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Maximizing RNs contribution to patient care by using their full scope of practice in an interprofessional operated free clinic: a quality improvement project
Dissertation   Open access

Maximizing RNs contribution to patient care by using their full scope of practice in an interprofessional operated free clinic: a quality improvement project

Stephnie M. Brown
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
22 May 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001530
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Abstract

Nurses Nursing--Practice Outcome assessment (Medical care)
Abstract Background: RNs practicing to their full scope of practice have the ability to improve patient care in underserved populations. Free clinics can benefit from using RN full scope of practice to maximize RN contribution to patient care. The project site employs volunteer nurses committed to providing care to uninsured and underserved patients. Nurses at the health clinic are practicing below their permissible scope of practice and providers are spending time completing activities that can be completed by RNs. These activities increase patients wait time and delay patient care. When health services are not timely or efficient, this affects patient care. PICO: Among uninsured and underserved patients of a free clinic (P), how does using registered nurses' full scope of practice (I) as compared to not using registered nurses' full scope of practice (C) affect patient care (O)? Review of Literature: Search databases used include CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science. Search for gray literature was completed using the American Nurses Association website and Google Scholar. Joanna Briggs Institutes critical appraisal checklist tools were used to appraise the studies. Methods: This project used PDSA methods of quality improvement following the Institute of Health Improvement model. Brainstorming sessions, tally sheet and checklist were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Chi-square test in IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 28) was used to analyze the data. Findings: There was a statistically significant difference in the provision of RN education after the intervention (p=.000). Additionally, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of assessments by RNs after the intervention (p=0.00).

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