Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Project

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Project Mentor

Dr. Amanda Heffernan

Readers

Dr. Elizabeth Gabzdyl

Abstract

Background: Alcohol use disorder is on the rise in the United States (Esser, et al., 2024). Alcohol-related accidents greatly contribute to costs and expenditures within the healthcare sector. Clinicians need to have adequate screening and assessment skills as well as knowledge when treating patients experiencing withdrawal from alcohol in the hospital. Standardization of protocols and early administration of benzodiazepines decreases morbidity and mortality.

Objective: The project identified evidence-based practice screening and assessment strategies utilized for the care of adults experiencing withdrawal from alcohol. Protocols at the hospital were updated to reflect new information. The project included an education module provided to staff nurses to increase confidence and knowledge and introduce the new policy.

Methods: Staff nurses watched an education module online and answered questions regarding perceived confidence before and after watching the module. They also answered three open-ended questions and two knowledge-based questions.

Results: There was an increased perception of confidence after staff nurses viewed the education module. There was also an increase in correct answers to the knowledge-based questions. Short term answers revealed that staff nurses were aware that alcohol use was on the rise. They also acknowledged that alcohol withdrawal has physical and emotional consequences for which they felt needed great empathy and compassion.

Implications: Standardizing protocols, screening tools, assessment strategies and medication administration for treatment of patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal led to safer patient outcomes. Annual education modules increase confidence and knowledge amongst staff members.

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