Date of Graduation

Spring 5-17-2019

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Nursing

Program

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

First Advisor

Dr. Alexa Colgrove Curtis

Second Advisor

Dr. Trinette Radasa

Third Advisor

Dr. Joan Fraino

Abstract

For the adolescent population, the immediate impact a mental health disorder has on academics,relationships, and even suicide risk cannot be understated. Access to mental health care in low socioeconomic communities for adolescents is fraught with barriers. These include lack of transportation, lack of insurance coverage, fear of stigma, and a fundamental lack of knowledge regarding available resources. It is therefore a two-fold problem that exists for those in the care and observation of these adolescents; underutilization of appropriate routine screening and navigation to access care. This project aimed to remediate both of these issues at a high school located in Alameda County, California. The school currently provides access to an on-site School-Based Health Center (SBHC) in addition to several guidance counselors and ancillary support staff. Even with these available resources, the organization lacked a protocol that utilizes a universal psychosocial screening tool as well as interprofessional collaboration (IPC) to facilitate case management of students identified for the need of emotional or behavioral health services. The project consisted of the introduction of a validated psychosocial screening tool and a model for IPC delivered via a one-hour educational workshop to each of the identified stakeholders at the high school campus. Pre- and post-survey results indicate an increase in knowledge in mental health literacy as well as proficiency in the use of the tools presented. Additional qualitative feedback indicates a willingness among all stakeholders to adopt the IPC activities presented and two-month follow up interviews demonstrates a modest preliminary application of effective screening use.

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