Date of Award
4-2021
Degree Name
Nursing (D.N.P.)
Department
College of Nursing
First Advisor
Dr. Diane Slager
Second Advisor
Dr. Donna Rinker
Third Advisor
Mandi Hyson
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve preventive care for adolescent patients by implementing standardized, routine screening for risk-taking behaviors and improving provider response to identified risks using the Rapid Assessment for Adolescent Preventive Services tool and resources for providers to reference during discussions about risk.
Methods: Quality improvement methodology was utilized at a midwestern pediatric primary care office to implement a practice workflow for staff to follow during annual, adolescent wellchild exams beginning at age thirteen.
Results: Analysis of project results demonstrated a significant increase in routine screening for adolescent risk behaviors compared to the previous year. The process helped to identify adolescent risks, and provider interventions for risk behaviors showed utilization of all types of intervention options.
Conclusions: Data analysis and positive feedback from staff surveys indicates feasibility for this project’s continuation within this setting. Implementation of a standardized risk-screening process supports the goal of improving adolescent preventative care at this project site and may contribute to an overall reduction in adolescent risk-taking behaviors over time.
Implications and Contribution Statement: Implementation of a standardized risk-screening process during adolescent annual, well-child exams using the RAAPS can be utilized effectively in primary care to improve the identification of and provider response to identified risks to improve the quality of preventative care delivered to adolescent patients.
ScholarWorks Citation
Disselkoen, Darby R., "Improving Adolescent Risk Assessment and Provider Follow-Up in Primary Care" (2021). Doctoral Projects. 130.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/kcon_doctoralprojects/130
