Date of Graduation

Summer 6-16-2022

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Executive Summary

First Advisor

Dr Trinette Radasa

Second Advisor

Dr Jo Loomis

Abstract

Background Substance use disorder (SUD) in pregnancy is a concern for mother, baby and community. Healthcare policies are increasingly calling for diversification of the workforce to meet healthcare needs. Community health workers (CHWs) are understood from the literature to be effective at bridging the gap between patient and healthcare provider, especially for vulnerable populations. Local Problem California’s Central Valley is majority Latinx and faces challenges from poverty, lack of medical resources, unemployment and SUD at rates which are higher than other communities. Combine SUD with pregnancy and the need for robust social connections, psychological support, and physical healthcare become even more urgent. Methods A CHW course about SUD in pregnancy was developed as part of a Doctor of Nursing Practice evidence-based change of practice project. It consisted of hybrid content delivered in person and over Zoom by three doctoral students and faculty project advisor in collaboration with a non-profit in Fresno, California. The target population for the project is 8 CHW students who are currently employed as “home visitors” for this non-profit. Interventions Pre and post knowledge acquisition quizzes were given before each of the 5 modules included in the course. A pre and post self-efficacy survey was given before the course and at the end. Results Pre and post knowledge acquisition quizzes showed a range of increases from 2.5% to 36.2% with an average increase of 21.36% indicating that the CHW students learned from the teaching methods and content delivered. The self-efficacy survey showed an increase in confidence level among CHW students in assessment of SUD in pregnancy, counseling of risks and referral to treatment.

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