Document Type
DNP - Open Access
Award Date
2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Graduate Nursing
First Advisor
Dannica Callies
Second Advisor
Brandon Varilek
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Pain in infancy due to immunization administration often goes untreated. The pain infants experience leads to negative effects on neurodevelopment and pain response. Needle fear develops in infancy and can extend into adulthood, leading to vaccine avoidance and endemic outbreaks. Methods: In a family practice clinic in an upper Midwest state, an oral sucrose protocol was implemented for use by advanced practice providers (APPs). Prior to education on the protocol, a survey was administered to assess the providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) in relation to oral sucrose. The providers were educated on the benefits and intended use of oral sucrose prior to the oral sucrose protocol being implemented throughout the clinic. After 8 weeks, the survey was repeated, and the two KAP surveys were compared and analyzed statistically. Results: A statistically significant improvement was found in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of clinic APPs. Discussion: Due to statistical significance upon analysis, this quality improvement project has the potential to become sustainable practice. It is difficult to make this a regular practice in a rural area due to patient population. Recommendations would be to implement in a large family practice or pediatric clinic to confirm sustainability. Implications for Practice: Oral sucrose has a quick onset and is cost-effective. Implementing an oral sucrose protocol can block pain response in infants receiving immunizations, which may promote adherence to vaccine schedules, improve the health of the population, and decrease healthcare costs related to preventable illness.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Pain in infants -- Treatment.
Immunization of infants.
Sucrose.
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright © 2024 Cori Shatto
Recommended Citation
Shatto, Cori, "Implementation of an Oral Sucrose Protocol for Advanced Practice Providers" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects. 199.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/con_dnp/199