Date of Award
4-2019
Degree Name
Nursing (D.N.P.)
Department
College of Nursing
First Advisor
Cynthia Coviak, PhD, RN, FNAP
Second Advisor
Dianne Slager, DNP, FNP, BC
Third Advisor
Kim Lanning DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, APRN
Abstract
Risk-taking behaviors are a significant problem in the adolescent population and the three leading causes of mortality for adolescents are suicide, homicide, and unintentional injury (Heron, 2017). National organizations support screening for adolescent risk-taking behaviors and research demonstrates effectiveness of screening. This quality improvement (QI) project implemented the Rapid Assessment for Adolescent Preventive Services (RAAPS) screening tool at a regional family practice office as a vehicle to accomplish the objectives of increased identification of, and intervention for, risk-taking behaviors in adolescent patients. Included in the methods were baseline and implementation chart reviews that were used to assess the change in three measures related to intervention for risk-taking behaviors as a result of screening tool use: provider discussions with patients about RAAPS topics; follow-up appointment discussions; and referral discussions. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Sciences (PARiHS) Framework was utilized to guide implementation, which took place over 11 weeks. Discussions about helmet use and about having an adult to talk to increased significantly, and discussions about referrals to specialty providers increased significantly. It was found that using the RAAPS screening tool at this family practice office was feasible. Utilizing a team approach and identifying champions in implementation of the RAAPS was discovered to be beneficial for appropriate usage of the screening tool. An implication was that the RAAPS should become standard care at this office to best serve adolescent patients and potentially decrease rates of the top three leading causes of mortality in this age group.
ScholarWorks Citation
Carpenter, Megan E., "Using the Rapid Assessment for Adolescent Preventive Services (RAAPS) to Screen for Risk Taking Behaviors of 13 to 18 Year-Olds in a Regional Family Practice Office" (2019). Doctoral Projects. 94.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/kcon_doctoralprojects/94
