Date of Graduation
Spring 5-20-2022
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Program
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
First Advisor
Trinette Radasa
Second Advisor
Alexia Curtis
Abstract
Background
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a major public health concern in the United States. Ria Health is a growing telehealth provider delivering AUD treatment through pharmacotherapy combined with behavioral health counseling.
Local Problem
Ria Health employs six California licensed nurse practitioners, but two of them have not yet met all the California provisions to practice independently without protocols. Ria Health has not put any standardized protocols in place.
Methods
This DNP project involved the creation of an evidence-based standardized protocol for AUD. The Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning questionnaire was disseminated to participating nurse practitioners to measure student satisfaction and self-confidence in learning.
Intervention
Because the nursing curriculum for most nurse practitioners does not include addiction medicine, the implementation of a standardized protocol is likely to improve quality significantly by setting high standards of care through evidence-based practices.
Results
The standardized protocol was successfully implemented for only one out of two nurse practitioners not already authorized to practice independently. One, who helped edit the protocol, joined in its implementation. The other was dissatisfied with the orientation, did not find the protocol helpful, and declined to participate in its implementation.
Conclusion
Standardized protocols are the legal authority for the nurse practitioner to exceed the usual scope of practice from a registered nurse. Involvement in drafting the standard protocol may affect the willingness of participants to implement it. This DNP project may also benefit other AUD programs which may not have standardized protocols in place.
Recommended Citation
Dea, CJ, "Development and Implementation of a Standardized Protocol for Nurse Practitioners Working in an AUD Treatment Telehealth Program" (2022). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects. 294.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp/294
