Date of Graduation
Spring 5-15-2025
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 Executive Summary
First Advisor
Dr. Alicia Kletter
Second Advisor
Dr. Mary Lou De Natale
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia cases and their associated healthcare costs have drastically increased over time in the United States. Antipsychotic nonadherence is a primary contributor to the high rates of relapse and rehospitalization among adult patients with schizophrenia. The development of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) has positively impacted medication adherence, however, this treatment modality is still underutilized in practice due to barriers, such as physician and patient negative attitudes toward LAIs and lack of education. Nurses hold a unique position to potentially change practice and address some of the barriers to LAI usage. Local Problem A Mental Health Rehabilitation Center in California continues to be plagued with high readmission rates mainly due to patient oral antipsychotic medication nonadherence post-discharge. Despite the high rates of medication nonadherence, LAI usage rates are considerably low. Methods A web-based education course on LAIs was developed and implemented to psychiatric nursing staff working at a Mental Health Rehabilitation Center in California. Interventions Pre-and post-surveys were given before starting the course and after completion. An additional survey was sent out to participants one month post education. Results Survey measures showcased an increase in knowledge, attitudes, and confidence levels of nurse participants upon course completion. Conclusions Nursing education on LAIs has the potential to improve nurses’ knowledge, confidence, and attitudes of the formulation. Future efforts to change current practice and subsequent patient outcomes should emphasize nursing education initiatives.
Recommended Citation
Rashid, Arslan Amir, "Thinking Long-Term: Nursing Education on Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects. 372.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp/372
