Title
The Implementation of a Palliative Needs Screening Intervention in a Neuro Critical Care Unit:
Document Type
DNP - Open Access
Award Date
2023
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Graduate Nursing
First Advisor
Brandi Pravecek
Second Advisor
Mary Isaacson
Abstract
Purpose: Palliative care (PC) is an important and yet underutilized discipline in neuro critical care units (NCCUs). The purpose of this project was to integrate and improve PC in a NCCU by implementing a Palliative Needs Screening Intervention (PNSI). A PNSI consists of a list of criteria used to screen patients to identify family and patient PC needs.
Methods: A quality improvement project using a PNSI was implemented in a NCCU. Nurses completed 2 hours of pre-implementation PC education and a palliative perceived self-efficacy scale pre/post-implementation. A PNSI was developed and integrated into the NCCU’s daily rounding process.
Results: PNSI and PC education led to an increase in PC consults and statistically significant increases in care conferences and perceived nurse self-efficacy.
Discussion: Statistical and clinical results showed that PNSIs and PC education impact PC practices in a NCCU. PC education is crucial for nurses' PC practices and delivery.
Implications for Practice: PNSIs enhance PC in NCCUs by identifying needs, empowering care teams, and integrating PC into daily workflows. They increase nurse perceived self-efficacy, PC referrals and care conferences, resulting in greater patient and family satisfaction and improving overall care.
Number of Pages
69
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
© 2023 Marcus Goodfellow
Recommended Citation
Goodfellow, Marcus, "The Implementation of a Palliative Needs Screening Intervention in a Neuro Critical Care Unit:" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects. 186.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/con_dnp/186