionally, there was an increase in awareness of the signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism from 40% to 68% (n=17).

Conclusion: The pre-intervention survey identified inconsistencies in the timing of nurses' last education on Lovenox, indicating a lack of proper Lovenox protocol training. The intervention contributed to providing nurses with updated information and establishing a baseline knowledge. The post-intervention survey revealed the benefits of the re-education and supported the need for annual refresher course training on Lovenox. A recommendation was made to witness patient self-administration more than once before discharge, aiming to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism by enhancing patient medication compliance and adherence. The continuation of this project, along with the implementation of increased training, is expected to improve nurse education and reduce the risks of pulmonary embolism in postpartum women post-discharge.

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